Position paper for Israel
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
| Paper text: | |
| The State of Israel recognizes the growing urgency of reducing space threats through the development of norms, rules, and principles of responsible behavior. As space becomes increasingly active with 13 Member States currently spacefaring and 79 others developing such capabilities, the global community must act collectively to ensure the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space. Israel has long supported the framework of international space law, beginning with our endorsement of A/RES/2222/XXI, which established the OST. These principles became operational for Israel with the launch of our first satellite, Ofeq-1, in 1988. We further reinforced our commitment to safety and accountability, endorsing A/RES/2345/XXII and A/RES/2777/XXVI, which address astronaut assistance, the return of space objects, and absolute liability for space activities. Israel actively contributes to space-based humanitarian efforts through participation in UN-SPIDER, COPUOS, and a cooperation agreement with UNOOSA focused on satellite technology for disaster management and emergency response. More recently, Israel supported A/RES/78/20, establishing the OEWG, and participated in its sessions from 2022 to 2023. Our signing of the Artemis Accords in 2022 further reflects our commitment to peaceful, transparent, and cooperative space exploration. Domestically, Israel pursues a dual-use space strategy that advances both civilian innovation and strategic capabilities. The revised National Civilian Space Policy highlights the importance of building national data infrastructure, supporting space-focused startups, and fostering international partnerships to enhance civilian outcomes. Programs like the Shavit Launch Vehicle and Ofeq Satellite Series contribute to national security while driving technological progress. Through initiatives such as the TEVEL program, Israel invests in STEM education and development of a skilled space workforce. In parallel, efforts are underway to establish comprehensive space legislation to govern commercial activity, align with international obligations, and address licensing, liability, and environmental protection. While Israel recognizes the vast potential of space assets, we also acknowledge the risks posed by emerging technologies. We emphasize two areas of concern: dual-use space technologies and ASATs. Israel calls on the international community to establish clear guidelines to promoted responsible use, supports a voluntary moratorium on destructive ASAT tests that generate mass debris, and calls for transparency in the development and deployment of dual-use systems. These measures constitute a minimum standard for responsible behavior in outer space and are necessary to prevent conflict, foster transparency, and ensure long-term sustainability. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
| Paper text: | |
| The state of Israel recognizes the damages that the trade of SALW inflicts on the
international
community. Currently 1 billion SALW circulate around the globe causing over 500,000 deaths
per
year. SALW trade actively destabilizes communities, fosters violence, intensifies current
conflicts,
and fuels arms races and security dilemmas. Additionally, illicit weapons trade further
diverts
resources in developing states away from sustainable development projects to national
security
operations. Israel endorses the work that the UN and its bodies have accomplished
regarding the
illicit trade of SALW. Israel is encouraged by the PoA in its efforts to reduce stockpiles,
tighten
border controls, increase information sharing, and enhance tracing mechanisms carried out
by the
ITI. Israel also supports the ideals of the ATT and recognizes the success of regional
frameworks
on the issue created by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the
Inter-American Convention Against Illicit Manufacturing & Trafficking of Firearms (CIFTA) as
they provide unified processes and to combat weapons trafficking groups. National security
issues,
and lack of funding and cooperation across borders, all contribute to rampant SAWL issues
today.
To combat national security concerns regarding non-state actors with illicit SAWL, Israel uses its technological advancement in the defense sector to monitor internally and complete border surveillance with drones and AI technology and plans to contribute expertise to international tracking systems. Additionally, Israel calls upon the committee to take decisive action to prevent non state actorsâ access to SAWL whether acquired legally or illicitly. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
| Paper text: | |
| With advancing technologies and the rapid development of national economies, globalization has become a powerful agent of international change through its impact on trade, technology, and cultural exchange. However, many developing Member States remain excluded from its benefits and face disproportionate poverty rates. As highlighted by the September 2024 World Bank global poverty update, it was projected that 978.6 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa live beneath the poverty line of $6.85, compared to just 14.3 million people in high-income countries. This disparity underscores the urgent need for inclusive development strategies. The State of Israel affirms that the United Nations bears a critical responsibility to support developing Member States in achieving sustainable economic growth and reducing global poverty. While resolutions such as A/RES/62/199 have laid foundational principles for addressing globalization and interdependence, their impact is often limited by a lack of enforceable mechanisms and tangible methods of implementation. In response, Israel advocates for a shift toward pragmatic and actionable solutions. First, Israel emphasizes the importance of collaborative initiatives that facilitate the sharing of technology and educational resources, empowering communities to build resilient and self-sustaining economies. Second, Israel encourages the UN to promote regional cooperation frameworks, such as the Abraham Accords, which have demonstrated success in fostering trade, innovation, and diplomatic engagement across diverse nations. By championing practical strategies and viable partnerships, the United Nations can ensure that globalization becomes a vehicle for equitable development rather than heightening global divides. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
