Introduction. What is Expected of G20 Members? PD1 - Post Conflict Reconstruction

Transcription

1 COMUN XXV

2 Introduction The G20 (Group of 20) is an international forum created in December 1999 in response to a host of critical global economic issues - namely, the depreciation of key global currencies, economic recessions in the Asian Tiger economies and burgeoning unemployment. The COMUN G20 Summit finds itself in a similar context where the prosperity of an increasingly globalized world economy is at stake. Hence, delegates and representatives of the G20 take on the burden of drafting a Joint Declaration to address the pressing economic issues at hand. What is Expected of G20 Members? G20 representatives are expected to place a greater emphasis on skills like diplomacy and negotiation than in most other committees. This is because G20 procedure includes the drafting of contracts and agreements which are done outside formal session. In addition, delegates are expected to demonstrate a breadth of knowledge that isn't restricted to purely economics. The mandate of the G20 is such that representatives have the freedom to take debate into the realms of international law, social issues and security, to name a few. Hence, the head table has intentionally made the topics broad to allow for discussion outside the scope of most specialized economics committees. PD1 - Post Conflict Reconstruction The G20, as a collection of global economic powerhouses, has the ability and responsibility to aid countries in need of economic, social and political reconstruction after conflict. Potential issues discussed could include: Reducing poverty Improving institutional strength The role of IGOs like the World Bank and IMF in providing financial assistance

3 Representatives are expected to come well-informed about specific postconflict case studies. PD 2- Post 2008 Economic Recovery Since the financial crisis brought about by the crash in the subprime mortgage market in the US, the global financial system has yet to fully recover as employment levels still remain low, global debt is high and income inequality is still prevalent. The G20 must offer solutions to issues like: Secular stagnation Regulation in the banking system Global tax evasion PD3 - Sustainable Growth In 2015, the UN General Assembly launched the SDGs, highlighting their vision for a fully sustainable future. Key issues that could be discussed are: Environmental sustainability The role of tech firms in sustainable growth Development aid Conference Globalization and Trade Topic Overview Key Issues In an increasingly interconnected world, the state of the global economy has a direct impact on the functioning of society and trade plays a key role in preserving peace and stability in every economy. The G20, which makes up 80% of the world s GDP, has a vested interest in preserving free trade and a fair global economic system. 1. US-China relations The ongoing trade war between the USA and China is an issue we expect representatives to pay close attention to. President Trump s increase in tariffs on Chinese imports is particularly important to this topic. He stated, as

4 of November 2018, that he is planning to increase tariffs on Chinese goods (mainly aluminum and steel) by 25% in the near future on the grounds of unfair trade practices and the theft of intellectual property citing Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act as his justification. China in retaliation has placed tariffs on 128 American goods. The ongoing trade conflict has also triggered instability in the currency markets, with the dollar appreciating significantly and China being tempted to slide the renminbi further down in value against the dollar. Representatives are expected to discuss the implications of both the ongoing trade war and the potential of an impending currency war. 2. Impact of Brexit Since Britain decided to leave the EU in June of 2016, political and economic analysts have made the British exit from the world s biggest economic and political union one of the most hotly debated contemporary issues. As of March 2017, Theresa May has received harsh criticism for drafting Brexit plans that would allegedly shrink the UK s economy by 3.9% by 2030, triggering much concern over the future of Brexit negotiations and global trade. Representatives are expected to make well-informed forecasts on the future of Brexit negotiations and draft agreements accordingly. 3. Companies Being the only committee that includes both companies and IGOs, the head table expects a great deal of participation from non-state members of the G20. We also expect companies and IGOs to bring their unique perspectives to discussions concerning the role played by specific organizations in global trade and globalization in their SWOT analyses and agreements. See links below for further information.

5 Notes Representatives must note that PDs are going to be experimental in nature with regards to procedure, seeing as though the G20 will have a completely different procedure to most other committees All countries will have Heads of State powers