Position paper for Egypt
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| From the moment the Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite on October 4,
1957, the world has experienced a paradigm shift regarding space exploration. In the
ensuing years, nations projected their power, technology, and even citizens into space. As
space-related technologies have grown in sophistication and prevalence, the issue of
space threats has also been brought to the forefront of global security issues. In
particular, the development and testing of anti-satellite weapons (ASATs) is raising
concerns about potential weaponization of space. The UN has acknowledged the need for
Member States to ensure peaceful norms and use of outer space through bolstering
international space law and utilization of UN-SPIDER (UN Platform for Space-based
Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response). The Arab Republic of
Egypt adamantly supports these initiatives, and emphasizes the need to establish strict
global norms and regulations preventing the weaponization of space. Egypt seeks to
monitor and limit the capabilities of ASATs, which are created with the intent to destroy or
disable satellites. Moreover, these safeguards should mirror existing non-proliferation
agreements and be uniformly upheld by the international community.
The Arab Republic of Egypt has actively been developing its space program since 1960. We are currently an emerging space-faring nation with ambitions to explore space, while protecting and advancing lives on Earth through peaceful uses of outer space. Our government has drafted legislation to create a national space agency, with aims to harness space technology for economic development and national security. With 14 satellites in orbit, Egypt is a leader among African states in terms of space infrastructure. Thus, Egypt is deeply committed to preserving the right of all nations to peaceful and productive utilization of outer space as emerging technologies pose unpredictable concerns. Egypt calls on UN Member States to formally agree to maintain a weapon-free zone in outer space. This must include banning ASATs and similar combative space technologies, following the example of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. In order to improve enforceability of these standards, non-proliferation of space-based weaponry may be connected to international funding and partnerships with space agencies. One example is the Egypt-led pan-African project, the African Development Satellite Initiative (AfDev-Sat). This satellite technology training program connecting Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan and Egypt is one instance of a multinational cooperation framework which can formulate a regional accountability system to protect extraterrestrial assets. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The ability to buy and sell weapons through legal channels is an essential part of
preserving state security internally and relative to the rest of the world. However, the illicit
trafficking of these products undermines and jeopardizes civilian safety, threatens rule of
law, and has extensive economic costs. Small arms and light weapons (SALW)– pistols,
rifles, machine guns, and rocket launchers designed to be used by individuals– are
particularly elusive in illicit weapons trade channels. Their proliferation fuels and extends
conflict, facilitates crime, and is often linked to human trafficking and violence against
women. According to the 2018 Small Arms Survey, there are currently over 1 billion SALW
in circulation worldwide, roughly 85% of which are civilian-owned. The cost of human life
is significant. In 2021 alone, there were an average 700 SALW-related deaths per day,
according to the UN Secretary General.
The Arab Republic of Egypt urges the United Nations to pursue a strict, comprehensive course of action to limit the illicit trade and trafficking of SALW, especially across borders. We are personally impacted by this black market weapons smuggling, especially in the key locations of the Sinai Peninsula, Libyan border, and Sudanese border. Egypt remains fully committed to a balanced and credible multilateral effort to tackle the challenges and threats posed by SALW trafficking. We also stress the importance of preserving the rights of nation states to continue purchasing weapons for their own defense needs. To this end, we will not support any manipulation of terms of weapons supply for formal channels. Egypt is the world’s third-largest importer of weapons and the second largest recipient of US foreign military aid. Egypt calls upon the UN to address the shortcomings of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which lacks clear definitions and can thus be used to politicize and monopolize the legitimate trade of conventional weapons, while also permitting weapons supply to illegal armed groups and terrorist networks. The delegation of Egypt maintains that the most pressing course of action regarding illicit weapons trade is to address those certain Member States who continue deliberately supplying weapons to such illegal groups. Multiple state actors knowingly engage in the black market of weapons trade for the sake of short-term economic gain and undermining foreign regimes. This crime demands attention by the United Nations, including pressuring those governments and equipping bordering states’ surveillance and border control capabilities. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| Interdependence in our global community has served many communities where their
government is not capable of remedy the problem. Since its inception, through the
Charter of the United Nations in 1945, the United Nations has been crafted with the global
community in mind. The Arab Republic of Egypt has had the privilege to be supported by
the UN financially and in turn has served other member nations through our participation
in MINUSCA. Through the use of the Arab Republic of Egypt armed forces, our global
commitment to security and peacekeeping efforts in Central Africa. Beyond financially
bolstering the Arab Republic of Egypt’s infrastructure as we build out our plans to
enhance education, healthcare and other government support systems, our engagement
in South-South and Triangular Cooperation where we provide training and and capacity
building education to Arab and African countries has solidified our positions as leaders in
developing solutions. We believe that a deeply involved and active global community led
through the United Nations is imperative in promoting the development of Egypt and
other global south countries simultaneously.
