Young Ones
THW allow abortion on the ground of permanent physical deformity.
THBT the government should take away obese children from their parents.
THBT the state should financially support single teenage pregnantmothers.
Malaysia
THW not allow elected MPs to change their political parties.
THW allow unrestricted religious conversion of its citizens.
THBT Malaysian government should end its subsidy on oil.
Bargaining and Concessions
THW give aid to Myanmar in exchange of political concessions from themilitary junta
THBT it is time for South Africa to cut its aid to Zimbabwe until Mugabesteps down
THW make recognition of an independent Kosovo a precondition forSerbia's membership into the WTO
Taboo
THW legalize incestuous marriages
THW recognize the choice of identity for those who have undergone sexualreassignment surgery
THBT Non-citizens should not be allowed to be legal prostitutes
Sports
THW have airtime quota on domestic media to promote women's sports.
THBT players should walk off the field in response to racisthooliganism.
TH should lift the ban on expression of political beliefs by athletesduring sporting events.
Economics
THW make economic aid conditional on opening up development tenders toforeign bidders
TH would punish companies' home for bribing abroad
This house would make eco-labeling mandatory for cross-border trade
Election
This house would restrict aid to troubled democracies unless their election is held under an international body.
This house would ban campaign contribution from foreign entities innational election.
THBT Asian democracies should disallow the succession of close relativesto top political posts
State & Religion
This House would allow use of Sharia Law for Muslim minorities inBritain
THW grant unrestricted access to pilgrimage sites to people of otherfaiths.
THW impose a quota for female teachers on government subsidized madrasas
Food Security
THW impose a moratorium on the production of Bio-Fuel
THW nationalize the food production
THW not leave food prices in the hands of the market
US Foreign Policy
THBT United States should lift the embargo on Cuba
THBT Lebanon should accept United States' offer of military aid tofight the Hezbollah
THBT United States should involve Iran in the nation-building of Iraq
Media
THBT Media corporations should be held accountable only to theirshareholders
THBT broadcast media organizations in the US should provide equalairtime to competing views on controversial issues.
TH supports full live television coverage of legislative sessions
Bio-Ethics
THW supports surrogacy for profit
THBT private insurance companies should be allowed to access geneticinformation of its policy applicants
THW ban pharmaceutical companies from giving monetary compensation toclinical trial volunteers
In Times of War
THBT United States should not detain juvenile enemy combatants
THBT conscription of child soldiers by their parents is justified in thewar for freedom
THBT in times of war, the state should offer convicts imprisoned forheinous crimes the option to fight for the army in exchange ofconditional pardon.
Source: Rashedul Hasan Stalin, DCA, IIU Asian Universities Debating Championship- AUDC 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Motions: Great Serdang Debate 2008
Round 1 - Prisons and Prisoners
Taht Prisoners should be allowed to vote
That we should privatize prisons
That we should revoke the possibility of parole for sex offenders
Round 2 - The gender
That we should legalize abortion
That aid should be conditional to the development of women's right
Round 3 - Economics
That trading blocs are better than global free trade
That WTO should enforce fair trade instead of free trade
That we should prioritize food security over bio-fuel
Round 4 - The underaged
That voting should start at age 16
That pregnant students should be allowed to take maternity leaves
That parental consent is not needed for teenagers seeking abortion
Round 5 - feeling suicidal
That suicide should be decriminalized
That websites facilitating suicide should be banned
That parents of children that commited suicide should be subjected to a negligence inquiry
Quarterfinals - Democracy
That state owned media should not exist
That democracies should allow citizen-initiated referendums
That opinion polls distort the democratic process
Semifinal - Education
That parents should be allowed to teach their children at home
That education vouchers are necessary to create better schools
That state should provide free and compulsory nursery education for all children
Final - Medical Ethics
That doctors should be compelled to report instances of domestic violence.
