UN Transcripts — https://transcripts.un.org/en/ecosoc/2026/23
Economic and Social Council: 23rd plenary meeting, 2026 Management Segment — Economic and Social Council — 10 June 2026
Language: en
Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record.

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Nigeria · Co-Chair · Matthew Gbonjubola [4:00]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is my honor as co-chair of the United Nations Committee of Experts Committee on International Cooperation in Tax Matters to introduce the Committee's reports on its 31st and 32nd sessions to the Economic and Social Council. Developing countries need tax revenues to fund public services and infrastructure. Yet the gap between what they collect and what they need remains wide. The Sevilla Commitment reaffirmed the role of taxation in sustainable development. Stronger tax systems are essential not only for collecting revenues but also for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN Tax Committee translates these commitments into action. As a subsidiary body of this Council, its 25 members drawn from all regions shape norms and policies and produce practical guidance and tools that help countries especially developing ones, to build fairer and more effective tax systems and to strengthen international tax cooperation. The reports before you cover the work of the 2025-2029 membership in setting its course for the years ahead. Using demand-driven approach coupled with priority setting, the Committee established 11 workstreams including updating the UN Model Tax Convention and work on indirect taxes, wealth taxation, tax and gender, and how tax administrations can leverage AI. Work plans for all the workstreams were adopted by consensus in March 2026. The committee's strength lies in— lies as much in how it works as in what it produces. Its approach is open and multidisciplinary. Experts, past administrations, international organizations, academia, civil society, and business take part in the Committee's work. More than 300 expressions of interest were received to join its subcommittees. Since 2018, a genuine community of practice devoted to tax for the Sustainable Development Goals and to stronger international cooperation has formed around the Committee. Its guidance reaches tax administrations through the capacity-building work of the UN DESA and its partners. This Council saw that community at work during its last Special Meeting on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, which drew senior officials from capitals, international organizations, academia, into the conscious action-oriented dialogue. On behalf of my co-chair and Good morning, Your Excellencies.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [20:17]:

Good morning, dear colleagues. I call to order this 23rd meeting of the Economic and Social Council. Dear colleagues, the programme of work was circulated in eDelegate. It is also available in today's journal and on the website of the Council. Participants This meeting are reminded that introductory statements by elected officers or subsidiary bodies and Secretariat representatives are limited to 4 minutes. 4 minutes. Second, statements for the general discussion of agenda items are 5 minutes for group of state and 3 minutes for individual delegations. Third, explanations —of vote or position or general statements in connection with draft proposals for consideration under the same sub-item may be made once before consideration of all draft proposals under a given item or sub-item and once after the adoption of all draft proposals under the item or sub-item and are limited to 5 minutes. Dear colleagues, the Council will begin its consideration of Agenda Item 18E, Population and Development. I invite His Excellency Zéphirine Maniratanga, excuse me, sir, of Burundi. Chair of the Commission on Population and Development, to introduce the report E/2026/25. You have the floor, sir.


Burundi · Chair · Zéphirine Maniratanga [23:29]:

Merci, Monsieur Okesi.

Thank you very much, President. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I am honored to introduce the report of the 59th session of the Commission on Population Development. This was held from the 13th to 17th of April, 2026. The theme for this session was Population, Technology and Research in the Context of Sustainable Development. This was a timely choice and particularly relevant because it was the first time that the Commission considered in detail the ramifications of technological innovation and scientific research on policy choice for policy and sustainable development-related issues. The discussions highlight the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies for the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, and also the goal— the SDGs from the 2030 Agenda. Throughout the session, member states and experts, practitioners, and UN entities and other stakeholders underscored that technological innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence and megadata, digital platforms, and geospatial technology, have the potential to accelerate progress towards sustainable development. At the same time, participants insisted on the fact that unequal access to these emerging technologies risks accentuating existing inequalities between countries and within countries. Particularly depending on the rev— on their income, geographical location, age, and gender. We heard a lot of— many appeals for a human rights-based approach to technology, as well as one focuses on inclusion and gender equality. We— the Commission highlighted the importance of ensuring that innovation remains focused on human beings, and so that decisions should be guided by human dignity and equality of opportunity for all. Throughout the life cycle. Concerns were also expressed regarding violence that has been facilitated by technology, algorithmic bias, and the increasing digital divide, in particular how that impacts women and girls, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. A recurring topic throughout the session was the importance of investing testing in national statistical systems, as well as demographic research and population data. Delegations also underscored that reliable, high-quality data broken down into different categories is crucial for— for having solid databases for policies and to support progress towards the SDGs. However, they also cautioned against the growing gaps and global inequalities on data and access to the digital services, which could worsen. The Commission's deliberations also showed how it is— continues to be relevant as long— and as long as it can adapt as part of ECHOSOC and as a technical commission of that. This is closely linked to intergovernmental processes on a broader level and recent outcomes at the UN, particularly the Pact for Future and the Global Digital Pact. In discussing this, we met— the Commission contributed to strengthening consistency within the UN in terms of different policies, and it also consolidated the role of ECOSOC as a platform for follow-up on existing commitments on sustainable development. Although the Commission wasn't able to reach consensus on a resolution on the theme for the session, the preparatory work and the deliberations were not in vain. I'm convinced that the Secretary-General's reports and the general debate, the roundtables, side events also organized during the session, as well as negotiations on the draft resolution, did provide us with new data and new points of view which should be useful for ECOSOC's work, um, as, as well as work by member states. Discussions also showed that we are closely— that the Commission is following closely the review of ECOSOC technical commissions to ensure that we take into account emerging global issues as well as strengthening collaboration within the UN system and the promotion of dialogue that is more basis— based on solid data and work that is action-oriented. In Chapter 1 of the report on the 59th Session, the Commission recommends to the Council that they adopt the draft— provisional draft agenda, as well as the documentation at its 60th session. It also draws attention to ECOSOC, its decision on the theme for the 61st session, which will be held in 2028. To conclude, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my colleagues from the Bureau, to the Secretariat in particular, to Dessa, and to DGACM as well as the UNFPA and thank them for their vital support throughout the session. I would also like to welcome the new bureau, the incoming bureau of the 60th session of the Commission, who will be chaired by His Excellency Dori Bek, Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to the United Nations, and I wish them every success. To ensure a fruitful session in 2027. Thank you very much.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [29:27]:

I thank His Excellency Zeferine Maniratanga of Burundi, Chair of the Commission on Population and Development. Dear colleagues, the floor is now Open for a general discussion on Item 18E. A me ice breaker. I understand that The Commission on Population and Development has made a very good job under the leadership of His Excellency, the Permanent Representative of Burundi. Since there are no requests, can I consider that the Council has thus concluded the general discussion on Item 18? Let's move now to action. The Commission recommended one draft decision entitled "Report of the Commission on Population and Development on its 59th Session and Provisional Agenda of its 60th Session" as presented. By our colleague from Burundi. Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with the draft decision? Again, I see no request from the floor. May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the draft decision? No objection. The draft decision is adopted. And the Council has concluded its consideration of item 18E. Congratulations, Ambassador. Thank you. I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change. I now invite the Council to begin its consideration of Item 19, Social Development. And I invite Her Excellency Kristina Hyovychyn of Ukraine. Chair of the Commission for Social Development at its 64th session to introduce the Commission's report in E/2026/26.


