ASMUN 2024

ECOSOC
Background Guide
Dear Delegates,

It is our pleasure to welcome you all to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at this
year’s conference. We are honoured to serve as your chairs for the duration of this exciting
session. The secretariat and the entire staff have worked tirelessly to create a conference that is
both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating, and we truly hope that this weekend will be as
rewarding for you as the preparation has been for us.

In this study guide, you will find valuable information designed to ignite your curiosity and
guide you in conducting deeper research. While this document offers a solid foundation, we
encourage you to explore additional resources and begin your journey by understanding the
broader context of global issues. From there, move on to country-specific research to strengthen
your positions and arguments.

This year, we will be focusing on two critical and timely agendas:

1. The fight against global corruption: Corruption undermines institutions and progress
worldwide. Delegates will be tasked with finding solutions to promote transparency,
good governance, and international cooperation to address this persistent issue.
2. Eradication of global poverty: We will explore strategies to foster inclusive economic
growth and strengthen social protection systems to lift millions out of poverty and
ensure sustainable development for all.

If you have any questions or doubts at any point before, during, or after the conference, please
do not hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help make your experience as enriching as
possible. Please note that this study guide has been collated from publicly available information
and is meant to serve as a starting point for your research.

We look forward to meeting all of you and wish you the very best for the conference!

Warm regards,
ECOSOC Executive Board
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AGENDA 1: COOPERATION TO CURB CORRUPTION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

1. Introduction to ECOSOC

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal
organs of the United Nations, responsible for promoting international economic, social, and
environmental cooperation and development. Established in 1945, ECOSOC serves as a key
platform for coordination, policy review, and dialogue between UN Member States and a wide
range of stakeholders, including specialized agencies and civil society. It plays a central role in
advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on
economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.

Mandate of ECOSOC:

• Policy Coordination: Align international policies on issues like poverty, education,

economic growth, and governance.
• Research and Recommendations: Conduct research on global social and economic
issues and provide recommendations to the UN General Assembly.
• Oversight: Monitor the progress of SDGs, especially SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and
Strong Institutions), which includes anti-corruption efforts.
• Facilitation of Dialogue: Serve as a forum for Member States to discuss and devise
policies addressing economic and social challenges.
As corruption is a barrier to sustainable development, ECOSOC plays a vital role in fostering
international cooperation to address this global issue.

2. Understanding Corruption

Definition:
Corruption refers to the abuse of power by individuals or institutions for personal gain, often
at the expense of public welfare. It undermines good governance, economic development, and
trust in institutions.

Types of Corruption:

1. Bribery: Offering or receiving something of value to influence the actions of a person

in a position of power.
2. Embezzlement: Misappropriation or theft of public or entrusted funds.
3. Fraud: Deceptive practices to secure unfair or unlawful gain.
4. Extortion: Using coercion or threats to obtain money or other benefits.
5. Nepotism & Cronyism: Favoring family or friends for jobs and contracts, regardless
of merit.
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6. Political Corruption: Manipulation of policies, institutions, and laws to sustain power
or wealth.
7. State Capture: When powerful businesses or individuals shape state policies for their
own benefit.

Impact of Corruption:

• Economic Damage: Corruption distorts markets, reduces foreign investment, and

increases inequality.
• Undermined Governance: Corruption weakens public institutions, leads to poor
governance, and diminishes trust in the rule of law.
• Hindering Development: Corruption diverts resources meant for development,
limiting access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

3. Global Overview of Corruption

Corruption is a global problem, affecting nations at every level of development. While its
forms and severity vary, its effects are universally harmful.
• Developing Countries: In many parts of Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, weak
institutions, poverty, and lack of oversight lead to widespread corruption, often in
sectors like health, education, and law enforcement.
• Developed Countries: Corruption takes more sophisticated forms in wealthier nations,
including corporate bribery, lobbying, and opaque political donations.

Sectors Most Affected by Corruption:

• Public Services: Bribery is often needed to access basic services like healthcare,
education, and utilities.
• Law Enforcement: Police and judiciary corruption weakens the justice system, leading
to a culture of impunity.
• Infrastructure Projects: Large-scale public works are particularly vulnerable to
bribery and kickbacks.

4. Efforts to Combat Corruption: Global and National Initiatives

Corruption requires a collective global response due to its transnational nature, involving
cross-border financial flows and international businesses. Several global initiatives and
national reforms have emerged to combat corruption effectively.

