Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Jacqueline Spiegel
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan would like to thank our hosts for organizing this conference.

Fair play, a level playing field, equal opportunities and acknowledgement of differences: these are all principals valid both in international cooperation and in sport. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan recognizes that Global Sport not only can spur economic activity and foster international relations, but also can be used as a catalyst for development within a country itself.

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is an underdeveloped nation that has experienced over forty years of conflict, but is committed to sustainable development and prosperity. Our Constitution guarantees equal citizenship rights for woman, and since the Taliban have withdrawn from our country, the ban on women participating in sports has been lifted. However, traditional views have continued to dominate social expectation, seeing women excluded from both public life and sports activities. Therefore, Mullahs (religious leaders) in Afghanistan have been trained by the UNDP in order to preach about women’s rights, child marriage, violence against women, and conduct girl’s education workshops. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan urges the United Nations Development program to keep the socio-economic conditions of a country in mind when implementing global sports as an engine for development.

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan believes that Global Sport can further international relations, incite cultural exchanges, and encourage development. However, when preparing for large International competitions, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, some developing nations may be unprepared for the cost. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan encourages the UNDP to consider ways to help support developing nations host large international competitions without denying the economic opportunity said competition could provide.

"No Lingering! UNDP and Religious Leaders Promote Women in Sport and Education." UNDP in Afghanistan. United Nations Global Development Network, 9 Oct. 2016. Web. 14 Nov. 2016.

Afghanistan. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. President. Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework (ANPDF), 2017 to 2021. N.p.: n.p., n.d. 1-52. Print.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Thomas Westrick
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Economic development can be catalyzed by large-scale sporting events. International fans from around the world can increase countries GDP and create large-scale infrastructure investments for their host countries. When organized right, it can lead to a new flow of income into the host country. The 2008 Chinese Summer Olympics brought Beijing cleaner air, new roads, a new subway, and new luxury hotels. When organized wrong, countries can succumb to spending pressure causing them to go over budget. In extreme cases, the government’s mishandling of money can lead to rioting and violence as the global community has seen in Brazil. The Rio de Janeiro Olympics ate up over 150% of the original budget causing its citizens to violently question the overspending. Algeria has used sport to bring income to their country by hosting events including the 1978 and 2007 All Africa Games, 1975 Mediterranean Games, and the 1990 African Cup of Nations. Algeria also plans to host the Mediterranean Games in 2021 and African Youth Games in 2018. The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria supports the use of global sport to develop as long as events are run effectively and frugally.

The main problem with global sport is ensuring that spending is not overblown. When hosting the under-financed 2007 All Africa Games, Algeria reused their 5 July Stadium to cut costs. By being economically responsible in the hosting of many events, Algeria has credited itself as a good host country for intercontinental sport. For the future of the All-African Games, Djaffer Yefsah, Director-General of the Organising Committee stated, “The African Games do not have the status they really deserve. They have become too heavy a burden for the organiser, unlike the Asiatic and Pan-American games, which have the means to finance themselves.” To make the African games a tool for development, the delegation of Algeria believes that the Games need to be popularized and televised to elevate their status. As for the future, Algeria has “mobilized all resources” for the 2018 African Youth Games according to Algeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports El Hadi Ould Ali. An economically responsible use of resources can provide income to a host country and gain them respect in the global community. Algeria also looks forward to the 2021 Mediterranean Games, which will be held in the the Abdelkader Fréha Stadium in the city of Oran. This stadium, paired with an Olympic complex with a three-basin pool, will be completed in 2016. Oran’s already existing infrastructure will also contribute to the success of the Games. Algeria is also a part of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa which helps organize African sport in all 54 African countries.

The delegation of Algeria believes that overspending and unethical construction for other Global Sporting Events can be solved by guidelines set by this committee. Already existing infrastructure should be greatly used to cut costs and save the money the would have been spent building brand new facilities. Also, if new facilities are necessary, it needs to assured that they will be repurposed after the event. For example, Algeria currently uses the Abdelkader Fréha Stadium for an Algerian football team, MC Oran. Policy guidelines like these will ensure that countries and cities will not regret hosting these international events. Also, smaller events can help bring development to countries if the are more popularized and televised. In order to prevent overspending and to ensure that use sport as a tool for development, the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria recommends that the committee sets guidelines for the hosts of all global sporting events to make sure that they are profitable for the host country.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Angola
Delegate Name: Ryan Peplinski
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The Republic of Angola believes that nations can benefit greatly from using sport as engine for development. It encourages the construction and improvement of infrastructure and generally benefits all aspects of a nation. This was the case when we as a nation hosted the Africa Cup of nations. If we were to do so again, we would benefit greatly. Our country has vast mineral and petroleum deposits, and the economy is quickly growing, however we are still in need of help. country has very low living living standards for the citizens of the Republic of Angola, the low living standards affect the majority of the people in Angola. Our citizens face low life expectancy and also high infant deaths that are some of the worst in the world. We need to get our economy up and running. Hosting the African Cup of Nation would bring tourism to the country bringing in money which will be used to help our citizens. We can create programs for our citizens to help them get out of poverty and help them with their health. Since they have low life expectancy so we want to improve our medical institutions in our country. This will also help our problem with infant mortality rates and help the infants grow up to be productive Angolan citizens. This in turn will help our economy and push our nation down a path where we will no longer be a developing country that has most of its population in poverty and has terrible medical institutions making our people's life expectancy short.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Ally Gilbert
School: Mattawan High School

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.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Australia
Delegate Name: Elle Knott
School: Grand Rapids City High School

Globally, sports are used to grow economic activity and expand international relations. Sporting events provide governments with reasons to improve and build infrastructure and unite individuals for a common goal.

The national following of sports in Australia is very apparent. We turn out in thousands to Melbourne’s MCG to watch the iconic Boxing Day test. Summer is the season to play backyard and beach cricket. Also, many in our country closely follow our Grand Slam tennis tournament. Many premier golf events are hosted around the country on our championship-designed golf courses. Hundreds of thousands of runners allude to our marathons and car racing events. A popular car racing event includes the formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. Our uncrowded and pristine coastal beaches are always waiting to be surfed upon.

We are huge followers of “footy” sports, which include, the rugby union and the Australian NFL. AFL is the most attended sports league in Australia, games are played around the country in March, culminating in September where the final series are located in Melbourne. The AFL grand final is an economic powerhouse. More than 153,000 football volunteers contributed about 2 million working hours, worth the equivalent of $232 million in labor effort. AFl employs (not counting players) around 12,000 people. Also, construction workers are employed to create stadiums. This contributes more than $4 million to the Australian economy. The Gold Coast Suns and the Greater Western Sydney Giants had a profound impact on local and national economies. The AFL also provides one of the most visible national platforms for companies looking to invest in our country.

Using sports as a tool for development is in both the short and long term by generating many jobs. It is clear that the economic activity generated by the various sports is very diverse. The economic footprints of our sports are very vast and allow communities to create deep connections.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Austria
Delegate Name: Allyson Suandi
School: Williamston High School

Development is the key to prosperity and stability. Worldwide every nation searches for a way to quickly develop socially, politically, and economically. Athletics is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world and has the potential to help with development globally. It brings communities together by bridging social divides and increasing jobs, along with promoting well being physically and mentally. Events such as the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics are a few to name that helped with development. Using the method of sport as a tool for development will extremely benefit the United Nations.

Austria, alongside the European Union, promotes the use of sport in development. The Erasmus+ sport program does this by helping to develop sport in the European Union, boosting cooperation between sports organisations and sharing the promotion of good practices for health expanding physical activity. EU countries are also using European Social Fund and European Regional Development fund grants to include projects that promote social inclusion through sport. Not only will the countries develop medically, but also socially. These projects show equal opportunities for women and girls, and people with disabilities to develop leadership skills. Additionally, a project called Football against Racism in Europe builds up equality throughout Europe. Economically, sport boosts development in all sorts of ways from their growing popularity- ticket sales and sport games help the economy immensely. The 2014 Brazil World Cup itself made 4.8 billion dollars which is a tremendous amount of money. Austria’s federal ministry of health industry ensures that physical activity is met of people of all ages and promotes exercise by integrating cycle paths, play grounds and routes to school.

If the United Nations were to make sport development global, this would definitely increase economic growth and promote equality worldwide. The United Nations we should start by launching projects around the world and partner with top sport players and companies. Another policy The United Nations must create is a way to help and have countries host worldwide sporting events along with a strict budget and a set of rules for these events and ensure this will happen. Austria expects that other European Union countries will abide by this resolution.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Polina Byker
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Although bringing global sports such as the World Cup or the Olympics to countries can help them grow economically and financially, it is the best if countries that are stable economically, financially, and in other ways, host big global sports events. Developed countries such as the U.S. Canada, Spain, and many others are more able and more fit to host big global sports events because they can finance them, and the economy and cities around the event will not suffer as badly. Developed countries can afford to host big sports events because they do get some advantage from the events.

Smaller, undeveloped, poor countries though, are not fit nor able to host such massively big sporting events. Nothing good could come out of it, no matter how much money is made, it is more than likely that Bangladesh will exceed its budget my millions. It will most likely cause riots, not only because of the main religion and its beliefs, but also with workers. The main religion of Bangladesh is Islam, and when women's sports was introduced into a certain city, it was opposed very strongly by the society and the religious leaders. Workers will also riot, because jobs in Bangladesh are very low and menial. It barely makes it in the industry of textiles.

The income is too low in Bangladesh to support global sports. No one buys sport equipment, and there isn't enough money to run curriculums in school for sports, or to build sports facilities. The economy would only suffer and in result, everyone in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is not ready to host global sports. It first needs to fix it's financial and economical state so that it is more stable, and then develop more technologically also.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Hailey Marshall
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Many of the world’s problems today are directly related to issues of global development such as fostering international relations, improving infrastructure, and promoting economic activity are regularly at the center of global development solving. Using sports as a way to draw in revenue and tourism is a strategy used by countries across the world such as Belgium, who hosts a leg of the Tour de France. Sports not only have the proper business and support nationally, but internationally as well. That alone helps draw attention from people all across the world which is a huge advantage when bringing an issue to the attention of the world. Global sporting events do more than just create intense entertainment for fans; they unite different cultures and positively grows nationalism and unity. Belgium does believe that using sports an an engine for development is a great resource for countries to use all across the world.

Large scale events such as the Olympics and World Cup are noteworthy examples of large scale events that draw attention to issues globally. For Belgium, Tour De France is a large scale event that we take a part in, which helps bring in tourists and money into the country. The fifth leg of the race ran through the country which brought in an immense amount of financial flow from sponsors as well as from tourism. Hosting sporting events in your country is very beneficial for economical, political, and cultural reasons. For example, when Brazil hosted the 2016 Olympics, money earned went toward restoration of their country that was needed after suffering from a recession. With cycling being popular in the country of Belgium, the country has used that to play a role in their tourism. Many people go through Belgium when cycling, which means more people stop at places such as hotels and restaurants; thus bringing in financial support. With sports drawing in more tourism, more jobs are necessary to fill the needs of incoming tourists. Unemployment has dropped .5% in the last year and is expected to have a steady decline in future years.

Going forward Belgium is going to continue to take part in global sporting events. We feel strongly that these events draw positive attention to development issues across the world. Being able to be apart of something global, helps to connect cultures and customs that people aren't familiar with. With the money that comes in from sponsors and tourism, Belgium and other countries can use it to help better the country as a whole. Tourism brings people into countries where they can discover certain aspects they couldn't have otherwise, as well as drawing attention to issues across the world. Sports have become more than just a normal game. It has brought attention to development issues that wouldn't have been advertised properly in any other way. For those reasons, Belgium is going to continue to work to improve their country within, as well as globally, to connect global sports as an engineer for development by taking part in events such as the Tour de France.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Joseph Killman
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Sport has always been apart of a way to bring people together. Using global sport is what is needed to bring people, community, government, and countries together. In the summer of 2016 Brazil was the host of the summer olympic games, a global competition that had more than two hundred and seven countries participate in. Also, in 2014, Brazil had the honor in hosting the 2014 FIFA World cup, which thirty-two nations participated in.

Global sport is a great way to bring culture, and different ethnicities together. Brazil believes that it is important for all of the people in their country get to have a chance and to show off their culture to other people. The World Games of Indigenous brought more than fifty ethnic groups together, to participate in traditional games, and culture. Brazil believes that these games are a celebration of lifestyle.

Within the span of sixteen days, of the 2016 olympics brought two hundred and seven nations to one country to compete in various games. Using sport helped bring all these different athletes to one nation, to compete, make friends, and have to not worry about anything else. Brazil believes that the olympic games brought a pause in world conflict. There is a thing called an Olympic Truce, this truce dates back to ancient greece, and its purposeful meaning is to “lay down arms”, so that all nations can compete in peace.

By bringing countries together through sport, Brazil also believes it can be a financial, and economic benefit to developing countries. With recognition of countries, it can spark immigration, which helps underdeveloped countries boost their economic values.

Bringing ends to conflicts between countries is what Brazil is all about. The Brazil are looking for other ways to improve relations with other countries, and to help bring end to underdeveloped countries. Using other tactics, such as olympic games, to bring people from all around the world. Or the World Games of Indigenous to help culturally strengthen different ethnicities. Brazil believes that these strategies will be what ends conflicts between countries and its own people.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Burkina Faso
Delegate Name: Waliul Matin
School: Royal Oak High School

Global Sports competitions has been connecting human beings from different countries around the world for centuries. The commonly known one is the Olympic Games in which 206 countries and teams have participated in the year 2016. This brought countries thousands of miles apart into a single focused area where they are getting the opportunity to compete with each other and learn the differences as they play. No other activity other than sports can bring people from all around the world into such connected form and form such friendships. Connections are made and through this connections the lesser known countries like Burkina Faso can be known to the major world. The small countries get the chance to prove to the rest of the world that they are as good as any other big, developed country.

