UBMUN

2023

GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND
GUIDE
6TH SESSION
 GLOBAL TIDES: WATER SCARCITY & HUMAN DESTINY

By 2030, the haunting specter of water scarcity is predicted to cast

its shadow over vast regions of the world, transforming more than
landscapes. This encroaching crisis is a maelstrom formed by the
volatile mix of climate change, rampant pollution, myopic
agricultural strategies, and burgeoning human populations. The
narrative is deeper than mere thirst—it's about the fundamental
recalibration of societies and the tearing of the very fabric that
binds communities together.
Visualize entire communities, many of which have histories
intertwined deeply with their ancestral lands, facing the dire
choice of migration, becoming the new age "water refugees." Such
displacements are not only physical. They resonate with the
profound pain of lost cultural identities—cherished traditions, oral
histories passed down generations, all now at risk of fading into
the annals of history.
The future generations stand at an even graver crossroads. Many
children, with girls disproportionately affected, see their
aspirations erode as they are consigned to the arduous task of
fetching water over long distances. This does more than disrupt
education—it reshapes destinies. Beyond aspirations, the health of
these communities hangs in the balance, as they combat diseases
in environments devoid of clean water.
Yet, among these challenges, a poignant shift in societal norms
emerges. Water, once seen as a shared gift of nature, becomes a
contested commodity. In this new paradigm, the affluent ensure
their continued access, while the marginalized struggle with
diminishing, polluted reserves. This increasing divide not only
heightens social inequalities but also strains mental well-being, as
the persistent fear of scarcity becomes a daily reality.

ULAANBAATAR MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2023

 GLOBAL TIDES: WATER SCARCITY & HUMAN DESTINY

Amidst this backdrop, the positions of countries become crucial.

Nations like Canada and Norway, blessed with abundant
freshwater reserves, face the moral and strategic dilemma of how
to assist water-deprived regions. Countries in the Middle East, like
Jordan and Saudi Arabia, amplify their investments in desalination,
realizing that their survival hinges on it. In Africa, tensions brew as
countries like Egypt and Ethiopia grapple over lifelines like the
Nile. Meanwhile, in Asia, powerhouses like India and China
confront the dual challenges of sustaining their booming
populations and countering the environmental degradation of
their major rivers.
Entrusted with navigating this intricate tapestry, the delegates at
the forefront have a monumental task. Their deliberations will
crisscross through the poignant tales of those at the coalface of
this crisis. The emphasis will pivot towards solutions that honor the
dignity of every individual, advocating for their rights, preserving
identities, and championing community-driven change. At the
heart of these conversations lies a unifying objective: to infuse
humanity into the crisis narrative, galvanize empathy, and drive
collaborative global action.
From these conversations might arise the frameworks for our
collective future: robust international agreements on water rights,
collaborations that unite water-abundant and water-scarce
regions, and youth-led movements that utilize the evocative power
of stories to drive change. At its core, the dialogue must remain
anchored in the human experience, urging all to recognize water
scarcity not just as an environmental quandary, but a litmus test
for global solidarity, empathy, and shared purpose.

ULAANBAATAR MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2023

 QUESTIONS TO

1. How have climate change and industrial activities exacerbated

global water scarcity?
2. Which regions are most at risk, and what specific challenges do
they face?
3. How are countries with abundant water resources responding
to the crisis? Are they assisting water-scarce regions?
4. What are the implications of water scarcity on global health,
particularly in terms of waterborne diseases and sanitation?
5. How does water scarcity affect education and opportunities,
especially for children and young adults?
6. In what ways are traditional ways of life and cultural practices
being threatened or altered due to water scarcity?
7. How is water scarcity influencing migration patterns and
leading to the emergence of "water refugees"?
8. What strategies and technologies are nations employing to
combat the challenges of diminishing freshwater sources?
9. How does the commodification of water impact social
dynamics, creating disparities between the affluent and the
marginalized?
10. How are international bodies, NGOs, and global coalitions
addressing the shared responsibility of water management and
equitable distribution?
11. What roles do urban planning and agricultural reforms play in
ensuring more sustainable water usage?
12. How can global youth movements and grassroots initiatives be
leveraged to create awareness and drive solutions for water
scarcity?

ULAANBAATAR MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2023