المجلس الاقتصادي والاجتماعي: الجلسة العامة 23، الجزء المتعلق بإدارة الأعمال 2026 المجلس الاقتصادي والاجتماعي Date: 10 June 2026 Language: Floor (Original) Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/ar/ecosoc/2026/23?lang=floor Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- ECOSOC · Vice President [0:01]: Good morning your excellencies good morning dear colleagues I call to order this 23rd meeting. of the Economic and Social Council. Dear colleagues, the program of work was circulated in E delegates It is also available in today's journal and on the website of the council. Participants in this meeting are reminded that introductory statements by elected. officers or subsidiary bodies and Secretariat Representatives are limited to four minutes. four minutes. Second, statements for the general discussion of agenda items are five minutes for group of state and three minutes for individual delegations Third, explanations of vote or position or general statements. In connection with draft proposals for consideration under the same item. It may be made once before consideration of all draft proposals under a given item or subitem. And once after the adoption of all draft proposals under the item or subitem and are limited. and are limited to five minutes. Dear colleagues, the council will begin its consideration of agenda item 18 E population and development. I invite His Excellency Zephyrin Maniritanga Maniratanga. excuse me sir of Burundi chair of the Commission on Population and Development to introduce the report. E slash two thousand twenty six slash twenty five You have the floor sir. Burundi · Président · Zephyrin Maniritanga [3:18]: Merci, Monsieur le Président. Monsieur le Président, Excellence, distingués délégués, c'est un honneur pour moi de présenter le rapport de la 59e session de la commission de la population et du développement, qui s'est tenue du 13 au 17 avril 2026. Le thème spécial retenu pour cette session était Population, technologie et recherche dans le contexte du développement durable. Ce thème était à la fois opportun et particulièrement pertinent, parce que c'était la première fois que la Commission examinait de manière approfondie les implications de l'innovation technologique et de la recherche scientifique pour les choix de politiques liées à la population. et au développement durable. Les discussions ont mis en lumière, à la fois les opportunités et les défis que présentent les technologies émergentes pour la mise en œuvre du programme d'action de la Conférence internationale sur la population et le développement, ainsi que du programme de développement durable à l'horizon 2030. Tout au long de la session, les États membres experts, praticiens et les entités des Nations Unies et les autres parties prenantes ont souligné que les innovations technologiques, notamment l'intelligence artificielle, les mégadonnées, les plateformes numériques et les technologies géospatiales, ont le potentiel d'accélérer les progrès vers le développement durable. Dans le même temps, les participants ont insisté sur le fait qu'un accès inégal à ces technologies émergentes risque d'accentuer les inégalités existantes entre les pays et au sein même des pays, notamment selon les revenus, la situation géographique, l'âge et le genre. La Commission a entendu de nombreux appels en faveur d'une gouvernance technologique fondée sur les droits de l'homme, l'égalité des sexes et l'inclusion. Les délégations ont souligné l'importance de veiller à ce que l'innovation demeure centrée sur l'être humain et favorise des choix éclairés, la dignité humaine et l'égalité des chances pour tous tout au long de la vie. Des préoccupations ont également été exprimées concernant la violence facilitée par les technologies, la désinformation les biais algorithmiques et l'élargissement de la fracture numérique, en particulier pour les femmes et les filles, les personnes âgées, les personnes handicapées et les autres populations en situation de vulnérabilité. Un thème récurrent tout au long de la session a été l'importance d'investir dans les systèmes statistiques nationaux, la recherche démographique et les données sur la population. Les délégations ont souligné que des données fiables, de haute qualité et ventilées sont essentielles pour l'élaboration de politiques fondées sur des données probantes, ainsi que pour le suivi des progrès accomplis vers les objectifs de développement durable. Elles ont toutefois mis en garde contre l'existence de déficits croissants de financement susceptible d'aggraver les inégalités mondiales en matière de données et d'accès au numérique. Les délibérations de la Commission ont également démontré sa pertinence continue et sa capacité d'adaptation en tant que commission technique du Conseil économique et social. Les discussions se sont étroitement alignées. aligné sur les processus intergouvernementaux plus larges et les résultats récents des Nations unies, notamment le Pacte pour l'avenir et le Pacte numérique mondial. Ce faisant, la Commission a contribué à renforcer la cohérence des politiques au sein du système des Nations unies, et à consolider le rôle de l'Ecosoc en tant que plateforme de suivi intégré des engagements existants en matière de développement durable. Bien que la Commission n'ait pas réussi à parvenir à un consensus sur une résolution relative au thème spécial de cette session, ces travaux préparatoires et ces délibérations n'ont pas été vains. Je suis convaincu que les rapports du Secrétaire général, le débat général, les tables rondes, les manifestations parallèles organisées pendant la session, ainsi que les négociations sur le projet de résolution ont fourni de nouvelles données et des perspectives inédites qui seront utiles aux travaux du Conseil, ainsi qu'à ceux des États membres. Les discussions ont également témoigné du suivi continu assuré par la Commission à la suite de l'examen de 2022 des commissions techniques de l'ECOSOC, notamment par la prise en compte des enjeux mondiaux émergents, le renforcement de la collaboration au sein du système des Nations Unies et la promotion d'un dialogue davantage fondé sur des données probantes et orientées vers l'action. Excellence, dans le chapitre I de son rapport sur la 59e session, la Commission recommande au Conseil d'adopter le projet d'ordre du jour provisoire, ainsi que la documentation de sa soixantième session. Elle porte également à l'attention du Conseil sa décision concernant le thème spécial de sa soixante et unième session qui se tiendra en 2028. Pour conclure, je tiens à exprimer ma sincère gratitude à mes collègues du bureau, au secrétariat en particulier, au dessin au Dessas et au département de l'Assemblée générale et de la gestion des conférences, ainsi qu'Aufinwap, pour leur précieux soutien tout au long de la session. Je souhaite également la bienvenue au nouveau bureau de la 60ième session de la Commission, qui sera présidée par Son Excellence Johnny Beck Hikmat, représentant permanent du Tadjikistan auprès des Nations-Unis, et je lui adresse mes meilleurs vœux de succès pour une session fructueuse en avril 2027. Je vous remercie. ECOSOC · Vice President [9:20]: Of Burundi, chair of the Commission on Population and Development. Dear colleagues, the floor is now open for a general discussion on item 18 E. Any ice breaker. I understand that. the Commission on Population and Development has made a very good job under the leadership of His Excellency. Excellency, the Permanent Representative of Burundi. Since there are no requests, can I consider that the council has thus concluded the general discussion on item eighteen E Let's move now to action. The commission recommended one draft decision entitled Report of the Commission on Population and Development on its. 59th session and provisional agenda of its sixth year session, as presented by our colleague from Burundi Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with the draft decision? Again, I see no request from the floor. may I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the draft decision. No objection The draft decision is adopted And the council has concluded its consideration of item 18. E Congratulations Ambassador Thank Burundi · Président · Zephyrin Maniritanga [12:38]: You ECOSOC · Vice President [12:43]: I briefly paused the meeting for a podium change. I now invite the council to begin its consideration of Item 19 B. social development. And I invite Her Excellency Kristina Hayovichin of Ukraine, chair of the Commission for Social Development at its 64 session, to introduce the Commission's report in E slash twenty twenty six slash twenty six You have the floor Madam Ukraine · Chair · Kristina Hayovichin [14:16]: Thank you Excellency Vice President. of the Economic and Social Council, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, as Chair of the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development, it is my honor to present the report of the session, which took place from 2 to 10 February 2026. The 64 session convened under the priority theme advancing social development and social justice through coordinated equitable and inclusive policy. policies. As the first session following the Second World Summit for Social Development and the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, it offered a critical moment for Member States to begin translating the commitments reaffirmed in Doha into concrete policy discussions and intergovernmental action. The session saw strong and diverse engagement. 