Bilderberg Conference 2020

Background Guide
By: Andrew Capozzi
 Chair Foreword
Dear Delegates,
I hope all is well! My name is Andrew
Capozzi and I am currently in my second
year at The Ohio State University studying
Pharmaceutical Sciences and additionally
pursuing three minors in different fields:
Substance Misuse & Addiction, Molecular
Genetics, and Epidemiology. I am originally
from the small town of Bellbrook, Ohio
situated a few miles outside of Dayton.
Despite pursuing degrees in various
scientific fields, I have always been
exceptionally interested in international
politics and became a committed participant
in competitive Model United Nations circuits
during my high school years. My
involvement with the Collegiate Council on
World Affairs (CCWA) began during my first
year here at Ohio State, representing
delegations at multiple external conferences
including McMUN in Montréal, Canada. My
involvement with the student organization
has continued to grow as I current hold the
role of historian and continue to participate
in external conferences on the collegiate
circuit.
A few interesting things about myself: I’ve
climbed the tallest mountain in the United
Kingdom, went searching for the monster in
Loch Ness, traveled to Europe each year for
the past three years, can iterate all of the
presidents in order, and own the rights to a
Stephen King short story’s film adaptation.
At Ohio State, I’m additionally involved in
the Phi Sigma Pi Honor Fraternity, 4 Paws
for Ability, Pharmacy Club, Second-Year
Transformational Experience Program
(STEP), and am an Office Assistant (OA) in
the Houston House residence hall.
It is my pleasure to crisis direct the
Bilderberg Committee at OSUMUN this year
alongside an amazing collection of staff
members, peers, and friends. I hope each of
you enjoy your time here both in committee
and at Ohio State!
As always, GO BUCKS!
 Introduction

The Bilderberg Conference is an annual conference that first convened in 1954 with the
objective of initiating a private and informal dialogue between the European and North American
elite. These discussions address aspects of politics, finance, military, industry, and media. This
committee will simulate the 2020 Bilderberg Meeting and subsequent reconvening sessions,
held July 24th-26th, 2020 in Copenhagen, Denmark, November 2nd-4th, 2020 in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania and finally December 30th-January 1st, 2021 in Krakow, Poland. The committee
is run by a Steering Committee headed by Eric Schmidt, the Executive Chairman of Alphabet
Inc., and Radoslaw Sikorski, a Senior Fellow from Harvard University. The meeting will have a
political, financial, and military focus, covering a variety of prevalent topics such as the United
States’ presidential election, 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, space exploration endeavors,
climate change, and a variety of other topics. This committee challenges the delegates to
represent elite world figures in a thorough and appropriate manner, gaining the knowledge of
ties to particular controversial agencies upon entering the conference (i.e. ties to the Illuminati,
Freemasons, Knights Templar, etc.). More importantly, this committee challenges the delegates
to imaginatively turn conspiracy theories into reality through manipulating global events and
opinions with the aim of establishing a New World Order. Delegates will be competing to press
their own agendas to further a movement towards a New World Order and establish their
personal ties in a prestigious role within this framework.

By 2020, the Bilderberg Council intends to have a New World Order. The conference aims to
put various (secret) organizations in competition for dominance within this system.

History of the Bilderberg Conference

Initially founded in 1954, the Bilderberg Conference was designed to “foster dialogue between
Europe and North America”1 as to assess a myriad of complex and prevalent issues of
significance. Every year, 120-150 leaders from various backgrounds convene in order to
address, discuss, and assess methods of intervening in particular topics. These participants
represent a diverse array of expertise, including: academia, finance, media, politics, and
numerous others. The majority of representatives demonstrate the Europe and North America
elite, tending to be active in political, social, or public endeavors with a large scope of influence.

Due to the private nature of the conference, the participants are not bound by their pre-agreed
positions, suggested actions, or specified actions/beliefs outlined in resolutions. Given this
notion, the representatives are to primarily listen to, reflect, and gather insight on complex
issues. In addition, participants must be deceptive and instrumental in their approach to
discussions and resolutions.

1
http://www.bilderbergmeetings.org
Although the forum has historically provided informal, off-the-record discussions about prevalent
topics, for the purpose of this conference: no detailed agenda exist, no resolutions will be
proposed, no votes will be taken, and no press releases will be written.

