Topic: 2024-Supply Chain Stability
Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Delegate Name: Simon Beljak
Supply chains are the arteries of international interactions, which is why protection for these vital connections should be protected at all cost. Throughout history, global supply chains have helped keep nations afloat during times of turmoil. Many warring nations such as ourselves, the Syrian Arab Republic (SAR), rely on imports like wheat to feed their citizens. As a result Syria is in favor of bolstering the strength and protection of global supply chains that service thousands of people in need.
Over the course of this committee, the SAR seeks to have its concerns heard in a possible resolution. One such concern is that some areas might not be able to collect necessary resources due to the surrounding region being unstable. Furthermore, if the supplies get to the correct location, they may not be distributed properly. Another of our concerns is the greed of the supplier(s). This possible greed could slow or even halt a supply chain which is why it should be viewed as a threat of considerable importance. As previously recognized, Syria struggles with food insecurity due to our ongoing civil war, which started in 2011, a series of earthquakes, and an economy in poor condition. 12.1 million Syrians are food insecure, and 3 million are on the verge sliding into hunger. The Syrian government, in collaboration with the UN’s World Food Program (WFP), is able to receive assistance with food, but many more are still struggling.
Some aspects of a possible resolution that we would like to see is the implementation of the ability to set up temporary ports for aid in dangerous locations. This approach to supplying aid has been seen in places such as the Gaza Strip with the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system. But this solution was rather flawed as the communication between the US and Israel struggled to communicate and the implementation of the pier was delayed due to fighting on land. If this solution was able to be further developed and researched, it might make a large impact. Another aspect we would like to see is the creation of an agency to oversee supplier activity and ensure that corruption does not affect the amount of supplies received by areas in need. International assistance, like the WFP, has helped many, but the SAR is looking to drastically improve the situation, not only within our own borders, but also in places like Sudan and Gaza.
Works Cited:
Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/syria/#introduction. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
“More than Half of All Syrians Going Hungry: WFP | UN News.” United Nations, United Nations, news.un.org/en/story/2023/03/1134567#:~:text=Record%20food%20and%20fuel%20costs&text=Syria%20used%20to%20be%20self,%2C%20and%20drought%2Dlike%20conditions. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Liebermann, O., Atwood, K. and Conte, M.
Liebermann, Oren, et al. “US-Built Floating Pier That Will Allow Delivery of Humanitarian Aid Has Been Anchored in Gaza | CNN Politics.” CNN, Cable News Network, 16 May 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/05/15/politics/us-gaza-pier-moving-construction/index.html.
“Sudan: Humanitarian Assistance.” U.S. Agency for International Development, 31 Oct. 2024, www.usaid.gov/humanitarian-assistance/sudan.