Burkina Faso has a very well-known soccer team. They have played in various international competitions and have successfully made a name for themselves. But the soccer team has not only brought joy to the people’s heart living in this country but also created a source of revenue for the country influencing the economy in a positive way. Thus creating economic development.

Burkina Faso believes that a sport or a game can mean more than just that. It can create employment opportunities such as new jobs at stadiums and staff workers of the team. It gives hope to the people. Encourages them in working together.

Other than that, the global sport can used as a medium for the country to express themselves and also may be seek help from other developed countries who are more than willing to help in the development of this country. In 1998, the Omni sport stadium in Bobo-Dioulasso was built to host the African Cup of Nations. That stadium alone created hundreds of jobs and that helped the employment of the country. Besides that the foreign teams coming into the country along with the fans of those countries created a sufficient amount of revenues for the country.

So, considering the evidence apparent at any sporting event, Burkina Faso agrees with the policy for using Global Sport as a means of development for any country. Not only does it heighten the spirit of the people which then creates a more effective work force but also generates revenue on its own.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Chile
Delegate Name: Suki Rajan
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Global sporting events have the power to accelerate economic growth, develop infrastructure and unite nations and people. Many cities that host large sporting events like the World Cup or the Olympics enjoy a rise in tourism, recognition and development. However, budgets may exceed profits and these events may become a burden to the host country. One example is Brazil, where the 2016 Olympics were hosted. According to the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, costs for the event was approximately $4.6 billion, 51 percent over budget. Besides the costs, these large gatherings also have the potential to turn violent and dangerous, harmful to both the host country and the tourists. Despite this, the Republic of Chile believes that the benefits outweigh the costs, and that sports are an excellent way to develop the global economy and increase globalization.

The Republic of Chile highly values sports. Football is the most popular sport, with large participation at both the amateur and the professional level. The Football Federation of Chile recently won both the 2015 and 2016 Copa America; the latter which was hosted in Chile and helped increase economic development and build and repair new stadiums. Chile hosted the 1962 FIFA World Cup, an event which greatly helped develop infrastructure and provide jobs to thousands. Tennis is the most successful sport. Chile has won both the Davis Cup and The World Team Cup. We have participated in the Olympics since 1896, and have won a total of 13 medals; including two gold medals. Chile is the leader in snow sport related tourism in Latin America; as Chile has great mountains used for skiing, with close to 1 million people visiting Chile to ski. We have worked to increase these levels through our Sports Tourism Congress, and hope to continue to succeed and develop through sports.

The Republic of Chile sees the potential and power of global sporting events, and hopes to work with the UN and UNDP to increase effectiveness and unity in arranging and developing future sporting events. We look forward to establishing unity through these events, and promoting an increase in cultural exchange We will support the growth of nations and economies through participation, and endorse the positive aspects of sports on a local, national and global scale.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: China
Delegate Name: Olivia Burrel
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

The delegation of China would like to release a bold statement in saying that China has, by far, the best strategy for development and regulation in regards to using international sports as a way to unify the world. As a country which will proudly host the 2022 Winter Olympics and having previously hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics both, respectively in Beijing, China believes it has had more recent experience and success in the field of organizing a safe and profitable large scale sporting event than most countries.

In 2008 China went to great lengths to ensure that the quality of the Summer Olympics was of the highest caliber and that the safety of those attending was not compromised. China’s overall budget for the event reached 40 billion dollars, all of which was delegated to specific areas for the development of the event. For example 1.1 million dollars was spent on reconstructing and improving transportation of citizens and foreign visitors, 200 million was spent on constructing an exceptionally beautiful and modern stadium, and most importantly the 3.6 billion devoted to technological advancements of the production and televising of the Olympic events, and in doing so, successfully turning Beijing into a “digital” city.

China believes that with an organized and specific budget, all non third world countries should be able, if willing, to host a major sporting event such as the Olympics without issue. This does not exclude third world countries, but does eliminate excuse for those countries which are not. The delegation of China would like also to suggest the creation of a UN body devoted to and which will oversee the spending and budget for the (event) country hosting the event.

Additionally China would like to bring attention to the positive and lasting effects of such games on the sense of nationalism within each country. Contrary to some countries such as the United States which in the past has provided harsh media coverage of PRC leaders during the 2008 Olympics, China is certain that International events have allowed the world to see how democratic, open, civilized, friendly, and harmonious it is not only with itself but with other countries as well.

In regards to media coverage of Major sports events, China has found great success in the censorship of media and internet access within the Country. China strongly believes that overall experience and safety of all countries involved with the games would be improved with the total elimination of negative media coverage of the games and the countries participating in and hosting the games. Events of negative media coverage through the most recent Olympics in Rio is an unfortunate example of what “media” can do when it is uncontrolled and unregulated, which can additionally “open the door” to racism, xenophobia, and violence.

More long lasting effects of the Olympics and such similar events include changes in the “hosting” countries governments and economies. China has seen an acceleration in its investment, idealism, and internationalism post Olympic games. For example China was extremely pleased that over 220 million Chinese citizens had access to regular internet and television during and after the Olympic games.

Likewise because of China's active participation in the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s (FIFA) Women’s World Cup 2007, and the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010, China's sports industry will grow by 20% a year, particularly in Beijing, Guangdong, Liaoning, and Zhejiang.

More specifically, along with the recent push of China’s sports sector, we have found success in reaching out to other countries through the game of football or “soccer". China has worked extensively to provide new football facilities and programs to cultivate our nation's finest football players. China recommends additionally along with all of it’s previous statements that we work with FIFA to further relations with Latin countries and others to hopefully work towards the development of their overall sense nationalism and economic success.

International sporting events provide an atmosphere that sometimes cannot be described as anything but the uniting of countries, which China devotedly supports. China looks forward to working with all UNDP delegations towards our common goal of unity.

http://www.chinabusinessreview.com/the-2008-olympics-impact-on-china/

http://fortune.com/2016/07/25/china-soccer-football-fans-feel-felt-behind/

http://thediplomat.com/2016/06/chinese-firms-buy-up-global-sporting-icons/

http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=chn/

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: William Fleming
School: Fishers High School

Colombia would first like to mention that 2 major sports events, the World Cup and the Olympics, having large control over the world is a positive thing, as it can help unify people under a common banner to push for something greater. However, as seen with Brazil and other third world countries that are given the honor of hosting such events, these events can be stressing on a country's economy and people inhabiting said country.

Colombia may not have had the chance to host either the World Cup or the Olympics, but as stated by the FIFA president Sepp Blatter, "Colombia is ready for a World Cup". The reason for Colombia wanting to use this event is for the purposes of the economic benefits. That being said, Colombia is far from being safe, as paramilitary groups are still within the country. With that being said, Colombia would like to say that there must be prerequisites met before a country can be able to be selected for such an honor.

The people of Colombia believe that only nations that are able to support the many the lodging for patrons of the game that flock from all over the world to visit, can support the transportation of said patrons, local locations can support the massive increase of tourists, and can help keep all patrons secure and feeling safe while attending these events. It is very important that these conditions are met, as if they are not, this can lead to events similar to the resistance in Brazil when they hosted the 2016 Olympic games.

Counties that can meet certain requirements and also can overperform in them should be made known to a committee that keeps track of such requirements , and to inform countries that apply that they are able to host such events as the World Cup and Olympic games. Such requirements could be number of rooms that are for tourists, number of venues to host tourists, as well as seating is said venues, health violations (mostly due to the Brazil Olympic games), crime in areas surrounding the sports areas, and their GDP to make sure that any additional renovations to ensure that everything goes smoothly is carried out.

In conclusion, Colombia believes that using world sport as a tool for economic growth is a wise idea, but every action should be taken into careful consideration about giving the rights to host the games. If we are not careful about these rights, it can easily destroy a country.

"2026 FIFA World Cup." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 08 Nov. 2016. Web. 12 Nov. 2016.

CIA. "The World Factbook: COLOMBIA." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, 03 Nov. 2016. Web. 12 Nov. 2016.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Delegate Name: Morgan Russell
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Côte d’Ivoire has a passion for football (soccer) and rugby. It is considered highly uncommon to be unable to locate a football field in Côte d’Ivoire, if you are in a village or city. International sporting events allow for an increase in infrastructure, stimulation involving economic activity, and pride within an area. Worldwide sports have become a key part of most people’s lives. Big sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, cost a tremendous amount of money. According to CBS president Leslie Moonves a 30 second clip during the 2016 Super Bowl cost marketers around $5 million. However, on the smaller scale sporting events can generate money for the local area.

Côte d’Ivoire is known for hosting an abundance of African sporting games such as the African Cup of Nations in 1984 where they placed in the top five. The Houphouet-Boigny stadium where the African Cup of Nations was able to hold over 20,000 spectators. The national rugby union team of Côte d’Ivoire, in 1955, qualified for the 1955 Rugby World Cup. We qualified along with numerous other notable teams creating a sense of pride within our country. Côte d’Ivoire has been successful enough, for three consecutive years 2006-2014, been able to qualify for the World Cup. We also have a drive for participating and supporting the Summer Olympic games since 1964 when it took place in Tokyo. Ever since then, we have only missed one game. In 1984 at the Los Angeles Games, Gabriel Tiacoh received the silver medal in the men’s 400 meter for Côte d’Ivoire.

Due to having a disability, numerous people across our country are incapable of participating in certain sports. In order to resolve the problem, we partnered with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in 2011 with Peace and Sport to allow for over 150 young people to participate in a sport a few times a week in a structured environment. Although sports are beneficial for creating jobs, tourism, and unifying cultures they do come at a cost. The government of Ivory Coast invested approximately 40 million in the Bouak stadium, renovation of the Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, and the Treichville sport complex, so that they could be prepared for the hosting of the African Cup of Nations. Overall, hosting the event created roughly a $0.3 million deficit. These massive expenditures on infrastructure allowed for uncertain returns. According to United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the poverty rate increased from 38,4% in 2002 to 48,9% in 2008. Although there are organisations, such as the UNCDF, who are assisting our country, the economic issues need to be addressed. Holding the games in our country took up a great portion of our income and did not allow for it to go towards the people’s salaries.

Côte d’Ivoire believes that even though global sports cause economic problems the benefits still overpower the negative. Creating a unified country is a priority for us because it creates strong ties, trust, and pride throughout. We are stronger together and once we are able to become a fully developed country, will be able to thrive. We encourage for the rest of the nations to follow our example and promote global sports in an effective, lawful, and respectful way.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Czech Republic
Delegate Name: Christina Tully
School: Fishers High School

The Czech Republic strongly believes in the U.N. policy regarding the use of sporting events as an engine for development. The president of the Czech Republic, Miloš Zeman, strongly agrees with the stance as well, as a former member of the sports organization, Sportpropag.

The Czech Republic has participated in the Olympics since becoming an independent nation in 1994, massing 44 medals in the summer games with canoeing, athletics and shooting as the top medal-producing sports and 16 medals at the winter games, predominantly in cross-country skiing. The people of the Czech Republic hope to continue to be a part of the games, seeing them as a way to continue to globalize. Also, we see the unity, pride, and peace promoted by the games as having a very beneficial effect on our nation. Because the nation receives approximately 7.2 million tourists on a yearly basis, the people of the Czech Republic see the Olympic Games as a profound way to increase this economically prosperous event. Therefore, we wish to continue using sports as a way to develop our nation.

The Czech Republic is a first world country, independently recognized as a nation since 1994, (formally known as Czechoslovakia) participated in many global sporting events, including FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. These are used and view by the people of the nation to build international relations, which is why we are willing to continue funding for these actions.

The percentage of tourism rates are continuously rising, and the various sporting events are considered one of the many reasons of this.

Because the Czech Republic has never hosted the Olympic Games, the cost of infrastructure has never affected the people. This creates somewhat of a bias in how we the people of the Czech Republic view the games, meaning those of another nation may view the games or other international sporting event as a negative one, but the increase in tourism can account for this loss in money. Also, hosting the games increase job creation with the new buildings and stadiums.

Because of this, the Czech Republic supports the belief that sports are an important engine for development and can be further utilized by several nations within the UN to improve international ties, boost travel, improve tourism and create a newfound peace amongst nations.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Delegate Name: Megan Tiggleman
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The Democratic Republic of the Congo believes that global sport is a key to succeed in unifying the disparate groups of people living countries. Although there are internal and external conflicts within countries, global sport is a successful vehicle when it comes to driving integrative unity. This is something that is most noticeable when a national team performs well in an international tournament. The drive of a common love of a country's sport team opens opportunity for a country to convey a message to its people and unify them. Sport also provides the benefit of the relations they have with other countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo believes that sport is a great engine for development.

The Congolese take great love and passion towards football (soccer). The Democratic Republic of the Congo national football team’s nickname is the Leopards. They have been ranked as high as 46 in the FIFA rankings. They were the first Sub-Saharan African team to quality for the FIFA world cup and twice won the Africa Cup of Nations. In addition to football, the Congolese also enjoy rugby and basketball and have been sending athletes to the Olympics since 1968.

With the country’s annual average economic growth rate of 7.7%, the The Minister of Foreign Affairs made the following remarks on behalf of continuing the development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mr. Tshibanda, stated, “The DRC today is a big work in progress with an abundance of business opportunities and openness to all partnerships, as long as they maintain our sovereignty, don’t damage our vital interests and are mutually advantageous."

