R. ENGAGE.

DEBATE
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SC CC
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ECOSOC BACKGROUND GUIDE

AGENDA:
ADDRESSING THE RAPID SURGE OF AI-DRIVEN
CYBERCRIME: ENHANCING GLOBAL COOPERATION AND
STRENGTHENING COMPREHENSIVE CYBERSECURITY FRAMEWORKS
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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD-
Greetings!

We would like to tell you that it gives us immense pleasure to serve as your
Executive Board for the simulation of the UN ECOSOC.
We have made a background guide to help you kick start your research. The
background guide has been written with the thought that it will serve as a map for
you to navigate through the mass of information which you may across in your
preparation for the conference. It will guide you to understand the different
angles to the forthcoming discussion, a sort of a reflection of what is in store for
you. Thus, as the name “map” may be hinting, it will not provide you with all the
information or analysis on the agenda at hand but a path for you to carry out
your research. For doing that, your research has to be comprehensive and non-
exhaustive. More importantly, you have to understand your research and be able
to use it. In other words, your research documents are not your arguments. You
use your research to form your argument; your research cannot be your only
argument. That is where analysis steps in.
It is extremely important for you to listen to everything other delegates talk
about in the committee, so don’t keep yourself too occupied writing your own
speeches, but truly listen to what other delegates speak in the committee. It will
help you give direction to the debate happening in the committee and also some
point to elaborate on or rebuttal.
With regards to that, try not to read from documents without really
understanding what they mean and try forming your own arguments based on
what you read in those documents. The trick here is to make sure you make notes
of the documents that you have read and formulate arguments from the same.
Diplomacy is the first lesson that MUNs offer and thus, you as delegates are
expected to be extremely courteous towards all participants.
To start, you can briefly read about the agenda and break down the agenda in
various subtopics that exist within that agenda, now these topics that you have
written are also the topics that will be discussed in the committee as the
moderated caucus topics. All that you have to do now is to research on the
subtopics of the agenda that we have written.
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Now when you research on particular subtopics, you don't just jot down
information that you have collected through various articles, but rather try to
make an argument for that subtopic while researching or simply provide your
countries viewpoint on the given sub topic. This means you would have content to
speak on every possible topic raised in the committee. Logic and foreign policy
combined with in-depth research and knowledge are necessary to be a successful
delegate. As delegates, you are expected to promote the interests of your nation
and as delegates of representing different nations, you are required to know your
foreign policy on the agenda and the issues related to the same. Try to highlight
the same during the three days of the conference. Having said that, if you have
any questions or doubts pertaining to any matters concerning this committee,
please feel free to contact us. We shall be happy to help.

Chairperson
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POINTS TO REMEMBER-
A few aspects that delegates must keep in mind while preparing for the debate:
Procedure: The purpose of putting in procedural rules in any committee is to
ensure a more organized and efficient debate. The committee will follow the
UNA-USA Rules of Procedure. Although the Executive Board shall be strict
with the Rules of Procedure, the discussion of agenda will be the main priority.
So, delegates are advised not to restrict their statements due to hesitation
regarding procedure.
Foreign Policy: Following the foreign policy of one’s country is the most
important aspect of a Model UN Conference. This is what essentially
differentiates a Model UN from other debating formats. To violate one’s foreign
policy without adequate reason is one of the worst mistakes a delegate can
make.
Role of the Executive Board: The Executive Board is appointed to facilitate
debate. The committee shall decide the direction and flow of debate. The
delegates are the ones who constitute the committee and hence must be
uninhibited while presenting their opinions/stance on any issue. However, the
Executive Board may put forward questions and/or ask for clarifications at all
points of time to further debate and test participants.
Nature of Source/Evidence: This Background Guide is meant solely for research
purposes and must not be cited as evidence to substantiate statements made
during the conference. Evidence or proof for substantiating statements made
during formal debate is acceptable from the following sources:
1. United Nations: Documents and reports by the United Nations or any related
UN body is held as a credible proof to support a claim or argument.
Multilateral Organizations: Documents from international organizations like
OIC, NAFTA, SAARC, BRICS, EU, ASEAN, the International Court of
Justice, etc. may also be presented as credible source of information.
2. Government Reports: These reports can be used in a similar way as the State
Operated News Agencies reports and can, in all circumstances, be denied by
another country.
3. News Sources: (a) Reuters: Any Reuters article that clearly makes mention of
the fact or is in contradiction of the fact being stated by a delegate in council.
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(b) State operated News Agencies: These reports can be used in the support of
or against the State that owns the News Agency. These reports, if credible or
substantial enough, can be used in support of or against any country as such
but in that situation, may be denied by any other country in the council. Some
examples are – RIA Novosti (Russian Federation), Xinhua News Agency
(People’s Republic of China), etc.
Please Note- Reports from NGOs working with UNESCO, UNICEF and
other UN bodies will be accepted. Under no circumstances will sources like
Wikipedia, or newspapers like the Guardian, Times of India, etc. be accepted.
However, notwithstanding the criteria for acceptance of sources and evidence,
delegates are still free to quote/cite from any source as they deem fit as a part of
their statement.

