Economic Growth

Bladimir Magana

Brandon Morgan

April 14, 2016

Economic Growth

When we think about unemployment rate we usually think of a percentage under 8-9, and us living in Utah think of a percentage more in the 4-5 range. Unfortunately for the world population things do not work that way, studies show that nearly half of the world are living under what would be equivalent to $2 us dollars a day. Global unemployment has increased from 170 million people in 2007 to 202 million in 2012, of which 70 million are young woman and men.  

These people not only face a challenge of finding employment they also face the challenge that in my countries having a job does not guarantee work or that that income will be made. Most jobs in third world countries and other places also have very poor working conditions and very un-fair pay for workers.   

The United Nations has now got involved and created the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) which not only is there to help with the creation of jobs to sustain the incoming workforce but to help with fair working conditions and fair pay for the employees. It’s estimated that 470 million jobs will be needed between 2015 and 2030 the new entrants into the labor market.  The Economic and Social Council has the following 12 goals to achieve its purpose:  

1. To obtain at least 7% Gross domestic product growth per year in the least developed countries while sustaining per Capita economic growth in accordance to national circumstances.
2. Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labor-intensive sectors.
3. Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.
4. Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavor to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-year framework of programs on sustainable consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead.
5. By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
6. By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
7. Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.
8. Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.
9. By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
10. Strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance and financial services for all.
11. Increase Aid for Trade support for developing countries, in particular least developed countries, including through the Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries.
12. By 2020, develop and operationalize a global strategy for youth employment and implement the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labor Organization.

I think one of the most important goals that they mention is that of trying to eliminate any type of child labor. Child labor is a huge concern especially for us gifted individuals that have never had to live through that. Along with modern slavery and human trafficking which have become bigger and bigger problems with time.  

In order to carry out all the changes and get feedback from each individual member state, the ECOSOC Bureau has announced and independent team of advisors to help out and carry out all the necessary tasks to complete the goals above. They have appointed as co-chair Mr. Juan Somavia of Chile and Mr. Klaus Topfer of Germany. The team of independent advisors will help with but no limited to Interlinkages between: funding, Organizational arrangements, Partnership approaches of UN development system and so on.  

Between all the goals the ECOSOC has and the independent team of advisors the agency should be able to carry out its goals and not only help to promote stable economic friendly jobs but also work with the governments of those countries to put into place laws for fair working conditions and fair pay for all those workers.  

Questions:  

1. What does ECOSOC stand for? Economic and Social Council
2. What does ECOSOC main Goal? To increase number of jobs while making sure they include fair pay and fair working conditions.  
3. Which Two Goals would you argue are the most beneficial? End of child labor and Human trafficking
4. What is the US dollar amount that half of the world is living off of? $2  
5. Out of those unemployed how many are young Men and woman? 70 million
6. How many years are the goals set for? 15 ending in 2030
7. Besides the low wages what’s another problem that these people face with employment? Unfair working conditions and pay.  
8. Who was recently named Co-chair of the Bureau? Mr. Juan Somavia and Mr. Klaus Topfer  
9. How many jobs are estimated to be needed by 2030? 470 million jobs
10. What is the amount domestic product increase they want to obtain in the least developed countries? 7% PER YEAR.  

Source:  

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/economic-growth/

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2016/02/un-appoints-independent-advisors-to-support-sustainable-development-goals/

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2016/04/un-stresses-demographic-data-as-key-to-achieving-sdgs/

NATO

Brandon Morgan 

Bladimir Magana 

International Organizations 

March 24, 2016 

North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

(NATO) 

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), also known as the North Atlantic Alliance, is perhaps one of the world’s most influential international institutions. NATO’s essential purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. NATO is an international military alliance that was started by the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in April of 1949. NATO, simply put, is a system of collective defense. This basically means that its member states mutually agree to defend each other in response to any attack by any external party.  

Originally NATO's main objectives were to keep the former Soviet Union out of Europe, keep America as an ally, and to keep the German influence down. For over sixty years, NATO has been one of the most successful defensive alliances of all time. NATO prides itself in promoting democratic values, encouraging political communication, and cooperation on defensive and security issues that face its member states.  

The NATO military alliance consists of 28 member countries from Europe and North America. This alliance makes all of its decisions by consensus. Each member country, no matter how large or small, has equal opportunity in discussions and the decision making. Each member state is fully committed to individual liberty, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These basic and fundamental values are at the heart of what NATO stands for. These values are what makes NATO's transatlantic bond so strong. 

Each member state of NATO has agreed that if any armed attack is committed against any other member, regardless of whether it is on European soil or North American soil, such attack would be considered an attack against them all collectively. Each member state also agreed that, if any armed attack occurred, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence, would assist the member being attacked, taking such action as it deemed necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area. Consequently, the treaty does not require member states to always respond with military action against the aggressor in the conflict. Although each member state is obliged to respond, they have the right and freedom to choose the method by which they respond to the conflict. 

Although NATO is committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes it has the military capability (if diplomatic efforts fail) needed to resolve said conflicts. These military operations can and are carried out under Article V of the Washington Treaty (NATO's original treaty), or under a UN mandate, alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organizations. Article V has only been invoked once since the inception of NATO. This occurred with the terrorist attacks on 9/11 

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the world trade center NATO has expanded its role to include the war on terror. which was considered an attack on the US. Threats like terrorism, piracy, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and cyber warfare know no borders. That is why NATO has developed a global network of security partners that includes over 40 countries from around the globe, as well as international organizations including the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the African Union.  

As the face of international politics continue to change and evolve, NATO is open to any European state which can agree to contribute towards the values, security, and principles of the alliance. Although NATO can invite states to join, it is up to the country concerned to decide whether or not it wishes to seek membership. This open door process has contributed to furthering peace and security in Europe.  

Over the years, the alliance of NATO has become stronger and continues to strengthen ties among their members. NATO has also led the way to other growing interests throughout the world. NATO itself has provided a model for other world-wide collective security agreements. NATO's influence and activities are no longer confined to Europe. Since the early 90's, NATO has immensely increased its contact and influence with other countries. NATO has and continues to specifically help the UN by sending supplies and peacekeeping forces to aid in their worldwide operations. 

With the ever changing landscape of international politics NATO's influence and example continues to grow and flourish worldwide without failing to stand for peace and equality. Although NATO is an ever changing organization it is continually pushing for growth, unity, and positive change. These positive changes are occurring every day in the world of international politics and few are taking place without the aid and influence of NATO.  

NATO QUESTIONS 

1. What does NATO stand for? - North Atlantic Treaty Organization 

2. What is the main purpose for NATO? - It is a Defensive Alliance 

3. Name one of the original goals of NATO? - Keep Russia out of Europe, Keep the German influence minimal, Keep the US as an ally 

4. How many member states belong to NATO? - 28 

5. Which member state has the most authority? - None, they all decide after a consensus 

6. T or F NATO is a military alliance? - T 

7. What political values does NATO promote? - Democratic 

8. Since NATO's inception, when was the first and only time Article V was invoked? - 9/11 

9. Who can join NATO? - Any European country that will follow the values of NATO 

10. In what decade did NATO's influence begin to immensely impact the worldwide political scene? - 1990's