The Democratic Republic also has history with China’s stadium diplomacy. Martyrs of Pentecost Stadium in the capital, Kinshasa was built by China in 1987. The stadium is now the venue of the city where international meetings along with many other sporting events of cultural importance. It is mainly used for soccer games.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo wishes to increase its relations within and without of its country to better benefit the economy. It strongly believes that globally, we can accomplish unity through the means of sport.

"Congo DR." Congo DR – Congo DR – Results, Fixtures, Squad, Statistics, Photos, Videos and News – Soccerway. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

"Democratic Republic of the Congo – H.E. Mr. Raymond Tshibanda N'tungamulongo, Minister for Foreign Affairs | Africa Renewal Online." UN News Center. UN, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

"Sport in Democratic Republic of the Congo." Sport in Democratic Republic of the Congo. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

"The World Factbook: CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE." Central Intelligence Agency. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Emma Ristau
School: Royal Oak High School

Egypt unequivocally supports what global sporting events, such as the Olympics and World Cup, stand for. The fostering of international camaraderie and unity is cherished by Egypt, and represents a universally shared hope. When discussing sport specifically in the context development, however, we mustn’t be distracted by this ideal. Instead, Egypt believes the focus should hone in on the economics of global sport and realistically assess what is working and what is not. The Olympics and World Cup are certainly unparalleled symbols of global unity, but the crushing expenditures on developing nations spurred by such events cannot be ignored. Likewise, the economic growth and development promised by meta-sporting events cannot be overestimated.

Egypt realizes the stark disparity between the economic visions for global sporting events and the costly realities. As a developing nation, Egypt finds it disheartening that other parts of the developing world go into hosting these events with high hopes for development, but come out at even more of a disadvantage. As we’ve seen in Rio, the World Cup and the Olympics were taken on with expansion of infrastructure and economic growth in mind, while the outcomes only really hindered development. Economists around the world have continually proven the significant burdens placed on both developed and developing hosts, yet we still see global sporting events as guarantees for economic growth. How many developing nations will have to suffer before we start rethinking global sport as a catalyst for development?

Rethinking global sport starts with rethinking “global.” The idea of globalness doesn’t have to mean “concentrated” or “meta.” Egypt would back a global event that is dispersed around the world. Consider why huge burdens are carried by hosts: the event is huge in magnitude and required resources. Any amount of aid cannot considerably minimize this burden, because “global sport” as we see it now, means a larger-than-life event is concentrated in, more or less, a single space. Therefore, the burden is concentrated, too, and heightened. With diffusing a single global sporting event among multiple nations, economic growth and development becomes a more feasible possibility.

Egypt is open to more innovative ways to reframe global sport as an engine for development. We stress the need to reimagine meta-sporting events and dismiss the notion that events like the Olympics and World Cup are guarantees, or even realistic strategies, for development. The UNDP must look at the past and formulate a resolution based on fact, not idealistic fiction, for the sake of developing nations.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Finland
Delegate Name: Jennifer Converse
School: Vicksburg High School

Even though Finland's opportunity in hosting recent world championships lays in the Ice Hockey World Junior Championship, Finland has been able to participate in many events around the globe. Finland believes that everyone has the right to a decent life, and improvement in long-term effects on society and other subjects in countries. Even though each country has that right, it's their own responsibility to achieve their own development goals.

Finland is working on an increase of “Grassroot sport,” which promotes volunteering in sports in a relaxed kind of way, and not professionally taken. The idea of contributing to this would help with health, better health means less money on health insurance. These sports could also financially help, since the sports need funding, people come together to raise money and such events are held on public fields which have a slight tax, and some of the money collected could be donated to help with improvement of education, water quality, and other such things.

Finland also believes in a decrease of widespread poverty, and the hosting of a sport could very well help with that. Hosting a sport could mean a rise in jobs for the unemployed, and for big events like the World Cup or the Olympics, it could bring in mighty profits. Great development could come from hosting such big events, but don’t bite off more than you can chew. In Brazil’s Olympic, their developing state has decreased, money used to build the stadium could have been used for water treatment, and in the end, Brazil ended up in debt, not rolling in profits.

So in conclusion, the idea of Finland is to help the people through sports by strengthening factors put into “developing” group, and putting them into the idea of “developed” instead. Even though great benefit could come of this, conflict could come upon the country from sports as well, economically and even socially.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: France
Delegate Name: Luke Schafer
School: Williamston High School

The world has grown more divided in recent years as conflicts around the globe are impacting relations between nations. One way that countries have been trying to promote global unity is by hosting and participating in global sporting events. Global sport is also a vehicle for developing nations to put themselves on the map by proving to the world that they have the capability to perform on the global stage. Countries such as South Africa, China, and Brazil have hosted large scale sporting events in recent years and the success that they achieved in putting on the event was, in a sense, their coronations as members of the global elite. These sporting events are not without their issues as the crippling price tags associated with them have lead to cuts in other areas such as health care. This was particularly harmful in Brazil when cost overruns in the billions lead to civil unrest when the government had to cut education upgrades in order to provide a successful Olympics.

France is no stranger to hosting large scale sporting events. There are many annual tournaments including the French Open and the Tour de France that occur on French soil. The French people have also hosted multiple Olympics and this summer we hosted the European Cup, a soccer tournament with all the teams in Europe. This event did a spectacular job of unifying Europe even as political unrest associated with the Syrian Migrant crisis and an assertive Russia has shaken the European Union to its core. Hosting the tournament brought many benefits to France. The were many foreign fans that traveled to France and the uptick in tourism brought many economic benefits to the people of France. The tournament also brought an improvement in morale to France. The unity and national pride that our country experienced as the French people got behind the Les Blues was unlike anything that France had ever been a part of and it was particularly important with all the terrorism that had occurred. The ability to put on a massive tournament without any security scares proved to the world that France is safe and that we can handle the terrorist threat. The success of recent French sporting events has lead to more French-hosted sporting events. France will be hosting the 2018 Ryder Cup and the 2019 Women’s World Cup and we hope to host the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. These events will continue to project French expertise and they will also bring employment benefits as these events employ thousands of French workers. France believes that global sport has the potential to help developing and developed nations alike and it will bring economic and social improvements for all.

France supports the use of global sport as a vehicle for development in all countries especially developing nations. France proposes that the UN should financially support any developing that wishes to develop their sporting teams in order to promote unity and and economic stimulation into the economy of the developing nation. South Africa has seen a massive economic return on their 2010 World Cup and France proposes that the UN engage in more aid to countries that need it to support their sports teams. France currently donates $10,000,000,000 in foreign aid much of which goes into developing Africa. Some of this money goes toward sports programs in countries such as Mauritania and these countries are realizing the benefits (economically, socially, physically, and psychologically) that participation in sports creates. France also believes that global sporting events should not be confined to developing countries, the whole world should be able to experience the benefits of global sport. France encourages the countries that have the honor of hosting great events like the Olympics and the World Cup to continue to bring the international community closer together and use global sport to make a positive impact on the world.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Georgia
Delegate Name: Tyler Grubb
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Many forms of world sport have become more prominent in recent years. Whether it is the Olympics or the NBA, sports have a way of bringing people together through culture and similar interests, creating larger platforms for economic growth. Events like the World Cup call for countries to develop an improved infrastructure spurring economic activity. The use of sport as an engine for development has become more popular over the last decade, but it has raised the issue of how it is benefitting the local economies. The costs to build the infrastructures to global sport stadiums often proves to be economic burdens to the host countries. The 2016 Olympics has caused Brazil to go around $1.6 billion dollars over budget leading to a second year of recession and rioting throughout most of Brazil leading up to the games. Although there are some drawbacks to having global sports, it allows nationalism and relations between countries to form. The United Nation have created an Office on Sport for Development and Peace. This office has passed a plan for 2030 to use sport, and it’s growing contribution to peaceful relations between countries, to create development in the world. Sport has become a common culture that has almost unanimous support as it is a large business nationally and internationally. As long as global sport is used as an effective and productive tool, it can create large economic developments in many nations.

Georgia has had representation in Olympics since 1996 and has won 19 medals. Our representation in these Olympics has shown our dedication to the sports of weightlifting, Judo, and the ancient sport of Roman wrestling. We believe involving global sport to the development of countries is best to our world. Bringing sports to developing countries will allow them to prosper and grow. Georgia’s Sport National Development Policies for 2014-2020 has three main goals for sport development. The first is to educate about sports and sports science. Our country has seen a raise in diseases, especially in our younger citizens, that have been linked to increasing when there is a lack of exercise. Georgia has also seen a decline of active activities since 2013, and many children are not educated in the area of being active. We believe the only way to solve these problems is change our sports system. We must create a unified system of sport in our country in order to involve adults, but mainly children. According to the Sport National Development Policy of Georgia sport is the most important section of these policies. To allow this to happen we must implement sport development and a long-term action plan. The second goal of this policy is to improve infrastructure for sort. We believe sport infrastructure is the basis for sports systems. In Georgia’s constitution our country is obliged to create and develop sport infrastructure. Once created by the government both young citizens and professional athletes will be have access to practice fields and complexes. Our third and final goal of our policy is to start legislative changes. We have joined forces with many other countries. Georgia is a part of the International Convention against Doping in Sport and our constitution states that the government must support the development of adolescents and their involvement in sport. We believe to achieve many of our Sport National Development Policy goals, the sports world must take a systematic approach.

To allow world sport the ability to benefit countries, we must create both places to practice sport and make sport a part of the community from a young age. In order for world sport to have the greatest effect on a country's development the UN needs to create an environment that will allow children to easily learn and use physical activity in their everyday lives, which includes integrating teaching sport in schools. This will allow a country to develop the most efficiently as it will start at a young age. While the UN is creating a platform for world sport, they should be aware of the country's economic stability during this time, and guide them throughout the process, as they have the possibility to be harmed. The use of global sport as an engine to develop can be useful to a country as long as it is being used in a effective and productive manner.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Taylor Jacobs
School: Royal Oak High School

It is very apparent that the United Nations has not been using the power of global sports to it’s potential. Global sports events like the Olympics and the Fifa World Cup can be used as a driving factor for developments. In the past we have seen locations repeated. Though these events tend to be very pricey, they can also benefit economies. It is more beneficial to countries than it is a burden.

What countries deserve to host these events? Is it better to spread the wealth and get smaller countries involved? It would make things a bit more competitive if we set a new criteria for what a country needs to do in order to host a global affairs like these. If there are higher standards we will draw a larger pool of countries who can host. Using large sporting events can help clean up and develop countries. The economic benefit of hosting would be immense, spreading the wealth would only be fair.

A good resolution would have a new set of requirements for hosting countries. Going into debate we are ready to work with other delegations to come up with fair criteria. It would also discourage repeating locations within a certain time period. The new set of rules would include strict working conditions to ensure safe working environments when building stadiums. A good resolution will find it necessary to promote patriotism, and most importantly, unity.

It doesn’t have to be a very complex issue, sports will draw people from all around the globe. This will mean more tourist dollars into the host country’s economy. Though it is quite a hefty cost, the amount of tourists the event will draw will compensate for that.

Promoting peace and unity when coming together for sports, the world will mold to become more unified overall. The Fifa World Cup and Olympics can be used as tools to better the world we live in, so we should really utilize them as such. It is possible, and though new standards will promote competition, it can also inspire people to come together to enjoy sports.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Guatemala
Delegate Name: Lauren VanderZyden
School: East Grand Rapids High School

While globalized sporting events such as the Olympics and the Fifa World Cup are wonderful at generating revenue and stimulating the economy in the countries that host them, these organizations are known for backdoor trading and accepting the highest bidder rather than sharing the wealth among nations that really could use the economic stimulation. As a nation, Guatemala is frequently and consistently discounted from hosting such games because of our financial struggles and instability. The people of Guatemala are frustrated and discouraged by the tendency of these organizations to discount them as a nation. Guatemala should be given the same opportunities to host said games.

In general, the Olympic Committee and Fifa allow for countries with the highest revenue to bid on spots in upcoming years for hosting of the games. This is fun and competitive for those countries who are able to put their names in for bidding, but it is discouraging to countries such as Guatemala and other poverty-stricken countries who would like to participate more fully in the games and ultimately host the games at some point if possible. It would be nice for the economy of Guatemala to receive the stimulation that the Olympics or World Cup would provide, but with the current competitive nature of the games, Guatemala is not in a stable enough situation economically to be able to compete for a spot in hosting the games. Something needs to be done about this so that the countries whose economies are suffering can also benefit from the economic stimulation provided by the Olympics and related sporting events.

As of right now, Guatemala does not have any plans to place bids in any of the games because the prices and stakes are just too high. If the pricing were lowered or countries who hadn’t hosted yet were given an opportunity, these games would be a better example of stimulation for our global economy. Not only would impoverished countries get to rebuild their infrastructure, countries that were better off could focus on preparations for their turn to host the games instead of worrying about which year to bid for a spot in.

All in all, I think that the systems in place are unfair to those at the bottom. Unless you live in a rich country that is well-off economically, the Olympics and the World Cup really do not have any appeal in terms of bidding-it is simply a waste of money. If these organizations would be willing to negotiate new requirements for hosting the games, Guatemala and other impoverished countries like it would be much more likely to enjoy themselves and participate more thoroughly in the games.

Works Cited

Council on Foreign Relations. Council on Foreign Relations, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.

@olympics. "2024 Evaluation Commission Working Group Concludes Review of Candidature Files Part 1." International Olympic Committee. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.

