Journal 46

While there are a plethora of things that can be done to protect water and conserve it in the first world, there are a limited means of extricating water and turning it into a sustainable resource for developing countries. And for some developing countries, keeping the water they have with the least bit of waste is almost a as difficult as the actual collection of it in others. For example, in India, water is not a source in serious concern of deminishing. Yet the UN has shown that 25% of the worlds use of water comes from India and most of that is wasted because of poor containment units and leaky piping systems. So much so that there are still States in this quickly developing country that have issues of water and drought.

But there are things that can be effective in make positive changes to developing countries. These are water harvesting, water desalinization, water regulations, proper policy making, and water workshops that train on water use and recycling. These are cost effective means of helping LDCs and LLDCs in combating water consumption issues. In the case of India and water harvesting, there is a yearly competition with prizes of 2,000,00 for the top water saving group and 1,000,000 for individuals.

Possibly the most effective means of water conservation and consumption though, and I cringe to say this, is for the intervention of corporations that invest in large tracks of land and then incentivize local farmers by creating local/community management councils that set policies which, if goals are met, re-imburse local communities financially, thus preserving the endemic ecology and incentivizing positive water standards. This has even been done, in France, by Perrier Vittel a division of Nestle S.A., the world’s largest food company. Perrier Vittel is also the largest bottled water company in the world.

Journal 45

The answer to making changes in non-developed countries is political change. Not revolutions or grand sweepings in democratic elections, but in the way they think about the benefits of water and horticulture in their countries. By re-inventing irrigation and water consumption techniques, a huge change can be made. And, in my opinion, it is easier for them to make these changes now than later when there will be more focus on sustainable economic development. Because of the time required for a natural evolution of a country, many non-developed countries try and skip the most critical step of an agricultural to industrial societal development. By skipping this step these non-developed countries overlook the incredible potential that their natural habitat provides them. And by constantly trying to overstep the natural order of things they are often left wondering what next. This leads to poor decision making and bad long-term investments. Subsequently, these wrong turns lead into further economic strife and political decay.

But by taking a step back and going step by step into the agregrian cycle with a firm understanding of the fundamentals of agriculture, a most important connection is made and the foundation upon which a country can sustain itself is assured. It will take time, but in a world that is becoming more and more fast passed, taking the time to do it right the first time, although harder, will create a much more economically secure ship to sail the ever changing tides of the global economy.

These changes have to be made through new and innovative policies. Leaders, with the fortitude to make their country a better place, and citizens, with the stalwartness to work for their posterity, can make the difference if they will but work together.

Hopefully, in the next couple of journal entries I will be able to give specific policy changes that might be beneficial in positivly charging a stable movement for sustainable mountain development.

Journal 44

A couple of days ago I found out that the Mission of Argentina was hosting a luncheon and that several members from my school were going to be here at the United Nations. It was interesting because, despite the invitation and the specific request to announce one’s self as an interested party, I would informed that the Mission of Argentina was limiting the number of attendees to those specifically invited. Not that this bothers me mind you, I have a ton of work to still deal with before I am finished. I just thought it was interesting because not even the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan was able to get me to attend him as a +1. I did get the chance to meet those from my school though and that was a nice change of circumstance. I mostly work alone and do not have much time to meet others interested in my same field of interest. It was nice and I was able to take a picture with them.  It is nice to see individuals from my school working and doing their best here at the United Nations. It is almost night and day, the difference between when I first started school at UVU and today. A great faculty, focused on the global stage.

Journal 43

Side bar – Have you ever had a chauffeur take you around downtown Manhattan to do shopping? I have the distinct pleasure and saying that I can now cross that off my bucket list. It will be the only time in my life that I will be able to do something like that so I felt like it was something that I should mention here. Truly a fun experience.

Now, back to some of the things that I have considered. First, in an attempt to utilize less water, new methods of water preservation must be taken into consideration. This is something simple like turning the faucet off while brushing teeth. But there are other means of doing this. The Bellagio, a hotel I mentioned in a previous entry, has a wonderful water display (I was there a couple months ago and took a video of the show). As I was watching it, I kept thinking to myself that it was a truly impressive amount of water that was being used. When I enquired about this, I found out that they have huge tanks that hold the water, and that the water that is used is actually recycled over and over and over again. Meaning, that despite the massive amount of water being used, it is almost 100% recycled. And in the case of less extravagant, every day, circumstances, using more efficient water faucets, and using the best washers/dryers and dishwashers can do much to save on a person’s water bill. But these are first world solutions. What about in third world situations where a dishwater is a luxury, almost unheard of, or what about irrigation and waste disposal? Which, in the United States, uses a very large amount of water. That is something else that much be looked at and I will see about having some potential recommendations later this week.

Journal 42

I am coming into the home stretch. There are only 7 more days before I leave New York and go back home. It has been a great experience and it isn’t over yet, so I will stop this silly reminiscing and get back to what I was talking about last week.

Last week I talked about water. I talked about the water cycle, the cause of water flow degradation, and I talked about its effects. I even talked about what can be done about it. But how to get things done is what I want to talk about now.

Now that we know that there needs to be a change in our mindsets and that this change can create more sustainable practices and viewpoints on water consumption, and preservation. We have to ask ourselves how. I have asked myself this question and here are some of the things I have considered. -- As I have done many times before, I feel I should give a little bit of an addendum to my further remarks. I am not a scientist but I do lots of research on these subjects, and while I don’t go into great detail, for the sake of clarity and those who do not do the research that I do, I strive to make things as clear and simple as possible.

So for the rest of this week I will be focusing on various forms of how we can, and what is currently being done, to create a more sustainable development for the future.

Journal 41

I have had an interesting week. It started off strong feeling great and going to the UN to work. About noon on Tuesday my world turned upside down and spent until today (Sunday) in my room on my bed reading, when I could, and living in a crazy experience of fever, coughing, and general uselessness.

Earlier I mentioned the water cycle and how snow can effect water flows in relation to farming and everyday existence. Well, I did this in a very generalized and easy to comprehend way. But that water cycle and the disruption of it leads into my next question. What can be done to prevent this disruption? The answer to that is surprisingly simple yet unbelievable difficult to achieve. The best means of fixing this disruption is to get people to use less water. That means everyone in first world countries spending less time; in showers, watering their lawns in the middle of the afternoon, and turning the faucet off in the middle of brushing their teeth, to name a few.

As I have hinted at and said directly, much of our water usage is because we lack a fundamental respect for water and its part in keeping us alive. We have become so un-sensitized about its use that we waste water unconsciously. So, to get people to use less water, it means to change people’s mindsets. But, how do we begin to gain a respect for water, when people spend hundreds of dollars a year on bottled water, and how do we get people to respect water enough to stop polluting it and causing fear of local drinking water, thus causing people to purchase that substance that makes up 82% of our very bloodstream? It is by finding solutions to these questions and inventing new means of water conservation, water distribution, and consumption.

Journal 40

Utah Valley University does this wonderful competition each year where they have high-school students write essays on major topics relating to Sustainable Development and the Yearly programs set forth by the United Nations. The 2014 competition next year will in fact be on, what the United Nations is calling, the year of family farming. I think that I might dip my toes into the subject as well. This will of course be in relation to the aforementioned sustainable development and green energy topic of my final paper.