21 ministers and wise ministers participated in the session. alongside senior government officials, representatives of the United Nations system, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. More than 700 non governmental organizations registered, and approximately 45 side events. And a civil society forum enriched the discussions. Five interactive discussions complemented the general debate and enabled member states and stakeholders to exchange experiences, good practices, and policy perspectives on key social development issues. A key message that emerged is the progress in social development will ultimately be measured by implementation at the national level. Requiring strong stronger policy coherence, adequate financing for social investment, and enhanced international cooperation to close, persistent implementation. gaps. The commission adopted by consensus two resolutions and one decision. The first resolution on advancing social development and social justice through coordinated equitable and inclusive social policies reaffirmed the central role of coordinated and inclusive policies in advancing social development and social justice. The second resolution addressed the social dimensions of the new partnership for Africa's development. The commission also adopted a decision establishing the priority team for its 65th session, which is strengthening social development through intergenerational approaches for achieving sustainable development and the implementation of the Copenhagen Doha commitments towards 2030 and beyond. Crucially the resolution on the priority theme reaffirmed the Commission's primary responsibility for the follow up. and review of the outcomes of the World Summit for Social Development, the 21st Special Session of the General Assembly, the Doha Summit, and other intergovernmental social development commitments. It also called for this role to be further strengthened. The Commission remains fully committed to supporting Member States in advancing the implementation of the Doha Political Declaration and ensuring sustained follow up to Global Social Development. commitments. The session also reflected the direction encouraged by the 2022 review of Ecosoc subsidiary bodies. Through broad engagement with Member States, the United Nations system, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, and through its emphasis on integrated policy approaches and actionable policy recommendations, the Commission contributed to strengthening policy dialogue and advancing the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. It also continued to support the work of the council and the high level political forum by providing policy guidance and substantive inputs on social. development issues. Delegations emphasized that ambition must be matched by means of implementation, persistent fiscal constraints, debt burdens, external shocks, and extraordinary challenges, including armed conflicts, continue to strain social protection system. This was accompanied by repeated calls for strengthening international cooperation, predictable financing for social investment, and a more coherent multilateral response. Civil society played a central role throughout the session. Their engagement highlighted that social development is lived and experienced in communities, and their contributions continue to inform both national and global policy discussions. The discussions further affirmed that fragmented approaches are no longer sufficient and that coordinated and inclusive policies are essential to translating commitments into tangible outcomes. A shared understanding also emerged that leaving no one behind requires sustained collective action at all levels. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the Commission for Social Development remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing social development, supporting the broader work of the Economic and Social Council, and promoting inclusive equitable and resilient societies for all I thank you. ECOSOC · Vice President [19:49]: Of the Commission of Social Development for. its declaration Again the floor is now open for a general discussion on item nineteen B. You have the floor. I understand there was a mistake see no request from the floor. May I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft decision? Excuse me Has this concluded the general discussion on agenda item. 19 B. before taking any action on the recommendation of the Commission for Social Development. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with any of the draft proposals? no request Good. The council will now consider the draft proposals Look at. Section A, where the Commission recommended the adoption of two draft resolutions. May I take it that that the council wishes to adopt draft resolution one, entitled Social Dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa's development No objection Draft Resolution one is adopted. adopted. May I take it that the council wishes to adopt draft resolution two entitled Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through coordinated equitable and inclusive social politics. No objection Draft Resolution two is adopted. in Section B the Commission recommends the adoption of two draft resolution May I take you. it that the council wishes to adopt draft resolution one entitled priority team of the. sixty fifth session of the Commission for Social Development No objection. it is so decided. Last, may I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft resolution two, the draft decision two, entitled Report of the Commission for Social Development on its sixty six sixth sixty fourth session And also the provisional agenda of and documentation of the sixty fifth session. No objection. It is so decided. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of. this resolution and decision No request. Can I consider that the council has concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 19b. Good Can I briefly pause the meeting for a podium. change. Work made by our colleagues from Ukraine. I now. invite the council to jointly jointly consider agenda item twelve c. meanstreaming a gender perspective into all policies and programs in the United Nations systems. Together, we with item eighteen G Women and Development. And item nineteen A Advancement of women I invite Mr.. noah of liechtenstein Vice Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women at its 78th session to introduce under item nineteen A the report E slash twenty twenty six slash twenty seven You have the floor sir. Liechtenstein · Vice-Chair · Noah Oeri [28:00]: Mr. vice president distinguished delegates I am pleased to present the outcome of the seventieth session of the commission on the status of woman which took place from ninth to nineteenth of march. The session was effectively and skillfully led by Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde of Costa Rica in her capacity as Chair of the Commission. Under her able leadership and guided by the Commission's methods of work, multi-year program of work, and the CSW revitalization resolution, the session delivered strong and substantive outcomes. It was marked by a high level of engagement from member states, civil society organizations, and youth representatives. fostering rich and inclusive dialogue, and reinforcing the Commission's role as the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. The session was preceded by a multi stakeholder hearing with the participation of member states, observers, ECOSOC accredited NGOs, national human rights institutions, academic institutions, and the private sector, which was convened by the CSW chair in January. This year's session witnessed a significant number of member states and stakeholder engagement. The commission's ministerial segment brought together two heads of state and government, one vice president, five deputy prime ministers, and 75 ministers who participated actively in the general discussion, ministerial roundtables on the priority theme, and the focus area on the empowerment of older women, as well as the first high level meeting on violence against women and girls. Participants participants once more reaffirmed a strong commitment to advancing gender equality, the rights and empowerment of all women and girls, while sharing national experiences, emerging priorities, and concrete recommendations for accelerating implementation and addressing persistent and emerging challenges. CSW7D considered as its priority theme ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers. On the basis of which it adopted a set of concise, action oriented, and time bound agreed