@fifacom. "Fédération Internationale De Football Association (FIFA) – FIFA.com." FIFA.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Guyana
Delegate Name: Noah Zazula
School: Vicksburg High School

Guyana has never made it to a World Cup, but the country has hosted the Cricket World Cup in 2007. The new 15,000-seat Providence Stadium, also referred to as Guyana National Stadium, was built in time for the World Cup and was ready for the beginning of play on March 28. The area around the stadium is subject to development of course, but if games are no longer hosted there, development will be hard to continue. Guyana needs more games including Cricket and football to be hosted. Guyana has never qualified for the CONCACAF Gold Cup or the FIFA World Cup. At this point it is not foreseeable that Guyana will host another championship.

Furthering interest in these events could lead to more economic activity within the country. But the problems within the Guyana football teams from 2012 to 2014 took the team off of the international roster for that period, and the country began to lose interest. As a country, Guyana needs to solve the internal problems of sports teams and look towards a better future before we can use it as a solid development engine. With interest held high, our country can begin to help the 11% of citizens that live below the poverty line. We will not hide our poverty stricken people away, because it is a national issue that is very important to us.

In conclusion, Guyana would love to have more opportunity in the global sporting culture, but the internal issues and the inability for us to qualify for the World Cup makes the issue out of our reach.

"Guyana National Football Team." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.

"Culture of Guyana" Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.

"Economy of Guyana" Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2016.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: India
Delegate Name: Kevin Philips
School: Royal Oak High School

As a nation undergoing development, living with a majority that isn’t widely shared on a global level, and that has a diverse people with an enthusiasm for sports, India is uniquely suited for discussion of global sport as an engine for development.

The first kind of development is that with which this body is most immediately concerned: economic. With the influx of investment and tourism, the improvement of infrastructure, and the increased global attention to unique, complex issues, brought on by hosting a global sports event, host countries stand in a privileged position with much to gain. In order to maximize these possible gains, it is important to encourage efforts to make the process of hosting global sporting events, such as the World Cup and the Olympics, more open and reliable. People within and without the host country should know exactly what hosting entails, what risks must be taken, and how benefit may be derived. Such a market of knowledge would surely assist nations with choices to make about whether and how to host. For example, the requirements for travel institutions and infrastructure, if known, would allow the country to assess where it stands in relation to these requirements, and consequently how much improvement would be made and at what cost. Cost-benefit analyses such as these are indispensable to host countries. If it opens itself to the world, it should be treated well in return. The unforeseen magnitude of struggle undergone by Brazil hosting the 2012 World Cup, enough to cause strong civil backlash, is an example of what irresponsibility on the part of those who gather and publish relevant information has the potential to cause.

With all that responsibility falling on the international community to ensure informed decisions are made that can further development goals with various kinds of investment, we shouldn’t forget the profound responsibility born by the host countries themselves. Qatar’s next World Cup is an unfortunate, but not entirely new, example. There are expectations set by a myriad of international organizations including the United Nations, as well as ordinary people across the world, regarding how people deserve to be treated. We all must recognize the salience of human rights, tolerance, and freedom. India was active in drafting The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is party to all six principle human rights documents. It continues to stress the importance of these standards. It should be a top priority of this committee to take the steps it can to ensure that they are firmly adhered to by host countries in their treatment of the diverse influx of people it will receive, of the workers who make the event possible, and that they use their inherent clout to demonstrate absolute acceptance of these ideas beyond any specific practices, that the dialogue it fosters is healthy, not backward.

The dialogue fostered by the host country also transcends its origin. It is carried on by people scattered about the globe, with a great deal of implication. A productive dialogue is one that grants attention to the diversity and cultural appreciation caused by such a popular global phenomenon. The variety of religions, nationalities, and races that participate in a given large sports competition all share much in common, starting with a love for the concerned sport and a commitment to at least the demonstrated level of cosmopolitanism. A recognition of this by the mass of observers might do something to advance more inter-cultural appreciation, and perhaps even exchange. In an increasingly globalized world it makes sense that a global event would bring people together and cause approval of the very globalization that enabled their presence in the first place.

The questions this committee must answer to be successful are how we can promote the openness requisite to make hosting worthwhile for a developing country, in what ways is it worthwhile in the first place and what imperils this (and subsequently how we can shift this balance favorably), how we can observe and promote the human rights to which the vast majority of this body ascribe, and how we can profit best from the intercultural exchange accompanied by global sport.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Iraq
Delegate Name: Christopher Kelly
School: Mattawan High School

Iraq firmly believes that sports aid in national development. Sports can build a nation's economy, unify diverse people, and international relation. Sports not only symbolize strength and healthy competition between nations. The power of sports has been shown in the past and will continue to affect the development of nations.

Sports have played a big role in the nation of Iraq in the past years. After our war that ended in 2011 sports allowed us to once again compete at a national competition. Events such as the olympics, enabled nations that have been torn in two to unify under their country and compete against other nations in a civil manner. Another point of unification is under the sport itself. This is shown in refugee camps across the globe. Unifying even the biggest cultural differences under one athlete, team, or individual sport.

The unification power of sports is outweighed by the economic fortune they also bring. Building infrastructure and franchises have opened up new markets across the globe. These markets bring in billions of dollars that not only increase the nation's income but creates jobs. This is a key area that many nations lack in, the creation of jobs. Income from sports outlines national wealth through a nation's expendable income.

In building national unification and income sports are do a great job in helping national development. Iraq agrees that sports affect a nation in a positive way. That is, that the building of sports programs and the current national competition is effected the world in a great way. Even with all of these positives we must set in rules that these leisure activities infrastructure and power don’t interfere with culturally important areas. We must monitor that sports don’t interfere with important religious and cultural sites. In the end sports must leave a positive impact on their nation. Achieving development in nations can only occur if we ensure and make law that no infrastructure can be built on culturally important sites.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Ella Ludwig
School: East Grand Rapids High School

Global Development is a topic many countries are currently focusing on. Using sport to spur this development is something that has been supported in the past, and is something that can be used in the future as well. The term “sports diplomacy” has come into use over the years because of the impact that sports have on international relations. Sports facilitate diplomatic contact and open channels of communication between countries, even those that have had issues in the past. An example of this is the “ping-pong diplomacy” between the United States and China. In April of 1971, the Table Tennis World Championships were being held in Japan, and the Chinese government invited the American team on a tour of China, the first time Americans set foot in China since the Communist Revolution in 1949. This set the tone for the U.S. President to visit China the next year, and provided a basis for good relations between the countries.

Ireland has experience with hosting major international sporting events and recognizes the positive impacts this can have on a country. It also supports the use of sporting events to promote or benefit charitable organizations to help people and better the world. For example, Ireland hosts an annual kickboxing competition called the Irish Open International that is run to aid the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC), a designated charity. Ireland has also hosted the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2003, and has just recently launched a bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup. An example of the positive impacts these sporting events can have is that the Rugby World Cup would bring a projected €800 million and 450,000 visitors to Ireland, which would boost the economy and the tourism industry.

The United Nations recognizes sport as a fundamental human right. It has passed numerous resolutions to protect this right and to support global development through sport. One such resolution was passed in November of 2003, and is called “Sport as Means to Promote Development.” Its main goals were to use sport to empower women and girls, to promote health and education, and to prevent conflict. It also called on organizers of mass sporting events to use these events to promote peace initiatives and raise awareness. It also passed the “United Nations Action Plan on Sport for Development and Peace” in 2006, which was passed to continue the usage of sport to reduce poverty and conflict and promote health, education and equality among individuals.

Ireland hopes that the United Nations will continue its support of sport as an engine for development. It looks for resolutions that provide specific rules and guidelines about racism, xenophobia and discrimination at sporting events, and proposes that strict rules be put in place to handle these issues if they arise. Ireland also believes that the UN should take steps to prevent the politicization of sporting events to protect their unbiased and inclusive nature. Ireland also hopes that plans can be put in place to better allocate resources to organize and prepare for a major sporting event, and to regulate where the profits go to ensure charitable organizations benefit through these events as well.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Chloe Wendlandt
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Sports can be used as a way to bring opposing countries together to celebrate and enjoy events. Occasions such as the World Cup and the Olympics are examples of how people of all countries can join together and relate to one another while putting their differences aside. Amid the conflict occurring in Syria, Lebanon’s neighbor, Lebanon uses sport as a tool for creating peace and unity in its communities. Lebanon has been involved in the United Nations International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) and has built playgrounds near refugee camps to encourage children to play and be active. Lebanon would like to continue making use of sports as an engine for development.

Especially for the youth of Lebanon, sports are extremely important in creating a positive outlet for people to find joy, peace, and unity. Children who are Syrian refugees are often deprived of being kids, which is why Lebanon makes such an effort to build readily available playgrounds near refugee camps. One playground in specific is known as the Ibtasem playground. Located in Bar Elias, a city in Lebanon containing roughly 150,000 refugees, it was planned and built after consultations with the children to create a park that would appeal to them as much as possible. The Ibtasem playground and many others that have been built restore the rights and freedom of children in a time when they might be neglected.

In 2014 and 2015, Lebanon participated in the IDSDP. The IDSDP allows people to develop socially and as a community through sports and active activities. In 2015, the organization Right to Play hosted a football game in Lebanon. The 12 teams, while trying to win, were also put up to the task of showing good sportsmanship, respect, and gender equality. Similar events were held on IDSDP as well as constantly throughout the year in Lebanon.

Currently with the environmental conditions and crisis in Syria, it is unlikely that Lebanon would be able to host a major sports event like the Olympics in the near future.

Sports for Lebanon are not used so much for generating money as they are strengthening the unity of its people and creating a happy atmosphere for those who escaped from Syria. Lebanon believes that sports are a powerful tool for development and would like to pursue more sports programs in the future.

"IBTASEM: A Playground for Refugee Children as Emergency Response." CatalyticAction. N.p., 13 May 2016. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

"Ibtasem Playground for Syrian Refugee Children, CatalyticAction, 2015 – Playscapes." Playscapes. N.p., 11 Jan. 2016. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

"A Shared Love for Sport and Peace." News Item. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Malaysia
Delegate Name: Jamal Alaswad
School: Roeper School

The main issue of this topic would be whether global sports would be effective at promoting development for nations supporting them, or whether focus would be better spent on another industry for the purposes of development.

My country, Malaysia, believes that sports are an effective agent for national development by bolstering aspects of a nation such as tourism and national identity.

Likely proponents of Malaysia’s agenda are countries that have already benefits from investment in national sports, such as countries who have hosted olympic games. Malaysia stands to benefit from a global investment in sports, the consistently warm temperature through the year makes it ideal country for investment in sports

Reasons why we believe in promoting sports:

Sports will help advance tourism for nations around the world

Sports will create a sense of national identity

Sports help promote economic development in countries that invest in them

Global sports, such as the olympics help promote economic growth in countries. The economic endeavor of building the infrastructure to host sports tournaments or activities creates jobs and stimulate the economy. Building the infrastructure needed for sports also acts and engine and drives growth in related industries. For example, when the olympics are hosted in a country, there must be enough hotels to accommodate the influx of tourists for the Olympic venue. The construction of stadiums and these related necessities for sports creates job opportunities for citizens. In conclusion I, on behalf of the country of Malaysia, believe it to be in every country’s best interest to encourage the development of global sports.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Amanda Jaworsky
School: Williamston High School

One of the biggest and most popular ways to increase development is through hosting sporting events. This can be a very beneficial way to improve your economy and infrastructure, as large sporting events can bring in very large amounts of money through many ways, such as concessions, lodging, entry fees, and ticket sales. Sporting events also receive great amounts of support from citizens due to the fact that they appeal to a very broad group. However, this can cause issues with budgeting due to the fact that large sporting events can be expensive for hosting countries, most notably poorer countries hosting big events such as The World Cup and The Olympics, it can also cause security issues and confusion within the event. While this is true, sporting events can be an ultimately beneficial way to stimulate economic development and can have positive and negative impacts.

The Netherlands have participated in hosting many sporting events throughout the years and have been big supporters of global sport. Some of the biggest events the Netherlands has hosted are the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam and the beginning of the 1954 Tour de France.The Netherlands has put together a series of rules and model guarantees for hosting large athletic events, which must be followed by athletic participants, workers and organizers. These include rules regarding the exchange of money and use of money with regards to the event, the rights of those participating in events and what to do in cases of infringement, and the security of all those involved. This set of rules and guidelines have simplified many of the processes involved with hosting athletic events, which can be seen in the Netherlands’ strong infrastructure and success with hosting events.

In almost all instances, the Netherlands has been safe and effective with hosting sporting events and because of their success, they believe that all countries should adopt a set of rules and regulations which ensure the safety of participants, athletes and workers, as well as covering how budgets are to be laid out, how workers are to be employed, and how issues such as theft should be treated. The Netherlands also believes it is important to work with international athletic groups to create policies which not only help a country host their own events, but also international events where rules set out by organizations such as the IOC and the IAAF are to be cooperated with. Overall, the Netherlands believes a set of policies and guarantees when hosting athletic events is an important thing to have and also to make sure that such policies and guarantees are compliant with the rules of other sporting organizations.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Daniel Simon
School: Mattawan High School

Every country is different from the next; however, there is one thing that has connected the world since its creation: sports. Sports also have had the power to, in some cases, increase the global standings of some countries. However, even with having the highest GDP in Africa, Nigeria is in no state to hold a mass global event themselves.

There is a reason that no African country to this day has been the host of an Olympic game: the quality of life of each citizen is more an important than having the recognition of being a host of a game. The most popular sport in Nigeria is soccer, as is many of the other countries in Africa, so they do recognize the honor it would be to host a world cup. There has been one World Cup that was hosted in an African country: South Africa, where the country spent upwards of three billion dollars and have not received the income they expected. The stadiums that they built and spent 1.1 billion dollars on have been underused and some are even losing money. Nigeria is not in a safe enough economic place currently to possibly lose money off of hosting a national global event.

