SUMUN

The official Tumblr page of the Subang Utama Model United Nation Conference 2023!

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Human Genome Editing Scandals by Nurin Afiqah binti Abu Bakar from Times of India

WHO: A heated debate broke out between the delegates of Western Countries and Muslim-majority countries, as genome editing goes against their Muslim beliefs. Genome editing, also known as gene editing, refers to a group of technologies that give scientists the capabilities to alter an organism’s DNA. However, according to the Islamic law, these actions

are considered wrong.

“—In most developed countries, clinical genetics service was established by the end of the twentieth century. However underdeveloped countries such as Pakistan face multiple infectious diseases, malnutrition and so on and so forth. We are agreeing to use genome editing in the healthcare sector in order to save our country’s citizens. We are not against the islamic policies.” said the delegates of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, agreeing on the usage of genome editing

solely for the healthcare sector.

“—Human genome editing is a method that involves modification of the DNA cells. It is edited by adding, removing or altering the DNA in the human genome.The purpose of human genome editing by modifying is that we are able to increase our understanding of gene functions and develop ways to treat diseases. Besides, the pros’ of human genome editing, it can lead to certain type of cancer, allergy reaction or damage of the tissues of an organ, if an injection is involved. Thus, it should be handled as ethically as possible.” state the delegate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, speaking up on the pros’ and cons’ of human genome editing as a whole. “—Human genome editing should not be trusted by the public, for the catastrophe it could cause is unpredictable. How can the public assure that human genome editing would not be misused in the future for selfish desires? Another concern surrounding this issue is the increase of the existing gap between the rich and poor. Genome editing is expensive and is only accessible to the richer citizens.” Added the delegate of the People’s Republic of China. Questioning the equality of the accessibility of genome editing if it made its debut in the medical sector. The session carried on with a ten minutes unmoderated caucus, where delegates from western and muslims countries separated to create their own draft resolution regarding the issue at hand. Each delegate works in a collaborative manner to support their own stands with the issue at hand.

“—We deemed that genome editing are forbidden in our country as it is according to the Quran, it’s a sin to change God’s creation. Although an individual might be using this technology as a medical treatment, we still strictly forbid it as our country takes religion seriously.” stated the delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran, that is strongly opposed to the usage of human genome

editing commercially.

The debate went back and forth between the countries who are in favour of human genome editing and oppose it. The debate was both on the rights, one to stand for the betterment of the

health of the general society while the other to stand firm in their beliefs.

Is the human genome practice truly beneficial in our road to advancing medical technologies or is it a wolf in sheep’s clothing waiting to shake the world with impending doom?

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Multiple Countries think that Genocide is the only way to combat racial discrimination by Euro News

UNHRC: The US delegate says that racial discrimination is one of the biggest issues in the country. “To combat racial discrimination, we must have only one pure race in the country,” the US claims. The US argues that genocide is the right way to fight racial discrimination, despite its many drawbacks.

The Palestinian delegate accuses the US of making other countries suffer worse by treating them like commodities.

Iraq believes that the agenda is close to a conclusion and has found a solution to the issue. Iraq proposes that every country in the council must work together. Kenya supports Iraq’s idea, saying that it shares the same ideology of treating all detainees equally regardless of their race. Kenya also compares Russia and the US to Nazi Germany, saying that they are committing war crimes.

“I don’t want to kill 7 billion people, but only 6.4 billion people,” the Russian delegate declares. Russia thinks that there should be only one pure race if they want to end racism.

The UK criticizes Russia and any other countries that support genocide, calling them insane and uneducated. “If the UK ruled over Russia, then Russia would have been more educated,” the UK asserts. The UK denies that it stole any resources from other countries, saying that they were given as tokens of appreciation. Therefore, the UK says, the countries that were involved in this act have no right to call out the UK.

The Mexican delegate backs Draft Resolution 1.1 because of its short-term and long-term benefits for Mexico. Meanwhile, the US has proposed a different Draft Resolution, which Mexico opposes because not every country is as wealthy as the US to overcome racial discrimination. On the other hand, Brazil agrees with the US and mocks Palestine and Thailand for having weak economies and making no progress on this issue.

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Progressive Discussions on the Mistreatment of Military Women by CNN

UNW: The final day focused on the urgent issue of “Addressing the Mistreatment within Women Enlisted in the Military.” The discussion sparked a heated debate about the discrimination, sexual assault and mistreatment that women face in military settings.

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam set the tone by acknowledging the prevalence of “gender-based violence due to deeply rooted ideologies,” raising concerns about women’s rights, especially among women serving in the military.

Many countries seemed to share similar stances and stood firm to protect the rights of women in the military. Germany, for instance, said, “30% of the German military force is women, but the representation is not enough.” The country elaborated on how women’s lack of power leads to mistreatment and discrimination, urging for more recruitment of women in the military force. The delegate also called for “more transparency in the military reporting” to “allow for more scrutiny.”

The delegate of France seconded these efforts by agreeing on increasing the presence of women within military personnel. The country said, “We urge for a better reporting mechanism that is time efficient and effective as it is important for women’s lives and women’s future.”

The council continued with a lobbying session, where a bloc of most nations shared a common goal to “advocate stricter policy reforms for military women.”

CNN looks forward to the solutions proposed for this issue.

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The First Environmental Resolution by Al-Jazeera

UNEP: The UNEP council has passed a draft resolution on the protection of coral reefs and sustainable development in less developed countries, after a lively debate and some controversies. The draft resolution, submitted by Russia and the UAE, proposes solutions to the environmental and social challenges faced by the two agendas. Some countries opposed the voting procedure, but the majority of the council supported the draft resolution.

The passage of the draft resolution prompted China to admit some of the mistakes it had made in the council, but also to express its pride and satisfaction with the outcome of the collective effort. China said it was committed to working with other countries to implement the draft resolution.

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UNW Press Conference Wrap by Times of India

UNW Press Conference Wrap

by Times of India

The delegates of the Nations of Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, UNW, gathered to attend a press conference. The delegates of the Kingdom of Thailand were questioned about their country’s stand on preventing the increasing number of childbirth deaths in rural areas.

Delegate of the Kingdom of Thailand to TOI: “As we have stated in our draft resolution, if making it to the hospital is less feasible, then the midwife will provide a safe and clean home delivery, by having complete tools and delivery kits that will ensure that the childbirth process is done in a safe and clean environment.”

The conference continued with a question to the delegates of the Republic of Germany about whether the cultural and traditional beliefs of the people in rural areas would affect the health and safety of pregnant mothers and their children.

Delegates of the Republic of Germany to TOI: “The draft resolution that we have amended is balanced on all sides. It will not completely disregard the cultural and traditional beliefs of the people in rural areas, but it will only discourage the ones that are jeopardizing the health and safety of a pregnant mother and her child.”

The press conference came to an end with a closing speech from the delegates of the Kingdom of Thailand: “I thank all the delegates who have collaborated and made this draft resolution to its finest and successfully passed the assessment. The delegate of Thailand would look forward to the members of nations implementing this policy in their countries.”

With the closing speech, the press conference concluded. The health of women in rural areas is something that needs to be taken seriously if we want to bring about changes to the world, making it a better and safer place for women to live.

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Improving Maternal Healthcare by CNN

UNW: The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UNW) has presented a draft resolution that champions gender equality and improves maternal healthcare in third-world countries. The resolution, spearheaded by the Kingdom of Thailand and supported by co-submitters and signatories, aims to address the challenges faced by mothers and expectant mothers in these regions.

The delegate of Germany stressed their priority to protect the lives of women during the press conference, saying, “The lives of mothers should be preserved.”

The resolution acknowledges the high maternal death rates in third-world countries and recognizes the profound socio-economic challenges they face. It emphasizes the need to accelerate plans and projects to assist local pregnant mothers, focusing on education, access to quality healthcare facilities, and innovative partnerships.

Education is a cornerstone of change. The resolution introduces programs in schools to nurture younger generations and promote early sex education, empowering individuals with knowledge that can shape healthier reproductive choices. It also fosters awareness about maternal health among husbands and wives through diverse communication methods, including on-site investigations, posters, social media, and seminars, tailored to local contexts.

