Commission+on+Science+and+Technology+for+Development

2010 ST. BONAVENTURE UNIVERSITY MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE Commission on Science and Technology for Development Hello delegates! My name is Eddie Lazzari and I will be your Chair for this conference. I am a sophomore theology major and this is my first year involved in Model UN. Other than academics, I am actively involved in Bonaventure’s music program, playing the trumpet. This past summer, I studied at Oxford University which contributed to the enhancement of my enjoyment of world politics. I am eagerly anticipating this year’s conference and seeing what you all will bring to the table. My name is Bria Thompson and I will be your Co-chair for the Science and Technology Committee. I am a freshman at St. Bonaventure University with a double major in International Studies and Business Management and a minor in Foreign Languages. This is my first year participating in Model United Nations. I am happy to be part of such a wonderful club because I am looking forward to a career at the United Nations. The world is full of social, economic and political struggles and I want to have a helping hand in changing it. I am looking forward to working with you all. See you all soon! **__ The Lack of Technology in Developing Countries __** In developing countries, technology is either scarce or non-existent. The lack of technological knowledge results in a gap between developing and developed countries. Technology is a tool that can make developing countries more efficient. Having access to a computer can provide people with useful information and a connection to people in the world. Landline phones can broaden communication in developing countries. It is necessary that developing member countries have access to technology so they can better communicate with other nations and gain the knowledge to build a foundation to increase their status in the world. The technology gap between developed and developing countries results in a disparity between countries’ income. Technology, because of globalization, has the ability to bring events from every place in the globe into people’s homes, eliminating barriers between people. If developing countries do not have access to technology it is difficult, if not impossible, for them to get involved in our globalizing world. Information and communication technologies benefit developing countries by better linking them with other countries. Doing this allows them to better not only their economy, both domestically and internationally, but also boosts their political and social stances in the world. There have been many projects, programs and policies that have been started to bridge the technology gap between developed and developing nations. One of the United Nations’ targets under Millennium Development Goal number 8, Global Partnership, states: “I.” In your research, you may want to consider the following: What are the basic technologies that should be provided to developing countries? What types of technology are readily available to those in your country? Why is technology essential to peoples’ well being? How can developed countries provide technology to developing countries? __ Helpful Websites: __ [] [] [] *also see page 74* [] **__ Cloning __** Cloning is research activity that creates a copy of some biological entity. Recombinant DNA ( Deoxyribonucleic acid) technology or DNA cloning, reproductive cloning, and therapeutic cloning are three different types of cloning. According to genomics.energy.gov, since 1970, recombinant DNA technology, the transfer of a DNA fragment of interest from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element, has been a common practice in the science world. Reproductive cloning is a technology used to generate an animal that has the same nuclear DNA as another currently or previously existing animal. Therapeutic cloning is the production of human embryos for use in research. This method, also called Embryo cloning, has the goal to study human development and to cure/treat disease. All technology cloning technology is not used for biological research. Recombinant DNA is also used to produce medicine that is now used today. Cloning can be a huge asset to technology. Further research and study of cloning can make it possible to heal Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. The technology of cloning can possibly one day be to where there can be cloned organs so failed kidneys and other bad organs can be replaced. Many nations are against cloning because of their traditional religious and social beliefs. It is also possible that people are against cloning because of the risk of someone abusing it. But like anything in the field of science, projects are monitored to ensure that things are being used in both an ethical and moral way. Many nations see beneficial aspects of cloning technology: food, research, and medical procedures. As such, there are numerous treaties, policies and discussions on the topic of cloning. In 1998, the Council of Europe created a treaty that recognized the importance of future research in cloning technologies. In your research, you may want to consider the following: According to your country, should there be restrictions on cloning? If so, what should restrictions entail? If not, why? What are the risks and benefits associated with cloning? What life forms should be cloned? __ Helpful Websites: __ [] [|www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/ga10333.doc.htm] [] [] **__ The Future of Space Exploration __** "MEN WALK ON MOON" This was the headline in The New York Times on the twenty-first day of July 1969. In the history of the human race, there are few events that approach its significance. Of course, humanity had been exploring space for more than ten years prior and continued to visit the moon and beyond, but this particular event united the world like no other. Since then, select nations have made great progress in the development and exploration of space. The International Space Station and Deep Space exploration missions have greatly expanded humanity's knowledge of the physical universe. With the USA's National Aeronautics and Space Administration planning new missions to Mars and Roscosmos (Russian Federation) working with the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to explore Mercury, the world is still looking forward to advances in space. There have been several treaties ratified about the peaceful uses of space. The five primary treaties and agreements are: The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies— A/RES/2222 (1967) The Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space — A/RES/2345 (1968) The Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects— A/RES/2777 (1972), the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space— A/RES/3235 (1975), and the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies— A/RES/34/68 (1979) The United Nations has also established an Office for Outer Space Affairs to supplement discussions in the Scientific and Technical Committee and to aid developing nations in using space technology for development. It follows major developments relating to space activities in order to provide advice to member states, other United Nations offices and international organizations. In your research, you may want to consider the following: What is your nation's stance on the future of space exploration? Is it capable or is it a member of an organization capable of space flight? Does your nation wish to use space for military as well as civilian purposes? What is its stance on nations that wish to militarize space?

__Helpful Websites:__ http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/oosa/en/SpaceLaw/index.html http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6923805&ps=rs [] @http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11763484

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