| Paper text: | |
| The State of Israel, along with the General Assembly under A/RES/43/53, recognizes that rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns pose an existential threat to humanity and the sustainability of our planet. The international community faces a choice: to act collectively to safeguard the Earth for future generations, or to risk irreversible harm to our shared home. In the past, the UN has demonstrated its leadership on climate action through the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG13, the Paris Climate Agreement, UNFCCC and its annual COPs. As a world leader in technological innovation and a strong proponent of SDG13, Israel reaffirms its commitment to adaptation and mitigation strategies in cooperation with the international community, Israel has made significant progress in advancing water management and processing, and we have also made strides in reaching our goal of reducing our emissions by 28% from 2005 to 2030. In alignment with Resolution A/RES/77/161, A/RES/76/300 and to support the global community, the State of Israel proposes establishing an International Climate Technology Partnership (ICTP) under the purview of GA2 to facilitate the exchange of innovations in the fields of water management, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. The ICTP would mirror the structure of MASHAV, Israelâs own regional sustainable development technology sharing program, to facilitate the transfer of innovations in water management, solar energy and climate- smart agriculture. The State of Israel believes that addressing the issue of climate change is a moral and scientific imperative and that through this and under the previously outlined UN SDGs, together the international community can ensure a sustainable and resilient future for all Member States. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
| Paper text: | |
| Israel recognizes the principles of self-determination regarding people's rights to independence and external political autonomy. According to the Self-Determination Movement Dataset, over 450 ethnic groups have made claims, with a troubling 60% involving violence, exposing significant and ongoing threats to global stability. Such unrest jeopardizes the safety and security of Member States, restricting their economic growth, cultural preservation, and regional tranquility. The UN has been active in addressing this issue through numerous initiatives. Following the UN Charter and the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN has conducted supervised referendums and peacekeeping missions to help promote independence and stability. Additional measures, namely A/RES/78/193, A/RES/77/216 and UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007), have expanded the support for the rights of all humans to have stable social and political autonomy. Additionally, the ICJ has presented legal opinions on Western Sahara (1975), Namibia (1971), and Kosovo (2010), stressing the importance of secession through liberty, rule of law and peaceful negotiations. This principle is illustrated in Israelâs longstanding pursuit of self-determination, resulting in the establishment in the State of Israel in 1948, furthermore securing Jewish independence. Internationally, through MASHAV, Israel has provided technical assistance in agriculture, water management, and institutional development to newly independent and developing states, enhancing their ability to practice sovereignty and self-governance. Nevertheless, Israel recognizes that growing tensions between state sovereignty and political secession pose serious challenges to the authority and territorial integrity of existing governments. Given these complexities, Israel stresses the need for statehood and stability to prevent the complete disruption of self-determination. In resolution, Israel urges for the prioritization of territorial integrity and regional security in emerging frameworks to prevent instability and militant activity. Furthermore, Israel supports the expansion collaborative capacity-building initiatives through MASHAV, assisting regions in strengthening governance and innovation. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
| Paper text: | |
| Israel is advocating for the strategic enhancement of SDGs in gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) as well as their enforcement to improve the situation of women and girls in rural areas of Israel and in all countries around the world. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted by the United Nations in 2015, provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges, this includes poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. As a country, we have passed many legislations in support of equality and acknowledge that more can be done for our peoples, especially those in rural areas such as that of the Equal Rights of Women Law in 1951, The Equal Pay for Male and Female Workers Law in 1996, and Equal Employment Opportunity Law of 2024 to name a few examples. By aligning national policies with the SDGs, we can create a more equitable society that empowers women and girls, ushering in more sustainable development in these communities. Women and girls in rural areas of Israel face unique challenges that hinder their development and well-being. These challenges include limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Cultural norms and traditional roles also serve to restrict their participation in decision-making processes, which comes to further exacerbation of gender inequality. Addressing these issues through SDG initiatives is essential for developing a more inclusive environment where women and girls can thrive and enhance their way of life. Currently there is 65.5% of data missing in the Sustainable Development Goals for Israel which reflects that there is insufficient data available to accurately portray the situation women and girls are currently facing in rural areas our country is facing and display a need to for the implementation of measures to acquire this data to empower women and girls in our country to have their basic necessities and rights fulfilled. To see this missing data come to light Israel would like to propose more utilization of technological efforts to identify these issues and put into motion; stronger, more efficiently enforced laws that enhance the growth of SDG 5, 10, and 16. As a country that has advocated for the rights of all peoples since the early 1950s, it is in our interest, and that of the United Nations, to implement measures like those proposed or otherwise that would be most effective in acquiring the data missing seen in the Sustainable Development Goals. so that we can ensure our women and girls are empowered to their rights regardless of if they live in rural or urban areas of any country. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
