By Grace Lam ||
In the morning of 24th June 2023, delegates gathered in the Economics and Social Council to discuss the topics of Global Citizenship Education (GCED) and the sustainability of animal welfare. Each of the delegations was first invited to make an opening speech of 90 seconds on the aforementioned topics.
Delegations such as Brazil, France, Hungary, Italy and Saudi Arabia, saw GCED as a unique curriculum and believed that actively taking a neutral, and peaceful approach would be beneficial to redefining universal values. The delegate of the United States also stated that one’s cultural values should not be diminished. They also believed that legal frameworks, increasing awareness and global cooperation would be a big step towards solving animal cruelty. However, on the other hand, delegations like the Russian Federation and China believed that no Western ideologies should be implemented in their nations through the GCED. China also stated that as a developing country, there are currently bigger issues on hand, such as its healthcare system, to solve, and animal welfare is not of the utmost importance.
The scope of the debate was then focused on the topic of Discussing the development of global citizenship education (GCED). During the General Speakers’ List, the Russian Federation started her speech with “STOP WESTERN PROPAGANDA!” The delegate was later challenged by fellow delegations due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and that they should not be advocating for freedom within their nation. In answer, the delegate of Russia believed the development of a country should be prioritized over an individual’s rights.
The delegation of Saudi Arabia answered the Russian Federation’s Point of Information (POI) that a less economically developed country (LEDC) should prioritize its development and self-interest over GCED. The delegate also claimed that nations should alter the curriculum by aiding and funding to help people who are currently dying from starvation in LEDCs.
The delegate of Israel later questioned the vague nature of GCED as the delegate of Iran believed that GCED should be redefined in all countries’ discussions. The delegation of Hu
ngary agreed that GCED is not a set of universal values, and thus global cooperation is essential to redefine the curriculum, striking a balance between capitalism and communism. Funding and aiding could also coexist in the situation to benefit as many parties as possible.
During the morning session, all parties were all engaged in debate on the issue and all strived to come to a consensus on the GCED globally, especially in LEDCs. The debate was then adjourned for lunch.
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