conclusions that laid out key policy recommendations for governments and other stakeholders in line with the CSW revitalization resolution. I was honored to co facilitate the negotiations with my fellow vice chair of the commission, Ms.. Flavia Umuliza of Rwanda. The agreed conclusions reaffirm member states commitment to review, repeal, and amend discriminatory laws and policies, including those related to child marriage, family law, and property and inheritance rights. They also call for strengthened efforts to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against women and girls, including through ensuring accountability for perpetrators and providing survivors with timely access to justice, protection, and comprehensive support services. In addition, the agreed conclusions recognize the importance of adequate and sustainable financing for justice systems, as well as strengthened coordination across justice institutions to ensure the effective, timely, and gender responsive delivery of remedies for women and girls. They further underscored the need to expand women's and girls access to digital justice mechanisms and legal aid services, helping to remove barriers to justice, and promote equal access to rights and legal protections. We count on the Council's leadership to ensure that the Greek conclusions are fully taken into account throughout the UN system, and inspire your work and that of the high level political forum. The commission also reviewed progress on the agreed conclusions from its 65th session on women's full and effective participation and decision making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality, and the empowerment of all women and girls, where 12 member states from different regions made voluntary presentations and shared their lessons learned, challenges, and best practices. An expert panel and an interactive dialogue among youth representatives, with the participation of member states, civil society organizations, UN entities, and other stakeholders, provided valuable opportunities for in-depth discussion of the priority theme. These exchanges enriched the Commission's deliberations by bringing diverse perspectives, experiences, and recommendations to the discussion and underscored the importance of inclusive and intergenerational engagement in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. The commission took note of the report of its working group on communications and decided to include it in the present report in its entire team. Moreover, the commission also adopted the resolution on woman, the girl child, and HIV AIDS. Looking ahead to 2027, the 71st session of CSW will consider the priority theme accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of the twenty thirty Agenda for Sustainable Development. Review, implementation of agreed conclusions from its sixty seventh session on achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental risk, environmental and disaster risk reduction, and policies and programs. And consider poverty and the economic empowerment of women as a critical area of concern and cross-cutting. issue. Under the leadership of Ambassador Wellington of the Dominican Republic as chair of the commission, the CSW 71 Bureau is committed and stands ready to work with all member states and UN women to Commission's substantive secretariat, to ensure that CSW will continue to build synergies for the accelerated realization of gender equality, rights, and the empowerment of all women and girls everywhere. I thank you. ECOSOC · Vice President [33:51]: I thank Mr. Noah Oeri of Liechtenstein, Vice Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women at its 70th session for his introduction of the report. I now open the floor for a joint discussion of Agenda I items 12 C, 18 G, and 19 A. No request Since there are no requests, the council has concluded the general discussion of agenda item twelve C eighteen G and nineteen A. I now invite the council to take action on the draft decision contained in the report of the 78th. 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Does any delegation wish to make a statement before we take action. No request. May I take it that the council wish to adopt. The draft decision entitled Report of the Commission on the Status of Women. On its 70th Session and the provisional agenda and documentation for the seventy first Session. Good. No objection. It is so decided. Any delegation wish to make the floor to take the floor after the adoption. None. Dear colleagues, also submitted under agenda item 19 A is the note by the secretariat, transmitting the report of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women on its 90th and 91st sessions issued as document E slash twenty twenty six slash sixty two. two. May I take it that the council wish to take note of the report for transmitter to the eighty first session of the. General Assembly No objection It is so decided. The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item twelve c eighteen g and nineteen a. May I thank you Mr. Noah Hoemi for his presentation and congratulations for the work done Liechtenstein · Vice-Chair · Noah Oeri [37:53]: Thank you very much. ECOSOC · Vice President [38:05]: I now invite the Council to consider. May I invite the council to consider agenda item 19. narcotic drugs. I invite His Excellency and running of Hanni Sinisian of Armenia, chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, at its 69th session, to introduce the report in E twenty twenty fifth slash twenty eighth addendum. one and E twenty twenty six slash twenty eight Welcome to New York You have the floor sir. Armenia · Chair [39:40]: Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates. It's a pleasure to attend this meeting. The 69th session was attended by over two thousand participants from a diverse range of stakeholders. one hundred and seventy two side events and 23 exhibitions were also. organized. The Commission adopted five resolutions, all of them by a vote. The topics covered this year are listed on the screen. In addition, the Commission adopted three decisions on the scope of control of substances under the International Drug Control Conventions as reflected on the screen. Another important milestone was the establishment of an expert panel pursuant to Resolution 68 68/6, adopted at the 68th session of the Commission in March 2025. Through this resolution, the Commission established a MITRE disciplinary panel mandated to develop recommendations to strengthen the work of the Commission, and support implementation of international drug policy commitments in preparation for the CND 2020 Review of Intergovernmental Drug Policy Commitments. The resolution provides for a panel of 19 independent experts selected on the basis of equitable geographical representation, gender balance, and the broad range of expertise. During the 69th session, the remaining experts on the co-chairs were elected, enabling the panel to become fully operational. The panel is expected to submit its final recommendations to the Commission at its 17th session in 2027. Thereby, contributing substantively to preparations for the 2029 review. UNODC serves as the panel's secretariat throughout its mandate. Allow me now to turn to the CND thematic discussions. Since 2016, these discussions have provided an important platform for continued engagement between Commission sessions including the exchange of best practices and consideration of emerging challenges. We also play a key role in preparations for the 2029 review by strengthening understanding of and responsible to the evolving world drug problems. The CND is committed to contribute to the work of the Economic and Social Council. As you may recall, in January of this year, I participated via video message in the ECOSOC coordination segment. I have forever submitted in my capacity I share a substantive written input to a twenty 2026 High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. With regard to the follow up to Assembly Resolution 75/219 A, and the recommendation arising from the 2022 review, the CND has taken the following actions. First, the Commission has strengthened cooperation with relevant bodies, including through enhanced collaboration with the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and continued cooperation with UNEDOC, WHO, INCB, and other stakeholders. Second, to support more focused and action oriented discussions, the Commission is using its annual thematic discussions and has organized focused discussions such as the 2025 regional consultations for Africa on access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. Third, the Commission has broadened stakeholder participation through expanded engagement of a broad range of stakeholders in thematic discussions and side events, regular dialogue with the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs, and continued use of hybrid modalities whenever feasible. Finally, the commission has strengthened outreach through dedicated web pages, thematic portals, social media engagement, and dissemination