Global Initiatives:
1. United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC): UNCAC, adopted in
2003, is the first legally binding international treaty dedicated to fighting corruption. It
covers prevention, criminalization, international cooperation, and asset recovery.
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It obligates countries to establish independent anti-corruption bodies, adopt preventive
measures, and facilitate the return of stolen assets.
o Success Rate: While widely ratified (187 countries), enforcement of UNCAC
provisions remains uneven. Countries often lack the resources or political will
to implement reforms, limiting the convention's overall effectiveness.

2. Transparency International (TI): TI is a civil society organization focused on raising

awareness and advocating for anti-corruption reforms globally. It publishes the
Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) annually, ranking countries based on perceived
levels of corruption.
o Success Rate: The CPI has become an important tool for benchmarking
progress, and TI has influenced policy changes in many countries. However, as
it only measures perceptions, its direct impact on reducing corruption is indirect.

3. Financial Action Task Force (FATF): FATF sets global standards to combat money
laundering, terrorism financing, and corruption. Its guidelines help countries
strengthen their financial systems to prevent the flow of illicit funds.
o Success Rate: FATF has had notable successes in improving Anti-Money
Laundering (AML) regulations, but enforcement remains patchy. The complex
nature of money laundering makes it difficult to fully eliminate illicit financial
flows.

4. OECD Anti-Bribery Convention: This legally binding convention targets the supply
side of corruption, requiring signatory countries to criminalize the bribery of foreign
public officials in international business transactions.
o Success Rate: The convention has raised awareness and resulted in legal
changes in 44 countries, but enforcement remains weak in several jurisdictions.

National Initiatives:

1. Singapore: Known for its zero-tolerance approach to corruption, Singapore's Corrupt

Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) investigates corruption across public and
private sectors. The government has created a strong legal framework and swift judicial
action for corrupt practices.
o Success Rate: Singapore is among the least corrupt countries in the world,
providing a model for effective governance and law enforcement.

2. Brazil: Brazil’s Operation Car Wash (Lava Jato) uncovered widespread corruption
among political and business elites. The operation led to high-profile convictions and
reforms in governance structures.
o Success Rate: While Operation Car Wash was initially successful in exposing
and prosecuting corruption, political pushback and legal challenges have since
stalled some of the momentum for reform.
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3. India: India has introduced several anti-corruption measures, including the Right to
Information Act (RTI) and the establishment of the Lokpal (anti-corruption
ombudsman). The digitalization of public services has also reduced opportunities for
petty corruption.
o Success Rate: While India has made significant progress in creating legal
frameworks, implementation challenges remain, and corruption continues to
affect many areas of public life.

5. Challenges Facing the Global Community

1. Weak Institutions:
Many countries, particularly in the developing world, suffer from weak or corrupt institutions
that lack the independence or resources to enforce anti-corruption laws. Public officials and
law enforcement agents are often part of the corrupt system they are supposed to combat.
• Impact: Weak institutions lead to ineffective enforcement of anti-corruption policies,
with high rates of impunity and low conviction rates for corruption offenses.

2. Cultural Acceptance:
In some regions, corruption is deeply ingrained in societal norms, seen as a necessary evil to
access basic services or navigate bureaucracy. Changing these cultural attitudes is a slow
process that requires long-term education and awareness campaigns.
• Impact: Cultural acceptance makes it difficult to rally public support for anti-
corruption measures, allowing corruption to persist at all levels of society.

3. Elite Impunity:
Corruption often benefits powerful elites who use their influence to evade accountability. This
"elite impunity" creates a system in which laws are applied selectively, and efforts to prosecute
corruption face strong political resistance.
• Impact: When the wealthy and powerful are seen to be above the law, it erodes public
trust in institutions and the rule of law.

4. Globalization and Financial Loopholes:

The global financial system allows corrupt individuals to move money across borders easily.
Offshore tax havens and complex financial networks make it challenging to trace and recover
stolen assets.
• Impact: Illicit financial flows and money laundering undermine efforts to fight
corruption, allowing corrupt officials to hide their wealth in foreign jurisdictions.

5. Lack of International Cooperation:

Fighting corruption often requires international cooperation, particularly for recovering stolen
assets and prosecuting transnational crime. However, differences in legal systems, lack of trust,
and political tensions make it difficult for countries to work together effectively.
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• Impact: Without strong international cooperation, corrupt individuals can exploit
jurisdictional loopholes and evade prosecution.

