Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Panama

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours
Paper text:
Since first looking up at the night sky millennia ago, humanity has been fascinated with outer space. As technology advanced, humankind eventually got into space in 1957 with the launch of Sputnik. From that moment on, outer space became an arena for countries to exercise their geopolitical and economic might. In recent times, private interests have taken economic interest in space. In 2024, the space economy was forecasted to be worth $596 billion and is expected to grow to $944 billion by 2033. However, this has led to successful efforts to maintain a rule-based, safe, and neutral outer space that is open for all. Through measures such as A/RES/2777/XXVI: Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects and A/RES/3235/XXIX: Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, the United Nations has proven that the global community can keep the final frontier an open and neutral zone for human exploration. A neutral outer space means that Member States can launch their own endeavors into space if the endeavor is demilitarized and permits any findings to be shared with all Member States. At home, Panama has encouraged universities to promote programs for students in STEM fields and the pursuit of peaceful use of technology. Panama encourages all Member States to honor their obligation to the five space treaties under the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (CUPOUS), a committee set up by the General Assembly in 1959 to oversee the exploration and use of outer space by Member States. The five treaties under COPOUS are as follows: The Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, A/RES/2345/XXII: The Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space, A/RES/2777/XXVI, A/RES/3235/XXIX and A/RES/34/68: Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. These five treaties altogether grant signatories and outer space the independence needed to maintain peace and security on the final frontier. To cement this position, on 11 December 2024, Panama signed the Artemis Accords, a series of multilateral agreements dedicated to establishing norms regarding governance over exploration and the use of outer space. The accords reaffirm the principles established by the Liability Convention, Rescue Agreement and Outer Space Treaty, as well as enshrine peaceful cooperation among the 56 signatories. Panama believes that by having all Member States adhere to the principles established by the five CUPOUS treaties and the Artemis Accords, outer space will remain an area where the global community can present one united front.

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects
Paper text:
The Republic of Panama has seen the damages done by the illegal trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALWs) to not only law enforcement, economies, and most importantly, communities. It is predicted that $240 billion USD will be lost due to SALW trafficking worldwide. These are not just economic factors and damages to companies and government function, but lives lost from the destruction wrought by criminal and terrorist organizations (CTOs). In May of 2020, the Bagdad gang in Panama killed a 17 year old pregnant girl during a string of over 50 murders in a period of a month, more than all the murder in 2019. The gang that committed these murders received weapons from and is involved in SALW trafficking. The trafficking of SALWs is a direct threat to the UN’s SDGs, such as infrastructure, global partnerships, and most of all, peace. The continued cooperation with CTOs by corrupt officials, the growth in illicit arms manufacturing, and the cooperation of weapons manufacturers or distributors with CTOs only exacerbates an already prominent issue. Panama is dedicated to cracking down on the illicit transit of SALWs, especially given Panama’s unique geographic position at the crossroads of the Americas, and believes that Member States ought to increase their cooperation on the regional level, with greater ties between law enforcement through means of information sharing, joint operations, and more. The Republic of Panama is a proud signatory of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the Organization of American States (OAS) convention against the illicit trade and manufacture of small arms and related material, believes the work already done be strengthened, and encourages new cooperations at the regional level to ensure greater capabilities by law enforcement are achieved together to weaken, and ideally end, the damage done by CTOs that traffick SALWs. It is the duty of each Member State to prevent the illicit proliferation of SALWs not only to protect their own people, but also to help combat preventable deaths in any neighboring Member States, because we are all humans, and as members of the UN, the SDGs are critical to the success of the UN. Those goals are not achievable if illicit SALWs are allowed to continue to proliferate.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence
Paper text:
Globalization has accelerated economic growth but has also deepened inequality among and within States, making sustainable development increasingly dependent on effective global cooperation. The issue is on the UN agenda because global interdependence creates both opportunities and vulnerabilities: while open trade and innovation foster progress, many developing countries still face structural barriers that prevent equitable benefits. Without coordinated policies to ensure inclusive growth, smaller economies risk being marginalized in the global market. The United Nations has long recognized these challenges. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), calls for stronger international cooperation and fair globalization. The UNCTAD, UNDP, and the Second Committee itself have emphasized South-South cooperation, technology transfer, and capacity-building as key tools to address disparities in global development. Panama fully supports these initiatives and has participated in multiple UNCTAD conferences and regional dialogues within ECLAC, promoting economic integration and sustainable logistics. As a small, open economy strategically positioned at the heart of global trade, Panama understands the benefits and risks of interdependence firsthand. The Panama Canal connects nearly 7% of global maritime commerce, facilitating trade between continents and supporting the development of other Member States that depend on efficient shipping routes. Revenues from the Canal have enabled Panama to invest in infrastructure and social programs, demonstrating how global interdependence can be mutually beneficial when managed responsibly. At the same time, Panama recognizes that globalization must not come at the cost of national sovereignty or social equity. Panama believes two key steps should be taken: First, the UN should strengthen regional cooperation mechanisms, particularly through ECLAC and UNDP, to help Latin American and Caribbean States diversify their economies, enhance digital connectivity, and reduce dependency on a single export or trade route. Second, Panama proposes the establishment of a UN-supported Global Logistics Partnership, promoting technology sharing, green infrastructure, and sustainable transport to ensure that interdependence fosters resilience rather than vulnerability. Through these actions, Panama reaffirms its commitment to collaborative globalization that benefits all nations equitably.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind
Paper text:
Climate change fundamentally impacts Panama. Rising global temperatures, driven by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, have led to coastline erosion, rising seas, and biodiversity loss. These changes pose a threat to Panama’s role in global trade. The Panama Canal, accounting for 5% of maritime trade and 40% of US container traffic, has been hit by a drought, restricting the daily number of goods passing through by over 30%, causing a 2.9% drop in GDP in the last year. On the other hand, Panama’s coastal region suffers from rising sea levels, contributing monumentally to biodiversity loss, thus weakening Panama’s resilience to climate change. In response, Panama has taken a leading role in addressing rising temperatures. At the 2015 COP21 Conference in Paris, Panama promoted joint climate financing for developing nations, emphasized Latin American climate collaboration, and supported the use of forests as carbon sinks. Panama continues to work closely with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNEP, and UNESCO to help fulfill our environmentally ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals and to craft environmentally sustainable policies. Panama has proved successful in these collaborations, remaining one of only three countries in the world that are carbon negative. UN cooperation assists Panama in carrying out Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13, 14, and 15 that were adopted at the UN 2030 Agenda Conference in 2015. Bordering both the Atlantic and Pacific, Panama is among the first to face the impacts of climate change, therefore open to collaboration with countries that are leading in renewable energy development, green finance, and climate control initiatives. The Panama Canal remains a key component to international trade and a tool for global commerce. Panama reiterates the importance of every Member State to reduce the effects of climate change. Specifically, Panama considers it vital to every major patron of the Panama Canal; The United States, China, Columbia, Japan, and South Korea, increase their country’s resilience to climate change by collaborating with Panama and the UN.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination
Paper text:
The Republic of Panama believes in the right of people to have freedom from external rule, to choose their own form of government, and the liberties necessary to be an autonomous political entity. Globally, this issue remains urgent due to ongoing conflicts, foreign occupations, and systemic discrimination against indigenous and marginalized communities. According to the UN, 17 territories stay non-self-governing, and 2 million people live under conditions that deny them the right to self-determination. Implementation remains inconsistent. Unresolved self-determination claims often lead to instability, displacement, and human rights violations, and these consequences undermine peace-building efforts and erode trust in international institutions. To address this issue, Article 1 of the UN Charter affirms the right of peoples to self-determination. Additionally, General Assembly Resolutions 1514 on decolonization, 2625, and 76/163 support this principle. OHCHR, Special Rapporteurs on Indigenous Peoples and Mercenaries, and the Human Rights Council have conducted extensive and effective work on this issue. However, this year, the Ngäbe-Buglé and Emberá communities have faced violent crackdowns during peaceful protests against legislative reforms and mining projects, and despite legal recognition of indigenous comarcas, many communities still lack formal land titles. Panama’s commitment to self-determination is shaped by its own struggle for sovereignty and control over the Panama Canal. Panama has ratified key human rights treaties like the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, participated in regional forums like the OAS, and supported dialogue on autonomy and indigenous rights. Domestically, Panama has recognized and empowered indigenous communities, such as legal protections for ancestral lands and cultural independence. Panama believes the UN should strengthen its monitoring and reporting mechanisms by expanding the mandate of Special Rapporteurs and increasing support for OHCHR field offices. Second, Member States should promote inclusive democratic processes under UN supervision; such as establishing inclusive local governance structures that reflect the cultural and political autonomy of self-determining peoples and providing technical and financial support for capacity-building programs that empower communities to participate in democratic governance. These processes must be transparent, culturally sensitive, and aligned with international law.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas
Paper text:
