Topic 1: Addressing the Impact of Assimilation on Indigenous Peoples

Indigenous people are distinct groups of individuals who share similar cultural and ancestral links to a specific land, and this land holds the resources required for their survival and cultural practices. Those people have their unique artistic practices and languages, however, they have lost a great portion of these practices due to assimilation. The most notable example of assimilation policies is the United States, where Native Americans had policies stealing Native American lands and this was done to ensure cultural practices such as their religious practices would be given up and follow other cultures. Other countries have similar issues such as Australia and Canada. 

These policies included forced non-indigenous educational programs as well as the ignorance of treaty policies and more; this was also done to erase Indigenous traditions so they could be phased out and not disrupt regular, more tolerated dominant cultural practices. Although these policies have happened for a long time, there are still effects on indigenous peoples to this day. By solving this issue Indigenous people’s cultural identity would be preserved, however,  many countries would face economic problems as mainstream economic openings could be closed up.

Topic 2: The question of transitioning LEDCs out of the primary sector.

Less economically developed countries, or, LEDCs, are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. Currently, many LEDCs are heavily reliant on agriculture, mining, and other primary activities, which offer limited opportunities for wealth generation. The primary sector refers to the part of the economy that includes harvesting natural resources such as agriculture and farming. It doesn't benefit the economic value of the country, even though it provides the necessary materials for industries. Countries such as Vietnam are moving away from the primary sector by focusing on manufacturing electronics and clothes, which leads to the attraction of foreign countries and creating new job opportunities.

Unfortunately, if LEDCs grow economically, they will consume more natural resources and increase their demand, leading to an increase in global prices. This will also disrupt global trade as LEDCs might begin to compete with MEDCs (more economically developed countries), and many more. The question is, which countries are willing to sacrifice themselves?