Topic 1: Combatting Corruption to Foster Sustainable Economic Development in the Black Sea Region

Despite the United Nations Convention Against Corruption having achieved near-universal ratification, corruption remains a significant barrier to economic development for many countries around the world, keeping people in poverty and costing the world approximately 5% of its GDP. Its economic effects are numerous: it diverts public funds, leaving less to be spent on essential services such as education and healthcare; it creates uncertainty which deters foreign investment and causes capital flight by raising risks; it acts as a regressive tax, exacerbating inequality. Alongside these, corruption weakens institutions and causes widespread government distrust which prevents enterprise, innovation and investment in the long term.

In the Black Sea region

This topic invites you to consider not only the negative economic effects of corruption, but what the UN can do to combat corruption and mitigate its effects. Consider how corruption can be monitored and how financial transparency can be promoted, as well as how frameworks such as the UNCAC can be better implemented or what other other frameworks could be created to fill gaps in enforcement.

Topic 2: Safeguarding Global Food Security and Strengthening Agricultural Supply Chains Amid Disruptions to Black Sea Trade Routes

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