World Health Organization
Topic: B
Genetically Modified Organism
WHO Topic B
Aruba
The issue of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) stems from its introduction in the
mid-1990s. These genetic modifications allow for crops to become more resistant to drought,
diseases, herbicides, and infestations, making it possible to grow food in environments which
would otherwise be unsuitable. This creates what some researchers say 17% more food than
without GMOs. GMO foods can have vitamins and minerals added to them to provide greater
nutritional benefits to consumers. This is especially beneficial to developing countries who
struggle with getting adequate resources (Technology). On the other hand, by growing plants or
raising livestock in environments that normally would not support them, it is possible that
environment will be damaged, for example, leading to the creation of weeds that are resistant to
herbicides. There also are studies that the consumption of GMOs can lead to the increase of food
allergies in people (Pros and Cons).
In Aruba, the topic of foodstuffs is a vital portion of Aruban culture and economy.
Aruba’s economy is fueled by tourism, as Aruba is a very popular country to visit all times of the
years. As a result, a constant supply of food is incredibly crucial to feed and impress tourists.
GMO foods are therefore a necessity in Aruba in order to keep its economy going (Government).
As the yield for GMO crops are higher, it is often cheaper to import than non-GMO foods, which
benefits Aruba’s economy very much. However, because Aruba is under the control of the
Netherlands, which as a member of the EU has a more strict policy towards GMO foods, a
labeling system of GMOs has been set up in Aruba, giving the consumer the choice of whether
or not he/she chooses to eat GMOs (Labelling). In this aspect, Aruba agrees with the policies of
the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which states that countries maintain the right to deny
imports of a certain GMO it does not believe has enough research done on to ensure its health
safety. Aruba believes this balance of public health against economic benefits is crucial to
WHO Topic B
making sure the use of GMOs stays under control, preventing the potential for health issues
(Government).
The country of Aruba recommends the future further testing and experimentation on the
safety of GMOs, as there is some uncertainty as to further health implications of consuming
GMOs. Due to the fact that GMOs is a relatively new subject, geneticists and agriculturalists
must be funded to increase research on the safety of GMOs. Aruba is satisfied with the stability
of the GMO market as it is, making the concession for GMO food labeling to allow for consumer
choice. Aruba believes a strict labeling system, where all GMO foods are labeled in all countries,
is necessary to ensure GMOs do not contaminate the entire food supply (Government).
Works Cited
"Government & Politics." Aruba Government And Politics. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2014.
"Labelling of GMO Products:." Freedom of Choice for Consumers. N.p., n.d. Web. 10
Oct. 2014.
"OVERVIEW OF THE TECHNOLOGY." Ethical Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2014.
"Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods - HRF." HRF. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct.
2014.
WHO Topic B
Brazil
There has been an explosion of the world’s population that has in return increased the
demand for food. This in turn has put a strain on traditional farmers to satisfy the demands
therefore many farmers in Brazil have resorted to alternative methods like genetically
modified organisms. Brazil is the second largest country to grow genetically modified
organisms in the world. Although there are some to believe that GMOs could potentially be
detrimental to the heath’s of humans, according to FAO and WHO, ”With respect to GM
maize, soy flour and other commodities containing GMOs, FAO and WHO are confident that
the principal country of origin has applied its established national food safety risk
assessment procedures.” (UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Humanitarian
Crisis in Southern Africa, Mr. James T. Morris.) Brazil has rapidly been keeping up with the
unwavering demand for food from not only it’s own country but also the demand from other
countries.
Brazil is one of the most important exporters in the world. Brazil is the number one producer
of commodities like coffee,sugar, tobacco, and orange juice. This remains asstounding
when the unemployment rates in Brazil’s six largest cities fell 4.3% in December from
4.6% in 2013 (the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, or IBGE) were an all
time low. Brazil has a 196.53 million population that is undoubtedly low for its 8,514,877 sq
km size. However even when Brazil’s population growth rate is slowly decreasing, Brazil is
still able to provide for the demands of the world. “Brazil’s 2013 beef and beef variety meat
exports totaled 1.4 million mt, up 22 percent from the previous year but still 10 percent
below their 2007 peak. Export value set a new record of $6.34 billion, up 17 percent from
2012 and 46 percent above 2007. Herd rebuilding has taken place in Brazil since 2007,
leading to an increase in current production. A weaker currency also helped fuel 2013
export,” according to Export data from Global Trade Atlas and Uruguay’s National Meat
Institute (INAC); cattle price data from INAC and World Beef Report.
Brazil is support of ideas and suggestions made by other countries in order to alleviate the
world hunger crisis. We believe that it will take the cooperation of many countries to fully
overcome this ordeal.
