(10th plenary meeting) Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) - 2026 session

How are you, Mom?

I'm great.

But everybody else—

Yes. Okay. Yeah, I'm taking 3 weeks off work at home, so I hope it will be our transport. So we wish the best to you and your family. Thank you.

Thank you for all your help.

Oh, of course.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you very much. PJ. Good morning. I thank you all for being here. We were a bit delayed. Given that we do need this morning to have a quorum, but we appreciate that it is a very demanding morning as there are a number of very important meetings. So before I started officially, I want to thank all of you for making the effort to be here. And being from a very small mission myself, I understand how we have— quite a few demands today, so thank you very much for being here. Having said this, we definitely have a quorum, so I can officially begin. The 10th meeting of the 2026 session of the Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples is called to order. Before proceeding further, I should like to note that all draft proposals on which the Special Committee will take action today are available on the C24 place on eDelegate. They can also be accessed in the 6 official languages on the United Nations Digital Library. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of American Samoa. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of American Samoa contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L10. This draft resolution, which was submitted by the chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L10? I have no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L10, and I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L10 is adopted without a vote. I will now give the floor to those members of the committee wishing to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of item of the item Question of American Samoa. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of Anguilla. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of Anguilla, contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L11. This Draft resolution which was submitted by the chair was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L11? I see no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L11. And I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.11 is adopted without a vote. I will now give the floor to those members of the committee wishing to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item Question of Anguilla. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of Bermuda. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of Bermuda, contained in Document A/AC1 09/2026/L12. This draft resolution, which was submitted by the chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L12? I have no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L.12, and I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft resolution L.12 is adopted without a vote. I will now give the floor to those members of the committee wishing to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item Question of Bermuda. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of the British Virgin Islands. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of the British Virgin Islands contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L14. This draft resolution which was submitted by the chair was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on Draft Resolution L.14. There is no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on Draft Resolution L.14, and I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote. There is no objection. I see no objection. Draft Resolution L.14 is adopted without I missed one part. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.14 is adopted without a vote. Thank you. I will now give the floor to those members of the committee who may wish to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. There is no request for the floor. This means the committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item Question of the British Virgin Islands. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of the Cayman Islands. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of the Cayman Islands, contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L L15. This draft resolution, which was submitted by the chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L15? I have no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L L15, and may I propose that this draft resolution be adopted without a vote? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L15 is adopted without a vote. I will now give the floor to those members of the committee who may wish to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. Resolution. There is no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item Question of the Cayman Islands. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of French Polynesia. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of French Polynesia. Contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L24. This draft resolution, which was submitted by the chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L24. There is no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L14, L24, and I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.24 is adopted without a vote. I now give the floor to those members of the committee wishing to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item question of French Polynesia. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of Guam. The committee also has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of Guam, contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L16. This draft resolution, which was submitted by the chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L.16? I have no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L.16, and I propose that this draft be adopted without without a vote. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.16 is adopted without a vote. I will now give the floor to those members of the committee wishing to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item Question of Guam. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of Montserrat. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of Montserrat, contained in Document A/AC109/2026 L17. This draft resolution, which was submitted by the chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L17? There is no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on Draft Resolution L.17, and I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.17 is adopted without a vote. I now give the floor to those members of the committee wishing to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. There is no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item Question of Montserrat. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item, question of New Caledonia. I would like to draw the committee's attention to the text of a draft resolution tabled under the item entitled Question of New Caledonia and contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L22, submitted by the delegation of Fiji and Papua New Guinea. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji to introduce draft resolution L22. Fiji, you have the floor. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Just want to start by conveying our apologies. In fact, the PR of Papua New Guinea unfortunately couldn't make it in time because of a snot feeling. Quite well at this time, so just want to convey his apologies in that regard. Madam Chair, Excellencies, and distinguished members of the Committee and observers, before proceeding, Fiji and Papua New Guinea wish to convey our deepest condolences to the government and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that has claimed lives and widespread destruction. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected during this difficult time. I have the honor to introduce Draft Resolution L.22, entitled "Question of New Caledonia," on behalf of the COP Entholders Fiji and Papua New Guinea. At the outset, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to you, Madam Chair, the Bureau, and the Secretariat for your guidance and support throughout this session. Of the Committee. We also extend our gratitude to all delegations for their constructive engagement, flexibility, and spirit of cooperation during the informal consultations on this draft resolution. The text before us today is the product of open dialogue, careful consideration of the current political situation, and our shared commitment to preserving consensus within this Committee. Madam Chair, for Fiji and Papua New Guinea, the question of New Caledonia is far more than another agenda item before this Special Committee. As fellow Melanesian countries and close Pacific neighbors, we share deep historical, cultural, and regional ties with the people of New Caledonia. We have therefore consistently maintained that this question must continue to be approached with respect, sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment for the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. While New Caledonia has continued its recovery over the past year, our collective focus must remain on consolidating peace, rebuilding trust, and creating the conditions for meaningful and inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders. As Pacific Islanders, we know that lasting solutions cannot be imposed. They are built through mutual respect, confidence-building, and genuine engagement. In our Blue Pacific Continent, this remains the Pacific Way. It is through frank, open, and inclusive dialogue that differences are resolved and lasting peace is secured. It is in this spirit that Fiji and Papua New Guinea have approached this year's draft resolution. Madam Chair, the draft resolution before the Committee builds upon the Committee's longstanding work on the question of New Caledonia while reflecting important developments that have taken place since the adoption of last year's resolution. It reaffirms the inalienable rights of the people of New Caledonia to self-determination, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly. This draft also acknowledges the continued political engagement between New Caledonian stakeholders and the administering power towards reaching a comprehensive agreement on the future institutional status of the Territory. In this regard, it encourages all parties to continue engaging peacefully, transparently, and inclusively in shaping the future of New Caledonia. One significant development reflected in this year's Next is the provincial elections scheduled for 28 June 2026. In a few days' time, these elections represent an important political milestone for the territory and provide an opportunity to strengthen confidence among stakeholders while advancing the broader political process. Accordingly, the draft underscores the importance of ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a safe, orderly, peaceful, free, and fair manner. It also recognizes the value of inviting independent regional and international observers and experts, including from the United Nations, whose presence may contribute positively to transparency, confidence, and public trust. The draft further recognizes the importance of public awareness initiatives to support informed participation by the people of the territory as they continue to determine their their political future. It also acknowledges those relating to the rights of Indigenous peoples, as these are critical to assist the people of the Territory in exercising their right to self-determination. Madam Chair, throughout the negotiations, the COP and holders have worked diligently with all delegations to ensure that this draft remains balanced, factual, and forward-looking. We have listened carefully to the views expressed, accommodated proposals where possible, and sought practical compromise in order to preserve the unity of this Committee and the integrity of the United Nations decolonization process. We believe the draft before us faithfully reflects developments on the ground while remaining firmly anchored in the mandate of the Committee. As members of the Pacific family, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, together with the Pacific Islands Forum and the Melanesian Spearhead Group remain steadfast in supporting New Caledonia, the administering power, and all stakeholders in advancing peace, dialogue, stability, and sustainable progress. Consistent with our longstanding position, we reaffirm that the future political status of New Caledonia is a choice that belongs to the people of the Territory. The role of this Committee is to continue supporting a credible, inclusive, and peaceful process through which that choice may be freely exercised. Madam Chair, the draft resolution before us reflects that shared objective. It encourages dialogue over division, cooperation over confrontation, and confidence over uncertainty. It represents a balanced and constructive outcome that supports the continued advancement of the decolonization process. In New Caledonia. It is therefore my honor on behalf of the co-opend holders Fiji and Papua New Guinea to respectfully commend draft resolution L22 to the committee, and we invite all delegations to join consensus in its adoption. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji, and for the presentation, and also take the opportunity to thank Fiji and Papua New Guinea as the pen holders of this draft resolution. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L22? I see no request for the floor. I give the floor now to the Secretary of the Committee to announce the additional co-sponsors of draft resolution A/AC109/2026/L22. Madam Secretary.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Since the Since the issuance of draft resolution A/AC 109/2026/L 2022, there has been no additional co-sponsors of the draft resolution. Are there any additional delegations from among the members who wish to co-sponsor draft resolution L 22? If so, may I kindly request those delegations to indicate their wish by pressing the speaker button on their console so that they may be added to the list of sponsors and duly recorded. Madam Chair, I see no additional co-sponsors.

Thank you.

Thank you. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L22, and may I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.22 is adopted without a vote. I will now give the floor to those members of the committee who may wish to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item entitled Question of New Caledonia. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of Pitcairn. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of Pitcairn, contained in Document A/AC109/2022/L26/2026/L18. This draft resolution, which was submitted by the chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L.18? I have no requests for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L.18, and I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L18 is adopted without a vote. I now give the floor to those members of the committee who may wish to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item Question of Pitcairn. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of St. Helena. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of St. Helena, contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L19. This draft, which was submitted by the chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L19? I have no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L19. 19, and I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L19 is adopted without a vote. I will now give the floor to those members of the committee wishing to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item Question of Saint Helena. I now invite the committee to resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of Tokelau. The committee has before it a related draft resolution contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L23, submitted by the delegation of Fiji. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Fiji to the United Nations to introduce draft resolution L23. Fiji, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for the floor. Fiji has the honor to introduce this resolution entitled "The Question of Tokelau" in Document L23 as penholder of this yearly resolution. Tokelau, a small group of atolls in the South Pacific, has a long history of colonial rule. And a strong desire for self-governance. Despite its tiny size and remote location, people of Tokelau have continuously strived for independence and self-determination. Tokelau has a rich history of early settlements and colonial rule, significantly shaped by major global events like World War I, World War II. The push for self-governance in Tokelau has involved significant efforts. From local leaders and international bodies like the United Nations. Madam Chair, Tokelau faces many challenges, including economic dependency and geographical isolation, which impact its journey towards independence. Modern efforts to achieve independence include political reforms, youth involvement, and international support, highlighting the resilience— highlights the resilience and determination of the Tokelauan people. In the resumed session last week, it was an honour in this Committee to have the presence of the Interim Tokelau Administrator, Mr. Andrew van der Waals of New Zealand. Unfortunately, after quite some time then, we noted the absence of Ulu Tokelau in this year's session, mainly owed to a very important governance engagement that was convened last week, one that was important for the institutional framework of of the territory. Fiji would like to congratulate the new Lotu Kalau, Mr. Alipati Peter Taviti— unfortunately, he was not around— for his successful election following the general election on 5th February 2026, and we look forward to his engagement in the upcoming sessions. Following the formal session last week, Fiji convened an informal meeting with a representative of the administering power, as the representative from Tokelau was unable to be represented. It was a useful opportunity to share views, taking into account the Committee's mandate as well as Fiji's responsibility as the penholder of the resolution. The meeting was a success and further assisted Fiji in reviewing the resolution. Following the consultations and in view of the recent development in Tokelau, the resolution was updated with heavy emphasis on technical updates, key of which was the new administration following the general elections in Tokelau. As the Chair and distinguished colleagues will recall, the resolution on the question of Tokelau was substantively updated in the 2025 session, taking advantage of the presence of the former Uluru Tokelau. Therefore, we do not intend to make any substantive changes until we have the opportunity to discuss with the representatives from Tokelau, hopefully in the upcoming session. Chair, in view of the informals and the presence— with the presence of the Committee members, Fiji presented the proposals in a transparent and collaborative manner. The proposals were clarified and responded to in the course of the negotiations. With the members' support and flexibility, we managed to complete the the required informal to finalize the resolution. In closing, Fiji would like to thank all members, including the representatives from the administering power, for the collaboration and flexibility that allowed for this year's smooth process. We look forward to continued and renewed collaboration and peaceful dialogue between the territory and the administering power in the years ahead. I now, therefore, I therefore respectfully commend draft resolution L.23 to the committee and invite all delegations to join consensus in its adoption. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Fiji. Does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this time to explain their position before we take action on draft resolution L.23? I have no request for the floor. I now give the floor to the Secretary of the Committee to announce the additional co-sponsors of Draft Resolution A/AC.109/2026/L.23. Madam Secretary.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Since the issuance of Draft Resolution L.23, Indonesia has become an additional co-sponsor of the draft resolution.

Are there any additional delegations who wish to co-sponsor draft resolution L.23? If so, may I kindly request those delegations to press on the mic button on their console so that they may be added to the list of sponsors and duly recorded. Madam Chair, I see no additional co-sponsors Thank you. Thank you. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L23. The main sponsor has requested that this draft be adopted without a vote. There is no objection. I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft resolution L23 is adopted without a vote. I now give the floor to those members of the committee who may wish to explain their position after action on draft res— on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. This means the committee has concluded its consideration of the item question of Tokolau. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled Question of Turks and Caicos Islands. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of the Turks and Caicos Islands, contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L20. This draft resolution, which was submitted by the Chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the Committee. Does any member of the Committee wish to take the floor to explain their position before action is taken on draft resolution L.20? I see no requests for the floor. The Committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L.20. And I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote. There I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.20 is adopted without a vote. I now give the floor to those members of the committee wishing to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I see no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item on the question of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Thank you. The committee will now resume its consideration of the item entitled question of the United States Virgin Islands. The committee has before it a related draft resolution entitled Question of the United States Virgin Islands contained in Document A/AC109/2026/L21. This draft resolution, which was submitted by the Chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the Committee. Does any member of the Committee wish to take the floor to explain their position before action is taken on Draft Resolution L21? I see no request for the floor. The committee will now take a decision on draft resolution L21, and may I propose that this draft be adopted without a vote? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft resolution L21 is adopted without a vote. I now give the floor to those members of the committee who may wish to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. This means the committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item question of the United States Virgin Islands. The committee will now consider the item entitled Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the Specialized Agencies and the International Institutions Associated with the United Nations, and will take action on a related draft resolution with the same title contained in Document A/AC.109 /2026/L9, submitted by the chair. Members may recall that the committee also held informal consultations on the draft, during which the text of the draft resolution was agreed. I would also like to bring to your attention— bring your attention to documents A/81/64 and E/2026 55 containing the report of the Secretary-General and the President of the Economic and Social Council on specialized agencies respectively. Before we take action on draft resolution L.9, I would like to give the floor to any members of the committee who may wish to make general statements on this item or to explain their positions. Does any member of— does any member wish to take the floor in that regard? I have no requests for the floor. The committee will now take action on draft resolution L.9. May I take it that the committee wishes to adopt the draft resolution L.9 without a vote? I see there is no objection to that. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.9 is adopted without a vote. The committee will now hear from members of the committee wishing to explain their position after action on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of draft— the item entitled Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the Specialized Agencies and the International Institutions Associated with the United Nations. Thank you. We will now take up the next item on our agenda entitled Economic and Other Activities Which Affect the Interests of the Peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories. The draft resolution under this item with the same title is contained in Document A/AC.109/2026. L6. The draft resolution L6, which was submitted by the chair, was agreed upon during the informal consultations of the committee. Before we take action on draft resolution L6, I would like to give the floor to members of the committee who may wish to make general statements on this item or to explain their position before action is taken on the draft Resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee will now take action on Draft Resolution L.6. May I take it that the committee wishes to adopt Draft Resolution L.6 without a vote? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.6 is adopted without a vote. We will now hear from members of the committee wishing to explain their position after the decision was taken on this draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item entitled Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the non-self-governing territories. And I thank you very much. We are making good progress. We will now turn to the item entitled Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and will proceed to take action on the related draft resolution with the same title. Contained in document A/AC109/2026/L25. The text of the draft resolution L25, which was submitted by the chair, was considered during the informal consultations of the committee. Before we take action on draft resolution L25, I give the floor to members of the committee wishing to make general statements on this item or to explain their position before action is taken on the draft resolution. I have no request for the floor. The committee will now take action on draft resolution L25. May I take it that the committee wishes to adopt draft resolution L25 without a vote? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Draft Resolution L.25 is adopted without a vote. We will now hear from members of the committee wishing to explain their position after the decision was taken on this draft resolution. There is no request for the floor. The committee has thus concluded its consideration of the item Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. I thank you. The Committee will now start its consideration of the items entitled Conclusions and Recommendations of the Caribbean Regional Seminar and Report of the Caribbean Regional Seminar. Before proceeding further, On behalf of the Committee and in particular the members who participated in the seminar, I wish to express sincere appreciation to the Permanent Representative of Nicaragua and his team for their excellent cooperation and support in ensuring the success of the seminar. Please convey once again our sincere thanks to the government and people of Nicaragua for their generous hospitality and a memorable seminar. Thank you. In this connection, I would like to draw your attention to the draft conclusions and recommendations of the Caribbean Regional Seminar held from the 25th to the 27th of May 2026 in Managua, Nicaragua, and to the procedural report of the Caribbean Regional Seminar contained in Conference Room Papers A/AC109/2026/CRP 1 and 2, respectively. In accordance with past practice, these documents were prepared by members of the committee who attended the seminar. Copies of these documents have been circulated via e-delegate yesterday. I invite the committee to take note of the draft conclusions and recommendations of the regional seminar. Does any of the— does any member of the committee wish to take the floor at this point? I have no request for the floor. May I hence take it that the committee agrees to take note of the draft conclusions and recommendations of the seminar? I hear no objections. It is so decided. Decided. May I also take it that the committee wishes to include, in line with established practice, the report of the Caribbean Regional Seminar comprising the procedural report contained in CRP 2 and the conclusions and recommendations of the seminar contained in CRP 1 in the annex to the final report of the Special Committee to the 81st Session of the General Assembly? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The special committee has thus concluded its consideration of both items. I thank you. I wish to thank the Russian Federation for the offer made at the 2026 Caribbean Regional Seminar to host the 2027 Pacific Regional Seminar of our Committee. In this regard, the Russian Federation has sent a letter dated 10th June reiterating the interest and willingness of the Government of the Russian Federation to host the next C24 Pacific Regional Seminar in Vladivostok in May 2027. The letter has been circulated via eDelegate on 15 June 2026. I take the opportunity to thank the Russian Federation and note the offer to host the Pacific Regional Seminar in May 2027 in Vladivostok. In keeping with past practice, the decision on the venue and timing of the seminar would be made by the Special Committee at its organizational meeting in February 2027. 7. It will be recalled that the organization of our work for this session outlined in Document A/AC109/2026/L2 Rev. 1 proposes in paragraph 8 that the Special Committee formulates recommendations to the General Assembly. In line with past practice, the committee includes these recommendations in the report of its annual session. I would like to remind delegations of last year's 10% reduction of the word count for committee reports in the context of the liquidity constraints currently facing the organization. In preparing our report, we will continue therefore to follow the practice of other committees, which is to include the report links to the issued text of the adopted draft resolution instead of republishing them. Accordingly, I would like to recommend that the Committee authorizes the Rapporteur to prepare, with the assistance of the Secretariat, the report on the Committee's work at its 2026 session, incorporating all of the resolutions and decisions adopted, with links to the previously issued text and once completed, to submit it directly to the 84th Session of the General Assembly in accordance with established practice. I hear no objection. It is so decided. We have come now almost to the end of our 2026 substantive session. At this point, are there any delegations who would like to take the floor? I recognize the delegation of Cuba. Cuba, you have the floor, please.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. First of all, we express our profound condolences to and solidarity with the government and fraternal people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela over the loss of life and the damage caused by the earthquake. Um, to the, the, the healthcare workers in Cuba, of Cuba present there are fully mobilized and are providing medical care to the population. We have arrived today at the end of another substantive session of the Special Committee on Decolonization with the shared commitment to make progress towards a world free of colonialism in which peoples can build a future of well-being and independence. We have held fruitful exchanges aimed at upholding the mandate of the C24 entrusted to it by the General Assembly almost 65 years ago. Madam Chair, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge your excellent leadership of the Committee and your commitment to the relevant work of this organ. We would also like to thank the Secretariat, the Decolonization Unit, and the DGACM team for their cooperation and constant readiness to support delegations throughout this session. We reiterate our profound gratitude to the people and government of Nicaragua for the successful organization of the Caribbean Regional Seminar in May. Their hospitality supported us during 3 intense days of work that led to conclusions and recommendations aimed at achieving our common goal, the decolonization of colonial peoples and territories. We are also deeply grateful for the solidarity with Cuba expressed during the seminar by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Nicaragua and his rejection of the unilateral coercive measures and the threat or use of force against Cuba. At the same time, we reiterate the welcome offer from the Russian Federation to host the next Regional Seminar of the Pacific on decolonization in 2027. We wish them success in the organization of this important event. We are convinced that it will help mobilize political commitment towards the full eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. In that regard, we stress the role of the United Nations in the cause of decolonization, and we emphasize the urgent need for the organization to focus its efforts on countering the emergence of new modern forms of neocolonialism expressed in the form of unilateral coercive measures, economic blockades, and hegemonic practices against sovereign countries aimed at imposing economic models, political systems, regime change, and cultural patterns that are alien to the will of peoples. One example of this is the hostile policy and economic pressure, predation and neocolonial domination, and threats of military aggression by the government of the United States against Cuba, a founding member of the United Nations with a solid history of resistance and struggling for its national liberation and independence. Once again, we affirm our firm and long-standing commitment to the work of the C24. It is only through our collective efforts for the sake of multilateralism, mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation that we will be able to make a positive contribution to achieving the noble goal of rapidly, once and for all, eradicating colonialism. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Cuba. I now recognize and give the floor to the representative of Nicaragua. Nicaragua, you have the floor, please.

Muchas gracias, señor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Good morning to everyone. I would like to begin by expressing our most sincere congratulations to you on the successful conduct of this substantive session of the Committee and to all of the members of the Secretariat and the members of the Bureau who have provided a great deal of support throughout the session. We also express our gratitude for all of the very kind words that our country has received. It was an absolute honor and a great responsibility for Nicaragua to host the Decolonization Seminar for the third time, and we stand ready to keep contributing to the work of this Committee. Confident that we will continue with the mandate that has been entrusted to us by the General Assembly to continue examining all of the non-self-governing territories and other territories. And we would like to express our full support for and gratitude to Russia for the organization of next year's summit. We wish them every success. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Nicaragua. Is there any further request for the floor? We have no further request for the floor at this point. Please allow me to make some closing remarks. Now that the 2026 session of the Special Committee on Decolonization is about to conclude, I do want to extend my sincere appreciation to all C-24 members and other member states, including the administering powers, as well as the representatives of the non-self-governing territories and the petitioners who participated during this 2026 session. This has been another active Yeah. On behalf of the special committee, I wish to reiterate our profound gratitude to the government and people of Nicaragua once again for graciously hosting the 2025 Caribbean Regional Seminar. The hospitality was exceptional and extended to all participants throughout our stay in Managua. The contributions to the constructive and substantive discussions took place during the intense 2.5-day seminar with some time for light and happy moments. So certainly memorable. In that regard, I want to place on record on behalf of the committee our sincere gratitude expressly to His Excellency Jaime Castillo, the PR of Nicaragua here, and to his team. And allow me to specify to Elian, to Amalia, and to Flavio, who went above and beyond with their support, your dedication, your care, which ensured the success and smooth conduct of the seminar and truly a memorable experience. So thank you, thank you once again. Taking forward the discussions at the regional seminar, the Special Committee during its substantive session held over the last 2 weeks engaged in hearings of the representatives of Non-Self-Governing Territories and petitioners concerning the territories as well as Puerto Rico. And considered the situation of the Territories and thematic issues relating to decolonization. Thanks to your dedication, your commitment and collaboration, we have once again been able to fulfill our mandate, complete this year's work and recommend a number of resolutions to the General Assembly through the Fourth Committee while maintaining unity. Distinguished delegates and colleagues, throughout the 2026 session, dialogue was the recurring keyword, frequently heard and prominently emphasized. Indeed, dialogue remains an indispensable element in advancing the decolonization of all the Non-Self-Governing Territories. No territory is the same. No path to decolonization is identical. Each territory requires a unique approach, guided by its particular circumstances and responsive to its distinct historical, political, socioeconomic, and cultural and environmental context. An approach grounded in listening, and in mutual respect. The year 2026 brings us into the second half of the Fourth International Decade on Eradication of Colonialism. This moment calls for renewed momentum and sustained commitment to ensure that all objectives of the decade are fully realized. Dear colleagues, before closing, Allow me a moment to recognize the support extended to me by each bureau member during the 2026 session. I am grateful to the three vice chairs of Cuba, Indonesia, and Sierra Leone, as well as the rapporteur from the Syrian Arab Republic, and to all of your respective teams. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and please convey that appreciation to your entire teams. I am also extremely grateful to the Committee members for entrusting me once again with the chairmanship for the 2026 session. Once again, your constructive engagement and cooperation have been critical in reaching today's conclusions. Lastly, on behalf of all of the Committee members, I do want to express our collective appreciation to the Secretariat staff who supported our work during the 2026 session. In particular, I thank the team from the Department of General Assembly and Conference Management, the DGACM, including the interpreters, the conference officers, the editors, the translators, for ensuring the smooth conduct of the session. The Decolonization Unit of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the DPPA, whose substantive service greatly facilitated our work, and the Department of Global Communications, the DGC. I thank you all for your contributions. And how can I not thank my team from Saint Lucia? Thank you very much. To you, we are a small delegation in the Saint Lucia team, And we have been stretched from every angle. Thank you, Carlton and Michelle, in particular. And that takes me to saying a collective, in the event I left anyone out, it really has been a collective effort. And to each of you who are seated here, I know today particularly has been a day where we are all demanded in very many directions. So your presence is noted and welcome and sincerely appreciated. Please convey that thanks to your respective delegations. It has been a mouthful and it has been two very busy weeks, and so it is with great pleasure that I hereby declare the 2026 session of the Special Committee on the Situation with Regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence To colonial countries and peoples. Closed. Thank you very much. Colleagues, I— this is very informal, but last year we took a photograph, and if you are minded, 2 minutes just in the back like we did last year, just to take a quick photograph at the risk— at the request of Hermès. Thank you. Thank you. I think they're so amazing. Nice view upstairs.