Context of 2017-2020

In the few years preceding the July 24th, 2020 convention of the Bilderberg Council, myriad of
events have transpired and global opinions have altered. Following the wake of Donald Trump’s
victory in the United States, an evident rift amongst the American people has drastically
increased. Tensions between racial, religious, and various political groups have led to increased
animosity and conflict displayed in a numerous series of riots. Most notably, riots along the east
coast have put to question the favorability of the president, potentially jeopardizing his reelection
endeavors. The president’s rhetoric has enabled alt-right ideologies to gain footing and radical
left groups to form in opposition. Unrest in the United States persists and uncertainty as to the
coming election status, as countless notable figures seek support to challenge Donald Trump in
his reelection campaign.

Rising economic stagnation in Asia and Europe has resulted in an economic crisis fueled by
national debts in nations such as Japan and Italy alongside a weakening Euro currency. A
global crisis has emerged.

Against all odds, Italy had decided, following its 2018 general election, to host a referendum that
resulted in a victory for those wishing to separate the nation from its EU ties and associates.
Soaring unemployment rates, mounting debts, and an immense immigration crisis have led Italy
to turn its back on the corrupt government. Playing on fear of refugees, corruption, and
economic turmoil Giuseppe Piero “Beppe” Grillo and his “Five Star Movement” were able to gain
a large support base. The Eurozone has suffered a significant economic setback and was
greatly weakened by this revolutionary movement. In a similar manner, on September 9th,
2018, Sweden declared that its Democratic party had gained enough support within the
parliament to trigger “Swexit.” Although this announcement has not yet affected the Eurozone, it
has signaled to the remainder of Europe that the European Union is swiftly falling apart ever
since the Brexit movement came to fruition.

The past few years have shown an overwhelming growth in the technological sector. The
emergence of driverless cars, the construction of animatronics that demonstrate a human-like
robotic intelligence, and a pressing desire for innovation have accompanied this movement.
Does this take away from the humanity that we should be holding on to? Does it increase our
potential for efficiency and innovation? Is the market merely driven by money to feed the elite?

A call for scientific advancement and investment alongside a growing sense of competition has
reinforced the new ‘space race’ with expeditions to Mars on the horizon. Private, public, and
government bodies encourage the competitive culture and growing aspirations to achieve
another big step for mankind.
The virtual “defeat” of ISIS in 2018 brought about a calming wave to the world. Despite the
existence of other radical ideologies, the world felt, for the first time, that it found a path to a
more peaceful coexistence amongst peoples. However, this was not the case. Although many
sentiments of fear and worry were reduced, they swiftly reverted and forcefully relapsed the
world into a sense of utter panic on New Year’s Eve of 2019. In New York City, the countdown
was not simply for the new year, but additionally for the day that America took a blow once
again. An organized coalition of terrorist organizations had banded together to inflict damage on
the West. Times Square was decimated by a bomb that triggered countless casualties. An
international reaction caused a reinvigoration of the war on terror. Rogue organizations, such as
Deimos, have formed as a means of countering all endeavors to combat terrorism, rooting their
beliefs in the idea that either anarchy or a single, united governing body should preside in the
world. It seems that the wars that were traditionally confined to the battlefield are now more
aimed at the disruption of societies.

Growing animosity towards the media and the role it plays in society has been deteriorating.
Across the globe, a sweeping sense of resentment and mistrust has turned people against their
media outlets. The faltering perception of media as “trustworthy” has become critical to the
transmission of news and is beginning to financially impact media outlets. With the market
becoming heated and competition pitting organizations against one another, it is up to individual
media outlets to present reputable and accurate information for the public – or at least portray
themselves as trustworthy.

Finally, as the push for equality amongst peoples of differing religions, sexual orientations,
genders, and races continues to rise, it is in the minds of many liberal individuals to press for a
greater global cultural awareness, acceptance, and inclusion. This mindset aims for a unity
across people and for a global identity – characterized by inclusion, tolerance, equality, and
assimilation – to be developed. Movements are sparking to press for government officials and
public figures to take action to achieve a united world state.

