Position paper for Saudi Arabia
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours |
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| The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains ever steadfast in its endeavor to forge and maintain peace and stability on Earth. The Kingdom very well endeavors to do the same for that final frontier of humanity. The peoples of Earth have embodied amongst themselves time and time again unity and cooperation, sharing the burdens of arduous intellectual labor towards obtaining a deeper understanding for the universe that surrounds us. However, the use of space as a source of both global unity and the common pursuit for technological advancement has become increasingly undermined, developing into a field for military contestation rather than for discovery. The Kingdom recognizes this immense concern, and has been deeply affected by it. Space debris from objects in orbit have increasingly been found on the Kingdom’s soil and airspace. The use of satellites remains an integral component of both civilian and military infrastructure and communication systems. The numerous threats posed by the unrestricted use of space-based military assets, such as anti-satellite weaponry, is a critical part of the Kingdom’s many national security concerns, as well as for its regional strategic partners. The very safety of the Kingdom’s present and future lies deeply in reducing these illusive threats. The Kingdom has already done much endeavoring towards this goal as both a member-state to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outerspace and as a party to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The Saudi Space Agency has proudly hosted the 2024 Space Debris Conference in the Kingdom’s capital Riyadh, and will do so once again in 2026. In cooperation with all other willing members of this body, the Kingdom advocates firmly for strong, concrete principles and rules to be outlined in international law that reprimands the irresponsible usage of space outside of national security, civilian infrastructure, and astronomical discovery within a legally binding treaty. Moreover, norms must be developed further incentivizing both private and state-actors towards more responsible usage of space. Our behavior in the outer universe very well reflects our behavior on the Earth. The Kingdom urges its allies and this body assembled today to give more respect for both of God’s creations. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects |
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| The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to the possibility of a more peaceful world as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations. As such, we oppose the illegal trade of arms and weapons around the world. Small arms and light weapons (SALW) pose a particular threat, due to the difficulty in tracking. Over the past few years, the Kingdom has repeatedly called for greater international cooperation and assistance in creating regulations to govern SALW. The Kingdom seeks guidance on further compliance with the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons and a strengthening of this body’s institutions. The Kingdom further proposes an international effort to use new technology to track these SALW, including location tags and AI recognition of arms from CCTV footage. Of particular concern to the Kingdom is the illegal armament of the so-called “Ansar Allah,” more commonly known as the Houthis, a terrorist group fighting against the legitimate government of Yemen as recognized by this body. The Houthis, given arms in contravention to international law, promote instability and violence around the region. Similarly, the so-called “Hezbollah” promotes terror around the world. If a member state is found to be arming these groups, it should be subject to the heaviest sanctions and penalties. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence |
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| Saudi Arabia remains firmly committed to international frameworks that promote sustainable development. By participating actively in global and regional organizations, the Kingdom supports initiatives that strengthen international cooperation and uphold the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Saudi Arabia recognizes that while globalization has brought progress, disparities persist due to asymmetrical policies and limited participation from Member States. The Kingdom stresses the need for greater inclusivity in global decision-making and more effective mechanisms to address jurisdictional challenges, as identified in the Human Development Report 2000. In alignment with the Millennium Development Goals, particularly Section 8, Saudi Arabia advocates for renewed efforts to build a universal partnership for development. The Kingdom urges the United Nations to enhance cooperation among Member States to ensure that the benefits of globalization are shared equitably. This includes respecting the judicial sovereignty and domestic policies of nations while facilitating fair access to global markets and resources. Through Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is committed to fostering development that reflects both globalization and interdependence. The Kingdom continues to strengthen partnerships, encourage expanded market access for developing countries, and invest in sustainable initiatives that promote long-term prosperity for all. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind |
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| Protection of the global climate for present and future generations is a priority for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since our signing of the Paris Climate Agreement, the Kingdom has started the Saudi Green Initiative, a part of the broader Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives. Under this initiative, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to reducing emissions, greening the nation, and protecting our land and sea, following Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14, 15, and 17. Specifically, we are committed to having 50% of our power generated by renewable sources by 2030, with a goal of net zero emissions by 2060. Net zero emissions will be achieved not only through renewable energy, but also through implementing the Circular Carbon Economy approach, strengthening collaboration between the government and the private sector, and investing in carbon capture technologies. We believe in order to effectively mitigate climate change, the global community must build a supportive and open international economy that can support sustainable growth. Without a strong economic foundation, Member States will struggle to implement climate policy. Cooperation between nations is of utmost importance, especially for states that have limited resources to protect the climate. The Kingdom supports the widespread development of new technologies to address climate change and urges for increased technology transfer and cooperative action between nations. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to continuing to be a key climate leader in the Middle East, working towards a more sustainable and economically prosperous global future. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination |
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| The Delegation of Saudi Arabia recognises the right to self-determination and firmly encourages decolonisation efforts. The capacity to enter into relations and retain sovereignty and self-determination is a very prominent issue facing many nations and regions today. The Delegation of Saudi Arabia maintains strong support for the progressive development of regions in which need liberation from overreaching government and lack of representation. In specified terms, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia pushes for the establishment of Palestine in a two-state system. The priority of Saudi Arabia remains focus on addressing the self-determination of Palestine and Syria and ending the conflict in the surrounding areas. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia leans into the collaborative efforts of developing the Middle East. Additionally, the delegation of Saudi Arabia notes the pursuit of Middle Eastern collaboration seen in the establishment of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). This organization facilitates relations and development within the Middle East and has taken large strides in the name of progressive development of neighboring countries. This organization has contributed to the social well-being and stability of over 80 countries. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is reported to be the fourth largest aid donor in Official Development Assistance (ODA). The Delegation of Saudi Arabia strongly encourages the international organizations to facilitate support, such as the organization Saudi Fund for Development. In order to support these countries, the constitutive recognition of these regions as sovereign states as diplomatic acts further the support from the international community. This support legitimizes these states to other nations, and providing aid through organizations such as these set up by the government of Saudi Arabia further operationalizes this proposed diplomatic recognition. The Delegation of Saudi Arabia pushes to increase the monetary support of these organizations and encourages the global community to claim recognition of these underrepresented peoples. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas |
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| The Delegation of Saudi Arabia asserts the notion of humanitarian aid in the name of cultural preservation. Under one of the fundamental sacred pillars of Islam, Zakat, the principle of charity is outlined in the name of Allah and our national sacred values. Our king, King Salman bin Abdulaziz created an organization which represents the practice of sadaqah, The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief). This organization, in collaboration with UNICEF, has allocated funds to initiatives in pursuit of protecting women and children refuges and outreach programs targeting medical care for the vulnerable. These philanthropic incentives long preclude the establishment of this organization and is upheld by the very foundations of Islamic tradition, seen through sacred scripture and long-standing custom. This organization is merely an instrumental tool for the preservation of sacred beliefs and culture of Saudi Arabia. These are progressive developments within the infrastructure of the government convey cultural practices into larger scale initiatives and further contribute to the global welfare and nurtures relations between states. The well-being of rural family communities is an important factor in the agricultural systems of Saudi Arabia, which is recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. In an effort to empower the use of sustainable agricultural practices, Saudi Arabia is now implementing the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, which aims to improve modern farming practices, increase skills, and support women-led agricultural enterprises in the new age of farming. The curriculum covers essential topics such as plant growth, pest control, and business management while also emphasizing sustainable practices in order to conserve vital resources. The empowering of women entrepreneurs, specifically rural women and girls, showcases the efforts that Saudi Arabia is currently making in order for their businesses to thrive. Not only do these contributions result in success for the women, it also creates success in the overall agricultural production of Saudi Arabia, benefiting the entire country. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Our ocean, our future, our responsibility |