The United Nations is uniquely positioned as a larger entity than any one country and we believe this is often under utilized. The United Nations has the ability to invest in global south countries through our global north members to further develop these nations while allowing them to remain independent. Egypt believes that the United Nations should continue to financially and militarily support nations like ourselves who exhibit leadership through our Chairmanship of the G-77. Through this financial support there is increased interdependence as the participating nations are able to delegate the funding to support local initiatives which align with the UN 2030 Agenda. The increased flow of funding and opportunity promotes nations to act within the best interest of their peoples' needs while simultaneously being held globally accountable to the United Nations to utilize the funds appropriately. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| Since its inception in Summer of 1988 climate change has been a particularly troubling
crisis affecting all the nations of earth. The Arab Republic of Egypt understands the
imminence of climate change, desertification across the state leading to loss of farmable
land, rising temperature coupled with pollutants causing many of our citizens to struggle
against respiratory illness, and a linear decrease in viable drinking water from the Nile
sure to a drying delta and shrinking river to name a few. The UN has recognized through
the introduction of the Paris Agreement in 2015 that action against climate change each
nation needs to update their current prevention structures and prioritize their unique
resources to adequately protect them. In Cairo alone we have made steady progress
through introducing legislation limiting the planting of water intensive crops and a $31.4
Million Green Climate Fund to Enhance the Climate Change Adaptation in the north coast
and Nile Delta. Without these and more appropriate climate change measures we are
doomed to fail the future generations of Egyptians.
Therefore we support a resolution that directly encourages broader participation from all United Nations Member states to recognize the need for swift and succinct action against climate change. The time for decision paralysis is over and each nation needs to recognize the cultural, social, and economic ramifications of climate change are no longer hypothetical. We anticipate economic and informational challenges as each country works to adopt an updated framework on climate change. However, through our own initiatives such as Egypt Vision 2030 and Cairo Water Week are willing to model potential plans for other nations in a similar situation to our own through aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have highlighted energy, emissions reduction and waste management as areas where we can improve upon our current abilities. Through the collective investment into these activities as a global community we have a chance at preserving our global climate for future generations. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| Throughout recent history, the principle of self-determination has been established as
one of the most essential ideals in the United Nations Charter: the basis of choosing one’s
own government. Historically, nations under colonization were deprived of their self-
determination until decolonization began in the 20th century, enabling them to rightfully
exercise sovereignty. However, despite self-determination being a vital ideal for nation-
states worldwide, global territory disputes, nations' sovereignty, and the pursuit of
independence for many remain an issue today. As of today, there remain 1.7 million
people still without self-governing governments. Egypt is committed to fostering
international peace and accomplishing the right of self-determination for all people.
The Arab Republic of Egypt, after decades of colonial rule under the British Empire, eventually achieved its rightful independence and actively endorses the right of peoples to self-determination. Not only does Egypt demonstrate this through the support of the United Nations Charter, which adopted Resolution 1514 that focused on decolonization, ultimately leading to the support of self-determination, but also through the support of the African Union, which supports and promotes good governance and the protection of security and human rights. Egypt also further emphasizes self-determination for the Palestinian people of Israel. Egypt supports the formation of an independent State of Palestine, as well as all nations in non-self-governing territories. On an international level, Egypt encourages the right of peoples to self-determination for peace and regional stability, which eventually evolves into global peace. Egypt is committed to upholding its ideals of self-determination. Egypt calls upon the United Nations to intensify its efforts to realize the rights of peoples to self-determination. This can be achieved through support of peaceful negotiations between territories of disputes. Egypt also supports the UN’s cooperation to promote sovereignty regionally such as organizations like African Union and the Arab League to aid in resolving conflicts and solving resolutions. This proposal by Egypt would collaborate with the United Nations to reinforce self-determination while promoting regional stability. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| Across the world, women face unimaginable hardships and barriers due to factors like
discrimination, violence, and poverty. More specifically, women in rural areas are
disproportionately disadvantaged due to inaccessibility to resources, education, and
housing insecurity on account of climate change. Although worldwide, women make up
43% of agricultural workers, less than 20% of landholders are women. The lack of
ownership, land degradation, and unequal rights leads to displacement and food
insecurity. The Arab Republic of Egypt recognizes the inequality and dangers that women,
especially those who live in rural areas, face daily. It is of the utmost importance to Egypt
to continue working towards enacting effective resolutions to better the treatment of
women across the globe.