As we know, there is a water cycle. This cycle circulates water in an endless cycle that permits the growth of plants, the (re) distribution of water, and the storage of fresh water in mountain water sheds and glaciers. But because of global warming and climate change this cycle ends up being disrupted or, in some cases, halted altogether. Examples of these would be the low snow ranges of the winter 2012. This caused little water to trickle down the mountains into fresh water rivers that then flow into such areas as Lake Powell. First, the flow from these water sheds into rivers. By not having enough water to filter into these rivers they, the rivers, subsequently dry up. Second, because of the lack of water flow reaching rivers, the rivers are no longer capable of feeding into lakes. Third, this and many years of similar circumstances end up dropping the waters levels of lakes. In the case of Lake Powell, 50% its proper water levels. This in turn leads to other issues, and not just the potential damage to boats. Forth, because of the lowing of water levels, aquatic ecosystems are effected, some fish leave the area, thus affecting more of the ecosystem. Five, water is no longer able to effectively flow out of the lakes and into out-bound rivers, causing issues for these rivers and their eco systems. Also, these out-bound water flows are leading into draining systems that feed into reservoirs and irrigation ditches for local farms. Lack of water leads to poor irrigation, lessening a farms produce. Leading to rising prices and causing changes to local and regional and national economy.

So how does one deal with this issue? One could blame it on the water, then lead from the water to climate change, to the cause of climate change and repeat the cycle. But we know that something needs to be done. That is what I am looking into and hoping we can find capable means of altering this downward course into improper water use practices.

 

Journal 39

The first week of December and I am getting the holiday itch. It didn’t help that I helped the Mission with a little shopping on the side for Black Friday. With only 15 more days left before I head back to Texas and my internship ends, it is becoming more and more important that I buckle down, get my hours, and finish my final papers. Things have to transition smoothly or I will have failed myself for this internship. For that reason, in order to help myself stay focused. My remaining journal entries will be used to focus primarily on my final project. And as how energy is one of the most important issues related to sustainable mountain development, I will be talking about some of the points I find most interesting.

Many people know the water cycle process. It is taught in schools and it makes the world go round. We all know how important water is to our lives. But few contemplate its relevance to our existence. With 95% of the human brain made of water and 82% of a person’s blood consisting of water it is mind-blowing that we, as in first world persons, have become slow blasé about water. For example, in Las Vegas, a town known for its desert surrounding, a single hotel (the Bellagio), has a water reservoir of 27million gallons.

With billions below the poverty line and millions more without access to clean, accessible water, it is important to recognize the efforts of the United Nations and others as they combat the issue of clean water. These institutions and organizations take the life giving essence of water and try to make it as available as possible. They do this through digging wells, providing water purification techniques, and introducing new ideas on how to use water as a renewable resource.

That is what I would like to focus on.  The importance of alternative energy and the magnificent role that water can play in cleaning up the world’s pollution, famine, diseases, and energy.

Journal 38

Being able to do an internship at the United Nations on behalf of the Kygyz Republic has been nothing short of a once in a lifetime opportunity. Here in New York City, I have had the chance to meet Ambassadors from all over the world. These Representatives of State are leaders at the front of global change for the positive. Their ability to take on a wide range of issues, from nuclear disarmament to sustainable development to international space law, is nothing short of inspiring. I wanted to take a step back from the usual articles that I write and use this journal segment to talk about the amazing people that I am fortunate to work with.

Because of the lack of space at the Mission I represent I work in the UN Library or at the New York Public Library (where I am right now). But every time that I go into the office to meet with the Ambassador or his staff, I see individuals working their hardest to make a positive difference. What is truly impressive about the people that work at the United Nations is the time in which it takes them to work on so many different projects at once. This small group of individuals are required to work on items in a week’s time that would take most other people months to deal with. The best of the best work here at the United Nations. Not to be pompous or self-aggrandizing. But because it’s a fact and a necessity. The people that work here are forced to do more in less time and are required to have the same level of proficiency in representing their country at a global level as other Embassy’s do at the international level.

As my time is coming to a close here at the United Nations it has been tremendous to engage intellectually on such a fast paced level.

Journal 37

With the difficulties that women face in mountainous areas it is paramount that change be made. There is really only one way of allowing this change to be significant and permanent. That is education. By increasing access to the internet and allowing for young girls and women to continue their educations, the probabilities of increased awareness for equality and sustainable development is an unavoidable and welcomed conclusion.

There are several means by which this increased awareness can be achieved. The first is a general increase in spending on education in mountainous regions by local governments. This allotted amount can be found through increased taxes, for a short period of time. While general practices would seem to indicate that the current male ruled society would frown upon such a practice, by attaching increased tax breaks to other goods, such as commodities, for a short period of time, there is a high probability that the revenue required for additional education funding would re-balance itself in a matter of years. The then increased educated workforce revenue stream would then supersede the previously imposed taxes. This would then allow the taxes to be corrected to their original status quo and improve the overall quality of the economy.

Another means by which the funding for educational reform for women might be accomplished is to rethink the current classroom diagram. By focusing on wireless internet and live streaming. It is possible to have classrooms accessible in even the most remote of locations. In an earlier posting I mentioned a means by which information might be accessed to the general public. That is, establishing an internet connection at a permanent government location (i.e. post office). By having it in such a central location, the secondary purpose of using the internet for research could then take the foreground and be used as a means for remote education.

The last means by which funding can be assured for educational reform is to establish incentives for local businesses to sponsor women in education. For example, by increasing tax breaks for those companies that sponsor a woman or women, depending on the size of the company, there is the potential for growth at the local and, in the long term, national level. These companies can then utilize the situation by increasing worker loyalty or generating a positive work flow, or even grooming future women executives for their own business.

Journal 36

Yesterday I mentioned the difficulties of women in the mountains and the negative effect that culture has on them. What I did not mention was a solution, if in fact there is one. But before I go into that, I want to talk a little bit more about women and the role that they play in society. I do this to give a better background for the ideas that I present. I will only give two of a very long list of facts relating to women in LDCs, I will start with the fact I found most interesting; only 1% of the global ownership of land is held by women. That means that almost every women business owner is devoting a portion of their growth to men. So regardless of their success as business owners, men are still getting a hefty profit. Fact number 2, most cultures still in a 3^rd world local have women who are responsible for the equipment used by the men throughout the day. For example, fishers in a community are usually men. They go out every day to fish with nets and the nets get tangled as they are thrown out repeatedly throughout the day. These nets, made by women in the first place, are then brought back for the local women and children to untangle and mend, so that they may be used again the next day. In this particular example, women are the main resource for sustainable living yet they do not receive extended educations and are subsequently forced to the menial manual labor the men would never do themselves.

So what can be done about this? The answer is not an easy one. Especially in small undeveloped communities that require the manual labor of women in the day to day activities just to survive. But something can be done. The introduction of new types of fishing (traps, cages, other types of nets, nets made of more industrialized materials which require less maintenance) can free up time for some of the younger generations and allow them the opportunity to attend higher levels of education; is just one example.

With the advent of modernization and sustainable development into mountainous regions, more and more will be required to manage the inequality women face. And with that same introduction more and more of a positive impact will be made.

Journal 35

A major component in culture is women and their role. Women in mountain societies have different levels of equality but most are not as well educated and hold more minor roles in society. This issue is of serious concern because they are most affected by sustainable development and modernization. With the advent of technology and the importance of sustainable development being stressed, more opportunities are becoming available for women. If nothing is done for these women, the continued inequality of their lives will remain and their development hindered.

They will be effected on many levels. Already, a lot of women are unable to advance further in education after a certain grade. In the case of my own grandmother this was the case. My grandmother, while not raised in a mountainous region was only allowed to go to school long enough to learn basic reading and writing abilities. Born in Mexico she was severely hindered by the times and regional and cultural attitudes of her local society. This is still the case in mountainous regions where technology and modernization are hindered by the difficulty mountainous terrain inherently causes.

Journal 34

About 2 weeks ago I mentioned religion and its impact on sustainable development in mountainous regions. Today I would like to talk more about culture and its impact. I have come to the conclusion that, although the survival of culture is being address in the sustainable mountain development agenda, it is sorely overlooked. In mountainous areas where mountains transcend boundaries, the major constant in a given area is the people. These people are, what most would consider, isolated from the outside world. So when an area that was isolated is introduced to modernization, a certain measure of caution must be made, in order to prevent a loss of the native culture. Unfortunately, in the search for sustainable development, culture often gets put on the back-burner and is not preserved to its fullest.

Additionally, with the advent of modernization a confluence of two or more cultures occurs. This can lead to loss of culture, conflict of culture, and the death of culture. With the increase in connectivity that modernization brings, it is important to use that same connectivity to implement a means or rules by which conflicting cultures might find some degree of co-existence. While, I do not disagree with the need for sustainable development and subsequently modernization, I do not think that it is impossible to maintain a progression of sustainable development without keeping culture intact.

One means of doing such would be to restrict the modes of transportation between sites A through Z. Then, introducing such things as wireless internet and appropriate means of renewable energy and sustainable development. After, it is then appropriate to introduce non-restrictive measures; allowing transportation to continue between sites. The reason for this is the cultivation of ideas. While it is easy to disagree with a new idea, it is much more difficult to introduce foreign concepts and then demand that, previously isolated, locals accept its recent indoctrination. After a reasonable amount of time, the removal of isolation and its associated risk is then reduced becoming more manageable.

Journal 33

Today I was able to go to several meetings on SMD. While this isn’t particularly a new thing, several interesting things happened. In the first session that I attended, the French to English translator forgot to turn her mic of after translating. What was so funny about this seemingly innocuous even was the mouth on her. She could have made a sailor blush, as the old saying goes. The second was in the second session. In this particular session, there were several policy briefs passed that caused serious agitation to the delegate from Israel. His Palestinian counter-part was equally vehement. The reason that I mention these is because of the following thoughts.

Concerning the woman who was caught on audio, I thought it relevant to remark on the similarities between getting caught speaking when you aren’t expecting to be over-heard and portraying an image that might not be in alignment with your personal opinions. What she said wasn’t as important as what is constantly portrayed in the media today. I thought it an interesting connection.

As with the second group of individuals, I was incredibly interested in their banter back and forth. One would openly condemn the votes of those who went against their opinion and the other mocked them for their ignorance. While I could see both of their arguments, I am more interested in how politically charged some of these policy briefs really are. It is important to understand that despite the good intentions of those here at the United Nations, the policies that are put up for ratification are still just politically motivated.

Just some food for thought for even the most well-intentioned.

Journal 32

Here is another revisiting of the MFG meeting I have been going over lately.

When I was invited to go, I was very excited to go to such a high-level meeting related to SMD. As an intern, it isn’t often a luxury given. What happened there though was something revolutionary, in my eyes. What others might have taken from it, I couldn’t say. But I had definitely taken much from it and have since written a half a dozen articles on the meeting.

As I was reviewing all the papers that I have written on the subject, I realized that I didn’t address the issue from my position as a member of the Utah International Mountain Forum. It is an issue of great relevance and one that I would like to address real quick. Of the several institutions present. The attendance of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF) and its host educational institution Utah Valley University (UVU) was a truly important development. The reason being because they represent the community from a unique point of view. Fundamentally, educationally based, they represent a growing interest for SMD at the community level. Another way of looking at it is, the UIMF is a group of like-minded individuals (students) who, despite of being a more educationally based representation of SMD advocacy, represent a unique demographic (students). These proactive students are a representation of the growing need for SMD. And I, as a representative of this group of individuals at the meeting, was able to, in a small way, showcase our eagerness for change.

It was exciting to see community involvement. I hope that, if I ever get another chance, the next MFG meeting I attend will have these community based actors in the global spectrum, play a more significant role.

Journal 31

Recently, I have been revisiting the Mountain Focus Group meeting that was hosted on the 17^th of October by the Permanent Mission of Italy. Aside from the usual countries (Italy and Switzerland) that were present and the influence that they brought to the conference. There were 2 groups there that I believe I did not give them the just recognition that they deserved; they were the UIMF and Vista 360.

The first is Vista 360, a Non-Governmental Organization situated next to and representative of the Rocky Mountains and Jackson, Wyoming and their contributions; which seeks the preservation of mountainous cultures worldwide. While their words were insightful and certainly appropriate to the meeting, of more significance was their presence. They, along with the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF – the other group), which was there representing the City of Orem, Utah and, the only educational institution, Utah Valley University, were a very minor yet truly significant representation of mountain-minded individuals. They represented a small yet fast growing group of concerned individuals who are interested in the outcome of sustainable mountain-development policy. Yet, despite their being there representing mountain development at the community level, they had an almost non-existent role in the meeting. This is not to say that they didn’t get a chance to speak or that their words fell on deaf ears. In fact, some of what they spoke of was the catalyst for other discussions.

The relevance of this though was lost in the grander scheme of things. The effort being put forth at the community level was almost overlooked by the emergence of ideas, brought forward by Governments, and the policies that they were pushing forward for sponsorship, in order for ratification. Personally, while I can understand the importance of these pushes for support, I, as a member of the UIMF and as an individual interested in sustainable mountain development, could see the huge whole in the meeting. The party for whom I was there as a representative of, had almost no relevant impact on the proceedings, nor was the significance of having community representatives truly utilized during the free forum portion of the meeting.

The lack of a meaningful contribution at the community level, was a glaring indictment of the lack of relevant communication between the national and community levels. But, as negative as all this might sound, the meeting was exciting, eventful, and filled with great ideas. There were just some things that might have been overlooked that didn't really need to be.

Journal 30

Yesterday, I mentioned religion as a potential catalyst for sustainable change. What I did not mention though was a means of implementation. It is easy to say that something is not being implemented it is another to suggest a plan of action. Religions usually have a religious center or a spiritual leader. This center or individual will typically have much sway in a given area. These individuals or centers are usually very community based, and as such they are less susceptible to greed. By aiding these individuals, as opposed to a community leader (usually a temporary position) or someone in a more temporal position (someone who has attained a certain level of respect and demands further acknowledgement accordingly), the overwhelmingly re-occurring issue of corruption may be stemmed before it becomes an issue. Additionally, by financing these institutions, a more collaborative effort may be put into cooperation between communities and businesses. This is due, in part, to the overlapping roles of individuals in both community and business sectors.