of concise chair summaries and web based materials. Initially, Initiatives such as the Pledge for Action have also further supported implementation focused discussions and voluntary commitments, aimed at translating commitments into concrete actions. In conclusion, the CND counts on the Council to provide visibility to the important work undertaken in Vienna. Invitations to brief the Council, such as the one today, are useful opportunities. The CND is operating with limited resources in an efficient and cost effective manner, and it is hoped that the challenging financial challenging financial situation of the UN will not jeopardize the valuable work done within the Commission. Thank you for your attention. Thank you, Mr. Chair. ECOSOC · Vice President [45:13]: I thank the Chair of the Commission on Narcotics drugs. I now invite Ms. Seville Atassoy, president of the International Narcotics Control Board, to introduce the board's report in E slash INCB slash twenty twenty five slash one You have the floor Madam INCB · President · Seville Atassoy [45:51]: Distinguished Vice President Excellencies Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to present the 2025 Annual Report of the International Narcotics Control Board. International cooperation through the framework of the three international drug control conventions safeguards the health and welfare of people. of people globally, and is the focus of the thematic chapter of this year's report. The global system of estimates and assessments for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is a success story for international cooperation. Demonstrated by the very low level of diversion of licitly produced controlled substances. However, global progress in improving availability is yet to be reflected in data reported to INCB. Despite morphine being one of the most affordable affordable opioids for pain treatment and palliative care 86% of global consumption is concentrated in Europe and North America. America. 82% of the world population, mainly in low and middle income countries, consumed only fourteen percent of the morphine used globally for pain management in twenty twenty four. Similarly, there are still substantial regional disparities in the consumption of psychotropic substances used in the treatment of neurological and mental health conditions. Barriers include regulatory requirements, cultural issues, and inadequate training. Improving availability includes including during humanitarian emergencies, requires an integrated approach that also addresses affordability. The ICB Learning Programme helps governments to implement the drug control conventions with the aim of improving availability for medical purposes. To support governments in preventing illicit drug manufacture and trafficking in highly potent synthetic drugs such as fentanyls. and nitrogenes the INCB precursor control and grids programs offer training and advanced technological tools. As of 2025, over 125,000 government intelligence pieces involving over 3 million trafficking signals were exchanged in real time through the INCB IONIX tools. In March 2025, use of the INCB panonline platform prevented the diversion of three tons of one bulk for piperidone, a fentanyl precursor, which could have been used to manufacture up to 1.6 billion potentially fatal doses of fentanyl. the 2020 2025 precursors report provides an update of the world precursor situation, and action taken to implement articles 12 and 13 of the 1988 convention on precursors, materials and equipment used in illicit drug manufacture. Both reports set out recommendations for a balanced approach to international drug control. While the conventions provide flexibility in the choice of measures. National systems must ensure that the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is limited to medical and scientific purposes and that implementation measures take into consideration the principle of proportionality. the rule of law, and human rights. The INCB is committed to reinforcing the cooperative efforts of countries to implement the drug control conventions, address emerging challenges, and ultimately safeguard health and welfare. However, the impact of the board's efforts is dependent upon the active participation and support of Member States and sustained resources. The continuing regular budget liquidity crisis has resulted in the postponement of critical ICB country missions and staffing shortages in the board's secretariat. A lack of reliable regular budget resources has the potential to compromise the Board's ability to approve and process estimates and assessments for hundreds of tons of narcotic drugs and psychotropic. substances used in anesthesia Pain management opioid agonist therapy and for the treatment of neurological and mental health disorders. with potentially disastrous consequences for people worldwide. Similarly, predictable extra budgetary resources are crucial to ensure the continued activities of INCB learning and the precursor control and. grids programs Thank you ECOSOC · Vice President [53:12]: Thank you Madam for this present. presentation The floor is now open for general discussion. No request Excuse me May I consider that the council has thus concluded the general discussion on. item 19 d. Now action. I now invite the council to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Commission on narcotic drugs. Does any delegation wish to make a statement before the Adoption. No request So we will now consider the draft decision one by one. May I take it that the Council wish to adopt the draft decision entitled Report of the Commission on Narcotics, Drugs, on its reconvened 68th session No objection It is so decided. In the report of the Commission on its 69 sessions, one draft resolution and two draft decisions are recommended for adoption. May I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft resolution entitled Appendix to Complement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development. No objection. It is so decided. Now, may I take it that the council wishes to adopt draft resolution draft decision one entitled Report of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on its 69th session. and the provisional agenda for its 70th session. No objection. It is so decided. Last, may I take it that the council wishes to adopt draft decision two entitled Report of the International Narcotics Control Board No objection It is so decided The. Does any delegation wish to make the floor to make a statement after adoptions. No request for the floor. The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 19 D. I briefly pause the meeting for a podium. Change. I now invite the council to consider agenda item. eighteen H International Cooperation on Tax Matters We will hear. hear a video statement by Mr. Matthew Ngonjubola of Nigeria, co-chair of the Committee of Experts on International cooperation in tax matters on the reports of the committee's 31st session and 32nd sessions. Nigeria · Co-Chair · Matthew Ngonjubola [59:02]: President, excellencies, distinguished delegates. It is my honor as co-chair of the United Nations Committee of Experts on international cooperation in tax matters. To introduce the committee's reports on its 31st and 32nd sessions to the Economic and Social Council. Developing countries need tax revenues to fund public services and infrastructure. Yet, the gap between what they collect and what they need remains wide. The civilian commitment reaffirmed the role of taxation in sustainable development. Stronger tax systems are essential not only for collecting revenues, but also for advancing the sustainable development goals. The UN Tax Committee translates committee translate these commitments into action. As a subsidiary body of this council, its 25 members, drawn from all regions, shaped norms and policies, and produce practical guidance and tools that help countries, especially developing ones, to build fairer and more effective tax systems and to strengthen international tax cooperation. The reports before you cover the work of the 2025 2029 membership in setting its cause for the years ahead. Using demand driven approach, coupled with priority setting, the committee established 11 workstreams including updating the UN Model Tax Convention and work on indirect taxes, work taxation, tax and gender, and how tax administrations can leverage AI. Work plans for all the workstreams were adopted by consensus in March 2026. The committee's strength lies in lies as much in how it works as in what it produces. His approach is open and multidisciplinary. Experts, past administrations, international organizations, academia, civil society, and business, take part in the committee's work. More than 300 expressions of interest were received to join its subcommittees. Since 2018, a genuine community of practice devoted to tax for the sustainable development goals, and to stronger international cooperation as formed around the committee. His guidance reaches tax administration through the capacity building work of the UN desa and its