WHO Topic B
Chad
Position Paper
Regarding the topic of Genetically Modified Organism, Chad believes that genetically
modified organisms, or GMOs are more beneficial than they are harmful or unethical. A huge
benefit of genetic modification of organisms is that it is applied to agriculture. Plants can be
modified to be more resistant to pests, reducing the amount of weeds, and increasing the total
amount of crop that can be grown. As stated in an Article by UNICEF “62 per cent of Chadians
living below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day”, so many people in Chad live of
one or no meals a day. Another great aspect of agricultural GMOs is that they can be modified to
contain more nutrients like iron. This is very beneficial especially to countries where people
aren’t able to obtain a substantial amount of food and are malnourished, because it’s important
that there are a lot of nutrients in the limited amount of food that they these people do consume.
Although genetic modification may raise ethical concerns, the delegation of Chad believes that it
is vital that genetic modification is continued to be used to increase the amount of crops grown
and the amount of nutrition in the crops. Another great application of genetic modification is in
the field of medicine. Animal GMO’s can be used to more easily produce insulin for people with
diabetes. Although the delegation of Chad believes that agricultural GMOs can be very
beneficial, they can also cross ethical boundaries, especially with regards to animal GMOs.
Works Cited
1) "WHO | World Health Organization." WHO | World Health Organization. Web. 15 Oct.
2014. <http://www.who.int>.
2) "Hunger Season Comes Early for Chad's Most Vulnerable." UNICEF. 1 Jan. 2014. Web.
15Oct. 2014. <http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/chad_61784.html>.
WHO Topic B
Costa Rica
Genetically Modified Organisms in Costa Rica
Because agriculture is the backbone of the Costa Rican economy, the growing issue and
controversy of using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agricultures has had a strong
impact on Costa Rica. As of right now Costa Rica’s main agricultural export is bananas,
followed closely by coffee beans and other tropical fruits. In fact, roughly 12% of Costa Rica’s
exports are agricultural products, which make it the country’s second leading export, following
computer processors and other office supplies. As an effect, Costa Rican farmers need certain
GMOs in order to produce a large and healthy crop, mostly in corn. Because of the controversy
associated with GMOs, farmers and the government alike have found themselves in a difficult
situation trying to balance the two opposing sides of the issue.
The possible solution to this can be to place certain limits on GMOs that could cause
possible health problems. Also, looking into the effects of GMOs more and educating farmers
and consumers so both can be better aware of the products they are consuming and selling. If this
were to happen then the potential of losing profits from crops could drop. Finally, if the
government were to continue to keep certain bans on GMOs in place then consumers could be
assured that the products they are consuming are fully safe and farmers will still be able to make
a profit and not lose too much of their crop during bad growing seasons. Also, certain activists
groups and environmentalists can be content with the bans and limits set on GMOs and be fully
assured that consumers are receiving the best product that does little harm to the environment.
WHO Topic B
Djibouti
Topic B: GMOs
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms that are genetically engineered
and enhanced. GMOs are used in biological and medical research, production of pharmaceutical
drugs, experimental medicine, and agriculture. Genetic modification (GM) technology has been
associated with the potential for resolving agricultural issues such as low crop yields and stressrelated issues arising from pests, diseases and drought. These are problems that Djibouti, along
with other countries in the region, is dealing with. Djibouti has experienced drought, diseases,
pests, and famine that resulted in or were caused by lack of crops. GMOs are one answer to this
problem because they can create a larger crop yield, can have more nutritional value, and can be
resistant to disease and pests. However, GMOs are surrounded by controversy. Public concerns
about gene technology involve ethical concerns, socioeconomic issues, effects on the
environment, as well as food safety and human health.
In order to address and evaluate these concerns but also take advantage of the benefits of
GM technology, many African countries, including the Republic of Djibouti, have signed and
ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as well as the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety. The CBD recognizes the potential of the new technology in assisting human wellbeing
in areas such as food, agriculture, and health care, but also emphasizes the need for procedures
that ensure the safety of the use of GMOs and minimize any threats to the environment and
human health. The Convention obligate those countries who have signed to develop national
biosafety frameworks (NBFs) and to develop “appropriate procedures in the field of safe
transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms…that may have adverse effect on
WHO Topic B
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity”. Djibouti is among several countries in
the region currently developing such a framework.
Bibliography
Moola, Shenaz, and Victor Munnik. "GMOs in Africa: Food and Agriculture." African
Centre for Biosafety (2007): n. pag. Biosafety Africa. African Centre for Biosafety. Web. 05 Oct.
2014.
Nang’ayo, Francis. "The Status of Regulations for Genetically Modified Crops in
Countries of Sub-Saharan Africa." The Status of Regulations for Genetically Modified Crops in
Countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (2006): n. pag. African Agriculture Technology Foundation.
AATF. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
"The Convention on Biological Diversity." Convention on Biological Diversity. UNEP,
n.d. Web. 05 Oct. 2014.