With an apparent increase in entropy due to chaotic global occurrences, the people of the world
have turned their eyes to the members of the 2020 Bilderberg Conference to deduce, and act
upon, courses of action that may unite, divide, create, or destroy the people and nations that
comprise our society.

Background of the Summit

The Bilderberg Conference will operate under the following assumptions:

1. The committee is held from July 24th-26th, 2020 in Copenhagen, Denmark then will
reconvene from November 2nd-4th, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and finally from
December 30th-January 1st, 2021 in Krakow, Poland.
 2. The dais will act as the Steering Committee headed by Eric Schmidt, the Executive
Chairman of Alphabet Inc., and Radoslaw Sikorski, a Senior Fellow from Harvard
University. Schmidt and Sikorski will act as regular characters within the committee and
are represented by members of the OSUMUN team.

3. While this committee indulges in Bilderberg-conspiracy theories, it is important to

recognize the distinction between a totalitarian world government and a council
dedicated to informal discussions. Although the portrayed participants may have a
greater depth beyond their listed construct, it is vital to focus primarily on objectives to
further the individual’s involvements and influence on the topics being addressed. It’s
also essential to remain cognizant of the individual representative’s jurisdiction of power
when operating during the conference; actions outside of one’s jurisdiction cannot be
guaranteed, but ideas could be lobbied to other powers that can enact policies or
changes within their respective jurisdiction.

4. Several of the delegates will have additional affiliations to organizations, including, but
not limited to: the Illuminati, Knights Templar, Freemasons, Order of the Assassins,
Deimos, and the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Delegates will be notified of their affiliation
before the conference begins. Additional materials as to the context of each organization
and the individual’s role within the organization will be provided then. It’s critical that
delegates do not reveal their roles publicly during committee; there are implications
associated with coming forward with affiliations with controversial organizations. Doing
such may result in the diminishing of an individual’s powers and significantly impact their
abilities in committee.

5. The meeting will have a political, financial, and military focus, covering a variety of
prevalent topics such as the United States presidential election, 2020 Summer Olympics
in Tokyo, space exploration endeavors, climate change, and a variety of other topics
listed below.

With global tensions rising and a call for reform on the horizon, the world looks to the elite
members participating in the 2020 Bilderberg Conference to make an impact on the ultimate
outcome of the future for cultural organization, technological advancement, and a prosperous
global system focused on unity in various facets.

Representatives & Organization Affiliations (Unknown to Delegates Before Arrival)

Reuben Jeffery III, President and CEO of Rockefeller & Co. and Rockefeller Financial Services,
Inc.
The Rockefellers have storied ties to multiple elitist secret organizations. With immense
wealth and links to various industries, none the least oil, they aim to maintain the status quo,
with their great financial resources. This family holds the most influence over the American
political scene. Jeffrey formerly held the position of Secretary of State for Economic, Business,
and Agricultural Affairs as appointed by President George W. Bush in June of 2007.

Marcus Agius, Senior Non-Executive Director of BBC

With his background in investment banking and current position as one of the three
trustees of the Bilderberg group, Marcus Agius lives up to his title as one of Britain’s most
influential Roman Catholics. His affiliation to BBC may have played a part in the media’s general
quiet surrounding the activities at this conference. Marcus Agius’ ties to the banking industry
should not be discounted.

Chelsea Clinton, Vice Chair of the Board of Clinton Foundation

The Clinton family is American political royalty. Chelsea Clinton’s activity on the Board of
the Clinton Foundation prove her to be an important member of a prominent non-profit,
supporting human and women’s rights. Ties to her family and the implications of their reputation
and merits are both hindering and facilitating when seeking action or interest.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge

Second in the line of succession to the British throne, Prince William holds incredible
political power. He holds the reins on anything that might affect Britain or its crumbling empire. A
well-educated man and public figure, Prince William has extensive military and humanitarian
experience in addition to royal duties that position him in a respectable role.

Mark Parker, CEO of Nike Inc.

Mark Parker stands as the CEO of one of the most well-known global corporations of our
time. He is also an avid art collector, having amassed pieces from several famed artists. With
business ties in much of the world, his influence is not to be discounted.

