Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Madagascar

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours
Paper text:
The Republic of Madagascar complies with the framework set by the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) in its mission for access to space for all. Madagascar aligns itself strongly with the Outer Space Treaty on international cooperation on all levels of peaceful exploration and use of outer space. We believe that any threats to an outer space arms race should be prevented. Outer space should be used as a place of potential rather than a domain of war. The Pact for the Future ensures that space is a safe space and sustainable environment. It is our responsibility as an international community to keep that norm. Space gives member states the opportunity to expand their countries' security, technology, and sciences. Madagascar shares in the interest of the African Union and commemorates the efforts made with the African Space Policy. The policy aims to promote technologies in space as a way of sustainable development that can be integrated in the African economy. Not every nation has the resources, education, or access to capacities in disaster and agricultural management. The African Space Policy is making moves for application developments in space. Madagascar, alongside our fellow delegation of the Russian Federation, have signed a statement on the non-placement of weapons in space (NPWS). We believe it necessary that all parties of the UN focus on international treaties that ban the placement of weapons in space. As a developing nation, we see space as a tool to face real threats on the ground. Climate change has ravaged our country, however, with the aid of satellite imagery and Earth observations we can protect our biodiversity. Climate observation is essential to the survival of all peoples. We must all follow the precedence set by the UNOOSA in addressing space norms, seeing outer space as a body of peace and development.