Partnerships are a driving force behind the resolution. The collaborative effort between public and private organizations, including NGOs, will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful implementation of the resolution’s provisions. This collective approach, enriched by the diverse strengths of each participating country, exemplifies the power of international collaboration in effecting meaningful change.

However, as the resolution advances, some questions arise. While the resolution proposes comprehensive solutions, concerns over implementation in resource-constrained regions and overcoming deeply ingrained cultural practices warrant consideration. Critics may also question the potential impact of private partnerships and whether they could inadvertently compromise the goals of equitable and accessible healthcare for all.

Nonetheless, the UNW’s commitment to facilitating dialogue, raising awareness, and fostering collaborative action on maternal healthcare improvement is commendable. The resolution serves as a testament to the global community’s dedication to ensuring the wellbeing of women and mothers in third-world countries, moving us a step closer to a future where gender equality and improved maternal health are not just aspirations, but realities.

The delegate of Thailand expressed gratitude to co-submitters for their unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit, saying, “We want to express thanks to co-submitters for their commitment and collaboration on the draft resolution. We look forward to seeing countries implement these solutions.”

As the UNW deliberates on this draft resolution, the world watches with anticipation, recognizing that meaningful progress demands a united effort to break down barriers and ensure that every mother’s journey to motherhood is safe, dignified, and supported.

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UNHRC Press Conference Wrap by Al-Jazeera

UNHRC: A group of UNHRC members proposed to make UN agencies and global funds more efficient in improving the arrest and detention conditions of minorities.

They drafted a resolution that called for action on UN agencies that are not performing well and redirecting funds to countries that need them.

China and France, despite their own past problems, joined forces against India, which admitted to Islamophobia. Another group, led by the US, rejected the main group’s resolution, saying that it only offered equality, not justice. They proposed their own resolution and formed a separate bloc.

The main group’s resolution also aimed to enhance the quality of services for minorities, such as food, water and security. It also recommended a review of the UN agencies and third parties that are supposed to help minorities. It also stressed the importance of education for minorities who are misinformed.

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Malaysia's Innovative Contribution to Biospehere Reserve Conservation by Mohamad Adam Haqimi bin Mohd Zuraimi from Yonhap News

UNESCO: In a new strategy, Malaysia has unveiled a comprehensive plan for Biosphere Reserve conservation. This initiative, covering various aspects, aims to safeguard the delicate balance between human development and ecological preservation.

Malaysia’s plan is divided into six key components, each addressing a crucial aspect of Biosphere Reserve management:

Comprehensive Services and Assessments: Malaysia is improving its services and assessments to better understand the dynamics of these vital ecosystems. Educational Initiatives: Aiming for awareness, Malaysia plans to educate its citizens, especially students, about Biosphere Reserves. This includes immersive learning experiences like field trips and awareness campaigns. Stricter Regulations and Monitoring: Strict regulations and monitoring mechanisms will ensure that human activities within Biosphere Reserves are aligned with conservation goals. Sustainable Practices and Restoration: Malaysia is committed to implementing sustainable practices and restoration efforts, acknowledging the need to rejuvenate and protect these invaluable natural habitats. International Collaboration and Cross-border Reserves: Recognizing that conservation knows no borders, Malaysia is actively engaging in international collaborations and advocating for cross-border Biosphere Reserves. Efforts to Eradicate Climate Change: Malaysia’s plan extends to combating climate change, recognizing its pivotal role in Biosphere Reserve preservation. In light of these initiatives, the government is poised to collect essential data and expedite access to potential conservation areas. Collaborating closely with local communities and people who are affected by or involved in these natural habitats, Malaysia seeks to cultivate a stronger relationship between them and the Biosphere Reserves.

Through its educational initiatives, Malaysia aims to ensure that students not only gain insights into Biosphere Reserves but also actively participate in their protection. These efforts will empower students and parents alike to play a crucial role in the conservation of these ecological treasures.

