Topic: Global Food Crisis
Country: Panama
Delegate Name: Andrea Davila
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Panama position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
Presently, localized food industry, lack of access to food, and shortfalls in food production or supplies affect 37 countries in the world. Food prices have risen by about 43 percent globally in the past year. The economies of developing countries are placing increasing pressure on the rest of the world. Rising fuel prices, the ruining of harvests due to poor weather, and a shift to biofuel production leave the consumer paying more for basic staples. This global food crisis is having its hardest impact on poorer nations.
Panama urges the United Nations to declare a global state of emergency to confront the global food crisis. It is vital to mobilize all governmental forces, private initiative and international organizations in effort to rescue millions of people from poverty. The soaring price of food around the world is threatening too many people in too many countries. Moreover, the crisis is threatening recent improvements in nutrition and health throughout the world. Therefore, Panama insists that the United Nations acts immediately to find a solution to these grave problems.
Panama notes with concern that hundreds of billions of dollars are being spent to save commercial enterprises while indifference seems to surround the global food crisis. It is absolutely necessary that more actions be taken to achieve global sustainability and to find a solution to this pressing issue. Furthermore, developed member nations should give aid money to underdeveloped countries so that they can effectively meet their food needs. The United Nations needs to find solutions that encourage affected nations to become self-sufficient concerning terms of food necessities.
The impact climate change is having on the global food supply cannot be ignored. Panama suggests the development of more efficient alternatives to fossil fuels. Wind and solar power are possible alternatives. New measures can be put into place such as an increase in agricultural production. Precautions need to be enforced so that the poorer nations continue to have access to food and can maintain basic nutrition levels through the current crisis. Policies that are interfering with advancement need to be eliminated, such as those that support inefficient domestic production and that do not promote competitive imports. If these actions are taken, Panama is certain that the world can find a resolution for the current crisis.