6. Role of Technology:
While technology can help reduce opportunities for corruption by increasing transparency (e.g.,
digital public services, blockchain), it also creates new challenges, such as the use of
cryptocurrencies to launder money.
• Impact: The dual role of technology in both reducing and facilitating corruption
requires careful regulation and innovation to stay ahead of emerging threats.

6. Why Corruption Must Be Addressed Globally

Corruption is a global issue with wide-reaching implications that affect not only individual
nations but also the international community as a whole. Addressing corruption at a global level
is essential for several reasons:

1. Economic Development: Corruption inhibits economic growth by discouraging

investment, increasing the cost of doing business, and distorting markets.
2. Social Justice: Corruption exacerbates inequality by diverting resources away from
those who need them most, undermining poverty reduction and social welfare
programs.
3. Environmental Protection: Corruption facilitates the exploitation of natural resources,
often with devastating environmental consequences.
4. International Security: Corruption fuels organized crime, terrorism, and human
trafficking, posing a threat to global security.

7. Key Questions for Delegates to Address

1. What measures can your country take to strengthen domestic institutions and
promote transparency in governance?
2. How can international frameworks like UNCAC be better enforced to ensure
uniform global standards?
3. What role should civil society organizations play in the fight against corruption?
4. How can technology be used to improve accountability and reduce opportunities
for corruption?
5. How can developed countries support anti-corruption efforts in developing
nations, particularly in terms of capacity-building and asset recovery?

8. Conclusion
The fight against corruption is integral to achieving global economic development, social
justice, and environmental sustainability. Through international cooperation and domestic
reforms, corruption can be curbed, promoting more just, inclusive, and accountable governance
systems.
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Delegates must craft creative solutions to address the multi-faceted challenges of corruption,
balancing national sovereignty with the need for global accountability. By working together
through platforms like ECOSOC, the global community can build stronger institutions and
create a fairer, more transparent world.
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AGENDA 2: ERADICATION OF GLOBAL POVERTY: PROMOTING INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC
GROWTH AND SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

1. Introduction

Global poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. While
significant progress has been made in recent decades, with hundreds of millions lifted out of
extreme poverty, over 700 million people still live on less than $2.15 a day, according to the
World Bank. Poverty not only denies individuals access to basic necessities like food, clean
water, and shelter but also limits their opportunities for education, employment, and personal
growth.

Addressing global poverty requires a multi-faceted approach that combines inclusive

economic growth, robust social protection systems, and sustainable development policies.
As delegates, it is crucial to explore solutions that address the underlying causes of poverty
while considering the unique needs of different populations around the world.
In this guide, we will explore what causes poverty, examine existing frameworks for reducing
it, and highlight key areas for debate to foster inclusive economic growth and stronger social
protection systems.

2. Defining Global Poverty

Global poverty refers to the condition where individuals lack the financial resources to meet
basic needs for a minimum standard of living. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as
living on less than $2.15 per day, but poverty encompasses more than just low income—it
includes a lack of access to services such as healthcare, education, and employment, as well as
social exclusion and vulnerability to crises.
• Absolute Poverty: A condition where people cannot meet basic needs for survival.
• Relative Poverty: Poverty relative to the standards of living in a particular society.

3. Causes of Global Poverty

Global poverty is a result of various complex and interconnected causes. Understanding these
root causes is essential for creating effective strategies to eradicate it.

1. Economic Inequality
Economic inequality is a significant factor driving poverty. When wealth is concentrated
among a small percentage of the population, opportunities for upward mobility are limited for
the rest.
• Impact: Inequality manifests through unequal access to resources like education,
healthcare, and employment, which perpetuates cycles of poverty.
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2. Weak Governance and Corruption
Political instability, weak governance, and corruption hinder poverty eradication efforts. In
countries where corruption is prevalent, resources meant for public services often get diverted,
exacerbating poverty.
• Impact: Corruption weakens public institutions and undermines economic
development, trapping people in poverty.

3. Conflict and Displacement

Wars and political violence displace millions of people and destroy critical infrastructure,
disrupting economies and long-term development.
• Impact: Refugees and displaced persons face acute poverty, as they often lose access
to employment, education, and healthcare.

4. Climate Change and Environmental Degradation

Climate change disproportionately impacts poor communities, particularly in developing
countries that depend on agriculture. Extreme weather events destroy homes and livelihoods,
pushing millions into poverty.
• Impact: Vulnerable populations, such as smallholder farmers, are at risk of climate-
induced poverty, especially in regions prone to droughts, floods, and rising sea levels.

5. Unemployment and Underemployment

In many parts of the world, particularly developing countries, the labor market is unable to
provide sufficient jobs for a growing population. Unemployment and underemployment are
common, especially among youth and women.
• Impact: Lack of decent work opportunities contributes to income inequality and limits
the ability of individuals to escape poverty.

6. Intersectionality and Social Exclusion

Poverty does not affect everyone equally. Gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and other social
identities intersect to create additional barriers to escaping poverty. For example, women and
girls often have less access to education and employment opportunities.
• Impact: Marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by poverty, with fewer
opportunities to escape it due to systemic discrimination and exclusion.

7. Lack of Social Protection Systems

Many countries lack adequate social protection systems, such as unemployment benefits,
healthcare access, and pensions. These systems are essential to protect vulnerable populations
from economic shocks and crises.
• Impact: Without safety nets, individuals can easily fall into poverty during times of
illness, job loss, or economic downturns.

4. The Impact of Poverty

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Poverty has far-reaching impacts on individuals, societies, and economies:
• On Individuals: Poverty severely limits access to basic services, leading to poor health
outcomes, lack of education, and lower life expectancy. It also perpetuates cycles of
inequality, as those born into poverty often remain trapped in it due to systemic barriers.
• On Society: Poverty fuels social unrest and weakens institutions, leading to greater
political instability and violence. High levels of poverty also hinder economic growth
by reducing the productivity and economic potential of large segments of the
population.
• On the Global Economy: Global poverty impacts trade, investment, and markets, as
impoverished populations lack the purchasing power to drive demand. Reducing
poverty is essential for creating stable economies and promoting sustainable global
growth.

5. Efforts to Eradicate Global Poverty

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Adopted in 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets ambitious targets to
eradicate poverty through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Goal 1: No Poverty
calls for ending poverty in all its forms and ensuring that all people have access to basic
services, opportunities for employment, and social protection.

2. National and Regional Initiatives

Governments around the world have implemented various policies to reduce poverty:
• Social Protection Systems: Countries like Brazil (Bolsa Família), India (Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), and South Africa have
implemented extensive social protection programs that provide cash transfers and
employment opportunities to the poor.
• Universal Healthcare: Countries with universal healthcare systems, such as Sweden
and Canada, have demonstrated how access to healthcare can reduce poverty by
preventing medical bankruptcies and improving overall productivity.

3. Global Financial Institutions

Organizations like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and regional
development banks have developed frameworks to provide loans, financial aid, and technical
assistance to developing countries for poverty alleviation.

4. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

NGOs such as Oxfam, CARE, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have played a
significant role in poverty eradication by funding initiatives that provide education, healthcare,
and food security in some of the poorest regions in the world.

6. Challenges Before the Global Community

Despite concerted efforts to reduce poverty, several challenges continue to hinder progress:
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1. Inequality and Exclusion

Persistent inequality means that economic growth does not always translate into poverty
reduction. Marginalized groups, such as women, ethnic minorities, and rural populations, often
remain excluded from the benefits of development.

2. Climate Change
The impact of climate change threatens to reverse decades of progress in poverty eradication.
Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting agricultural patterns
disproportionately affect poor countries and communities.

3. Conflict and Fragility

In conflict zones, poverty reduction efforts are severely hampered by the destruction of
infrastructure and the displacement of populations. Fragile states often lack the institutional
capacity to implement effective poverty alleviation programs.

4. Inadequate Social Protection

Many countries still lack comprehensive social protection systems that can cushion vulnerable
populations from economic shocks, such as job loss, illness, or natural disasters.

7. Key Questions for Delegates

1. What measures can be implemented to promote inclusive economic growth that
benefits all sections of society?
2. How can governments strengthen social protection systems to provide adequate
safety nets for vulnerable populations?
3. What role should international financial institutions play in supporting poverty
eradication efforts?
4. How can countries address the increasing impact of climate change on poverty and
inequality?
5. What strategies can be developed to reduce poverty in conflict-affected and fragile
states?
6. What are the most effective policies to close the urban-rural poverty gap?

8. Conclusion
The eradication of global poverty is both a moral and economic imperative. Although
significant strides have been made, poverty remains a deeply rooted and complex challenge
that requires sustained global cooperation and innovative solutions. As delegates, your task is
to propose practical strategies that ensure no one is left behind in the global fight against
poverty. Inclusive economic growth, social protection systems, and climate resilience must
be at the heart of these solutions, in order to build a more just and equitable world for all.