Position Paper

Prepared by: Alexandra Quinones

Country: Jordan
Committee: Economic and Social Council
Topic: the socioeconomic repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living
conditions of the Palestinian people in Occupied Palestinian Territory (including East
Jerusalem) and the Arab population in the Golan Heights region.
Position:
Historical background
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a Middle East kingdom of bordered on the west
by Israel and the Dead Sea, on the north by Syria, on the east by Iraq, and on the south
by Saudi Arabia. The southern section of the Jordan River flows through the country.
Jordan is a Constitutional hereditary monarchy. The land that became Jordan is part of
the richly historical Fertile Crescent region. Around 2000 B.C., Semitic Amorites settled
around the Jordan River in the area called Canaan. Subsequent invaders and settlers
included Hittites, Egyptians, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks,
Romans, Arab Muslims, Christian Crusaders, Mameluks, Ottoman Turks, and, finally,
the British. At the end of World War I, the League of Nations awarded the territory
now comprising Israel, Jordan, the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem to the United
Kingdom as the mandate for Palestine and Transjordan. In 1922, the British divided the
mandate by establishing the semiautonomous Emirate of Transjordan, ruled by the
Hashemite Prince Abdullah, while continuing the administration of Palestine under a
British High Commissioner. The mandate over Transjordan ended on May 22, 1946; on
May 25, the country became the independent Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan. It
ended its special defense treaty relationship with the United Kingdom in 1957. From
1949 to 1967, Jordan administered the West Bank. Since the 1967 war, when Israel
took control of this territory, the United States has considered the West Bank to be
territory occupied by Israel. The United States believes that the final status of the West
Bank can be determined only through negotiations among the concerned parties
based on UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338. About 70% of Jordan's
population is urban; less than 6% of the rural population is nomadic or semi-nomadic.
Most of the population lives where rainfall can support agriculture. Approximately 1.7
million registered Palestinian refugees and other displaced persons reside in Jordan,
many as citizens.
In 1950, the country was renamed the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
to include those portions of Palestine annexed by King Abdullah I.
While recognizing Jordanian administration over the West Bank, the
United States maintained the position that ultimate sovereignty was
subject to future agreement.
In 1988, Jordan renounced all claims to the West Bank but retained an
administrative role pending a final settlement, and its 1994 treaty with
Israel allowed for a continuing Jordanian role in Muslim holy places in
Jerusalem.
In 1988, Jordan renounced all claims to the West Bank but retained an
administrative role pending a final settlement, and its 1994 treaty with
Israel allowed for a continuing Jordanian role in Muslim holy places in
Jerusalem.


Economy of Jordan refers to the history of economic development of Jordan. The GDP
per capita rose by 351% in the 1970s, declined 30% in the 1980s, and rose 36% in the
1990s.
[9]
Jordan is classified as an emerging market. After King Abdullah II's accession to
the throne in 1999, liberal economic policies were introduced that resulted in a boom that
continued through 2009. Jordan has a developed banking sector that attracts investors due
to conservative bank policies that enabled the country to weather the global financial crisis
of 2009. Jordan's economy has been growing at an annual rate of 7% for a decade. Jordan
has FTA's with the United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, the European
Union, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya,Algeria, Turkey
[10]
and Syria. More FTA's are planned
with Iraq, the Palestinian Authority, the GCC, Lebanon, and Pakistan. Jordan is a member
of the Greater Arab Free Trade Agreement, the Euro-Mediterranean free trade agreement,
the Agadir Agreement, and also enjoys advanced status with the EU.
[11]

Jordan is an emerging knowledge economy. The main obstacles to Jordan's economy are
scarce water supplies, complete reliance on oil imports for energy, and regional instability.
Just over 10% of its land is arable and the water supply is limited.Rainfall is low and highly
variable, and much of Jordan's available ground water is not renewable. Jordan's economic
resource base centers on phosphates, potash, and their fertilizer derivatives; tourism;
overseas remittances; and foreign aid. These are its principal sources of hard currency
earnings. Lacking coal reserves, hydroelectric power, large tracts of forest or commercially
viable oil deposits, Jordan relies on natural gas for 10% of its domestic energy needs.
Jordan used to depend on Iraq for oil until the Iraq invasion in 2003 by the United States.
Rapid privatization of previously state-controlled industries and liberalization of the
economy is spurring growth in urban centers like Amman and Aqaba. Jordan has six
special economic zones that attract large-scale investment: Aqaba, Mafraq, Ma'an, Ajloun,
the Dead Sea, and Irbid. Jordan also has a plethora of industrial zones producing goods in
the textile,aerospace, defense, ICT, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.