Ukraine · Chair · Kristina Hyovychyn [34:24]:

You have the floor, Madame. Thank you, Excellency Vice President of the Economic and Social Council, Excellencies distinguished delegates. As Chair of the 64th Session of the Commission for Social Development, it is my honor to present the report of the session which took place from 2nd to 10th February 2026. The 64th Session convened under the priority theme Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated Equitable and inclusive policies. As the first session following the Second World Summit for Social Development and the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, it offered a critical moment for member states to begin translating the commitments reaffirmed in Doha into concrete policy discussions and intergovernmental action. The session saw strong and diverse engagement. 21 ministers and vice ministers participated in the session, alongside senior government officials, representatives of the United Nations system, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. More than 700 non-governmental organizations registered, and approximately 45 side events and a civil society forum enriched the discussions. 5 interactive discussions complemented the general debate and enabled member states and stakeholders to exchange experiences, good practices, and policy perspectives on key social development issues. A key message that emerged is the progress in social development will ultimately be measured by implementation at the national level, requiring stronger policy coherence, adequate financing for social investment, and enhanced international cooperation to close persistent implementation gaps. The Commission adopted by consensus two resolutions and one decision. The first resolution on advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable, and inclusive social policies reaffirmed the central role of coordinated and inclusive policies in advancing social development and social justice. The second resolution addressed the social dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa's Development. The Commission also adopted a decision establishing the priority theme for its 65th session, which is strengthening social development through intergenerational approaches for achieving sustainable development and the implementation of the Copenhagen and Doha commitments towards 2030 and beyond. Crucially, the resolution on the priority theme reaffirmed Commission's primary responsibility for the follow-up and review of the outcomes of the World Summit for Social Development, the 24th Special Session of the General Assembly, the Doha Summit, and other intergovernmental social development commitments. It also called for this role to be further strengthened. The Commission remains fully committed to supporting member states in advancing the implementation of the Doha Political Declaration and ensuring sustained follow-up to global social development commitments. The session also reflected the direction encouraged by the 2022 review of ECOSOC subsidiary bodies. Through broad engagement with member states, the United Nations system, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders, and through its emphasis on integrated policy approaches and actionable policy recommendations, the Commission contributed to strengthening policy dialogue and advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It also continued to support the work of the Council and the High-Level Political Forum by providing policy guidance and substantive inputs on social development issues. Delegations emphasized that ambition must be matched by means of implementation. Persistent fiscal constraints, debt burdens, external shocks, and extraordinary challenges, including armed conflicts, continue to strain social protection system. This was accompanied by repeated calls for strengthened international cooperation, predictable financing for social investment, and a more coherent multilateral response. Civil society played a central role throughout the session. Their engagement highlighted that social development is lived and experienced in communities, and their contributions continue to inform both national and global policy. Discussions. The discussions further reaffirmed that fragmented approaches are no longer sufficient and that coordinated and inclusive policies are essential to translating commitments into tangible outcomes. A shared understanding also emerged that leaving no one behind requires sustained collective action at all levels. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the Commission for Social Development remains steadfast in in its commitment to advancing social development, supporting the broader work of the Economic and Social Council, and promoting inclusive, equitable, and resilient societies for all. I thank you.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [40:01]:

Of the Commission of Social Development for its declaration. Again, The floor is now open for a general discussion on Item 19B. You have the floor.


Speaker 7 [40:39]:

Seems to have been a mistake.

It was probably by mistake. I think it was a mistake.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [40:43]:

I understand there was a mistake. I see no request. From the floor, may I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the draft decision? No, excuse me. Has this concluded the general discussion on agenda item 19B? Before taking any action on the recommendation of the Commission for Social Development, does any delegation wish to make a statement? Statement in connection with any of the draft proposals? No request. Good. The Council will now consider the draft proposals. Look at Section A, where the Commission recommended the adoption of two draft resolutions. May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt Draft Resolution 1, entitled "Social Dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa's Development." No objection. Draft Resolution 1 is adopted. May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt Draft Resolution 2, entitled "Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through Coordinated, Equitable and Inclusive Social Politics"? No objection? Draft Resolution 2 is adopted. In Section B, the Commission recommends the adoption of two draft resolutions. May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt Draft Resolution 1, entitled "Priority Theme of the 65th Session of the Commission for Social Development." No objection? It is so decided. Last, may I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the Draft Resolution II— the Draft Decision II— entitled "Report of the Commission for Social Development on its 64th Session" and also the provisional agenda of and documentation of the 65th session. No objection. It is so decided. Does any delegation wish to make a statement? Statement after the adoption of this resolution and decision? No request. And I consider that the Council has concluded this stage of its consideration of Agenda Item 19. Good. Can I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change? Work made by our colleagues from Ukraine. I now invite the Council to jointly, jointly consider Agenda Item 12: Mainstreaming a Gender Perspective into all policies and programs in the United Nations systems. Together with Item 18, Women and Development, and Item 19, Advancement of Women. I invite Mr. Noah Hoel of Liechtenstein, Vice Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women at its 78th session, to introduce under item 19 the Report E/2017/1. 2026/27. You have the floor, sir.


