Announced in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an infrastructure investment programme initiated by the People’s Republic of China. Entering its tenth year, the initiative is founded on the principles of extensive cooperation and mutual benefits modelled after the ancient Silk Road. It aims to reduce the global infrastructure disparity between developed and developing countries, driving China economically towards becoming an economic powerhouse by 2049. Since its establishment, the BRI has attracted 155 member states over the world with over 75% of the world’s population potentially receiving benefits from more than 3,000 infrastructure projects proposed under the BRI’s name. With controversial actions from the Chinese government in recent years, the BRI’s future is fraught with uncertainty.

The BRI is a regional body and is open to delegates of all experience levels. Position papers are not mandatory, but highly recommended. However, to be considered for an award, delegates must submit one by 11:59PM PST on November 25, 2023, or November 17, 2023 for feedback from the dais team. Please read about Horizons’ Position Paper policy, which can be found below. Questions, inquiries, and position papers for this committee can be emailed to horizons-bri@cahsmun.org.