CSTD
Commission on Science and Technology for Development
The Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) is a United Nations body that advises on issues regarding science, technology, and innovation. It serves as a forum where delegates can discuss emerging technologies and their impact on sustainable development and international cooperation. The CSTD is very important in guiding how technologies are regulated and used while ensuring that they align with global ethical standards and development goals. Delegates should note that the CSTD does not create binding international law, but it provides influential recommendations to the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which lead to international agreements, frameworks, or guidelines.
Topic A: Regulating the Use of Natural Resources in Emerging Technologies
The rapid development of emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing, has created an unprecedented demand for natural resources. This demand is particularly high for critical minerals and rare earth elements. While these resources do enable innovation, their extraction often leads to environmental degradation, and human rights concerns in resource-rich regions. Delegates in this committee must grapple with how to balance the need for technological progress with sustainable resource management. The key issues of this topic are ensuring equitable access to critical resources, reducing environmental and social harm, and promoting responsible recycling and supply chain transparency.
Topic B: Establishing an International Framework for Ethical Genetic Engineering
Topic B of this committee tasks delegates with establishing an international framework for ethical genetic engineering. Genetic engineering presents transformative opportunities in fields like agriculture and healthcare, though it also poses serious ethical and social concerns. While innovations such as gene therapies and genetically modified crops can improve health outcomes and food security, they also pose risks related to inequality, misuse, and long-term ecological impact. Delegates in this committee should consider how to build an international framework that balances innovation with the proper precautions. This should include creating the ethical boundaries of human genetic modification by setting global standards for safety and accountability and ensuring that benefits of these technologies are shared equitably across nations. The debate should also include questions of sovereignty, as different states may hold different ethical or cultural perspectives on genetic engineering.