Pascal Lamy, Director General of World Trade Organization

Pascal Lamy is a French political consultant and businessman, as well as the former
Director General of the World Trade Organization. He was also the European Commissioner for
Trade and still works in the business sphere, solidifying his place as one of the top players in
the European market.

John Micklethwait, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist

John Micklethwait is another British media giant. Formerly Editor-in-Chief of The
Economist, currently EIC of Bloomberg News, he has the potential to control mass amounts of
modern news.

Peggy Noonan, Author and Columnist for The Wall Street Journal
As an independent author and weekly columnist for The Wall Street Journal, Peggy
Noonan is highly respected in the American writing scene. She has also held positions in the
White House, most notably as a speechwriter for President Reagan.

Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic

 Emmanuel Macron currently serves as the youngest president of the French Republic.
He has ties to various left-leaning political parties in France, as well as European banking,
having worked in investment banking himself before becoming a public servant.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX

Elon Musk is no stranger to the more fantastical going-ons of the modern world. A
passionate supporter of action against climate change, his numerous business and technical
dealings are aimed at sustainable life on Earth and elsewhere in the universe. His actions are
well-documented by the media.

Richard Branson, Founder and Chairman of Virgin Group

Richard Branson is one of the most powerful businessmen in the 21st century, being the
Founder and Chairman of the Virgin Group, which controls over 400 companies. Sir Branson’s
holdings span banking to healthcare to travel. He represents another highly influential public
individual.

James Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan Chase

James Dimon is currently serving as the CEO of JP Morgan Chase, the largest of the
Big Four American banks. In addition to his work in the private banking sphere, he has also
occupied a seat on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He is one of the wealthiest bank
CEOs in the world.

Donald Trump Jr., Executive Director of The Trump Organization

The Trump Organization is an American-owned international business conglomerate that
serves to manage the assets of former U.S. president Donald Trump and his family. Though
known for real estate, they have holdings in other sectors of the economy, and possible ties to
various Russian interests.

Kanye West, Musical Genius

In addition to his sheer genius in the American music industry, Kanye West has also
made headway as a successful designer and entrepreneur. He currently lives a high-profile life
as a part of the Kardashian media dynasty, adding to his status as a celebrity.

Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google Inc.

Eric Schmidt is the current Executive Chairman of Alphabet, Inc., and former Executive
Chairman of Google, Inc., making him highly connected in the tech world. He is also one of the
richest people on the planet, making him quite valuable.

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Though she has held positions in the French government, Christine Lagarde is currently
the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. She is the first woman to truly find
success as an anti-trust and labor lawyer, putting her at odds with many of the present
esteemed individuals.
Tedros Adhanom, Leader of World Health Organization (WHO)
Tedros Adhanom is an Ethiopian politician and current Director-General of the World
Health Organization. In Ethiopia he pushed many reforms that significantly cut infant mortality.
He is highly respected as a powerful and forward-thinking man.

Peter Sutherland, Chairman of Goldman Sachs International

A former big-time Irish politician and past Chairman of Goldman Sachs International,
Peter Sutherland holds a lot of influence in the international community. He has ties to the UN,
the Catholic Church, and the World Trade Organization, making him one of the most well-
connected people in Europe.

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany

Angela Merkel has served as the Chancellor of Germany since 2005 and currently faces
opposition as the upcoming 2021 German federal election approaches. Having made strides for
her nation in areas such as green energy and having been one of the leading architects of the
European Union, Merkel has maintained many of her policies and stances in guiding Germany
on a path of stability. Time Magazine’s 2015 Person of the Year continues to present herself as
a force to be reckoned with on the global stage yet presently faces opposition on the homefront.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple

Tim Cook is currently the CEO of Apple Inc. By serving on the boards of Nike, Inc. and
the National Football Foundation as well, he has connections to several influential businesses.
When it comes to technology, he and Elon Musk are the players to look to.

Mike Duke, President and CEO of Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Mike Duke is the former CEO of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., having held the position until
2013. With Wal-Mart being one of the largest corporations in the United States with an
incredible worth, his actions can massively influence the American economy.