Source: Muhammad Yunus
Taht Prisoners should be allowed to vote
That we should privatize prisons
That we should revoke the possibility of parole for sex offenders
Round 2 - The gender
That we should legalize abortion
That aid should be conditional to the development of women's right
Round 3 - Economics
That trading blocs are better than global free trade
That WTO should enforce fair trade instead of free trade
That we should prioritize food security over bio-fuel
Round 4 - The underaged
That voting should start at age 16
That pregnant students should be allowed to take maternity leaves
That parental consent is not needed for teenagers seeking abortion
Round 5 - feeling suicidal
That suicide should be decriminalized
That websites facilitating suicide should be banned
That parents of children that commited suicide should be subjected to a negligence inquiry
Quarterfinals - Democracy
That state owned media should not exist
That democracies should allow citizen-initiated referendums
That opinion polls distort the democratic process
Semifinal - Education
That parents should be allowed to teach their children at home
That education vouchers are necessary to create better schools
That state should provide free and compulsory nursery education for all children
Final - Medical Ethics
That doctors should be compelled to report instances of domestic violence.
Source: Muhammad Yunus
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The new AUDC website
Check out AUDC's new website at http://www.audc.info/
The site contains section for Video, Galleries, a Forum, a Calendar, Links, AUDC Documentation and a Mailing List.
The site contains section for Video, Galleries, a Forum, a Calendar, Links, AUDC Documentation and a Mailing List.
Friday, May 23, 2008
What should be the Basis for Assessing the Impact of Trade Agreements?
Envisioned Regional Trade Agreements and Bilateral Trade Agreements[1]
By: Arnel D. Mateo[2]
In order to assess the impact of an impending trade agreement, it is a must that we know how regional trade agreements and how bilateral trade agreements should operate. The rules provided for by the World Trade Organization provide flexibilities which can be utilized by the developing worlds. These rules are reflected in the Uruguay Round, in the Doha Declarations and in the succeeding WTO rounds.
By: Arnel D. Mateo[2]
In order to assess the impact of an impending trade agreement, it is a must that we know how regional trade agreements and how bilateral trade agreements should operate. The rules provided for by the World Trade Organization provide flexibilities which can be utilized by the developing worlds. These rules are reflected in the Uruguay Round, in the Doha Declarations and in the succeeding WTO rounds.
Here is an outline of how Regional Trade Agreements and Bilateral Trade Agreements should be which are geared toward economic development and alleviation of poverty. Entering into Regional Trade Agreements and Bilateral Trade Agreements is supposed to be the best way of negotiating trade between Developed Countries and Developing Countries.
I. An RTA or BTA…
..Must be WTO Compliant:
1. At initial stages, a level of flexibility is needed in eliminating/reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers to promote economic development of developing countries, to protect infant industries and to serve as source of government revenue. (GATS5, GATT28).
I. An RTA or BTA…
..Must be WTO Compliant:
1. At initial stages, a level of flexibility is needed in eliminating/reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers to promote economic development of developing countries, to protect infant industries and to serve as source of government revenue. (GATS5, GATT28).
2. RTAs/BTAs must provide increase market access with enabling clauses. Enabling clauses allow giving of favorable treatment to imported goods coming from developing countries.
3. Must provide transitional time periods for development.[3] The WTO Rules generally provide a 10 year transition period before a developing country could fully eliminate or remove its tariff and non-tariff barriers.
4. Must cover substantially all trade except sensitive sectors. (GATT24) Although full liberalization is the objective to increase competitiveness of industries, sensitive industries may be excluded in order to protect the crucial sectors of the State.
5. Must not have more restrictive measures than third party trade. A State or a region cannot restrict its trade base on sensitivity of the industry by excluding some of its sectors if the same has been opened to a third party. (ex. EU-ASEAN vs. EU-US on Airlines)
..Must protect developing countries domestic interest: Developing countries must be allowed to adopt or implement strategic trade policies or selective industrial trade policies that were utilized by the present industrialized countries.
6. Government subsidies for domestic and export for developing countries must be allowed at initial stages. Although this is discouraged for it will defeat the essence of full liberalization and will lower down efficiency of domestic industries, the same can be done during the initial stages of trade in an effort to protect infant industries.
..Must protect developing countries domestic interest: Developing countries must be allowed to adopt or implement strategic trade policies or selective industrial trade policies that were utilized by the present industrialized countries.
6. Government subsidies for domestic and export for developing countries must be allowed at initial stages. Although this is discouraged for it will defeat the essence of full liberalization and will lower down efficiency of domestic industries, the same can be done during the initial stages of trade in an effort to protect infant industries.
7. Must liberalize market access by imposing less restrictive rules of origin.[4] Setting lower content threshold for developing countries will avoid tariff discrimination.
8. Must incorporate special safeguards on agricultural products. It allows temporary application of an additional duty on top of applied tariffs in cases of import volume surges or import price falls.[5]
..Must involve a Process that engages the sectors:
9. There must be a clear trade policy agenda and institutional accountability. Direction must be set as to what concessions can be made and what cannot. Institutional framework must be transparent so as to clearly define the responsibilities of our trade negotiating team.
10.Must be constitutional. The RTA or BTA must be in line with the States’ national economy and patrimony principles.
11. Must recognize people’s right to effective and reasonable participation as well as right of access to information. An impending trade agreement can only be assessed by the stakeholders if negotiation exchanges are made available to them.
II. Before entering an RTA or BTA…
1. Policy makers have to consider which of their industries are ready to deal with international competition.
2. Determine if the products are along the country’s comparative advantage or if these are being produced by firms that realized economies of scale in production.
3. Policy makers must identify if these industries have ready access to infrastructures and that the educational system is able to produced skilled labor force over the next ten years or so.
4. Expenditures on social services must be made available.
5. There must be functioning financial system that will provide credit to domestic industries.
6. Government must extend support for technology, production management, organization, marketing, etc.
7. Government must provide market incentives, and
8. There must be State intervention.
Oxford Union: Debate Motion
TONIGHT: The DEBATE is ‘THIS HOUSE BELIEVES SPORT & POLITICS DON’T MIX’.
Speakers include Simon Hart (Chf Exec Countryside Alliance), Sir Philip Craven (Int Olympic Cttee & Pres of Int Paralympic Cttee), Jason Cundy (former Chelsea footballer, now Radio talkSPORT presenter), Daniel Finkelstein (Comment Editor The Times) and Jenni Russel (editor of Radio 4 ‘The World Tonight’).
Source: Oxford Union
Speakers include Simon Hart (Chf Exec Countryside Alliance), Sir Philip Craven (Int Olympic Cttee & Pres of Int Paralympic Cttee), Jason Cundy (former Chelsea footballer, now Radio talkSPORT presenter), Daniel Finkelstein (Comment Editor The Times) and Jenni Russel (editor of Radio 4 ‘The World Tonight’).
Source: Oxford Union
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
WTO Principles: Foundation of Multilateral Trading System
International trade law is very important for us to understand in this era of globalization. To fully understand how it works, we basically need to understand how multilateral trading system operates.
Taking WTO as the model, it is important for us to know the principles that govern the economic activity of each nation with one another.
Trade without discrimination
1. Most-favoured-nation (MFN) : treating other people equally. Under the WTO agreements, countries cannot normally discriminate between their trading partners. Grant someone a special favour (such as a lower customs duty rate for one of their products) and you have to do the same for all other WTO members.
2. National treatment: Treating foreigners and locals equally. Imported and locally-produced goods should be treated equally — at least after the foreign goods have entered the market. The same should apply to foreign and domestic services, and to foreign and local trademarks, copyrights and patents.