INTRODUCTION TO THE COMMITTEE -

C links a diverse family of subsidiary bodies and UN entities (Organigram)
dedicated to sustainable development, providing overall guidance and
coordination. These include regional economic and social commissions,
functional commissions facilitating intergovernmental discussions of major
global issues, expert bodies establishing important global normative
frameworks, and specialized agencies, programmes and funds at work around
the world to translate development commitments into real changes in people’s
lives.
The 2021 review, which was undertaken together with the resolutions on the
High-level political forum on sustainable development (HLPF), bolstered
ECOSOC’s Charter mandate as a coordinator, convener and specialized body
for policy dialogue, policy-making and forger of consensus towards the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well as
other major UN /conferences and summits under its purview, the response to
the COVID-19 pandemic and to address other major global challenges and new
issues. Resolution 75/290A thus strengthened the coordination role of the
Council, and it also reinforced its deliberative nature. Furthermore, resolutions
75/290A and 75/290B enhanced the coordination between the work of
ECOSOC and the HLPF.
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ECOSOC AND SDGs-
Sustainable development is the international community’s most urgent priority,
and the core aim of the 2030 Development Agenda for sustainable development.
ECOSOC operates at the centre of the UN system’s work on all three pillars of
sustainable development—economic, social and environmental. It is the
unifying platform for integration, action on sustainable development and
follow-up and review.
As the umbrella for the UN’s functional and regional commissions, and
operational and specialized agencies, it links the setting of global norms with
their implementation. Across diverse fora, it brings together all the different
people and partners involved in achieving sustainable development, while
fueling broader awareness and action through sharing its own extensive
knowledge and issue expertise.
Within the UN system, ECOSOC has the main responsibility for following up
on all major past international conferences linked to the three pillars of
sustainable development, and will continue to do this alongside the
implementation of the sustainable development goals. As a hub for the exchange
of knowledge and mutual learning, it had an instrumental role in examining
lessons learned from the Millennium Development Goals, assessed the
transition into the post-2015 agenda, and currently consider the implementation
of the 2030 Agenda. ECOSOC also explores the scope of a renewed global
partnership and invites youth to share their views on their future.
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
This Agenda is a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. It also seeks
to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. It aims to eradicating poverty in
all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, the greatest global
challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. All
countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will
implement this plan. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets
which we are announcing today demonstrate the scale and ambition of this new
universal Agenda. They seek to build on the Millennium Development Goals
and complete what these did not achieve. They seek to realize the human rights
of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and
girls. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of
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sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental. This
Agenda was adopted by all 193 UN Member States in September 2015, and it
serves as a universal call for action that requires collaboration across
governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals.
The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is the central UN
platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development adopted at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit
on 25 September 2015.
Implementation and Monitoring:
National Ownership and Leadership: Countries are encouraged to align
their policies and development agendas with the SDGs, and each
government is responsible for implementing the goals at the national level.
Global Indicators: The UN has developed a set of global indicators to
monitor and measure progress toward achieving the SDGs. Data
collection, disaggregation, and sharing are essential for tracking this
progress.
Financing: The 2030 Agenda calls for a comprehensive approach to
financing, including domestic resources, international aid, private sector
investment, and innovative financial instruments.
Goal 1
END POVERTY IN ALL ITS FORMS EVERYWHERE

Eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030 is a pivotal goal
of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Extreme poverty, defined as
surviving on less than $2.15 per person per day at 2017 purchasing power
parity, has witnessed remarkable declines over recent decades.
1.1 By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently
measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day
1.2 By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and
children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to
national definitions
1.3 Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and
measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage
of the poor and the vulnerable
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1.4 By 2030, ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the
vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to
basic services, ownership and control over land and other forms of
property, inheritance, natural resources, appropriate new technology and
financial services, including microfinance
1.5 By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable
situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related
extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and
disasters
1.A Ensure significant mobilization of resources from a variety of sources,
including through enhanced development cooperation, in order to provide
adequate and predictable means for developing countries, in particular
least developed countries, to implement programmes and policies to end
poverty in all its dimensions
1.B Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional and
international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development
strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions
Goal 8
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
Over the past 25 years the number of workers living in extreme poverty has
declined dramatically, despite the lasting impact of the 2008 economic crisis
and global recession. In developing countries, the middle class now makes up
more than 34 percent of total employment – a number that has almost tripled
between 1991 and 2015.
However, as the global economy continues to recover we are seeing slower
growth, widening inequalities, and not enough jobs to keep up with a growing
labour force. According to the International Labour Organization, more than
204 million people were unemployed in 2015.
The SDGs promote sustained economic growth, higher levels of productivity
and technological innovation. Encouraging entrepreneurship and job creation
are key to this, as are effective measures to eradicate forced labour, slavery and
human trafficking. With these targets in mind, the goal is to achieve full and
productive employment, and decent work, for all women and men by 2030.
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Goal 10
REDUCED INEQUALITIES
Income inequality is on the rise—the richest 10 percent have up to 40 percent
of global income whereas the poorest 10 percent earn only between 2 to 7
percent. If we take into account population growth inequality in developing
countries, inequality has increased by 11 percent.
Income inequality has increased in nearly everywhere in recent decades, but at
different speeds. It’s lowest in Europe and highest in the Middle East.
These widening disparities require sound policies to empower lower income
earners, and promote economic inclusion of all regardless of sex, race or
ethnicity.
Income inequality requires global solutions. This involves improving the
regulation and monitoring of financial markets and institutions, encouraging
development assistance and foreign direct investment to regions where the need
is greatest. Facilitating the safe migration and mobility of people is also key to
bridging the widening divide.
Income inequality is on the rise—the richest 10 percent have up to 40 percent
of global income whereas the poorest 10 percent earn only between 2 to 7
percent. If we take into account population growth inequality in developing
countries, inequality has increased by 11 percent.
Income inequality has increased in nearly everywhere in recent decades, but at
different speeds. It’s lowest in Europe and highest in the Middle East.
These widening disparities require sound policies to empower lower income
earners, and promote economic inclusion of all regardless of sex, race or
ethnicity.
Income inequality requires global solutions. This involves improving the
regulation and monitoring of financial markets and institutions, encouraging
development assistance and foreign direct investment to regions where the need
is greatest. Facilitating the safe migration and mobility of people is also key to
bridging the widening divide.
The current status of the SDGs
The progress assessment carried out in 2024 reveals that the world is severely
off track to realize the 2030 Agenda. Of the 169 targets, 135 can be assessed
using available global trend data from the 2015 baseline to the most recent
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year, along with custodian agency analyses; 34 targets lack sufficient trend data
or additional analysis. Among the assessable targets, only 17 per cent display
progress sufficient for achievement by 2030. Nearly half 1 Due to new data and
revised methodologies, this year’s progress assessment is not comparable to
those of previous years. (48 per cent) exhibit moderate to severe deviations from
the desired trajectory, with 30 per cent showing marginal progress and 18 per
cent moderate progress.
Monitoring Of SDGs
SDG progress assessment is affected by ongoing challenges in the availability
and timeliness of data to monitor all 17 Goals. Overall, commendable progress
has been made in improving internationally comparable data for SDG
monitoring. In 2016, when the global indicator framework for the Goals and
associated targets was initially adopted, only about one third of indicators had
good data coverage (that is, data were available for more than 50 per cent of
countries), and 39 per cent of the indicators lacked internationally established
methodologies or standards. Today, 68 per cent of indicators have good data
coverage. Since 2020, all 231 indicators have had well-established and
internationally agreed methodologies. Good trend data are available for 51 per
cent of the indicatoInternational and Regional Framework
The 17 SDGs that accompany the 2030 Agenda emphasize progress across a
wide span of areas integral to a sustainable society such as health, economy,
education, environment, and infrastructure. Each of the 17 SDGs is
substantiated by 7-19 key targets that translate the overarching goal into a list of
tangible targets that Member States can work towards. Each target is supported
by 1-4 key indicators that aid in measuring progress towards each target.
Tracking the underlying key progress indicators is critical to accurately measure
momentum towards attaining the 2030 Agenda.
The UN releases a yearly Sustainable Development Goals Progress Chart that
provides a summary of progress towards the SDGs based on current data and
estimates from UN departments such as the Department of Economic and
Social Affairs, and the World Health Organization, as well as external
organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) and World Bank Group. In the Sustainable
Development Goals Progress Chart of 2022, there were a number of
deteriorating indicators such as ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and
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sufficient food as well as achieving full employment. This deterioration reflects
the deepened challenges in achieving the 2030 Agenda due to impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and conflict. Member States recognized
the level of financing required to meet the 2030 Agenda, and as such worked
together to create the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) which was
adopted in 2015 as a policy framework for aligning economic investment
towards sustainable development.
The AAAA addresses all sources of financing from public policies for
strengthening private investment to public finance in the form of national,
international, and multilateral development banks. It contains several
commitments for official developmental support from the international
community through engagements such as a global forum to bridge the
infrastructure gap and specific financial and technical support between
developed and least developed countries. Member States agree to mobilize
domestic resources such as tax revenue and public procurement frameworks
towards sustainable development as well as cooperate multilaterally in
financing development in areas critical to the 2030 Agenda, such as energy,
transportation, water, and sanitation. To follow-up on the implementation of
the commitments, the AAAA establishes an annual Financing for
Development Forum that supports the review of the 2030 Agenda.