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| The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes our world’s oceans are incredibly valuable and sacred resources in need of protection. For far too long have our waters been subject to repeat offenses like pollution, overfishing, and the damaging effects of climate change. Without these oceans, we lose access to key natural resources, biodiversity central to many ecosystems, and economic opportunities. This finite resource has been continually tapped into without regard for our global duty to preserve it. This reckless abuse of our oceans has driven us to a breaking point. Something must be done if we wish to continue relishing in the privileges provided by the earth. Our shorelines are among the many affected by these crises, so we recognize the urgent need for change. Having taken steps toward conservation and education through projects like SAUDI VISION 2030, we believe in the importance of increased funding for sustainability infrastructure. Our Saudi Green Initiative has enabled us to unite countries under a shared conservation effort through the Global Ocean Alliance and Ocean Exploration foundation. Through these projects, we have gained a crucial understanding of what is needed to combat these issues. If we wish to preserve our oceans, and ensure that these vibrant ecosystems teeming with opportunity and resources are available for generations to come, it is imperative that these member states come together to coordinate resources, finances, and knowledge with which to formulate a plan of action. Regional connections must be highlighted and acted upon, allowing for the creation of Marine Protected Areas in spaces universally acknowledged as safe from human harm. The project of protecting our oceans for our posterity is one impossible to complete alone. It is not only essential to economic success, but also to the longevity of human life on earth. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations |
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| In recent years, violent conflicts, natural disasters, and unjust persecution, have left humans in need of support. We must find solutions that supply relief to individuals in times of crisis. We are committed to alleviate individuals who face any kind of crisis because everyone deserves a fair, equal, and safe quality of life. Without a secure foundation of peace, we lose sight of humanity. As one of the largest humanitarian donors of all the Arab countries, we believe that aid is imperative to find solutions for those who require support. With over 132.98 billion U.S. dollars in aid, we have been able to assist countries in times of need. The Saudi Fund for Development has given soft developmental loans in order to finance projects in developing countries in order to contribute to an international effort to find solutions to humanitarian crises. Through the support of local governments as well as international, countries can move forward to a time of peace and stability. In addition to fiscal aid, The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre supplies aid internationally in order to relieve those that have faced natural or humanitarian disaster. With improvement of data collection and sharing, we will be able to contribute effective responses to crises. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Nuclear security |
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| The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in a unique position to be a leading voice of global nuclear security. Saudi Arabia is proud to have a civilian benefit only, nuclear program. We have no plans to engage in the construction of heavy water reactors to create weapons grade uranium. We conduct this policy while surrounded by belligerent nations engaged in the development of nuclear weapons and nations who have threatened to deploy their nuclear weapons. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is encouraging other nations to disarm their nuclear stockpiles and halt ongoing weapons production. In addition to the traditional focus of concern on weapons, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is deeply concerned about unstable nuclear facilities. As we as a global community have observed multiple times, a poorly built or maintained civilian reactor can cause dramatic damage if a disaster occurs. Many nations have reactors that have never been checked by IAEA inspectors and their condition is unknown. A nuclear catastrophe would not just affect the host nation. Nuclear Radiation seeps into the ground and poisons food supply that can be shipped throughout the world. It can poison water sources and not only cause significant environmental damage but also cause further human suffering through poisoned food sources. Furthermore Nuclear Radiation will be carried into the air and hypothetically could spread and poison an entire continent. These are not hypothetical disasters. All of these cited examples were observed in the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster and Fukushima Nuclear Disaster. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia follows the will of god and it is our job as a people to bring the good will of god to the world stage. God did not give us great minds to see us destroy ourselves through mismanagement. Therefore Saudi Arabia will be calling upon the global community to enhance IAEA inspection powers and resources and for all nations to make the internal decision to allow regular IAEA inspections at its major nuclear facilities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will encourage all nations to engage in better monitoring of their own nuclear facilities and to scale back nuclear weapon production. A war will not be won if all parties involved and every nation around them lies a burning wreck. Saudi Arabia will never hinder another sovereign nation's capacity to engage in self defense but complete annihilation is not war. That is an act of mass genocide, that the world cannot be allowed to tolerate. | |
| Committee: | IAEA |
| Topic: | Strengthening the Agency's activities related to nuclear science, technology and applications |