| Paper text: | |
| Together, our oceans constitute 70% of the Earth's surface, absorbing 25% of all CO2 emissions, producing 50% of our oxygen, feeding billions of people, and supporting billions of coastal livelihoods. Each year, 19 to 23 million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans, 80% of which comes from human activity. These pollutants go far beyond national borders; it is incumbent that we look for pragmatic international solutions that respect the sovereignty of Member States, while promoting sustainable practices and reaffirming our commitments to meeting this challenge. Continued inaction on this issue will destabilize our marine ecosystems and the human populations, as weakened oceanic ecosystems heighten risks to climate, water security, and famine. Without decisive action we may witness a catastrophic collapse of marine ecosystems within our lifetimes.. Under UN initiatives, such as the Barcelona Convention, MARPOL, and the London Convention, progress has been made to address these issues. While Israel values its cooperation with UNEP, IMO, and other UN agencies, Israel recognizes that existing international frameworks to address this issue lack proper oversight and transparent reporting standards. To strengthen accountability in this body, Israel seeks to promote improved monitoring mechanisms and clearer implementation of this framework to bring global standards for ocean pollution prevention to Israel's global benchmark. In our actions related to these agreements, Israel has designated 4% of its waters as protected areas, where commercial activity has been strictly limited or prohibited. This has led to an increase in the area's biodiversity compared to non-protected areas. Other initiatives like our "Clean Coast" program have reduced coastal waste and positioned Israel as a global exemplar in combating marine pollution. Israel proposes two solutions: First, in reaffirming A/RES/70/1, specifically SDG 14, Israel urges Member States to adopt a new declaration focused on closing the remaining implementation gaps, and accelerating progress to reach SDGâs ambitious 2030 deadline. To close these gaps Israel proposes additional voluntary commitments related to the reduction of marine pollution, restoration of marine biodiversity, combating unsustainable or illegal fishing practices, and the expansion of marine protected areas in order to protect our critical marine ecosystems. Second, in line with A/RES/79/144, recognizing uneven implementation of these efforts between developed and developing countries, we must cooperate to close these gaps and strengthen the capacity of developing states to address this urgent issue. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
| Paper text: | |
| The State if Israel recognizes the importance of strengthening the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance as initiated by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/182 (1991). The continuation of natural disasters, armed conflicts and pandemics expose shortcomings in the aid distribution and coordination. Frameworks such as the cluster approach (2005), CERF and the Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction have been in effect. However, chronic underfunding, donor fatigue and political disputes persist which weakens the global humanitarian system, leaving millions without assistance. Israel affirms the UNâs coordinating central role while emphasizing that humanitarian aid should remain civilian in nature, impartial and protected from political and military exploitation. At the same time aid coordination must respect sovereignty and the security concerns of affected states. Israel remains concerned about the diversion of aid to non-state armed groups who threaten both civilian and international stability. To help combat the issue of poor coordination of humanitarian assistance Israel has led many international initiatives. Such initiatives are reflected by The Israel Defense Forces aiding in the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2015 Nepal earthquake and the earthquakes in Turkey in 2023 by deploying medical teams, search and rescue units and field hospitals. MASHAV being Israelâs Agency for International Development Cooperation, has done global training programs in agriculture, health and disaster management. Which has supported Asian, African and Latin countries in strengthening local resilience and capacity building. Planning for the future, Israel calls for expansion of opportunities in coordination through digital tracking systems, stronger public- private partnerships and regional humanitarian hubs to enhance the efficiency and transparency of aid. Israel is committed to working with the United Nations, regional actors and civil society to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who require it the most while upholding the principles of neutrality, accountability and respect of sovereignty. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
| Paper text: | |
| The State of Israel affirms that nuclear security is a vital part of national security and
essential for regional
stability. We emphasize that the current safeguards regime has notable shortcomings, as
evidence shows
that Member States, despite non-proliferation agreements, have pursued secret military
nuclear
programs. Therefore, we believe a credible atomic security regime must involve strong and
strict
verification, along with immediate and firm consequences for any state that breaches its
commitments.
Israel's long-standing policy of not being the first to introduce nuclear weapons into the
Middle East
serves as a key deterrent in this volatile region, and we call on all states to uphold their non-
proliferation
commitments seriously.