Melker Schörling, Chairman of Securitas AB

Melker Schörling is a Swedish businessman and the current Chairman of Melker
Schörling AB. He is a billionaire with several ties to other European people of note, and
influence over the continent’s economy.

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Previously a German lawyer and a former Olympic fencer, Bach boasts quite the
resume, ranging from having been the Director of Promotion for Adidas to the President of the
Ghorfa Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Voted into his position in 2013,
Bach has maintained a platform of changing the Olympic bidding process and making
sustainable development a priority, guiding the IOC in a new direction with the anticipation that
forthcoming Olympics Games, such as those in Tokyo in 2020, will be as successful as the Rio
2016 Olympics.
 Organizations

Illuminati
In 1776, the Illuminati were formed by Adam Weishaupt, a Bavarian law professor at the
University of Ingoldstadt, with the foundation promoting secrecy, enlightenment, and moral
progress. Weishaupt defined the Illuminati’s mission to be “by the mutual assistance of its
members, to attain the highest possible degree of morality and virtue, and to lay the foundation
for the reformation of the world by the association of good men to oppose the progress of moral
evil.” With intentions to change the construct by which nations are run, the Illuminati seeks to
utilize subversive means to orchestrate efforts to further the initiative towards a New World
Order. Membership is largely comprised of the wealthy and those with immense societal
influence and political power. The Illuminati’s scope of power extends an uncertain range that is
largely surrounded in conspiracy and skepticism.

For the sake of the conference, members affiliated with the Illuminati will have the benefit of
numbers; however, they will lack the knowledge as to their fellow members and must be
cautious in their interactions and means of deducing fellow affiliates.

Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was founded in 1118 by an organization of Christians with the initiative to
protect European travelers visiting sites in the Holy Land and to carry out military operations.
Membership was typically comprised of individuals with financial and media influence, permitting
for the depositing and allocation of assets in addition to the ability to persuade the masses. It is
believed that the Knights Templar have uncovered, are defending, or are pursuing religious
artifacts and relics. Fascinating historians and the public for centuries, discussions surrounding
the organization continually circulate despite the claims by historians that the organization was
fully disbanded 700 years ago.

Within this committee, representatives associated with the Knights Templar will be comprised of
a select range of delegates who share common interests and will be notified of their fellow
members. Their collective interests may be pursued and achieved based on their individual
associations and collaborative work; however, there is a degree of individuality and personal
benefit that may be monopolized with the usage of deception and corruption amongst the group.

Freemasons
The history as to the Masonic Fraternity formation is shrouded in mystery. It is believed that the
guilds originally formed in the Middle Ages, a time in which the first fraternity rituals, language,
and symbols first arose. Having spread throughout colonial America and Europe, membership
comprised of numerous monumental and influential individuals, such as George Washington,
John Hancock, and John Marshall. The mission of the Freemasons developed into a focus on
personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment through philanthropy and involvement
on a societal scale. Freemasons demonstrate a vast amount of monetary investments and
stockpile, assisting in their ability to carry out desired initiatives.
For the purpose of this conference, members associated with the Freemasons will have
significant amounts of money to allocate and distribute towards ambitious initiatives and will be
aware of fellow members. However, their numbers are small and being in the public eye risks
scrutiny as to the legitimacy of their actions and may tarnish their reputation, inducing less
funding to be at their discretion.

Order of the Assassins

Originating in the Middle East during the 11th century, the Order of the Assassins were
geographically dispersed and were mysteriously capable of challenging the superior
conventional military powers in the various areas of their presence. The assassin agents would
spend months stalking and infiltrating institutions occupied or affiliated by enemy agencies and
kill off those associated with these agencies, typically killing in public places. The assassins
would choose a personal manner of killing and perform it in a relentless and ruthless manner.
Systematic attacks were executed against political, military, or religious leaders whom had
taken hostile actions against communities or contradicted the beliefs of the Order of the
Assassins. The organization has largely operated underground and is comprised of merely a
few members continuing the legacy and initiatives of the organization.

Within this committee, the few delegates associated with the Order of Assassins will be able to
orchestrate assassinations. However, the efforts must be tactical, well-planned, and
implemented with consideration given to the myriad of circumstances surrounding the attempt or
else the effort may backfire immensely.

