Water Shortages, Still

ECOSOC discusses water shortages in their second day. The ECOSOC committee opened the topic of water shortages today; delegates commenced the discussion by stating their position in the topic.

The delegate of Brunei believes that water shortages are a worldwide issue that affects many countries regarding their economy and environments. She followed the statement by introducing the urgency to develop solutions to address the disparities in water across the world.

Tunisia strongly stated that it will not hold back any resources that could help other nations, because Tunisia itself developed relying on water and resources coming from water. Tunisia’s statement was agreed upon by the delegates of India, Venezuela, France, Yemen, Hungary, Zambia, Columbia, and Ehiopia as well. Yemen further elaborated by encouraging the creation of a fund so that all countries can have the finances needed to fulfil their goals in resolving their issues regarding water shortages. 

In a short interview, the delegate of Oman rose the point that Oman is suffering from water shortages; Oman’s solution to their water shortage is the construction of new de-sanitization plants and the development of their drainage systems.

-Nada Abdulhay

Edited by Chai Yee Thong

ECOSOC Water Shortage Debate Heats Up

3rd FEBRUARY

In the ECOSOC committee, the topic being discussed was the water shortage, which has been affecting a lot of countries around the world, with the most significantly impacted being the UK, the US and the Middle-Eastern nations.

As one of the countries most affected by the water shortages in the Middle East, Yemen suggested improvements in rainwater collection; however, as there is very little rain in Yemen, this would be a costly investment, which would not be fully appreciated.

Yemen also suggested improvements in the supply of water to those countries that are most prone to suffering long periods of drought.

The delegate of Brazil keenly suggested that sustainable hard engineering took place, as well as soft engineering.

The delegate of Brazil went on to say that dams should be built, and sustainable hydro power could be provided to a lot of countries who are suffering water shortages. This point was dismissed as off-topic. The last thing a country suffering from water shortages would want to do, is invest in ways to improve the nation’s hydro power, which would cost a lot of money.

 - Mohamed NAGY

ECOSOC: Water Shortage, Unmoderated Caucus Brings Unforeseen Friendships.

When ECOSOC started proceedings today on water shortages, delegates found a lot to talk about. As the committee moved into unmoderated caucus, there was a lot of promise in the air. Already, delegates had presented many solutions to the issue and the speakers’ list was overcrowded.  In fact, some delegates began using POIs to get their statements in. 

Many countries expressed a willingness to dedicate resources to solving water shortages in the worst affected countries and water sanitation. Developed countries came forward to express their willingness to share their technological prowess and management abilities to developing and poor countries.

ECOSOC in Unmoderated Caucus - P: Mathew Nevin Thomas

Indeed, it was surprising to see Palestine  and Israel working together during the unmoderated caucus, very excited about water, something over which their respective countries had quarreled extensively at all peace talks. Countries had already begun teaming up for resolutions, and it was a happy sight to see Arab nations like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman , Egypt and of course, Palestine, working with Israel. Water unties everyone, even the most determined foes, it seems.

The delegates’ excitement was still high when the committee room was thrown into darkness as lights went out. It might not have been for the first time, as a few “Again!”s were heard coming from a couple of delegates.

- Mathew Nevin THOMAS
Edited by Mehmet YILDIZ