Liechtenstein · Vice-Chair · Noah Oehri [48:12]:

Mr. Vice President, distinguished delegates, I am pleased to present the outcome of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which took place from 9th to 19th of March. The session was effectively and skillfully led by Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde of Costa Rica, and her capacity as Chair of the Commission. Under her able leadership and guided by the Commission's methods of work, multi-year program of work, and the CSW revitalization resolution, the session delivered strong and substantive outcomes. It was marked by a high level of engagement from member states, civil society organizations, and youth representatives, fostering rich and inclusive dialogue and reinforcing the Commission's role as the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. The session was preceded by a multi-stakeholder hearing with the participation of member states, observers, ECOSOC-accredited NGOs, national human rights institutions, academic institutions, and the private sector, which was convened by the CSW chair in January. This year's session witnessed a significant number of member states and stakeholder engagement. The Commission's ministerial segment brought together two heads of state and government, one vice president, five deputy prime ministers, and 75 ministers who participated actively in the general discussion, ministerial roundtables on the priority theme and the focus area on the empowerment of older women, as well as the first high-level meeting on violence against women and girls. Participants once more reaffirmed a strong commitment to advancing gender equality the rights and empowerment of all women and girls while sharing national experiences, emerging priorities, and concrete recommendations for accelerating implementation and addressing persistent and emerging challenges. CSW70 considered as its priority theme ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers, on the basis of which it adopted a set of concise, action-oriented, and time-bound agreed conclusions that laid out key policy recommendations for governments and other stakeholders in line with the CSW revitalization resolution. I was honored to co-facilitate the negotiations with my fellow vice chair of the commission, Ms. Flavia Umaliza of Rwanda. The agreed conclusions reaffirm member states' commitment to review, repeal, and amend discriminatory laws and policies, including those related to child marriage, family law, and property and inheritance rights. They also call for strengthened efforts to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against women and girls, including through ensuring accountability for perpetrators and providing survivors with timely access to to justice, protection, and comprehensive support services. In addition, the agreed conclusions recognized the importance of adequate and sustainable financing for justice systems, as well as strengthened coordination across justice institutions to ensure the effective, timely, and gender-responsive delivery of remedies for women and girls. They further underscored the need to expand women's and girls' access to digital justice mechanisms and legal aid services.— helping to remove barriers to justice and promote equal access to rights and legal protections. We count on the Council's leadership to ensure that the Greek conclusions are fully taken into account throughout the UN system and inspire your work and that of the High-Level Political Forum. The Commission also reviewed progress on the Greek conclusions from its 65th session on women's full and effective participation and decision-making in public life. As well as the elimination of violence, for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, where 12 member states from different regions made voluntary presentations and shared their lessons learned, challenges, and best practices. An expert panel and an interactive dialogue among youth representatives with the participation of member states, civil society organizations, UN entities, and other stakeholders provided valuable opportunities for in-depth discussion of the priority theme. These exchanges enriched the Commission's deliberations by bringing diverse perspectives, experiences, and recommendations to the discussion and underscored the importance of inclusive and intergenerational engagement in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. The Commission took note of the report of its working group on communications and decided to include it in the present report in its entirety. Moreover, the Commission also adopted the Resolution on Women, the Girl Child, and HIV/AIDS. Looking ahead to 2027, the 71st session of CSW will consider the priority theme Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls in the Context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, review implementation of agreed conclusions from its 67th session on Achieving Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls in the in the context of climate change, environmental risk, environmental and disaster risk reduction, and policies and programs, and consider poverty and the economic empowerment of women as a critical area of concern and cross-cutting issue. Under the leadership of Ambassador Wellington Becosme of the Dominican Republic as chair of the Commission, the CSW71 Bureau is committed and stands ready to work with all member states and UN Women, the Commission's Representative Secretariat to ensure that CSW will continue to build synergies for the accelerated realization of gender equality, rights and the empowerment of all women and girls everywhere. I thank you.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [54:02]:

I thank Mr. Noah Oehri of Liechtenstein, Vice Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women at its Seventieth Session for his introduction of the report. I now open the floor for a joint discussion of agenda items 12C, 18G, and 19A. No request? Since there are no requests, the Council has concluded the general discussion of Agenda Items 12, 18 and 19. I now invite the Council to take action on the draft decision contained in the report of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. Does any delegation wish to make a statement before we take action. No request. May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the draft decision entitled "Report of the Commission on the Status of Women" on its 70th session and the provisional agenda and documentation for the 71st session. Good. No objection. It is so decided. Any delegation wish to make the floor? To take the floor after the adoption? None. Dear colleagues, also submitted under Agenda Item 19, is the note by the Secretariat transmitting the report of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women on its 90th and 91st sessions, issued as Document E/2026. /62. May I take it that the Council wishes to take note of the report for transmittal to the 81st session of the General Assembly? No objection. It is so decided. The Council has concluded its consideration of Agenda Items 12C, 18G, and 19A. May I thank you, Mr. Noah Hoemi, for his presentation, and congratulations. For the work done. Thank you very much. I now invite the Council to consider—


Speaker 11 [58:19]:

One sec, the Chair of the CND has come. Is he here?

He's just coming in. Hello.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [58:52]:

May I invite the Council to consider Agenda Item 19, narcotic drugs. I invite His Excellency Andranik Hovhannisyan of Armenia, Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, at its 69th session to introduce the report in E.2025/28 Addendum 1 and E.2026/28. Welcome to New York. You have the floor, sir.


Armenia · Chair · Andranik Hovhannisyan [59:52]:

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It's a pleasure to attend this meeting. The 69th session was attended by over 2,000 participants from a diverse range of stakeholders. 172 side events, and 23 exhibitions were also organized. The Commission adopted 5 resolutions, all of them by a vote. The topics covered this year are listed on the screen. In addition, the Commission adopted 3 decisions on the scope of control of substances under the international drug control conventions, as reflected on the screen. Another important milestone was the establishment of the expert panel pursuant to Resolution 68/6, adopted at the 68th session of the Commission in March 2025. Through this resolution, the Commission established a multi-disciplinary panel mandated to develop recommendations to strengthen the work of the Commission and support implementation of the international drug policy commitments in preparation for the CND 2029 review of the intergovernmental drug policy commitments. The resolution provides for a panel of 19 independent experts selected on the basis of equitable geographical representation, gender balance, and a broad range of expertise. During the 69th session, the remaining experts and the co-chairs were elected, enabling the Panel to become fully operational. The Panel is expected to submit its final recommendations to the Commission at its 17th session in 2027, thereby contributing substantively to preparations for the 2029 review. UNODC serves as the Panel's Secretariat throughout its mandate. Allow me now to turn to the CND thematic discussions. Since 2016, these discussions have provided an important platform for continued engagement between Commission sessions, including the exchange of best practices and consideration of emerging challenges. They also play a key role in preparations for the 2029 review by strengthening understanding of and responses to the evolving world drug problems. The CND is committed to contribute to the work of the Economic and Social Council. As you may recall, in January this year, I participated via video message in the ECOSOC Coordination Segment. I have further submitted in my capacity as Chair a substantive written input to the 2026 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. With regard to the follow-up to Assembly Resolution 75/219, and the recommendations arising from the 2022 review, the CND has taken the following actions. First, the Commission has strengthened cooperation with relevant bodies, including through enhanced collaboration with the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and continued cooperation with UNEDUC, WHO, INCB, and other stakeholders. Second, to support more focused and action-oriented discussions, the Commission is using its annual thematic discussions and has organized focused discussions such as the 2025 Regional Consultations for Africa on access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes. Third, the Commission has broadened stakeholder participation through expanded engagement of a broad range of stakeholders in thematic discussions and side events, regular dialogue with the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs, and continued use of hybrid modalities whenever feasible. Finally, the Commission has strengthened outreach through dedicated web pages, thematic portals, social media engagement, and dissemination of concise Chair summaries and web-based materials. Initiatives such as the Pledge for Action have also further supported implementation-focused discussions and voluntary commitments aimed at translating commitments into concrete actions. In conclusion, the CND counts on the Council to provide visibility to the important work undertaken in Vienna. Invitations to brief councils such as the one today are useful opportunities. The CND is operating with limited resources in an efficient and cost-effective manner, and it is hoped that the challenging financial situation of the UN will not jeopardize the valuable work done within the Commission. Thank you for your attention.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [1:05:21]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank the Chair of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. I now invite Ms. Sevil Atasoy, President of the International Narcotics Control Board, to introduce the Board's report in E/INCB/NCB. 2025/1. You have the floor, madam.


