World Health Organization
Topic: B
Genetically Modified Organism
WHO Topic B
Submitted by: China
School: Cleveland Heights High School
The People’s Republic of China is very cognizant of the debate of Genetically Modified
Organisms. China, the world's largest soybean importer and fastest-growing corn market, as of
2014, has approved imports of GMO Syngenta corn and Pioneer soy from the United States of
America. Though there is much controversy on the citizen’s social micro-sphere over the use of
genetically modified organisms in China, the government believes these to be beneficial which
it sees as broadly safe and as potentially key in helping feed the world's largest population.
Thus, the country has launched a media campaign to back the use of genetically modified crops
across the country. This campaign seeks to advertise GMOs in a positive perspective and to
convince the general public that these are safe and resourceful products and that they can help
benefit those who are suffering from an inefficient supply of food. The agriculture ministry said
in a statement: “(We will create) a social atmosphere which is beneficial for the healthy
development of the genetically-modified industry." This remark shows the commitment of the
Chinese government to supplying a surplus of safe and reliable food to the people of China.
According to China’s 12th Five-Year Plan on National Economic and Social Development
for 2011–2015 (12th Five-year Plan), the country will “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.” This example of political policy helps present China’s position on the
usage of genetically modified organisms throughout the international community. In comments
from a speech made in December 2013, Chinese president Xi Jinping urged the industry to be
bold in competition with foreign GMO developers. In this speech, XI said: “When we talk about
the quality and safety of agricultural products, there’s one question that must be mentioned,
which is the GMO question… First is to ensure safety, second is to innovate by ourselves… [We]
must boldly research and innovate, dominate the high points of GMO techniques, and [we]
cannot let foreign companies dominate the GMO market.” This shows that the People’s
Republic of China is committed to advancing the industry of these organisms and promotes
their usage.
The issue and debate of the usage of genetically modified organisms is not only present
in China. It is a controversial worldwide debate, and cannot be solved quickly or inexpensively.
The People’s Republic of China intends to do the following: promote and advance the usage of
safe and affordable products with genetic modifications; increase industrial production of
GMOs and commercialization which are strictly in accordance with the nation’s specified rules
and techniques, moving steadily, ensuring no mishaps, and taking into account safety factors;
become a global GMO market which advances the research and knowledge of the world of
genetically modified organisms; and to decrease reliance on foreign countries’ imports and
become a self-reliant country. Our country wishes to work with the international community to
advance and promote the usage and research of genetically modified organisms.
Works Cited
WHO Topic B
"Restrictions on Genetically Modified Organisms: China." Restrictions on Genetically Modified
Organisms: China. Library of Congress, 28 Jan. 2015. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.
Shuping, Niu, and Fayen Wong. "UPDATE 2-China Approves Imports of GMO Syngenta Corn,
Pioneer Soy." Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 22 Dec. 2014. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.
Patton, Dominique. "China Launches Media Campaign to Back Genetically Modified Crops."
Reuters. Thomson Reuters, 30 Sept. 2014. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.
Yap, Chuin-Wei. "Xi’s Remarks on GMO Signal Caution." China Real Time Report RSS. Wall Street
Journal, 09 Oct. 2014. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.
WHO Topic B
Submitted by: Costa Rica
School: Lincoln West High School
Genetically modified organism (GMO) is a blanket term referring to a living thing with
altered DNA via genetic engineering. Scientists often experiment with the genetic material of
plants and animals by removing or manipulating certain genes to better understand what those
genes do. Some GMO critics oppose genetic modification in any form, but the most controversial
aspect involves the altering of crops for consumption. Biotechnology companies genetically
modify crops to be resistant to pests, drought, stress and the application of herbicides. Some
crops also have been modified to become more nutritious, and others to produce their own
herbicides.
When a biotech company develops a genetically modified seed, it secures a patent for
that intellectual property. The company then owns the rights to its seeds. Farmers who buy these
seeds sign a contract agreeing not to save the seed after harvest. This locks those farmers into a
cycle of purchasing seeds year after year, while other farmers save their seeds and have no
additional expense.