The Pinkerton Detective Agency

The Pinkerton Detective Agency was organized by Allan Pinkerton in 1850 under the operatives
that the organization will accept no bribes, never conspire with criminals, and will partner with
law enforcement agencies and the public interest. The Pinkerton agency has been able to
uncover and foil assassination plots, exposure corruption, and serve as an intelligence service
for government agencies. Their main objective is to preserve peace, stability, and transparency
amongst the various bodies of the world. Although the organization now plays a more miniscule
role in the affairs of the government and public, their capabilities to uncover information have
not diminished.

For the sake of the conference, those associated with the Pinkerton Detective Agency will be
able to uncover the affiliations, corruption, or certain operations conducted by other members
present in the committee. However, it is vital to be critical in determining which delegates,
operations, and affiliations to investigate and inquire into as significant resources and a margin
of uncertainty all contribute to a generally difficult process with potential discrepancies.
Ultimately, the organization’s objective is to preserve peace, stability, and ensure that the
committee’s activities are held to honest and just intentions.

Deimos
This organization formed in the summer of 2018 by absorbing the vacuum caused by the
demise of certain terrorist organizations, such as ISIS, in addition to the greater network of
terrorist agencies deciding to function as a cohesive unit. The organization aims to counter
endeavors to combat terrorism with beliefs rooted in the idea that anarchy or a single, united
governing body should preside of the world. Deimos aspires to disrupt societies and coordinate
terror-inducing events to pressure the people towards supporting an anarchist system or unified
body to offer security. Their allegiance is uncertain or, perhaps, undetermined. Membership is
uncertain as numerous events linked to the organization have taken place across the world.

Delegates associated with this organization will coordinate the efforts of the terrorist
organization and strategically plan, orchestrate, and implement tactical operations that further
the organization’s desires to induce panic. The organization may be open to the formation of an
allegiance or active cooperation with other agencies or may ultimately decide to act with a
general autonomy and enact a cascade of events that leads to the mass-obliteration of world
prospects.

Topics

United States 2020 Presidential Election

In the wake of a Trump victory, the United States has faced a division that sets the nation apart
in a political crossfire. While the Republican party had secured Trump as the candidate for their
party, a call for Bernie Sanders to run once more in the general election gained attention and,
against all odds, secured him the nomination in the primaries, narrowly surpassing Joe Biden in
a victory that emphasizes a stark contrast to his results in the primaries four years previous.
Seeing from a Trump victory that political experience is not necessary to secure the highest
office, Mark Zuckerberg had announced his candidacy and, upon losing the nomination to
Sanders, decided to ultimately run independently. Additionally, even Kanye West had decided to
fulfill his presidential bid promise and began campaigning independently. Collectively, the polls
point to the current breakdown of support by the American public: 25% Trump, 20% Sanders,
16% Zuckerberg, 6% Kanye, and 33% unsure or other candidate. With four dramatically
contrasting individuals seeking the high office, much of the American population is unsure as to
their candidate of choice as well as the direction of the nation given a victory for any of the
leading candidates.

Kenyan Famine
According to the Food Security and Nutrition Working Group, by the beginning of 2017, 31
million people in the Horn of Africa region were already experiencing famine or food insecurity.
By 2020, that number has amounted to nearly 40 million people, with nearly 7 million Kenyans
facing food scarcity of which roughly 775,000 are children. Kenya, one of several East African
countries affected by widespread food insecurity in the region, is perhaps one of the most
devastated countries by this issue. The consecutive failed rainy seasons of the past few years
have significantly reduced crop harvests and undermined the health and security of the
country’s population. Although humanitarian efforts and aid programs have been implemented
or are active in the region, there is a massive need for a collaborative effort to tackle the issue
and provide a cohesive and comprehensive plan or institutions of assistance in decreasing food
scarcity in both Kenya and the region.

2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan

Taking place July 24th, 2020 to August 9th, 2020, the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo,
Japan are anticipated to be among the most festive occasions of the decade. Moving from a
sport-based program to an event-based program, the Olympic festival aims to redefine the
Olympic identity, promote sportsmanship, culture the Olympic spirit, and celebrate the Olympic
Games and the coalescing of nations. The world’s eyes are on the immensely anticipated
opening ceremonies celebration that will characterize unity in the beginning of the decade.