The Republic of Panama recognizes the urgent and undeniable need to promote and protect the rights of women and girls in rural areas. The UNDP estimates that around 60-80% of global food is produced by 43% of rural women. These women and girls face the reality of persistent barriers to education, healthcare, land ownership, financial access, and political participation daily. Poverty rates in indigenous and rural comarcas reach a staggering 70%. Panama is committed to eliminating discrimination and closing this gender gap by signing the CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration. In 2023, Panama led the adoption of the Declaration for the Rights of All Women, Adolescents, and Girls in Rural Areas of the Americas as President of the CIM of the OAS. Panama also supports the UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive rural development. The Republic of Panama has taken steps to promote gender equality through a national policy framework addressing five critical areas of inequality.Panama continues to build upon previous national frameworks and aligns with international commitments, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Montevideo Consensus. A cornerstone of Panama’s gender strategy is the AEMR, developed through consultations with over 300 rural women leaders. However, without continued action these inequalities will persist, undermining progress toward SDGs 5, 10, and 13. Panama calls on all Members to carry out their political commitments to the SDG goals as outlined and agreed upon during the 2030 UN Agenda conference in 2015, and recognize the need for cooperation between States to continue working towards a sustainable world. Panama would furthermore like to call for a UN led coalition to track progress on rural gender equity across member states to ensure accountability for SDGs 5, 10, and 13 through transparent reporting and peer review.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Our ocean, our future, our responsibility
Paper text:
According to the International Coral Reef Initiative, coral cover declined by 14% from 2009 to 2018. The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimated that over 1,550 marine organisms are at risk of extinction. Secretary-General António Guterres stated that “more than 3 billion people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods”, highlighting the importance of immediate action. As a state that connects the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal, the Republic of Panama views the loss of marine biodiversity as a pressing issue. As such, we are committed to preserving the ocean for future generations in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14). Member States have sought to conserve the ocean through various initiatives, such as the 1994 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People (30x30), and the 2023 Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (BBNJ), which created marine protected areas (MPAs) in the high seas — designated sections of the ocean used to maintain biodiversity. Regionally, Panama is a member of the CMAR Initiative, which is a leader in the 30x30 movement by conjoining MPAs in four countries. Nationally, Panama is one of the only carbon-negative Member States. Additionally, we have expanded our Banco Volcán AMR, making 54.26% of our exclusive economic zone (EEZ) an MPA. The delegation of Panama calls for cooperation with the UNEP and the UNDP to establish a financial program to assist Member States in creating and expanding MPAs, as well as maintaining biodiversity. Furthermore, we call upon Member States to recommit to the implementation of both the UNCLOS and the BBNJ. The Republic of Panama recognizes the importance of the sea to humanity, and we believe that collective global efforts will help protect our oceans.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations
Paper text:
Migration generally happens as a result of economic, environmental, and conflict issues. In 2024 alone, Panama’s Darien Gap has met over 300,000 migrants, about 85% of them coming from Venezuela after the recent economic collapse. Since the crisis began, nearly 8 million Venezuelan refugees have been forced to leave their homes. Helping refugees escape from the clenched fists of war, the strain of economic burdens, and the scarcity of a resource poor environment is the goal of the Panamanian government. Historically, Panama has allowed these refugees to travel through the Darien Gap to make it to Central and North America, however, this is a treacherous task, and many do not leave the Gap unscathed. Additionally, the effects of migration on the environment and indigenous populations have been disastrous. Therefore, our president made the tough decision to close the gap and all humanitarian aid centers that were provided by the UN within the gap temporarily while we find more permanent solutions. We will take in any and all refugees in search of asylum should they go through the legal processes in place to become nationalized, but this poses infrastructure strains that must be addressed. As such, Panama recognizes the importance of coordinated humanitarian assistance and supports the strengthening of the United Nations’ mechanisms to respond to crises in a timely, efficient, and culturally sensitive manner. We believe that humanitarian aid must be both responsive and adaptive to the realities on the ground, including the environmental and infrastructural limitations of host countries. In this regard, Panama calls for increased collaboration between the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and regional bodies such as the Central American Integration System (SICA) to ensure that aid delivery is not only effective but also sustainable. We urge the UN and its partners to provide technical and financial support to help Panama and other intake countries to expand capacity to process asylum applications, provide temporary shelter, and integrate migrants into society. We also advocate for the development of regional frameworks that allow for burden-sharing among Member States, particularly in Central and North America. We hope to work with the International Organization for Migration to help with the resettlement of migrant populations, and we ask that they continue to offer aid to these vulnerable populations while they work through legal identity documents and naturalization processes. We also hope to work with the Central American Integration System to potentially work with other Member States to address the root causes of migration. Lastly, we want to help these displaced populations potentially find refuge within Central and North America, so we ask that the Member States within those regions cooperate with us to take in more migrants. Panama remains committed to humanitarian principles and to working with the United Nations to ensure that emergency assistance is coordinated, equitable, and respectful of national sovereignty and local realities.