Freer trade- barriers coming down through negotiation
Predictability- foreign companies, investors and governments should be confident that trade barriers (including tariffs and non-tariff barriers) should not be raised arbitrarily; tariff rates and market-opening commitments are “bound” in the WTO
Promoting fair competition— discouraging “unfair” practices such as export subsidies and dumping products at below cost to gain market share
Encouraging development and economic reform- more beneficial for less developed countries, giving them more time to adjust, greater flexibility, and special privileges.
Source: World Trade Organization
Taking WTO as the model, it is important for us to know the principles that govern the economic activity of each nation with one another.
Trade without discrimination
1. Most-favoured-nation (MFN) : treating other people equally. Under the WTO agreements, countries cannot normally discriminate between their trading partners. Grant someone a special favour (such as a lower customs duty rate for one of their products) and you have to do the same for all other WTO members.
2. National treatment: Treating foreigners and locals equally. Imported and locally-produced goods should be treated equally — at least after the foreign goods have entered the market. The same should apply to foreign and domestic services, and to foreign and local trademarks, copyrights and patents.
Freer trade- barriers coming down through negotiation
Predictability- foreign companies, investors and governments should be confident that trade barriers (including tariffs and non-tariff barriers) should not be raised arbitrarily; tariff rates and market-opening commitments are “bound” in the WTO
Promoting fair competition— discouraging “unfair” practices such as export subsidies and dumping products at below cost to gain market share
Encouraging development and economic reform- more beneficial for less developed countries, giving them more time to adjust, greater flexibility, and special privileges.
Source: World Trade Organization
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Motions: 15th All Asian Debate Championships
ROUND ONE
ENERGY
This House believes that biofuels do more harm than good.
This House supports the privatization of all energy production and distribution.
This House would no longer price oil in US dollars.
ROUND TWO
21st CENTURY
This House advocates human colonization of outer space.
This House would restrict research and development of artificial intelligence.
This House believes that humanity will not reach the 22nd Century.
ROUND THREE
MARRIAGE
This House would allow both men and women to have multiple spouses.
This House would allow divorce for any reason.
This House would eliminate age restrictions for marriage.
ROUND FOUR
ANIMAL RIGHTS
This House would abolish zoos.
This House would make the fur trade illegal.
This House would not eat whales and sharks.
ROUND FIVE
SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES
This House would not enforce labor laws on SMEs.
This House believes that trade liberalization hurts SMEs.
This House believes that SMEs should not be allowed to hire foreign workers.
ROUND SIX
GENDER RELATIONS
This House would recognize choice of gender identity as a fundamental human right.
This House would disqualify transsexuals from professional sporting events.
This House would reserve one-third of seats for women in national legislatures.
ROUND SEVEN
EDUCATION
This House believes that standardized testing is the enemy of learning.
This House prefers need based higher education scholarships to affirmative action in admissions.
This House would require all elementary and secondary schools to include debating in the curriculum.
OCTAS
LITERATURE
This House believes that Asian governments have a duty to support literature in their native language
This House would institute an annual prize for the best pornographic novel.
This House believes that politicians should not be allowed to publish their autobiographies during their lifetimes.
Quarter-finals - Migration
THBT human trafficking should be made a capital offence.
THBT the migration of high-skilled workers creates 'brain-gain' for the sending country.
THBT the ASEAN countries must have an 'open border' labour migration policy.
Semi-finals + EFL Final - BUDDHISM
THBT the Dalai Lama uses his position for personal gain.
THBT all Buddhist orders should ordain woman as monks.
THBT non-violent Buddhist social movements do not lead to social change.
FINAL - MEDIA
TH opposes state run media.
THBT commercial media advertising degrades the quality of life.
THBT celebrities do not have a right to privacy.
Source: Global Debate blog and AUDC
ENERGY
This House believes that biofuels do more harm than good.
This House supports the privatization of all energy production and distribution.
This House would no longer price oil in US dollars.
ROUND TWO
21st CENTURY
This House advocates human colonization of outer space.