Role of the International System

Within the UN System, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is
responsible for facilitating knowledge and progress linked to the three pillars of
sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
ECOSOC oversees several UN agencies that support the 2030 Agenda through
mechanisms such as bridging knowledge gaps between Member States,
examining lessons learned from past initiatives such as the MDGs, and
addressing implementation challenges that may arise. ECOSOC also facilitates
the exchange of information around sustainable development through the
High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the
Development Cooperation Forum, the High-Level Policy Dialogues, the
Integration Segment, and the Operational Activities for Development Segment
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ECOSOC shares joint responsibility for the HLPF, one of the principal
international platforms for tracking progress at both the Member State and
international level. The HLPF convenes every four years under the auspices of
the UN General Assembly to conduct a comprehensive review of the
implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The HLPF then convenes on an annual
basis under the auspices of ECOSOC for eight days, providing an opportunity
for stakeholders to gather and present updates, share knowledge, and highlight
challenges regarding the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. During the
HLPF, ECOSOC receives inputs from intergovernmental bodies and forums,
major groups and stakeholders, partnerships and other voluntary
commitments, and Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) from Member States
that detail progress and challenges in the implementation of the SDGs.
Member States have the opportunity to present VNRs that detail progress and
challenges in the implementation of the SDGs. VNRs also serve as the basis for
the regular reviews of the 2030 Agenda conducted by ECOSOC and consist of
Member States’ self-conducted reviews that track implementation progress of
the 2030 Agenda at national and sub-national levels. Member States have
highlighted how the VNR process is a mechanism to raise awareness about the
SDGs, demonstrating the utility of the VNR not just as a performance metric
but also to mobilize stakeholder engagement in the process of working towards
the 2030 Agenda. The Voluntary National Reviews Synthesis Report is a
compilation of the VNRs presented at the HLPF, and is produced by the
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The 2022 VNR Synthesis Report focused on the ways in which the COVID-19
pandemic has adversely affected progress in the implementation of the 2030
Agenda

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER-
How do poverty, economic growth, and inequality interact in shaping
holistic and sustainable development?
What are the most effective multi-sectoral strategies for eradicating poverty
while ensuring decent work and reducing inequalities?
How can financial inclusion and digital banking bridge economic
disparities and empower marginalized communities?
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What role do education and skill development play in achieving a balance
between poverty reduction, economic growth, and reduced inequalities?
How does climate change disproportionately impact vulnerable
populations, and what are sustainable solutions that align with SDGs 1, 8,
and 10?
What policies and governance structures are essential for reducing
inequalities without hindering economic growth?
How can social entrepreneurship and impact investing contribute to
inclusive and sustainable economic development?
What lessons can be learned from China and India’s poverty reduction
strategies, and how do they compare in terms of sustainability and long-
term impact?
How did Scandinavian countries successfully implement social policies that
promote economic growth while reducing inequalities?
What are the key takeaways from the Grameen Bank model in promoting
financial inclusion and poverty alleviation?
How has Rwanda leveraged technology and entrepreneurship to promote
inclusive economic growth?
What impact did the COVID-19 pandemic have on labor markets and
inequality, and how can economies build back better while aligning with
SDGs 1, 8, and 10?
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How can AI and automation be leveraged to create new job opportunities
while preventing job displacement in vulnerable industries?
What role does the gig economy play in reducing or increasing economic
inequalities, and how can it be regulated for inclusive growth?
How can digital transformation in microfinance improve access to capital
for small businesses and entrepreneurs in low-income communities?
How can sustainable agriculture practices contribute to poverty alleviation
and economic resilience in rural communities?
What are the best strategies for integrating small-scale farmers into global
supply chains while ensuring fair wages and working conditions?
How can agri-tech innovations help bridge the gap between rural and
urban economic opportunities?
What policies and business models can ensure ethical and fair labor
practices in global supply chains?
How does corporate social responsibility (CSR) in manufacturing
contribute to achieving SDG 8 and SDG 10?
What impact do trade policies and tariffs have on economic inequalities
between developing and developed nations?
How do disparities in healthcare access reinforce poverty and economic
inequality, and what are potential solutions?
What are the economic benefits of universal healthcare in reducing
inequalities and fostering economic productivity?
How can public-private partnerships in the healthcare industry improve
access to decent jobs and economic opportunities?