Idea Transcript
Topic: Ethics of Emerging Technologies Country: Cameroon Position Paper As delegates of the Nation State of Cameroon we welcome the opportunity to speak about important topic of Ethics of Emerging Technology. Cameroon is not yet an emerging or developed country and as such is in need of aid and support in most aspects of society. The topic of Ethics of Emerging Technologies is very important to Cameroon because we believe that with the aid of emerging technologies, Cameroon will be able to grow and prosper into an emerging nation-state. We hope to accomplish some of these goals through discussion during this conference. Cameroon, as a signer of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, supports the prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons and takes part in promoting the safe and ethical use of nuclear energy in the world. Cameroon, however, is much further behind in Nuclear Technology than many other countries. Cancer in Cameroon has increasingly become a larger issue through recent years. It is estimated that there are about 15,000 new diagnosed cases of cancer each year. In light of this, Cameroon would benefit exponentially from funding to help start and support a radiation technology development program. Cameroon is becoming increasingly desperate for different methods and technologies in medicines and healthcare. With only .08 physicians per every 1,000 people, and a population of over 22 million, traditional medicine practices are becoming increasingly more prevalent. In Cameroon, medicinal plants and herbs are being used to treat everything from psychiatric disorders, cancers, most venereal diseases, fever, depression, and the discomfort that accompanies AIDS and HIV. Traditional medicine is used as a precursor to modern medicine; if the ancient techniques don’t work, then more modern approaches are taken. As a developing nation, Cameroon would benefit from the aid of other countries and NGOs. While Cameroon is in need of assistance medically, its per capita GDP is in one of the ten highest in sub-Saharan Africa, and is set to become an emerging country by 2035. As a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization, The Republic of Cameroon is actively reducing the knowledge gap between developed and developing countries through ethical technological expansion. Cameroon is invested in developing the necessary infrastructure and materials in order to foster both domestic and international technological growth. Cameroon has signed the Singapore Treaty regarding trademark registration, the Marrakesh VIP Treaty which provides access to published work for those with print disabilities, and the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances concerning audiovisual copyright. As a founding member of the African Intellectual Property Organization, The Republic of Cameroon is at the forefront of African nations promoting the economic expansion, development, and protection of intellectual property internationally.
Cameroon has an adult HIV/AIDS prevalence rate of about 5.3% with about 30,000 HIV/AIDS deaths a year. There were at least 37,000 HIV/Aids deaths recorded in 2009. In addition, deadly diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, sleeping sickness, typhoid fever, etc., continue to claim several lives in this part of the world. Volcanic activities with periodic releases of poisonous gases from Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun remain one of the environmental issues facing Cameroon today. The issue of deforestation or the rampant cutting down of trees, overgrazing, desertification, poaching, over-fishing, etc. continue to threaten wildlife and agriculture in Cameroon today, depleting the natural resources. Poor sanitation is also a major problem, mostly in large urban areas where the population is greater, this comes with a lack of safe drinking water and water for domestic purposes. We would like to focus on bringing the technology to Cameroon that is going to provide better disease testing and disease fighting combatants, health care, sanitation processes, and the technologies to expand on current agricultural products to increase food production. Ranking 150th out of 186 on the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) Human Development Index, Cameroon faces significant challenges providing an adequate food supply. 70% of Cameroon's labor force is working in the agricultural industry, therefore the viability of agriculture has tremendous health and economic consequences. Over one third of Cameroonians live in poverty making less than $1.25 a day. Consequently, access to affordable food is imperative. The challenge of food has been exacerbated by the recurring droughts of the last 4 years and the broader issue of climate change. Furthermore, the limited food supply in Cameroon has been run even thinner due to the influx of refugees from neighboring nations such the Central African Republic and Chad. The Nation State of Cameroon is anticipating a productive and successful conference in which many nations will be able to benefit from. The topic of Ethics of Emerging Technologies is very important to Cameroon and the the world society. Chelsey Baker Sarah Evenson Ethan Keanaaina Rachel Koons Jacob Tatum
Sources: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cm.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1240543/pdf/ehp109s-000069.pdf International Atmoic Energy Agency. (2005) Information Circulars: Documents: Republic of Cameroon. Retrieved from http://www.iaea.org/Publications/Documents/Infcircs/Countries/cameroon.shtml Oncology, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology Reports. (2012) Current cancer incidence and trends in Yaounde, Cameroon. Retrieved from http://www.oghreports.org/full/doi/10.5530/ogh.2012.1.14