WHO Topic B
Ethiopia
Genetically modified organisms were causing much tension between local
farmers and citizens, and big GMO companies. Now it seems that the GMOs
have won out. Ethiopian farmers were preparing to plant new GMO cotton
seeds in early 2013 before the rainy season. Ethiopia’s main goal that they
want to accomplish with this move is to increase productivity and efficiency of
cotton and textile exports. In 2103, Ethiopia passed laws essentially saying
that GMOs can be imported if the Environment Ministry approves of them.
Ahmed Abtewe, Ethiopia's Minister of Industry said that he was looking
forward to the use of GMO cotton to boost Ethiopia’s textile and cotton exports.
Many other government officials hope that using GMOs will help boost cotton
production. Ethiopia has embarked on a 5 year plan to boost its textile
industry. By 2015, they hope to meet a 1 billion dollar goal. However, many
people, and activists are still opposing GMOs.
AFSA an activist group is defending the rights of many countries to keep
GMOs from being planted. The big GMO companies wish to patent age old seed
hybrids grown in Africa. Just in sorghum varieties, there are over 60 kinds
which farmers have perfected for the last hundred or so years by selling,
trading, and exchanging their seeds with other farmers. Other countries in
Africa such as Burkina Faso, and Zambia have already started field research
on GM crops like maize, cotton, soybean, and tobacco. Out of other countries,
South Africa is the most open to GMOs being planted. GMOs are supposed to
increase productivity, and efficiency, and increase revenue generated by the
textile industries’ exports.
WHO Topic B
Works Cited
“Ethiopian Parliament Okays Biosafety Law.” Agricultural Biotechnology
Network in Africa. ABNETA, n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.abneta.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&i
d=88:biosafety-law-ethiopia&catid=39:featured-news&Itemid=18>.
“Ethiopia’s Interest in Bt Cotton Technology and Problems Faced in its
Acquisition.” GM Crops and Food. Landes Bioscience, 1 Jan. 2013. Web.
15 Oct. 2014.
<https://www.landesbioscience.com/journals/gmcrops/article/24375/?
nocache=85823683>.
“Food Security & Food Aid as Alibi, GMO Being Massively Pushed into
Ethiopia, Africa.” Ethiopia Observatory. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
<http://ethiopiaobservatory.com/2013/11/03/food-security-food-aidas-alibi-gmo-being-massively-pushed-into-africa/>.
Woldegebriel. “Ethiopia Plans GM Crop Boost for Cotton Industry.” Ed. Megan
Rowling. Trust.org. Thomas Reuters Foundation, 28 Jan. 2014. Web. 15
Oct. 2014. <http://www.trust.org/item/20140128102528-5o0u4/>.
WHO Topic B
Jamaica
Jamaica support the regulation of genetically modified organisms(GMO’s) and keep
records of the effects of the GMO’s on the biodiversity of organisms a law. GMOs are organisms
whose Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) have been spliced together to create a stronger better more
efficient organism. For this reason they often take over areas leaving little or no room for any
biodiversity. The lands of Jamaica are filled with extremely rare species of plants and animals,
unique to only this country. Most of the country's revenue is made by the use of the beautiful
island with tourism and agriculture. This is why it is incredibly important for the biodiversity of
Jamaica to be kept in balance, because without it there would be a major economic loss to the
country. Jamaica not only receives GMO’s, but it is a large supplier of genetically modified
goods. There are currently no known short or long term effects of GMO’s on the health of
people, which is why it would be considered safe for Jamaica to clearly label the use of GMOs in
the products that they market. Not only should Jamaca clearly label their products, but all
manufacturers of genetically modified goods should require clear labeling of GMO use. This
would allow the consumer the choice of using or not using genetically modified products.
In 2004 Jamaica developed the Jamaica Ecoregional Plan. The goals of this plan were to
set up conservation sites, to keep the biodiversity of species, to protect ecosystems and
ecological communities from harm of GMO’s, and to provide data for short and long term
strategies to conserve Jamaica’s diversity.
The discussion of GMOs is often avoided by heads of state due to lack of knowledge and
controversy surrounding it. This topic need to be discussed because there are many positive uses
for GMO products. The World Health Organization says GMOs are “aimed at altering the
nutrient content of food, reducing its allergenic potential, or improving the efficiency of food
production systems.”(Food, Genetically Modified) This allows food to be more quickly with
shorter growing time and produce larger amounts of food to feed those in less fortunate
countries.
Jamaica’s solution for the use of genetically modified organisms is to clearly label
genetically modified products so consumers can choose whether or not to buy genetically
modified products. Included in this label there will be a current definition of GMOs that can be
read and understood at a basic reading level. This is to insure that all consumers of the product
will know what they are buying and will be educated on what they are purchasing. Extensive
research of the genetically modified product is needed to insure its safety for consumer use and
to also study the effect of the GMO in a natural biological setting. A proposed period of five
years of research would be required to legally sell a GMO product in the marketplace. This is to
to make sure the utmost safety for the consumer as well as nature is kept.