INCB · President · Sevil Atasoy [1:06:02]:

Distinguished Vice President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to present the 2025 Annual Report of the International Narcotics Control Board. International cooperation through the framework of the three international drug control conventions safeguards the health and welfare of people globally and is the focus of the thematic chapter of this year's report. The global system of estimates and assessments for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is a success story for international cooperation demonstrated by the very low level of diversion of illicitly produced controlled substances. However, global progress in improving availability is yet to be reflected in data reported to INCB. Despite morphine being one of the most affordable opioids for pain treatment and palliative care, 86% of global consumption is concentrated in Europe and North America. 82% of the world population, mainly in low- and middle-income countries, consumed only 14% of the morphine used globally for pain management in 2024. Similarly, there are still substantial regional disparities in the consumption of psychotropic substances used in the treatment of neurological and mental health conditions. Barriers include regulatory requirements, cultural issues, and inadequate training. Improving availability including during humanitarian emergencies, requires an integrated approach that also addresses affordability. The INCB learning program helps governments to implement the drug control conventions with the aim of improving availability for medical purposes. To support governments in preventing illicit drug manufacture and trafficking in highly potent synthetic drugs such as fentanyls and nitazenes, the INCB Precursor Control and GRIDZ programs offer training and advanced technological tools. As of 2025, over 125,000 government intelligence pieces involving over 3 million trafficking signals were exchanged in real time through the INCB IONIX tools. In March 2025, use of the INCB PEN Online platform prevented the diversion of 3 tons of 1-broc-4-piperidon, a fentanyl precursor which could have been used to manufacture up to 1.6 billion potentially fatal doses of fentanyl. The 2025 The Precursors Report provides an update of the world precursor situation and action taken to implement Articles 12 and 13 of the 1988 Convention on Precursors, Materials and Equipment Used in Illicit Drug Manufacture. Both reports set out recommendations for a balanced approach to international drug control. While the conventions provide flexibility in the choice of measures, national systems must ensure that the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is limited —exclusively to medical and scientific purposes, and that implementation measures take into consideration the principle of proportionality, the rule of law, and human rights. INCB is committed to reinforcing the cooperative efforts of countries to implement the drug control conventions, address emerging challenges, and ultimately safeguard health and welfare. However, the impact of the Board's efforts is dependent upon the active participation and support of member states and sustained resources. The continuing regular budget liquidity crisis has resulted in the postponement of critical INCB country missions and staffing shortages in the Board Secretariat. A lack of reliable regular budget resources has the potential— to compromise the Board's ability to approve and process estimates and assessments for hundreds of tons of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances used in anesthesia, pain management, opioid agonist therapy, and for the treatment of neurological and mental health disorders. With potentially disastrous consequences for people worldwide. Similarly, predictable extra-budgetary resources are crucial to ensure the continued activities of INCB Learning and the Precursor Control grids programs. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [1:13:24]:

Thank you, madame, for this presentation. The floor is now open for general discussion. No request? Excuse me. May I consider that the Council has thus concluded the general discussion on Item 19? Now, action. I now invite the Council to take action —on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Does any delegation wish to make a statement before the adoption? No request. So we will now consider the draft decisions one by one. May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the draft decision entitled "Report of the Commission on Narcotics, Drugs on its reconvened 68th session.

No objection?

It is so decided. In the report of the Commission on its 69th session, one draft resolution and two draft draft decisions are recommended for adoption. May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the draft resolution entitled "Appendix to complement the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development"? No objection. It is so decided. Now, may I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft resolution— resolution— draft decision 1, entitled Report of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on its 69th session and the provisional agenda for its 70th session. No objection. It is so decided. Last, may I take it that the Council wishes to adopt Draft Decision 2 entitled "Report of the International Narcotics Control Board." No objection. It is so decided. Does any delegation wish to make the floor— to make a statement after Adoption. No request for the floor. The Council has concluded its consideration of Agenda Item 19. I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change. I now invite the Council to consider Agenda Item 18-H, International Cooperation on Tax Matters. We will hear a video statement by Mr. Matthew Gonjubola of Nigeria, co-chair of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters on the reports of the Committee's 31st Session and 32nd Session.


Nigeria · Co-Chair · Matthew Gbonjubola [1:19:11]:

President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it is my honor as co-chair of the United Nations Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters to introduce the Committee's reports on its 31st and 32nd sessions to the Economic and Social Council. Developing countries need tax revenues to fund public services and infrastructure. Yet the gap between what they collect and what they need remains wide. The Sevilla Commitment reaffirmed the role of taxation in sustainable development. Stronger tax systems are essential not only for collecting revenues but also for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. The UN Tax Committee translates these commitments into action. As a subsidiary body of this Council, its 25 members drawn from all regions shape norms and policies and produce practical guidance and tools that help countries especially developing ones, to build fairer and more effective tax systems and to strengthen international tax cooperation. The reports before you cover the work of the 2025-2029 membership in setting its course for the years ahead. Using demand-driven approach coupled with priority setting, the Committee established 11 workstreams including updating the UN Model Tax Convention and work on indirect taxes, wealth taxation, tax and gender, and how tax administrations can leverage AI. Work plans for all the workstreams were adopted by consensus in March 2026. The Committee's strength lies in— lies as much in how it works as in what it produces. Its approach is open and multidisciplinary. Experts, past administrations, international organizations, academia, civil society, and business take part in the Committee's work. More than 300 expressions of interest were received to join its subcommittees. Since 2018, a genuine community of practice devoted to tax for the Sustainable Development Goals and to stronger international cooperation has formed around the Committee. Its guidance reaches tax administrations through the capacity-building work of the UN DESA and its partners. This Council saw that community at work during its last Special Meeting on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, which drew senior officials from from capitals, international organizations, academia, into the Council's action-oriented dialogue. On behalf of my co-chair and fellow members, I would like to express our appreciation to ECOSOC member states, observers, all stakeholders, and to the donors and partners whose contributions sustain the Committee's work. The report of the 32nd session also contains a draft Council decision setting out the dates, venue, and provisional agenda for the Committee's next session, in which we welcome broad engagement. President, I respectfully submit the report for the Council's consideration. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [1:22:48]:

I thank Mr.