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects
Paper text:
Madagascar supports global efforts to stop the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. The country works to reduce the spread of illegal weapons and works closely with the United Nations to strengthen control measures. Through our collaboration with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Madagascar has taken part in initiatives aimed at strengthening national control systems and reducing the spread of illegal arms. These programs include raising public awareness, improving weapon stockpile management, and safely destroying excess or confiscated arms. We understand how harmful these illicit activities can be against economic growth, development, and public safety and actively work to prevent this violence our public sphere. These efforts reflect the government’s goal of preventing armed violence and promoting peace within its borders. Recently, Madagascar has also worked to enhance domestic laws and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the circulation of illegal weapons. We have participated in training programs and national workshops coordinated by the United Nations Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) to better implement the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and ensure that weapons transfers are properly monitored. These workshops have helped train national officials and aims to prevent weapons from being diverted to unauthorized users. Although Madagascar faces challenges such as limited resources and weaker enforcement mechanisms, we continue to demonstrate a commitment to transparency, responsible arms management, and international cooperation. Overall, Madagascar's stance emphasizes the importance of preventing the illicit arms trade as part of its broader pursuit of stability and sustainable development. For the future, Madagascar can continue to build on its progress by investing in stronger data collection on arms flows, expanding cooperation with neighboring countries, and improving border monitoring technologies. In collaborating with UNODA and the UN Development Program, we can help be a leader in regional information sharing networks to improve tracing of illegal weapons.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence
Paper text:
Globalization has allowed for many advances in the realms of trade, technology, and communication for the international community. However, its benefits are not equal globally, especially for developing nations such as Madagascar. These nations continue to face obstacles in accessing international markets, sustaining vulnerable economies, and preventing high external debts. Even with efforts to make global development more inclusive, it has been slow. Madagascar recognizes that cooperation of the global community to promote equitable trade, and practicing sustainable financial practices are keystone parts of achieving equitable globalization. Madagascar, as a low-income island state, is a strong supporter of the United Nations’ initiatives that are in support of sustainable and equitable globalization. This delegation acknowledges that while globalization can catalyze economic growth, it will continue to widen the gap of inequality between the global north and south if efforts for structural reform are not made. Past United Nations plans to facilitate equitable trade in the global market such as the UNDP Strategic Plan are in alignment with the stance on reforms and protections, yet this delegation still urges for more global perception to the voice of developing nations that have been historically exploited by richer nations. Madagascar stands firm in its commitment to regional and global trade, while also prioritizing the protection of its people and natural resources from exploitation. Madagascar Proposes a multifaceted approach to solving inequitable globalization and reducing developing nation’s dependency to other more developed nations. Madagascar believes in enhancing developing nations access to markets by providing simplified trade mechanisms, supporting debt relief and sustainable financing, and advocating for voices of less developed countries.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind
Paper text:
Globally, climate plays a large factor of the global community accounting for the biodiversity of the planet. However, it’s effects are not all globally equal, especially for strong biodiverse nations such as Madagascar. These nations find themselves facing the effects of the change of the environment, ecosystem, temperature, and resources. Though there are efforts made globally, it has yet to make an impact. Madagascar recognizes the cooperation of the global community to promote the protection of the climate and environment and using sustainable practices to achieve a better future for upcoming generations. Madagascar, a highly biodiverse island state, is a strong supporter in the protection of climate change from the United Nation’s initiatives. This delegation acknowledges that while technologies continue to improve and the use of production is vital, it will continue to affect the world’s ozone layer along with the environmental and ecological impacts it has on society.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination
Paper text:
Since 1960, when Madagascar gained independence from French colonial rule, we have firmly aligned ourselves with the ideology supporting self-determination and decolonization. Since gaining our sovereignty, we have joined IGOs such as the UN and the African Union, which allows us to have a say in ever-changing foreign policy. Madagascar recognizes that nations lacking self-determination are unable to voice endorsement for policies that best serve their governed bodies, ultimately leading to transnational repression. Currently, the United Nations is taking action through the Fourth Committee on Special Political and Decolonization. Progress has been made toward achieving the global agenda on self-determination by addressing the remaining seventeen Non-Self-Governing Territories and urging renewed commitment to decolonization. Current UN efforts include dispatching missions to the British Virgin Islands and organizing regional seminars to promote cooperation and progress toward autonomy. The delegation of Madagascar, a nation that fully supports the current UN efforts, would like to echo their calls for urgent and clearly monitored frameworks to ensure all bodies can freely determine their political futures in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. Moreover, Madagascar is committed to strengthening state sovereignty by empowering local communities to self-govern under a nationally approved framework, which allows them to manage their own territories, resources, and practices. This is achieved in collaboration with national ministries overseeing land management, decentralization, and resource governance. In conclusion, Madagascar’s delegation firmly believes in the importance of self- determination and state sovereignty, considering them mutually reinforcing when working in tandem. On the international level, we support the United Nations and its member states in advancing decolonization and ensuring that all people have a voice in their political, economic, and social futures. Madagascar emphasizes the concept of state sovereignty by ensuring that local communities govern their own territories within the framework of the sovereign state, working with national ministries to integrate local decision-making into national policies.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas
Paper text:
The Republic of Madagascar recognizes that our history has often perpetuated traditional roles for women and girls. However, we acknowledge that gender-based discrimination is unjust and, therefore, constitutionally forbidden. Madagascar aligns itself with the UN’s ongoing commitment to gender equality, as reflected in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 5, which calls for achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. In recent years, the UN has implemented the 2030 Agenda, which aims to fund institutions that increase infrastructure in impoverished and rural areas, providing women in these regions with opportunities for societal and economic growth. Madagascar supports the UN’s initiatives to enhance rural women’s economic independence through microfinance programs and increased access to sustainable technology. These measures help women gain financial stability and directly contribute to the development of their communities. Achieving financial stability for women would lead to significant growth in patriarchal societies like our neighboring nation Mozambique, where policies are established to ensure the security of men in positions of power. Artificial intelligence (AI) also reflects these patriarchal ideals, as it is developed with gender- based bias in word embedding. AI frequently portrays women in inferior roles compared to men, whether in political scenarios or household roles. Therefore, AI should not be used in creating resolutions for gender equality, especially given that rural areas lack direct access to AI, excluding them from the data formation process that could influence decisions affecting them. Madagascar is working to leverage digital technology and AI to empower rural women by expanding access to connectivity, supporting digital entrepreneurship programs, and advocating for inclusive AI development involving women in design and implementation. Through these efforts, Madagascar reaffirms its commitment to empowering women, closing the gender gap, and ensuring that gender equality supports national development while also considering local circumstances and community priorities.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Our ocean, our future, our responsibility
Paper text:
The ocean is one of humanity’s most vital systems, providing oxygen, food, transportation, and livelihoods for billions of people. Yet today, marine ecosystems are increasingly degraded by overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. The Republic of Madagascar recognizes that its coastal ecosystems-mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal forests-serve as natural barriers against rising seas, intensifying cyclones, and coastal erosion. However, these habitats are under growing pressure and in danger from deforestation, overfishing, and global warming. Coastal zones support over 75% of Madagascar’s population through fisheries and non-timber forest products, making ocean protection a matter of both environmental and human security. The United Nations, through frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), has emphasized that the future of our oceans depends on collective and immediate action. The Republic of Madagascar is solely dependent on resources of the ocean.Our history,culture,tourism and food and geopolitical location are reliant on it.To protect both livelihoods and biodiversity, Madagascar promotes the Blue Economy, balancing development with conservation. It calls for stronger regional cooperation through the Indian Ocean Commission, the Nairobi Convention, and the African Union’s 2050 Maritime Strategy to enhance capacity and monitoring.The Republic of Madagascar truly believes that Ocean’s protection is a duty of every country, and in near future it shall affect all of us.That’s why Ocean’s protection is a shared global duty,where island nations need support, and environmental preservation must take priority, as sustainable ecosystems ensure lasting economic growth and cultural resilience. The Republic of Madagascar would like to highlight the importance of environmental protection, and encourage everyone to prioritize it for the ecosystematic and economic reasons.The nation proposes adopting a balanced “Blue Economy” framework, where economic use, conservation, and community livelihoods reinforce each other.In order to coordinate marine research, restoration, and surveillance, Madagascar supports the growth of regional partnerships through the African Union and the Indian Ocean Commission.The Republic is in favor of the UN playing a bigger role in setting up open accountability frameworks to keep an eye on business operations and penalize environmental damage. Madagascar aspires to a sustainable future for all ocean nations by encouraging collaboration, technology transfer, and shared responsibility.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations
Paper text:
As the global population continues to skyrocket alongside the rise in climate change causing a surge in environmental disasters around the globe, it is crucial that the United Nation acts accordingly to allocate proper resources to states quickly and efficiently. Climate change has caused significant damage to our civilians, from floods, droughts, and rise in cyclones the need for emergency aid is crucial. Groups within the United Nations such as United Nations population fund (UNPF) and the World Food Program (WFP) have been outreaching to help especially with emergency relief due to the climate crisis. Although we recognize there are states who are in dire need of immediate relief, that does not mean that certain states, who are in need of humanitarian support, should be ignored. In order to achieve this however, it is crucial that funding for humanitarian aid increases as with the rate the UN is heading, there will be no hope for many states to rebuild themselves. Violence is also something we are familiar with, as our president was brutally assassinated, we understand the complexities that are faced when entering war torn areas. It is important that the UN achieves their humanitarian missions without violating the sovereignty of states. They should provide aid for those who need it without interference in internal affairs, such as elections and leadership. Overall we must acknowledge that there is much work that needs to be done in order to bring peace and stability to lower income states without impeding upon those states and their sovereignty.

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