Jamaica supports the use of GMOs in the marketplace as long as they are clearly labeled,
are able to educate the consumers on what they are purchasing, and have a research period of
five years on the genetically modified organism.
WHO Topic B
Bibliography
Dorfman, Daniel. "1.0 Introduction." Jamaica - A Terrestrial Ecoregional Assessment.
By Ann Sutton. Kingston: Nature Conservancy, 2007. N. pag. Print. First Draft
"Food, Genetically Modified." WHO. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.who.int/topics/food_genetically_modified/en/>.
Ventura, Arnoldo. "Environment and Ecology." Biosafety Regulations Under the
Cartagena Protocol: The Jamaican Case. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Oct. 2014. <http://environmentecology.com/biosafety/492-biosafety-regulations-under-the-cartagena-protocol-the-jamaicancase.html>.
WHO Topic B
Japan
Within recent decades the scientific community has made major leaps and bounds in
understanding the complexities of the genetics of the organisms inhabiting this world. Though,
for as far as the scientific community has come, it still has a far journey ahead as it has only
begun to scratch the surface of truly understanding the innermost workings of a living organism.
Due to what some might call over action based on only moderate research at best, there has
become a growing risk to public health in many countries across the globe. This is seen most in
agriculture as the current population of Earth is increasing at rates that could not be sustained by
traditional agriculture, and so crops and livestock are being genetically modified to increase
yield. Sense these practices have been so minimally researched it is not fully known what all the
effects of such might be on the organisms and their consumers. This is causing all manner of
havoc on the environment as the genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) encroach on the
environment in ways they previously would not have, as well as on human health as it is
discovered what the magnified effects of these modifications have on the human population.
Japan, being an island nation that mainly depends on imports from other nations for food, is very
much aware of this growing threat and implores for increased research and tighter regulation on
current GMO’s to help ensure public safety.
Japan fully recognizes the issue of loose precautionary measures being taken in regards to
handling the use of GMO’s. Almost everywhere that GMO’s are being used, regulation is so
loose that the entities utilizing them have virtual free will and reign. It is this very lack of
precaution that has become so detrimental to the environment. Japan, being largely affected by
the GMO’s that they must import to support their population, places strong emphasis on
regulation of their use and research. Japan has even signed the Cartagena protocol of 2003,
which is in fact supposed to define and regulate GMO’s. Due to lack of regulation there have
been a number of incidents in which Japan has been forced to temporarily halt trade to prevent
the spread of infection caused by GMO’s to their country; including the Starlink corn incident
which stalled $288-million in corn, and the Monsanto wheat incident which immediately halted
all importation of wheat to Japan for fear of contamination. When a nation depends on trade like
this it cannot always afford to halt trade leaving disease to run ramped in the population. This
cannot be allowed to happen as it might easily be said that everyone has the right to not worry
about what they are eating and so Japan calls for tighter regulation on the research and use of
GMO’s.
It is the countries of this world that hold the power to change the growing effects of the GMO’s.
Japan proposes that the power of the Cartagena protocol of 2003 be expanded into a larger body
with greater power to enforce more regulatory precautions in how GMO’s are being utilized.
Japan also proposes that a body be created to forward research on GMO’s as better
understanding of these will help them be better utilized. Change can be made, but it will require
the actions of the many to influence the misdeeds of the producers of these detrimental forces.
WHO Topic B
Jordan
Jordan is one of only sixty-four countries to enforce laws that require foods containing
genetically modified organisms to be labeled. A GMO or genetically modified organism is a
plant or animal that has been genetically engineered with DNA from other plants and animals,
bacteria, or viruses. Some of these viruses and bacteria have never been in the human food
supply. There are over 420 million acres of GMOs worldwide. The increased amount of GMOs
being produced are causing side effects that are harmful to the environment. Most developed
nations do not regard GMOs as being safe.
Genetically modified organisms are becoming an issue in Jordan. GMOs have not yet
been proven safe for human consumption. Some of the possible health risks of GMOs include
allergic and toxic reactions. GMOs have caused livestock to become sterile and in lamb studies
they damaged every vital organ and system. GMOs are mostly controlled by the 3 companies
that control over half of the global seed market, an international market for the buying and
selling of plant seeds. GMOs are causing a larger need for herbicides and pesticides, increasing
the pollution these create. Crops that are genetically engineered are on track to become a monocrop agriculture, which will diminish its genetic diversity.
Jordan is currently working to fight GMOs. The country passed a law recently stating that
foods containing genetically modified organisms must be labeled. Although this law isn't as strict
as it was intended to be, it is certainly a start. They also participated in a biosafety workshop in
2013 along with several other countries including Egypt, Tunisia, Albania, and Turkey among
others. This particular workshop stressed the importance of reducing hazards caused by the use
of genetically modified organisms and their products.