To receive any sort of recognition from the IOC (International Olympic Committee) the country that is applying to host the olympics must first cover the cost of planning, traveling and organizing which usually ends up costing millions of dollars. “Tokyo spent as much as $150 million dollars on its failed bid in 2016”. To be able to host an olympics, the host country must have strong infrastructure to be able to hold the millions of people who will be attending the games. Generally the cities that host the games, hold many of the necessary living structures and facilities for the games, but a country like Nigeria, has little infrastructure and would be forced to spend that much more money on housing.

Sports, overall, are a great thing to be promoting with the introduction of exercise and socializing among the community. Nigeria sees this, and wants to promote such things in there country, but in regards to the future, not at their current state. As Nigeria begins to progress as a country, the outlook for holding a future global event their increases. The main goal from a Nigerian stand-point is to create a strong economic state for its people, before hosting an event.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Palestine
Delegate Name: Olivia Engvall
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

One of the most beneficial ways to promote social development is sport. On a global scale, sport can be used for increasing public awareness and gender equality, and for promoting healthy living and peace. The United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) uses actors and actresses to spread messages regarding issues such as the environment, health, and children’s rights. The UNOSDP is also focusing on using sport as a way to tackle the Sustainable Development Goals which were adopted in 2015. Sport can help to achieve gender equality, promote economic development and employment, and make settlements more inclusive.

In August of 2016, Palestine received 2 million US dollars towards youth economic initiatives from the Islamic Development Bank. One-third of this money will be used for youth involvement in sports. Projects funded by this money hope to empower the youth of Palestine, lower the unemployment rate among Palestinian youth which is currently at 41%, and improve the lives of the younger generation of Palestinians which is approximately a third of the population. The UNDP partnered with the government of Japan earlier this year to initiate the Tokyo Football League in Gaza. The Tokyo Football League is lead by the Palestine Football Association and includes 56 different teams of children under 19 from towns and refugee camps in the Gaza Strip. The league aspires to help the people in Gaza who have been affected by the continuous conflict between Palestine and Israel. Organized sport has helped level the gap between genders in Palestine. Hanan Abu Qassem is the first EMT to attend to male football players in Gaza. There have been female medical workers in almost all medical fields except for at football games. Empowering women is one of the Sustainable Development Goals and by allowing Abu Qassem to attend to male football players in a public setting, she is setting precedent for future women in the medical profession.

Having benefited from sport, Palestine supports its use as an engine for development. It will help underprivileged countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and better their communities. Palestine encourages other countries to improve their relationships with neighboring countries, promote gender equality and create a more supportive environment for their people. With events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, global sport is paving a path towards equality and peaceful relations between countries.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Panama
Delegate Name: Vaishnavi Krishnan
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Improving infrastructure, stimulating economic activity, and cultivating peaceful relations internationally are issues that many nations face today. Sports are a unique development tool that unites masses of people across the globe by crossing barriers of language, culture, and politics while initiating development. At the Rio Olympics in Brazil this year, over eleven thousand athletes from 207 different countries participated in 306 events, and over 3.5 billion people watched the Olympics. However, the economic benefits of such large scale events are often debated. Theoretically, the economies of developing nations that host these events would expand drastically as a result of the increase in government spending, while intense improvements would be made to its infrastructure and the country would gain more prominence internationally. This develops tourism industries in lodging, hospitality, restaurant, and entertainment. However, it requires large sums of money that they may not be able to spend. For example, the Rio Olympics ran 51% over budget, during which Brazil was entering its second year of recession. Many Brazilians were unhappy over this apparent disaccord over the needs of the country. In developed nations, cost is not a major issue and they are usually well-equipped to host, which is why many of the Olympics have been hosted in such countries. Overall, sports have an advantage over other development strategies because of its near unanimous support worldwide. Better technologies in media, internet, and television have made sports more accessible to individuals worldwide. One of the most important benefits of sports is cultural exchange. Along with this, sports promote a healthy lifestyle through good health and wellbeing and address gender inequality by empowering women across the globe, both of which are targets of the UNDP’s “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs), enacted in 2016 to improve life for future generations through sustainable development.

The Republic of Panama has been participating in the Olympics since 1928 and has won three medals: one gold and two bronze. Many of the sports played in Panama are heavily influenced by American sports, such as baseball, basketball, boxing, volleyball, soccer, football, taekwondo, golf, and tennis. Panama’s beaches have hosted the ISA World Surfing Games. Next year, in 2017, Panama will host the third Latin American Amateur Golf Championships at the Panama Golf Club, which can be used by the public. Ecotourism is popular in Panama and plays an important role in the economy. This includes fishing, diving and swimming in the reefs, and hiking and nature tours in Panama’s lush ecosystem. Because of Panama’s climate, walking and running is very common and enjoyed by tourists and Panamanians alike, especially along its beautiful beaches.

The Republic of Panama encourages the participation in international sport because it supports the achievement of the SDGs set by the UNDP. Global sport promotes economic growth, improves infrastructure, and fosters peaceful relations between nations. Along with this, we support participation in recreational sports and recognizes that this activity promotes a healthy lifestyle, an objective of the SDGs. Panama also hopes to be more involved in global sport and wants to expand sports in the nation. The Republic of Panama urges the United Nations to further promote the use of sport in development because of its many economic and social benefits worldwide.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Mohamed Omran
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Most countries have a close tie to sports, they see sports as an escape, an opportunity, especially those in impoverished countries. When a country decides to host a national sporting event such as the World Cup or the Olympics, money naturally comes into the state. This money is provided by tourists or more abundantly, sponsorship. Then this money is usually reinvested to improve the country's infrastructure or their educational system. However sometimes improving the latter two subjects will lead to mass overspending, Brazil overspent by approximately 51% of their budget preparing to host the two largest sporting events that occur every four years in a span of two years. This led to mass rioting and looting in Brazil as many were upset not to see the money go to improving the privatized.

Peru's economy isn't the greatest in the world but it’s better than most. A current American dollar is worth $3.5 in Peruvian sols. The county’s unemployment rate is at a respectable 4.2%. There are signs that the economy is currently improving. The biggest one being that 30% of Peru’s population lives under the poverty line, this still is a very large number but is significantly better than the 60% that the country had less than a decade ago. There are also new trade deals helping Peru augment their economy, their are now a member of the Pacific Alliance and signed a Peru – US free trade agreement in 2007. Peru is considered to have the 3rd best economy in Southern America.

Peru is a rapidly growing country, the economy is getting better and better and their amount living in poverty has decreased significantly. Peru is also a very patriotic country, when their men’s national soccer team gets together for a match the entire country comes to a halt and tunes into their television to support their heroes. This brings in revenue for the country as many attend the league games providing jobs for those who need them and money for the government.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Carter Mullins
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The connection between global sports and spurring development in countries has existed for decades. Prominent worldwide sporting events like the Olympics have been held in countries such as the United States, Brazil, South Africa, and Russia not only as a means of entertainment, but as a stimulus for economic growth and spreading nationalism. These events are also used to spread the passion for the sport and to assess different fiscal or social problems surrounding the sport or event, such as overblown budgets and racism. For centuries, countries have strived to simultaneously put on a show for the world, flaunt their power, and bring in large revenue through global games. Often, these events spark a worldwide debate on a social issue, such as Jesse Owens’ brave run under Hitler’s nose in the 1936 Olympics, deep in the heart of Nazi Germany, or Vladimir Putin’s cruelty towards homosexual fans and athletes in Russia’s own 2014 Winter Olympics. The United Nations has worked to have countries achieve its Millennium Development Goals, or MDGs, which analyzes the role that sports play in UN programs and develops solutions based on the lessons. The UN has worked with high-profile celebrities, such as actors and musicians, to represent their countries in an effort to have the world achieve these MDGs and promote sustained development and peaceful relations through sporting events. Since the world has been introduced to the ever-changing digital landscapes of the 21st century, it becomes increasingly clear to economic analysts that using sporting events as a tool to connect youth and adults alike is not only beneficial to all parties involved, but absolutely necessary.

The Philippine islands are a natural location for various sporting events, with unique terrain and lush scenery that would attract many fans and tourists alike. Yet, it has only been recently that our country has begun to thoroughly analyze the effects of global sport on the economy and populace and what steps we need to take to establish ourselves as a powerhouse in the market. Organizations such as the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation have worked towards countrywide awareness of the importance of sports tourism. These organizations have also worked to establishing further connections with other countries to have our country spoken in the same breath as the United States or Brazilian teams. However, the lack of major financing for these projects has stalled what could be a lucrative opportunity to make the Philippines a powerhouse in global sports. While we have held international sporting events in the past, the connections between it and tourism has yet to be firmly established. A lack of understanding of the social and economic consequences, whether it be analyzing the relationships between athletes of different color or nationality or the revenue an international event would bring, has hurt our country’s chances of becoming a global powerhouse.

The question of how to solve this dilemma remains. While the Philippine Department of Tourism has worked tirelessly to bring economic prosperity through tourism, it does not yet have the power to bring about this change through sporting events. Few linkages have been made between the two, and thus our country has not heavily benefitted from both local and international sporting events like it should be. Our country must better analyze the economic and social connections between sports and tourism and work with benefactors to establish a better global market in sports. The Philippines can use these international sporting events as a means of promoting positive change in the world, proudly adding our name to the list of countries that work towards social equality and freedom. In order to make our country a global powerhouse in sporting events, we must work with our allies, specifically our new ally China. By creating a strong international sporting market, our country will be both more economically and socially prosperous, as well as promoting strong nationalism amongst our citizens.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Portugal
Delegate Name: Ryan Schotzko
School: Williamston High School

Sports are undoubtedly a worldwide phenomenon. They have evolved from simple games involving a ball to complex sports with many rules such as American football, to sports that do not involve physical activity such as chess. But sports are capable of more than maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They can bring families, communities, and even nations together. They also bring a blend of cultures, people, ideas, traditions, superstitions, and rivalries.

The nation of Portugal is no stranger to international sport. Portugal has football, ice hockey, basketball, and rugby teams for both genders, in addition to under-21 and under-18 clubs for youth. Portugal is also aware that sports are capable of building bridges in international communities, with famous examples being FIFA and the Olympics. Companies such as air travel, construction, manufacturing, and advertising also benefit from the construction of stadiums, the transport of international fans, commercials featuring sports stars advertising products,and the manufacture of sports equipment

Sadly, some nations are denied the progress and hope that international sport can bring. Nations such as Syria and Ethiopia are torn with war and violence, and communities are denied the togetherness that international sport can bring. However, there is a solution. The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro saw the introduction of a “refugee team”, with athletes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and other nations that would normally be incapable of having national teams. Portugal would like to implement a temporary team in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, made of refugees. Once that nations that are at war have ceased, and once the countries affected have formed Olympic teams, the temporary team will be disbanded.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Russia
Delegate Name: Jakob Grubb
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Worldwide sporting events have the potential to spur economic growth and cultural acceptance. International sporting events provide governments a reason to improve infrastructure, build public recreation centers, and unite communities for a common goal. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for funding of international sporting events to rise well above budget. Brazil’s 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games ran approximately 61% over budget. Some countries even loosen labor regulations for the sake of meeting deadlines and budgets. A 2014 report by the International Trade Union Confederation projects the death toll of workers to rise above 4,000 before the completion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar due exploitive corporate behavior driven by greed, a legal system pitted against migrant workers, and use of detention centers. Disconnect caused by greed and desire for public perception of one’s nation places the well-being of nations, communities, and societies at risk of abuse and stunned development. With the advent of television, the Internet, and other media outlets, information about sporting events across the globe have been made accessible to many people across the globe. National Football League matches have even been played in sold out soccer stadiums in the United Kingdom due to the rising interest in American football as a result of the Internet and readily accessible viewing of sporting events. Such transactions of sport and therefore of culture provide input/output for nations to respect one another and further grow an understanding of another’s culture.

Sport has been at the crux of unity and economic development within Russia since the establishment of Pskov Sports Association, the first Russian sports association, in 1906 as a way to unite Russian provinces and communities during revolutionary unrests from 1905 to 1907. Since then, Russia has hosted over 100 international sporting competitions (most recent being the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2018), finished in first or second at every Summer Olympic Games since the 1952 Helsinki Summer Olympic Games (with the exception of the most recent games in Brazil where the Russian Federation finished third), and holds numerous world championship titles in sports ranging from ice hockey to tennis to chess.

The Russian Federation’s intense and continued interconnectedness with international sport have allowed for the promotion of economic development and the breaking down of walls. While planning for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the University of Turku was requested to employ a five-account approach to factor in different impacts on the following five accounts: governmental financial account that evaluates net return and cost to taxpayers; resident/consumer account summarising net benefits for residents; environmental account comprising impact to the environment; economic development account specifying costs and benefits contributing to income and employment; social account that characterises community and social impacts. Impacts, costs, and benefits across the five accounts include new infrastructure improvements and additions in the form of housing and multimodal (highway-railway) roads, disruption and congestion due to construction, construction in and around Sochi National Park, job creation, and temporary dislocation current tenants and homeowners. Despite cost overruns due to sanctions and inflation from the 2008 global financial collapse, the Sochi 2014 Games successfully put Sochi on the map as a destination resort city with over a 30% boost to tourism in the region between 2013 and 2014 and 0.4% boost to GDP over the same time period and exemplified the Russian Federation’s desire to play a role in uniting communities and cultures, just as it set out to do with the creation of the nation’s first sport organization in 1906 over a century prior.

