Committee: IAEA (Novice)
Head Chair: Calista Shang
Vice Chair: DJ Uno
Moderator: Kyle Aufill
Position papers will be due on February 6, 2014.
Email all position papers to our committee email: lhhsIAEA@gmail.com. Feel free to contact
us via email if you have any questions or concerns.
Hey delegates! My name is Calista Shang, and I’ll be your head chair for LHHSMUN 2015’s
IAEA committee. I’m currently a junior at LHHS, and this is my third year in MUN. I love
baking, cats, Taylor Swift, and the Anaheim Ducks. One day, I am going to marry Luke
Hemmings and/or Cam Fowler. In the future, I hope to raise sons like DJ Uno and Kyle Aufill,
except taller. I look forward to meeting all of you in committee! @coolistaa #MUNISFUN
Your vice chair will be me, DJ Uno, me. I am a junior at LHHS, and a third-year MUN-er. I am
in a ton of honors classes and no extracurriculars. In my free time, I like doing homework,
jamming out on my guitar, and playing Smash Bros. My favorite hockey team is and always has
been the LA Kings, even before the bandwagoners jumped on (you know who you are). I also
enjoy listening to classic rock and electronic music. IAEA is the right committee for you because
it’s awesome, we chose some great topics, and it’s awesome. Also, Calista Shang, the head chair
of the committee and my one true love, accepts only perfection, so that’s a huge plus, unless you
wanted to get an award. See you at the conference! @unodeejturnupthebass #MUNISFUN
Topic Synopsis: Atomic Energy for Cancer Research
Background:
Recently, doctors have turned towards the use of atomic energy in the battle against cancer.
Atomic energy is produced when atoms split or when atoms fuse together. Potential in finding a
cure lies in the discovery of a medicine that can not only locate and eradicate cancerous cells
within the body but also do this without damaging normal cells. So far, existing drugs remain
ineffective, and surgery by itself only provides a slim chance of success. Current treatments,
such as radiation and chemotherapy, are only effective in certain cases where tumors have not
yet metastasized and remain small in size. New methods of radiotherapy employ nuclear
technology; it is imperative that these advancements can be developed and distributed safely.
Cancer has become an increasingly serious obstacle in the medical field, affecting people on a
global scale and killing over 7.6 million people each year. More people are affected by cancer
than by HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. In the next ten years, the number of
deaths could increase to over 84 million, simply due to lack of access to treatments and medicine.
In cases of early detection, about one third of cancer cases can be cured. Additionally, another
third of cancers are preventable before any symptoms arise. However, because cancer is treated
as a low priority in developing nations, around 70% of all cases result in death.
UN Involvement:
In 2004, the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) established the
Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT) to help facilitate international cooperation in
cancer research, technology, and medicine. The PACT works closely with the World Health
Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to help states
create cancer control programs. In 2009, the IAEA and the WHO joined forces to create the Joint
Programme on Cancer Control in order to fight cancer in developing countries. Radiation
technology and medical knowledge does exist, but it is up to the IAEA and the international
community to facilitate the distribution of them to nations in need of them. The WHO and IAEA
have together led the majority of progress in this area; the combination of the WHO’s vested
interest in promoting international health, and the IAEA’s expertise in radiological medicine, the
two organizations serve as a dynamic team for action towards international aid. In addition, The
National Foundation for Cancer Research works to increase awareness and expand IAEA's
programs. IAEA’s main goal is to save as many lives as possible from cancer through the joint
cooperation of research organizations, the mobilization of supplies, and the safe transport of
radiation treatments to developing nations. In addition, many cancer research facilities are
already working together to develop a cure and to provide help to as many people as possible.
Country Blocs:
Western Bloc: Partnerships between Western nations, especially with those in southeastern
Europe, provide developing nations with the necessary means to stabilize their economies. In
cooperation with the IAEA, nations can raise awareness in Eastern bloc nations, and provide
radiotherapy treatments and technicians. Western nations are in the best position to help update
and modernize clinics and hospitals in developing countries, and it is imperative that these
countries focus on mobilizing their resources to help those in need around the world.
Middle Eastern Bloc: The Eastern bloc suffers greatly from a lack of resources and treatment
methods. The IAEA can make vast contributions to nations in this bloc, but progress has been
slow up to this point. Inaccessibility to radiotherapy and nuclear medicines has led to increased
mortality rates. Policies from this country bloc should focus on identifying areas of greatest need,
and where support can be given with greatest effectiveness.
African Bloc: Throughout Africa, numerous imPACT Missions have been implemented. The
IAEA works with the Ministries of Health in low-middle income nations to acquire the supplies
and resources needed to effectively respond to health needs. The African bloc has received the
most aid and is still in need of further assistance. Countries in this bloc can investigate where
they need aid most, and possible solutions of how that aid could realistically be distributed.
Latin American Bloc: Along with the African bloc, the Latin bloc faces a lack of resources to
target cancer. Few research facilities and professional staff members are available in countries
such as El Salvador and Nicaragua. In developing nations, the scarcity of treatment availability
has led to increased deaths. The IAEA works towards providing these nations with the necessary
means to combat cancer. These nations can work together with developed countries to find ways
to solve the problems they face in combating cancer within their borders.
