MODEL APEC COMMITTEE

Chair: Jason Jiang

Committee Type: Specialized

Delegates, welcome to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) committee! As a regional forum made of 21 members, APEC brings together leaders every year to discuss the economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and is also being held this year in Shenzhen. As their website describes, the goal of this forum is to “promote balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth.” This is achieved by a variety of methods including but not limited to funding research, developing economic policies, oversight of trade regulations, establishing new markets for products, and so much more. As the globe continues to manufacture in the region, leaders are listening to the decisions that this committee makes, which means that policies created here set precedent for the global economy. What does investment into human capital look like? How do social safety net mechanisms impact the production of goods around the world? This committee seeks to bring new conversations to how we can prioritize economic growth through a humanitarian lens. As a specialized committee, delegates are tasked with representing individual members from a variety of different economic interests, some who may not be current member economies. As delegates make decisions, there will be external polling reports from their citizens to reflect the public’s consent to their choices. Backdoor conversations where you never truly know your ally’s intentions. The purpose of the committee is to simulate conversations that are often not being had when it comes to the future of the Asia-Pacific region. Delegates should keep in mind that the spirit of the committee is to prioritize collective growth rather than individual success in a fast-paced environment. The committee recommends that delegates be familiar with basic macroeconomic principles and international statutes on trade, which can be found more extensively in the topic guide. As an important note, delegates who wish to be considered for an award should submit their position paper. Position papers should be tailored to your character’s political interests and directly contend with the questions at hand.

Topic 1

The Digital Horizon and Its Exploitation

As APEC accelerates economic prosperity with its Aotearoa Plan of Action, the focus of the policies has been on digital technologies and data collection, notably artificial intelligence and machine learning models. Recognizing these new markets, member economies have attempted to lower customs procedures for these technologies, develop resource management, and many more policies. However, with its development, comes its criticism. Many online have called it a new form of digital colonialism where countries with developed economies extract data from member economies to train their models without repercussions. Others say it is a form of cooperation that is exactly in the spirit of this forum. The current business model is that models are trained for sale and sold to member economies, not without its flaws. Users have noticed these models often contain algorithmic biases that reinforce Western beauty standards and social hierarchies. Many others see this as a form of accessibility and recognize that the integration of these technologies into the workforce is both inevitable and beneficial. In this topic, delegates must move beyond the surface of debates in cybersecurity to address inequalities in algorithms. The committee imagines debates to be centered around improvements in machine learning development to secure economic growth and how the current situation may potentially harm marginalized peoples around the world. Protests are happening outside of the walls of the forum, and delegates will receive testimonies from citizens opposing their resolution. How do we put guardrails around digitalization that does not hinder other’s ability to live? Will it be possible with the current infrastructure we have or will this require collaboration with other markets as renewables?

Topic 2

Green Growth and Climate Displacement

Currently, APEC is adopting the framework of a green growth agenda, with missions to decarbonize and have sustainability in energy production to support member economies. The cause is ultimately good for the future and the livelihood of the planet but there is a hidden cost. A fundamental tension has emerged in this conversation where the global pressure for decarbonization has clashed with the right of developing countries to achieve industrial prosperity. In the name of environmental justice, the West has often put the burden of the green transition onto developing countries with methods such as outsourcing production and unethical mining of minerals for renewable energy infrastructure. Critics argue that industrialized nations owe a climate debate to the rest of the world for their high-carbon lifestyles and should be the ones to figure out solutions. APEC’s solution is to create these renewable energy sources but it is still imperfect. How can this even be universalized when not every member economy has the same resources to begin with? This is why many member economies argue a "one-size-fits-all" environmental mandate is a violation of the APEC spirit of non-binding cooperation and to stop the agenda. At the same time, the human carbon footprint is only increasing and we need to lift people out of poverty? This committee challenges the delegates to come up with resolutions to balance the need to combat climate change while recognizing the sovereignty of developing countries. Meanwhile, delegates will be intermittently handed case studies for different renewable technologies and cost analysis from their internal teams. As a member of APEC, it is your job to represent what is best for the economy but will the solutions be feasible or even beneficial to the social good?