partners. This council saw that community at work during its last special meeting on international cooperation in tax matters. We drew senior officials from capitals international organizations, academia, into the council's action oriented dialogue. On behalf of my co-chair and fellow members, I would like to express our appreciation to ECOSOC member states, observers, all stakeholders, and to the donors and partners whose contribution whose contributions sustain the committee's work. The report of the 32nd session also contains a draft council decision setting out the dates, venue, and provisional agenda for the committee's next session in which we welcome broad engagement. President, I respectfully submit the report for the council's consideration. Thank you. ECOSOC · Vice President [1:02:41]: I thank Mr. Matthew Ngbonjubola of Nigeria, co-chair of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. Now the floor is open for a general discussion. No request for the floor. I consider that the council has this concluded the general discussion of agenda item eighteen H. And I now invite the council to take action on the draft decisions. Contained in the report of the Committee of Experts on international cooperation in tax matters. Does any delegation wish to take the floor? before action No request May I then take it that. the council wishes to adopt to adopt the draft decision entitled Venue Dates and Provisional Agenda of. the 33rd session of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. No objection. It is so decided. Given that the 32nd session of the committee has already taken place, may I take it that the council wish to take note of the draft decision entitled, Venue Dates and Provisional Agenda of the 32nd Session of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters No objection It is so decided. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after adoption None. the Council has concluded its consideration of agenda item eighteen eight. Let's move now to the human rights. I now invite the council to consider agenda item 19 F human rights. We will hear a video introduction of the report in E twenty twenty six slash twenty two by. Ambassador Preeti Saran of India, chair of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights at its seventy seventh and seventy eighth session Your Excellency you have India · Chair · Preeti Saran [1:06:28]: The excellencies distinguished delegates ladies and gentlemen. I'm honored to present the report of the 2025 sessions of the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. We are pleased that Andorra became a signatory to the Covenant in September 2022. 2025. In the report before you, 173 states were parties to the international covenant, and 31 states ratified its optional protocol on individual communications. I invite members of this Council, who have not yet ratified the covenant or its optional protocol, to kindly consider doing so. I would like to highlight the following points of the report for your attention. First, the committee considered 11 state party reports in 2025. We thank the states that have complied with their reporting obligations. Reviewing the progress made by state parties in protection of covenant rights is very rewarding for our committee. Unfortunately, we also see worrisome retrogression. We hope our recommendations will help counter this. One of the committee's main challenges is the low level of reporting, along with the lack of meeting time and staff resources. The committee still has a backlog of 41 reports pending review. There are considerable number of overdue reports as well. If the committee had more meeting time and staff, we could accelerate the pace at which we can review reports and implement the simplified reporting procedures as other treaty bodies have done. Second, Secondly, under its option protocol, the committee considered 66 individual communications. Our report outlines the adoption of views and cases pending consideration, as well as those declared inadmissible or discontinued or withdrawn. The committee also considered follow up to views. Third, in September 2025, the committee adopted a general comment on the environmental dimension of sustainable development and economic, social, and cultural rights. The committee is currently working on its subsequent general comment on economic, social, and cultural rights in the context of armed conflicts. Fourth, during its February 2026 session, the committee reviewed the initial proposals of the High Commissioner on strengthening of treaty bodies, which is undergoing wider consultations. We encourage all state parties to also participate in this exercise. We continue to operate under GA resolution 68 to 68. The treaty bodies remain underfunded, a situation compounded by repeated rounds of financial and liquid liquidity crisis, the more serious of which are being faced today. As of now, the committee's 80th session in early November this year has yet to be confirmed due to lack of funding. To conclude, in the course of its work, the committee has engaged with a wide variety of stakeholders, including state parties, national human rights institutions, and civil society. And we are grateful to all for their engagement. The committee has also met other treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council with a view to achieving greater efficiency, effectiveness, harmonization of working methods, and to review good practices as encouraged by the General Assembly. The committee is doing its utmost to operate as effectively as possible under the present constraints. I invite all state parties to ensure that the committee has the capacity and resources it needs to fulfill its mandate. I thank you for your attention. ECOSOC · Vice President [1:10:13]: I thank Your Excellency for this presentation. The floor is open for a general discussion. Icebreaker Russian Federation, you have the floor. Russian Federation · Представитель [1:10:49]: Uwajemy gospodin Predsedat, Хотели бы воспользоваться рассмотрением данного пункта с тем, чтобы прокомментировать отдельные аспекты деятельности Комитета по экономическим, социальным и культурным правам. Прежде всего представляется напомнить, что комитет в рамках своей деятельности должен заниматься вопросами, которые имеют прямое отношение к его мандату. Ключевой задачей этого органа было и остается содействие государствам участникам выполнения взятых ними на себя обязательств по Международному пакту об экономических, социальных и культурных правах. В этой связи вызывает сожаление, что комитет продолжает тратить существенную часть своего времени на вне мандатную деятельность и штамповку замечаний общего порядка, которые затем подаются в качестве неких стандартов. Наша позиция в отношении упомянутых документов остается не неизменною. Замечания общего порядка являются частным мнением экспертов комитета и не могут налагать на страны какие либо обязательства в дополнение к тем, которые они приняли на себя при присоединении к международному пакту. Пан председатель, отдельно хотели бы остановиться на заключительных замечаниях, опубликованных комитетом по итогам состоявшегося в сентябре 2025 года в Женеве в ходе 78 сессии КСКП, рассмотрение седьмого периодического доклада Российской Федерации о выполнении положений упомянутого пакта. Не можем не отметить попытку КСКП в этот раз подойти к выполнению своих обязанностей беспристрастно. Однако, действуя по инерции, комитет все же в значительной міре следовал шаблонно в русле установок секретаря ООН. Наши усилия по налаживанию конструктивного диалога с членами комитета не принесли ожидаемого результата, поскольку оценки и выводы КСКП наглядно свидетельствуют о политической ангажированности окремо входящих в его состав. экспертов. Прежде всего в свете проведения Россией специальной военной операции. Ражаем, что данные заключительные замечания не отречаются обьективностью и демонстрируют однобокий подход к конвенционного органа при оценке представленной официальной делегацией информации. При этом ничем не подкрепленные претензии деяких ангажированных НПО заслуживают доверия в членов КСКП, поскольку были взяты за основу при выработке рекомендаций. Одновременно озабоченность вызывает тот факт, что Комитетом априори расцениваются как неприемлемые концептуальные подходы, отличные от его собственных стандартов. но учитывающий исторические, экономические, социальные и культурные особенности государств участников упомянутого Международного пакта. Дякую за внимание. ECOSOC · Vice President [1:13:47]: Thank you Russia. I see no further requests May I take that the council wishes to take note take note. of the report of the Committee of Economic, Social, and Cultural Right in Document E two thousand twenty six slash twenty two No objection It is so decided And the council has concluded. this stage of this it's consideration of agenda item nineteen F. I now invite the council to begin its consideration of agenda item 11. I repeat agenda item 11. Implementation of and follow up to major United Nations Conference conferences and summits. I first invite the chair of the Committee on World food security Mr. Anas al Nabulsi of Jordan who is participating via video conference. to introduce under item 11 the report on the main decisions, outcomes, and policy recommendations of the committee the Committees on World Food Security transmitted in Document E slash twenty twenty six fifty four Your Excellency, you have the floor. Jordan · Chair · Anas al Nabulsi [1:16:07]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Your excellency, Ambassador Ammar Benjama, vice president of the UN Economic and Social Council. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I am honoured to present the report of the 53rd plenary session of the Committee of World Food Security, which took place in Rome Italy from 20 to 24th October 2025. The committee discussed in depth the state of food security and nutrition in the world 2025 report, which confirms that the world remains off track to achieve the sustainable development goal, too. Between 638 and 720 million people faced hunger in 2024. And more than 500 million people could still be affected by hunger in 2030. The committee highlighted the multiple interconnected drivers of food and insecurity, which includes Conflict, climate change, economic shocks, geopolitical tensions, inequality, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation and water scarcity. And how food prices inflate inflation disproportionality affect women, children, rural communities, and low income household. The committee further expressed deep concerns that the vast majority of acutely food insecure people live in conflict and protracted crisis context. And it recalled that the international humanitarian law prohibits starvation of civilian as a method of warfare, warfare, and strongly condemned the use of food as water food and water as weapon of war. The concerns highlighted by the committee in the October 2025 remain highly relevant. Geopolitical tensions have continued to intensify, disrupting food systems, agriculture production, trade, and supply chain, threatening the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food, particularly for the most vulnerable. In this context, the CFS is more important than ever. Providing a unique space to build the consensus, promote policy coherence, and advance collective action for food security and nutrition toward progressive realization of the right to adequate food. Let me now highlight three key outcomes of the CFS 53rd plenary session. First, the committee endorsed the policy recommendation on strengthening urban and very urban food systems to achieve to achieve food security and nutrition. They provide governments and stakeholders with a voluntary policy framework to improve food security and nutrition across rural. urban continent. We respectfully invite Ecosoc and the General Assembly to promote their wide dissemination and implementation. Secondly, the committee convened a high level forum in strengthening responsible investment and financing for for food security and nutrition. Which emphasized the importance of mobilization, adequate financial resources and promoting responsible investments to advance food security and nutrition objectives. Third, the plenary marked the 10th anniversary of the framework for action for food security and nutrition and protracted crisis. CFS stakeholders reaffirmed its continued relevance and called for stronger implementation and coordination to address food security and fragile and conflict affected. settings. A more detailed account of our work is available in the full report submitted to the this council. Which I encourage you to review. Excellencies. The 54th session of the Committee on World Food Security will take place in October 2026 at FAO headquarter. I'm warmly invite you all to participate actively in our discussion. And continue to strengthen global policy convergence and collective action for food security and nutrition. In closing, I thank the 130 CFS member states and participants, including FAO, EFAD, WFP, other United Nation agencies, civil society organization, indigenous people, private sector, financial foundations, international financial institution, and the high level panel of experts in food security and nutrition for their continued engagement and commitment. Thank you for your attention. ECOSOC · Vice President [1:21:03]: I thank His Excellency Anas Nabulsi Chair of the Committee on World Food Programme for his introduction. the council will now hear introduction by the chair of UN nutrition Ms.. Najet Mokhtar of the report of UN nutrition transmitted in document E twenty twenty six slash fifty 52. Please play the video. UN Nutrition · Chair · Najet Mokhtar [1:21:49]: Excellencies, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure to address you today as chair of UN nutrition, the UN coordination mechanism that brings together 15 UN entities to act as one, leveraging their collective expertise and strengths to improve nutrition outcomes worldwide. outcomes worldwide. Let me begin with the reminder of why our work matters. Today, 2.6 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, while 673 million three million people remain undernourished. At the same time, according to UNICEF, for the first time in twenty twenty five, the number of overweight and obese adolescents exceeded the number of undernourished young people. These are not merely statistics. They represent lives and future at risk. Against this backdrop, 2025 was a year of both urgency urgency and action. Detailed information is provided in the report submitted to this committee. Today I would like to highlight four key areas of progress. First, the UN General Assembly decision to extend the United Nations decade of action on nutrition to 2030, align the global nutrition efforts with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. This reaffirmed the international community's commitment to ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition. Second, UN nutrition strengthened its effectiveness through a new force four pillar action framework focusing on on taught leadership, advocacy and influence, knowledge brokering, and country engagement. This repositioning enhanced our ability to promote policy coherence and support country level action. Third, we advanced UN system coherence by promoting integrated approaches to nutrition across sectors while strengthening the the case for nutrition as a high return investment. These efforts were reinforced through major global platforms, including the Paris Nutrition for Growth Summit 2024 2025, which mobilized approximately 30 billion in commitment. Rome Nutrition Week also emerged as one important forum for policy alignment, coordination, and advocacy. Fourth, country engagement remains central to our work. UN nutrition supports national capacity for multi sectoral nutrition, governance advocating governments government to integrate nutrition into health, agri food system, social protection, education, and sustainable development policies. Excellencies, while these achievements are encouraging significant challenges remain. Millions continue to suffer from malnutrition. Progress is uneven. Global nutrition targets remain at risk. And shrinking humanitarian and development funding is widening the gap between needs and available resources. In conclusion, your nutrition's achievement in 2025 demonstrates the value of collaboration evidence based policymaking, and sustained political commitment. Our members remain committed to working together to ensure that every person everywhere has access to safe and affordable healthy diets. A healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable world depends on it. I thank you. ECOSOC · Vice President [1:25:37]: Ms.. Najat Mokhtar Chair of UN Nutrition for the introduction I now open the floor for a general discussion on agenda item eleven Does any delegation. wish to take the floor Nepal [1:26:12]: Thank you Mr.. Vice President Nepal thanks the chair of the Committee on World Food Security for the comprehensive report on the main decisions, outcomes, and policy recommendations. We're concerned by the findings of the report that $600 638 to 720 million people faced hunger in 2024, and over 500 million people are projected to remain in hunger in 2030. As a country with large rural population highly dependent on smallholder agriculture, Nepal sees these trends reflected in our own national experience. Climate induced disasters, floods, landslides, droughts continue to disrupt food production supply chains and market stability. However with the right link of fertilizers and improved inputs timely extension services and climate resilient technologies. Nepal believes that productivity gaps can be narrowed and food system vulnerabilities reduced. We therefore support the CFS emphasis on integrating the right to adequate food into climate biodiversity and land degradation policies. We also welcome the endorsement of the CFS policy recommendations on strengthening urban and peri urban food systems. Nepal also highly values the Ecosoc's focus and priority