Committee:	IAEA
Topic:	Nuclear security
Paper text:
The proliferation of nuclear weapons and the illicit trafficking of nuclear material is an issue that grows more pressing with time. The threat of illegal access to and use of nuclear material represents a danger to all Member States. The IAEA reported 147 incidents involving unauthorized nuclear and radioactive material in 2024. The UN has taken several key actions to address these issues, the first being the 1968 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The second method of addressing these issues was the creation of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials in an attempt to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons without limiting States’ access to nuclear technology and development. While Panama has always supported these actions and recognizes the danger of misused nuclear material, it is important to acknowledge the burden illicit trafficking prevention places on States that play a key role in global trade. Panama proposes that, in light of the need for increased security in global trade routes, a process similar to the United States’ involvement in the Megaports Initiative, which was the payment for, and incorporation of technologies used for the detection of illicit nuclear trafficking by the United States to Panama, be proposed. Taking this route would allow Panama, and any Member States unevenly burdened by illicit nuclear trafficking to fully adhere to any new security measures without restricting trade. Doing so would allow all Member States to maintain advanced radiation detection technology along major trade routes without hindering global trade. This solution would allow Member States responsible for maintaining global trade routes to implement cutting-edge technology for nuclear material detection in major ports, thereby addressing the issue of illegal access to and use of nuclear material. Panama urges all Member States to consider the implementation of technology sharing programs to allow to improve global security in Nuclear Material Trafficking.

Committee:	IAEA
Topic:	Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications
Paper text:
Panama believes that the pursuit of sustainable development, particularly in regard to clean energy production, is of vital importance. Nuclear technology remains one of the most effective means of producing clean energy, an issue of increasing relevance with the World Meteorological Organization reporting a probable increase of 1.5°C over the pre-industrial level in the next four years. The production of clean energy represents progress towards a healthier environment and safer usage of nuclear technology. As this is a global goal and a major portion of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the commitments to good health, clean energy, and sustainable cities, it is Panama’s position that, given a long history of compliance with IAEA projects including the implementation of radiation detection technologies in ports, pursuit of sustainable development and the incorporation of nuclear energy production into developing States with histories of cooperation is a task best taken on at a global scale. Panama believes that the most efficient way to address these issues is for both partial funding and technology transfer between States possessing the capacity for nuclear energy production and those without. These actions, particularly in regard to States who have a long history of adherence to IAEA projects and those who have long been signatories of non-proliferation treaties, would help to decrease the use of non-renewable energy sources. Panama encourages Member States to join in the continued expansion of nuclear energy to advance clean energy globally.

Committee:	SC-A
Topic:	The Situation in the Sudans
Paper text:
Armed conflict has been on the rise globally over the last decade, raising instability, affecting the global economy, causing violence, human rights violations, and massive loss of life. One area of prevalence concerning these issues are the Sudans, where the conflict is threefold. Sudan has been in a state of turmoil since 2018 when protests began that would eventually cause the military to oust President Omar al-Bashir after deadly clashes with civilians. Now, the military that was working toward overturning the government to the civilians after elections, has fragmented into a power dispute, leading to more conflict. South Sudan has been struggling to reunite after gaining independence in 2011 and the deadly civil war beginning in 2013. While the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Has made strides in bringing the opposing sides together between peace talks and elections agreements, those have been plagued by fallouts and delays. Agreements have been made to split the oil revenue of the disputed Abyei region between the two Member States, however, the territorial dispute has left factions fighting within the region ever since. These conflicts have combined to leave hundreds of thousands dead in their wake. Over 10 million refugees have fled to neighboring Member States, further burdening Members within the region already dealing with the fallout of other local conflicts, with an additional 14 million internally displaced. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), both Member States are experiencing Phase 5 famine, the worst measure possible. While significant efforts have been made by the United Nations, regional partners, and global leaders, they have largely failed or turned into momentary pauses in conflict. South Sudan and the region of Abyei have been receptive to outside intervention attempts, while Sudan has asserted its sovereignty and largely denied any external influence. The United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) has deployed thousands of troops and aid workers to the region to provide much needed stability, but they have been met with violent attacks by the warring factions. UNMISS has deployed over thirteen thousand peacekeeping troops, as well as many personnel to provide aid and assistance in transitioning the government. This had been bolstered by the Tumaini Peace Talks, hosted by neighboring Kenya and supported by the African Union (AU) until the growing conflict caused South Sudan to back out of the agreement completely. While Sudan may not be receptive to outside influence, attempts have still been made such as the Quad Initiative, led by the Member States Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the United States. This was a roadmap to a transition to a civilian government with a cease- fire that was supported by the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional trade block that Sudan is part of. Panama calls for continued support and expansion of UNMISS, UNISFA, and continued offer of assistance toward Sudan. Panama is also in support of joint peace talks hosted by regional partners in line with the Tumaini Peace Talks, in order to address their internal conflicts, and a referendum should be held in the Abyei region to minimize the chance of it becoming a source of conflict for the two Member States during potential ceasefires and provide further stability to both.