Asian Bloc: Wealthier countries in this region work with numerous NGOs to raise awareness and
funds to provide developing nations with the resources and means to combat cancer. However,
several Asian nations do not even have a single radiotherapy machine nor advanced treatments
and medicines. Therefore, countries in this bloc can try to work together to find solutions to cure
cancer across all of their borders.
Questions to Consider:
What international efforts against cancer is your country involved with?
How prevalent is cancer in your country?
What resources, if any, can your country provide to developing nations to aid in the fight against
cancer?
What are some creative ways in which technology can be distributed to third world countries?
Are there any alternative research solutions to battling cancer?
Sources
http://cancer.iaea.org/mission.asp
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2009/who_iaea_cancer_programme_20090526/e
n/
http://www.who.int/cancer/treatment/en/
https://www.msh.org/blog/2014/02/04/world-cancer-day-2014-addressing-cancer-in-developingcountries-the-time-is-now-to
https://www.iaea.org/Publications/Magazines/Bulletin/Bull471/no_time.html
http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,934059,00.html
Topic Synopsis: Nuclear Power as an Alternative Energy Source
Background:
Each year, large amounts of carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere, resulting in the
destruction of the ozone layer as well as drastic climate changes. If the global community does
not work to reduce carbon emissions and find a cleaner, more efficient energy source, then the
state of earth’s environment will only continue to worsen. The rapid depletion of fossil fuels has
created a sense of urgency and dependency on the discovery of a renewable energy source to
supply future generations.
Nuclear power has been a topic of heated debate due to the life-threatening risks that accompany
the benefits. For example, the Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi disasters, which occurred on
April 26, 1986, and March 11, 2011, respectively, both resulted in significant backlash from the
global community, regarding the usage of nuclear energy. Nuclear power plant leaks result in the
emission of radioactive particles, which spread over the country, affecting wildlife and
civilization, hundreds of deaths and injuries, and a cost of billions of dollars in repairs. In order
to prevent future tragedies like this, countries must consider safety precautions as a high priority.
Nuclear power, although highly controversial, is one way that nations can find an alternative
source of energy and reduce their dependence on environmentally harmful fossil fuels.
UN Involvement:
The first resolution ever passed by the UN General Assembly created the United Nations Atomic
Energy Commission to deal with issues surrounding the usage of nuclear energy. Since then, the
UN has remained heavily involved with the controversy surrounding nuclear power as an energy
source. Approximately 16% of the world’s electricity comes from nuclear power reactors today,
and it is the responsibility of the IAEA to ensure that this power is obtained and used responsibly
and safely, through measures such as the 1968 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and inspections
of nuclear power plants. At the 58th General Conference, IAEA Director-General Yukiya
Amano recently discussed the plan to implement nuclear power programmes in over 30 willing
countries. Further progress in aiding countries by providing a nuclear energy source is in direct
alignment with the IAEA’s stated goal of promoting the usage of nuclear technology for
sustainable development, as this potential energy source could help lower nations’ dependence
on foreign powers for energy, as well as provide usable energy to their populations.
Country Blocs:
Western Bloc: The Western bloc shows the most difference in the use of nuclear power.
Statistics show that in some nations, nuclear power usage is extremely low, while in others the
use has increased over 24%. In the U.S. and in Europe, the utilization of nuclear power plants as
an energy source is predicted to increase. The Western bloc is typically the most efficient in
maintenance.
Middle Eastern Bloc: The Middle East displays strong nuclear energy powers as well as
expansion potential. Countries such as Pakistan and Iran have numerous plants in operation. The
United Arab Emirates is working with the IAEA to construct South Korean reactors. Numerous
nations are working to utilize nuclear energy.
African Bloc: Several countries are to launch nuclear programs in the future. However, many
nations have been forced to postpone plans for construction due to unstable economic conditions
and/or poor infrastructure. South Africa plans to build additional nuclear power reactors, and
Nigeria is in the process of creating more reactors with assistance from the IAEA. International
aid is needed to help bring these countries on an equal playing field with the rest of the world.
Latin American Bloc: Argentina and Brazil use nuclear power as an electricity source. The
power plants are for commercial use; however, more reactors are to be built in the future. Chile
is researching the construction of additional reactors.
Asian Bloc: The Asian bloc leads the world in the use of nuclear power and is proposed to
expand its use of nuclear power plants more than any other region. China and the Republic of
Korea are among the nations that have already instilled and are operating nuclear power plants
on a grand scale. However, dangerous nuclear reactor leaks in Japan slowed progress for the
implementation of new plants, and serve as a severe reminder of the hazards of nuclear power
sources.
Questions to Consider:
How heavily does your nation rely on nuclear energy?
How can your nation benefit more from increased access to nuclear power?
Are the potential benefits of nuclear energy worth the risks?
Should nuclear power be banned as a precaution against possible weaponization?
How can nuclear energy be used as an economically viable and environmentally safe alternative
energy source?
Sources
http://www.un.org/en/globalissues/atomicenergy/
http://www.altenergy.org/
http://saveenergy.about.com/od/alternativeenergysources/a/altenergysource.htm
http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/iaea-issues-projections-nuclear-power-2020-2050
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Current-and-Future-Generation/Nuclear-Power-in-the-WorldToday/
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/gases/co2.html