This House would restrict research and development of artificial intelligence.
This House believes that humanity will not reach the 22nd Century.
ROUND THREE
MARRIAGE
This House would allow both men and women to have multiple spouses.
This House would allow divorce for any reason.
This House would eliminate age restrictions for marriage.
ROUND FOUR
ANIMAL RIGHTS
This House would abolish zoos.
This House would make the fur trade illegal.
This House would not eat whales and sharks.
ROUND FIVE
SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES
This House would not enforce labor laws on SMEs.
This House believes that trade liberalization hurts SMEs.
This House believes that SMEs should not be allowed to hire foreign workers.
ROUND SIX
GENDER RELATIONS
This House would recognize choice of gender identity as a fundamental human right.
This House would disqualify transsexuals from professional sporting events.
This House would reserve one-third of seats for women in national legislatures.
ROUND SEVEN
EDUCATION
This House believes that standardized testing is the enemy of learning.
This House prefers need based higher education scholarships to affirmative action in admissions.
This House would require all elementary and secondary schools to include debating in the curriculum.
OCTAS
LITERATURE
This House believes that Asian governments have a duty to support literature in their native language
This House would institute an annual prize for the best pornographic novel.
This House believes that politicians should not be allowed to publish their autobiographies during their lifetimes.
Quarter-finals - Migration
THBT human trafficking should be made a capital offence.
THBT the migration of high-skilled workers creates 'brain-gain' for the sending country.
THBT the ASEAN countries must have an 'open border' labour migration policy.
Semi-finals + EFL Final - BUDDHISM
THBT the Dalai Lama uses his position for personal gain.
THBT all Buddhist orders should ordain woman as monks.
THBT non-violent Buddhist social movements do not lead to social change.
FINAL - MEDIA
TH opposes state run media.
THBT commercial media advertising degrades the quality of life.
THBT celebrities do not have a right to privacy.
Source: Global Debate blog and AUDC
THE Doha LATEST DEBATE: APRIL 29th, 2008
MOTION: THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THE SUNNI-SHIA CONFLICT IS DAMAGING ISLAM'S REPUTATION AS A RELIGION OF PEACE
The Next debate: May 27th, 2008; Motion to be confirmed.
The Next debate: May 27th, 2008; Motion to be confirmed.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
UP Diliman Pre-Australs
Greetings! The UP Debate Society is hosting Pre-Australs this June 28-30, 2008 at the University of the Philippines, Diliman campus. We are inviting you to join this tournament in preparation for Australasians 2008, which will be held in Manila a few days after this.
Please contact us at +639178862232 or send us a message at preaustrals2008@gmail.com if you are interested.
Thank you very much and hope to see you at Pre-Australs 2008!
Anna Arcellana
Communications Director, Pre-Australs 2008
Source: Debate Philippines
Please contact us at +639178862232 or send us a message at preaustrals2008@gmail.com if you are interested.
Thank you very much and hope to see you at Pre-Australs 2008!
Anna Arcellana
Communications Director, Pre-Australs 2008
Source: Debate Philippines
Saturday, May 10, 2008
10th Philippine NDC [ Dates ]
What: The 10th NDC
When: October 19-26, 2008
Oct 19- Day 0: Registration and Billeting
Oct 20- Day 1: Debate Seminar, Adjudication Seminar, and Opening Dinner
Where: Ateneo de Davao University
Contacts: David Jalotjot (Ateneo Debate Community, ADDU) 09194026385
More details soon..
Source: Debate Philippines
When: October 19-26, 2008
Oct 19- Day 0: Registration and Billeting
Oct 20- Day 1: Debate Seminar, Adjudication Seminar, and Opening Dinner
Where: Ateneo de Davao University
Contacts: David Jalotjot (Ateneo Debate Community, ADDU) 09194026385
More details soon..
