Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Ally Gilbert
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Argentina position papers GLIMUN 2016 committees
Argentina recognizes using sport as an engine for global development as a domestic and international issue and approaches the subject of debate openly. Sports on a domestic scale provide means for nationalism and unity, a sense of pride for one’s individual country. Sports on an international scale, similarly, lead to unity between countries, cultural exchange, and economic growth. Large-scale international sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup foster expansion worldwide, but they leave room for uncertainty after such events occur. For instance, the infrastructure built for such events are scarcely used after the event occurs, and the economic state of the hosting country following the event is virtually unpredictable. Argentina believes that, while sport is an effective catalyst for development, there are still matters to be resolved regarding the effectivity and productivity of such.
Argentina takes interest in using sport as an engine for global development to improve its economic state and living conditions. The end of the twentieth century brought fiscal account deficits, high inflation, and growing external debt to the country. Argentina’s recession in 2001 stunted economic growth until 2007, and the country suffered a depression in 2009. Since 2010, the nation has rebounded with slow economic growth and efforts to expand the economy. Sparking the Argentine economy through sport while encouraging nationalism and fostering cultural exchange would provide numerous benefits for the country of Argentina to finally escape this economic rut. Argentina currently provides economic support for the development of sports activities. The government allows citizens and organizations to apply for financial support from national sports organizations to develop events or activities for sport and progression, but the delegation of Argentina would like to see a resolution that also addresses international affairs pertaining to sport as an engine for international development.
Argentina wishes to see a resolution regarding sport and global development that focuses on sport and competition both within and between countries. The resolution should prompt willing and able countries to implement governmental financial programs similar to Argentina’s to first promote using sport as a catalyst for development within individual nations. Willing and able nations should also be prompted to increase the amount of sport between nations to increase cultural exchange. From there, Argentina would like to see a resolution that includes athlete ambassadors of varying sports and countries to travel and promote worldwide unity for the purpose of decreasing racism and xenophobia. In working to improve the effectivity and of using sport for development, Argentina is open to working with other countries sharing similar views.
