Hard News on Committee Session #5

UN ECOSOC Discusses the Role of Technology in Post-Pandemic Era

by Farras Rizqy Hafizh

Member states of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) discussed the potential role of technology in a post-pandemic world on Sunday 28/2. Fourteen members of the council were present at the session, with the common aim of establishing the role of foreign aid in resolving the global pandemic.

Foreign aid sharing among countries is mostly driven by the relationship between two actors: the donor country and the recipient country. Donor countries are the ones with more resources and expertise, while recipient countries are countries that have been receiving foreign aid during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The dynamics between donor and recipient countries is an important aspect in technology sharing. In the committee session, Germany stresses the need to assess both the donor and recipient country’s capabilities in implementing technology. Donor countries must oversee the implementation, and recipient countries must set clear goals and targets as well.

In their speech, the delegate of Zimbabwe stated that when human capitals are given technology, they will be encouraged to work with the equipment given. Natural capital can be better managed using technology as well, especially during pandemic times.

Estonia has proposed the use of blockchain, a form of financial technology that acts as a database for digital assets such as cryptocurrencies. However, there are concerns from several delegates that such technologies could be too complex for both donor and recipient countries to implement.