Egypt continuously supports the United Nations proposals and resolutions aimed at improving living conditions for women in rural areas, such as through the resolution “Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas” from 2017. This report outlines the work and progress member states are making to support women in rural areas and to ensure their inclusion in the United Nations plans for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Egypt is dedicated to upholding Egypt’s Vision of 2030, which outlines our goals towards an equal society for both men and women while economically empowering women. The Arab Republic of Egypt proposes a similar policy to the United Nations aimed at promoting and supporting the economic stability for women in rural areas. We recommend a proposal where land ownership for women is prioritized to create more equality and economic stability for women. Egypt encourages member states to consider creating a team of specialists to promote and implement these initiatives. This proposal would work alongside the United Nations efforts to support women in rural areas and to improve their situations. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| Across the globe, oceans are one of the most highly valued resources. Covering almost
95% of the world’s biosphere, our oceans play a significant part of the past, present, and
future of our environment. The oceans and their respective marine life hold vital roles in
maintaining environmental health and stability through the absorption of carbon dioxide
pollution and heat. Marine health and biodiversity have become extremely important in
the face of increasing climate crises, pollution, and global development. Contributing to
food supply, the global economy, and transportation/tourism, oceans impact all nation-
states’ ability to provide for their citizens and each other. In recent decades, human
activity through technological advancement and development has severely negatively
impacted the health of our oceans. Overfishing, deep-sea mining, oil drilling, and
widespread plastic pollution have degraded ocean environments at an alarming rate.
Coastal communities, many of which are directly dependent on marine resources, face
heightened vulnerability due to rising sea levels and the depletion of local fish stocks.
Beginning as early as the 20th century, international organizations and agreements,
such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and recent
frameworks like the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ), aim to promote sustainable practices and
protect marine biodiversity. While progress has been made, global cooperation and
enforcement remain uneven, and many of the world’s most delicate marine environments
continue to be at risk. As the demand for ocean-based resources grows, the need for a
unified, long-term strategy becomes not only necessary but urgent in ensuring ocean
sustainability for future generations.
As the world has expanded and grown, its oceans have come under threat due to pollution and other dangers within its waters. With this danger, it is important to preserve our oceans from the threats they face in the modern world. The Arab Republic of Egypt has engaged in various methods of preserving our oceans and waters, from hosting Cairo Water Week, placing water and ocean respect and protections in our very constitution, to even signing the 2023 BBNJ, The Arab Republic of Egypt has made strides in protecting local and global waters. While we have made numerous efforts to preserve and protect our oceans and water in general, international support and cooperation for this end is also uniquely important. Let the international community work together in earnest to create a more healthy ocean for the good and proper inheritance of the earth to future generations. May we work to reduce pollutants in our oceans, including but not limited to plastics, oil spills, and chemical waste. Let us avoid the use of overfishing, dangerous ecology-collapsing drilling and diving techniques, and other such methods to destroy our oceans. We must as one people, avoid killing that which is most important for our future generations. Therefore, we must legislate and create further international protections of our water and our oceans. Water is life, and life must be safeguarded. The Arab Republic of Egypt would like to propose a resolution where nation-states allocate a proportional amount of funds that are used directly to support ocean conservation, as well as marine research and exploration. We ask that nations acknowledge the importance of the health of global oceans, and the urgency of ocean clean-up initiatives. In collaboration with United Nations member states, we we like to establish an organized global effort to limit plastics pollution through volunteer work, scientific research, limiting single-use plastic, and reducing consumer waste. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| Humanitarian aid, as a system, has not been a globally recognized phenomenon for a very
long time. Certainly, there are the actions of individuals, or charity/religious organizations
throughout history, but there has not been a history of one country aiding another for
altruistic purposes. Such concepts grew during the 19th, and 20th centuries as the idea of
nations themselves grew and evolved. Now, humanitarian aid has become a fundamental
part of the international system for over a century. From the largest versions of it, such as
the USA’s famed Martial Plan in 1948, to the most simple version of it, like the founding of
the Red Cross in 1864.