The Russian Federation urges delegates to encourage participation in global sporting events as a way to boost local, regional, and national economies by means of new and improved infrastructure, job growth, tourism, new community sport venues, and revenue from broadcasting rights. In addition to the economic benefits, participation in global sports leads to the diffusion and exchange of ideas and beliefs which would further promote global socio-cultural interconnectedness. Bids for nations to host an international sporting event should be required to prepare a five-account cost-benefit analysis to be reviewed by a governing body, and prior to bid submission, nations must be able to quantifiably prove their nation able to support a global sporting event economically, ecologically, and culturally without cost overruns, without excessive and irreversible damage to local ecosystems, and without violating international labor laws.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Rwanda
Delegate Name: Claire Benedict
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Investing in international sports and using sport as a development strategy will initiate and produce a center of global problem solving by bringing together many countries in a common objective. Global sport positively brings nations together, encourages cultural exchange, promotes the improvement and investment in infrastructure, and stimulates economic activity. The Olympics and the World Cup are both examples of this international sport. There are positive effects of hosting these events including massive infrastructure investments and financial inflows but it also creates financial stress when the projects go over-budget or are in strict time-constraints. Since 1960, the average budget overrun in the Olympics is 156% in real terms. Concerns arise when a country is not structurally secure and these large infrastructural investments become burdens that offset the short term benefits. These high profile events can also act as a platform for political unrest and controversies. The Olympics have been meet with several boycotts and recently, in 2015, the World Cup organization, FIFA, was rocked with a high profile corruption case. There is also the prevalence of doping in all global sport competitions.

Though these challenges are prevalent, the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) is using these large events as a tool to for fundraising, advocacy, mobilization and raising public awareness and the promotion of peace. This goal also connects with the larger “Sustainable Development Goals” presented by the United Nations including fostering international partnerships, building infrastructure, and promoting economic growth. Rwanda believes high calibre international sport could benefit our country but presently we require solid organizational structures supported by financial and human resources.

There are approximately 28 national sports federations in Rwanda with the main sports being football (soccer), volleyball, basketball, cycling, and paralympic athletics. Rwanda has also competed in the Summer Olympics since 1984 and the Commonwealth Games since 2010. Most or all are seriously federations are hampered in their ability to excel internationally due to funding constraints, lack of capacity (there are three stadiums with the largest having a capacity of 30,000), and severe lack of facilities to support any significant mark as a sporting nation internationally. That being said, Rwanda is on the cusp of being recognized in the international sporting community but has not produced considerable competition or results. Rwanda is interested in exploring the potential of sport to reach personal, community, and national development objectives. In Rwanda, 60.4% of the population is under the age of 24. Our country has a large, untapped talent pool that has significant potential to develop national assets in terms of sport for men and women. In the Rwandan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports: National Youth Policy 2005, a survey indicated that around 50% of boys and 80% of girls have never participated sport. In the 2012 Rwandan Sports Development Policy, a target presented is that by 2020, there will be a higher percentage of population playing sport than in any other African nation. If we can encourage a grassroots movement to increase youth participation in sport it will increase the whole sporting sector. A larger amount of youth participating in sports will lead to larger generations of potential athletes. Because of this, Rwanda can eventually produce high-level sporting federations. Teams, stadiums, and events are commonly promoted as economic catalysts.

Along with the low amount of participation, other challenges we must address are the: limited management and technical capacity of sports bodies, limited number of sports infrastructures, and the limited financial capacity to carry out sports activities. We must proactively represent Rwanda as a national and international body seeking cooperation, assistance, and support and promote sport as an option to the youth of Rwanda. Rwanda believes that when in the right hands and used responsibly (with no violations of human rights), global sport can generate economically sustainable development.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Saudi Arabia
Delegate Name: Gwen Hutchinson
School: Royal Oak High School

Undoubtedly, sports unify, especially in realms such as the Olympics and the World Cup. Yet it seems as though global sport has served as more of a barrier than a help to global change. The main concern being the ability to truly ensure unity in these events. Saudi Arabia believes that we can achieve this, but over a very long span of time.

How exactly can we ensure that global sport can be an effective engine for development? Skepticism is easy to find, with resources having been poorly allocated and basic improvements upon infrastructure ignored. And yet even further, it's easy to have skepticism in equality for all nations in all sports we partake in. For nations such as Saudi Arabia, our concern is the ability to practice modesty in all sports, and to be able to ensure that all can practice their respective religions. If we can prevent the downsides or shortcomings of massive global sporting events, then they could be an effective engine for change.

With all of that in mind, it's important that we establish these venues for change that we settle on a resolution with people of all cultures and creeds in mind. For Saudi Arabia the make or break would be the ability to have the inclusion of modest dress in any and all sports. Even further, it's important to ensure that the needs of a nation’s people are not ignored in lieu of a massive sporting event.

Saudi Arabia believes global sport could be a wonderful engine for change, but we need to approach with caution. The resolution(s) we will develop will impact the future of international sport as well as the lives of the many residing within our nations.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Senegal
Delegate Name: Matthew Neils
School: Grand Rapids City High School

Sports have the ability to connect people from varying cultures like nothing else. In fact, FIFA, the International Football Federation, has more member states than the United Nations. It would seem a shame to waste such powerful unifying potential. Football and other sports are already being used in grassroots programs around the world in order to promote cooperation and communication amongst members of communities who would have otherwise been at odds. In addition, global sport can be used for more than interconnectedness in the global community. According to a release by FIFA in 2010, the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa is estimated to have made over $3.5 billion from World Cup contracts alone, not to mention the economic stimulation provided by increased tourism. While there are still definite risks associated with the strain on the infrastructure of host nations, as shown in Brazil’s struggle to cope with the 2016 Olympics, with adequate supervision and assistance, global sport competitions can accelerate the economies of host nations. While many of the short term economic effects in non-host nations may not be as drastic as the aforementioned figures, growth of the private sports industry does much to advance nations' economies. Greater Manchester is estimated to make £330 million every year solely off of football, almost twice the GDP of the Central African Republic (Chadwick 2014). While growing sports leagues cannot be expected to earn this much instantly, they can be expected to expand the nations’ economies significantly, through ticket and merchandise and increase tourism.

Just within Senegal, sports such as football have united members of opposing religious and political groups. Senegal has hosted the All Africa Games, Africa Cup Football Championship, and the African Nations Cup (Houlihan 2010). These events not only brought income in terms of ticket sales, but helped to grow Senegal’s infrastructure and tourism business. Senegal has thriving sports teams, largely due to the influence of French sports and culture. Senegal’s football team is ranked 32nd in the world (FIFA 2016) and their national football league not only adds to the country’s economy, but has been vital in terms of uniting rival groups within the nation, especially disagreeing sects of Islam.

Senegal has benefitted greatly from the growth of global sports within the nation, both through internal gains, and by connecting to the international community, and therefore believes that developing nations around the world could benefit from expansion of global sport to their communities. These nations could benefit from not only the definite economic gains, but also increased national and international unity that many developing nations worldwide desperately need. Through outreach from nations established in global sports, steps should be taken to promote the growth of global sport within these communities. While much of the work to achieve this growth falls on global sport organizations, such as FIFA, it is imperative that independant nations, especially those which have benefitted from sports leagues, share methods for success and perhaps even professionals and advisors in order to grow the global sport community. Doing so would not only assist in the economic and social stability in developing nations, but also enrich the global sport community as a whole. In addition, it is important that the nations and organizations helping to promote growth in sport communities continue to provide the necessary aid and oversight to the nations concerned, especially in the case of an event that could possibly cause strain on the nation’s infrastructure, in order to avoid the economic strain and human rights violations in previous events without the required assistance, such as the Brazil Olympics.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Serbia
Delegate Name: Heather steeby
School: Grand Rapids City High School

The Republic of Serbia is proud of the developments that have been made under the helm of the Republic of Serbia's national sport of Football. Team sports such as football are organized into federations. The Football Association with approximately 146,845 registered players has helped Serbia make a name for itself as a leading world exporter of footballers. Serbia has annually hosted, The tour de Serbia, and the Belgrade marathon. In the past The Republic of Serbia has hosted international events such as, Men's European Volleyball Championship, Table Tennis World Championship, European Judo Championship, FIBV Volleyball World League, Davis Cup and European Men/Women's Handball Championship. Serbia won the 2010 Davis world Cup, The UEFA Champions League, The Intercontinental Cup, The ABA League and others. The Republic of Serbia has also seen success at The Modern Olympic Games, achieving 2 gold medals, 2 silvers and 8 bronze in recent years. The Republic of Serbia I proud to support the use of global sport as a method of developing infrastructure, nations.

The Republic of Serbia alone has 24 complete football stadiums within its borders and 60 total indoor areas for various uses. Local sports will attract large crowds that will invest in their own local economy, For example several races that are organized by the local community in the Republic of Peru have reported that the races have helped the development of small local industries such as cobblers to create shoes for the runners or promote the athletics as a viable and healthy alternative to the youth of these communities. Sports tourist while also participate in other activities beyond the sporting event, for Peru that could be rock climbing, river rafting, and nature tours of the Peruvian landscape.Local development has proven to be the most successful at creating sustainable economic opportunities for the local community. Local communities could therefore gain recognition regionally and internationally for their efforts and the events.

Athletes that have competed in international events will also reinvest their funds gained from large, usually international competitions, e.g. The Olympic Games. This recent phenomenon is especially present in African Nations. The Republic of Kenya has research that indicates that Famous Kenyan runners who have compete and succeeded in the "European Running Circuit" . The study shows that runners and other athletes from the town of Eldoret have reinvested their winnings into purchasing farms or starting new local businesses in their hometowns. Athletes were also documented to donate or help establish fitness centers, training facilities and invest in young atheletes in the community.

The Republic of Serbia believes that using sports as an engine for global development has the potential to be a successful campaign in an attempt to bolster the economy and foster the next generation in developing communities around the world. The Republic of Serbia believes that the use of sports can help to encourage the development of the youth. The Ministry of Youth and Sports supports the use of sports within The Republic of Serbia in order to promote the healthy development of the next generation in a constructive purpose. The Republic of Serbia supports the United Nations Development Program and its attempt to use global sport for global development.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Singapore
Delegate Name: Kathryn Slusser
School: Royal Oak High School

Major sports events such as the Olympics and the World Cup are amazing opportunities for countries to set aside their differences and come together as one whole. And although the expenses for these events are strenuous, we as a country believe that it is almost a necessity to use these events for opportunity. Singapore hopes that countries such as Brazil are able to power through their economic struggles and remain firm believers in these amazing international events.

Multiple questions that need to be addressed about this issue include how can advertisers adjust price to potentially minimize the financial debt left behind from these events? What negotiations need to happen to help other countries reach a mutual understanding for these events and to potentially make them candidates for hosts in the future?

Singapore brings up good resolutions to these questions including finding brands to advertise that are willing to negotiate the cost for advertising, and also to discuss with other countries on the reasons why hosting these events can be overall culturally and hopefully financially beneficial.

Singapore has found that from Transparency International, the global coalition against corruption, “Risks include the use of bribery and corruption in securing sponsorship…” Singapore wants to work to eliminate this from occurring so that countries may be able to safely and fairly use sponsorships and pay of the financial debt of hosting events such as the Olympics and the World Cup. Singapore has also found from America’s Society and Council of the America’s that “Mega events can accelerate the process of planning for and and executing much-needed public investment. Reasons such as this given are ones we wish to share with other countries to eventually reach a mutual agreement on how to go about solving this issue.

In conclusion, events such as the Olympics and the World Cup bring the world closer together, and it is unfortunate that monetary expenses make countries and their people resent hosting these events. Singapore wishes to seek out ways to fairly find sponsorships to pay off debt and reason with other countries on why it is beneficial to have these events and why it is beneficial for all countries to be able to host them. Overall, Singapore looks forward to this upcoming conference and is eager to discuss the issues presented with all delegates.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Somalia
Delegate Name: Amanda Morello
School: Royal Oak High School

As Somalia is an impoverished nation, we do realize that sports and their global expansion is an area where we can develop; not only nationally but internationally. We do not have the standing money to invest in entertainment but rather something that will allow our people to survive. Sports such as fútbol (soccer), basketball, track and field, bandy, martial arts and more are in our country and are enjoyed by a majority of the people.

Somalia acknowledges the benefits that sports have on their country and many others. We are a country without a very strong economy so we have let our people decide how sports impact them and how they would like to run the programs. Being in an area where soccer is very popular, we do see how it has its benefits for both the countries and the people.

USAID has provided us with support. They have helped us begin to strengthen our contribution to the promotion of the arts and culture which give Somalis a feeling of pride and community. Additionally, women's basketball has made a comeback with the help of USAID. It provided our women with a healthy alternative to violence. Our top sport is fútbol. As we have held some large fútbol events in the past, we know it has a very deep meaning to our people. We do have a national men's teams. As playing sports in an opportunity not offered often, there has begun to be youth centers where children can explore and begin to discover the feeling of a team, camaraderie and togetherness.

As sports are a positive outlet for not only children but adults as well, we know that by beginning to promote sports locally, we may be able to use it for a larger developing plan in the future. When handled correctly, it can be efficient and productive in getting our country to come together and for our citizens to enjoy themselves. Somalia recognizes that by promoting sports, we can have a stronger and more sound strategy for development. Somalia needs to focus its attention in helping our county and its people to have a safe living environment and a place to happily live. We would appreciate help and would gladly provide help in the future to other nations who are trying to do just as we did.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Timothy Gombis
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

Spain has a considerable amount of influence within the international sports community, especially within football (soccer) and basketball, as well as the Winter and Summer Olympics. Such sporting events have contributed to massive business growth from the franchises that are represented in Spain and have grown the national economy. Sports have also played a role in unifying cultures, especially with large amounts of refugees entering Europe. This inflow of refugees can also be welcomed by taking part in sports and erasing cultural borders between natives and foreigners.