While not comprehensive, it is at least a beginning.

Journal 29

Recently I have been reflecting on the importance of NGOs that have a non-environmental motive. While not as limited as one might think, this pool of institutions is still a very small one. Most significant of them though is religion and its effect on mountainous populations. While I do not profess to be an educated source on religion, I do think that a lot of religions and their effects can be generalized. For example, religion and its effect on culture.

Most probably due to their relative seclusion, mountainous areas are much more impacted by culture and their regionally specific religions play a large role in how a community conducts itself. How this can be utilized though is of great significance. By attributing religion as a motivational factor in getting mountainous areas to a sustainable standard, it is potentially possible to revitalize the importance of Sustainable Development. This then would have a more radical and movement oriented sway of low-land populations.

This is currently being done through an organized effort of government and industry. However, because it does not take into account a more religious approach to development, it is fundamentally self-hindering. Working these three angles in an attempt to motivate community efforts concerning sustainable development could prove most effective.

journal 28

As I have been here at the United Nations, I have had the guiding influences of Prof. Baktybek Abdrisaev and Ambassador Kydyrov. They have constantly instilled into me a motto that has become very significant to myself and the subsequent subject of this journal entry; always take the initiative. While it goes without saying that inaction leads nowhere, it is easy to get caught up in the everyday routine. So eventually, just doing the same thing over and over becomes inaction, even if you are actually doing something productive. What can be done about this is simple, take the initiative.

Basically, and what I guess I am really getting at is, it is up to the mountain communities to make a change and it is up to the low-land areas to recognize that change. It would be easy to place all of the responsibility on to the mountain populations. The problem lies in getting the low-land masses to recognize the need for change. While the mountain populations continue to suffer and implement localized remedies for sustainable development, it is not wise to forget the needs of low-land populations to recognize their higher altitude neighbors’ need for assistance. This can be done by taking the initiative and making low-land populations realize that they are as responsible for and impacted by sustainable mountain development as their high altitude counterparts.

Journal 27

Sustainable Mountain Development -- The role of governments, organizations, and communities at every level; Global, regional, national, and community. Their functions, results (before/after), resolutions and treaties.

·       Watershed agricultural council.

·       United States Agency for International Development.

·       Mountain Partnership.

·       Mountain Focus Group.

·       Mountain Institute.

·       FAO.

·       UNEP.

·       UNDP.

·       World Energy Forum.

·       Almaty Plan of Implementation.

·       Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.

·       Rio +20

·       Agenda 21

This is a relative breakdown of the political side of Sustainable Mountain Development. Included are examples of organizations at every level. In the case of the Almaty Plan of Implementation and others, plans such as these are the results of the above mentioned organizations and are great examples of the transition from data to action. Breaking down this information down into a simple structure on the political side of SMD is the easy part. That can even be said about the opposite side of the coin and the business side. But mingling the two parts together to bring in an unbiased attempt at providing development is where there is significant contention and self-interest.

Journal 26

I have come to see the United Nations and the Mountain Partnership (MP) and how they cooperate with each other as a good stepping stone for corroboration between the global and regional level.  From there and because of cooperation between the two, a unifying structure begins to emerge. This structure is the skeleton upon which global change, all the way to the community, can be applied. That is, global, regional and sub-regional, national, and community. By creating a network at every level, every aspect for sustainable development can be affected. This then is affected or sustained by the addition of programs that facilitate information between the levels. From the United Nations and its Environment Program (UNEP) and Development Program (UNDP), to the MP, to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and finally to the Watershed Agricultural Council.

All these programs serve a purpose at their individual levels, and when working together, create cleaner water, cheaper costs of living, and a healthier living condition in general.

This is then compounded by the efforts of such companies Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) as NuSkin, which have their own foundations; feeding the poor and educating the uneducated.

Creating a significant connection between the two for a meaningful change is where the buck stops.

Journal 25

There is a lot involved, scientifically, when discussing the matter of Sustainable Mountain Development. One could talk endlessly about the scientific facts regarding global warming, watershed degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity. But in order to establish change, there are two primary formats or functions required. One might think that one of these functions is the community residing in the mountains. That is not a bad or entirely wrong assumption. However, the change that would be required to alter these issues would have to be at a global level. This means that the requirements, in order to be met, must be followed through by the two most important functions. Those being, politics and business.

Currently, in political theory, there are two primary beliefs. One is that, in order to establish power and change, one must prioritize the political sphere first. Meaning that, if there is to be any change, there must be laws that are required to be passed. This is a very valid point. The other line of reasoning, is that Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) are where the money is, and money is what gets things done, before and after a law is passed. Both are very convincing.

What really matters, in my opinion, is how these two can be met, together. This, in part, will be my focus for this week’s journal.

Jouranl 24

Much like the roles that I have mentioned before, the roles at the regional, global, and community levels, one of the primary goals and roles that the Government has is to provide opportunities for agencies and concerned citizens and entities to gather and promote dialogs on the issues of SMD. This is done by bringing together individuals at the international and community levels together, to see how they might better implement changes and introduce new guides or strategies that will benefit the mountain communities.

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most important steps in implementing new ideas and promoting new laws and resolutions. Without the support of the local government, such entities as the Mountain Partnership and the Mountain Institute and the Mountain Focus Group would have little to no effect.

It is inevitably up to the local government to make those changes that are in the best interest of its people. And it is up to such interest groups as those mentioned above to provide a reason for change.

I personally, find that to be a most poignant thought. If we all speak of the power of the individual and the power of the group, then it is paramount that change be made, because in the end, the source is always the same.

Journal 23

Being able to go into a meeting at the UN hosted by the World Energy Forum, has helped me to get a better look into the subject I have given myself this week for study.

In this meeting, many of the attending countries spoke about their current predicaments and achievements concerning energy. While it was not always in a positive light in which they spoke, many simply did not mention the positive aspects of their countries endeavors. For example, Costa Rica spent most of its allotted 7 minutes talking about the serious role that deforestation has taken on its country. Yet, what the Ambassador of Costa Rica did not mention, was that the country is now 93% reliant on Hydro-powered electricity. That is an incredible amount of “green” energy.

In an endeavor to keep energy a serious issue, the positive aspects are sometimes overlooked. This was pointed out by the Chairman of the meeting and in fact, has been mentioned in several of the meetings I have attended in the last 2 months. I feel it is important to stress this fact and mention just how much positive change is being made. The collective efforts of thousands on the behalf of billions is a staggering reality that is often times over-looked.

Journal 22

When one thinks about an LDC or least developed country, basically, all the blame is placed upon the Government. While here at the United Nations I have had the pleasure of working with many countries on behalf of socio-economic development. While here, I have seen the positive side of humanity. The government officials here are as dedicated as any, to promote an acceptable means of change, for the betterment of its citizens and Humanity.