Many health food proponents claim that eating genetically altered foods carries hidden
health risks, but a number of major health organizations – the American Medical Association, the
National Academy of Sciences and the European Commission among them – have ruled GMOs
safe for human consumption. There are several published studies, however, that suggest GMOs
could have long-term consequences. A study by University of Caen Professor Gilles-Éric
Séralini showed that rats fed a diet of genetically modified corn died earlier than control rats and
in some cases developed cancerous tumors. Despite the findings, the European Food Safety
Authority and a number of independent scientists have pointed to flaws in the study.
Reusing the same seed of a given crop on every farm eliminates the genetic diversity of
traditional farming. Opponents say unforeseen chemical-resistant plagues and pests of the future
could take out an entire species of crop in a monoculture system, whereas a more biologically
diverse approach would allow for the proliferation of naturally genetically resistant crops.
“Monoculture depends on the use of agro-chemicals in order to function. These can harm local
crops and wildlife”.
WHO Topic B
“Agriculture in Costa Rica should be managed by Costa Rican farmers, not a Gringo
mega-corporation,” said Bloque Verde’s Fabián Pacheco, who also is a member of the National
Biosecurity Technical Commission, a Costa Rican regulatory body.
Works cited
http://www.ticotimes.net/2013/10/29/what-you-need-to-know-about-gmos-in-costa-rica-2
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
WHO Topic B
Submitted by: 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-occurring
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
WHO Topic B
take note of the infringement of consumer and farmers’ rights through GMOs. Indeed, numerous
biotechnology corporations utilize loopholes in their production of GMOs. Denmark wonders if
it 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. 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.
WHO Topic B
Ethiopia
Innovation is a necessary part of the world we live in. As the population grows, the only means
of survival is modernization. Ethiopia is in vital need of a biotechnological revolution. This country
struggles to survive in its environment with little food and a staggering number of people. The use of
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is vital in the purpose of saving the people of Ethiopians from a
life with little to no food. It is a necessity to proper growth of the African country.
Ethiopia is a landlocked country. It is enduring deforestation, water deficiencies, soil erosion,
and mostly desert like conditions. As of 2011, only 13.19% of Ethiopia’s land was arable (Central
Intelligence). It is simply not probable for a county with these conditions to ignore an opportunity of
great improvement such as Genetically Modified Organisms. Yet in the year 2009, Ethiopia enacted the
Biosafety Proclamation, thereby tightly restricting and prohibiting the use of GMOs. This legislation has
caused much controversy, as does the use of GMOs. As a result, there has been a recent push to open this
closed-door policy and Ethiopia plans to ease the GMO restrictions with new legislation. Many seem to
believe that it is time for Ethiopia to enter the world of safe biotechnology in order to give way to better
living conditions, a better economy and an increase in opportunities. Aster Stifanos, an advisor of the
Ministry of Agriculture in Ethiopia, states, “Biotechnology should be a big project, in order to improve
the economic growth of the country…[it] will be a solution for low and insufficient agricultural
productivity and also for economic growth” (Mengesha).
The use of biotechnology in Ethiopia would greatly impact the country in a positive way.
Research has proven much of GMOs safe and effective in improving the surplus of food produced.
Overall Ethiopia would greatly benefit from the use of this controversial but beneficial technology.
WHO Topic B
Works Cited
"Africa: Ethiopia." The World Factbook. Central Intelligence Agency, n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2015.
<https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/et.html>.
"Biosafety Bill to Open Door to GMOs in Ethiopia." Fortune. Ed. Aster Mengesha. Addisfortune, 31
Aug. 2014. Web. 14 Feb. 2015. <http://addisfortune.net/articles/biosafety-bill-to-open-door-togmos-in-ethiopia/>.
"Test Biosafety Proclamation, Says Ethiopia Agriculture Minister." International Service for the
Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications. ISAAA, 12 Feb. 2010. Web. 14 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=5462>.
WHO Topic B
Germany
A GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered by the techniques of genetic
engineering so that its DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there. GMO
technology has only existed within the past 20 years. Almost all commercially
available GMOs are engineered to withstand direct application of herbicide and-or to produce
an insecticide. More than 60 countries around the world including Japan, and all the countries in
the European Union have significant restrictions or bans on the production and sale of GMO
products. Genetically modified organisms pose a serious threat to non-GMO farmers, because
their farms can be contaminated with GMOs from neighboring farms. Then, after their farms
have been contaminated with GMO products they can be sued for patent infringement on their
seeds when their GMO products are the result of inevitable drift from near by farms. GMOs then
hurt framer sovereignty and the national food security of any country that allows GMOs to grow
there. Also many GMO products can not reproduce, because seed companies make it so plants
can't reproduce so they have to buy new seeds every year.