Economically, using sports as a tool for development is good in the short-term by generating jobs: construction workers and security are employed to ensure the event can go undisturbed. In addition, sales from paraphernalia and products of sports franchises can generate tax revenue and can fund more projects that sports organizations introduce. This has certainly been true for Spain, as in 2013 revenue gained from sports goods leveled out around $279 million USD.

International competition can only be seen as a fuel for cultural relations. For years, the Olympics has been successful in bringing countries from the far side of the planet into the limelight and farther into the political mainstream. Spain has been contributing to the phenomenon for decades, investing millions into teams and organizations that bring communities together. The refugee crisis across Europe has also affected the workforce in receiving countries. According to the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees, in mid-2015, approximately 5,798 refugees were relocated in Spain, and those numbers are expected to increase yearly.

However, a humanitarian approach should be considered when debating these topics. Nations such as Qatar have abused human rights in an effort to curb costs, mainly by keeping wages to below a living one and by keeping workers ill-equipped. Spain heavily supports the encouragement of human rights in the endeavor of creating jobs and generating revenue within developing countries

"Spain." CIA World Factbook. CIA, 3 Nov. 2016. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

"Revenue of Sports Goods Manufacture from 2008 to 2020." Statista. Statista, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

"List of Countries by Refugee Population." Wikipedia. UNHCR, 5 Nov. 2016. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Grace Kraimer
School: Forest Hills Central High School

In an era when traditional methods of development are being increasingly criticized, Sweden believes sport can be a way to reach communities with messages in a way that politicians sometimes cannot directly. The list of current developments through sport initiatives is impressive, spanning many aspects of international development, from national development strategies to HIV and AIDS awareness.

Sweden is a nation highlighted for social equality. However, even in Sweden internal problems can arise from things like socioeconomic standing and from interpersonal misunderstandings with Sweden’s liberal immigration policy. As sociologist Martin Diewald says, “For a group [polarized immigrants] that sees itself as being discriminated against, aggressions bubble to the surface when… respect and recognition have been refused to them.”

Sweden believes this respect and recognition can be sparked with social interactions that are propagated with sports. With over half of the population active in some sport, it provides a widespread reach to encourage unification. The importance of these bonds is shown through nationwide companies that subsidize sporting activities. As Swedish Sport Minister Gabriel Wikstrom has said, “Sweden's Government believes that it is particularly important to provide good opportunities for new arrivals to participate in Swedish society. The sports movement offers meeting places for everyone and thereby an arena for integration.” He has also spoken about how, “it is therefore important to provide additional funds to sport and so facilitate rapid development of measures and activities that are available to asylum seekers.”

Sweden supports the UN’s preexisting efforts, especially with how UNICEF and WHO recognize that sport can improve the physical and mental health of children; and, they have developed partnerships with NGOs, private interest groups, and community-based organizations to encourage sports participation. Sweden also recognizes other global actions, like how the US Department of State has launched a ‘sports diplomacy initiative’ to facilitate the interaction of different sections of Lebanese society through the training and playing of basketball in the hope of reducing hostile perceptions and stereotypes to alleviate some of the social conflict. Similarly, Sweden acknowledges how the UK government, through UK Sport, promotes a wide array of initiatives ranging from strengthening and enabling youth education to developing sporting infrastructures.

Sweden fully supports the propagation of these community-centered sports initiatives, and will support larger projects, but only with caution. Big name committees like the International Olympic Committee should be carefully watched and pressured to force out corruption. Where the IOC's Olympic Agenda 2020 reform initiative has helped to look at bidding to make it cheaper and easier, the games still may top 40 billion dollars to host. Reckless spending, such as some Olympic games being projected at 51% over budget, cannot be condoned. As Gordon Hylton, a professor at the University of Virginia has said, this large price tag has made "Smaller, relatively wealthy countries realize they're not going to gain as much from the publicity. The deck is now somewhat stacked in favor of countries who feel they have something to prove to the world."

Sweden believes this large-scale concept of publicity could be revolutionary to help push forward big scale social development; however, also highly approves of smaller projects to plant concepts of hard work, learning about metaphorical and literal long-term investments, and, most importantly, unification of people and ideas.

Ignatzi, Christian. "Swedish Riots Point to Deep Social Problems." Deutsche Welle. DW

Akademie, n.d. Web.

Ingle, Sean. "Tokyo Olympic Games Corruption Claims Bring Scandal Back." The Guardian.

N.p., 11 May 2016. Web.

Leahy, Joe. "Brazil’s Olympic Costs Running over Budget." Financial Times. N.p., 7 July 2016.

Web.

Pramuk, Jacob. "The Winter Olympics Problem—Nobody Wants Them." CNBC. CNBC,

2015. Web.

"Sports In Sweden." Sweden.org.za. N.p., n.d. Web.

Wikström, Gabriel. "Sport." Government Offices of Sweden. The Prime Minister's Office, the

Government Ministries, and the Office for Administrative Affairs, n.d. Web.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Natalie Howard
School: Kalamazoo Central High School

As a nation that is extremely proactive in national sports Switzerland recognizes the evident importance of global sport as a platform for not only development, but for uniting people as well. There are many various positive effects of global sports, however Switzerland would like to address how costly and harmful these sports can truly be. As seen in Brazil in 2016 the economy and people can be drastically affected by the outcome of hosting global sports.

Switzerland is well aware of the drawbacks that can surface because of sport organizations such as the Olympics and the Fifa world cup. Regardless, Switzerland would like to focus mainly on the positive outcomes of global sports. Switzerland has worked with the International Olympic Committee and has reaped many benefits from this relationship. As a result, new international sport developments have sprung in Switzerland. Although there are many risks on an economy involving global sports, executed correctly organizations like the Olympics can help a nation thrive.

Lausanne, a town in the southern part of Switzerland has been dubbed “the Olympic capital of the world”. This so called Olympic capital is not only home to the international Olympic Committee but will be the host of the 2020 youth Olympic games. Switzerland is very forward driven in the Olympic movement, and hopes to continue to thrive in an Olympic setting.

While Switzerland's economy and spirit has bloomed under global sports we also recognize the importance of safe hosting. Taking on the burden of hosting global sports can be extremely costly to a nation. Switzerland would like to achieve a plan that will effectively regulate which nations can effectively and safely use sports as a platform for global development, to avoid abuse and disaster as seen in many nations, like Brazil in the past. Switzerland would also like to see a plan that encourages using sports for development in nations that would truly develop and thrive.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Syria
Delegate Name: Lauren Rechner
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Countries around the world use sports to improve infrastructure, grow economic activity, and expand international relations. Expanding sports will bring in more money and this will help the economy. Internationally, sports are used to create unanimous support. Syria is currently more focused on untangling civil unrest than sports. Although staying alive is the main goal of most citizens, some have found a way to pursue their dreams in athletics.

Historically, the most popular sports in Syria are football, basketball, swimming, and tennis. Many popular football teams are based in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and Latakia. The Abbasiyyin Stadium in Damascus is home to the Syrian national football team. They have qualified for four Asian Cup competitions over the years. The war-torn Middle Eastern country first took part in the Summer Olympics in 1948. They sent one competitor named Zouheir Al-Shourbagi for a diving event. Syria has never won any medals in any Olympic events.

Recently, there has been a scarce amount of information on sports in Syria because of civil unrest. On October 27th 2016, Hazem Nao from our national U-18 tennis team jumped to rank 234th in the world. Kuala Lumpur, our national football team, won 2-0 against Singapore on November 9th 2016.

After we find peace, the nation hopes to restore it’s efforts for sports. The economy would benefit from an increase in sporting events, but this is only after the citizens have got on their feet again and can afford to pay to go to these sporting events. This will not be for a very long time.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Thailand
Delegate Name: Priya Patel
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

Sports events, such as the World Cup and Olympics, are hosted by countries around the world in hopes of allowing their country the opportunity to grow economically, foster international relations, and express nationalism. These events are often widely popular, promoting international unity. Barcelona, Beijing, and Sydney have all seen an increase in international recognition and tourism after hosting the Olympics. However, these sporting events also tend to foster racism, xenophobia, and violence. They are also potentially harmful to a nation's economy and people, as the spending of large amounts of money is directed to these events, rather than the needs of the people. For example, Greece spent $15 billion to host the 2004 Summer Olympics, which plunged them into a debt crisis they have not yet recovered from. Many of the facilities that this money went to now lay abandoned and rotting. Despite the concerns with hosting sports events, most countries are already on board with the idea of using sport as a tool of global development, and are handling the problem of using the events in an effective and productive manner.

Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, has unveiled a plan to make Thailand a major sporting hub in June 2016 to delegates attending the Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-Region 2016. Her Excellency introduced the concept of Thailand “entering the sports and tourism era,” and stated that she “would like to invite the world to enjoy some of the many opportunities the kingdom can offer sport-loving tourists.” The Kingdom of Thailand hopes to become a destination for sports tourism by promoting its world-class facilities, wide ranging expertise, and hosting reputation.

As tourism and sport become increasingly interlinked, Thailand has placed increasing importance on the promotion of sports-related events. In order to attract foreign tourists, Thailand has set up 5,000 boxing rings, over 50 diving clubs, and urban and rural cycling lanes around the country for visitors to enjoy. Thailand has hosted many international and national sporting events in their state of the art facilities, such as the 1997 and 2007 World Weightlifting Championships, the 2014 Asian Beach Games, the 2015 Asian Cycling Championships, the World Touring Car Championships 2015, the annual King’s Regatta, the Asian Games four times, and the South East Asian Games three times. Boasting over 300 world class golf courses, Thailand is a predominant destination for golf tourism. Eco-tourism and adventure tourism sports, such as kayaking, ziplining, snorkeling, trekking, horse riding, and river rafting are also popular. Thailand formed the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Kingdom of Thailand in 2002 to promote tourism and manage and organize all national and international sports events through strategic planning and developing policies for attracting private sector investment in the market. Thailand made a bid for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, but was unsuccessful. In 2014, Thailand showcased their sports stadiums and major tourism sites to over 1,000 members of the National Olympic Committee to show off their culture and traditions. In hopes of becoming a short-list destination for the 2024 or 2028 Summer Olympics, Thailand courted the International Olympic Committee in 2014. In March 2015, Thailand and Malaysia proposed the idea of a joint bid to host the 2024 Olympics and the World Cup. Despite these efforts, Thailand did not end up on the list of short-list destinations for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Thailand continues to host sports tourists from around the world to promote economic development in the kingdom.

Thailand believes that sport should be promoted by the international community as an effective enabler of sustainable development and peace. It is a very useful tool in achieving the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals put forward by the United Nations. The UNDP should focus on making sport more accessible around the world as it improves economic conditions, promotes well-being, reduces inequality, builds resilient infrastructure, achieves gender equality, and ensures quality education.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Uganda
Delegate Name: Elizabeth Maher
School: Williamston High School

The United Nations defines global development as “development that promotes prosperity and economic opportunity, greater social well-being, and protection of the environment”. Many world wide issues such as poverty, relate directly to this definition. International sport is an action that has been taken, to guide progress for everyone. The World Cup, the Olympics, and even large sporting events airing in several countries have presented themselves to provide unity. However, the cost to present the Olympics or World Cup can be damaging to the host country especially because going over budget is quite common, the Rio Summer Olympics for example. Economic dilemmas can easily arise from the situation, with countries being in debt for years, not being able to pay the billions they owe. Another issue revolving around these global sports competitions is the racism and violence shown by athletes, fans, the media, and officials. There have been several accounts of racism at the most recent Olympic games, and many more accounts of violence. Although these international competitions bring harmony, and promote development between nations, it also brings issues that need to be resolved.

Although Uganda has never hosted a large global sporting event, they have attended several. From 1956 and beyond, athletic teams have been sent from Uganda to the Olympics, except the 1976 competition. Because of their attendance, the experience of both unity and complications has been seen from their standpoint. An example of this is the previously mentioned boycotted 1976 Montreal Olympics. A total of twenty nine countries refused to attend, including Uganda, on account of the International Olympics Committee refusal to ban New Zealand from the games. The New Zealand rugby union had toured South Africa earlier showing support for apartheid, a very large issue at the time. This is only one example of political tension resulting from the games, involving Uganda. Because of the instability resulting from global sports as of now, a solution that will help both developed and developing countries is essential to promoting growth.

Because of the issues arising from international competition, resolutions must be made to slow, and eventually halt the majority of tension coming from the World Cup and the Olympics; as well as assisting in growth of developing nations. Developing policies and guidelines for stopping crime, racial tension, and economical damage should be put in place. This can hopefully slow down all the problems arising from these competitions, if collaborations can be made between different nations and the IOC. Stricter rules for athletes, participating countries, and host countries are essential for stopping negative consequences. Calling for programs to be put in place to promote growth in developing nations is another step to take in the direction of global sport solving more problems than creating them. By coming to these resolutions, these devastating results will not affect these nations as easily as they do now.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Jose eduardo Maguey nocedal
School: Instituto Educativo Olinca

Since 2012, the UK has hosted and organized over 70 mayor sporting events including the 2012 London games. Over that period of time, the sport’s industry contributes close to 40 billion pounds to the country’s economy every year. Sports are definitely a big part of the United Kingdom’s future not only in an economical fashion but in many other aspects as well.

In 2015 the Prime Minister Cameron and the minister of sports released a document which outlines the country’s ´plan towards sports as a whole. This plan looks to “redefine what success looks like in sport by concentrating on five key outcomes: physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, individual development, social and community development and economic development”. While also outlining the importance of non- Olympic sports and events.