While that last statement might come off as grandiose and a little over-bearing, the truth of it is no less real. Every morning, I get off the 15 bus and feel a little bit better about myself and the day. So many of the people here walk around with smiles on their faces. They walk around as if they know a secret that others do not. The truth is, they do. They know that their government, regardless of the turmoil that might reside in the country, is at least trying to make their homes a better place.

To me, that’s pretty special and for the rest of the week, my journal will be focused on the role of developing mountainous governments in SMD advocacy.

Journal 21

The following is a summary of the Mountain Focus Group meeting that I attended yesterday.  It was one of the things I worked on today and I feel that it, although brief and not a full accounting of the meeting, helps any who care to read it to understand the level of devotion that those who attended represent.

The Mountain Focus Group (MFG), hosted at the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, and a large group of constituents met on October 17, 2013, and addressed a wide range of issues pertaining to Sustainable Mountain Development (SMD). Such members of the constituency include, Peru, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Switzerland, the Mountain Partnership, etc. The meeting was opened by the Ambassador from Italy, His Excellency Ambassador Sebastiano Cadri. Ambassador Cardi addressed to the importance of the meeting and what specific foci he hoped the meeting considered. Of particular importance to the Ambassador was the cooperation of those who were present in coming up with actionable goals as opposed to the seemingly ubiquitous amounts of data that is constantly shared.

His comments sprang forth an abundance of optimism and enthusiasm among the attendees. One of which was Slovakia and its promise to support, even in a non-member capacity, the workings of the Mountain Focus Group and its constituents. Another was the country of Afghanistan; who claimed that, whether a member or not, as a mountainous country, it is important to emphasis the support that a country has to institute policy briefs; for the sake of Sustainable Mountain Development.

Peru, another attendee and actual member of the Mountain Focus Group, called upon members to remain focused. Asking that the Mountain Focus Group not be confused, and determinedly “focus on the targets or the goals” of the Group. To show their determination in following such advice they promised to present a resolution on mountains and asked for its support (as has often been given).

Of most significance though was the unified efforts of the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic, His Excellency Ambassador Talaibek Kydyrov and Former Ambassador now professor at Utah Valley University Prof. Baktybek D. Abdrisaev. Together, they stressed the importance of the time. Meaning, that now is the time for a concentrated effort in the UN concerning the progression of SMD-advocacy. Their comments were used as a springboard for further discussion and even more need for active participation.

Respectively—Ambassador Kydyrov mentioned the importance of December 11^th and the International Day of Mountains. Calling for a celebration and a collaborative effort of the Mountain Focus Group in promoting a SMD- agenda that could be presented and focused on in the United Nations.

Prof. Abdrisaev stressed the importance of proper documentation of the efforts made by the members of the Mountain Focus Group. He called to reference the recent, if brief and not entirely informative, efforts of Utah Valley University and their mention in a recent General Assembly Resolution (A/68/307). Additionally, he stressed the importance of utilizing the youth in the efforts of SMD. He pointed to the $150 thousand dollars that Utah Valley University had raised to date.

Their comments combined though were a unified front on improving SMD relations and bringing an otherwise not-well-known issue to the fore.

Journal 20

Today has been one of the busiest and most productive days in New York. The experiences I have had have been one of a kind opportunities and particularly thought provoking. The day started with me getting to attend a high-level meeting of the Security Council and the selection and ratification of several new members. These members, when introduced and welcomed, would clap and stand up in almost unrestrained cheering. Surrounding members would also get up and congratulate. It was clear that these admittances were life altering experiences for themselves and the countries they represented. I was given a unique and first-hand glimpse into the reward of the hard effort these delegates put forth on behalf of their respect countries. That was a convoluted statement.

My Prof. from Utah Valley University came today as well. He and Ambassador Kydyrov and myself then went to a meeting of the Mountain Focus Group and were able to participate. The importance of the meeting was not lost on me. The cooperation of these groups have funded millions of dollars and thousands of ideas on the behalf of mountainous regions. Although, they were not being rewarded as the above parties were, they were focused and completely in tune with the efforts of mountainous peoples. Working together these individuals and the countries they represent work tirelessly for the chance that they might feel the sense of completion that the above mentioned countries were able to feel.

Journal 19

From my research to date, I have come to ask myself a couple of questions over and over again. The one question that I will be focusing on for this week is, what role does the government of developed mountainous nations in SMD-advocacy play? This week I will be fortunate enough to play a larger part in finding out the answer to just that question. In a couple of days, the Mountain Focus Group will be co-hosting a conference of members of the Mountain Partnership in North America. I place emphasis on the co-host part. This meeting will take place at the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations. Developing countries from around the globe will be participating. Beyond a simple allocation of funds, such countries as Switzerland and Italy spear-head efforts and events that promote the important work of developing countries.

The meeting that I will be participating in in a couple of days is such an event. I have spent every day since I found out studying and preparing a speech that will presented to the attending members. It should be quite interesting and I am looking forward to the next few days.

Journal 18

Recently, I was asked and informed to represent the City of Orem, Utah and the Utah International Mountain Forum at a meeting hosted by the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations. I have been so busy with that that I have neglected my journals. My apologies. I will get serious about updates and journals entries starting on Monday next week.

Journal 17

As I mentioned in an earlier Journal, I had the chance to meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kyrgyz Republic. It was a great chance to meet him and I even got the opportunity to take a picture with him. Here it is.

 Maybe someday I will actually be able to get a picture with the Ambassador that I work for.

Journal 16

Today was pretty uneventful. I did nothing but sit in the UN library and read/write research for a paper I have due this week. As I have been sitting in the library I am facing a large window. There is a bunch of open space and I have enjoyed the rain and cloudy weather that has been around all day. So far though, I am polishing up some ideas that I have had concerning education in LDCs and the potential impact that education can have. I am hoping to break it into a couple of sections. Those sections would be background, projections, marketing, and location to name a few. Hopefully it turns out well.

Journal 15

Due to lack of time, this journal will be a small one.

When trying to create a plan for revitalizing a failed institution, it is paramount that you find the one thing that is stable in every instance. I believe that that one stability is education. That is why I think that one of the single most important means of revitalizing a country after a revolution is to first establish control of education. Putting education at the forefront of progress is the same as creating a base upon which a country's future can stand. Academies of learning serve many purposes. One of which is setting the country onto a path of knowledge that can shed light on past mistakes. To butcher a saying, if one does not learn from the past they are doomed to repeat its failures. What this does is to, not only educate but, create a pool of individuals with the right information to succeed. Without a body of intellectual citizens working together for the sole purpose of its countries success, it doesn’t really matter how much focus is placed upon alternative energy or transportation or agriculture. The ideas that are generated by such a group of people is non-existent and as such, the existing pool becomes stagnant and will cease to be life producing.

Journal 14

One of the biggest concerns for LDCs is the issue of “brain drain”. This turn of phrase comes from the prevalent issue of citizens of LDCs going to outside (other countries) universities and then getting employed and subsequently staying in that country of higher education. I don’t think I need to explain why that would be a concern of a country already struggling to develop its own economy and social systems.