Committee:	SC-A
Topic:	I. The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question
Paper text:
Panama is alarmed by the over 65,000 deaths caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas. Panama is highly concerned about the disproportionate number of women and children impacted by the War in Gaza following Hamas’ attack on the Israeli government on 7 October 2023. Gender-based atrocities and sexual violence have significantly increased since Hamas’ attack on the Israeli government. According to UNICEF, nearly one million women and girls have been displaced, many multiple times, throughout the conflict. Additionally, Panama recognizes the pain and suffering inflicted onto Jewish families and hostages and stands in solidarity with the Israeli people. Panama stresses the importance of international dialogue and collaboration, such as the 2025 High-Level International Conference to discuss the New York Declaration and the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, to foster international cohesion and consensus in the face of such grave security issues. Panama strongly condemns Hamas and reaffirms Israel’s right to a Jewish state. Panama reaffirms Security Council Resolution 2735 (2024) that calls for the immediate release of hostages, preventing hostilities, and withdrawal of forces in Gaza to allow for reconstruction in the city. Panama believes in two key solutions to address the Palestinian Question. First, Panama argues that the disarmament of Hamas and exclusion in global governance is a prerequisite to promoting peace in the region. Second, Panama believes in the safe and peaceful implementation of a Two-State Solution, taking great care to protect the right to a Jewish state. Panama reminds the international community that cooperation is necessary to adequately address the Situation in the Middle East.

Committee:	SC-A
Topic:	Haitian Crisis
Paper text:
Panama attributes the Haitian Crisis to the gang coalition Viv Asanm that has infringed on Haitians human rights and safety and have forced 1.3 million Haitians to flee the country. Armed gangs control nearly 90% of the neighborhoods in Haiti. Panama believes the Haitian Crisis is severely overlooked. The Haiti Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan estimated that 6 million Haitians require humanitarian aid in 2025. Merely 12% of the USD $908 million financial burden set out by the plan has been collected, making the Haitian Crisis the least- funded humanitarian appeal worldwide. Panama remains especially concerned about the disproportionate impacts on women and children. Sexual violence, including gang rape, remains a malicious tool often deployed by the armed gangs occupying Haiti. According to the Report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, 1.2 million Haitian children are under constant threat of armed violence. Viv Asanm’s rampant violence has caused Haiti to rank amongst the top five countries with the most violations against children in 2024. The UN verified 2,269 such violations against 1,373 Hatian children, a five-time increase from 2023. Armed gangs utilize extortion, sexual violence, and kidnapping to recruit children into gangs. Upwards of 50% of gang members are currently children who were recently forcefully recruited by threats on violence, extortion, or rape. Panama is alarmed by the numerous dire security issues impacting the daily lives of Haitians. Panama applauds the valiant efforts of The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), The United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and UNICE, respectively. Panama also strongly affirms Security Council Resolution 2793 (2025), which Panama co-authored, that authorizes a new multinational Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and invites Member States to collaborate with the Haitian National Police and Armed Forces to conduct counter-gang operations to isolate and neutralize gangs that continues to threaten and target civilian populations in Haiti. Panama fully supports fellow Latin American Member State, Haiti, in their continued efforts to address armed violence in the country and encourages regional partners to continue their efforts in supporting Haiti. Panama believes in a two-pronged strategy to address the issue. First, Panama strongly encourages Member States to make conscious efforts to close the detrimental humanitarian funding gap. Second, Panama urges Member States to continue supporting the newly established GSF and recognizes the crucial need for political stability and elections to reestablish continuous security in Haiti.

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