Germany has a strong opposition to the use of GMOs. Germany has fought for harsh
restrictions and bans on GMO products in the UN, but especially in the EU. Where in the EU
Germany has consistently been one of the leaders in the fight to ban and strongly restrict the
production and sale of GMOs. Germany does not grow any gmos in Germany, and about 87% of
Germans oppose GMOs. Germany believes that certain GMOs such as MON 810 present a
serious danger to the environment. As a country Germany has pushed out big GMO companies
such as BASF, which has now relocated to the United States. Germany would like to propose
UN sanctioned research for GMOs. The research would be based around the purpose of studying
the effects of how GMO impact the environment as well as the consumer. This would help most
countries come to a consensus on how harmful GMOs are, which would then lead to further
action on the topic if needed. However, before the research has been conducted Germany would
like to encourage countries to look at other research and restrict or ban GMOs based on the harm
that can be done by certain GMOs.
WHO Topic B
Submitted by: Japan
School: Rocky River High School
The nation of Japan is situated on many separate islands, all of which are very
mountainous and hardly arable. Thus, crop production to feed the populace manifests itself as a
problem which Japan has solved, in recent years, with genetically modified organisms.
Despite moderate economic success in the first years, Japan and other nations using
genetically modified organisms began facing criticism, particularly concerning public health –
exactly how safe were genetically modified organisms to consume? Critics claimed that GMOs
were harmful for human consumption, causing birth defects and mutations.
Japan, through diligent scientific study, has concluded that despite minor issues with
GMOs, they are generally safe for human consumption. The health risks are minimal; the amount
of sustenance granted to the population significantly rectifies any concerns.
Additionally, Japan places strict restrictions on pesticides and chemicals used to produce
GMOs, halting any unsafe practices in order to yield many crops at high advantage to the
environment and the general population.
As a result of cautious GMO-friendly policy, Japan has provided safe and plentiful food
for a population 126 million strong, making the most of a small amount of cropland and using
public facilities to produce a surplus of crops through the GMO system. While many claim that
GMOs are unsafe for consumption, Japan has proved the potential benefits of the so-far
profitable and useful practice.
WHO Topic B
Lithuania
The country of Lithuania has been at odds with GMOs since their usage has
become widespread. In 2010, Lithuania wrote a joint document along
with Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Malta, Slovenia and
the Netherlands requesting the right to make their own decision on the
cultivation of genetically modified organisms. Recently, one of 60
municipalities, the Kupiskis municipality requested to join the European-Free
GMO Network. Though The Republic of Lithuania's Law on Genetically Modified
Organisms does not outright ban GMOs, it puts them under strict regulation
rules, and tries to limit their use by way of a necessary authorization by the
Ministry of the Environment, and limits their use to countries allowed by the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Lithuania now exercises its right to allow or
disallow the cultivation of GMOs, and will continue to do so by strictly
regulating GMO growth.
This issue of allowing GMO cultivation and consumption in countries by the
people has been brought to attention by the concerning scientific studies on
the side-effects of the consumption of GMOs. As seen in the studies performed
in Eastern Quebec, there are definite health concerns associated with the
consumption of genetically engineered crops. The studies found bt toxin in the
blood of people who consumed the GM crops, and also found that the toxin
could be passed to newborn babies. Another issue is that the animals that
should be resistant to the bt toxin, are now becoming much more resistant. In
less than a decade, animals such as the Helicoverpa zea have been found
feasting on the supposedly pest resistant bt cotton crops growing in the United
States of America. Related issues like the occurrence of Round-Up resistant
weeds also pose a concern for all nations worldwide as the chemical glyphosate
will no longer be able to be used effectively against weeds. New super-weeds
will be common worldwide and pose a threat to crops worldwide. As a result of
the new GM crops being chemical resistant, there are an increased amount of
chemicals being used on crops which leads to chemical poisoning as seen in
the case of the French farmer Paul Francois. These examples serve as the
unpleasant side-effects of the cultivation of GMO crops which can be caused by
insufficient research, and under-regulation of GMO crop cultivation. Therefore,
Lithuania pushes for more stringent regulations of GMOs worldwide.
