International Model United Nations on Trade for Peace on the Agenda of Integration of Trade and Peace in Conflict-Affected States
Creators: name: JSS Law College, Autonomous, Model United Nations
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 480308
subject: International trade and investment law

description: The genesis of the Trade for Peace (T4P) Programme can be traced back to the establishment of the g7+ WTO Accessions Group during the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires in December 2017. Initially comprising nine least-developed countries (LDCs) aspiring to join the WTO, this group aimed to facilitate the integration of fragile and conflict-affected economies into the global trading system. The overarching objective of the Trade for Peace Programme is to support nations in transitioning from fragility or conflict to stability and economic prosperity. It operates through four key pillars:<b>1.</b><b> </b><b>Political Engagement and Partnerships</b>Under this pillar, initiatives like Future Leaders aim to amplify youth engagement in trade and peace discussions, recognizing the pivotal role of young voices in shaping the future. Through dialogue and action channels, youth are provided platforms to voice their experiences and innovative ideas, fostering partnerships with organizations for on-the-ground implementation.<b>2.</b><b> </b><b>Outreach and Public Dialogue</b>This pillar focuses on incorporating diverse perspectives into the discourse on trade for peace. Through public outreach events and platforms like the Trade for Peace Podcast, the programme invites input from all stakeholders interested in the intersection of trade and peace.<b>3.</b><b> </b><b>Research</b>The T4P Programme prioritizes generating tangible outputs to deepen understanding of the trade-peace nexus. Initiatives such as the Research and Knowledge Hub and the Trade for Peace Index, developed in collaboration with institutions like the Institute for Economics and Peace, aim to provide insights into the relationship between trade and peace, informing policy and decision-making.<b>4.</b><b> </b><b>Training and Capacity Building</b>This pillar aims to equip practitioners in trade and peacebuilding with the necessary knowledge and skills to leverage trade and economic integration for inclusive and sustainable peace. By bringing together experts from various fields, the programme fosters a learning environment to harness trade as a tool for peace promotion. Through strategic partnerships with international organizations, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, the Trade for Peace Programme seeks to leverage collective expertise and resources towards its overarching goal of fostering peace and prosperity through trade. By addressing the unique challenges faced by LDCs and fragile states, the programme endeavors to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient global trading system.<b>Our Motto</b>In alignment with the themes of Trade for Peace and in the spirit of empowering youth voices, the JSS Law College (Autonomous), in collaboration with the Institute of Legal and Policy Research (Virtual NGO), proudly announces the successful organization of the first-ever virtual International Model United Nations Conference on Trade for Peace. With a focus on the agenda of "Integration of Trade and Peace in Conflict-Affected States," this conference served as a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to come together and engage in meaningful deliberations.Amidst the backdrop of the Trade for Peace initiative initiated virtually by the WTO in November 2022, our conference took place on March 15, 2024, marking a significant step towards fostering dialogue and understanding on the crucial nexus between trade and peace in conflict-affected regions. The conference, held from 2 pm to 6 pm, brought together enthusiastic young minds from various institutions, echoing the ethos of the WTO Future Leaders initiative. It aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by youth living in fragile and conflict-affected states while providing them with a platform to voice their experiences and share innovative ideas. Simulating the structure and proceedings of the World Trade Organization, the conference delved into the multifaceted dynamics of trade and its potential role in peacebuilding and sustainable development. Participants engaged in rigorous debates, negotiations, and policy discussions, exploring the complexities and opportunities inherent in integrating trade mechanisms within conflict-affected contexts.Throughout the conference, emphasis was placed on fostering constructive dialogue and collaboration, mirroring the principles of partnership and engagement championed by the Trade for Peace Programme. By harnessing the collective intellect and passion of young leaders, the conference aimed to generate actionable insights and recommendations to advance the goals of trade for peace. As we reflect on the outcomes of this historic event, we are filled with optimism for the future. The participation and commitment demonstrated by the delegates reaffirm the importance of youth engagement in shaping the trajectory of trade and peacebuilding efforts globally. Moving forward, we remain steadfast in our commitment to amplifying youth voices and driving positive change in conflict-affected regions through the transformative power of trade for peace.<b>Background guide</b>In this millennium, a significant challenge for the WTO will be not just aiding the economic growth of impoverished nations but also supporting their transition from fragility to economic success. It's worth noting that more than two-thirds of WTO members are classified as developing or least developed countries (LDCs). The multilateral trading system faces significant challenges due to fragility, instability, and weak economic systems. While the WTO can support economies by extending transition periods to fulfill commitments, it cannot bring peace to fragile states like Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and Sudan. In 2017, the WTO launched a program aimed at achieving its objectives through political engagement, public dialogue, research, and capacity building.The WTO has traditionally focused on the relationship between trade and peace, but most of its members have not actively engaged in its peace program. This Model UN conference assesses how trade and peace are integrated within the WTO's framework. Unlike preferential trade deals, which are not addressed here, the conference aims to highlight the opportunity costs of certain rules in terms of enforceable WTO law. In doing so, it seeks to analytically differentiate between the peace-oriented and trade-oriented approaches of multilateral trading systems. The WTO must adopt a more direct approach to address the complex realities faced by conflict-affected states such as Afghanistan. This approach entails engaging with all relevant parties, including those not formally recognised by certain governments, in dialogues and negotiations. By involving all stakeholders, including conflicting parties, the WTO can play a crucial role in facilitating peace negotiations and fostering inclusive economic development.<b>Objectives</b>1. Evaluate the effectiveness of WTO programs aimed at promoting economic development and peace in conflict-affected states.2. Discuss ways to enhance political engagement, outreach, dialogue, research, and capacity building to support peace-building efforts through trade.3. Explore the role of the WTO in facilitating peace negotiations and conflict resolution in fragile states.4. Examine the relationship between trade rules and peace-building efforts, particularly in the context of enforceable WTO law.5. Address challenges and opportunities for integrating trade and peace approaches in multilateral trading systems.<b>Expected Outcomes</b>1. A comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for promoting peace through trade in conflict-affected states.2. Policy recommendations for the WTO and its member states to enhance the effectiveness of trade policies in supporting peace-building efforts.3. Increased awareness among WTO members of the importance of integrating trade and peace approaches in multilateral trading systems.<br>