Matthew Gbonjubola of Nigeria, co-chair of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. Now the floor is open for a general discussion. No request for the floor. May I consider that the Council has thus concluded the general discussion of Agenda Item 18. 8. And I now invite the Council to take action on the draft decisions contained in the report of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. Does any delegation wish to take the floor? Before action? No request. May I then take it that the Council wishes to adopt— to adopt the draft decision entitled Venue, Dates and Provisional Agenda of to have the 33rd session of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. No objection. It is so decided. Given that the 32nd session of the Committee has already taken place, May I take it that the Council wishes to take note of the draft decision entitled "Venue, dates and provisional agenda of the 32nd session of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters"? No objection. It is so decided. Does any delegation wish to make a statement after adoption? None. The Council has concluded its consideration of Agenda Item 18-H. Let's move now Moving on to the human rights, I now invite the Council to consider Agenda Item 19, Human Rights. We will hear a video introduction of the report in E/2026/22. By Ambassador Preeti Saran of India, Chair of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights at its 77th and 78th sessions. Your Excellency, you have the floor.


India · Chair · Preeti Saran [1:26:39]:

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Gentlemen, I am honored to present the report of the 2025 sessions of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. We are pleased that Andorra became a signatory to the Covenant in September 2025. In the report before you, 173 States were parties to the International Covenant and 31 States ratified its Optional Protocol on individual communications. I invite members of this Council who have not yet ratified the Covenant or its Optional Protocol to kindly consider doing so. I would like to highlight the following points of the report for your attention. First, the Committee considered 11 State Party reports in 2025. We thank the States that have complied with their reporting obligations. Reviewing the progress made by State Parties in protection of Covenant rights is very rewarding for our Committee. Unfortunately, we also see worrisome retrogression. We hope our recommendations will help counter this. One of the Committee's main challenges is the low level of reporting, along with the lack of meeting time and staff resources. The Committee still has a backlog of 41 reports pending review. There are considerable number of overdue reports as well. If the Committee had more meeting time and staff, we could accelerate the pace at which we can review reports and implement the simplified reporting procedures, as other treaty bodies have done. Secondly, under its Optional Protocol, the Committee considered 66 individual communications. Our report outlines the adoption of views and cases pending consideration, as well as those declared inadmissible or discontinued or withdrawn. The Committee also considered follow-up to views. Third, in September 2025, the Committee adopted a General Comment on the environmental dimension of sustainable development and economic, social and cultural rights. The Committee is currently working on its subsequent General Comment on economic, social and cultural rights in the context of armed conflicts. Fourth, during its February 2026 session, The Committee reviewed the initial proposals of the High Commissioner on strengthening of treaty bodies, which is undergoing wider consultations. We encourage all State Parties to also participate in this exercise. We continue to operate under GA Resolution 68/268. The treaty bodies remain underfunded, a situation compounded by repeated rounds of financial and liquidity crises, the most serious of which are being faced today. As of now, the Committee's 80th session in early November this year has yet to be confirmed due to lack of funding. To conclude, in the course of its work, the Committee has engaged with a wide variety of stakeholders, including State parties, national human rights institutions, and civil society, and we are grateful to all for their engagement. The Committee has also met other treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council, with a view to achieving greater efficiency, effectiveness, harmonization of working methods, and to review good practices as encouraged by the General Assembly. The Committee is doing its utmost to operate as effectively as possible under the present constraints. I invite all State Parties to ensure that the Committee has the capacity and resources it needs to fulfill its mandate. I thank you for your attention.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [1:30:24]:

I thank Your Excellency for this presentation. The floor is open for a general discussion. Icebreaker, Russian Federation, you have the floor.


Russian Federation [1:31:02]:

President, I'd like to take the opportunity of the consideration of this agenda item to comment on some separate aspects of the work of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. First of all, I think it's important to recall that the Committee, as part of its work, should deal with issues that are directly related to its mandate. A key work that this body does should be assisting member states in fulfilling their obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This connection, it is regrettable that the committee continues to spend a large amount of its time on non-mandate work and stamping through general comments which are then presented as some kind of standards. Our position on these documents remains unchanged. General comments are the private views of the committee's experts. And cannot give countries any other obligations in addition to what they have already signed up to when they acceded to the covenant. Chair. Present. I'd like to separately touch on the concluding comments published by the committee following the September 2025 session in Geneva. This was their 78th session, and they looked at the 7th periodic report from the Russian Federation on the implementation of the provisions of that covenant. I also must note the attempts of CESCA, this, to approach their work impartially. However, through inertia, they significantly followed the template from the UN Secretariat. Unfortunately, our efforts to create a constructive dialogue with members of the committee did not lead to the anticipated outcome because the assessment's inclusions of CESCA clearly show a political bias of some of the experts on the committee, primarily in, uh, regarding Russia's special military operation. Uh, we believe that these concluding comments are not objective and they demonstrate a one-sided approach of this treaty body when assessing, uh, the delegation's official information that they provided. However, any claims put forward by NGOs should not be justified as solid by CESC members because they were taken on the basis of these recommendations. At the same time, we're concerned by the fact that the Committee a priori is upstream seeing these processes as unacceptable, unlike their own standards, but they should take into account the historic, economic, social, and cultural particularities of states— member states to the international covenant. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [1:33:58]:

Thank you, Rasha. I see no further requests. May I take that the Council wishes to take note Take note of the report of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Document E/2026/22. No objection. It is so decided. And the Council has concluded this stage of this— its consideration of Agenda Item 19. I now invite the Council to begin its consideration of Agenda Item 19— 11. I repeat, agenda item 11: implementation of and follow-up to major United Nations conferences and summits. I first invite the chair Chair of the Committee on World Food Security, Mr. Anas Annabulsi of Jordan, who is participating via video conference, to introduce under Item 11 the report on the main decisions, outcomes and policy recommendations of the Committee on World Food Security, transmitted in Document E/2026/54. Your Excellency, you have the floor.