My question is this, what causes this occurrence? Some would argue that the issue is of a better life. By obtaining a degree from Harvard, you’re going to get the job of your choice in basically any LDC on earth. This then ties into the idea that the better the education the better the pay rate. I agree, partly. I think though that the real issue is transportation. The problem that these LDCs are having is not that they are losing individuals but rather that they are not bringing in individuals for higher education. While a seemingly obvious proposition, it bares to be mentioned that, for most of the people who leave, they often have the intention of going back, after they receive their “proper” education. The United States has never had a problem with this, because the United States has always done what I am suggesting to LDCs.

That is, to stop the outsourcing of education and institute new laws and regulations that provide for a higher standard of education within one’s own homeland. America, as the “land of the free” promotes an idea. This idea is that they can provide an education and better paying job because of said education. The United States has never outsourced its education. Rather, from its conception, the United States has created institutions with the intention of rivaling Oxford and Cambridge. The very foundation of education set forth by the United States was never to educate, it was to compete.

There are several things that I think that a government can do to utilize this idea. The first is to establish a specific university. This university must follow a credo, and that is to be the best damn education in the surrounding countries. This means that the Government of said university will have to promote incentives for students and teachers. To do so, a Government could partner with the surrounding countries or an individual country with much more means. The more advanced country could utilize the option as a means of charity, propaganda, aide, investment, etc. The recipient government would then have a financially backed institution, focused on competition. This would minimize the financial role the host country would have to provide. Additionally, it would provide a cheaper means of access to education for citizens as well as boost the economy of the surrounding community because of the increase supply and demand that a university promotes.

I draw attention to Orem/Provo, UT and College Station, TX to name just a couple. These 3 cities have around 300,000 residents. 67,000 attend Utah Valley University and Brigham Young University and 50,000 attend Texas A&M. That doesn’t include all the smaller institutions like Provo College, or Stevens-Henager College. Just to underscore that amount let’s say 125,000 students or 42% of the population. The major reason? The educational institutions that provide the initial backbone of these cities. Almost 100,000 people living in each one of these educational meccas. That is just 3 cities, which would constitute 5.5% of the population of Kyrgyzstan.

To clarify the point I am trying to make. These educational hubs are self-sustaining. They promote education, have created their own sustainable economy, and have boosted the regional economy through the advances they have made in sciences, law, agriculture, sports, medicine, etc. Doctors stay to work in the local hospitals, Lawyers stay and become government officials, art, dance, and film students, stay because they can’t afford to leave (just kidding). The impact of these institutions not only affects the nearby residents but their individual graduates. In the case of local economics, the surrounding area is filled with the arts, cuisine, and business that you would expect to see. As well as the institution of global enterprises (Nuskin, Adobe, and other technical companies).

This is all done in an area of land, if you combined all 3 cities, that is not even ¼ the size of Long Island.

Journal 13

I finally went to the gift shop and purchased a lanyard for my ID card. I also got to attend a High-Level meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs as they spoke on Transportation issues concerning LLDCs. The significance was not lost on me. One of my main focuses of thought for this week is concerning the role of Regional Organizations in promoting sustainable mountain development. And this issue of transportation is a big one.

Part of the problem is that, as a land-locked developing nation, access to ocean and sea transport (cheapest form of transport) is non-existent. I mean the name pretty much says it all. This means that these countries must rely on more expensive means of transport. Already, usually, considered poorer nations, land-locked nations cannot easily meet the financial demands that appear before them. For a land-locked nation, this means that a large portion of their, already limited, GDP is set aside to deal with transportation costs.

How does this relate to the issue of the role of regional organizations in promoting SMD? It relates in that, there is a very real necessity for nations to collaborate and produce a means to cut down the financial demand of transportation costs. Organizations such as the WTO, International Communications Union (ITU), and others promote a collaborative effort such as the Almaty Programme of Action.

The purpose of this programme is to develop countermeasures to such issues as the lack of definite infrastructure or the lack of adequate communications. I think that the WTO put it the most succinctly; 1) Agreement to trade facilitation. 2) Enhancing allocation of aide for trade (commitment from donors) 3) Need to diversify from goods to services. 4) Excision from the WTO. I wasn’t sure about that last one. The only way that I could see that as a positive means of change would be for the LLDCs to have paid back any and all loans or trade agreements that might have been previously made.

With the continued efforts of these nations, a new, brighter, future for their citizens is possible.

Journal 12

Today I had a most amazing experience. It started out as just a regular day, with research and assisting where I can at the mission. Earlier in the week I was told that there was a mandatory meeting at a press conference. Around 2:30pm I was asked to come in early and assist with set-up. After the meeting I got all the stuff together again and headed down to the street. What I didn’t know what that the Ambassador and the Prime Minister of Foreign Affairs would be down there. After running into them on the street, the Ambassador introduced me to the Prime Minister and I was able to get a picture with him. A very exciting and eventful end to a day. I was pleased that I had received the interest of both Ambassador and Minister. It was an honor.

Additionally, all throughout the press conference, representatives of Russia, the UN, and others were constantly professing gratitude to Kyrgyzstan and its policies. Mentioning how the Kyrgyz Republic was always one of the first to ratify changes in their government to meet UN objectives. The UN spoke highly of the level of cooperation the Kyrgyz Republic has shown.

One of the things mentioned by the Prime Minister was a quote that he had heard earlier in the GA. It was basically along the lines of, “If you want to go fast, walk alone. If you want to go far, walk with friends.” The praise and reaffirmations of companionship between Russia, the UN, Kyrgyzstan, and others was a great showing of this philosophy. I look forward to the implementation of future corroborations between these institutions.

Journal 11

Recently, I had to read a summary of a report that was conducted by 18 initiatives in 29 countries. What they did was basically survey a large and varying group of marginalized people. They asked them questions about what they thought was significant to them concerning sustainability. They came up with four points of recommendation from these varying groups. Those points, roughly translated, were; rule of law, collective action, diplomatic institutions, and modernization. I mention this in this journal because of the significance of the four points mentioned.

For those who are interested in Political Science, you learn, somewhere along the line, that the aforementioned points are those things that are required for establishing a democracy. I cannot explain how amazing I feel it is that a group of marginalized individuals from so many different places, would naturally gravitate to a democratic state.

I have a feeling of great responsibility and determination when I read reports and summaries such as this. I look forward to my experiences here at the UN and the decisions that I see made every day. They inspire me to attach a more determined approach to my research and decision makings.

Journal 10

Today President Barak Obama spoke at the United Nations General Assembly. He and many other leaders from around the world gathered to speak of many things. But one of the things that he mentioned in passing is what I wish to talk about. The reason being that it is pertinent to the research and reason that I am at the United Nations in the first place.

What President Obama mentioned briefly was the fact that the United States is weaning itself off of foreign resources. This intimates the presumption that we are instead, redirecting out interests to American fuels. As is the case with current fracking in Texas and Oklahoma. This is not wrong, but it is not the entire truth either. More and more research is being focused on alternative, or ‘green’, energy. In much the same way that countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are in need of alternative resources and financing for those sources, it is the United States that can financially proliferate an alternative means of energy that can create a sustainable future for the rest of the world.