GMOs have been the cause of new chemical resistant animals and plants
which will be harder to remove worldwide. Without stricter regulations, and
more research on the cultivation of GMOs and their effects on the biosphere,
there will be repercussions that will be felt worldwide. Lithuania pushes for
WHO Topic B
sufficient research to be done on the effects of GMOs on the biosphere and will
until then push for more stringent regulations of GMOs.
Works Cited
“GENETICALLY MODIFIED PRODUCTS IN LITHUANIA: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS AND
CONSUMERS’ ATTITUDES.” Amfiteatrueconomic. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.amfiteatrueconomic.ro/temp/article_1113.pdf>.
“Is the Dream of a GMO-Free Europe Myth or Reality?” Westonaprice. N.p., n.d. Web. 13
Feb. 2015. <http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/is-the-dream-of-a-gmo-freeeurope-myth-or-reality/>.
“Perspectives for Safe use and Application of Modern Biotechnology in Lithuania.” Ibt. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 13 Feb. 2015. <http://www.ibt.lt/uploads/file/bvtl2/Modern%20Biotechnologies_Final%20report_EN%20A4.pdf>.
“REPUBLIC
OF LITHUANIA LAW ON GENETICALLY MODIFIED
ORGANISMS.” Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Feb.
2015.
<http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/oldsearch.preps2?Condition1=151558&
Condition2=>.
WHO Topic B
Country: Madagascar
Madagascar has placed a ban on Genetically Modified Organisms being imported into
our country and exported from our country (Arthurton et al). Madagascar is concerned with
Genetically Modified Organisms being produced because of health problems that have been
associated with them, although there are many conflicting studies (Entine). Madagascar is not the
only country to put bans on Genetically Modified Organisms. Zambia has also banned imports
on GMOs (Arthurton et al). Other countries that are against GMOs are Australia, Japan, and
many European countries (“GMO Facts”). Madagascar would like to see bans on GMOs similar
to ours throughout the world. We believe that the benefits do not outweigh the risks. Madagascar
proposes the United Nations conduct thorough research into the effects of GMOs within the
human body as well as the effect it has on the environment, then use the concrete facts within
these studies to present the level of danger of GMOs to countries around the world, and educate
the possible consumers of GMOs.
Madagascar recognizes the fact that there are many conflicting research studies being
published on the topic of Genetically Modified Organisms. This is why we suggest that a nonbiased and diversified group of researchers be gathered to find facts about GMOs that can be
presented to the world through a non-biased lens. This would clarify many of the misconceptions
surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms.
Madagascar then recommends that the United Nations shares this information with
countries around the world to make clearer facts more prevalent, so the countries can take action
using the non-biased information. This would help countries that are confused as to whether
GMOs are actually damaging or if they are helpful. For example, some of the studies the United
WHO Topic B
States of America based their actions on were performed by the companies who gain the most
from GMOs (“GMO Facts”).
Madagascar suggests that the next step would be to educate the consumers of Genetically
Modified Organisms. With the multiple views of GMOs in studies coming out, it is very
confusing to the average consumer as to whether they are actually harmful or helpful. A nonbiased view is very important in this case to help lift and haze surrounding what is true about
Genetically Modified Organisms.
Madagascar believes that Genetically Modified Organisms should be banned and
currently has a nationwide ban on them. Though these are Madagascar’s beliefs, we understand
they are not everyone’s and also recognize the conflicting facts of different research studies. This
is why Madagascar suggests that the United Nations conduct thorough research into the effects
of GMOs within the human body as well as the effect it has on the environment, then use the
concrete facts within these studies to present the level of danger of GMOs to countries around
the world, and educate the possible consumers of GMOs.
Works Cited
Arthurton, Russell, et al. Africa Environment Outlook 2. Ed. Jennifer C. Mohamed-Katerere and
Mayar Sabet. N.p.: n.p., 2006. Print.
Entine, Jon. "The Debate about GMO Safety Is Over, Thanks to a New Trillion-Meal Study."
Forbes 17 Sept. 2014: n. pag. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonentine/2014/09/17/the-debate-about-gmo-safety-is-overthanks-to-a-new-trillion-meal-study/>.
"GMO Facts." Non Gmo Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.nongmoproject.org/learn-more/>.