WHO Topic B
The Delegation of Jordan needs to address the issue of GMOs even more than Jordan
already has. The country could pass stricter legislation on the transportation, labeling, and sale of
GMOs, as well as their products. This legislature would need to outline, more specifically than
the current one, what products need to be labeled. Also, it would need to enforce stricter
guidelines on how and what GMOs and their products could be sold in Jordan. The Government
of Jordan could also go as far as to ban the production and sale of GMOs in Jordan. This would
prevent many of the harmful effects of GMOs from impacting the citizens of Jordan more than
they already have.
Jordan has been fighting GMOs. The country wants to put a stop to them, as well as to
end the harmful effects that they are having on their society.
WHO Topic B
Works Cited
Center for Food Saftey. N.p., Mar. 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/ge-map/#>.
"GMO FACTS Frequently Asked Questions." Non Gmo Project. Non-Gmo Project, n.d. Web. 14
Oct. 2014. <http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/>.
Namrouqa, Hana. "Gov’t finalising law to regulate sale of genetically modified food." The
Jordan Times. N.p., 26 Aug. 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://jordantimes.com/govtfinalising-law-to-regulate-sale-of-genetically-modified-food>.
O'Connell, Elizabeth. "64 countries around the world label GE food." GMO Inside. GMO Inside,
6 May 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://gmoinside.org/64-countries-around-the-worldlabel-ge-food/>.
Smith, Jeffrey. "Spilling the Beans: Unintended GMO Health Risks." Organic Consumers
Association. Organic Consumers Association, Mar. 2008. Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
<http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_11361.cfm>.
Stryker, Sam. "'GMO OMG' Movie: 85% of the Food We Eat Daily Contains GMOs." Mic. Mic
Network, 13 Sept. 2013. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://mic.com/articles/63521/gmo-omgmovie-85-of-the-food-we-eat-daily-contains-gmos>.
WHO Topic B
New Zealand
As a nation, New Zealand is concerned about the impact that genetically modified
foods and medicines could have on the world’s health in the long run. We fear that if countries
begin to depend on genetically modified organisms, the impact could be very negative and that
the world would not be prepared to handle such a massive, international issue. New Zealand
agrees that GMOs can be extremely useful; they are more resistant to disease and pests, they
are more tolerant of droughts, and they create a larger food supply. But the risks involved in
implementing GMOs include:
● Introducing allergens and toxins to food
● Accidental contamination between genetically modified and non-genetically modified
foods
● Antibiotic resistance
● Adversely changing the nutrient content of a crop
● Creation of "super" weeds and other environmental risks
We as a nation are worried that the cons of genetically modified organisms are capable of
outweighing the pros, which is why regulation is necessary.
Many large and powerful countries such as the United States, China, and Canada have adopted
the usage of genetically modified organisms. Millions upon millions of people are consuming
genetically modified food without even being aware of the fact. The most common genetically
modified foods are soybeans, maize, cotton, and grapeseed oil. These are ingredients most
commonly used in processed foods, which are consumed by the great majority of people in
many countries. While some countries do regulate, many countries have no requirements or
regulations whatsoever on GMOs, including the U.S.
We do not commercially grow genetically modified crops in New Zealand, although
we do produce some genetically modified medicines. Our medicines must first be approved
by the Minister of Health, and pass several regulations before they can be legally distributed
as medicines. The same goes for the genetically modified food that we import, having to
be approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. We also require labelling for our
genetically modified food so that consumers have the choice of whether or not they want to
consume genetically modified food or medicine. New Zealand believes that genetically modified
organisms should not be completely eliminated but should be much more regulated, especially
in the countries where regulations still do not exist.
WHO Topic B
People’s Republic of China
Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs as it is commonly used, are foods that are genetically
changed in the DNA to make the product more plentiful. In China, one step in their 5 year plan on
The National Economic and Social Development is to increase GMOs all over the country for to
essentially get the most money out of these crops. The Ministry of Agriculture created this plan in
order to “speed up the innovation and application of biotechnology breeding in agriculture,”
“develop new biological variety with important application value and independent intellectual
property rights,” and “foster a large and strong modern seed industry.” However, with GMOs comes
a lot of adversity on this topic and the issues that surround it.
GMOs are successful in that they create an abundance that could eventually end starvation, but the
unknown facts of what GMOs can do to a human body. There have been many experiments that
show that GMOs cause allergic reactions, liver cells alterations, and cause immune reactions to not
GMO foods, but not enough evidence has been found to ban GMOs. China, like The European Union
and other countries and organizations, have made strides to make their people aware of this by
labeling all GMOs so the consumer is conscious. If a product is a GMO then the labeling in China is
required to have a clear label stating the type of GMO. Some cities in China, such as in Zhangye,
GMOs have been banned because of the health uncertainty and unknown products in these organisms
that are potentially dangerous. These GMOs do not only pertain to plants, but also to livestock and
fishery. GMOs have been proven to be dangerous, but there are great and potentially life saving
benefits for this new abundance in crops and livestock.