With many of the members of the United Nations speaking of goals (MDGs, SMDGs, WWDGs) being focused on in poverty stricken nations and LDCs it is important to remember that much of the work (i.e. research, manufacturing, financing) can be accomplished in “first world” countries such as the United States. As a side note, I would also like to mention that much of what was said was a testimonial to the successes made and the achievement of some of those goals. I would certainly like to see a re-actualization of efforts in Sustainable Development Goals but with an emphasis in researching fiscally appealing options for alternative resources in modernized countries that could then be transmitted to LDCs.

Maybe, in the future, instead of a passing comment on relinquishing dependency on foreign resources, a President of the United States of America might spend an entire GA speech on the successes of the above mentioned work and its proliferation to LDCs and the masses.

Journal 9

Today has been an action packed adventure of sitting in meetings and learning the ins and outs of world politics today. So packed that I won’t even mention the interesting things that have happened to me today. Well that’s a lie, but anyways. Today I want to start off with a brief history of how I got here and it’s impact on myself and Utah Valley University (UVU).

About five years ago I took my first ever international relations class with Prof. Baktybek Abdrisaev. I went to Utah Valley University because I knew I could. I knew I would do well there. What I didn’t know was how his influence, on myself and others, would make such an impact as it has today. While there has been work made by many a countless soul, to me, Prof. Bek, as his students like to call him, has always been the face of change, in my eyes. And today is a great day for its mention. In my previous posts I mentioned the Fourth Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership.

What I didn’t mention was that fellow students of UVU were attending the conference and that they were given a chance to participate. What a truly fascinating experience it must have been for them.

Also of note. These brave souls were the only students to have attended from any University (North or South). This speaks volumes about the intimate relationship UVU’s politically minded students have kept with the Mountain Partnership, UIMF, and other GO’s and NGO’s for Mountainous Regions. Also, it verifies the quality or worth of UVU’s students as political actors on the world stage.

These last couple of days have proven the maturity of this institution and the growing presence of its student body. With an ever growing presence in Washington D.C., the United Nations, and now, the world, UVU’s students are setting a standard that will be hard met; yet eagerly sought after by future students.

 

Below is a list of websites which relate to this post:

 

http://womenofthemountains.org/index.php

http://womenofthemountains.org/images/2013/13-09-09-FINAL-SMD-Edited.pdf

http://www.mountainpartnership.org/

http://utahimf.org/

 

Journal 8

Sept. 17^th through the 20^th, in Erzurum, Turkey, the 4^th Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership will take place. There will be a new, four year (2014 to 2017), strategy and governance presented. In some sense it is a celebration of the last 10 years, since the conception of the Mountain Partnership, and a revamping of its role, because of said 10 years of experience.

About 3 months ago I received a copy of the Mountain Partnership draft Governance and Strategy and I want to highlight a couple of the “key milestones” documented within. First, 1992, Rio Earth Summit includes chapter 13 in ‘Agenda 21’. Second, 1995, International non-governmental consultation in Lima, Peru, leading to establishment of the Mountain Forum. Third, 2002, International Year of Mountains. Fourth, 2002, establishment of the International Partnership for Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions (Mountain Partnership). Fifth, 2011, Lucerne, Switzerland, World Mountain Conference. Sixth, 2003, 2004, 2012, global meetings of the MP. And finally, 2013, Erzurum, Turkey, the fourth global meeting of the MP.

Whiles these may be milestones in MP history they are also historic milestones for the whole of mountainous people everywhere. It is because of the efforts of the people who attended these meetings and the people who inspired them that such great strides have been made in mountain development.

Journal 7

Today has been an interesting one. Today I was given an opportunity unlike any that but a few people will ever get a chance to have. I was able to go to the opening session of the 68^th Session of the General Assembly. I missed the closing session of the 67^th yesterday, but the Ambassador was kind enough to let me attend the opening session. In this session they addressed the issue of Syria and the recent chemical attacks that killed so many men, women, and children. The Secretary General confirmed, through the results of a UN investigation, that the attacks were chemical in nature and the chemical was sarin gas. He then outlined the means and method of the attack.

 

After he spoke, Ambassador’s from the nations of Russia, Syria, and even, a representative of the United States spoke about the issues pertaining to Syria. Basically, in a nutshell, the United Nations and the United States condemned the attacks, blaming the Syrian government. Syria denied that it had anything to do with the attacks and pointed out that the use of chemical warfare was not a new concept and had been used several times in the last 25+ years. Russia though, called for patience and for more time allotted for fact finding missions and discovery. All parties though called for a meeting of minds and a review of and need for assistance.

Journal 6

One of the questions that I have been asking myself this week is; how does the searching of CPI or “cost of living” for these regions apply to the work that is being done here at the United Nations. The answer is that it is data. That isn’t the best answer in the world, I think, but it is applicable and incredibly copacetic with the purpose of many of the goals intended by the United Nations. The United Nations is in many senses very limited in the scope of things that it can get done. Rather, the great contribution that the UN provides to the world is its ability to create vast storehouses of knowledge that can then be used in discussion around the world.

 

This is so very much the case in places like Kyrgyzstan and other developing countries. Without the research done by the UN and its subsidiaries, like the United Nations University, great strides in human development would be severely hindered. One of the primary goals of the United Nations and every country that is a part of the UN is to provide a platform for discussion. Even in situations where the purpose might seem limited in scope of time. For example, in 2002 or, “the international year of mountains”, one of the biggest purposes of the UN was to create committees that could be used to springboard discussions and bring greater understanding where there wasn’t any before. For this reason, sustainable mountain development and other previous issues are still being targeted today.

 

And to wrap it all up in a bow, that is the purpose of the documentation I collected.

Journal 5

As I mentioned yesterday, the CPI is of great significance and is incredibly difficult to calculate. Trying to find the information for comparison for a couple of countries in the European Union was in fact quite difficult. This time around though I am working on the cost of living for New York City and comparing it to the United States of America.

 Considered the most expensive city to live in (Huffigntonpost.com), New York City provides an interesting data set. The CPI for New York is about twice that of the average here in the United States. That’s crazy expensive. For example, to be considered middle class, living in downtown Manhattan is about $60,000, as opposed to, say, San Marcos, Texas (one of the cheapest places in the United States) where middle class would be around $28,000.

Drawing comparisons is not only extremely fun, but enlightens the researcher on national averages and provides intricate points to draw correlations. I was able to do this with the help of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a US agency that catalogs and takes surveys for the purpose of producing statistics like the CPI, PPI, and others.

It is agencies like the BLS that provide detailed information that can help in Sustainable Mountain Development. Being able to provide information about “cost of living” trends in a particular region can assist in developing plans for development that can be specific, accurate from the regional level to the sub-national. Meaning, even countries like Kyrgyzstan, with its limited resources, can predict possible revenue pathways that might help the country.