WHO Topic B
Nigeria
The topic of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and genetically modified food
(GMF) is a particularly debated subject. The Nigerian government has passed laws
allowing Nigerian agri-businesses to manufacture GMF. Despite criticisms the Nigerian
government supports the production of GMF and the shipment of GMF into Nigeria. In
March 2004 the Nigerian government signed a memorandum of understanding with the
United States government supporting the growth of genetically modified crops. The
Nigerian Government sees GMOs as a way to increase crop production. “Through
conventional breeding and biotechnology we have safe nutrient enriched crops such as
pro-vitamin A cassava, orange-flesh sweet potato, drought resistant maize, flood
resistant rice and bananas resistant to virulent black sigatoka disease that can wipe out
all of Nigeria’s and Africa’s bananas, and cassava varieties resistant to cassava bacterial
blight that can wipe out Africa’s largest source of food.”, said the Nigerian head of
agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. Nigeria Government believes that if the crop
production is increased farmers would be able to escape poverty. “Nigeria is working
hard to empower its millions of farmers with appropriate technologies to lift them out of
poverty into wealth. But we must develop and we must use new technologies.
Responsible use of technologies, while managing and preserving biodiversity and the
environment and consumer safety is the role of government.”, said by Dr. Akinwumi
Adesina when defending Nigeria’s use of GMOs.
The Nigerian government wants to keep the use of GMOs legal as it can help
revolutionize agriculture, and benefit developing African countries. The Nigerian
government is very much against any bills being passed that would limit the use or trade
of GMOs. To help counter safety issues related with GMOs Nigeria suggests that
countries against GMOs could give money to countries wanting to use GMOs, but that
do not have the money to put into place biotechnology safety research centers. Nigeria
supports the use of GMOs and would be at an agricultural disadvantage if GMOs were
banned.
Works Cited
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“Biotech in Nigeria: The Journey so Far.”IITA Research to Nourish Africa. 8
March, 2009. Web. February 19, 2015.
Olaniyan, Subulade A. / Bakare, Adekunle A. / Morenikeji, Olajumoke A.
Genetically Modified Foods in Nigeria: A long-lasting solution to hunger?.
Curitiba, Brazil: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná. Print. 191-202
Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria. Genetically Modified
Crops: A challenge for Africa. Lagos, Nigeria. Print.
Adesina, Dr. Akinwumi. “The re-enslavement of Nigeria by the G8 and Monsanto
+ Why you should be worried.” The Federal Ministry of Agricultural and Rural
Development. Plovtech.com. 13/Feb/2015 12:23. Web. February 19, 2015
WHO Topic B
Country: Republic of Tajikistan
Genetically modified organisms are foods whose genome has been modified so that it
contains more than the naturally occurring DNA. They are problematic because of the lack
of an international regulation regarding GMO safety.
Tajikistan has adopted the Law of Biosafety. This states that genetically modified
organisms can only be used after obtaining a license, and an assessment must be carried
out to estimate the risks regarding human health and environment through the National
Commission.(1) As the poorest country in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
, and about one-third of the population suffering from food shortages, GMOs could have a
very positive impact on the country. Main uses for GMOs include making plants insect
resistant, virus resistant, or herbicide tolerant(2); therefore crop yields would almost
certainly increase and offer a possible solution to hunger worldwide.
Tajikistan has already taken steps in GMO research and education. On July 29,
2003, the UNEP Project on Development of National Biosafety Frameworks launched a
program “Public Participation in implantation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety", which
took place in Khujand. The main goal of the project was to collect and analyze information
regarding genetically modified organisms and to develop a database of GMO regulation and
distribution within the country. Several workshops on public awareness of biosafety issues
have been held in different regions of Tajikistan through this program. The main goal of the
workshops was to give the people and honest overview of GMOs internationally and the
principles that go along with it.(3)
A resolution Tajikistan would look favorably upon is one that would focus on raising
awareness of GMOs and the biosafety issues that go with it. There must be an educational
stand taken, where people can truly understand the possible advantages and
disadvantages that may result. Also a regulating body could be organized that’s goal is to
WHO Topic B
minimize any harmful impact genetically modified organisms may have on human health,
biological diversity, ecological balance and the environment. “Production, testing, import,
export, placing at market and the release of GMOs into environment” would all need to be
regulated.(3)
With these regulations in place, a resolution such as this may seem more appealing to most
countries in the European Union (EU) who have strong opposition to GMOs. In India many
people are strongly against them because of the lack regulation and disregard of biosafety
ideals by the government.(4) If the United Nations held each country using GMOs to a
certain standard and had a universal set of guidelines regarding the use of GMOs, it’s likely
all countries could agree on the restrictions and cultivations of GMOs.