An upside to these organisms is that with the abundance, this could potentially decrease starvation
drastically, especially in third world countries. A recent study shows a yield increase of 9% in the
city of Xianyou for 63 different varieties of rice. If every city in China increased their yield by 9%
with GMOs then they would export more crops and in turn receive more money for a powerful
economy. This could result in a situation that benefits all parties involved, while solving the almost
unsolvable problem of starvation.
Possible solutions for GMOs would be just to not use them entirely. Although this would cause large
companies like Monsanto to crash, but would overall eliminate all the unknown health risks that are
being taken every time a person eats any food with GMOs in it. This would result in less food around
the world, but at least harmful food wouldn’t be spreading. Another option is to take GMOs off the
market temporarily until it can be proven that there are no unhealthy factors, and if there are, a way
to fix them. Another way to add starving is to have The UN and Red Cross help feed the countries
with non-gmo foods while they are taken off the market to ensure the people who normally get these
products still get the food they need. Camps and food drives could be set up in these third world
countries and also programs to teach farmers about how to set up safe farms could be offered too.
With this program, farmers would be given non-gmo seeds and the knowledge of farming so they
WHO Topic B
could set up their own farm and be self-sufficient. With these programs in place, GMOs would not be
needed and a future of agriculture could be started throughout the world.
[12th Five-Year Plan], Central Government of the People’s Republic of China website (Mar.
16, 2011), http://www.gov.cn/2011lh/content_1825838.htm (in Chinese). Excerpt of China’s
12th Five-Year Plan––Agriculture Part, Ministry of Agriculture website (Apr. 28, 2012),
http://english.agri.gov.cn/hottopics/five/201301/t20130115_9545.htm.
Rozelle, Scott. "Genetically Modified Rice in China Benefits Farmers' Health, Study Finds ::
UC Davis News & Information." UC Davis News & Information. N.p., 10 Sept. 2014. Web.
09 Oct. 2014.
WHO Topic B
UAE
Genetically modifying organisms, better known as GMOs, have taken over the food industry, genetically
changing over 70 to 80% of the foods that we eat. GMOs are the by-product of inserting genes from one
species into the DNA of another in an attempt to obtain a desired trait or characteristic- a process called
genetic engineering (GE) or genetic modification (GM). As GMOs have taken over the nation’s food
industry, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) has also been affected by this. Due to the harsh climate
conditions and limited water resources, commercial agriculture in the 4 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC5) countries- Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE - is limited. As a result, the GCC-4 is heavily dependent
on imports of raw, semi and fully processed foods to meet almost 90 percent of its domestic food needs.
U.S. food exports to the Gulf region grew by 50 percent between 2009 and 2013 to reach 3.01 billion,
making the region the 9th largest market for U.S. food exports for the second consecutive year. Food
products imported from the U.S. include grains, intermediate and a wide range of consumer ready
products which represents more than 60 percent of the total exports. Based on the recommendations of
the GCC biotech subcommittee, the GCC governments passed several technical regulations in 2011
aimed at addressing several GE food related issues, such as detection, risk analysis, traceability, and
general requirements. Although the technical regulations were officially approved by each member
country, they are yet to be implemented. Genetically engineered animal products are not permitted.
Lack of consumer awareness about GE products could negatively impact U.S. food exports to the GCC
states, if GE labeling is enforced.
Upon the GMOs spreading throughout the country of the UAE, the UAE has passed a couple of
laws attempting to limit this. First, only firms with an appropriate trade license can engage in
importation, and only UAE registered companies, which must have at least 51 percent ownership by a
UAE national can obtain such a license. In addition, not all goods require an important license. Health
certificates must accompany shipment of blood derivatives and other biological substances certifying
that the country of origin is free from any infectious or epidemic diseases. Since July 1998, the UAE has
required that documentation for all imported products be authenticated by the UAE Embassy in the
exporting country. There is an established fee schedule for this authentication. In the UAE, absolute
import prohibitions are maintained for various reasons, including international conventions,
environmental protection, health and safety, and religious and moral considerations. Also, all entities
carrying out trade must be in possession of a trading license.According to a small study conducted by
Greenpeace in 2007, forty percent of food tested in the UAE was genetically modified, and without
mandatory labelling laws, consumers are left to make their own assumptions about the foods they
purchase. In the continent of Europe, if an item contains more than 0.9 percent of GMOs, it is required
to carry a label. Unfortunately, the UAE does not impose the same policy at the present time. What does
this tell us about the UAE? This is saying that the UAE is very laid back and not very worried about GMOs
that consumers are buying from the local mart. The UAE is not aware of the contamination that GMOs
to the general food supply, and they don’t know the possible risks that it can have on them.