2020 World Expo in Dubai

Exemplifying the diversity, ingenuity, and the prospects of man, the 2020 World Expo in Dubai is
set to premiere October 20th, 2020 through April 10th, 2021. The festival has been engineered
to showcase human development. Aiming to assemble 200 participants, 30,000 diverse
volunteers, and several millions of visitors, the expo seeks to continue the outstanding legacy
set forth by the preceding World Fairs that enchanted generations of the past. The 2020 Expo
aims to establish an international legacy with advantageous economic, physical, social, and
reputational elements.

Space Exploration and the Infinite Frontiers

As space-oriented initiatives are quickly developing into both private and government initiatives,
the market of investments and potential have never been greater. In terms of Mars, July and
August of 2020 are characterized as the prime times to launch satellites, rovers, or missions to
Mars as minimal power is required to travel between the two planets compared to during other
durations. This cycle occurs every 26 months or so, emphasizing that this vital window is crucial
to several operations of various agencies. NASA itself is preparing a mid-July 2020 launch of a
new Mars rover that would introduce a drill that can harvest and collect core samples of rock
and soil samples beneath the surface of Mars and return them to Earth. Mars One prepares to
send a robotic lander and orbiter to Mars before the conclusion of 2020 in preparation for a
manned mission by 2024. The operations and capabilities of SpaceX are widely unknown as to
their endeavors or potential. Additionally, future plans to return to the Moon are in discussion
amongst government and private organizations. Our potential for involvements and endeavors
in space has only been explored in the slightest.

A Dissolving European Union

In 2018, Italy had voted to separate from the EU, supporting Giuseppe Piero “Beppe” Grillo and
his “Five Star Movement.” Following the Brexit referendum, Italy joined the movement of
severing ties to the European Union on a nationalistic platform. Subsequently, other nations,
such as Sweden, viewed their soaring unemployment rates, mounting debts, and immense
immigration crises as mounting issues due to EU associations. Sending catastrophic waves
across Europe, the Eurozone has been significantly impacted and weakened by this movement.
In a similar manner, on September 9th, 2018, Sweden had spoken: its Democratic party gained
enough support within the parliament to trigger “Swexit.” Although this did not affect the
Eurozone, it has signaled to the remainder of Europe that the European Union is swiftly falling
apart ever since the Brexit movement achieved prosperity.

Catastrophe in Combating Climate Change

Christiana Figueres, the former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), convened a meeting to outline actions by 2020 that
would exponentially combat the growing climate change crisis. In this discussion, Figueres
outlined bold reforms in various sectors, including energy, transport, infrastructure, industry, and
finance. By 2020, the recommendations fell on deaf ears. Since 2017, global warming has
caused an approximate 2.4°F increase in temperature worldwide. Many of the world’s
communities have been pushed to the limits in terms of survival. Despite efforts set forth by the
Paris Agreement and other initiatives, the cooperation and actions of all nations was not
constructively assured. Therefore, there is a growing persistence in movements for the
governments to enact legislation focusing on the renewable energy industry and policies that
would ensure the security of our climate.

The Role of Mass Media

Media has a natural responsibility to disseminate valid and reputable information to its viewers.
However, the public has developed an apprehension and skepticism towards media outlets,
believing that media sources inundate the public with factually inaccurate, dramatized, or
irrelevant material. In order to re-secure the public’s trust, various media factions must
cooperate, or work independently, to promote the delivery of successful and honest content (or
be deceptive and convincing). Should negotiations be pursued, a constructive framework should
be formed that could be sustained.

Additional topics of discussion may be considered and suggested given topics addressed in
other sections of the background guide.

Additional Resources

https://medium.com/the-naked-founder/2020-predictions-from-2017-617893fffdda
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/01/us-intelligence-world-trends/512561/
http://www.bilderbergmeetings.org/
https://www.olympic.org/tokyo-2020
https://expo2020dubai.ae/#expoDubai2020
http://www.history.com/topics/the-knights-templar
http://www.msana.com/historyfm.asp
https://www.pinkerton.com/about-us/history/