Source: Debate Philippines
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
HPCR International launches a Professional Certificate in Humanitarian Law and Policy
HPCR International
Brussels - 6 May 2008
In view of the growing demand for professional development opportunities in humanitarian law and policy, the International Association for Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR International) announced that it will award a new Professional Certificate in Humanitarian Law and Policy to qualified candidates completing the requirements of its professional training program.
The Professional Certificate aims to recognize qualified candidates who demonstrate a command of the fundamentals of international humanitarian law (IHL) with a nuanced understanding of the contemporary challenges of applying IHL in a variety of operational settings. It complements the existing Advanced Trainings on Humanitarian Law and Policy offered by HPCR International and developed in cooperation with the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research at Harvard University.
"The Professional Certificate in Humanitarian Law and Policy builds on HPCR International's experience in professional development and represents an enhancement to those trainings offering humanitarian professionals the legal and policy tools needed to address growing challenges to humanitarian protection," said Claude Bruderlein, President of HPCR International. "It incorporates the latest findings from researchers and policy-makers from leading institutions on such issues as counterterrorism, private security companies, human rights in times of conflict, occupation and peacebuilding, humanitarian access, and Islamic Law and protection of civilians."
"This is an exciting moment for humanitarian professionals who had until now only limited opportunities to seek new professionals skills in this area, mostly through full year academic degree programs on law or social science," said Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino, Head of Professional Development at HPCR International.
Professionals may complete the Professional Certificate, encompassing more than 60 hours of advanced training, at their own pace in four international locations.
Government officials, representatives of international agencies, and staff of non-governmental organizations are encouraged to apply through HPCR International's Advanced Training program.
"The rising challenges in humanitarian protection require dedicated and skilled professionals," concluded Claude Bruderlein. "HPCR International makes every effort to maintain the highest standards of quality and relevance of its training curriculum."
For more information on the Professional Certificate in Humanitarian Law and Policy, please visit http://www.hpcr.org/profdev/certificate.php.
For additional inquiries, please contact Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino at ihlseminar@hpcr.org.
Brussels - 6 May 2008
In view of the growing demand for professional development opportunities in humanitarian law and policy, the International Association for Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research (HPCR International) announced that it will award a new Professional Certificate in Humanitarian Law and Policy to qualified candidates completing the requirements of its professional training program.
The Professional Certificate aims to recognize qualified candidates who demonstrate a command of the fundamentals of international humanitarian law (IHL) with a nuanced understanding of the contemporary challenges of applying IHL in a variety of operational settings. It complements the existing Advanced Trainings on Humanitarian Law and Policy offered by HPCR International and developed in cooperation with the Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research at Harvard University.
"The Professional Certificate in Humanitarian Law and Policy builds on HPCR International's experience in professional development and represents an enhancement to those trainings offering humanitarian professionals the legal and policy tools needed to address growing challenges to humanitarian protection," said Claude Bruderlein, President of HPCR International. "It incorporates the latest findings from researchers and policy-makers from leading institutions on such issues as counterterrorism, private security companies, human rights in times of conflict, occupation and peacebuilding, humanitarian access, and Islamic Law and protection of civilians."
"This is an exciting moment for humanitarian professionals who had until now only limited opportunities to seek new professionals skills in this area, mostly through full year academic degree programs on law or social science," said Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino, Head of Professional Development at HPCR International.
Professionals may complete the Professional Certificate, encompassing more than 60 hours of advanced training, at their own pace in four international locations.
Government officials, representatives of international agencies, and staff of non-governmental organizations are encouraged to apply through HPCR International's Advanced Training program.
"The rising challenges in humanitarian protection require dedicated and skilled professionals," concluded Claude Bruderlein. "HPCR International makes every effort to maintain the highest standards of quality and relevance of its training curriculum."
For more information on the Professional Certificate in Humanitarian Law and Policy, please visit http://www.hpcr.org/profdev/certificate.php.
For additional inquiries, please contact Dr. Vincenzo Bollettino at ihlseminar@hpcr.org.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
