By Aurora G10

In a recent session of the United Nations Environmental Council (UNEDC), delegates gathered to confront two pressing issues: the overpopulation crisis in urban areas of Southeast Asian countries and the need for environmentally sustainable consumption in the MENA region. The debate saw passionate speeches from representatives of various nations, each offering insights and proposed solutions.
In Southeast Asian countries, urban overpopulation has become a pressing issue with profound social, economic, and environmental implications. High birth rates, rural-to-urban migration, and limited access to family planning have contributed to rapid population growth in urban areas. This has led to strains on infrastructure, environmental degradation, and social challenges such as poverty and inadequate healthcare. The situation demands urgent attention and collaborative efforts to address the root causes and implement sustainable solutions for the well-being of communities and the planet.
The debate delved within China’s, a key participants opening speech, advocated for encouraging migration to less populated areas, promoting sustainable consumption, and ensuring safer working conditions. Followed by Egypt opening speech which emphasized the necessity of suitable urban development to accommodate the burgeoning population, while Iran stressed the importance of international cooperation in managing overpopulation sustainably.
During an interview, Pakistan’s representative, Emma Olsen, outlined their plan to address the root causes of overpopulation: “Pakistan believes that constructing better allocations and infrastructure, offering more job opportunities with the funds collected by different countries, will be the root of the solution for the worldwide problem.” Meanwhile, Russia’s delegate, Anton Delebarre, discussed their strategies for addressing urban overpopulation,: “Russia is considering making contraception more accessible to the public to ensure that the childbirth rate will decrease, affecting population densities in overpopulated cities”.
These various and insightful ideas then, deleted into the open debate, by the resolution submitted by Indonesia, supported by Algeria, China, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand.

“The council, “noting the adverse effects of urban overpopulation in Southeast Asian countries, emphasized the importance of sustainable population growth and green economic development in rural areas.”. The council agreed on providing financial support for overpopulated areas but denied an amendment urging taxation policy adjustments. The Delegate of Indonesia explained “this money will be used to de-urbanize the cities and use he full land into its best abilities and allow people to spread out and hopefully grow the economies even more” .This highlights the UN’s commitment to tackling overpopulation while promoting rural sustainability.

In conclusion, the United Nations Environmental Council’s discussion on Rural Development Programs reflects a global commitment to addressing the challenges posed by urban overpopulation while promoting sustainable solutions. By emphasizing collaboration and sustainable development, the council aims to create a more equitable and environmentally resilient future for all.

Thank you to: Emma Olsen, Anton Delebarre