Current position
Proposed solutions
1) Possible solutions for resource management
Delegates are encouraged to look for solutions to resource management and the
control of the relationship within these areas, specifically due to the forecast population
growth and unsustainability within these regions.

a. How will resources be managed efficiently in these areas, specifically
keeping in mind the need for long-term goals?

How can resource discrimination be effectively managed?
What resources currently exist as major problems?

2) Financial solutions
Delegates are encouraged to investigate the current financial backing of both ventures
and sustained actions within these regions.
a. How can funding be moderated in order to provide for useful, sustainable options?
b. How does the global community adequately support the rehabilitation of these areas,
especially in light of the persistent ideological differences preventing assimilation and
cooperation?
c. Does the international community see these areas as one economic unit or multiple
and what should be the response to this view?
d. Is there a way to promote economic growth and consequent financial growth within
these regions or are we currently doing all that is possible?

3) Social Mediation / Conflict Management
a. How does the international community mediate the current social conflicts that exist
within occupied territories and disputed territories? What is the international
communities stance on these issues and is there a solution?
b. How should the international community deal with this issue long term and what
effects could these movements have for economic and social issues within this region?
c. How are refugees to be managed, specifically those both settled within this region or
moving between regions?
d. Are economic and social issues paramount to the survival of all settlements within
this region?
i. How can the utilisation and sharing of resources be encouraged?
iWho has the right to what resources, should/how can this be managed?
Are refugees an issue? Are current solutions adequate?
Should we be ensuring the survival of multiple settlements or is there another solution?
What capacity does the UN have to deal with border disputes, specifically given the
ramifications that could exist from both and economic and social perspective?

There are about 590,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan. Jordanians in the host communities
and refugees face growing pressure, competing for the same jobs, resources and public
services.
On # ResilienceSunday watch this 2.5 minutes video about creating more jobs for youth
from both the Jordanian-host communities and from the refugee communities.
Photo: Salah Malkawi/UNDP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CD3HMS2bp4&list=PLB0AC738484DBAB0A&feat
ure=share&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If4PEU8NgWs
Jordan River Foundation
For over a decade, the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) has strived to bring relief,
security, and opportunity to those Jordanians who need it most. In the beginning,
JRF partnered with disadvantaged families to provide them with skills and
knowledge to raise their income, and with it their self-esteem and self-confidence.
As JRF has matured, experience has expanded and emboldened our
ambitions. Now JRF believes in a sustainable, holistic approach, investing in
communities, focusing on the needs of whole villages, and inspiring locals to take
on the mantel of civil society themselves and work towards their own development.
In 2007, JRF and an international corporation, partnered with a village in Ajloun,
called Rasoun. Cooperation quickly led to improved safety for the local girls
school, medical equipment for the health centre, and micro-loans for residents.
Inspired that change can happen, locals now have plans for a bakery, a nursery,
and a much-needed bus route to Irbid.
This dramatic development shows how far Jordan has come. JRF has been at the
forefront of this trend, leading by example, and using the power of partnerships
between private, public, and non-profits sectors for the benefit of all Jordan.
The Foundation has also built an international reputation protecting our children
from abuse. Too many children around the world are subject to the shadow of
cruelty, and here in Jordan we have worked hard to shine a light on their lives by
rescuing them from abusive hands.
Today, we have become a centre of excellence, passing on our know-how across
Jordan and the region, teaching others how to protect children and heal whole
families. Our work has grown beyond protective to preventative care, advocating
against child abuse, galvanizing public support, and guiding government bodies in
child safety.
In this sense, JRF has evolved. Once, it was a social service provider, helping poor
women start a business or farmers learn management skills. Now, it has become a
national institution, integral to the well-being and prosperity of our most vulnerable
citizens; and one of which we are all proud.
Sustainable Development