This innovative approach from Malaysia highlights the nation’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, Malaysia’s comprehensive plan sets a good example for other nations to follow, emphasizing that the delicate balance between development and conservation is achievable through strategic and collaborative efforts.

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Biosphere Reserve Preservation by Times of India

The UNESCO council, composed of delegates from various countries, met to discuss how to preserve the biosphere reserves, which are essential for sustainable development. These reserves provide opportunities for research and education on the diversity of life within them. The UNESCO council aims to ensure the protection and continuity of these reserves through collaborative efforts.

The third committee session started with a moderated caucus, where each delegate shared their perspectives on how to conserve the biosphere reserves. The session also featured a Draft Resolution that was proposed by the sponsors of the document. The Draft Resolution outlines the strategies and initiatives that are needed to enhance the longevity of the biosphere reserves. The document is based on BIOSAVER, an acronym for Biosphere Initiative for Outstanding Sanctuary Expansion and Vital Ecosystem Resilience.

“The framework envisages a global ecosystem of biosphere reserves that harmonizes human activities with nature, safeguarding both natural and cultural heritage,” said the delegates of Federation of Malaysia, one of the sponsors of the Draft Resolution. They then explained the six sectors that comprise the Draft Resolution, which are Comprehensive Surveys and Assessments, Educational Initiatives, Stricter Regulations and Monitoring, Sustainable Practices and Restoration, International Collaboration and Transboundary Reserves, Efforts In Eradicating Climate Change.

The delegates of the United Mexican States, another sponsor of the Draft Resolution, elaborated further on their initiative to improve the biosphere reserves around the world. The session proceeded with a fifteen-minute unmoderated caucus, where delegates worked together to amend the Draft Resolution. As the time was up, the committee session for the first day of SUMUNC ended.

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Constant Struggles to Reach a Consensus in WHO by CNN

The WHO council debated weight stigma for a day but faced various obstacles in reaching a consensus. A draft resolution, proposed by the Republic of South Korea and co-submitted by Japan, aimed to address weight stigma and its far-reaching effects on societies worldwide.

The resolution called for action against the damaging consequences of weight stigma, acknowledging that obese individuals face discrimination in many aspects of life. It recognized the mental and emotional toll of weight stigma and stressed the importance of fostering inclusivity and empathy.

Education was a pivotal strategy in the resolution. It encouraged youth to understand basic nutrition and the harmful effects of weight stigma on mental health, seeking to shape future generations with an informed perspective on body image and well-being. The resolution suggested incorporating awareness campaigns into ethical and health science classes, embedding discussions about weight stigma into educational curricula.

A noteworthy highlight of the resolution was its emphasis on accessibility to healthcare and fitness facilities for obese citizens. This provision recognized the importance of providing support and resources to individuals seeking guidance in managing their weight. Moreover, the resolution endorsed workshops to educate about obesity and dispel misconceptions, showing a commitment to challenging prevalent biases and promoting accurate information.

The resolution also proposed collaborating with popular artists for awareness-raising concerts, a unique approach to tackling weight stigma. By leveraging the influence of artists, the resolution sought to reach broader audiences, sparking conversations about body positivity and discrimination. However, the stipulation that artists should only provide information from professionals raised concerns about the potential for misinformation and oversimplification.

While the draft resolution presented a comprehensive approach to combating weight stigma, there were areas that needed further scrutiny. The proposed regulations on sugar concentration in food products to encourage healthier eating habits lacked details on implementation and enforcement. Additionally, the resolution’s language on stricter regulations raised questions about potential unintended consequences and broader implications for the food industry.

As the discussions continued, it became evident that this draft resolution was an important step towards addressing weight stigma. However, as global leaders deliberated on the resolution’s provisions, it was essential to strike a balance between ambitious aspirations and practical implementation, ensuring that the solutions offered were both effective and sustainable. The discussions surrounding this resolution paved the way for a deeper understanding of weight stigma’s implications and the collaborative efforts required to address it effectively.

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Changes Need to be Made

by Nurin Afiqah binti Abu Bakar from Times of india

UNW: The council of The Nations of Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women or known as UNW has gathered delegates from all across the world in SUMUNC to propose a solution to the issues that women face across the globe.

In today’s conference, the council’s agenda was “Improving Maternal Healthcare in Third-World Countries”. The delegates were given the first committee session to discuss and draft resolutions for the issue at hand.

Draft resolution 1.0 was presented by the delegate of the Kingdom of Thailand in the third committee session. The delegate of the Kingdom of Thailand introduced the first draft resolution and explained its benefits to pregnant mothers in third-world countries.

The delegates of the Kingdom of Thailand believe that these resolutions will lessen the mortality rate of childbirth. “—This draft resolution provides a variety of solutions and possible approaches that can be done by all third-world countries, and we believe that this is feasible and affordable for them to do so,” said the delegate of the Kingdom of Thailand in the closing speech.

The delegate of the Republic of Germany asked a question about how the draft resolution will improve the health of pregnant mothers. “—we believe that it is very important for the lawmaker and the government to enforce laws against domestic violence that was usually caused by the economic issues that the people of the third-world countries faced.” said the delegates of the Kingdom of Thailand in response to the question.

The delegate of the Republic of France raised a question about the hygiene of a home birthing space. “—we have to ensure that the environment is free from any diseases that are in the rural space and we will provide ‘delivering kit’ that will make sure that during their childbirth, the environment and their body will be as safe and clean to proceed with labour without harming both the mother and child with potent diseases.”

The committee session continued with an amendment, where the delegates came forward to give their opinion for or against the draft resolution that was presented by the delegates of the Kingdom of Thailand.

“— Most of the problems in the third-world countries in terms of maternal healthcare are their affiliation to culture, since the people of third-world countries tend to prioritize cultures and traditions, in contrast to taking care of maternal healthcare,“ said the delegates of the Republic of Germany.

“—there are a lot of different problems that could arise with this for example, female genital mutilation might be a part of cultures and traditions that third-world countries tend to prioritize over the health of mothers. Therefore, this will jeopardize the health of the mothers and their children too.” The delegates of the Republic of Germany went on and were supported by other delegates.

“— Expressing the importance of preserving culture while not jeopardizing the health of pregnant mothers and children. We should improve on maternal cultural participation and culturally focus on interventions for mothers. It’s not to eradicate culture but to ensure that the cultures and traditions that are harmful to mothers would be reduced. “ said the delegates of the Commonwealth of Australia to counteract the points made by the delegates of the Republic of Germany.

The amendment went on as the delegates debated on the draft resolutions and ways to improve it. The amendment was put on hold as it was time for a break.

The health of pregnant mothers in third-world countries need to be taken seriously and changes need to be made to ensure the mortality rates of childbirth could be lessened as the years go on. With much efforts and contributions to ensure the safety and health of pregnant mothers, we could save the life of our future generation and contribute to a brighter future for generations to come.

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ADDRESSING ARREST PROCEDURES AND TREATMENT OF MINORITY DETAINEES by Philippines News Agency

The delegates of the United Kingdom and Pakistan shared some common views on the issue of police reform at the United Nations General Assembly. This article rephrases the main points and arguments made by the delegates, and provides some background information and context for the readers.

Pakistan proposed that police should have higher standards and longer probation periods to qualify for their jobs. Pakistan argued that this would help reduce the incidence of police corruption and misconduct, and ensure that police act fairly and respectfully towards minority groups.

The United Kingdom supported Pakistan’s proposal, but also added that police should be more humane and compassionate in their work. The United Kingdom said that there are police officers who perform well in their duties, but are biased and prejudiced against certain groups of people. The United Kingdom said that being a good police officer does not depend on how skilled they are at their job, but on how much they value human dignity and rights.

The United Kingdom also raised the issue of how police use the word “threatened” to justify their actions. The United Kingdom said that police training should clearly define and explain what constitutes a threat, and how to respond appropriately and proportionately. The United Kingdom said that police should not abuse their power or use excessive force.

The United Kingdom emphasized that by being a police officer, one should “act human, don’t act by your own ethics and your own social norms.” The United Kingdom said that it ranks 18th on the list of “Least Corrupted Countries” and aims to achieve number 1. The United Kingdom said that it does not discriminate based on ethnicity, race or gender.