(1)"Republic of Tajikistan: Law оn Biological Safety." REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN LAW оn
Biological Safety (n.d.): n. pag. Vertic. Web. 14 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.vertic.org/media/National%20Legislation/Tajikistan/TJ_Biosafety_Law.pdf>.
(2) "Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops by U.S. Farmers Has Increased Steadily for Over 15
Years." USDA ERS -. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2014march/adoption-of-genetically-engineered-crops-by-us-farmers-has-increased-steadily-for-over-15years.aspx#.VN-XgPnF9ic>.
(3) "9-Misc: GE News from Tajikistan, Russia and Serbia." 9-Misc: GE News from Tajikistan, Russia
and Serbia. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2015. <http://www.gene.ch/genet/2003/Sep/msg00022.html>.
(4) http://rt.com/news/206787-monsanto-india-farmers-suicides/
Other Sources:
http://www.apcoab.org/bioregulations/Tajikistan.pdf
http://www.unep.org/biosafety/
https://www.wfp.org/countries/tajikistan/overview
http://www.ers.usda.gov/amber-waves/2014-march/adoption-of-genetically-engineeredcrops-by-us-farmers-has-increased-steadily-for-over-15-years.aspx#.VN-XgPnF9ic
http://bch.cbd.int/protocol
WHO Topic B
Submitted by: Spain
Since genetically modified organisms were first introduced 15 years ago, it has been a
growing issue in Spain and the neighboring countries. Genetically modified organisms occur when
scientists take certain genes from certain crop or animals an injecting them into another organism to get a
desire trait or appearance. Currently, only two genetically modified crops, MON810 maize and amflora
potato, are authorized for cultivation in European nations and Spain is one of the 6 countries that cultivate
genetically modified crops in Europe. Lately, genetically modified organisms have been an argument in
many countries and individuals concerning the health risks of the crops.
Spain is currently supporting the cultivation of genetically modified crops as a way to feed and
support the growing population rate. As population grows larger and larger, the demand for food also
grows. Spain firmly believe that genetically modified organisms are the going to change the future to
prevent malnutrition due to the ability of adding nutrients in crops and the ability to resist certain
environment and pests. Not many independent scientific studies has been conducted on genetically
modified organisms and my country should be a framework to other countries to support genetically
modified organisms.
Spain supports and encourages any future action that U.N. will have regarding passing legislation
granting the cultivations of genetically modified organisms. Spain suggests that the global community
should cultivate more genetically modified crops to feed a growing population and keeping world hunger
at bay. Spain propose that the United Nation provide more money and scientific research into creating
additional genetically modified crops that can help eradicate world hunger. We see more opportunities in
improving agriculture if the United Nations supports and encourages accepting the use and farming of
genetically modified organisms.
Pros & Cons of GMO Foods. (2014, January 13). Retrieved January 10, 2015, from
http://www.livestrong.com/article/213053-pros-cons-of-gmo-foods/
Spain Leads EU in GM Crops, but No One Knows Where They Are. (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2015,
from http://www.ipsnews.net/2013/03/spain-leads-the-eu-in-gm-crops-but-no-one-knows-where-they-are/
Why and How Spain Became the EU. (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2015, from
http://ourworld.unu.edu/en/why-and-how-spain-became-the-eus-top-grower-of-gmos
Eight years of practical experience with GMOs in Spain. (n.d.). Retrieved January 10, 2015, from
http://www.gmocompass.org/eng/news/country_reports/275.eight_years_practical_experience_gmos_spain.html
WHO Topic B
Country: United Arab Emirates (Magnificat)
Advances in technology have always been developed in response to a human need, and one of
the most pressing in our world right now is world hunger, and the availability of nutritious food supplies
to those in need. The scientific community has developed Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, in
order to help respond to this need. GMOs are living organisms, most often plants, that are genetically
engineered in order to produce characteristics to enhance their growth or nutrition. The safety of this
method of genetically altering plants has been questioned by the global community, as it presents both
benefits and potential dangers to consumers. One of the benefits of GMOs is the ability to make plants
resistant to disease, which can improve crop yields and allow more food to be grown and distributed per
capita. Also, GMOs can be modified to be more nutritionally beneficial, which is especially helpful in
countries with a high percentage of malnourished population. The United Arab Emirates currently has a
population in which 19.5% of its people live below the poverty line, and the presence of nutritionally
rich GMO foods may aid in providing more health benefits for less money. Despite these positive traits,
GMOs also pose risks to the health of consumers and to the environment. GMOs introduce new genetic
codes to existing plant species, which can alter the way the organism reacts with other chemicals. As a
result, people can develop allergies for a genetically modified food that they do not have for the organic
version of it. Another negative aspect of the growth of GMOs is the reality of environmental damage.
The genetic additives that make GMOs resistant to herbicides can also be crossbred with weeds, causing
them to become herbicide resistant too, which can lead to an outbreak in the growth of that species and
an upset in the natural biological balance of an environment. The United Arab Emirates recognizes and
weighs both the benefits and risks of allowing GMO imports into the country, and has come to the
conclusion that they will be permitted, so long as all food products containing GMO ingridients are
properly labeled and regulated.
The United Arab Emirates is a part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), membership of which
also includes Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The U.A.E. itself imports almost 90 percent
of its domestic food products, many of which are genetically modified and imported from the United
States of America. In fact, food imports from the U.S.A. grew by 50 percentfrom 2009 to 2013. As of
2012, the GCC has allowed the importation of GMOs into member countries, but the products much
reach the standards of set Technical Regulations outlined by the Council in 2011. These regulations
include the mandatory detection and labeling of imported GMOs, but the laws were not strictly
enforced in the GCC across the board. In order to reinforce the implementation of the regulations, the
U.A.E. signed the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety agreement on September 12, 2014. This international
agreement stipulates that countries must be informed and agree in advance to imports of GE crops and
that countries have the right to ban or restrict the import and use of GE organisms when there is a lack
of scientific knowledge or consensus regarding their safety.
Despite the advances in biosafety introduced by the Cartagena Protocol, the U.A.E. wishes to
further improve protections against the risks of GMOs in its country. In order to reduce public anxiety
about the prevalence of GMOs in the food supply, it is necessary that the U.A.E. Ministry of Water and
Environment initiate public awareness programs and campaigns such as television commericials, to
educate the public on the benefits of biotechnology products. Also, more funding is needed for further
WHO Topic B
research and GMO testing to ensure the safety of new GMOs, as they often change with new
developments in technology. Finally, the regulations currently in place to label GMO products so that
the public is always duly informed of what they are purchasing. The capital needed to fund these
projects will be derived from the treauries of the FAO and WHO branches of the United Nations.
With the cooperation of other GCC countries and signatories of the Cartagena Protocol, the United Arab
Emirates will be on its way to ensuring the safe transfer, handling and use of genetically modified
organisms.
Bibliography
"Biosafety Protocol". Greenpeace International. n.d. Web. Accessed 28 January 2015.
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/agriculture/solution-ecologicalfarming/biosafety-protocol/
Borshaid, Rashed. "United Arab Emirates: Ministry of Water and Environment." FAO. n.d. Web. Accessed
28 January 2015. http://www.fao.org/docrep/012/al310e/al310e06.pdf
"Pros and Cons of Genetically Modified Foods." HealthResearchFunding.org. 4 December 2013. Web.
Accessed 28 January 2015. http://healthresearchfunding.org/pros-cons-genetically-modifiedfoods/
"Questions and Answers on Foods from Genetically Engineered Plants." U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. 22 July 2014. Web. Accessed 28 January 2015.
http://www.fda.gov/food/foodscienceresearch/biotechnology/ucm346030.htm
"United Arab Emirates: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual." USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. 28 May
2014. Web. Accessed 28 January 2015.
http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Agricultural%20Biotechnology%20An
nual_Dubai_United%20Arab%20Emirates_5-28-2014.pdf
"The World Factbook." Central Intelligence Agency. 23 June 2014. Web. Accessed 28 January 2015.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ae.html
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