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| The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is strongly in support of strengthening the IAEA’s activities relating to nuclear science, technology, and applications. The world’s supply of hydrocarbon resources is rapidly deteriorating, despite many nations relying on them to produce electricity. This problem necessitates the development of more sustainable energy sources, which is what the IAEA is doing. In the past, Saudi Arabia has consistently recognized the importance of both the rapid development of renewables and the need for international cooperation on this important issue. With such a massive technological endeavor, it is imperative we all share our expertise in order to create the best possible outcome for the citizens of our nations. Additionally, in May the IAEA carried out its first Management and Systems Advisory Service for Saudi Arabia. This program is fantastic for helping countries new to the field of nuclear energy coordinate program implementation and highlight roadblocks within. As a nation with a budding nuclear power program, we are deeply grateful for the help the IMSAS program has provided, and are in firm support of their efforts in supporting other member states. Another salient issue we are concerned about is the problem of nuclear waste and the potential for disasters. The IAEA has been fantastic in their development of safety standards for nuclear power plants, which we are closely adhering to. These safety standards are vital for preventing malfunctions, for emergency response in the case of a malfunction, and preventing improper use of nuclear waste which can pose a threat to the health of workers or other people near the plant. It also highlights the importance of the information sharing inherent to being a part of the IAEA. Even during the worst case scenario, we will be prepared thanks to knowledge from other countries. For these reasons, we are proud to support. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy that is sustainable and inclusive |
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| The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of promoting alternative development as a development-oriented drug control strategy. Saudi Arabia has sought diligently to reduce the use and trafficking of narcotics and drugs within our state. Synthetic drugs manufacturing and production continues to pose serious challenges to nations in Western Asia, threatening the wellbeing and livelihoods of citizens. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would like to emphasize that the use, trade, and manufacturing of these dangerous substances is an attack on our nation's security and the continued development of our nation's prosperity. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recognizes the importance of providing alternative methods of development for the control of illicit and narcotic drugs. His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) believes in the importance of protecting "our societies and enhancing the security and safety of the citizens of our nations from this dangerous scourge." Saudi Arabia has worked tirelessly to reduce the trade and manufacturing of these illicit substances through the strict implementation of penalties. Saudi Arabia’s Gulf Strategy for Combating Drugs emphasizes several key pillars to properly address the scourge of narcotics and drugs upon our nation, including the reduction of the supply and demand for drugs, drying up the sources, developing the Gulf legislative system, combating money laundering from drug trafficking, and establishing a joint national monitoring system. Despite the diligent efforts of the Saudi Arabian government to properly address this attack on our nation's security, drug trafficking, use, and development has remained a prominent issue for Saudi Arabia and surrounding nations. Our delegation would like to promote community-based prevention and development programs to ensure that our citizens, and communities across the globe, do not become victims of this illicit drug. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would appreciate fellow member states recognizing the importance that cultural differences hold in influencing drug prevention and control strategies as our delegation continues to implement the preventative and retributive strategies which best fit the needs of our nation. | |
| Committee: | CND |
| Topic: | Promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention |
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| The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emphasizes the importance of promoting comprehensive and scientific evidence-based early prevention as a way to tackle drug addiction. Saudi Arabia places a high priority on combating narcotics abuse since this has detrimental effects on families, communities, and society as a whole. In 2022, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that 292 million people worldwide use drugs and 64 million suffer from drug use disorders. Despite this alarming statistic, only one in 11 received treatment. Drug abusers present a danger and detriment to society since they often exhibit unusual and unpredictable behaviour. While they can be treated, the Office reminds us that prevention is more cost-effective: “for every dollar spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social and crime costs.” Early prevention of drug abuse can reduce future economic burdens for government states and societal burdens on communities since treatments are long and costly. The Office also emphasizes the need to work “with families, schools, and communities” to ensure “that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor” can grow and develop safely into healthy adults. The United Nations “acknowledges the importance of fostering strong partnerships with civil society organizations” to address the effects of drug abuse on communities. It highlights the value of collaboration between community groups, labour unions, and faith-based groups to support neighborhoods afflicted by drug addiction. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia affirms the importance of partnerships between secular and non-secular organizations to provide comprehensive drug prevention programs. Thus, Saudi Arabia calls upon Member Nations to review current prevention programs to assess the current state of community outreach strategies, family support schemes, and access to faith-based help. In 2024, Quality of Life Program chief executive Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Baker emphasized the need to address drug abuse as an impediment to the well-being of individuals and their families. He also reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 to combat drug abuse. As part of this goal, Saudi Arabia has implemented several initiatives to prevent drug abuse, provide treatment for drug abusers, and raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction. The General Directorate of Narcotics Control has organized awareness exhibitions to educate the public and build societal resistance against addiction. The Kingdom also firmly believes that drug prevention requires contributions from all sectors of society. Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life Program seeks to promote sports, culture, entertainment, and provide diverse and robust job opportunities for young people to support their development into adults with positive lifestyles away from the destructiveness of drug abuse. As part of this mission, the Kingdom proposes partnerships between Member Nations to facilitate cultural exchange programs to foster conducive dialogue between young people about the dangers of drug addiction. Through these exchanges, young people can participate in valuable learning opportunities with other youth from around the world in a global effort to prevent drug abuse. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia invites Member States to join in conversation and promote comprehensive models of early prevention to protect future generations from the dangers of drug abuse. | |
| Committee: | ESCWA |
| Topic: | War on Gaza: tenets and essential elements for sustainable recovery |
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| The Gaza War has been ongoing since October 7, 2023, as an extension of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that reaches back to the end of the 19th century. This war has shaken the Middle East, taken over 67,000 Palestinians' lives, and caused tens of billions of dollars in economic damage. Saudi Arabia has openly condemned Israel for genocide and sympathized with Palestine since the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Saudi Arabia supports a two-state solution with realistic steps to achieve it. On 12 December 2023, the United Nations drafted a resolution, ES-10/22, calling for an immediate ceasefire and release of the hostages. Saudi Arabia was one of the countries to sponsor the resolution and sought alignment with the Arab Peace Initiative. The ES-10/22 resolution and resolutions like it have had limited success or failed, but still offer the framework of a way forward. The UN must assist--not lead-- with representatives of Palestine to establish a transitional government, as regional conflict requires a regional solution to avoid the pitfalls of colonialism. Saudi Arabia proposes to use the United Nations Capital Development Fund to bring in Angel investment networks. Before the war, Gaza was a high-tech sector supplying jobs for over 1000 Palestinians. If foreign direct investments were to return to Gaza, supported by angel networks, jobs would be returned, and the economy would rise, giving Gaza an independent boost. That being said, concerns of colonialism may come up with foreign investors. In order to prevent this, diversifying partners and five-year commitments would discourage and block colonialism from happening. A UN committee devoted to overseeing the foreign/angel investors would be helpful as well, so that Palestine is in control, backed by the UN. Saudi Arabia will work with Palestine to form a unified regional solution supporting Gaza through this time of reconstruction with support of the UN. | |
| Committee: | ESCWA |
| Topic: | Economic governance: market competition challenges in the Arab Region |
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| Full of untapped potential, the market in the Arab Region has weathered extreme adversity. However, economic stagnancy still weighs it down due to a hostile environment for competition, where companies and statecraft are bound together in Strong State Owned Enterprises (SOE). Furthermore, citizens of Arabic states are minorities within the workforce, with nationals avoiding the private sector. Little resources are provided to them to start SMEs, and women--especially rural ones--are disproportionately disadvantaged in their entrepreneurship pursuits. Helpful precedents have been set for these issues, manifesting in the Arab Competition Forum (ACF), Saudi-led Arab Competition Network (ACN), and the eTrade for Women Initiative. However, it is not sufficient; the ACF and ACN have limited purview, and the eTrade for Woman Initiative is not currently implemented on a large scale. However, Saudi Arabia emphasizes that there is promise in a sector that has been ignored. The ability for women to not only educate themselves financially and technologically, but start grassroots SMEs has been a major initiative in Vision 2030. Economic diversification through the SRAD and SDAIA programmes has bore fruit, empowering women in STEM, AI and agri- preneurship. In order to tackle SOEs, foundational strengthening of those who start SMEs is imperative. Educating those on entrepreneurial literacy and subsidizing their efforts is the only way to truly make grassroots change. They need tools, credit, and access to fund startups, and need to utilize emerging technology that is open for everyone to use. Thus, there should be a digital compendium where secrets of trade are unbound, where developing countries-- especially Arabic ones--can access information crucial for economic development. Free exchange of information leads to freer trade. E-commerce helps with economic equity. This all is not a monolith, though. Because the state of Arabic nations’ needs are different, thus it is important base the needs on said beneficiary. Saudi Arabia would look favorably upon the international community coming together to lend support for equitable information--thus SMEs--to create healthy and sustainable growth in the Arab Region. | |
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