With the dangerous and deadly GMOs spreading throughout the country of UAE, there are
several actions that we can take to stop this. Obviously, we could write or call to the companies that use
GM products, because the more we call them about the products, the more they are going to seek out
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conventional food ingredients. We could also write to members of UAE’s government, food producers,
supermarkets, the press and consumer groups, expressing our concern for GMOs. We look for Non-GMO
project seals, as they are independently verified to be in compliance with North America’s only third
party standard for GMO avoidance, including testing of at-risk ingredients. As GMOs are spreading
rapidly through the UAE, we will try our best to prevent or even eliminate the threat.
Sources:
www.naturalnews.com
www.bernaciseme.com
www.fao.org
www.gulfnews.com
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United States of America
GMOs are a relatively new and ever changing development in the scientific world that is
highly controversial and have been used in a variety of beneficial ways. For example, in 2002
GM corn was sent along with other crops in US food aid to Southern Africa (The Economist.
This was only possible due to the incredible surplus created due to its natural pesticide
resistance. The extra food being produced is vital to the future of the world, because according to
the FAO we will need to produce 70% more food by the year 2050 (FAO) On February 27th,
2004, the UNEP created the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety which demands that all countries
who endorse the pact label shipments with “may contain LMOs” (UNEP), however the United
States has yet to agree to this pact. The United States of America currently does not ban the use
or consumption of GMOs, and is actually the home of many well-known companies that create
GMOs such as Monsanto and Dow Agro sciences. This strong influence by companies and its
ability to help developing countries has made United States create many pro-GMO policies such
as resisting labeling laws.
There are some very basic steps that the world could take as a whole to reduce the risks
and increase the benefits of GMOs such as creating international standards that would guarantee
GM crops safety to the public. In addition, people should be better educated on the health effects
of GMOs so that they can decide whether GM foods are the best choice for their health. The
United States has attempted to pass legislation promoting the use of labeling however it has been
rejected many times, because of this the United States would not support any resolutions that
attempted to make labeling mandatory. These are some of the effects of GMOs and ways to let
people decide whether or not to eat GMOs.
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Works Cited
"Better Dead than GM-fed?" The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 21 Sept. 2002.
Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
"The Caribbean Environment Programme." About the Cartagena Convention. N.p., n.d.
Web. 15 Oct. 2014.
"FAO.org." FAO - News Article: 2050: A Third More Mouths to Feed. N.p., n.d. Web. 15
Oct. 2014.
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Denmark
In today’s age of astounding bounds in the realm of science and technology, the application of
scientific research to the real world has been explored in numerous ways. One is in the field of
agriculture dealing with the worldwide problem of the food supply. The answer to this problem arises in
GMOs - genetically modified organisms. These plants or animals have been genetically modified to
withstand almost anything that would destroy naturally-occuring wildlife, such as herbicide and
insecticide. The idea of being able to produce an artificial “super­crop” able to withstand natural
disasters and therefore able to provide food and nourishment for peoples all over the world is hopeful.
However, the use of GMOs is heavily debated. Indeed, an expanding amount of evidence has led to the
accusation that GMOs are linked with health problems and damage to the environment. Countless
developed nations have placed bans and restrictions on the production and sale of GMOs, including the
countries of Japan and the entire European Union. Denmark, as part of the European Union, is against
the production and sale of GMOs. There is currently no production of such organisms within its
borders.
As part of the European Union, efforts in Denmark in support of GMOs have been shut down.
Cultivation of GMOs in Denmark no longer exists; Monsanto, an agricultural biotechnology corporation,
ended its GM production of maize in Denmark and in Europe in 2013. As the last GM producing group
in Europe, its demise led to the end of GM crops in Denmark.Denmark urges the WHO to look into the
matter of GMOs not only in America but also
throughout the rest of the world. Denmark urges WHO to take note of the evidence linked with the
increased health risks and environmental dangers associated with GMOs, and to especially take note of
the infringement of consumer and farmers’ rights through GMOs. Indeed, numerous biotechnology
corporations utilize loopholes in their production of GMOs. Although there is the lingering hope of a
worldwide food supply that has no threat of running short due to whatever cause, the current health
risks found in present GMO consumption does more harm than good. Denmark wants to ask WHO if it
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is morally right to use today’s population as lab rats, destroying both their economic standing and
posing
a health risk in the hope of a better tomorrow. Indeed, Denmark asks: does the end justify the means?
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Spain
Spain leads the EU in genetically modified crops. GMO’s are a highly controversial topic and
there can be clear arguments made for both sides. Many countries on the EU stand on both
sides, for example, France is in heavy opposition. There are many scientific worries surrounding
GMOs. Many worry they could destroy ecosystems and that they cannot be controlled. Spain is
in charge of 90% of the EU’s genetically modified maize or corn. The corn used, BT maize, is
used as an insecticide without the harmful side effects. BT maize keeps bugs away from crops
without the harmful chemicals used in insecticides.