Jordan · Chair · Anas Annabulsi [1:36:19]:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Your Excellency, Ambassador Ammar Benjama, Mr. President of the UN Economic and Social Council, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. I am honored to present the report of the 53rd Plenary Session of the Committee on World Food Security, which took place in Rome, Italy, from the 20th to 24th October 2025. The Committee discussed in depth the state of food security and nutrition in the world. 2025 report, which confirms that the world remains off track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2. Between 638 and 720 million people faced hunger in 2024, and more than 500 million people could still be affected by hunger in 2030. The Committee highlighted the multiple interconnected drivers of food insecurity, which includes conflict, climate change, economic shocks, geopolitical tensions, inequality, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and water scarcity, and how food prices and inflation disproportionately affect women, children, rural communities, and low-income households. The Committee further expressed deep concerns that the vast majority of acutely food insecure people live in conflict and protracted crisis contexts. And it recalled that the international humanitarian law prohibits starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and strongly condemned the use of food and water as weapons of war. The concerns highlighted by the Committee in October 2025 remain highly relevant. Geopolitical tensions have continued to intensify, disrupting food systems, agriculture production, trade, and supply chain, threatening the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food, particularly for the most vulnerable. In this context, The CFS is more important than ever, providing a unique space to build consensus, promote policy coherence, and advance collective action for food security and nutrition toward progressive realization of the right to adequate food. Let me now highlight three key outcomes of the CFS 53rd Plenary Session. First, the Committee endorsed the Policy Recommendation on Strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems to achieve food security and nutrition. They provide governments and stakeholders with a voluntary policy framework to improve food security and nutrition across rural-urban continuum. We respectfully invite ECOSOC and the General Assembly to promote their wide dissemination and implementation. Secondly, The Committee convened a High-Level Forum on Strengthening Responsible Investment and Financing for Food Security and Nutrition, which emphasized the importance of mobilizing adequate financial resources and promoting responsible investments to advance food security and nutrition objectives. Third, the Plenary marked the 10th anniversary of the Framework for Action for Food Security and Nutrition in Protracted Crisis. CFS stakeholders reaffirmed its continued relevance and called for stronger implementation and coordination to address food security in fragile and conflict-affected settings. A more detailed account of our work is available in the full report submitted to this Council, which I encourage you to review. Excellencies, the 54th session of the Committee on World Food Security will take place in October 2026 at FAO headquarters. I warmly invite you all to participate actively in our discussion and continue to strengthen global policy convergence and collective action for food security and nutrition. In closing, I thank the 130 CFS member states and participants, including FAO, IFAD, WFP, other United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, indigenous people, private sector, philanthropic foundations, international financial institutions, and the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition for their continued engagement and commitment. Thank you for your attention.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [1:41:15]:

I thank His Excellency Anas Nabulsi, Chair of the Committee on World Food Programme, for his introduction. The Council will now hear introduction by the Chair of UN Nutrition, Ms. Najat Mokhtar, of the report of UN Nutrition transmitted in document E/2026/52.


UN Nutrition · Chair · Najat Mokhtar [1:41:55]:

Please play the video. Excellencies, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure to address you today as Chair of UN Nutrition, the UN coordination mechanism that brings together 15 UN entities to act as one, leveraging their collective expertise and strengths to improve nutrition outcomes worldwide. Let me begin with the reminder of why our work matters. Today, 2.6 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, while 673 million people remain undernourished. At the same time, according to UNICEF, For the first time in 2025, the number of overweight and obese adolescents exceeded the number of undernourished young people. These are not merely statistics. They represent lives and futures at risk. Against this backdrop, 2025 was a year of both urgency and action. Detailed information is provided in the report submitted to this Committee. Today, I would like to highlight four key areas of progress. First, the UN General Assembly's decision to extend the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030 aligned the global nutrition efforts with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This reaffirmed the international community's commitment to ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition. Second, UN Nutrition strengthened its effectiveness through a new 4-pillar action framework focusing on, on thought leadership, advocacy and influence, knowledge brokering, and country engagement. This repositioning enhanced our ability to promote policy coherence and support country-level action. Third, We advanced UN system coherence by promoting integrated approaches to nutrition across sectors while strengthening the, the case for nutrition as a high-return investment. These efforts were reinforced through major global platforms, including the Paris Nutrition for Growth Summit 2025, which mobilized approximately $30 billion, in commitment. Rome Nutrition Week also emerged as one important forum for policy alignment, coordination, and advocacy. Fourth, country engagement remained central to our work. UN Nutrition supported national capacity for multi-sectoral nutrition governance, advocating government to integrate nutrition into health, agri-food system, social protection, education, and sustainable development policies. Excellencies, while these achievements are encouraging, significant challenges remain. Millions continue to suffer from malnutrition. Progress is uneven. Global nutrition targets remain at risk. And shrinking humanitarian and development funding is widening the gap between needs and available resources. In conclusion, UN Nutrition's achievements in 2025 demonstrate the value of collaboration, evidence-based policymaking, and sustained political commitment. Our members remain committed to working together to ensure that every person, everywhere has access to safe and affordable healthy diets, a healthier, more equitable and more sustainable world depends on it. I thank you.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [1:45:48]:

Ms. Najat Mokhtar, Chair of UN Nutrition, for the introduction. I now open the floor for a general discussion on Agenda Item 11. Does any delegation wish to take the floor?


Nepal [1:46:20]:

Nepal, you have the floor. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Nepal thanks the Chair of the Committee on World Food Security for the comprehensive report on the main decisions, outcomes, and policy recommendations. We are concerned by the findings of the report that 638 to 720 million people faced hunger in 2024, and over 500 million people are projected to remain in hunger in 2030. As a country with large rural population, highly dependent on smallholder agriculture, Nepal sees these trends reflected in our own national experience. Climate-induced disasters, floods, landslides, droughts continue to disrupt food production, supply chains, and market stability. However, with the right link of fertilizers and improved inputs, timely extension services, and climate-resilient technologies, Nepal believes that productivity gaps can be narrowed and food system vulnerabilities reduced. We therefore support the CFS emphasis on integrating the right to adequate food into climate, biodiversity, and land degradation policies. We also welcome the endorsement of the CFS policy recommendations on strengthening urban and peri-urban food systems. Nepal also highly values the ECOSOC's focus and priority on agri-food transformation and increased investment concessional financing, technology transfer and innovation, market access, capacity building, and support for smallholder farmers, youths, and SMEs. So Nepal also values the focus on investment and financing, particularly for the smallholder farmers, family farmers, and SMEs. In Nepal, these actors form the backbone of our food system. Access to affordable credit, fair prices for agricultural produce, improved inputs, modern farming practices, market access, and clean technologies are essential for enhancing food security, food productivity, sustaining livelihoods, and reducing rural poverty. They are vital to ensure the right to food for our people, as guaranteed also in our constitution. We also note with appreciation the upcoming forums, such as the High-Level Forum on Harnessing Artificial Intelligence, Digitalization, and Data Governance for Food Security and Nutrition. Nepal sees strong potential in digital agriculture, early warning systems, and data-driven planning to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerabilities. So we will continue to engage constructively to ensure that these global policy guidance translate into meaningful national action. I thank you.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [1:49:22]:

Thank you, Nepal. Any other request for the floor? I see none. I now invite the Council to consider sub-item A of agenda item 11: Follow-up of the International Conference on Financing for Development. The Council has before it the report of the Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing for Development follow-up on its 2026 session, to be issued in Document FE/FFDF /2026/3. A summary by the President of the Council on the 2026 Forum will be issued in due course. Does any delegation wish to make a statement? In the general discussion on item 11A, are there any comments? I see none. May I take it that the Council wishes to transmit— to transmit— I'm sorry. Thank you. The Council has concluded the general discussion of Agenda Item A. Yes, I have to repeat it. I now invite the Council to take action. Under commendation by the Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing for Development follow-up, as contained in EFFT 2026/3, that the Council transmit— transmit to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of the Council, the intergovernmentally agreed conclusion— the intergovernmentally agreed conclusions and recommendations entitled "Follow-up and Review of the Financing for Development Outcomes and the Means of Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Are there any comments? I see none. May I take it that the Council wishes to transmit the intergovernmentally agreed conclusions and recommendations of the Forum to the High to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, convened under the auspices of the Council. No objection. It is so decided. And the conclusion is that the Council has concluded its recommendation its consideration of Agenda Item 11. I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change. Done. I invite the Council to consider Agenda Item 18, Environment. I invite Mr. Jamil Ahmed, Director, New York Office of the United Nations Environment Programme, to introduce the Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly on its 7th session, contained in Document A/81/25. You have the floor, sir.


UNEP · Director, New York Office · Jamil Ahmed [1:55:19]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President. It's an honor to introduce the report of the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly under this agenda item as contained in Document A/81/25. United Nations Environment Assembly held its 7th session at UNEP headquarters from 8th to 12th December 2025 under the theme Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet. The Assembly brought together representatives of 159 member states alongside UN entities, multilateral environmental agreements, international organizations, civil society, scientific community, youth, indigenous people, and academia and private sector. UNEA VII convened at a critical moment for the international community against the backdrop of environmental crises of climate change, nature, land and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. UNEA reaffirmed that environmental sustainability is a foundational condition for economic resilience, public health, poverty eradication, and sustainable development. UNEA adopted 11 resolutions and 8 decisions addressing a broad range of emerging and systemic environmental challenges. Through its ministerial declaration, UNEA VII affirmed member states' commitment to multilateralism and to advancing Sustainable Development Goals in an equitable, integrated, and sustainable solutions manner. UNEA held three ministerial leadership dialogues. A clear message emerged: sustainable development requires integrated policy approaches that place environmental sustainability at the center of economic and social decision-making. Mr. President, UNEA demonstrated the growing importance of inclusive multilateralism. A multi-stakeholder dialogue under the theme Resilience Through Inclusive Partnership was also organized. This dialogue highlighted the role of cooperation among governments, international organizations, civil society, indigenous people, youth, academia, the private sector in accelerating practical solutions. The second MEA Days was also held. Which emerged as an important platform for strengthening coherence across the international environmental governance system. UNEA VII also reaffirmed the importance of a meaningful youth engagement in environmental governance to advancing environmental action and multilateral cooperation. UNEP's Indigenous Peoples Major Group convened— —with UNEP's support for the first time ever in a special dialogue on indigenous Peoples under the theme Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet. The present report to the General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council presents an opportunity to further integrate UNEA's outcomes into the work of the two bodies. The General Assembly is expected to consider the report at its 81st session. In that context, member states may wish to— and I will —present the points here. Welcome the report, the resolutions, and the ministerial declaration adopted by UNEA VII. Take note of UNEA Decision 7/6, in which the Assembly approved UNEP's medium-term strategy for the period 2026-2029 and the program of work and budget for the biennium 2026 and 2027. . Consider aspects of the various resolutions adopted by UNEA-7 that are relevant as inputs to the policy recommendations to the ECOSOC, the HLPF, and the General Assembly. . Welcome the request made by UNEA to UNEP's Executive Director to enhance the value of MEA Days as a valuable forum for enhancing cooperation. . Recognize the Youth Environment Assembly as the principal youth platform under UNEA and to promote the full, effective, meaningful, constructive, and inclusive participation of youth in environmental processes. Note the work of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, INC, on plastic pollution in line with UNEA Resolution 5/14 and reaffirm the shared commitment of member states to continue engaging constructively and effectively actively and with a sense of urgency and solidarity in seeking to develop a fair, effective, balanced, and ambitious internationally legally binding instrument. Welcome the establishment of the Intergovernmental Science Policy Forum Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution, the first session of its plenary in February 2026, and invite member states to become members of this panel. Recognize the importance of harnessing the opportunities and benefits of artificial intelligence systems in support of the environment while minimizing their environmental impact. Reaffirm the need to ensure the sustainability, predictability, and stability of UNEP's funding to enable it to fulfill its mandate. Include in the provisional agenda of the 83rd session of the General Assembly under the item entitled Sustainable Development, a sub-item entitled Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly, to consider the outcomes of the 8th session of the Environment Assembly. Welcome the decision to convene UNEA 8, UNEA 8, from 6th to 10th December 2027, and finally recommend the participation of the Presidents of the General Assembly, ECOSOC in UNEA VIII in accordance with the spirit of integration, universality, and universality of the 2030 Agenda. Mr. President, at a time of increasing environmental pressures and growing socioeconomic vulnerabilities, United Nations Environment Assembly demonstrated that collective action grounded in science, solidarity, and international cooperation remains the pathway towards a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. I thank you.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [2:02:02]:

I thank Mr. Jamal Ahmed for his introduction. The floor is now open for general discussion. No requests from the floor. The Council has concluded its consideration of Agenda Item 18. I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change. I invite the Council to consider Agenda Item 18, Human Settlements. I invite Ms. Tonyshae Freckleton. Director of the UN-Habitat New York Liaison Office, to make a statement. You have the floor.