on agri food transformation and increased investment, concessional financing, technology transfer, and innovation, market access, capacity building, and support for smallholder farmers, youths, and SMEs. So Nepal also values the focus on investment and financing, particularly for the smallholder farmers, family farmers, and SMEs. In Nepal, these actors form the backbone of our food system. Access to affordable credit, fair prices for agricultural produce improved inputs, modern farming practices, market access, and clean technologies are essential for enhancing food security, fruit productivity, sustaining livelihoods, and reducing rural poverty. They are vital to ensure the right to food for our people, as guaranteed also in our constitution. We also noted the appreciation the upcoming forums, such as the high level forum on harnessing artificial intelligence, digitalization, and data governance for food security and nutrition. Nepal sees strong potential in digital agriculture, early warning systems, and data driven planning to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerabilities. So we will continue to engage constructively to ensure that these global policy guidance translate into meaningful national action I thank you ECOSOC · Vice President [1:29:11]: Thank you Nepal Any. other request for the floor? I see none. I now invite the council to consider subitem A of agenda item 11 follow up of the International Conference on Finance. financing for development The Council has before it. the report of the Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing for Development follow up on its 2026 session to be issued in document FE slash FFDF slash twenty twenty six. slash three A summary by the president of the council on the twenty twenty six forum will be issued. in due course. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in the general discussion on item eleven A. Are there any comments? I see none. May I take it that the council wish to transmit to transmit I'm sorry Thank you. The council has concluded the general discussion of agenda item A. Yes I have to repeat it. I now invite the council to take action under commendation by the Economic and Social. Council Forum on Financing for Development Follow-Up as contained in EFFD 2026 slash three that the council, transmit, transmit to the high level political forum on sustainable development, convened under the auspices of the Council, the intergovernmentally agreed conclusion the intergovernmentally agreed conclusions and recommendation entitled Follow. up, and review of the financing for development outcomes, and the means of implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. Are there any comments? I see none. May I take it that the Council wishes to transmit the intergovernmentally agreed conclusions and recommendations of the forum to the highly, to the high level political forum on Sustainable. Development convened under the auspices of the Council No objection It is so decided. And the conclusion is that the council has concluded its recommendation its consideration of agenda item. eleven a I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change. Speaker 28 [1:34:16]: Done. ECOSOC · Vice President [1:34:26]: I invite the council to consider agenda item 18 D environment I invite Mr. Jamil Ahmed director. New York Office of the United Nation Environment Program, to introduce the report of the United Nation Environment Assembly on its 7th seventh session contained in Document A slash eighty one slash twenty five You have the floor sir. UNEP · Director · Jamil Ahmed [1:35:07]: Thank you very much, Mr. President. It's an honor to introduce the report of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly under this agenda item as contained in document A81 stroke 25. United Nations Environment Assembly held its seventh session at UNEP headquarters from 8 to 12 December 2025 under the theme, Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a resilient planet. The assembly brought together representatives of 159 member states alongside UN entities, multilateral environmental agreements in international organizations, civil society, scientific community, youth, indigenous people, and academia and private sector. UNIA7 convened at a critical critical moment for the international community against the backdrop of environmental crises of climate change, nature, land and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. UNIRA reaffirmed that environmental sustainability is a foundational foundation for economic resilience, public health, poverty education, and sustainable development. UNIA adopted 11 resolutions and eight decisions addressing a broad range of emerging and systemic environmental challenges. Through its ministerial declaration, UNIA7 affirmed member states commitment to multilateralism and to advancing sustainable development goals in an equitable, integrated, and sustainable solutions manner. UNIA held three ministerial leadership dialogues. A clear message emerged. Sustainable development requires integrated policy approaches that place environmental sustainability at the centre of economic and social decision making. Mr. President, UNIA demonstrated the growing importance of inclusive multilateralism. A multi stakeholder dialogue under the theme resilience through inclusive partnerships Inclusive Partnership was also organized. This this dialogue highlighted the role of cooperation among governments, international organizations, civil society, indigenous people, youth, academia, the private sector in accelerating practical solutions. The second MEA Days was also held, which emerged as an important platform for strengthening coherence across the international environmental governance system. Unia seven also reaffirmed the importance of a meaningful youth engagement in environmental governance to advancing environmental action and multilateral cooperation. UNEP's indigenous peoples major group convened with UNEP's support for the first time ever in a special dialogue on indigenous peoples under the theme, Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a resilient planet. The present report through the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council, presents an opportunity to further integrate UNEA's outcomes into the work of the two bodies. The General Assembly is expected to consider the report at its 81st session. In that context, member states may wish to and I will present the points here. welcome the report, the resolutions, and the ministerial declaration adopted by UNIA seven. Take note of UNIA decision seven stroke six in which the assembly approved UNEP's medium term strategy for the period 2026 2029, and the program of work and budget for the biennium 2026 and 2027. Consider aspects of the various resolutions adopted by UNIA7 that are relevant as inputs to the policy recommendations to the ECOSOC, the HLPF, and the General Assembly. Welcome the request made by UNIA to UNEP's executive director to enhance the value of MEA days as a valuable forum for enhancing cooperation. Recognize the Youth Environment Assembly as the principal youth platform under UNIA, and to promote the full, effective and meaningful, constructive and inclusive participation of youth in environmental processes. Note the work of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee INC, on plastic pollution in line with UNIA Resolution 514, and reaffirm the shared commitment of Member States to continue engaging constructively and effectively. Act actively and with a sense of urgency and solidarity in seeking to develop a fair, effective, balanced, and ambitious internationally legally binding instrument. Welcome the establishment of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Forum Panel on Chemicals Waste and Pollution. The first session of its plenary in February 2026 and invite member states to become members of this panel. Recognize the importance of harnessing the opportunities and benefits of artificial intelligence systems in support of the environment while minimizing their environmental impact. Reaffirm the need to ensure the sustainability, predictability, and stability of UNEP's funding to enable it to fulfill its mandate. Include in the provisional agenda of the 83rd session of the General Assembly under the item entitled sustainable development, a subitem entitled Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly to consider the outcomes of the eighth session of the Environment Assembly. welcome the decision to convene UNEA eight, UNEA eight from six to ten December twenty twenty seven. And finally, recommend the participation of the presidents of the General Assembly and ECOSOC in UNIA eight in accordance with the spirit of integration, universality, and universality of the 2030 agenda. Mr. President, at a time of increasing environmental pressures and growing socioeconomic vulnerabilities, United Nations Environment Assembly demonstrated that collective action grounded in science, solidarity, and international cooperation remains the pathway remains the pathway