The pros of GMOs used in Spain vastly outway the cons. While there are potentially horrible
effects to the ecosystem, there is no potential harm in this case. BT maize is a safe and
controllable product. It makes it easier and cheaper to create vast amounts of corn, over
120,000 hectares (297 acres). This puts food on the table and money in the pocket of the
consumer. There is almost no reason not to allow this use of GMOs.
The only real concern with GMO use in Spain at this point is where to draw the line. This
particular plant has worked out and vastly helps the economy and the people. However, what if
a harmful plant was to be put into Spain’s grounds? The only answer to this question is to
proceed with caution and to start small. As long as Spain doesn’t try to add more untested crops
too fast there is no issue with GMOs.
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Lithuania
The topic of genetically modified organisms is a highly controversial and debated issue,
especially in the World Health Organization. Scott E. Spoolman and G. Tyler Miller define genetically
modified organisms as “organisms whose genetic material has been altered using techniques of genetic
engineering.” An immense portion of modern life involves eating processed foods, many of which
contain harmful GMO’s. For humans, many health problems arise from the continual consumption of
GMO’s. Food products containing GMO’s are made from the altering of genetic material, such as
selective breeding and mutation breeding, which provide for a more adaptive food product. Producers
have attempted to use techniques that modify the genetics of their crop, with unpredictable results.
Tampering with the natural aspects of certain crops can lead to dangerous mutations, detrimental to the
environment and more importantly, human health. Although benefits do appear, such as faster growth
and larger, more profitable harvests, but in no way do these benefits equalize the harm GMO’s can
cause.
Lithuania has taken initiative to limit the production of GMO’s within it’s borders. Based off of
an extensive study done by Lithuanian biologists in 2001, Lithuania learned that in order to protect the
welfare of its citizens, several mandates would have to be passed. In the majority of counties, GMO’s
are completely outlawed with a preference put on all-natural, organic crops. In the remainder, several
harsh restrictions have been put into place regarding the distribution across stores. In these counties, no
more than 7% of the yearly total crop produced and sold can be GMO’s. From these efforts, Lithuania
has seen a dramatic decrease in several diseases, including heart disease, chronic illness, and cancer.
Lithuania would like to come to an agreement about worldwide GMO production and
consumption. In order to make the world a better place, Lithuania strongly pushes for widespread
limiting of GMO’s. As a basis for possible action to be taken, Lithuania offer’s it’s own laws and
mandates as examples for the success of limiting GMO’s.
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Mexico
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO’s), are most commonly used in the agricultural
industry. In Mexico the major crops using gmo are corn and soybeans. Starting in Mexico in
1994, GMOs have grown to become a major part of Mexico's agricultural system. There are
positive and negative effects to using this science to feed the country's population. Some of the
known positive effects are, faster growth and resistance to outside elements. The negative
effects are since it is unnatural we do not know the effects it will have on our health in the future.
It has sprung upon controversy in the last decade on whether GMO’s should be used on
Mexicos crops. Monsanto, the major corporation that makes GMOs was banned by a judge in
2013 from planting anymore GMO corn. Even if Mexico succeeds in eventually banning GMO
corn completely, some wonder if it is already too late? The presence of GMO corn is already
found in nearly half of Mexico’s states, according to a new report written by Timothy A. Wise,
Policy Research Director at Tufts University’s Global Development and Environment Institute.
Mexico plans to act soon to completely ban GMO seeds, there is reason to preserve native seed
varieties, and become a major player in the world market demanding GMO-free corn.
In conclusion, Mexico believes that we as the United Nations should work together to
help stop GMOs from taking over the agricultural world. In this situation the negatives outweigh
the positives. We hope other countries can see these negatives and preserve their natives seeds
crops.
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Somalia
Around the world, air pollution is causing disease, death,and damage to billions of
people, to other living organisms such as food crops, and the natural environment. According to
the 2014 WHO report, air pollution in 2012 caused the deaths of around 7 million people
worldwide.It is an unalienable right for people to breathe in clean air, which World Health
Organization recognizes and strives to achieve.
Somalia, as a developing nation, recognizes the severe condition of air quality both
within Somalia and around the world. In Somalia, air pollution is a significant risk factor for a
number of health conditions including respiratory infections, heart disease, COPD, stroke and
lung cancer. One of the commonly shared problems in developing countries that causes the air
pollution is the lack policy framework, guidelines and standards air pollution at industrial sites.
Somalia starts alleviating this problem by reorganizing the government and ratifying several laws
on the prevention of air pollution, such as Law on the Prevention of Deforestation &
Desertification.
Another constant issue that debilitate the air condition in Somalia, is the deforestation and
the overuse of charcoal. Deforestation leads to lack of air circulation, while the overuse of
charcoal creates extensive fumes. Somalia strives the change this situation by introducing solar
energy and hydropower into daily use, due to the fact that Somalia is accessible to both of these
clean energy source.
It is our expressed hope that through effective enforcement of air pollution control,
introducing new energy sources, and adequate outside funding, that the condition of air pollution
both within Somalia and around the world can be alleviated.
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