Three main type of actions were mentioned in order to obtain the desired results, Actions that meet the needs of the elite and professional system and deliver successful major sporting events, Actions that meet the needs of the customer and enable them to engage in sport and physical activity, Actions that strengthen the sport sector and make it more effective and resilient.

As many of you may see, sports are no longer just an entertainment business, we live in the 21st century and it has become a very important tool for development, sports are able to contribute millions of dollars to an economy each year, not to mention the physical well being that we obtain from it. The united kingdom if fully on board of using Global Sport as an Engine for Development. That being said, the UK is aware that many countries will struggle to keep up with the demands that their population may bring as to the demand of sports, their economy may not be well structures or simply lack the experience of carrying out such big endeavors. Many of the last Olympic Games and soccer world cups have been devastating for their respective countries’ economies, with the initial budget escalating to immeasurable heights leaving no income at all for the country. That is why the UK is offering any other countries the means and advice to make full use of sports as an engine for development.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Irene Yi
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Global sport has risen in prominence in recent years. Major sporting events, such as the Olympics and the World Cup, play a key role in bringing people together. However, the United States recognizes that with the assembly of different groups of people, racism and xenophobia are inevitable. The United States of America has worked with the United Nations Development Programme for decades in efforts to promote development for both itself and other countries; now, the US will work to eliminate the prejudices that exist between peoples as they gather for a common purpose: global sport.

In 2015, the leader of the US, President Barack Obama, saw the vitality of peaceful international integration in his speech to the UN. He said, “But I stand before you today believing in my core that we, the nations of the world, cannot return to the old ways of conflict and coercion. We cannot look backwards. We live in an integrated world — one in which we all have a stake in each other’s success” (Obama 2015).

The United States has a history of using global sport to promote human rights in other nations, especially those with underserved populations. In 2011, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ SportsUnited Office led the U.S. Department of State’s international exchange efforts to bring the global community together through sports by focusing on empowering young people without the means to empower themselves. They did this by following former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s “smart power diplomacy” and using sports as a diplomatic tool. SportsUnited applied lessons learned on and off the playing field and advanced the US’s foreign policy goals through international exchanges that fostered mutual understanding.

SportsUnited has three key programs: Sports Envoy, Sports Visitors, and Sports Grants. Sports Envoys are the current and retired professional athletes and coaches who have been sent by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to conduct drills and team building activities overseas. Since 2005, this program has sent over 130 U.S. athletes to 40+ countries as a part of this program. Sports Visitors refer to the youth and coaches who travel to the United States for a sports exchange; the purpose of this program is to allow young people to discover how athletic success translates into life skills. As of its beginning in 2003, SportsUnited has brought over 700 young athletes from more than 50 countries to the United States to participate in the Sports Visitors program.

Sports Grants is the program that awards public and private U.S.-based non-profit institutions on an annual basis. According to the Office of the Spokesperson in Washington, D.C., “These programming initiatives create ties between young people, youth coaches, and youth sports managers from overseas and their American counterparts. Participants on the two-way exchanges share ideas about four key themes—sports management, training sports coaches, sport and disability, and sport and health” (SportsUnited 2011). The statistics show how successful this program has been. As of 2002, more than 80 grants have been awarded to programs conducted around the world. Furthermore, the SportsUnited organization has partnered with professional sports leagues, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and the National Sports Federations.

In 2012, the U.S. Department of State announced a global effort to engage women and girls through sports by creating the Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports Initiative. Similar to the SportsUnited program, this initiative used Sports Mentorship, Sports Envoys, and Sports Visitors. The same year, the Department of State sent 12 American envoys to Algeria, Argentina, Malaysia, Morocco, and Venezuela to engage with young athletes as part of the Sports Envoys program. This initiative was largely as a response to United Nations’ report in 2007, “Women 2000—Women, Gender Equality and Sport.” This stated that empowering women and girls through sport is both a social and economic empowerment tool. An excerpt of this is as follows:

“…· Women and girls acquire new professional networks, develop a sense of identity and access new opportunities to become more engaged in school and community life;

· Sports serve as a vehicle to improve women’s and girls’ leadership roles and participation in decision-making;

· Sports convene people across borders, cultures and belief systems, and can promote greater tolerance and understanding among individuals and communities;

· Girls’ participation in sports can challenge gender stereotypes and break down discriminatory attitudes;

· Sports teams and organizations provide an excellent opportunity to provide information and promote dialogue on the importance of girls’ education; and

· Studies show a direct correlation between girls’ participation in sports and higher education and employment; and that a single year of primary education correlates with a 10 – 20 percent increase in women’s wages later in life; a single year of secondary education results in a 15 – 25 percent increase.” (UN 2007).

Actions by the US government have been taken in recent years as well. In October of 2016, the United States organized the global Sporting Chance Forum on Mega-Sporting Events and Human Rights; this was co-hosted by the U.S. Department of State, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Institute for Human Rights and Business. The chair of the Forum was Ms. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The US recognizes that human rights and labor violations go on during the construction of major global sporting events. The US works to eliminate these abuses of human rights and labor. According to the Office of the Spokesperson in Washington, D.C., the purpose of this Forum is as follows:

“Sport has a unique capacity to inspire humanity, and mega-sporting events have great potential to positively impact the lives of people in the countries that host them. But such large-scale events also involve significant risks to human rights and labor rights. After years of rising public concern in the arena of major global sports tournaments, new collaborative efforts are needed.

With this in mind, the Forum will convene more than 120 senior officials, executives, and experts to highlight and devise effective strategies to address the human rights challenges associated with mega-sporting events at every stage of the event lifecycle, from planning through legacy. Throughout the two-day event, participants will take stock of efforts to promote learning and capacity building of the actors involved, and explore ways to develop more comprehensive, consistent, and inclusive approaches to managing them.

The Opening Session of the Forum will be open press, and will introduce the Sporting Chance Forum Principles on Respect for Human Rights in Mega-Sporting Events. These Principles—put forward by the Forum co-organizers—aim to underpin the common goal of ensuring that mega-sporting events showcasing the best in humanity are built on respect for human rights throughout their lifecycle” (US State Dept. 2016).

After the conclusion of this Forum, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State (in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor) Virginia Bennett said of the meetings, “It also provided the impetus to develop and make public the Sporting Chance Principles, which set out eight high-level values that we believe should guide efforts to address the human rights and labor rights impacts of mega-sporting events…. Specifically, we are working with international partners to identify practical steps that can be accomplished in the near term to demonstrate progress regarding the roles and responsibilities of four sets of actors that have been identified: sports governance bodies; host actors; sponsors and broadcasters; and affected groups” (Bennett 2016).

The United States believes that while sporting events can be an economic burden, the benefits of cultural exchange these events offer far outweigh the costs. The US is eager to build off the previously stated ideas to further the development of itself and other countries; there is hope to eradicate racism and xenophobia by promoting educational programs such as the ones SportsUnited and the Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports Initiative offers.

Bennett, Virginia. "Give Rights A Sporting Chance: Ending Human Rights and Labor Rights Abuses in International Mega-Sporting Events." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

"Remarks by President Obama to the United Nations General Assembly." The White House. The White House, 28 Sept. 2015. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

“Sporting Chance Forum on Mega-Sporting Events and Human Rights." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, 11 Oct. 2016. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

"SportsUnited: Bringing People Together Through Sports." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, 06 June 2011. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

"The Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports Initiative." U.S. Department of State. U.S. Department of State, 17 Feb. 2012. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Uruguay
Delegate Name: Bella Oswalt
School: Vicksburg High School

Uruguay would first like to state that in 1930, they hosted the F.I.F.A. world cup. With that being said, Uruguay believes that using global sport as an engine for development is a good thing and should be used to one's own advantage. If hosting sporting events is used in an appropriate manner, it can increase tourism to one's own country, can increase local business owners profit, and will promote unity with the country and the countries allies.

An increase in tourism to Uruguay would help increase the gross domestic product by raising the amount of food that needs to be produced daily. As agriculture is one of the main industries of Uruguay, an increase in demand for food would increase profit to farmers throughout Uruguay. An increase in tourism would also increase local business owners profit by having their goods be in demand with all the ‘experiencing’ to be done. Unity between Uruguay and its many allies would be strengthened by hosting athletes from their allies countries. Strengthening relationships between allies is a sure way to make sure trade partners stay partners.

A downside to using global sport as an engine for development is that it is expensive. In many cases, such as Brazil's during the Olympics, overspending is almost inevitable. Uruguay would have to be wise with their budget in hosting a sporting event, but overall it would be a good decision.

In conclusion, Uruguay fully supports using global sport as an engine for development if it is used wisely and budgeting is correctly managed. Uruguay has benefited from using global sport to their advantage and believes that it is an excellent way to promote development.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Tristen Mabin
School: Mattawan High School

Hola y esto es Venezuela. The Olympics, both winter and summer, along with the World Cup have found themselves is a four year loop. The same countries are hosting these events. Brazil, in fact, hosted the World Cup and the Summer Olympics within a year. This example means that this country reaps the benefits twice while many other countries will just have to wait their turn. On top of that, Brazil has found itself not in the best circumstances. With their citizens that is. Also, the 2016 summer Olympics cost more than the money it actually brought in. All of these problems need to be addressed

Venezuela believes that Sports can be very beneficial to everyone. They bring nations together. We understand that they are a form of world peace. That is what the Olympics were created for. But it's not only the Olympics or the World Cup. Many sports have world championships that need to be taken in account. There is almost one for each sport. Horseback riding, Track and Field, gymnastics, every single sport. Us as the UNDP have to find a way to use these sports to bring profit to every single nation. Like how the U. S. taxes all of their athletes who win medals, there has to be a way that puts everyone in a win-win situation. We propose that all of these events circulate with each other. For example, if the Olympics are hosted by Brazil, they should not be able to host another world sanctioned event until every economically structured nation has participated.

To talk about bringing in revenue, it has been brought to our attention that, in fact most world sanctioned events actually cost more money than they bring in. Something has to be done about this. Nations should be making money off this honor, but instead they are getting deeper in the hole. Nations should come together to do something about these issues.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Vietnam
Delegate Name: Annelise Ivanescu
School: Roeper School

Vietnam has tried to encourage its citizens to partake in physical exercise; they have shown this through endless programs and plans, finally seeing a result in the latest Olympiad by taking home a gold medal. We have tried our hardest to not only win medals, but to encourage our youth to exercise in a way that will also challenge them intellectually, with the implementation of strategic sports.

To build on the popularity of soccer in Vietnam (known to our citizens as “football), in 2001 Vietnam created a program called “Football For All”, with the main goal to enforce that idea that everyone can, and should partake in sports without consideration of gender, ethnicity or social background. Vietnam believes that sports can strongly benefit a child’s development, while proving to be a fun way to spend time with friends. We will be working on building/upgrading athletic centers in universities and throughout the country, in an effort to encourage all students to partake in physical exercise.

Vietnam won its first Olympic gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, when marksman Hoang Xuan Vinh won the gold in the men's 10m air pistol event. Experts have stated that this victory is a direct result of Vietnamese sports development. Vietnam is working to create a larger victory for the upcoming Olympics. In 2013, Hanoi, our capital, announced its Sports Development Plan 2020, with focus on creating a new sports infrastructure by 2020. We have implemented this due to the physical needs and demands of our citizens for training facility, including the training of professional athletes. Under this plan, Hanoi will seek to develop thousands of

athletes and coaches for different sports, with the final goal of a handful participating in the Olympic Games and bringing home medals. Some of the sports with strong participation include aquatic sports, weightlifting, taekwondo, wrestling, shooting, karate, table tennis, gymnastics, fencing, archery, rowing, football and more.

Vietnam, while still developing, has made a huge effort to increase the physical activity level and sports involvement of our citizens, both for the health benefits and to promote Vietnam competitiveness on an international sports arena. Our goal for the next decade is to build upon existing efforts to promote sports engagement, and send a larger number of athletes to participate in the Olympics and other international sports competitions. In the process, we will be building our sports infrastructure – including facilities, training, nutrition and healthcare, for the benefit of future generations, both athletes and regular citizens.

Topic: Using Global Sport as an Engine for Development
Country: Zimbabwe
Delegate Name: Matt Hybels
School: Vicksburg High School

Zimbabwe has never hosted an Olympics, and it was not until 1980 that Zimbabwe participated in the Olympics under their own counties name but up until that point they had athletes compete under the country Rhodesia in the 1928, 1960, and 1964 summer Olympics and it wasn't until 2014 that they competed in the winter Olympics. But South Africa has hosted the 1995 Rugby world cup, the 1996 African Nations Cup, 1996 World Cup of Golf, 2006-2009 A1 Grand prix, The 2010 Fifa World cup, and many others. In our opinion, global sports is a great outlet for Zimbabwe to develop as a country.

Nelson Mandela once said “Sport has the power change the world”. Zimbabwe along with the United States, have been able to connect them with big networks such as ESPN and the WNBA. This brings a light on Zimbabwe's sports. The UN uses sports as a tool to increase public awareness on important issues. The UN also uses sports for development and peace promotion. Handled right the Olympics and other large sporting events can and will be used as a way to promote peace.

The UN should lower the price to bid on the Olympics so smaller countries can actually have a fighting chance to host them, on top of saving money for the larger more prominent countries, with and average cost of an Olympics being 3.8 billion and the average return is a 600 million dollar loss the lower bid would help the larger countries deficit. The lower bid would also help the smaller countries, in a much different way. Global sports encourages peace. With much of the third world at war, global sports would not just affect the country of Zimbabwe but the Earth as a whole.