The United Kingdom concluded by saying: “At the end of the day, you are still human, a God-given creature, you still have humanity in you.”

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Pakistan Accused of Supporting Terrorism by Channel News Asia

UNHRC: A heated exchange erupted between the delegates of Pakistan and France, as the latter accused the former of encouraging violent behaviour and mistreating its minority population. France cited past events in the early 2000s that Pakistan was allegedly involved in, while Pakistan denied the allegations and defended its stance on terrorism. “Terrorism is not a crime and should be practiced under the right circumstances,” the delegate of Pakistan said. Russia also joined the debate, claiming that America was shooting at innocent Mexicans crossing the border and invading Muslim countries for their oil.

Meanwhile, some delegates focused on addressing the issue of arrest procedures and minority detainees, and seeking solutions. “Ireland has made many steps in order to overcome this issue,” the delegate of Ireland said, adding that their government had set up many non-governmental organizations to combat domestic violence. The delegate also called for more international cooperation to resolve this issue for the betterment of countries worldwide.

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Single Bloc Union in the General Assembly by Al-Jazeera

UNHRC: The delegates of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) have engaged in a lively discussion on the draft resolution regarding the situation in Iraq, which has proposed some extensive ideas on how to address the human rights violations and humanitarian crisis in the country. The debate has revealed some differences and similarities among the council members on how to approach the issue.

One of the points of contention was whether the council should split into two blocs and draft two separate resolutions, or work together as one bloc and draft a single resolution. The delegate of Thailand argued that the latter option would be more preferable, as both resolutions would end up looking similar anyway. They said that dividing the council would only create unnecessary conflicts and complications.

However, this proposal also raised some concerns among other delegates, who feared that a single resolution might go against their own policies or interests. They asked the chairman to clarify what would happen if they disagreed with some aspects of the resolution. The chairman responded that they could either abstain from voting or face some consequences in silence.

The council is expected to continue its deliberations and finalize its draft resolution soon. Al Jazeera will keep you updated on the latest developments from the UNHRC session.

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Pakistan Accused of Nurturing Lawlessness by Countries in the Council by Malaysiakini

The Delegate of Pakistan faces accusations of engaging in human rights violations against minority groups and of promoting anti-other-country sentiments among its citizens. The Delegate of the UK alleges that the Pakistani delegate has committed human rights violations against minorities and requests that the delegate of Pakistan promptly address this issue. In response to this statement, the Delegate of Pakistan asserted that the country cannot exert control over every individual within its borders. Pakistan has initiated measures to foster a culture of compassion and kindness among its citizens, urging them to reject biases and normalize inclusive behavior in society. Additionally, Pakistan has taken steps to ensure equality for minority populations within its borders. The Delegate of France has lodged a complaint against the council, asserting that it has overlooked Pakistan's purported encouragement of its citizens to partake in violent acts, potentially constituting acts of terrorism against other nations. The French delegate has also implored the Delegate of Pakistan to confront these urgent matters. In response to this accusation, the Delegate of Pakistan clarified that the country does not endorse violent or terrorist acts against other nations and has implemented legal mechanisms to prevent such occurrences.

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UNEP’s Current Plans to Solve Overfishing and Encourage Sustainable Development by Al-Jazeera

The current proponents in the bloc consisting of China and the UAE are Russia and the UAE. The Draft Resolution presented by this alliance has garnered significant support from a majority of the council members.

Regarding the first agenda, the Draft Resolution suggests regulatory measures to address issues like overfishing, dynamite fishing, and cyanide fishing. The proposed regulations include restricting the use of certain types of fishing nets and designating specific fishing zones. Additionally, this Draft Resolution introduces penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, for individuals involved in illegal fishing activities.

Concerning the second agenda, the Draft Resolution recommends prioritizing investments in more affordable energy sources. To facilitate this, it suggests the establishment of an investment organization funded by capable countries. The proposal also outlines incentives for corporations to contribute to the fund, such as tax cuts and increasing their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) scores to 6 and 10.