Committee Economic and Social Council

Issue Encouraging Sustainable Development in Rural and

Developing Areas

Name Sein Kim

Position Head Chair

Introduction
The issue of sustainable development in rural and developing areas is a concerning
matter that occurs throughout globally. The proliferation of disasters such as the recent
Amazon fire, Ebola outbreaks, and poverty rates have worried the international
community regarding the quality of life for the future generations. Currently, sustainable
development circles around the concepts of an area’s economy, society, nature and the
wellbeing of individuals inhabiting the region. In this debate, delegates are required to
create solutions that are affordable, effecting and appropriate for rural and developing
countries or regions.
Definition of Key Terms

Term Definition (source)

Sustainable Development Taken from the UN as “​development that

meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.” Sustainable
development refers to the improvement of all
four dimensions of the sustainability
compass: Economy, Nature, Society,
Wellbeing.

Developing Areas This definition can be applied to Less

Economically Developed Country (LEDC).
COuntries that are claimed to be relatively
poor economically are also known to have
developing areas.

Rural Areas A geographical area that contains only a few

structures, houses and infrastructure
compared to other cities. Rural areas tend to
have lower population densities.
 Renewable Energy Energy is taken from a source that is not
depleted after one-time usage.

Climate Change A change to global climate patterns since the

20th century

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect Human activities that increase the planets

ability to use its atmosphere to retain heat
and keep warm even when no sunlight is
hitting the surface.

Poverty Defined by the United Nations as ​ “A denial of

choices and opportunities, a violation of
human dignity. It ​means​ a lack of basic.
capacity to participate effectively in society.”

SDGs SDGs (sustainable development goals) are

17 acts that the United Nations established in
2015. They are the goals that many nations
follow for their own sustainable development.

Background Information
Sustainable development has been apparent throughout all LEDCs. Recently, the
United Nations strived to make sustainable development a reality with the 17
Sustainable Development Goals. These goals are suited to address many imperative
global issues and are hoping to be achieved by 2030. Since the creation of the SDGs,
many countries partnered with the United Nations to tackle the matter in their own
nations.

Many rural and developing areas lack sustainable development mainly due to their
economic stuatus. It is difficult to achieve such goals when there is no financial aid to do
so. Additionally, the population of certain areas and country take a great effect on their
efficiency to accomplish any form of sustainable development. For example, countries
with high population densities are likely to have more people in poverty than countries
that have lower population densities. Additionally, due to the fact that these states have
more than one major epidemic, such attention towards one problem may be a larger
priority than others. However, there are programs within the United Nations to help such
LEDCs operate and initiate their own projects.

Major Countries and Organisations Involved

United Nations Environment Programme
The United Nations Environment Programme focuses on the environmental global
issues of today. They collaborate with states to improve and add environmentally
friendly policies and practices. Currently, they work towards tackling the issue of
pollution, climate change, and loss of biodiversity.

Sweden
Sweden is one of the most sustainable countries in the world. Through their efficient use
of renewable energy, carbon tax, and encouragement of sustainable living, Sweden
reduced its air pollution to 10.2 microorganisms per cubic meter; the world average is
20.1 microorganisms per cubic meter.

Brazil
With the recent Amazon forest fire, sustainability for its environment is the most
pressing matter. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro presented a speech that appealed to
the agricultural and livestock producers who make up a fundamental part of his support.
In the last decade, forest fires have increased steadily, and so far in 2019, there have
been more than 70,000 fires. In August alone there were more than 30,000 fires.

Timeline of Events

Date of Event Description of Event

2000 The UN Global Impact project is launched

and the Millenium Development Goals are
launched, in hopes for them to be achieved
by 2015

2006 The United States imposes the very first cap

on carbon dioxide emissions while the EU
agrees to cut down 20% of emissions by
2020

2014 The EU discloses Directive on non-financial

reporting, requiring disclosure on
environmental, social and governance
matters.

2015 United Nations Sustainability Goals is

 launched

Solutions (Past and Possible)

One solution that was used to improve sustainable development is the Small Grants
Programme (SGP)​.  It was hosted by the Global Environment Facility through the UNDP
since 1992. SGP enoucraged countries to promote community-based innovation for
indigenous peoples, women, and youth. SGP delivers strategic projects under the
auspices of the Community-Based Adaptation program; the Community Development
and Knowledge Management for the Satoyama Initiative; the NGOs Environmental
Governance project; and the Global Indigenous Peoples’ and Community Conserved
Areas Support Initiative.For the future, states are working towards accomplishing the
SDG goals by 2030. By then, progress will be measured.

Resources for Further Reading

https://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/migration/generalassembly/docs/gl
obalcompact/A_RES_70_1_E.pdf
http://www2.unwto.org/content/tourism-2030-agenda

Bibliography
“Communities and Local Sustainable Development Solutions.” ​UNDP,​
www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/2030-agenda-for-sustainable-development/planet
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“Leony Garcia.” ​BusinessMirror​, 28 Feb. 2016,
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“Sustainability Timeline.” ​Corporate Citizenship​,
corporate-citizenship.com/sustainability-timeline/.
“Tourism in The 2030 Agenda: World Tourism Organization UNWTO.” ​Tourism in The
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www2.unwto.org/content/tourism-2030-agenda.