Topic: Future of Nuclear Power
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Hailey Dann
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Ukraine position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
Despite the risks present in the development of Nuclear Power, of which Ukraine has seen during the Chernobyl disaster, we posit that the United Nations should support countries seeking to continue nuclear power. As cited by a 2003 study conducted by MIT and Harvard students, nuclear power is a clean alternative to fossil fuels and is highly efficient. If it is properly regulated by a multilateral body, such as the United Nations, we think that countries that can become more industrialized in a safe way. Bodies such as the International Energy Agency have documented that much of Ukraine’s foreign policy of nuclear power stems from both our desire to improve energy security, as well as making our country enerdy efficient by reducing energy imports. It is well documented; however, that there can be disastrous affects that result from non-regulated nuclear power. In our own country, in 1986, we faced the Chernobyl disaster, which led to the deaths of thousands of deaths likely caused by nuclear exposure (according to BBC News.) Even though this was at a time that nuclear energy was only beginning and security measures were not in place, it is important to remember the tragedies that result from negligence.
We strongly suggest that the United Nations shows continued support for nuclear power, but with the constraints of non-proliferation and set-guidelines for security and safety. Ukraine is fully committed to this endeavor, and has even been thanked for the UN director general for organizing a nuclear energy safety summit. We advise that countries become members of organizations such as INPRO, organizations committed to providing a forum of discussion of nuclear power. With committees such as INPRO, Ukraine will show continued support for the ratification of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaties, as well as the continuance of technology development in regards to nuclear facilities.
We request support from countries in the IAEA, as well as countries who have signed the NPT, or Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, as well as our political allies in the Eastern European Group, or CEIT. Countries that have chosen to support us are advised to attend the summits in which these debates are being discussed, and take actions in their own countries. We advise that these countries join the committees stated above if they are not members already. We recommend that these countries also pledge funds to provide for the committees necessary for maintaining safety.
Some of our opponents include all countries that have passed a Nuclear-Free Zone ordinance or law. These countries include, but are not limited to: The United Kingdom, Austria, Italy, New Zealand, and parts of South Asia. Ways in which they can hinder our progress is to remind other United Nation member countries that disasters may result from nuclear power. They may also posit the view that nuclear power plant in the future will be possible cites of terrorist attacks, because if they are damaged they can cause widespread devastation.
