UN Development Programme
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Jimmy Wu, Director
Class Year: 2013
Concentration: Economics
Hometown: Chappaqua, New York
Favorite Place: Yankee Stadium
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite MUN Moment: Being in UNEP which ironically contributed the most to the destruction of the environment by printing thousands of pages…
Why did you choose these topics? Fighting poverty and inequality in the world requires extremely prompt and directed action. After the devastation of Haiti, it has become a priority for the international community to demonstrate its ability to help in rebuilding and recovery. The lack of basic health care facilities also remains one of the most pernicious problems in Africa, threatening the future economic and social vitality of the continent.
HMUN is best because … of the people!
Other thoughts? The first time I did HMUN was last year and it was an awesome experience. I hope every one of your has the same great time that led me to love HMUN.
Topics
Topic A: Future of Aid to Haiti
After an earthquake in December 2009 devastated much of Haiti, the world was quick to provide much needed relief. The co- ordinated actions of the United Nations, United States Army and international relief organizations saved perhaps hundreds of thousands of lives. Yet, the challenges for Haiti in the future remain immense. The United National Development Programme has immediately implemented “cash for work” programs that provide Haitians with short-term jobs in helping to cleanup the wreckage of the earthquake. Yet, it is clear that a long-term plan is necessary for future international involvement in Haiti.
While Haiti’s long-run recovery is multifaceted, requiring stronger public institutions, responsible government, and outside invest- ment, UNDP will discuss the future of international aid in Haiti. Over the past decade, the Haitian government has received over US $4 billion in aid, much of it coming from the United States. Still, Haiti’s development has not improved significantly. During the recent relief efforts, the USAID program contributed over US $700 million in rapid response recovery. Future proposals must rely on more targeted aid and involve a broader coalition of countries willing to commit to the future of the Haiti. How will the UNDP propose that Haiti receive future aid in a way that will promote successful governance and strong development?
Topic B: HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis
Over the past decades, three diseases in particular have ravaged Africa: HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (TB). Coordinated international efforts have done a great deal to alleviate the suffering of millions throughout the continent. Yet while programs like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria continue to succeed in providing basic treatments for these diseases, there remain many other dangerous problems. Part of the reason particularly virulent diseases continue to spread, largely in Sub- Saharan Africa, is the rampant lack of basic healthcare facilities. While the sixth Millennium Development Goal is to “Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases”, the biggest obstacle remains access to basic facilities and treatment. Additionally, MDGs 4 and 5 call for reducing childhood mortality and increasing maternal health, which are irrevocably tied with a lack of healthcare facilities.
The United Nations Development Programme is involved in a variety of poverty reduction programs throughout the world. Creating programs specifically targeting the creation of small-scale but accessible health care clinics and facilities to promote basic primary health and combating infectious diseases is essential for the future of Africa. A healthier population has been shown to significantly increasing the economic vitality and productivity of nations. Furthermore, this proposal requires a global initia- tive and coordination similar to the way the Global Fund have harnessed international support in its proposals. How should the UNDP proceed in creating programs to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB?