Economic and Social Council: 1st plenary meeting, 2027 Session

Good morning, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues. I declare open the 2027 sessions of the Economic and Social Council And I call to order its first meeting. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I'm honored today to hand over the presidency of the Economic and Social Council to my predecessor. But before I give up the gavel, I hope you will permit me a few parting words. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, colleagues, and friends, it has been a privilege to serve as the President of the Economic and Social Council, one of the principal organs of the United Nations intrastate with advancing international cooperation on economic social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development, particularly at a time when the world is navigating converging crises, widening inequalities, economic uncertainty, and urgent need for renewed multilateralism. 80 years ago, the founders of the United Nations entrusted ECOSOC through Article 55 of the Charter, with advancing higher standards of living, full employment, economic and social progress, solutions to international economic and social challenges, and universal respect for human rights. Those words have stood the test of time. They remain as relevant today as they were when they were Since 1945, we have achieved much progress. We lifted millions from poverty, expanded life expectancy, and advanced human development at a pace unprecedented in human history. We expanded education and opportunity, empowering new generations to innovate, to create and to lead. We transformed global health, defeating old diseases, responding to new ones, and strengthening systems that protect the most vulnerable. We connected the world, from trade routes to digital networks, enabling ideas, goods, and people to move with unprecedented speed. We advance gender equality, amplifying the voices of women and girls and recognizing their indispensable role in shaping policies. We deepen environmental consciousness, acknowledging our shared responsibility to protect the planet and confronting the existential challenge of climate change. But again, We have challenges, challenges that test our resolve, that stretch our capacities, and that remind us that progress is never guaranteed. We confront converging crises, widening inequalities, climate pressures, financing gaps, and digital divides that risk leaving entire societies, behind. These realities demand not despair but determination. They call for a multilateral system that is more agile, that is more inclusive, and that is more accountable. That's why ECOSOC's role is important, indeed indispensable. ECOSOC has remained at the heart of the United Nations development architecture. This is the central forum where the world comes together to turn complexity into coherence, ambitions into policy, and commitments into measurable results. ECOSOC convenes diverse voices, coordinates the work of the UN systems, and catalyzes action, ensuring that our collective efforts remain focused on those furthest behind. In moments of uncertainty, ECOSOC provides directions. In moments of fragmentation, it provides unity. And in moments of crisis, it provides resolve. And it remains the bridge between global ambitions and national implementations. Excellencies, colleagues, 12 months ago, when I accepted the honour of serving as the President of the Economic and Social Council, I proposed a simple aspiration: Delivering Better. To me, those words were about strengthening confidence in multilateralism by ensuring that our work made a difference where it matters most. the most in the lives of the people. None of us could have anticipated the year that followed. Conflicts deepened, economic uncertainty intensified, development financing came under increasing strain, hard-won development gains came under growing pressure, and with only a few years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, The latest SDG report reminds us that only 36% of the targets are on track or making moderate progress. Amid these gaps and challenges, we were guided by the Council's vision and mandate, and by our shared commitment throughout this year. We approached every forum, every segment, every dialogue, and every negotiation with the unwavering conviction that development must remain the core principle of ECOSOC's mission and the lodestar guiding our collective efforts. Under the priorities of my presidency, we brought Member States, the UN systems, international financial institutions, multilateral development banks, academia, scientific communities, private sector, civil society, and a wide range of other stakeholders for strengthening food systems, advancing digital inclusion, supporting young people, amplifying the voices of the countries in special situations, and drawing greater attention to the growing impacts of climate change, including the risk posed by the Glaciers Lake Outpost floods. One year after the Sibiu commitment, our focus shifted from commitments to implementations. We convened the first-ever ECOSOC Special Meetings on Financial Integrity and on Credit Rating Agencies, bringing together governments, international finance institutions, investors, and private sector to help turn commitments into practical actions, because financing is never simply about finance. It is about whether countries can invest in their people, strengthen resilience, and create opportunities for future generations. Many developing countries, including my own country Nepal, are facing rising borrowing costs. Volatile energy prices, and mounting fiscal pressures, making the path towards sustainable development increasingly difficult. These pressures directly shape the choices governments can make today and the opportunities that will be available to our future generations. This year also reminded us how quickly global events reshape national realities, not least due to the continuing conflicts. For many countries, development has never been a straight path. For them, progress can take years to build, but only months and moments to set back. This is why I propose to ECOSOC Bureau the holding of a special meeting in May to discuss the economic and social effects of the ongoing disruptions of energy and supply flows, potential policy solutions, and ways in which the UN system may effectively address them. I deeply appreciate each one of you for the support you render and the contributions you made during this landmark ECOSOC meeting. Throughout this session, we also underlined the need to support countries in special situations, including LDCs, LLDCs, SEEDs, by highlighting their specific vulnerabilities, including through the joint thematic event of the General Assembly and ECOSOC on the midterm review of the Doha Programme actions for the least developed countries. We also underscored the importance of ensuring coherence, cooperation, and complementarities between the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council. The President of the General Assembly and I convened the Joint Meeting on Digital Inclusion, Innovations, and Youth Entrepreneurship. Through the Joint Meeting of the Economic and Social Council and Peacebuilding Commission, We emphasized the imperative of expanding young people's access to decent work and sustainable livelihoods, recognizing that these are the foundational pillars for both economic resilience and durable peacebuilding. We tried our best to make every segment and forum under ECOSOC more effective and impactful this year. The Bureau and myself also work to enhance the visibility of ECOSOC and strengthen awareness of its roles and contributions across the UN system and beyond. Similarly, we have excellent engagement with major groups and other stakeholders throughout this year. Dear colleagues, let me also recall that There were moments this year when agreement seemed beyond reach. Silence procedures were broken, negotiations stretched late into the night, positions appeared too far apart, and yet time and again we returned to the table, we listened, we stayed engaged even when agreement seemed out of reach. We refused to let dialogue give way to divisions. and ultimately we found common ground. The adoptions of the Financing for Development Forum outcome and the ministerial declaration of the 2026 HLPF reminded us that even in difficult times, consensus remains possible when we keep people rather than our difference at the center of our work. That experience reminded me why this Council matters. Throughout the year, I am always reminded by the wisdom in Nepal, Ekatanai Bolho, that is, unity is strength. It is a truth that has guided our nations for generations, and it is a truth that must guide our collective efforts in multilateral cooperation. When we stand together, when we listen to one another, when we respect every nation and every person, we demonstrate what multilateralism can achieve. We show that even in moments of difficulties and uncertainty, we can still find common ground in our shared interests. Excellencies, dear colleagues, earlier this year, as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of this Council, we reflected not only on its remarkable history, but on its future. Tomorrow, the General Assembly will consider the review of ECOSOC and the High-Level Political Forum. My hope is that tomorrow's deliberations will reaffirm our shared commitment to a stronger, more effective Council capable of advancing sustainable development, and restoring faith in international cooperation. The decisions we take now will shape not only the effectiveness of this Council, but the confidence that people place in multilateralism itself. At a time of mounting global challenges and deepening divides, we must ensure that ECOSOC remains a Council that listens, that convenes, and that delivers. Excellencies, colleagues, and friends, as my presidency comes to a close, I carry with me a deep sense of gratitude for the trust extended, the partnerships forged, and the shared determination to build a more just, more inclusive, and more sustainable world. I offer my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador Omar Benjamin on his election as the next President of the Council. I wish him and the incoming Bureau every success in the year ahead. As I take pride in the achievements we have secured over the year, I am equally mindful that no precedent solves alone. On this, I thank my fellow Bureau members, Ambassadors Amr Benjamin, Ambassador Paru Onasian, Ambassadors Wellington Dario Bonscume-Castanos, and Ambassador Hector José Gómez Hernández, for your support, for your friendship, for your wise counsel, and for your constant encouragement, and engagement. My sincere appreciation also goes to the Secretariat, especially UNDESHA and DGACM, whose professionalism, quiet dedication, and tireless work made this presidency possible. Above all, I owe a special gratitude to every member state for the confidence you have placed in me throughout this year. I extend my sincere appreciation to all the co-chairs and co-facilitators of the various processes under ECOSOC, as well as the members of the Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group to the Partnership Forum. Those include Permanent Representatives of Singapore, Germany, Austria, Zambia, Iceland, Maldives, Albania and Sierra Leone, whose stewardship, diligence, and constructive engagement have strengthened our collective work. I also wish to acknowledge former presidents of ECOSOC, whose experience, counsel, and stellar work have helped preserve the institutional strength and continuity of this Council. Their legacy reminds us that Each presidency is only one chapter in a much longer story. I thank colleagues at my Permanent Missions of Nepal. Their professionalism, tireless dedication, creativity, and unwavering commitment helped us to reach these important milestones. Excellencies, it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as the President of COSAC. For Nepal, this moment stands as a defining milestone. It is the first time in the 70 years since we joined this august organization that we have had the privilege to lead one of its principal organs. Its successful conclusion is a testament to Nepal's principled and constructive diplomacy, demonstrating that Nepal can provide effective multilateral leadership, build consensus among the member states, and make meaningful contributions to shaping global policies in pursuit of our shared aspirations and common futures. Personally, this responsibility has humbled me, inspired me, and deepened my convictions in the power of multilateral cooperation. To change lives and shape a more hopeful future. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of participating in more than 250 meetings, speeches, and bilateral engagements. Each was an opportunity for me to listen, to learn, and to better understand the priorities, concerns, and aspirations of the Member States and others. Stakeholders. Those conversations have left me more convinced than ever that the Council remains one of the few places where every country, large or small, has an equal voice in shaping our common future. Even as I leave this role, the values and principles that have guided me throughout this presidency will continue to guide me beyond this presidency. It is because the world expects more multilateralism. It is because people everywhere look to the United Nations for solutions that are principled, that are inclusive, and that are effective. It is because they look to the ECOSOC for coherence, for ambitions, and for results. That touches the lives. It is because only through cooperation, through integrity and shared purpose, can we deliver better that we must. Let us be reminded of a simple yet profound truth from Nepal's wisdom, eloquently expressed in our national anthem, Swem Phulkahami Euti Mala, that is, we are hundreds of flowers weaven into one garland. It captures the very essence of multilateralism— many nations, many perspectives, diverse experiences, many journeys, yet bound together by a shared commitment to dignity, to development, and common destiny and hope. In conclusion, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, at this cycle As this cycle concludes, I have every confidence that the best chapters of this Council are still being written. Let us make ECOSOC a beacon of hope and aspirations, driving solutions that strengthen multilateralism and deliver meaningful progress for people everywhere. To me, the Council must be The Council of Voices, where every perspective is heard. The Council of Visions, where we imagine a more sustainable and equitable future. The Council of Partnerships, where governments, communities, and stakeholders unite their strengths. And the Council of Actions, where commitments are transformed into results. And above all, the Council of Hope, where the world finds assurances, reassurances that multilateralism can still deliver for people and for the planet. This is, I believe, the ECOSOC we have worked to strengthen. This is the ECOSOC the world needs, and this is the ECOSOC that will continue to guide our collective efforts as we advance the 2030 Agenda. I thank you. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I now invite the Council to proceed to the elections of its President for the 2027 sessions of the Council. In accordance with the principle of geographical rotations, among the regional groups, the President of the 2027 session should come from the African states. In this regard, I understand that His Excellency Ammar Benjamins of Algeria has been endorsed by the group of African states as the President of the Economic and Social Council at its 2027 session. May I take it that the Council wishes to elect by acclamations His Excellency Omar Benzema, Permanent Representative of Algeria to the United Nations, as the President of the Council at its 2027 session? I hear no objections. I declare elected His Excellency Omar Benzema as President of the Council at its 2027 session.

Thank you.

On behalf of the members of the Council and on my own personal behalf, I would like to congratulate Ambassador Benjamin on his elections as President of the Economic and Social Council, and I wish him much success as he assumes this important office. I now invite Ambassador Benzema to assume his seat on the podium.

Thank you very much.

Excellencies.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, before delivering my statement as newly elected President of the Economic and Social Council, I invite the Council to proceed to the election of the other members of the Bureau of the Council for its 2027 session. I have been informed that the following candidates have been nominated to fill the post of Vice President. From the Eastern European States, His Excellency Tufik Musayev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the United Nations. From the Asia-Pacific State, His Excellency Salahuddin Norman Chowdhury, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations. And from the Latin America, and Caribbean State, His Excellency Juan Pablo Vegas Torres, Chargé d'Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Peru to the United Nations. In the absence of any other nomination, may I take it that it is the wish of the Council to elect, by acclamation, the aforementioned candidates as Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council at its 2027 session. No objections. I therefore declare elected Vice-President of the Council at its 2027 session. His Excellency Tufik Musayev of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Salahuddin Norman Chowdhury of Bangladesh, and His Excellency Juan Pablo Vegas Torres of Peru. I congratulate the newly elected Vice President and look forward to working closely with them on the Bureau of the Council. The election of the Vice President from the Western European and other states will be held at a later stage.

Thank you.

Excellencies, dear colleagues. Allow me first and foremost to express on my own behalf, and I believe on behalf of all of you, Our deepest gratitude and appreciation to my dear friend, His Excellency Lok Bahadur Thapa, for his outstanding leadership of the Council during the past session. It was a real privilege for me to serve as one of the Vice Presidents of ECOSOC under your leadership, and to work with you to ensure that the Council continues to deliver on its important mandate during these challenging times. And I wish to thank the outgoing Bureau members, my dear colleagues and friends. Ambassador Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia. Ambassador Benkos Castaños, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic, and Ambassador Gómez Hernández, Permanent Representative of Spain. I also warmly congratulate and welcome the incoming Bureau members: Ambassador Musayev from Azerbaijan, Ambassador Chowdhury from Bangladesh, and Ambassador Vega Torres of Peru. Excellencies, dear colleagues, it is an honor and a privilege to assume the presidency of the Economic and Social Council for its 2027 session. The trust The trust and confidence placed in Algeria and in my humble person by the African Group and by all members is deeply appreciated. Steadfast commitment, under the leadership and guidance of His Excellency Abdelmajid Tebboune, President of the Republic, to multilateralism and to the promotion of international cooperation and solidarity. It is also a responsibility And I intend to carry resolutely throughout my tenure. With your support and your dedication, we will work, we will work together to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Excellencies, today's world is navigating deeply interlinked challenges. Conflict persists in different parts of the world. Poverty and hunger continue to threaten millions. Inequalities are deepening. Gaps are widening. Food insecurity, debt burdens, and climate pressures continue to hinder our ability to achieve the SDGs. Against this backdrop, The 2030 Agenda remains critically off track. Only 17%— 17%— of SDG targets are progressing as intended. The financing gap for developing countries continues and is estimated at $4 trillion, $4 trillion per year. Next year, we will witness the last SDG Summit before the 2030 deadline. This is a critical juncture. We must take full use, full use of all tools at our disposal to put the SDGs back on track. This will require genuine multilateralism and also a stronger international cooperation and solidarity. It is in this spirit that the Algerian Presidency of ECOSOC has set 3 mutually reinforcing priorities for this session. First, Inclusivity. Inclusivity. Algeria will ensure that ECOSOC genuinely reflects the priorities and aspirations of all, all its members, with particular attention to countries in special situations. The Presidency will spare no efforts in creating space for all relevant stakeholders, ensuring meaningful engagement and substantive, substantive contribution to ECOSOC's works. It is equally important to give priorities to areas where further development and progress can be achieved. Second, accelerating SDGs implementations. Algeria will advocate for balanced progress across all dimensions of sustainable development, with particular focus on eradicating poverty and enhancing access to education, especially for girls, reducing inequalities, and advancing financing for sustainable development. Including, including debt relief and implementation of the Sevilla Commitment. Advancing collective environmental protection and promoting digital transformation in these areas of rapid, very rapid advances in artificial intelligence. It is equally critical to work in synergy to strengthen the role of ECOSOC in multilateral cooperation and to promote to promote more meaningful and more action-oriented deliberations. Third, reviewing trust in multilateralism and strengthening the role of ECOSOC. The Algerian Presidency aims to further reinforce trust and relevance, relevance of ECOSOC, and to contribute to strengthen its functioning. This will require encouraging the political, political engagement of all member states and all stakeholders. Contributing to the UN80 process and to reshaping the future of the United Nations. And finally, advancing resolutely the mandated review of ECOSOC subsidiary bodies scheduling. For 2027. Central to these efforts is enhancing— and I insist on that— enhancing the working method and efficiency of ECOSOC's day-to-day operations. We propose to move resolutely toward leaner, less formal interactions that prioritize substance— substance over procedural routine— by leveraging informal consultations, rationalizing the meeting calendar, and modernizing elections and decision-making procedures. Our presidency aims to save your valuable time to express your position within the Council. And to focus the Council's energy on improving implementation, implementation of its resolution and decision. Excellencies, dear colleagues, this is our vision for an ECOSOC that delivers better. But this vision will only succeed— will only succeed— with the support of each one of you. Let us work together in this last stretch before 2030. It is time for action. For concrete and robust action, it is time for implementation, accelerated and integrated implementation. It is time for result, concrete and tangible results that advance. our common agenda and leave no one, no country behind. I thank you.

Thank you. Difficult beginning.

I now invite statements for the floor. Does any delegation wish to take the floor at this stage? Russian Federation, followed by Armenia, Poland, Spain and Dominican Republic. Russian Federation, you have the floor.

Distinguished President, Russia welcomes the election of the Permanent Representative of Algeria as President of the Economic and Social Council. That is you, Mr. President. We echo congratulations to all of the newly elected members of the Bureau. That is Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, and Peru. Rest assured of the unwavering support of the Russian delegation for your work. On this occasion, we'd like to thank the previous bureau— Nepal, Armenia, Spain, Algeria, and Dominican Republic. We also would like to note I'm pleased to report that Mr. Tappa, as was mentioned in today's speech, believed and continues to believe in the role of the ECOSOC Council, despite internal difficulties which he had to deal with. President, In one of your recent statements, you mentioned the winds of time— winds of change, rather— that are blowing toward ECOSOC. We hope that you, as an able captain, will be able to guide the ship of ECOSOC in such a way as to ensure that this wind fills its sails, thus accelerating and strengthening it, as opposed to blowing it off course or blowing against it. Despite these winds, the navigational chart of ECOSOC ought to remain the mandate as enshrined in the UN Charter as well as UNGA decisions. The latest of these decisions will be considered by member states tomorrow in the General Assembly. It reaffirms the special powers of the President of ECOSOC The importance of his priorities during the working cycle, as well as the special responsibility of the President and Bureau to effectively organize the work of the Council, implement or realize the Council's crisis response capacity, as well as to invite qualified international experts to its forums, strengthen cooperation with charter and subsidiary bodies of the UN and its special institutions, including Bretton Woods institutions. We're looking forward to cooperating with you in all areas in accordance with resolution. It's also important to note that ECOSOC ought to remain an intergovernmental platform and ought to work strictly in accordance with established procedure, including with regard to the involvement of non-governmental stakeholders. Resolution 1996/31 of ECOSOC is the fundamental compendium of principles and procedures that govern this kind of cooperation. We'd like to also call on you to maintain adherence to time-tested methods of work for negotiations, especially with regard to reaching consensus-based decisions and line-by-line work on text. One sensitive prerogative of the presidency Is the selection of coordinators of intergovernmental negotiations. And here you will have to select not only well-qualified coordinators, but also those who have proven themselves to be champions of multilateralism to guide the process. And they are also based on consensus. We hope that on any issue and for any situation, the President and Bureau will be strictly guided by the rules and procedures, will consult the views of member states, and thus will help to further strengthen ECOSOC in global economic governance. As you had said earlier, we believe that the current composition of the Bureau was fully capable of dealing with the ambitious and honorable task before them. We wish you and the Bureau you lead every success in this work. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the representative of Armenia.

Thank you very much. President Bejjama, and warm felicitations— congratulations, dear Amar, with your elections. Allow me to express my sincere gratitude to President Tapa, dear Ambassador Locke, for his leadership, dedication, and most importantly, friendship throughout this year. I'd like also to warmly thank my fellow Bureau members, our dear colleagues from Spain, Ambassador Héctor, Again, Algeria Ambassador Omar and Dominican Republic Ambassador Wellington, for the excellent cooperation, collegial spirit, and shared commitment that guided our work. It has truly been a privilege to serve alongside all of you. Over the past year, we have worked through an exceptionally rich and demanding ECOSOC agenda. Together, we helped guide the Council's work through the High-Level Political Forum, the commemoration of ECOSOC's 80th anniversary, many discussions on financing for development, investment, food systems, sustainable infrastructure, partnership, and many, many other issues that are central for advancing the 2030 Agenda. I was honored to chair this year's coordination segment. I believe it demonstrated the importance of bringing different parts of the UN system together around shared priorities, strengthening coherence, and reinforcing ECOSOC's unique coordinating role. Having the opportunity to chair Council meetings, contribute as panellists to numerous events and discussions, that has been both a privilege and valuable learning experience. It reinforced my belief that ECOSOC's greatest strength lies in its ability to bring together diverse perspectives and translate dialogue into practical action. I was also pleased to bring Armenia's perspectives into our discussions, highlighting the priorities of landlocked developing countries, middle-income countries, promoting resilient infrastructure, and raising awareness of Armenia's preparation to host COP17 on biodiversity later this year. Finally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the ECOSOC Secretariat, dear DESA colleagues, for the outstanding professionalism and tireless support. Our work would not have been positive and possible without you. I wish the incoming Bureau members— again, Algeria, but also Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Peru— every success and assure you that Armenia will remain an active and committed partner in the work of ECOSOC. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Armenia. I now give the floor to the representative of Poland.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, allow me to extend my warm congratulations to you, Mr. President, and the members of the new elected Bureau of ECOSOC. And under your leadership as President, we wish you every success in steering the Council's important work in the year ahead. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the outgoing President, Nepal, and the Vice Presidents of Armenia, Dominican Republic, Spain and Algeria for their dedication and leadership. This meeting is of particular importance and significance for Poland, as it marks the conclusion of our 3-year term in ECOSOC. for the period 2024-2026. It has been a privilege to serve on the Council during a challenging period for the international community. Looking back, we are particularly proud of our contribution as the Vice President of ECOSOC, our work on operational activities for the Development Segment in 2025, and our co-organization together with Costa Rica of the ECOSOC Transition Meeting this year. Throughout our term, we sought to advance a simple but important message that all 3 pillars of the United Nations— development, peace and security, and human rights— are equally important and mutually reinforcing. We also worked to highlight resilience as a cross-cutting priority, recognizing its importance for sustainable development in an increasingly complex and uncertain world, where there is no development without peace and no peace without development. Another key priority for Poland was strengthening the ECOSOC itself. We advocated for a more focused, efficient, and action-oriented Council, with stronger policy guidance, clearer operational priorities, streamlined working methods, and greater coherence and ability to promptly respond to emerging issues, as we did during the Special Meetings also this year. Finally, we consistently emphasized the importance of meaningful stakeholder participation. In this regard, we look forward to the new Bureau. Advancing the implementation of the important outcomes of the General Assembly Review of ECOSOC and the LHPF, co-facilitated by Malta and Barbados. We hope for a more focused, efficient and outcome-driven ECOSOC, aligning with the UNAT reforms and the priorities of the new President. As Poland concludes its term, we remain strongly committed to the work of the United Nations and to supporting a stronger, more effective and more resilient multilateral system. Thank you all for having us at the Council for the last 3 years. Thank you so much.

I thank the representative of Poland. I now give the floor to the representative of Spain.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, allow me to begin by expressing the profound honor that it has been for Spain to be part of the ECOSOC Bureau over the past year. It has been a privilege to serve this Council at a moment of extreme complexity, but also one of vast opportunities for strengthening multilateralism. I would like to sincerely thank the President, Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, for his leadership, and I would also like to thank my Vice President colleagues, Ambassador Amar Benjama, Ambassador Parur, Ambassador Wellington. It has been a privilege to work together over this past year and to make ECOSOC an increasingly useful, effective, and relevant council. Over this year, we have seen that when a world fragments, development unites, and ECOSOC has been that space where differences can be turned into dialogue and where commitment to the 2030 Agenda continues to be strengthened through peace, human rights, and development. They are not 3 independent pillars. They are the 3 faces of the same project that is the United Nations. Today we are beginning a new cycle at a critical juncture. The UN80 initiative raises questions for all of us. Reforming the UN is not just a question of making it more efficient. It is also about making it more relevant for people. A more agile, more coordinated, and more effective organization will only make sense if it's also an organization that puts sustainable development at the heart of its decisions. Allow me now to express my congratulations to Ambassador Ahmad Benjama on his election as President of ECOSOC. I wish him every success and offer you all of Spain's cooperation. We are convinced that under your leadership, the Council will continue to play an essential role in strengthening the multilateral system and in the implementation of the commitments that you mentioned in your statement, which, our citizens expect from us. Spain is leaving the Bureau today, but it is not abandoning its commitment to this Council. We will continue to work to accelerate the SDGs, to implement the results of the Sevilla Conference, the Sevilla Commitment, and to promote follow-up on the Pact for the Future, because ultimately multilateralism is not measured by the number of meetings we have, but rather by the number of lives we are able to improve. And development is not a chapter of the United Nations Charter, it is the promise of dignity which gives meaning to the entire thing. May ECOSOC continue to be a space where that promise can become action. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Spain. I now give the floor to the representative Mr.

President, Excellencies, allow me to congratulate you, Ambassador Amal Benjema, Permanent Representative of Algeria, on your election as President of the Council for the 2027 session. Distinguished President, you enjoy the full support of the Dominican Republic. I wish to express my sincere gratitude on behalf of my delegation to Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa of Nepal, who is at the end of his term. He has conducted the Council's work with balance and with constant readiness for dialogue, preserving the Council's relevance as a demanding multilateral— in a demanding multilateral environment. I thank my colleagues, the outgoing Vice Presidents, Ambassador Parour, Jovhannesyan of Armenia, for his frank and constructive cooperation. Ambassador Hector Gomez of Spain, with whom I had the privilege of co-chairing the meeting on transitioning from relief to development. Mr. President, I warmly welcome to this bureau the permanent representative of Peru to the United Nations, who is taking on the vice presidency to represent GRULAC, and to Azerbaijan and Bangladesh, the other distinguished elected vice presidents. You have the determined and full support of the Dominican Republic. In my delegation, you will find a permanent ally that is ready to share absolutely all of the experience that we have accumulated. Excellencies, today's— the program of work that we adopted today reflects the scale of financing for development, science and technology, just transitions, and it reflects the importance of this organ. These decisions will directly determine the ability of developing countries to finance their own development. We trust that this cycle will maintain the focus on the most important subjects for our regions: access to resources for middle-income countries, the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda, the Doha Programme of Action, and support for countries in situations of particular fragility, including Haiti. The Council's methods of work must be in line with that ambition. They must be agile, predictable, and focused on substantive debate. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to the ECOSOC Secretariat and DESA, in particular the team that supported our vice presidency during the OAS segment. Your technical skills made the work possible that today we are reporting on. The Dominican Republic is leaving this bureau with the conviction that it has contributed in good faith And with full confidence in the work that this council has ahead of it, thank you very much, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of the Dominican Republic, and now I'll give the floor to the representative of Canada.

Merci, Monsieur le Président.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of my delegation, I congratulate you on your election to the presidency. I assure you of Canada's full support in the exercise of your functions, as well as our active and constructive participation in the work of the Council during this session. I would also like to congratulate Peru, Azerbaijan, and Bangladesh on their election to the vice presidencies.

Mr. President, I would also like to express our sincere appreciation for the appreciation to His Excellency Teppa, the outgoing President of the Council. We thank him for his leadership over the past year and for advancing his priorities in support of ECOSOC's mandate and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Our thanks also go to the outgoing Vice Presidents from the Dominican Republic and Armenia, as well as to Spain in its capacity as a representative of the Western European and Others Group. As we begin a new ECOSOC cycle, Canada remains firmly committed to strengthening the Council's role as a central platform for dialogue, coordination, and follow-up on sustainable development. In this respect, we welcome the adoption tomorrow in the General Assembly of the resolution on the review of ECOSOC and the High-Level Political Forum. We view this review as an important opportunity to enhance the Council's functions, and we look forward to working with the incoming Bureau to advance its implementation. Mr. President, Canada looks forward to working closely with you and all members of the Council to advance our shared objectives and to ensure that ECOSOC continues to deliver concrete results for people around the world. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Canada. I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the 14 African members of ECOSOC. The African members of ECOSOC wish to congratulate you Mr. President, Excellency, dear brother Ambassador Amma Benjamin, on your brilliant election by acclamation as President of ECOSOC for the 2026-27 period. We also extend similar words of congratulations to the new Bureau members. You can rely on our full support as you guide this principal charter organ of the UN in advancing the Sustainable Development Agenda. We would also like to express our appreciation to dear friend Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa of Nepal and commend him for his excellent stewardship of ECOSOC during a challenging yet auspicious period. Our appreciation also goes to the outgoing Bureau members. Mr. President, we attach great importance to ECOSOC's role in accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening international cooperation, and supporting efforts to address the development challenges facing our continent and the world. Amid unprecedented challenges. The 2030 Agenda and the African Union's Agenda 2063 are mutually reinforcing frameworks. They provide a common pathway towards structural transformation, inclusive growth, and sustainable prosperity while reflecting Africa's aspirations and priorities. From eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities to addressing climate change, debt crisis, digital divides, advancing financing for development and economic growth, the challenges before us require collective responses, particularly in support of African countries. Mr. President, you have just outlined an ambitious agenda. With priorities and focus areas that are aligned with African and developing countries' priorities. We agree with your call for the need to strengthen the effectiveness of ECOSOC and its working methods and promote further engagement and meaningful participation in its meetings. We also reiterate that reforming the international financial architecture and strengthening a multilateral system that is more representative, more inclusive, and more responsive to today's realities are essential to enable developing countries, particularly those in Africa, to fully deliver on the commitments we have collectively undertaken. Mr. President, the time has come to move from ambition to implementation, to make development a reality in the lives of our people. We are indeed confident that under Algeria's presidency, ECOSOC will continue to serve as a vital platform for advancing sustainable development, multilateralism, and international cooperation and solidarity. I thank you.

I thank the representative

Thank you, Mr.

President. I wish to express our sincere gratitude to the members of this Council and in particular to the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean for the confidence placed in Peru with our election to the Vice Presidency of ECOSOC. I would also like to express our congratulations and our thanks to Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa for the work that he has undertaken during his presidency. We share and we amplify his message of unity, of hope, and of the pursuit of common ground. Equally, Ambassador Benjama, we express to you our best wishes and support for the presidency which begins today, and we endorse the vision that you have just shared with us. And those same thanks go to the colleagues that are the outgoing vice presidents, in particular Ambassador Wellington from the Dominican Republic. For his excellent representation of our region, and to the colleagues from Azerbaijan and Bangladesh who are also taking on the vice presidencies this year. Colleagues, allow me to highlight 2 points. First of all, Peru is taking on this responsibility in line with the guiding principles of its foreign policy, which are firmly rooted in the defense of multilateralism and the promotion of international cooperation. Our efforts focus on the constant achievement of a better quality of life and comprehensive social progress for our citizens, with a particular emphasis on the most vulnerable populations. The development agenda under solid democratic institutions is a state policy for Peru. We will work closely with the other members of the Bureau to strengthen this Council and to consolidate its mandate for the coordination of the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Second, we take on this responsibility at a critical juncture, one that is marked by a complex international and uncertain international set of circumstances that is deepening our shared challenges. It is therefore essential that we reaffirm our commitment to multilateralism and that we strengthen the role of ECOSOC as a space for the promotion of dialogue and for accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. To this end, Peru will continue to work to prioritize the eradication of poverty and inequalities through comprehensive approaches which ensure resilient growth, the generation of opportunities, and social inclusion. Moreover, we will work to put the spotlight on a more inclusive international financial architecture which will allow developing countries to mobilize more resources. Mr. President, Peru will promote initiatives to continue prioritizing the urgent challenges that are impacting development. Transnational organized crime is one of those. It constitutes a threat which is undermining economic, social development, and the democratic institutions in particular in Latin America and the Caribbean. Equally, we will address disaster risk reduction in the face of the growing frequency of natural disasters and public health emergencies, in particular with regard to the El Niño phenomenon expected for the period 2026 to 2027. To conclude, Peru will exercise this vice presidency in the spirit of consensus and of firm support for the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. You can count on our full readiness to facilitate dialogue, to reach understandings, and to make sure that ECOSOC builds collective responses to global challenges. thus contributing to the sustainable development of our populations. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Peru. I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, let me congratulate you on your election as the President of this Council. You are a veteran diplomat and we are confident that the Council will immensely benefit from your vast experience and sound judgment. I also congratulate the Vice Presidents. In the same vein, I also thank the members for electing me to the Bureau. Bangladesh is honored and humbled by your trust, and we will do our utmost to live up to it. Let me also thank the outgoing President, my dear friend Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa, for leading the Council with calmness, openness, and commitment. I also thank the outgoing Vice Presidents, including yourself, Mr. President, for your dedicated service and for leaving us a strong foundation. Mr. President, the program before the Council is broad and cross-cutting, touching the lives of billions. Our task is to give it a purpose, to keep development high on the global agenda, and to turn agreed commitments into progress that people can see and feel. As the wider UN reform efforts advances, ECOSOC should lead by example by sharpening the focus of its work, strengthening follow-up, reducing duplication, and engaging the UN development system more coherently. We attach great importance to closer cooperation among the principal organs, each acting within its mandate. Stronger coordination among ECOSOC, the General Assembly, the Security Council can help that development, peace and security, and human rights reinforce each other as these cut across each other. Bangladesh looks forward to supporting you, Mr. President, in carrying forward this shared endeavor. I thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I thank the representative of Bangladesh, and now give the floor to the representative of Paraguay.

Muchas gracias, señor.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. My delegation would first of all like to express its most sincere congrats thanks to Ambassador Lok Bahadur Tapa. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Mr. President, and to the other distinguished members of the outgoing Bureau on your— for your leadership, dedication, and your efforts to conduct the work of this Council over the past year. Thanks to your commitment, it was possible to make progress through dialogue and cooperation on an agenda aimed at promoting development, and strengthening the role of ECOSOC as one of the fundamental pillars of the United Nations. At the same time, we sincerely congratulate Ambassador Ammar Ben Jamma on his election as President, as well as the other members of the incoming elected Bureau, and we wish them every success in the exercise of their important responsibilities in the upcoming cycle. We are also pleased to offer Paraguay's full support. This year is also particularly significant for my delegation because it marks the final year of Paraguay's membership of the Economic and Social Council for the current period. It has been an honor to contribute to the work of this organ and to actively participate in its deliberations, promoting the pursuit of results for the betterment of all of the member states. At the end of this period, we reiterate our profound thanks for the work done by ECOSOC, and we reaffirm our commitment to continue supporting these efforts with a particular focus on the needs and priorities of developing countries, and in particular of countries in special situations. Thank you very much, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of Paraguay. I now give the floor to the representative of Haiti. Monsieur le Président.

Mr. President, my delegation congratulates you on your election as President of ECOSOC. We also welcome the members of the Bureau and we wish you every success as you carry out your responsibilities. Haiti reaffirms its willingness to work closely with the Council to ensure that its national priorities are taken into account in the work of the Council. I would like to thank His Excellency Ambassador Tappa for guiding the work of the Bureau, which was done so skillfully. I also would like to congratulate the other members of the Bureau who accompanied him during his mandate. President, Haiti is undergoing a pivotal period for the consolidation of institutions, for restoring security, and for relaunching its administrative capacity. In this context, cooperation with ECOSOC is of strategic importance. Our country will continue to seek means and ways to reestablish political stability and to begin a national planning process to strengthen governance, improve economic and social capacity, and accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. These priorities inform all of our international commitments. It is in this spirit that your predecessor received the official candidacy of Haiti to the National Voluntary National Review of the High-Level Political Forum for 2027. This exercise for us is a key instrument for documenting progress achieved, identifying gaps, and for mobilizing tailored technical assistance. Its preparation requires methodological and consistent support from the Council and its subsidiary bodies, especially when it comes to statistical strengthening, inter-institutional coordination, and follow-up on public policy. In addition, as a member of the ad hoc consultative group on Haiti, we place particular importance on heightened coordination between the Council, the group, and our national authorities. This coordination is crucial in order to align interventions with national priorities, namely security, economic recovery, social reduction of poverty, social protection, empowerment of women and youth, and the restoration of the capacity of the state. Greater coherence between The pillars of the U.N. system will help to optimize the impact of technical and financial assistance. Mr. President, we remain convinced that your presidency will help to bolster the performance of the Council and improve the effectiveness of support measures for countries in vulnerable situations. As you've said in your statement, You mentioned these circumstances, and we are pleased with that. The 2027 Agenda, which will be adopted today, already defines the path to be taken to strengthen our work, multilateralism, and solidarity, which are so important when addressing systemic challenges. Haiti remains fully committed to working with you to promote tangible solutions that are adapted to our realities. and that will bring about concrete results for our people. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Haiti. I now give the floor to the representative of the State of Palestine.

Mr. President, the State of Palestine extends its warmest congratulations to you on your election as President of the Economic and Social Council for the upcoming session. We wish Algeria every success as it assumes this important responsibility and commend its commitment to advancing a constructive, inclusive, and ambitious agenda for the Council's work. We also extend our congratulations to the Bureau members on their election and extend our sincere appreciation to Nepal for its able leadership of ECOSOC during the previous session. Under Nepal's presidency, the Council was guided with dedication, inclusivity, and a strong commitment to multilateral cooperation and sustainable development. We welcome Algeria's vision and priorities for the session ahead and look forward to working closely to advance shared objectives, strengthen international cooperation, and promote meaningful progress across the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainable development. We wish Algeria every success in this important endeavor. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of Palestine and now give the floor to the representative of Lebanon.

Merci, Monsieur le Président.

Thank you, President. Good morning, everyone. Distinguished President, please allow me to echo previous speakers in congratulating you on your election. I would like to congratulate you on your election as President of the Economic and Social Council and also congratulate the members of the Bureau as well. Of course, you can count on the support of my delegation, and we also agree with the vision that you laid out. I also would like to thank the outgoing President, Ambassador Thapa from Nepal, outstanding work as the President of ECOSOC, as well as the other outgoing members of the Bureau. We are prepared to continue working closely with ECOSOC as it works to promote the 2030 Agenda, especially the 3 pillars— economic, social, and environmental. And I would add as well that this is of special importance for Lebanon, which is currently facing immense challenges— security, economic, social, and environmental challenges. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Lebanon. Now I give the floor to the representative of Qatar.

Thank you, Mr. President. The State of Qatar would like to warmly congratulate Algeria, represented by His Excellency Ambassador Ammar Benjamaa, for his election as President of ECOSOC. We express our confidence in your leadership for strengthening sustainable development and social justice. We would also like to express our appreciation to Nepal and to Ambassador Thapa for his successful I would like to congratulate the successful leadership of ECOSOC, especially the success of the 2nd Summit— World Summit on Social Development in Qatar and the ensuing political declaration on decent work and social inclusion. We are ready to collaborate closely with the new leadership to follow up on these commitments. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. I thank the representative of Qatar, and I now give the floor to the representative of Saudi Arabia.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is pleased to congratulate you, Ambassador Ammar bin Jaber, the Permanent Representative of Algeria for your election as President of ECOSOC for this session. We wish you every success in leading the work of ECOSOC. We would also like to express our appreciation to His Ambassador Thapa, the Permanent Representative of Nepal, for his sincere efforts during his presidency. And his leadership and wisdom in leading the work of ECOSOC. We wish him all success. We look forward to working with Your Excellency and with the Bureau and all member states in a spirit of cooperation and consensus to enhance the role of ECOSOC and support its efforts in implementing its mandate and achieving sustainable development and dealing with economic and social challenges on the global stage in the interest of all countries. Thank you, Mr. President.

Representative of Saudi Arabia. I now give the floor to the representative of Egypt.

Thank you, Excellency, for giving me the floor, and let me say that we extend our congratulations to Your Excellency on assuming the presidency of the ECOSOC. We believe that under your leadership, the Council will continue to advance its vital role in promoting sustainable development, strengthening multilateral cooperation, and responding to all the priorities of our member states and especially the developing countries. We would like also to extend our sincere appreciation to Nepal for its dedicated leadership and efforts throughout the demanding session, which included the reviews of the ECOSOC-HLBF, which is a very hectic process, and the HLBF Ministerial Political Declaration. Nepal's constructive engagement and commitment to consensus greatly contributed to guiding the Council's work. We believe, Mr. Excellency, that Algeria's I think the Egyptian presidency can play an important role also in keeping ECOSOC focused on accelerating implementation of the 2030 Agenda. We are preparing for the 2027 SDG Summit, which is very important for all of the member states and especially the developing countries, and sustaining attention to financing for development and debt sustainability.

These are the main concerns for us as Egypt and many of the developing countries. While Algeria assumes a presidency at a particularly demanding moment and with a broad and complex agenda before the Council, we would like to say that Egypt has full confidence in its experience and its balanced approach and ability to guide ECOSOC's work effectively and to foster consensus among the member states of the ECOSOC. We wish Algeria every success and assure it of Egypt's full support throughout its presidency. And thank you so much, Mr. Chair.

I thank the representative of Egypt. I now give the floor to the representative of Tunisia.

Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor. Tunisia would like to warmly congratulate the sisterly Algeria for its assumption of the presidency of the ECOSOC. We wish you every success in upholding this responsibility. We emphasize our confidence in Algeria's ability to manage the matters of the council ably and with great efficiency in order to make the management of the Council optimal in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the member states and achieves sustainable development. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Tunisia. Before closing this Thank you. Before we begin the next segment for statements, I would like to repeat on behalf of all of us our gratitude to Ambassador Tappa for his leadership, to him as well as the members of the Bureau.

Including myself.

For the progress we achieved during the 2026 mandate. I hope that Ambassador Tappan and the members of the Bureau will continue Thank you to all of the countries providing their interest and support to the incoming Bureau. We need that support. We thank you. Thank you once again, Ambassador Tappa.

I invite Naveed Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development, to deliver a statement on behalf of the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. Mr. Hanif, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to convey the regrets from Under-Secretary-General Lee Jin-hwa, who could not join you at this auspicious occasion due to other commitments. I will read only parts of his statement, but the full text will be circulated. In the interest of time, I'm shortening the delivery. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I am honored to address you today as the Economic and Social Council concludes a highly productive session and turned its focus to the critical final years of the 2030 Agenda. I would like to express my profound appreciation to Ambassador Lok Bahadur Thapa and the outgoing ECOSOC Bureau members from Algeria, Armenia, the Dominican Republic, and Spain. Ambassador Tapa, throughout your presidency, you have led the Council with wisdom, humility, dedication, and an unwavering belief in multilateralism. Under your leadership, ECOSOC has successfully navigated interconnected global challenges, prioritized the most vulnerable, and fostered dialogue, partnership, and consensus. Through its various segments, forums, and special meetings, the Council has strengthened policy coherence, mobilized partnerships, and demonstrated the enduring value of multilateral cooperation. I also extend my warmest congratulations to Ambassador Amer Benjema of Algeria and the incoming Bureau members from Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, and Peru. Ambassador Benjema, I eagerly anticipate our work together as you assume the Presidency of the Council. Building on your invaluable experience as Vice President and your deep commitment to sustainable development, I am confident that the Council will continue to be a central driving force in advancing the 2030 Agenda and strengthening international cooperation. Your leadership, Mr. President, will be crucial as ECOSOC takes forward its work under the annual theme of scaling up just transitions to achieve sustainable development, poverty eradication, and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs. Including the upcoming reviews of SDGs 4, 10, 12, 15, and 17. I encourage all Member States to remain actively engaged with the Council and its subsidiary bodies. Together, we can assure that ECOSOC is fully equipped to meet the challenges of our time and accelerate our journey towards the SDGs. Let me end by reassuring all Member States that UN DESA remains committed and ready to support the President, the Bureau, and all Member States in ensuring a successful and impactful session. I also wish to thank The outgoing Bureau members for their words of appreciation for the Department. As I mentioned, this concludes Mr. Junhua's statement. The full text will be circulated. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative, Mr. Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development. for statement. I see that Uruguay have requested for the floor.

Uruguay.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. The delegation of Uruguay would first of all like to express its most sincere gratitude to the outgoing President of the Economic and Social Council, His Excellency Ambassador Loc Bahadur Tapa, of the Kingdom of Nepal for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to conducting the work of the Council during the past session. We moreover extend our thanks to the Vice Presidents of the outgoing Bureau, the representatives of Algeria— you yourself, Excellency— Armenia, the Dominican Republic, and Spain for their valuable contributions to the good functioning of the Council and to strengthening the spirit of dialogue and cooperation that characterizes this body. At the same time, we congratulate— very much sincerely congratulate you as the new President of ECOSOC, Your Excellency Ambassador Ammar Benjama of the Democratic Popular Republic of Algeria. We wish you every success in your important function. We extend our congratulations also to the new Vice Presidents, the representatives of Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, and Peru, who we assure in our national capacity and also this year As we exercise the presidency of the G77 in China, we assure you of the full support of the delegation of Uruguay in the tasks that you will undertake together with you, Mr. President. Allow me to, in particular, extend my gratitude to Peru, whose presence on the Bureau is a source of particular satisfaction for our region of Latin America and the Caribbean, and also a valuable opportunity to continue promoting the joint priorities of our region within the Council. Uruguay reaffirms its firm commitment to the work of ECOSOC and expresses its readiness to work constructively to strengthen the role of the Council in promoting sustainable development and multilateral cooperation. Lastly, allow me to express thanks for all of DESA's support for the functioning of this Council. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Kuwait. I'm not attending— okay, Kuwait have asked for the floor. It will be the last speaker.

Thank you, Mr.

Chair, and thank you for saving the last spot for me. At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Permanent Representative of Nepal for his successful chairmanship of ECOSOC, and I would also like to congratulate you, Mr. President, Mr. Chair, for gaining the support of the member states. The State of Kuwait is not a member of the ECOSOC; however, as a member of the United Nations, you have our full support.

All the best.

Thank you. I thank the distinguished representative of Kuwait. Let's go to item number 2 of our agenda. I now invite the Council to turn its attention to the provisional agenda Of the 2027 session of the Council, which is before you in document E/2027/1. Are there any comments on the provisional agenda? May I take it that? The Council wishes to approve its provisional agenda. No objection. The provisional agenda of the 2027 session of the Council is adopted. Now, item 3. I now invite the Council to consider agenda item 3. Basic program of work of the Council. Under this item, I invite the Council to consider draft resolution E/2027/L1 entitled Working Arrangement for for the 2027 session of the Economic and Social Council, which has been prepared in accordance with the provision of relevant General Assembly resolutions and taking into account Council Decision 2026/3 247, adopted on 21 July 2026. I wish to inform the Council that the draft resolution has no program budget implications. Does any delegation wish to take the floor? I see no request from the floor. May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft resolution L1? No objection. Draft Resolution L1 is adopted. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of the draft resolution? No request.

Thank you, Mr. President. Distinguished colleagues, before concluding our work for this morning, I would like to turn to the seating arrangement for the members of the Council. At its 2027 session. In accordance with established practice, I propose that we draw a lot for the seating arrangement in the Chamber from among the Member States. Not me. You. Okay. Suriname. Suriname has been selected to take The first seat for the members of the Council at its 2027 session. Congratulations. The seating of the remaining members will continue in the alphabetical order. In English.

Dear colleagues, our Council has thus concluded its programme of work for the meeting. I hope that delegates will be able to take a break from their very busy schedule. During the remainder of the summer. And I look forward to working with you all throughout this 2027 session. Thank you, interpreter. The meeting Meeting is adjourned.