Since WW2 it has always been the purview of the UN to attempt to aid those less fortunate countries, and to help those nations who are in need of it. Humanitarian aid has become even more important as the global population has grown to its current gargantuan amount. With the majority of population growth in poorer countries, it only makes sense that humanitarian aid would be vital in our modern world. Two examples of this would be: the formation of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and contributions made to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). In the past, The Arab Republic of Egypt has been the recipient of aid from many countries, including but not limited to, the United States, which has provided substantial economic and military assistance since the 1979 Camp David Accords. This aid has played a critical role in our development and ability to respond to both internal and regional humanitarian needs. At the same time, we have increasingly positioned ourselves as a provider and facilitator of humanitarian assistance, in partnership with the UN. Most recently, during the Israel-Gaza conflict, The Arab Republic of Egypt has played a crucial role in the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. Despite facing complex geopolitical pressures, we have worked with international partners, including the United Nations and the Red Crescent, to deliver food, medicine, and other critical supplies to Palestinians affected by the conflict. Additionally, we have hosted hundreds of thousands of refugees from countries like Syria, Sudan, and Libya, providing shelter and access to public services, often with support from international organizations but under The Arab Republic Egypt's coordination. Our approach to humanitarian aid is twofold: rooted in our history of receiving support, and evolving into a committed regional partner that provides and facilitates aid where we are most urgently needed. The Middle East, most recently and significantly over the past decade, has seen the face of various issues that require aid from other nation-states. The Arab Republic of Egypt recognizes that, locationally, we are placed in the middle of this global issue, but that geography also pushes us to assist and advocate for the states surrounding us in the Middle East. The Arab Republic of Egypt affirms that humanitarian aid is a necessity to the survival and flourishing of many states. We value the collaboration of nation-states to reach a common goal of the diminishing of human suffering. The Arab Republic of Egypt wants to remain steadfast in our belief that regional stability and human dignity can only be achieved through cooperation, compassion, and shared responsibility, but also that we should not become dependent on one another, so that we can flourish individually as nation-states. The Arab Republic of Egypt remains committed to an approach to humanitarian aid that respects national sovereignty and empowers local communities. We urge the international community to strengthen regional cooperation by supporting UN-led aid corridors, increasing funding to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), and establishing regional stockpiles and early warning systems to ensure rapid and effective aid delivery to those in need. These measures aim to ensure faster emergency response, improve access to aid in conflict zones, and strengthen regional preparedness and self-sufficiency in future humanitarian crises. | |
| Committee: | ESCWA |
| Topic: | War on Gaza: tenets and essential elements for sustainable recovery |
| Paper text: | |
| The issue at stake is the right of the Palestinian people to exist, and we plead for the
international community to recognize this right. We applaud the many countries that have
recently recognized the Palestinian state. We believe that the international community can,
and must work together to end this conflict and prevent as much human suffering as
possible. We applaud the valiant, life-preserving, role that the UNRWA is playing and call
upon the world to support them. Without them, the magnitude of suffering occurring in
Gaza would truly be unfathomable. We believe in President Trump's vision for peace in the
region and believe the plan that we presented and had unanimously approved by our fellow
members of the Arab League should be the road map for building a brighter future in the
Middle East in which people of all nationalities and religions are able to live in peaceful
harmony and beneficial coexistence.
We call on all nations to facilitate the end of repeated violations of international sovereignty. Egypt has and will continue to be a force for stability and a proponent for recognition of International law in the Middle East. While Israel seeks to use its military advantage over the Palestinian people to violate their territorial sovereignty and propagate a genocide of unfathomable proportions. Egypt remains committed to working towards unifying resolutions that will end this genocide and enable the recognition of the basic human rights of the Palestinian people. We also believe the principle of territorial sovereignty must be respected as Syria, Lebanon, and Qatar have all had their sovereignty violated. In addition to supporting international law, Egypt continues to be a torchbearer for human rights in the region. Egypt currently hosts more than ten million refugees and ensures that these people are respected and their human rights remain intact while on Egyptian soil. | |
| Committee: | ESCWA |
| Topic: | Economic governance: market competition challenges in the Arab Region |
| Paper text: | |
| Climate change is increasingly threatening many Egyptians. As desertification ravages many
Egyptian farms and new dams are built on the Nile, thus restricting the amount of water that
Egypt receives, the climate crisis is felt heavily in Egypt. The international community must
work together to ensure fair access to the Nile River by all nations along the river. In
addition, for Egypt to develop economically, it must pursue industrialization and establish
new industries to support its growing population. This places Egypt in a precarious spot, as it
seeks to work with the global community to lower carbon emissions while also developing its
economy. Egypt was unable to forsake the climate for the sake of industrialization, as many
countries were and thus is at a disadvantage similar to many other ESCWA nations. Thus, we
propose an increase of grants and loans by the countries that historically disproportionately
contributed to the climate crisis so that Egypt and many other of the ESCWA region can
attain some semblance of economic equity on the international stage.