UN-Habitat · Director, UN-Habitat New York Liaison Office · Tonyshae Freckleton [2:03:43]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates. The resumed Second Session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly was held at the headquarters of UN-Habitat in Nairobi on 29 and 30 May 2025, following its decision in June 2023 to adjourn its session— second session and resume in May 2025 in order to align the planning cycle of UN-Habitat with the Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review of Operational Activities for the Development of the United Nations System. It is my pleasure to introduce the report of the resumed Second Session of the UN Habitat Assembly, which is contained in Document A/81/8. The session was chaired by His Excellency Mr. Enrique Javier Ochoa Martinez on behalf of Mexico as President of the UN Habitat Assembly, with the participation of over 1,500 delegates, including representatives of 160 16 member states and 3 observers, as well as UN entities, intergovernmental organizations, governors, mayors, and non-governmental organizations, reflecting the rich and universal nature of the United— the UN Habitat Assembly. Excellencies, the second resumed session featured high-level opening statements delivered by the Secretary-General the President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly, the President of the Economic and Social Council of the 2025 Session, the Executive Director of UNEP, Mayor of Paris, the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and the Cabinet Secretary for Land, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development of Kenya as host country to UN-Habitat. The core elements of the agenda of the Assembly As reflected in the report, included the report of the chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives, election of members of the Executive Board, the strategic plan for the period 2026 to 2029, adoption of outcomes, the provisional agenda and other arrangements for the third session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly in 2029, and the election of officers of the Bureau of the UN Habitat The report of the resumed second session of the UN-Habitat Assembly also reflects the rich and high-level dialogue convened under the theme "Adequate Housing for All," with a dedicated focus on UN-Habitat's Strategic Plan for the period 2026-2029. The dialogue reaffirmed adequate housing as a fundamental human right and emphasized its role in advancing dignity, social inclusion, poverty reduction, and sustainable urban development. In addition, the dialogue highlighted the urgency of addressing the global housing deficit and underscored the importance of strong political commitment, innovative financing, and multi-stakeholder partnerships to scale up impact and ensure inclusive inclusive urban development. A full summary of the dialogue is set out in Annex IV of the document. Excellencies, the report of the Assembly also refers to the report of the Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to UN-Habitat, Pakistan, with an overview of the work of the Committee at its third open-ended meeting, held in preparation of the resumed second session of the Assembly, while also undertaking a midterm review of the work of UN-Habitat. The report of the committee drew attention to the progress in implementation of the New Urban Agenda, the UN-Habitat resolutions, and the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan for the period 2020 to 2025. It also highlighted the outcomes of the 12th session of the World Urban Forum held in Cairo in November 2024, and the state of preparations for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, which was recently organized in Baku in May of this year. The Committee's report also contained recommendations to the Assembly on the outcomes of the resumed second session, including by recommending the adoption of the draft UN-Habitat Strategic Plan for the period 2026 to 2029 and the need for further informal consultations on the draft guidelines on people-centered smart cities. Document A/81/8 also refers to a report by the Chair of the Executive Board, France, informing the Assembly that a silence procedure on a draft stakeholder engagement policy had been broken by 4 Member States. For this reason, the draft policy could not be submitted for consideration and possible adoption by the Assembly at the resumed session. Mr. President, Excellencies, I wish to now present the key outcomes of the resumed Second Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly as contained in Document A/81/8, following in full informal consultations on its draft outcomes, chaired by Ghana. First, the UN-Habitat Assembly adopted Decision 2/6, through which it approved the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2029. Second, the Assembly adopted Decision 2/7 on the dates and provisional agenda for its third session scheduled to take place from 25 to 29 June 2029. Third, the Assembly took note of the presentation of the draft International Guidelines on People-Centered Smart Cities, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive, innovative, and people-centered urban governance. Fourth, the Assembly elected by acclamation 36 members of the Executive Board for the period 2025 to 2029 based on a balanced geographical representation. And fifth, the Assembly elected a new Bureau with Malaysia serving as President, Ethiopia as Vice President, and Mexico as Rapporteur. Two Vice President positions remained vacant pending nominations from the Eastern European Group of States and the Western European and Other Group of States. The Assembly concluded its resumed session on 30 May 2025. I thank you, Mr. President. I thank—


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [2:10:57]:

I thank Ms. Toni Scheer-Freckleton, Director of the UN-Habitat Office in New York. I now open the floor for a general discussion on this item. Nepal, thank you.


Nepal [2:11:28]:

Thank you, Mr. Vice President. Nepal thanks the President of the UN Habitat Assembly and the Director of UN-Habitat for the comprehensive report. We welcome the opportunity to consider this report in the ECOSOC Management Segment, given the centrality of urban development in achieving the SDGs and the work of the UN development system. We commend the inclusive consultative process undertaken by the Executive Director and the constructive deliberations that led to the adoption of the Strategic Plan 2026-2030. 2029. The theme of the High-Level Dialogue, Adequate Housing for All, is of particular relevance to Nepal. As a country undergoing rapid urbanization, Nepal faces the dual challenge of expanding affordable housing while also strengthening resilience to earthquakes, landslides, and efficient management of informal settlements. We therefore welcome the Strategic Plan's focus on housing, urban resilience, and integrated territorial development. Nepal also appreciates the Assembly's request for a results-based monitoring framework with concise, specific, time-bound, systematic, and measurable performance indicators. For countries like ours, where urban governance capacities are evolving, Such clarity is essential as we ensure that such global commitments translate into local results. We also take note of the report's reference to the International Guidelines on People-Centered Smart Cities, where consensus is still being built. People-centered smart cities is also a priority for Nepal as we work into building a nexus between technology, housing, and sustainable urban development. Nepal supports continued informal consultations. Finally, Nepal also welcomes the adoption of Decision 2/7 setting the dates and provisional agenda for the 3rd session of the UN-Habitat Assembly in June 2029. We look forward to continued engagement in the lead-up to that session, including through the World Urban Forum in Baku 2026. Thank you.


ECOSOC · Chair · Ammar Benjama [2:13:48]:

Thank you, Nepal. Any other request for the floor? I see none. The Council has concluded its consideration of Agenda 18G. Dear colleagues, it's 12 o'clock. We have completed our programme of work for this morning. An hour ahead of this— of the schedule. The Council will reconvene this afternoon at 3 PM sharp in this Chamber to continue with its programme of work and We will try to finish our work an hour ahead of the schedule. Bon appétit. Meeting is adjourned.