towards a resilient inclusive and sustainable future for all I thank you. ECOSOC · Vice President [1:41:50]: I thank Mr. Jamal Ahmed for his introduction. The floor is now open for general discussion No requests from the floor. The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item eighteen D. I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change. I invite the council to consider agenda item. 18 G human settlement. I invite Miss Tony Shay Freckelton director of the UN Habitat New York liaison office to make a statement. You have the floor. UN-Habitat · Director · Tony Shay Freckelton [1:43:31]: Thank you Mr. President. Your ex excellencies, distinguished delegates, the resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly was held at the headquarters of UN Habitat in Nairobi on 29 and 30 May twenty twenty five. Following its decision in June twenty twenty three to adjourn its session, second session and resume in May twenty twenty five in order to align the planning cycle of UN habitat with the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for the development of the United Nations system. It is my pleasure to introduce the report of. the resumed second session of the UN Habitat Assembly which is contained in document A slash eight one slash eight. The session was chaired by his excellency, mister Enrique Javier Ochoa Martinez, on behalf of Mexico, as president of the UN Habitat Assembly, with the participation of over 1,500 delegates, including representatives of one hundred and sixteen member states and three observers as well as UN entities, intergovernmental organizations, governors, mayors, and non governmental organizations. Reflecting the rich and universal nature of the united the UN habitat assembly. Excellencies, the second resumed session featured high level opening statements delivered by the secretary general, the president of the 79th session of the general assembly, the president of the economic and social council of the 2025 session, the executive director of UNEP, Mayor of Paris, the Executive Director of UN Habitat, and the Cabinet Secretary for Land, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development of Kenya as host country to UN Habitat. The core elements of the agenda of the assembly as reflected in the report included the report of the chair of the committee of permanent representatives. Election of members of the executive board, the strategic plan for the period 2026 to 2029, adoption of outcomes, the provisional agenda and other arrangements for the third session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly in 2029. And the election of officers of the bureau of the UN Habitat Assembly. The report of the resumed second session of the UN Habitat Assembly also reflects the rich and high level dialogue convene under the theme adequate housing for all. With a dedicated focus on UN habitat strategic plan for the period twenty twenty six to twenty twenty nine. 2029. The dialogue reaffirmed adequate housing as a fundamental human right and emphasized its role in advancing dignity, social inclusion, poverty reduction, and sustainable urban development. In addition, the dialogue highlighted the urgency of addressing the global housing deficit and underscored the importance of strong political commitment innovative financing and multi stakeholder partnerships to scale up impact and ensure inclusive urban development. A full summary of the dialogue is set out in annex four of the document. Excellencies. The report of the assembly also refers to the report of the chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to UN Habitat. Pakistan. With an overview of the work of the committee at its third open ended meeting. Held in preparation of the resumed second session of the assembly. While also undertaking a midterm review of the work of UN habitat. The report of the committee drew attention to the progress in implementation of the new urban agenda, the UN habitat resolutions, and the UN habitat strategic plan for the period twenty twenty to twenty twenty five. It also highlighted the outcomes of the twelfth session of the World Urban Forum held in Cairo in November twenty twenty four. And the state of preparations for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, which was recently organized in Baku in May of this year. The committee's report also contained recommendations to the assembly on the outcomes of the resumed second session. Including by recommending the adoption of the draft UN habitat strategic plan for the period 2026 to 2029. And the need for further informal consultations on the draft guidelines on people centered smart cities. Document A slash 81 slash eight also refers to a report by the chair of the executive board, France, informing the assembly that a silence procedure on a draft stakeholder engagement policy had been broken by four member states. For this reason the draft policy could not be submitted for consideration and possible adoption by the assembly at the resumed session. Mr. president excellencies. I wish to now present the key outcomes of the resumed second session of the UN Habitat Assembly as contained in document A slash eight one slash eight. Following informal consultations on its draft outcomes. Chair by Ghana. First, the UN Habitat Assembly adopted decision two slash six through which it approved the UN Habitat Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2022 twenty nine. Second, the assembly adopted decision two slash seven on the dates and provisional agenda for its third session scheduled to take place from twenty five 25 to 29 June 2029. Third, the assembly took note of the presentation of the draft international guidelines on people centered smart cities. Reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive, innovative, and people centered urban governance. Fourth, the assembly elected by acclamation, 36 members of the executive board for the period 2025 to 2029 based on a balanced geographical representation. And fifth, the assembly elected a new bureau with Malaysia serving as president, Ethiopia as vice president and Mexico as rapporteur. Two vice president positions remained vacant pending nominations from the Eastern European Group of States and the Western European and other group of states. The assembly concluded its resumed session on 30th May 2025. I thank you, mister president. ECOSOC · Vice President [1:50:44]: I thank I thank Ms.. Toniche Frekleton Director of the UN Habitat Office in New York I now open the floor for a general discussion on this item. Nepal Thank you Nepal [1:51:16]: Thank you Mr.. vice president Nepal thanks the president of the UN habitat assembly and the director of Young Habitat for the comprehensive report. We welcome the opportunity to consider this report in the Ecosoc management segment, given the centrality of urban development in achieving the SDGs and the work of the UN Development System. We commend the inclusive consultative process undertaken by the executive director and the constructive deliberations that led to the adoption of the Strategic Plan. twenty twenty six twenty twenty nine. The theme of the high level dialogue, Adequate Housing for All, is of particular relevance to Nepal. As a country undergoing rapid urbanization, Nepal faces the dual challenge of expanding affordable housing while also strengthening resilience to earthquakes, landslides, and efficient management of informal settlements. We therefore welcome the strategic plan's focus on housing urban resilience and integrated territorial development. Nepal also appreciates the assembly's request for a results based monitoring framework. with concise, specific, time bound, systematic, and measurable performance indicators. For countries like ours, where urban governance capacities are evolving, Such clarity is essential as we ensure that such global commitments translate into local results. We also take note of the report's reference to the international guidelines on people centered smart cities, where consensus is still being built. People centered smart cities is also a priority for Nepal, as we work into building a nexus between technology housing and sustainable urban development. so Nepal supports continued informal consultations. finally Nepal also welcomes the adoption of decision two slash seven setting the dates and provisional agenda for the third session of the UN Habitat Assembly in June twenty twenty nine. We look forward to continued engagement in the lead up to that session, including through the World Urban Forum in Baku, in 2026 Thank you ECOSOC · Vice President [1:53:36]: Thank you Nepal Any other requests. request for the floor I see none The council has concluded its consideration. of Agenda 18 G. Dear colleagues it's 12th o'clock We have completed our program of work for this morning. an hour ahead of this of the schedule The council will reconvene this afternoon. at 3:00 PM sharp in this chamber to continue with its program of work. And we will try to finish our work an hour ahead of the schedule. Bon appetit Meeting is adjourned.