On the regional level, Egypt recognizes the vast natural resources that ESCWA nations hold; in fact, roughly half of all the available oil reserves in the world are in ESCWA nations. This resource must be utilized properly in order to ensure the economic stability of ESCWA countries in the future as renewable energy sources become increasingly utilized. We believe that increased cooperation between ESCWA state in education, technology, and trade is critical to the success of the region. As the crossroads of the world must remain united and work together to build a prosperous region that benefits all nations. This can be done by creating an environment where trade can flourish and pirates and other rogue militias do not inhibit global trade, especially in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. | |
| Committee: | COI-2005 |
| Topic: | Commission of Inquiry on Darfur |
| Paper text: | |
| The situation in Darfur presents a grave humanitarian crisis with significant regional
implications. As a neighbor to Sudan and a member of the African Union, Egypt recognizes
both the urgent need to address violations of human rights and the importance of
preserving Sudan’s stability and sovereignty. The Commission must approach its mandate
with fairness, ensuring that findings are based on verifiable facts and consistent with
international law. Egypt’s Questions for the Commission: 1. What evidence establishes
whether the Sudanese government’s actions in Darfur constitute crimes under
international law, and what threshold is required to define genocide under the Genocide
Convention? 2. To what extent is violence the result of government policy, militia activity,
or intercommunal disputes? 3. How can the humanitarian crisis be alleviated without
undermining Sudan’s sovereignty or destabilizing the wider region?
Obstacles to Fulfilling the Mandate: 1. The Commission’s access to Darfur may be restricted by ongoing insecurity and governments sensitivity. 2. Overemphasis on punitive measures or premature determinations of genocide could hinder cooperation from Sudan and weaken African-led mediation. 3. Any potential regional rivalries. Potential Witnesses and Experts: 1. African Union Ceasefire Commission officials with direct knowledge of ceasefire violations. 2. Humanitarian organizations operating in Darfur and refugee camps in Chad, who can provide data on displacement, famine, and patterns of attack. 3. Local community leaders testify on the nature of violence in rural areas. 4. Sudanese government and military representatives to clarify the chain of command and state policy. Key Areas of Inquiry: 1. Whether the violence in Darfur constitutes genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes, and how these distinctions affect an international response. 2. What role regional actors, not limited to but particularly the African Union should play in mediation and monitoring. 3. How to balance accountability for violations with the broader objective of achieving a lasting peace agreement in Sudan. Egypt stresses that the Commission’s role should be to establish facts and propose constructive recommendations, supporting African-led initiatives while avoiding steps that may escalate instability in Sudan or the wider region. | |
| Committee: | COI-2005 |
| Topic: | Commission of Experts to Review the Prosecution of Serious Violations of Human Rights in Timor-Leste (then East Timor) in 1999 |
| Paper text: | |
| The events surrounding the 1999 referendum in East Timor demonstrate the challenges
of balancing accountability for past crimes with the principles of sovereignty and
reconciliation. Egypt recognizes the importance of justice for the victims of violence while
also affirming that long-term stability in both East Timor and Indonesia must remain a
priority. The Commission must therefore carefully assess whether existing judicial
processes are capable of doing enough, and if not, what constructive alternatives can be
pursued.
Egypt’s Questions for the Commission: 1. Have the Indonesian Ad Hoc Human Rights Court and the Special Panels for Serious Crimes in East Timor functioned effectively to ensure accountability? 2. To what extent was Indonesian state or military involvement in the post-referendum violence direct or indirect, and how has this been addressed in judicial proceedings? 3. What measures can promote justice without undermining Indonesia’s sovereignty or harming the fragile political stability of East Timor? Obstacles to Fulfilling the Mandate: 1. Indonesia’s reluctance to extradite suspects poses challenges to the Special Panels in Dili. 2. The limited resources and capacity of East Timor’s judiciary \risk delaying or weakening prosecutions. 3. The international community must balance calls for further tribunals with respect for Indonesia’s judicial processes and ongoing reconciliation efforts. Key Areas of Inquiry: 1. Whether the combination of Indonesian and Timorese judicial processes is sufficient to meet international standards of justice. 2. How accountability efforts can be advanced in a way that promotes reconciliation and stability, rather than renewed conflict. The Commission should prioritize practical and beneficial recommendations that strengthen the credibility of justice mechanisms while respecting Indonesia’s sovereignty and supporting the development of a stable independent East Timor. | |
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