Journal 4

The last couple of days have been quite interesting. Two days ago I worked for 15 hours just to write a two page comparative analysis on “Cost of Living” in Europe. Almost all of that time was actually just researching what “cost of living” is and how to implement it in a comparative analysis. It is quite easy to understand what “cost of living” is by its very phrase. How much does it cost to live a certain way; that is all it is. But what about when you are trying to implement a cost of living index for an entire population, or even more, a group of populations? That’s a pain on a whole other level. So many variations must be taken into consideration, one cannot simply calculate a personal expense check-list; said check-list varies for each person. I certainly do not live the same way as Mr. Donald Trump (despite my most earnest day-dreams). And Mr. Trump doesn’t live the same way as the bum sleeping on the street in downtown Manhattan. I took a picture of said bum as I was exiting the New York Public Library about 2 or 3 in the afternoon. I was actually envious of the bum, I do love sleeping and it was a particularly sunny afternoon where sleeping outdoors is one of those rare delights for the perpetually indoor bum that I am.

With all this in consideration, once again, I ask the question, how much does it cost to live a certain way for an entire population? The answer, in a limited way, is the use of a consumer price index (CPI), calculating the changes in inflation, documenting said fluxuation, and then comparing it against a certain set of information; this, to some degree, is what I did. Rather, what I did was to calculate the above mentioned information for the United Kingdoms and comparing it to Kyrgyzstan. Doing so I found that, no surprise to those who know much about economics, Kyrgyzstan had a higher rate of inflation. This is not a negative issues, despite the negative connotation that the term inflation bares. The United Kingdoms has reached, some 90% of its potential growth, as such, the United Kingdoms will never see a significantly high inflation rate. This doesn’t mean that the United Kingdoms will not be more influenced by a high (for its own set of standards) inflation rate. Rather, it means that Kyrgyzstan is a young country that has not yet made its stride to economic growth yet, and because of such the rate of inflation is higher.

This has real significance. If Kyrgyzstan can (at some point) reach a CPI standard that can compare with the United Kingdoms, it is conceivable that a country like Kyrgyzstan can see its own potential future. This is something that isn’t even remotely visible in the near future, but it certainly isn’t something that cannot happen. What would be really interesting would be if we could somehow calculate CPI for the United Kingdoms around the same time in its conception as that of Kyrgyzstan in its current state.

Journal 3

I would like to start today’s musings off with some facts that I learned recently. These come from a meeting of high-level members of the Sanitation and Water for All Partnership. A couple of the members of note are the World Bank, the Finance Minister of Nigeria, and a representative from the United States; over 80 countries and organizations attended.

·       According to the World Bank: 1990-2000, 2 billion people gained access to safe drinking water; 1.8 billion to sanitation. However, in the same amount of time the world population increased by 1.5 billion

·       The Millennial Development Goals (MDG) set for water and sanitation will not be met until the year 2026, IF development stays on track. This doesn’t include the added population growth that was mentioned above

·       In Africa alone, due to issues of water sanitation, 700,000 children under the age of 5yrs old die a year, more than 3,000 children die a day

·       There are still around 780 million people without access to safe water

With over 50% of the world’s drinkable water coming from mountains one can see the significance of the efforts of mountain countries. For example, Egypt, or the gift of the Nile, is actually the gift of the Hindu-Kush Himalayas. Because it is that mountain range from which the Nile receives almost 100% of its water.

The significance of this is not lost on me. I can now see more clearly the reason behind the Ambassador asking that I do research on watershed degradation and sustainable development.

One might be concerned about the facts that I mentioned above, and they should be, but the United Nations and the Kyrgyz Republic are working together with many other countries and organizations to find means of bringing sustainable practices to those in need.

 

Journal 2

Kyrgyzstan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations is surprisingly small. It consists of two rooms, one of which is sectioned into 3. There has been no space for me to work with them in their offices. I don’t say this though to call blame or speak against. Rather, I am grateful for their lack of space. I am grateful because the Ambassador has basically given me my assignment and sent me to find my own way. By doing so, I have been able to see some of the most amazing sights of my life. Right now in fact, I am sitting in this amazing little book shop typing up the summation of my day and the day’s research.

The owner has “volunteers” who come in and work for him. Often times he walks outside and doesn’t come back for 10-15 minutes. But this is accepted by the patrons and they wait. Only to have the owner come back and everyone greets each other with smiles on their faces.

There is a friendliness to this city that I was never told about. If you think that this is the city you are supposed to be in, then it must be so, and nothing anyone says will make it otherwise. The denizens of this city understand this fact and respect it… if you respect it.

After meeting with the Ambassador yesterday he gave me an assignment, to look into the effects of watershed degradation and thematic disasters in mountainous regions. Because of sharp slopes, high and low temperatures, and how they vary depending upon altitude the effects of natural disasters are compounded in mountainous regions. Landslides, mudslides, and soil erosion effect farmers in those areas at a magnitude not seen in the Texas Panhandle. This leads to unfavorable farming practices, loss of life, and an economic downturn that you wouldn’t see in Utah and the prime slopes of Park City.

The more I read of the resolutions set forth by the United Nations, the more I realize the incredible struggles that some, not all, countries deal with. And that right there is the necessity of what I am doing here at the UN.

That last post was actually intended for yesterday. But I didn't have internet at the time I finished writing it so I decided to "two birds, one stone"  it and submit it with my next entry.

Journal 1

I’ve been sitting here for the last 30 min trying to figure out what it is that I want to say in my first ever Journal -- of my first ever internship. I haven’t actually sat here for 30min trying to figure it out, it’s just a number that has been fixated in my mind and one that I need to put down. I can assure you, the reader, that I have been sitting here longer, trying to figure out how to start. Because as every English major and professional writer out there knows, the beginning has to be just right.

Today is a special day. Today is the first official day of my internship. I say “official” because today is not, in fact, my first day on the job. I moved to New York City 6 days ago and have been working to play catch up on all readings related to my internship. I am by no means close to finished but have already put in a good 20 hours of straight reading. I say this now, and will most definitely come to regret saying this, but these hours spent reading are probably the most important hours of my internship.

These hours spent reading have all been about resolutions adopted by the United Nations for the last decade and a half, on Sustainable Mountain Development. They have been readings about Chapter 13 of Agenda 21, the Bishkek Mountain Reform/Summit, and the Johannesburg Implementation program… just to name a few. These readings outline the actions, activities, concerns, and observations of people around the world that care strongly about the Earth’s mountainous regions. As well they should.

Mountainous regions around the globe consist of 12% of the World’s population, roughly 700 million people (Bishkek Mountain Summit). A small portion of which live in the country of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek being the capital city of that country. The Ambassador of which has been gracious enough to accept me as an intern.

As you might be able to tell from the above paragraph, Kyrgyzstan has played no small part in the Sustainable Mountain Development Agenda. Having hosted a UN GA Summit on SMD, Kyrgyzstan is as focused as any other country and organization around the world on the implementation of resolutions adopted by the United Nations.

Noticeable resolutions include, A/Res/53/24, A/Res/57/189, A/Res/58/216, and others. These resolutions define Sustainable Mountain Development, as set forth by the United Nations. They encourage awareness of such issues as soil erosion, poverty, water pollution, deforestation, loss of indigenous culture, and much more. They also provide insight into potential solutions and urge for collaboration between actors at all levels, from governmental to local.

Whether it be instituting zoning laws or providing land for new national parks or even getting the neighborhood Boy Scout troop or YMCA group to pick up trash and learn about disaster relief, people who care, like those mentioned in the beginning, can make a difference. I am learning that in my readings and they are changing my perspectives and strengthening my resolve.