MESSAGES FROM SIMCON

The GlobalEd 2 Project Newsletter December 13, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 8

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Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority have reached a water cooperation deal this past week. The Dead Sea is reported to be dropping at 1 meter (~3 feet) per year, with estimates that the area could be completely dry by 2050. In response, a deal has been reached to pipe water from a desalination plant at the Red Sea over to the Dead Sea Area. The project will cost 250-400 million US$. This serves as an example how water can be a source of cooperation rather than conflict. As said by BBC reporter Kevin Connelly, “With peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians apparently stagnating, it offers the prospect of successful co-operation at a time of political difficulty.” (See BBC News for more details).

Water  Cooperation  in  the  News  

   A  Job  Well  Done!          

Simcon was impressed by the daily messages and conference messages in the 2013 GlobalEd2 Simulation. Participants included C-E-R writing chains and science principles in their communiques to advocate for policies that would benefit their own

countries, allies, and the international community as a whole.   Finding solutions to address the various water challenges facing the world is a difficult task.  Simcon commends you on your effort and on your accomplishments!

For  the  Final  Debrie7ing  Conference….              

For those planning on joining the final debriefing conference please spend some time thinking about the agenda questions. Specifically think about how C-E-R structures have helped students write in a persuasive diplomatic style, and how C-E-R might be useful outside of GlobalEd2 and in other classes.

Right: Map of proposed pipeline from red to dead sea. Below: Picture of receding coastline of the Dead Sea, a body of water notorious for it’s high salt content.

MESSAGES FROM SIMCON

The GlobalEd 2 Project Newsletter December 13, 2013 Volume 1, Issue 8

2

Remembering  Nelson  Mandela  

Topics  to  Think  About….              

Students should spend some time thinking about the types of scientific technologies discussed in the simulation. Attention should be drawn to why it is important for both students and policy makers to understand how different technologies work and where they would be most feasible and cost effective.

Teachers and students should also exchange ideas about why reaching international consensus was so difficult during the simulation.  Students should discuss the political and practical obstacles towards achieving international cooperation, as well as if they found any things particularly frustrating.

Throughout this simulation, you have learned how difficult it can be to find common ground with those who have different views than your own. Today we remember Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and anti-apartheid leader, who died last week at the age of 95. His work serves as an example of how cooperation can be achieved when parties act with open minds, and strive for reconciliation with adversaries. To watch a short video describing Mandela’s memorial service and the significance that he holds for both South Africa and the global community alike, click on the following link: http://www.nytimes.com/video/world/afr ica/100000002597762/a-f inal- farewel l-to-mandela.html?playlistId=1194811622205.

We  thank  you  for  your  participation  in  the  simulation.      You  did  an  outstanding  job!