Furthermore, we assert that preventing the proliferation of nuclear materials to non-state actors must be a global priority. This calls for enhanced international cooperation in intelligence sharing and physical security of nuclear materials to prevent nuclear terrorism. Israel supports the long-term goal of establishing a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. However, we believe this can only happen through a fundamental change in the regional political landscape. As stated by the Director General of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission, Zeev Snir, "Israel has assumed its responsibility to engage with its neighbors and initiate regional cooperation for the promotion of nuclear security." The only practical way forward involves direct, diplomatic negotiations without preconditions, starting with confidence-building measures like mutual recognition and the end of hostilities, before a verifiable arms control framework can be built. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
| Paper text: | |
| The State of Israel strongly supports the peaceful use of nuclear science and actively
contributes to the
IAEA's technical mission. We insist that these critical technical efforts remain separate from
political
disputes. When political agendas hinder access to beneficial technologies, it is citizens who
suffer, and
the IAEA's humanitarian and developmental mission is weakened. Keeping scientific
cooperation free
from political conflicts fosters trust and provides tangible benefits worldwide. Therefore, we
urge this
committee to commit to depoliticizing the IAEA's technical programs so science can serve all
of humanity.
Israel has a proven record of sharing its expertise for global benefit, providing advanced training and technology in key sectors. For instance, in medicine, where radiotherapy is vital for over half of cancer treatments, Israeli experts help enhance training in dosimetry and nuclear medicine. In agriculture, we share innovations such as the sterile insect technique (SIT) and isotopic hydrology to improve food security and manage scarce water resources. Israel reaffirms its support for modernizing the IAEA's laboratories through the ReNuAL 2 initiative, offering expertise, technology, and access to our advanced facilities. By participating in impactful technical cooperation programs, such as expanding SIT programs to control disease vectors, we can promote global growth and stability for the future. | |
| Committee: | COI-2005 |
| Topic: | Commission of Inquiry on Darfur |
| Paper text: | |
| The conflict in Sudanâs Darfur region exhibits a grave test for the international communityâs competence to address widespread humanitarian crises. Beginning in 2003, rebel groups in Darfur accused the Sudanese government of marginalization and launched attacks against government positions. In response to these accusations, government forces, and allied Janjaweed militias, initiated counterstrikes that escalated into systematic violence against civilians. Entire villages were destroyed, mass killings and rapes occurred, and millions were displaced into camps within Darfur and across the border into Chad. As a result, it has become one of the worldâs largest humanitarian emergencies to date. The Sudanese government asserts that its operations targeted armed rebels and not civilians. They also state that the Janjaweed were acting independently and beyond the governmentâs control. On the other side, rebel groups and international observers argue that the government organized and supported these militias in a coordinated campaign of ethnic cleansing against targeted groups. Specifically, these groups were of the Fur, Masalit, and Zaghawa peoples. The international community remains divided on whether the atrocities constitute genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, or whether they fall into the categories of crimes against humanity and war crimes. This leads to multiple questions that must be answered: Was the Sudanese government directly coordinating and supplying the Janjaweed militias, or were these groups acting independently while benefiting from indirect support? Would accountability measures risk further destabilizing Sudan and the region, or could they serve as a step toward justice and reconciliation? What steps were taken by the government to either prevent or encourage Janjaweed actions, and how much responsibility lies with senior officials versus local commanders? What processes for accountability are both just and realisticâwould it be international prosecution through the ICC, domestic trials within Sudan, or some hybrid approach combining international oversight with local participation? Beyond legal accountability, what recommendations can the Commission make to ensure humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and sustainable peace in Darfur? | |
| 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 violence that erupted in Timor-Leste following its 1999 independence referendum highlights how challenging it can be to enforce justice after mass atrocities. When almost 80% of people in Timor-Leste voted for independence, pro-Indonesian groups, backed by parts of the Indonesian army, started attacking. Approximately 1,400 civilians were killed, and thousands were displaced into West Timor. Along with this, much of the territoryâs infrastructure was destroyed before the arrival of international peacekeepers under the International Force for East Timor. The violence not only took a toll on the population but also left deep scars on the political relationship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. To address accountability, the United Nations helped establish the Serious Crimes Unit and hybrid Special Panels in Dili in 2000. Indonesia also created its own Ad Hoc Human Rights Court in Jakarta. However, concerns had emerged that prosecutions were inadequate. The Serious Crimes process in Dili centered mainly on mid- and lower-level perpetrators, while Jakartaâs tribunal acquitted or gave light sentences to senior figures. This raises a sizable number of questions about selective justice and impunity. Were the prosecutions in Indonesia genuine efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, or did they constitute symbolic trials without substance? Did the Serious Crimes Unit and hybrid tribunal in Timor-Leste have sufficient resources, jurisdiction, and capacity to pursue senior figures implicated in the violence, or were they constrained by political realities? Should accountability rest primarily with Indonesian institutions, international mechanisms, or some combination of the two? To what extent can reconciliation efforts within Timor-Leste, such as the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation, complement or substitute formal judicial processes? Finally, if the current processes are inadequate, should a new international tribunal be established, or would such a step risk undermining regional stability, reconciliation, and Timor-Lesteâs evolving diplomatic relationship with Indonesia? | |
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