Jordan, along with several other Arab nations, is increasingly weaving the tenets of
sustainable practices into day-to-day business.
That means taking greater account of the economic, social, and environmental
impact of our decisions. From farms in the Jordan Valley producing organic crops to
Jordanian corporations publishing sustainability reports, step by step we are
adopting a new outlook on life and a new approach to doing business.
In todays tough economic times, these efforts are even more critical. Issues like
unemployment, climate change, and access to education dont vanish but are
exacerbated during a downturn.
Meanwhile, our region faces substantial hurdles to development: chronic water
shortages the highest unemployment rate in the world a burgeoning and
youthful population the untapped potential of women and, a school system not
attuned to the demands of todays job market.
By addressing these issues now we can spur growth as well as tackle long-term
challenges. That is a fundamental truth in an age where our economic, social, and
environmental systems are so interconnected.
So we must abandon harmful and self-interested practices for business methods
that maximize the bottom lines of both company and community. In other words,
we need greater transparency, more accountability, and better governance.
That is why Jordan is embracing sustainability practices, because we believe we can
create sustainable products and jobs without compromising the countrys prospects
or profits.
For example, the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) was the first NGO in the region to
issue a sustainability report. JRF strives to make all its projects community and
climate conscious, partnering with villages like Rasoun to transform them into
models of sustainable development. The tourism sector, exemplified by the award-
winning Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), is on a track to
transform itself into a sustainable industry, building eco-friendly accommodation,
advising communities how to protect their resources, and establishing wildlife and
nature sanctuaries.
We are also proud of the Arab Sustainability Leadership Group (ASLG), the
foremost regional network of businesses, government agencies, and NGOs
dedicated to this holistic and humane work ethic.
Formed in Jordan in 2008, ASLG is committed to the highest standards of
sustainability practices and encouragingly growing in strength. As leading
practitioners in sustainability, members are setting the pace of business and
proving that the Arab world can respond to global challenges. When it comes to
sustainability, ASLG is the regional standard bearer.
To encourage broader adoption of 21st Century business practices, ASLG launched
in 2009 the first Arab Responsible Competitiveness Index (ARCI). ARCI is an
invaluable indicator for the Middle East on the status of industries and services,
guiding governments and CEOs alike on how they can successfully combine
conscience and competitiveness.
Others are following as they recognize Responsible Competitiveness for its
value. National level initiatives are sprouting in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the
United Arab Emirates. And, the Arab world can now look with pride to efforts, such
as Masdar in Abu Dhabi, or Sekem Group in Egypt.
While other countries move into the field of sustainability, Jordan will continue to
innovate, solidifying its position as a leading regional economy, society, and role
model. Jordans first national responsible competitiveness report is part of this
strategy, helping us recast Jordan businesses to compete.
Of course, we are all stakeholders in this process. The public, private, and non-
profit sectors have their roles to play, as do communities locally and countries
globally. If we each take on this new, sustainable outlook we can fashion a society
that puts people above poverty and the planet under protection.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy_2PcGrSYY



As an important organ of the UN, ECOSOC acts to ensure that the economic and
socialaspects of international issues are addressed in a comprehensive and effective
manner. As discussed in the overview of ECOSOC (pg1), this committee has a broad
scope with multiple acting agencies and commissions. As a delegate you are now
representing your nation as part of this structure and are therefore expected to work as
part of this body to target and deal with the ongoing issues in the Golan Heights and
Occupied Palestinian territories both on an economic and social level in order to
comprehensively tackle problems.

It is expected that ECOSOC will develop tangible solutions that allow active change,
rather than simply developing statements or loose conclusions. Due to the severity
andlongevity of this issue, it is now time for ECOSOC to act in an effective way by
developingsolutions that not only shape this specific problem, but also shape the
Millennium Development Goals upon their revision and review in 2015.As a committee,
you now have the opportunity to review this issue and determine howit best be dealt
with. It is expected that the solutions coming from ECOSOC will consider allaspects of
issues due to their ability to affect some of the fundamental tenants of a nation,those
being its culture, social policy and often most importantly, its economic wellbeing.
1. Domestic:
2. International collaboration:
3. International pressure: