General Assembly: 54th plenary meeting, 79th session General Assembly Date: 19 December 2024 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/79/54 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- GA · President [0:02]: The 54th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. I would like, in keeping with established practice, to invite the attention of the Assembly to document A/79/338, Addendum 1, in which the Secretary-General informs the President of the Assembly that, since the issuance of his communication contained in document A/79/338, Somalia has made the payments necessary to reduce the arrears below the amount specified in article 19 of the Charter. May I take it that the Assembly takes note of the information contained in this document? It is so decided. Before proceeding further, members are informed that the meeting to consider the draft new programme of action for landlocked developing countries for the decade 2024-2034 originally scheduled for today to hear statements mandated in decision 79 slash five three seven of 6th December 2024 under agenda item 13 has been postponed to a later date to be announced at the request of the sponsor of the decision. The Assembly will take up the reports of the Second Committee on agenda items 15 to 25, 59, 121 and 140. I now request the rapporteur of the Committee, Ms. Stephanie Romero Vega of Uruguay, to introduce the reports of the Committee in one intervention. Mr. Uruguay · Rapporteur [2:45]: President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, it's an honor for me to introduce to the General Assembly the reports of the Second Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the General Assembly at its 79th session. These reports, contained in documents A/79/434 to A/79/447, include the texts of draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Second Committee to the General Assembly for adoption. For the convenience of delegations, A checklist of action taken in the Committee has been prepared and circulated by the Secretariat in document A/C.2/79/INF/1. At its first meeting on 3 October 2024, the Second Committee approved the working arrangements of the Committee for the 79th session. as set out in the organization of work of the committee document contained in A/C.2/79/L.1. As a result, during this main part of the 79th session of the General Assembly, the Second Committee held 26 plenary meetings. including its joint meeting with the Economic and Social Council, as well as one side event. The Committee also held its annual dialogue with the Executive Secretaries of the Regional Commissions. The second Committee adopted a total of 39 draft resolutions, nine of which were adopted by recorded vote, and two draft decisions on the revitalization of the Committee's work. Under agenda item 15, entitled Information and Communications Technologies for Sustainable Development, the Second Committee recommends in document A/79/434, paragraph 21, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 16, entitled Macroeconomic Policy Questions, the report of the Committee is issued in seven parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/79/435, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda. Under sub-item 16a, entitled International Trade and Development, the Second Committee recommends in document A/79/435/Add.1, paragraph 12, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 16b, entitled International Financial System and Development, the Second Committee recommends in document A/79/435/Add.2, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 16, entitled External Debt Sustainability and Development, The second committee recommends in document A/79/435/Add.3, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 16, entitled Promotion of International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Strengthen Good Practices on assets returned to foster sustainable development, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/435/Add.4, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 16, entitled promoting investments for sustainable development, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/435/Add.5, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 16, entitled Promotion of inclusive and effective international cooperation on tax matters at the United Nations, the Second Committee recommends in document A/79/435/Add.6, paragraph 16, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 17, entitled follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development, the Committee recommends in document A/79/436, paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 18, entitled Sustainable Development, The report of the Committee is issued in 12 parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/79/437, and the recommendations are contained in the chapeau as well as in the addenda. Under the chapeau of item 18, the Second Committee recommends in document A/79/437, paragraph 17, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item 18, entitled Towards the achievement of sustainable development, implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through sustainable consumption and production, Building on Agenda 21, the Second Committee recommends in document A/79/437/Add.1, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 18B, entitled "Follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS accelerated modalities of action, Samoa pathway, and the Mauritius strategy for the further implementation of the programme of action for the sustainable development of small island developing states, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.2, paragraph 16, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item 18, entitled Disaster Risk Reduction, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.3, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 18d, entitled Protection of the Global Climate for Present and Future Generations of Humankind, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.4, paragraph 19, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 18e, entitled "Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.5, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 18 GA · President [25:58]: I thank the rapporteur of the committee. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the committee have been made clear. in the committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. Therefore, there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure. I should take it that the assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the committee which are before it today. It is so decided. Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. May I remind members that in accordance with decision 34/401, a delegation should as far as possible explain its vote only once, that is, either in the committee or in the plenary meeting, unless that delegation's vote in plenary meeting is different from his vote in the committee. And that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. When there are multiple proposals under an agenda item, statements in explanation of vote before the vote. On annual, all of them should be made in one intervention followed by action in all of them, one by one. Thereafter, there will be an opportunity for statements and explanation of vote after the vote. On any or all of them in one intervention. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the committee. I would like to advise representatives. That we will proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the committee unless the secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. This means that who has separate or recorded votes are taken, we will do the same. I also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote. Those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the committee. The results of the votes will be uploaded on the e-delegate portal under plenary place. In this connection, I have been informed of the following change. With regard to the report of the Committee on sub-item K of agenda item 18 entitled, promoting the social and solidarity economy for sustainable development. Contained in document A, slide 79, slide 437, addendum 11, the draft resolution entitled Promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy for Sustainable Development no longer has a request for a recorded vote. I would like to draw the attention of members to a note by the Secretariat entitled list of proposals contained in the reports of the Second Committee for consideration by the General Assembly, which has been issued as document A/C.2/79/INF/1. Members are reminded that additional co-sponsors are no longer accepted now that draft resolutions and decisions have been adopted in the Committee. Any clarification about co-sponsorship of the Committee report should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee. Furthermore, any corrections to the voting intention of delegations after the voting has concluded on a proposal should be addressed directly to the Secretariat after the meeting. I count on your cooperation in avoiding any interruptions to our proceedings in this regard. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on Agenda Item 15 entitled, Information and Communications Technologies for Sustainable Development, issued as document A/79/434. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. Separate recorded votes have been requested on the 22nd preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 34. I now put to the vote the 22nd preambular paragraph. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of the 22nd preamble paragraph, please signify. Those against? Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [31:35]: The Assembly is now voting on the 22nd preamble paragraph of the draft resolution entitled "Information and communications technologies for sustainable development". Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · President [32:14]: The result of the vote is as follows: in favour, 116; Against, 56. Abstentions, 4. The 22nd Preambular paragraph is adopted. I now put to the vote operative paragraph 34. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of operative paragraph 34, please signify. Those against? Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [32:57]: The Assembly is now voting on operative paragraph 34 of the draft resolution. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · President [33:28]: The result of the vote is as follows. In favour, 121. Against, 53. Abstentions, zero. Operative paragraph 34 is adopted. The Committee adopted the draft resolution as a whole without a vote. May I take it that the assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 15. It is so decided. The assembly will consider the report of the committee on agenda item 16 entitled, "Macroeconomic Policy Questions," issued as document A/79/435. May I take it that the assembly wishes to take note of the report of the committee? It is so decided. The assembly will consider the report of the committee on sub item A of agenda item 16 entitled International Trade and Development. Issued as document A, slide 79, slide 435, addendum one. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. In connection with the draft resolution, the Assembly also has before it a draft amendment circulated in document A/79/L.48. Before proceeding further, we shall first address co-sponsorship of the draft amendment. For your information, the draft amendment has closed for e-sponsorship. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [35:52]: Thank you, Mr. President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft amendment, and in addition to the delegations listed on the L document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of A/79/L.48: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Switzerland, and Ukraine. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor A/79/L.48, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. There are none, Mr. President. Thank you. GA · President [36:34]: We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the assembly shall first take a decision on draft amendment A, slide 79, slash L48. A recorded vote has been requested. We will now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft amendment A, slide 79, slash L48, Please signify. Those against. Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [37:15]: The assembly is now voting on draft amendment A stroke 79 stroke L 48. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · President [37:45]: The result of the vote is as follows. In favor, 50. Against, 121. Abstentions, one. Draft amendment A slash 79 slash L 48 is not adopted. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of the draft resolution, please signify. Those against? Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [38:32]: The Assembly is now voting on the draft resolution entitled, "International Trade and Development", Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · President [39:04]: The result of the vote is as follows. In favor, 132. Against, three. Abstentions, 48. The draft resolution is adopted. I give the floor to Argentina in explanation of vote after the vote. Argentina [39:36]: Thank you very much, President. Very good morning. Argentina values the aspects of the resolution that refer to international free trade. which is fundamental to achieving development. In this context, I wish to note that Argentina began a new political path marked by an open market economy, the promotion of investment, strengthening the rule of law, fostering free competition between economic actors and full integration into the global economy, boosting the exports from our agricultural sector to ensure that they are produced competitively, and this also applies to added value exports. We also reaffirm the importance of ensuring that the multilateral rules-based trading system that are fair, open, transparent, predictable, inclusive and non-discriminatory. and the elimination of trade barriers that are not consistent with World Trade Organization agreements. Furthermore, we also value the fact that the resolution refers to the distortions that some countries implement through agricultural subsidies as well as unilateral protective measures with the excuse of protecting the environment. We reaffirm that it is fundamental to ensure free trade, full free trade for all without any forms of restriction. Free market capitalism is not only the most efficient economic system, but also the only one that is compatible with human dignity and the preservation of individual freedom. It is through private initiative, free competition and voluntary cooperation among people that we generate wealth, employment, and opportunities for all. We steadfastly believe that this model is the only way to eradicate poverty, extreme poverty, and hunger sustainably. freeing millions of people from state dependence. We also reiterate that we dissociate ourselves from the references to the 2030 agenda and the sustainable development goals. Thank you very much. GA · President [42:10]: I thank Argentina. I give the floor to Belarus in explanation of vote after the vote. Belarus [42:25]: Thank you, President. Belarus voted in support of the resolution on international trade and development. At the same time, we dissociate ourselves from paragraph 9 of the OP section, and we do not believe ourselves to be bound by the obligations stemming from it, believing, as we do, that questions of domestic support for agriculture should be something that's addressed within the relevant multilateral fora. I would be grateful if you could reflect our position in the record of the meeting. Thank you. GA · President [43:03]: I thank Belarus. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item A of agenda item 16? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on Sub-Item B of agenda item 16, entitled International Financial System and Development, issued as document A/79/435, addendum 2. The assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the assembly wishes to do likewise. It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of sub item B of agenda item sixteen. It is so decided. The assembly will consider the report of the committee on sub item C of agenda item sixteen entitled external debt, sustainability, and development. issued as document A slide 79, slide 435, addendum three. The assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of sub item C of agenda item 16. It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item D of agenda item 16, entitled Promotion of International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Strengthen Good Practices on Assets Returned to Foster Sustainable Development, issued as document A/S/79/435, addendum 4. The assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the committee in its report. I should like to inform members that action on the draft resolution is postponed to a later date. To allow time for the review of his program budget implications by the fifth committee. That's fine. I can continue. I should like to inform members that action on the draft resolution is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of his program budget implications by the fifth committee. The Assembly will take action on the draft resolution as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item D of agenda item 16. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item E of agenda item sixteen entitled promoting investments for sustainable development issued as document A slide 79 slide four three five addendum five. The assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the assembly wishes to do likewise. It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of sub item E of agenda item sixteen. It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item F of agenda item 16 entitled, Promotion of Inclusive and Effective International Cooperation on Tax Matters at the United Nations, issued as document A/79/435, addendum 6. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. I should like to inform Members that action on the draft resolution is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on the draft resolution as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 16 and its sub-item F. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 17, entitled "Follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development issued as document A, slide 79, slide 436. The assembly has before the draft resolution recommended by the committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The committee adopted a draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the assembly wishes to do likewise. It is so decided. The assembly has thus concluded this stage of his consideration of agenda item seventeen. The assembly will consider the report of the committee on agenda item eighteen entitled Sustainable development. Issued as document A slash 79 slash four three seven. The assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the committee in its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions one and two, one by one. Draft resolution one is entitled, oil slick on Lebanese shores. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of the draft resolution, please signify. Those against, abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [51:55]: The assembly is now voting on draft resolution one entitled Oil Slag on Lebanese Shores. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · President [52:24]: The result of the vote is as follows. In favor, 167. Against, 9. Abstentions, 6. Draft resolution one is adopted. Draft resolution two is entitled, Entrepreneurship for sustainable development. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of the draft resolution, please signify. Those against. Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [53:08]: The assembly is now voting on draft resolution two entitled entrepreneurship for sustainable development. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · President [53:43]: The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 146, against 30, abstentions 7. Draft resolution II is adopted. the assembly will consider the report of the committee on sub item A of agenda item eighteen entitled towards the achievement of sustainable development. Implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development including through sustainable consumption and production building on agenda twenty-one. issued as document A slide 79, slide 437, addendum one. The assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the committee in his report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of sub item A of agenda item 18. It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item B of agenda item 18, entitled, "Follow-up to and implementation of the CITES Accelerated Modalities of Action Samoa Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the sustainable development of small island developing states issued as document A/79/437, addendum 2. The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions 1 and 2, one by one. Draft resolution 1 is entitled, "Follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action Samoa Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States." The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the assembly wishes to do likewise. It is so decided. Draft resolution two is entitled towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations. A separate recorded vote has been requested on the tenth preambular paragraph. I now put it to the vote the 10th preambular paragraph. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of the 10th preambular paragraph, please signify. Those against? Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [57:43]: The Assembly is now voting on the 10th preambular paragraph of draft resolution II. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · President [58:14]: The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 174, against 0, abstentions 2. The 10th preamble paragraph is adopted. The committee adopted draft resolution two as a whole. Without a vote. May I take it that the assembly wishes to do likewise. It is so decided. may I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to conclude his consideration of sub item B of agenda item 18 it is so decided. GA · Vice-President [59:49]: The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item C of agenda item 18 entitled Disaster Risk Reduction, issued as document A/79/437/Add.3. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item C of agenda item 18? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item D of agenda item 18, entitled "Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind", issued as document A/79/437/Add.4. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. In connection with the draft resolution, the Assembly also has before it a draft amendment circulated in document A/79/L.49. Before proceeding further, we shall first address co-sponsorship of the draft amendment. For your information, the draft amendment has closed for e-sponsorship. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [1:01:39]: Thank you, Madam President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft amendment, and in addition to the delegation listed on the document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of A/79/L.49: Albania, Iceland, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Switzerland and Ukraine. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor L49, please signify by pressing the microphone button. Israel. Vanuatu. And that concludes the list. Thank you, Madam President. GA · Vice-President [1:02:32]: We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. In accordance with the rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the Assembly shall first... Sorry. I give the floor to the Russian Federation in explanation of vote before the vote. Russian Federation [1:02:56]: Madam Chair, colleagues. The Russian Federation would like to present an oral amendment in the room to the resolution recommended by the second committee in document A/79/4, first addendum 4, on agenda item 18D. The text of the amendment is as follows, which I'll read in English. Add the following paragraphs after current OP6. OP.6 bis recognizes that transitional fuels can play a role in facilitating the energy transition while ensuring energy security. OP.6 ter recognizes that parties should cooperate on promoting a supportive and open international economic system aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and development in all countries, and thus enabling them to better address the problems of climate change, noting that measures taken to combat climate change, including unilateral ones, should not constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international trade. Thank you. GA · Vice-President [1:04:23]: I think the Russian Federation, we will now take a decision on the draft resolution. In accordance with the rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the Assembly shall first take a decision on draft amendment A/79/L.49 and the oral amendment proposed by the representative of the Russian Federation, one by one. I now put the vote draft amendment A/79/L.49 on which a recorded vote has been requested. We will now begin the voting process. Those in favour of draft amendment A/79/L/49, please signify. Those against. Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [1:05:05]: The Assembly is now voting on draft amendment A/79/L/49. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · Vice-President [1:05:48]: The result of the vote is as follows. In favour 75, against 95, abstention 4. Draft amendment A/79/L.49 is not adopted. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation on a point of order. Russian Federation [1:06:15]: Thank you, President. The Russian delegation, bearing in mind the result of the vote on the amendment A/79/L.49, has the honour to withdraw its oral amendment. GA · Vice-President [1:06:33]: The representative of the Russian Federation has withdrawn the oral amendment proposed by the delegation. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A separate recorded vote has been requested on operative paragraph 16. I now put the vote, operative paragraph 16. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of operative paragraph 16, please signify. Those against? Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [1:06:59]: The Assembly is now voting on operative paragraph 16 of the draft resolution. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · Vice-President [1:07:28]: The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 113, Against, 53. Abstentions, 5. Operative paragraph 16 is adopted. The Committee adopted the draft resolution as a whole without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item D of agenda item 18? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item E of agenda item 18, entitled "Implementation of the United Nations Convention on Combating to combat desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, issued as document A/79/437, addendum 5. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item E of agenda item 18? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item F of agenda item 18, entitled Convention on Biological Diversity, issued as document A/79/437/Add.6. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item F of agenda item 18? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item G of agenda item 18 entitled Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly on the United Nations Environment Programme, issued as document A/79/437/7. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item G of agenda item 18? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item H of agenda item 18, entitled "Harmony with Nature", issued as document A/79/437, addendum 8. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item H of agenda item 18? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item I of agenda item 18 entitled "Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all", issued as document A/79/437, addendum 9. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. I give the floor to His Excellency Peter Szijjarto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary. Hungary · Minister for Foreign Affairs [1:12:40]: Thank you so much, Madam Vice-President, dear colleagues. The world, including the global economy, has been undergoing major challenges. And the global population is increasing, industrial performance is increasing, transportation is being transformed from traditional to electric, the usage of cooling and heating systems is increasing, digitalization requires huge databases. And on many places of the world, the, um, potable water is being created either by desalination or, uh, cleaning methodologies. All these increase, all these increase the, um, global, uh, demand for electric, uh, energy, uh, electricity in a radical manner. And this is one of the, uh, major global challenges nowadays that the world will be able to supply this radically increasing, uh, uh, demand for electricity, if we fail to do so, if we fail to do so. global economy will suffer with huge decline, the environment will be seriously destroyed, and humanitarian catastrophes might also take place. We, as the global community, have to ensure the increased supply of electricity in an affordable way, namely cheap way, in a sustainable way, in a stable way, protecting the environment, but ensuring quantity of electricity in the future. The only way to satisfy all these preconditions is that we increase the capacity of generating nuclear energy. Nuclear energy gives a good platform for a civilized East to West cooperation as well on scientific, professional, and the mechanical field as well. Therefore, Madam Vice President, Hungary rejects all initiatives which aim at negative discrimination against nuclear energy. Madam Vice President, these attacks lack any kind of scientific approach, any kind of fact-based approach. These are clearly and purely ideological and political attacks. Madam Vice President, I'd like to report to you that Hungary is investing into increasing nuclear capacities in a way to guarantee the safe supply of electricity, to ensure the low prices of energy, to protect environment, and make ourselves independent and protected from the volatilities of the international energy markets. I'm proud to report that most significant Eastern and Western nuclear companies are involved in this project. And here, Madam President, comes my point. Hungary rejects and considers it totally unacceptable if any country makes unilateral step to interfere into the composition of a national energy mix of another country. We reject and find it unacceptable if a country puts the risk of lack of safe supply on another country. be it a restrictive measure on financial, technological, or regulatory nature. All countries, Madam Vice President, must refrain from such steps. The safe supply of energy is a matter of national security and a matter of national sovereignty as well. So, unilateral steps of any countries putting risk of the safety of energy supply of another country should be considered as an attack on national sovereignty. Therefore, I think it's very important that the international community makes it sure that no country makes unilateral steps putting the safe energy supply of another country at risk. Thank you so much. GA · Vice-President [1:16:55]: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item I of agenda item 18? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item J of agenda item 18, entitled Combating Sand and Dust Storms, issued as document A/79/437, addendum 10. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item j of agenda item 18? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item K of agenda item 18, entitled Promoting the Social and Solidarity Economy for Sustainable Development, issued as document A/79/437, dendum 11. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration? Yes, we have a speaker. I give the floor to Argentina in explanation of vote after the vote. Argentina [1:19:04]: Thank you, Madam Vice-President. Madam Vice-President, the Republic of Argentina has started down a new political path, anchored in the principles of individual freedom and the preeminence of the market economy. Our new direction is based on economic openness, attracting investment, consolidating the rule of law, promoting free competition and full integration into the global economy with special emphasis on generating competitive exports. The fundamental guide of our nation here is based on the unfettered defense of the right to life, freedom and private property. These values are not only ethical principles, but also the vital pillars for the development of a prosperous and fair society. Argentina is resolved to conduct all necessary discussions through the lens of these principles, because we understand that true social justice is only achieved with respect for the freedom of each individual to decide on his own life and destiny. Further, we reaffirm that free market capitalism is not only the most efficient economic system, but the only one compatible with human dignity and the preservation of individual freedom. It's through private initiative, free competition, voluntary cooperation between people that we generate wealth, employment, and opportunities for all. We firmly believe that this is the only way to eradicate poverty, destitution, and hunger sustainably, releasing millions of people from dependence on the state. For this reason, the Republic of Argentina has dissociated on this resolution because we believe that it promotes state-based policies that not only obstruct personal autonomy but also suffocate the creation of wealth and progress. The models that bestow the state the power to regulate, lead, or control the economy have been shown to be inefficient and unfair since they deprive citizens of their basic right to pursue their own well-being. We trust that this message will serve to reaffirm our commitment to human freedom as the supreme principle, aware that only with more freedom and less interventionism will we be able to achieve true prosperity for all peoples. Thank you very much. GA · Vice-President [1:21:19]: I thank Argentina. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item K of agenda item 18? It is so decided. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 19, entitled "Follow-up the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlement Programme, UN-Habitat," issued as document A/79/438. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 19? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 20, entitled Globalization and Interdependence, issued as document A/79/439. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of the draft resolution, please signify. Those against. Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [1:23:16]: The Assembly is now voting on the draft resolution entitled "Towards a New International Economic Order". Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · Vice-President [1:23:46]: The result of the vote is as follows: in favor, 133; against, 51; abstention, 2. The draft resolution is adopted. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item A of agenda item 20, entitled "Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence, issued as document A/79/439/Add.1. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A separate recorded vote has been requested on the 12th preamble paragraph. I now put the vote. the 20th preamble or paragraph. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of the 12th preamble or paragraph, please signify. Those against? Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [1:24:58]: The Assembly is now voting on the 12th preamble or paragraph of the draft resolution. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · Vice-President [1:25:24]: The result of the vote is as follows. In favour 119, against 52, abstentions 5. The 12th preamble paragraph is adopted. I now put the vote to the vote draft resolution as a whole. on which a recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of the draft resolution as a whole, please signify. Those against? Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [1:25:58]: The Assembly is now voting on the draft resolution as a whole, entitled "Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence". Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · Vice-President [1:26:24]: The result of the vote is as follows. In favour 134. Against 3. Abstentions 48. The draft resolution as a whole is adopted. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item A of agenda item 20. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item B of agenda item 20, entitled "International migration and development," issued as document A/79/439/Add.2. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. may I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. I give the floor to His Excellency Peter Szijjarto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary, in explanation of vote after the vote. Hungary · Minister for Foreign Affairs [1:27:42]: Thank you so much, Madam Vice-President. Unfortunately, it's not an exaggeration to say that we are living in the age of dangers And as an impact of wars, growing threat of terror, and extremist ideologies on the rise, there are more and more people in the world who are forced to leave their homes. In the last 10 years, more than 120 million people became migrants, refugees, IDPs, so they were forced to leave their homes. In this very complicated situation, I think that there are two very important aspects we do have to take into consideration. First, international law must be respected. With this, we can avoid additional massive illegal migratory waves to break out, putting the security and safety of countries at risk. And on the other hand, instead of managing or inspiring migration, we should work on tackling the root causes of the migratory flows. Madam Vice-President, international law makes a very, very clear difference between migrants and refugees. And unfortunately, nowadays, the expression and legal status of refugees is being misused, which is a very dangerous phenomenon. International law speaks very clearly. If someone is forced to leave his or her home, he or she is entitled to stay on the territory of the first safe country. And international law doesn't speak about second, third, fifth, or 10th, or 20th safe country, first safe country. Therefore, violation of a border between two safe countries must not be taken into consideration as a human rights issue, but as a security issue and as a crime. Hungary's example, Madam Vice-President, is the real one here. We have been under a double pressure by migration and refugees for the last 10 years, costing us 3 billion euros of expenditure. On one hand, we have been living more than 1,000 days in the neighborhood of the war in Ukraine, from where we have received 1.4 million refugees. They have full access to our schools, kindergartens, healthcare, and to the labour market. We have been carrying out the biggest ever humanitarian operation of our country. We let everybody come in from Ukraine who are fleeing from the war because for them we are the first safe country. But at our southern border, we are under a huge migratory pressure. There we are protecting the external border of the European Union, laid on the busiest migratory route towards Europe on land route. During the last three and a half years, we have stopped more than half a million illegal migrants wanting to violate our border, thus our sovereignty. They usually attack our policemen, our border guards. They are behaving in a very aggressive ways, showing any kind of not showing any kind of respect to our regulations or authorities. And Madam President, I'd like to report to you that Hungary remains committed to protect its borders and maintaining its sovereign right to make a decision who can enter our country and with whom we are ready to live together. In the meantime, we give all our support to those who are fleeing from the war in Ukraine. And we support all kinds of initiatives which are pointed at peace being made in our neighborhood, which is the only way to save lives of the people, ending suffering of the families, and stop forcing people to leave their homes. But in the meantime, Madam President, inspiring people to leave their homes brings forward many risk, countries on countries of transit and destination, puts the lives of people who are leaving their homes at risk on many occasions and feeds the business model of smugglers and traffickers. So instead of inspiring people to leave their homes, we do have to stop migration by tackling the root causes on the spot. We have to carry out development programs by those creating new jobs, creating better education and better access to healthcare where it is needed. For the last five years, Hungary has spent 2 billion euros on official development assistance, focusing on humanitarian help, especially to the Christian communities who are among the most persecuted, uh, communities in many parts of the world. And Madam Vice President, I'd like to assure you that Hungary is committed to continue to contribute to the success of international ambitions aiming at stopping migration, tackling the root causes, and carrying out development programs in all parts of the world to make lives of people better where they have been living. Thank you so much. GA · Vice-President [1:32:40]: I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 20? It is so decided. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 20. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 21, entitled "Groups of countries in special situations", issued as document A/79/443. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Committee? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item a of agenda item 21, entitled "Follow-up to the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries", issued as document A/79/144. 4/440/Add.1. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of its sub-item A of agenda item 21? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item B of agenda item 21, entitled "Follow-up to the Third United Nations Conference on on landlocked developing countries, issued as document A/79/440/Add.2. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 21 and its sub-item B. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 22, entitled "Eradication of poverty and other development issues," issued as document A/79/441. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item A of agenda item 22, entitled "Implementation of the Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty, 2018-2027", issued as document A/79/441/Add.1. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item A of agenda item 22? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item B of agenda item 22, entitled Industrial Development Cooperation, issued as document A/79/441, addendum 2. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 22? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item C of agenda item 22, entitled "Women in Development," issued as document A/79/441/Add.3. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that... We have a speaker. I give the floor to Belarus in explanation of vote after the vote. Belarus [1:38:47]: Thank you, President. We joined consensus on this resolution on women in development, and we'd like to state that we dissociate ourselves from the paragraphs that were included in the text of the resolution on the outcomes of the second committee's vote on the amendment A/C2/79/L52 and also L54 and L55. We'd be grateful if this statement could be reflected in the meeting record. Thank you. GA · Vice-President [1:39:24]: I think the Belarus. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item C of agenda item 22? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item D of agenda item 22, entitled Human Resources Development, issued as document A/79/441/Add.4. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item of agenda item 22? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item E of agenda item 22, entitled "Eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", issued as document A/79/441/Add.5. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favour of the draft resolution, please signify. Those against. Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [1:41:18]: The Assembly is now voting on the draft resolution entitled "Eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · Vice-President [1:41:48]: The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 129, against 52, abstentions 1. The draft resolution is adopted. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 22 and its sub-item E? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 23, entitled Operational Activities for Development, issued as document A/79/442. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Committee? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item A of agenda item 23, entitled "Operational activities for development of the United Nations system", issued as document A/79/442/Add.1. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item A of agenda item 23? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on sub-item B of agenda item 23, entitled "South-South cooperation for development", issued as document A/79/435/Add.2. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. I should like to inform members that action on the draft resolution is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on the draft resolution as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available. The Assembly has thus concluded this date of its consideration of agenda item 23 and its sub-item B. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on Agenda Item 24, entitled "Agriculture development, food security and nutrition", issued as document A/79/443. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 24? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 25, entitled "Towards global partnerships", issued as document A/66/102. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 25? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 59, entitled "Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over the Natural Resources, issued as document A/79/445. The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of the draft resolution, please signify. Those against. Abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [1:46:52]: The Assembly is now voting on the draft resolution entitled "Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the Occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources." Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · Vice-President [1:47:33]: The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 162, against 8, abstentions 10. The draft resolution is adopted. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 59? It is so decided. The Assembly will consider the report of the Committee on agenda item 121, entitled "Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly," issued as document A/79/446. The Assembly has before it two draft decisions recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on draft decision I and II, one by one. Draft decision I is entitled "Draft programme of work of the Second Committee for the eighth session of the General Assembly". The Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. Draft decision 2 is entitled "Revitalization of the work of the Second Committee." The Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? It is so decided. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 121. The Assembly will now consider the report of the Committee on Agenda Item 140, entitled "Program Planning", issued as document A/79/447. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take a note of the report of the Committee? It is so decided. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of Agenda Item 140. The Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the report of the Second Committee before it for this meeting. On behalf of the Assembly, I would like to thank His Excellency Muhammad Abdul Muhit of Bangladesh, Chair of the Second Committee, members of the Bureau, as well as the delegates and the Committee Secretariat for a job well done. GA · President [1:51:20]: Colleagues, the Assembly will now take up a request submitted by the Secretary-General contained in document A/79/638, relating to the appointment of members of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee. In his note, the Secretary-General informs the Assembly of the passing of Imran Vanker of South Africa, member and chair of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee. The Assembly will therefore be required at its current session to appoint a person to fill the remainder of the term of office of Mr. Vankar as a member of the Committee, which expires on 31 December 2026. Since the agenda of the current session does not contain a sub-item on appointments of members of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee, the Secretary-General requests, pursuant to rule 15 of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly, the inclusion of this agenda item of the 79th session of an additional sub-item entitled appointment of members of the independent audit advisory committee under agenda item 116 entitled appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments. Owing to the nature of the sub-item, unless there is an objection, may I take it that the Assembly agrees to waive the relevant provision of Rule 40 of the Rules of Procedure, which would require a meeting of the General Committee on the question of the inclusion of this additional sub-item in the agenda? I see no objection. It is so decided. May I take it That the Assembly, on the proposal of the Secretary General, wishes to include in the agenda of the current session, under agenda item 116, entitled "Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments", an additional sub-item entitled "Appointment of members of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee", under heading I.E.I, "Organizational, administrative and other matters". It is so decided. Owing to the nature of the item, the Secretary-General also requests that it be allocated to the Fifth Committee. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to allocate this item to the Fifth Committee? I see no objection. It is so decided. I should like to inform Members that this additional item becomes sub-item L of agenda item 116. Colleagues, the Assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item 9 to take action on a draft resolution circulated in document A/79/L.42. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda on behalf of the Group of 77 and China to introduce draft resolution A/79/L.42. Uganda · G77 + China [1:54:27]: Mr. President, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I have the honor to introduce draft resolution A/79/L.42, entitled "Graduation of Cambodia and Senegal from the Least Developed Country Category." As we present this draft resolution, the Group of 77 and China wishes to take the opportunity to congratulate the two countries, Cambodia and Senegal, for the remarkable progress in their graduation from the Least Developed Country category, leading to this GA decision. The Group reiterates that graduation from the Least Developed Country category is a major milestone for the countries involved, as it means that significant progress has been made towards reaching at least some of the development goals. would like to emphasize that graduation is only the beginning of a new journey. Cambodia and Senegal will continue to seek consistent support from the international community to address the structural barriers that remain. This includes access to concessional financing, technical assistance, and favorable trade policies to consolidate their progress. We commend Mr. Ivo Miguel Rubio from Angola, who negotiated on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We also express our appreciation to the facilitator, Mr. M. Dad Chaudhry from Bangladesh, for his tireless efforts. To conclude, Mr. President, the Group of 77 and China invite all member states to endorse this resolution and to join forces to ensure that Cambodia and Senegal's transition is indeed smooth and successful. I thank you, Mr. President. GA · President [1:56:27]: I thank the distinguished representative of Uganda. Colleagues, we shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/79/L.42. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for the sponsorship, and I give the floor now to the representative of the Secretary. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [1:56:48]: Thank you, Mr. President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to the delegations listed on the L document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of L42. Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Kingdom of the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor the draft resolution, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. States that are members of the Group of 77 and China are already co-sponsors and therefore do not have to press the button. Austria. Slovenia. Montenegro. Sao Tome and Principe. And that concludes the list. Thank you, Mr. Oh, I see France. And that concludes the list. Thank you, Mr. President. GA · President [1:58:30]: I thank the representative of the Secretariat. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/79/L.42, entitled graduation of Cambodia and Senegal from the least developed country category. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/79/L.42? I see no objection. It is so decided. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I give the floor to the Russian Federation. Russian Federation [1:59:40]: Thank you, President. The Russian Federation supported the adoption of this resolution by consensus. We highly value the commitment of the Governments of Cambodia and Senegal in fulfilling the recommendations of the Committee on Development Policy and their efforts to graduate from the category of LDCs. We express the hope that the path towards graduation from this category will be smooth and one way. At the same time, we are still concerned that this kind of technical resolution is gradually becoming another platform for discussing the problems of LDCs in on substance, particularly the inclusion of substantive aspects in the last part of the preamble. Reference to external factors in this paragraph, although they are justified, does not fully reflect the research of the Committee on Development Policy, which has also been used as justification for the need to provide a five-year transitional plan to be provided to those countries regarding the LDC graduation criteria following 2023, as well as internal factors and the request of the governments of those countries. This also deviates from standard practice of resolution on graduation of countries, for example, GA resolution 6818 and 73133, where the Committee recommended to provide countries who have met the graduation criteria with a further transition period. We call on the sponsor of the resolution to, in the future, stick to established practice to avoid superfluous discussions on this kind of resolution and to avoid expanding the texts. Thank you very much. GA · President [2:01:28]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. Colleagues, we've heard the last speaker, only speaker in explanation of vote after the vote. The Assembly has thus concluded the stage of consideration of agenda item 9. I invite the attention of the Assembly to draft decision A/79/L.44 and draft amendment A/79/L.50, circulated under agenda item 17, entitled "Follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the international conferences on financing for development". Members will recall that at its second plenary meeting on 13 September 2024, the Assembly decided to allocate agenda 17 to the second committee. To enable the Assembly to take action expeditiously on these documents, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider agenda item 17 directly in plenary meeting and proceed immediately to its consideration? I hear no objection. It is so decided. The Assembly will now resume its consideration of agenda item 17, to take action on draft decision A/79/L.44 and draft amendment A/79/L.50. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada to introduce draft amendment A/79/L.50. Canada [2:03:10]: Thank you, Mr. President. There's no doubt that we are at a pivotal moment in the international financing for development agenda, and the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development presents the opportunity to further focus our collective attention on the importance of mobilizing all sources of development finance to achieve the SDGs. On an issue as important as FFD, it is essential that civil society voices are heard. A successful and substantive conference requires the effective, well-structured, and inclusive participation of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, academia, and the private sector. Canada is committed to the guiding principle that stakeholders' participation in UN activities, including that of civil society, produces better policy outcomes, is an essential part of understanding the complex and multifaceted issues for which the UN is mandated and benefits all member states. We are pleased to propose this amendment and the decision on the participation of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector in the high-level meeting on FFD. This text seeks to restore the full original list of civil society organizations as originally presented. We regret that some member states continue to use the non-objection procedure to unilaterally block stakeholders and NGOs. These organizations are established and known and will no doubt contribute to meeting our FFD objectives. The process outlined in resolution A/RES/78/271 is not a carte blanche for all stakeholders to participate, but rather ensures transparency in who is objecting and why. No single member state should have the final say in who does or doesn't participate in this forum, and we welcome that this process allows the ultimate decision to rest with the entire membership. We support the original recommendation by the UN and therefore tabled this amendment, simply reverting to the original list. We urge all member states to vote in favor of this amendment. Thank you. GA · President [2:05:12]: I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. For your information, the draft amendment has closed for e-sponsorship, and I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [2:05:23]: I thank you, Mr. President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft amendment and in addition to the delegation listed on the L document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of A/79/L.50. Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France. Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and United States of America. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor L50, please signify by pressing the microphone button. Slovenia, Montenegro, Lithuania, Georgia, Greece, And that concludes the list. Thank you, Mr. President. GA · President [2:07:07]: I thank the representative of the Secretariat. Delegations wishing to make a statement in the explanation of vote before the vote on any proposal under this item, including the draft amendment, are invited to do so now in one intervention. After action on all of them, there will be an opportunity for explanations of vote after the vote on any or all of them. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote, before the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I give the floor now to our first speaker, the Russian Federation. You have the floor. Spain, please, you have the floor. Russian Federation [2:07:55]: President, colleagues. Once again, we find ourselves in a situation where the process for the no objection principle is being undermined by Western countries. The very mechanism of identifying participants agreed by Member States in conferences is being violated. This question is now essentially a free-for-all. Our delegation, like several others, expressed our concern regarding the possible participation in the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development of 13 NGOs who prefer to focus on biased and sponsored political assessments regarding international conflicts and are specialized in promoting gender issues and even the LGBT agenda, rather than the questions of financing for development. Now, these soapbox criers of the so-called woke agenda traditionally will start to lament that we are against inclusivity. However, we would recall the rest of the list from the no objection procedure contains almost 300 NGOs, and their participation raises no issues with any delegation. These organizations, of course, have the skills and the mandate to participate in a specialized UN conference, and they also have the resources to make a contribution to its outcomes. Politicized NGOs whose aim has never been to discuss financing for development have the opportunity to interfere in the holding of the conference and insist on the discussion of questions which are far beyond the mandate of the FFD. In this connection, we requested a vote on the amendment. If you believe that the aim of FFD4 should be addressing specific questions of financing for development and not the lobbying of interests of developing countries, NGOs that carry no obligation or responsibilities for questions of financing, then we would ask you to vote alongside us against this amendment. Thank you for your attention. GA · President [2:10:11]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation and give the floor to Sweden on behalf of the European Union. Sweden · EU [2:10:20]: On behalf of the EU and its Member States, we support the amendment and align with the statement made by Canada. We recall the joint priority of ensuring an open, inclusive and transparent process that is open to stakeholders, including from civil society, academia and the private sector. Active participation of all stakeholders will be in the interest of the legitimacy of the process and also contribute to reaching an ambitious outcome. In that vein, the EU and its Member States call for supporting and facilitating the participation of all stakeholders in line with the spirit as well as the letter of the modalities as adopted by the General Assembly. I thank you. GA · President [2:11:08]: I thank the distinguished representative of Sweden. Give the floor to Mexico. Mexico [2:11:17]: Thank you very much, Mr. President. Mexico wishes to express its position on the adoption of the list of non-governmental organization for the fourth international conference on financing for development. In line with the modalities agreed in resolution 78/12, 261 of the General Assembly, we established a clear process for the participation of NGOs and civil society organizations, as well as academic institutions and the private sector. This context specifically referred to diverse participation in the conference and the preparatory process. Mexico is convinced that only through a truly inclusive representative participation that incorporates the perspectives of all sectors of societies will we be able to guarantee that both the process and the outcome document reflect the needs and aspirations of the whole international community. However, Mexico observes with profound concern the lack of transparency in the current process, particularly that the list of NGOs that were objected to, who had not been shared in a timely manner with the membership. This practice is not an isolated incident, rather it reflects a pattern that has been seen in various recent processes, including the adoption of the first list of NGOs that requested accreditation for the fourth conference and during the preparatory process for the high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance. The principles of transparency and inclusion are pillars underpinning the legitimacy of our multilateral work and they guarantee the effectiveness of our collective efforts. They are vital elements to ensure that we have outcomes that reflect the needs and aspirations of the whole international community. In this context, Mexico both in its national capacity and in its capacity as co-facilitator on the outcome document from the conference, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the meaningful inclusion of non-governmental actors. This in full accordance with the agreed modalities of the conference and the spirit of inclusive multilateralism. Thus, we firmly support the full reinsertion of the organizations that were excluded from the list, recognizing the fundamental value of their contributions to ensure the success of this conference. Finally, Mexico extends an appeal to the membership to support the efforts geared towards ensuring a broad, diverse participation at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. and we call on the membership to vote in favor of the amendment presented by Canada. President, this meeting will be crucial to bolster the framework for the financing and sustainable development, and its success will depend on the inclusion of diverse voices that will not only enrich our discussions, but will further strengthen the legitimacy and effectiveness of our agreements. Thank you very much. GA · President [2:14:40]: I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico and give the floor to the Republic of Korea. Republic of Korea [2:14:56]: Thank you, Mr. Chair. The Republic of Korea would like to thank Canada for presenting this amendment. Resolution 78/271 on the modalities of FFD4 stresses the importance of the effective participation of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, academia, and the private sector in the conference and its preparatory process. In this regard, the Republic of Korea will vote in favor of the amendment, and we invite others to do so, as it is in line with the adopted modalities and will promote transparent, accountable, and inclusive FFD4 process. Thank you. GA · President [2:15:37]: I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Korea and give the floor to China. China [2:15:46]: President, China supports the organization of a successful international conference on FFD and thanks the President of the General Assembly for submitting the proposed list of NGOs on the basis of feedbacks from member states. General Assembly resolution 78/271 clearly states that the list of multi-stakeholder participants should be considered by member states on the basis of the principle of non-objection. The submission by relevant countries of amendments to the proposed list violated the principle of non-objection. The work of some NGOs has nothing to do with the theme of the conference, and they have become political tools for interfering in the internal affairs of member states and their participation will not contribute to the discussion at all. China will vote against the amendment and calls upon all countries to uphold the principle of non-objection and to vote against the amendment as well. Thank you. GA · President [2:16:53]: I thank the distinguished representative of China. Colleagues, we've heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the vote. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft decision A/79/L.44 entitled "Participation of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development." In accordance with rule 90 of the Rules of Procedure, the Assembly shall first take a decision on draft amendment A/79/L.50. A recorded vote has been requested. We will now begin the voting process. Those in favour of draft amendment A/79/L50, please signify. Those against and abstentions. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [2:17:47]: The Assembly is now voting on draft amendment A/79/L50. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · President [2:18:17]: The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 73, against 23, abstentions 49. Draft amendment A/79/L.50 is thereby adopted. Since draft amendment A/79/L.50 was adopted, we shall proceed to take action on draft decision A/79/L.44 as amended. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt this decision as amended? It is so decided. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I give the floor to Cuba. Cuba [2:19:30]: Thank you very much, Mr. President. Amendment L50 is geared towards perpetuating a formula that violates and overlooks the principle of non-objection which has qualified the participation of NGOs without a consultative status to ECOSOC in the work of the UN over decades. My delegation does not support the attempts to erode the principle of non-objection which should be recovered and fully used today. The amendment presented today only serves to politicization and division in the work of the United Nations. Cuba is convinced of the usefulness and benefit of the participation of civil society in the work of the United Nations. Over decades, we have seen how thousands of NGOs, including many from the South and from Cuba, have provided a significant contribution to the work of the United Nations. This in line with the established practices and procedures, including consultative position before ECOSOC and the principle of non-objection. Therefore, our abstention does not present any value judgment on the list of NGOs in L50. Thank you. GA · President [2:20:55]: I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba and give the floor to Indonesia. Indonesia [2:21:08]: Thank you, Mr. President. Indonesia wishes to deliver an explanation of vote on the amendment to the draft decision A/79/L44. Indonesia acknowledges the significant contributions made by the NGOs, CSOs, academics, and private sector in multilateral process by offering invaluable perspectives and expertise, including in the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which we believe that the conference provides us with the opportunity to address the financing gaps that will allow us to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs. The inclusion of multi-stakeholder perspectives enhances the process by ensuring that the needs and priorities of various sectors and actors are reflected to help improve the effectiveness of the conference's outcomes. Therefore, Indonesia's commitment for inclusive participation of multi-stakeholder in all multilateral processes is unwavering. The same firm commitment is also extended to respect all agreed mechanisms and procedures. In this context, we are deeply concerned that once again, there is an action being undertaken to undermine already agreed consensus of procedures and modalities. An amendment is being proposed to reinstate NGOs and CSOs to which some countries have objections. This ignores the concern that some countries may have, which could be a valid concern. It disregards agreements on modalities that have already been supported by all countries. Such actions can continuously erode trust between member states and sharpen fragmentations at a time when our solidarity and partnership are needed. For this reason, Indonesia voted in its abstention to the proposed amendment. I thank you. GA · President [2:23:03]: I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia. I give the floor to Turkey. Türkiye [2:23:12]: Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to begin by reaffirming Turkey's commitment to supporting the active participation of NGOs, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector in the work of the UN, as this is essential for achieving our common goals. A large number of NGOs, as well as other stakeholders from Turkey, have already been contributing to all spheres of work of the UN and working together with the UN all over the globe, in particular in most vulnerable countries. We strongly support the participation of NGOs and other stakeholders to the work of the UN, as long as their objectives and activities are in line with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the UN. And in this particular case, we do support those NGOs and other stakeholders whose activities will contribute to the ongoing preparations for the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and who can advance solutions in financing, investment, and trade to turbocharge the fulfillment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDG implementation. Yet, We cannot underestimate the fact that some NGOs are engaging in activities that run counter to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the UN and engage in politically motivated acts against some member states. As a long-standing member of the NGO Committee, we have encountered numerous cases where ECOSOC consultative status and participation in various UN meetings was abused by certain organizations. This leads to unnecessary politization of discussions, which makes it difficult to achieve constructive dialogue and consensus. We believe that the criteria and principles formulated in ECOSOC Resolution 1996/31 should apply to all NGOs who seek to participate in the conferences and meetings of the UN. not all Member States, including the proponents of this amendment, have information on the objectives, activities and financing of those NGOs that are objected by certain Member States. The amendment proposed today, unfortunately, allows a group of Member States to override valid objections without adequate understanding or scrutiny of those NGOs' activities, thereby transforming this matter into a potentially politicised one. We consider this amendment as a political rather than a technical one, as no justification has been given by the proponent of this amendment on which grounds all those NGOs and stakeholders that are objected would be critical to the work of the preparatory process of the FFC conference and the conference itself. As a matter of fact, for the purpose of transparency, for an informed decision making, it is highly important for member states to know in detail how these NGOs and stakeholders plan to contribute to the conference. And as we're speaking about financing for development, those countries who have presented and supported the amendment under the disguise of enhancing the voice of NGOs should rather focus their efforts in enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in global economic governance. For that reason, we voted against the amendment, which unfortunately brings back the objective NGOs and organizations into the list. We will continue to underline that views and concerns of the relevant Member States should be respected in determining the participation of relevant NGOs in the work of the UN, in order to prevent the abuse of the UN platforms for political purposes other than technical matters. We look forward to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Spain next year, and we wish Spain every success for the conference. Turkey will continue to promote inclusivity and transparency in UN in line with its principles and purposes enshrined in its charter. Thank you. GA · President [2:27:38]: I thank the distinguished representative of Turkey and give the floor to the United States. United States of America [2:27:45]: Thank you, Mr. President. The United States is deeply committed to promoting the meaningful participation of nongovernmental organizations in the UN system without regard to their political beliefs, including through FFD 4. This is why we co-sponsored Canada's amendment to reinstate the 28 civil society organizations dropped from the accreditation list via the no objection procedure. While the United States agrees that member states should retain the ability to prevent certain NGOs from participating in UN fora, notably if they have ties to criminal entities or terrorist organizations, we are concerned that certain states seek to prevent NGOs from participating in UN meetings for political reasons, and to do so without transparency. Mr. President, this long list of CSOs contains well-known and highly respected organizations with longstanding mandates on topics directly related to the Sustainable Development Goals, such as poverty reduction, environmental protection, institution building, and human rights. Providing diverse NGOs a platform to participate in the UN system makes this institution and its member states stronger and more responsive to our citizens. The open exchange of ideas that NGO observers provide is essential to innovation and creative solutions in multilateral bodies. As we face shared global challenges like financing for development, it is critical that we include civil society voices in the work of the UN. Mr. President, over the past year, we have seen a systematic attempt to exclude members of civil society from participating in UN processes. We believe diverse voices and views enhance accountability. And we will continue to defend their inclusion on a principled basis, without regard for their alignment with US policy. Thank you. GA · President [2:29:54]: I thank the distinguished representative of the United States. Colleagues, we've heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the vote. Assembly has thus concluded the stage of its consideration of agenda 17. I invite the attention of the Assembly to draft resolution A/79/L.46, circulated under sub-item a of agenda item 20, entitled "Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence." Members will recall that at its second plenary meeting on 13 September 2024, the Assembly decided to allocate sub-item A of agenda item 20 to the Second Committee. To enable the Assembly to take action expeditiously on the document, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider sub-item A of agenda item 20 directly in plenary meeting and proceed immediately to its consideration? I see no objection. It is so decided. The Assembly will now resume its consideration of sub-item A of agenda item 20 to take action on draft resolution A/79/L.46. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil to introduce draft resolution L.46. Brazil [2:31:31]: Mr. President, Excellencies, Colleagues, I wish to express Brazil's sincere gratitude to all delegations who actively engaged in the negotiations on draft resolution L.46 on supreme audit institutions. My very special thanks to all co-sponsors. Building upon resolution 66/290, and 69/228, the text before us reaffirms the critical role of supreme audit institutions in promoting efficiency, accountability, effectiveness, and transparency in public administration. They are essential to strengthen governance. The draft resolution further underscores the strategic role that supreme audit institutions as key components of statehood can play in helping states address climate change through independent assessments of policy design and implementation, efficient resource allocation and accountability, all this in full respect for national priorities, institutional frameworks, and legal systems. The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, INTOSAI, currently chaired by Brazil, has been instrumental in helping strengthen those institutions, particularly through cooperation, capacity building, and sharing of best practices. INTOSAI's alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and its continued partnership with the United Nations have further empowered supreme audit institutions to address global challenges and contribute meaningfully to the 2030 Agenda. Brazil reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the indivisibility of SDGs and the three pillars of sustainable development. Their interconnected nature demands a holistic approach to governance and development. And this is what this resolution is all about. Thank you. GA · President [2:33:37]: I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. Colleagues will now proceed to consider draft resolution A/79/L46. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship, and I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [2:33:54]: I thank you, Mr. President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to the delegations listed on the L document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of L46. Austria, Cabo Verde, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta Morocco Mozambique Norway Panama Philippines Portugal Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Timor-Leste United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United Republic of Tanzania Uruguay and Vietnam. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor A/79/L.46, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. Guyana, Cuba, Angola, Bulgaria, Sao Tome and Principe, Maldives, Romania, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Kuwait, and Haiti. And that concludes the list. Thank you, Mr. President. GA · President [2:36:06]: I thank the representative of the Secretariat. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/79/L.46, entitled "Promoting and fostering the efficiency, accountability, effectiveness and transparency of public administration by strengthening supreme audit institutions". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/79/L.46? It is so decided. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I give the floor to Argentina. Argentina [2:37:04]: Thank you very much, Mr. President. Argentina would like to thank Brazil for presenting this resolution. and for the constructive way in which informal consultations were held. At the same time, we recall that Argentina has dissociated from the Pact for the Future, and that both the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, to which it committed in good faith, comprise legally non-binding aspirations that each State in exercising its sovereignty, has the right to freely interpret and pursue. In this context, our country will not support any policy which implies a restriction on individual freedoms, on free trade, nor a violation of the natural rights of individuals, irrespective of the proponent or the consensus in that institution. In a constructive spirit, our country enabled the adoption of this resolution by consensus. However, we would like to inform you that Argentina dissociates itself from any reference to the Sustainable Development Goals contained in this resolution. Thank you very much. GA · President [2:38:36]: I thank the distinguished representative of Argentina and give the floor to Mexico. Mexico [2:38:44]: Mr. President, Mexico joined consensus on the adoption of the resolution promoting and fostering the efficiency, accountability, effectiveness and transparency of public administration by strengthening supreme audit institutions, presented by Brazil. We believe that this is an adequate, timely text, given the importance presented by the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at a national and international level, as well as through the updating of our normative agreements to facilitate that implementation. We commend and congratulate the Brazilian delegation for its leadership and its initiative in this regard. This is in line with the priorities that it put forward during its G20 presidency. Without doubt, improving the effectiveness and efficiency, accountability and transparency of public administration is vital to ensure that we can further our commitments to sustainable development in its three dimensions. President, six years from the end of the 2030 Agenda, this type of initiative contributes to bringing us closer to achieving all of the SDGs and their targets. Thank you. GA · President [2:40:13]: I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. We've heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the vote. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 20 and its sub-item A? is so decided. The Assembly will now consider sub-item B of agenda item 115, entitled, "Election of Members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission." Members will recall that in accordance with paragraphs 4A to E of Resolution 60/180 of 20 December 2005, the Organizational Committee shall comprise of the following: Seven members of the Security Council, including permanent members. Seven members of the ECOSOC, elected from regional groups. Five top providers of assessed contributions to UN budgets and of voluntary contributions to UN funds, programs, and agencies, including a standing peacebuilding fund. Five top providers of military personnel and civilian police to UN missions. And seven additional members elected by the General Assembly, giving due consideration to representation from all regional groups in the overall composition of the Committee. By the same resolution, the Assembly also decided that each of the five regional groups shall have no less than three seats in the overall composition of the Organizational Committee. Members will also recall that at the 56th plenary meeting of its 77th session, the Assembly elected Egypt, Kenya, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa as members of the Organizational Committee of the PPC for a two-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2023. At its 42nd plenary meeting, at its 78th session, the Assembly elected Poland and Uruguay as members of the Organizational Committee for a two-year term of office beginning on 1 January 224. Consequently, the Assembly will need to fill the seats to be vacated by Egypt, Kenya, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa, whose two-year term of office expires at the end of this year. By letter dated 27 November 2024 addressed to the President of the Assembly, contained in document A/79/630, the President was informed by the facilitator of the top ten troop-contributing countries that Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Rwanda will serve the Organizational Committee for the period beginning on 1 January 2025 and ending on 31 December 2026. By letter dated 5 December 2024 addressed to the President of the Assembly, contained in document A/79/672, the President was informed by the Facilitator of the top 10 financial contributors that Canada, Germany, Japan, Norway, and Sweden have been selected to serve on the Organizational Committee for the 2025-2026 term. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to take note of the information contained in documents A/79/630 and 672? It is so decided. The Assembly will now proceed to the election of five members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission. By its resolution 60/261 of 8 May 2006, the Assembly decided that the members of the Organizational Committee shall serve for renewable terms of two years, as applicable. Accordingly, Egypt, Qatar and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are eligible for immediate re-election, while Kenya and South Africa have already been elected by the ECOSOC in its decision 2024/220-A of 9 April 2024 and 2025/209 of 15 December 2024. Regarding candidatures for the five vacant seats, I should like to inform Members that, from among the African States, three endorsed candidates have been communicated, namely Egypt, Morocco and Uganda. From among the Asia-Pacific States, one endorsed candidate has been communicated, namely Cambodia. From among the Latin American and Caribbean States, one candidate has been communicated, namely Brazil. Members will recall that by its resolution 6261, the Assembly decided that the rules of procedure and established practice of the Assembly for the election of members of its subsidiary bodies shall apply to its election of members of the Committee. For this election, rules 92 and 94 shall be applicable. Accordingly, the election shall be held by secret ballot. However, I should also like to recall paragraph 16 of Assembly Decision 34/401, whereby the practice of dispensing with the secret ballot for elections to subsidiary organs when the number of candidates corresponds to the number of seats to be filled should become standard, unless a delegation specifically requests a vote on a given election. In the absence of such a request, May I take it that the Assembly decides to proceed on the election on that basis? It is so decided. Since the number of candidates is equal to the number of seats to be filled, may I take it that the Assembly decides to elect Brazil Cambodia, Egypt, Morocco, and Uganda as members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission for a two-year term of office beginning 1 January 2025. I see no objection. It is so decided. I congratulate all the States on their election. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 115. It is so decided. So, colleagues, the Assembly will now resume consideration of agenda item 123, entitled Strengthening of the United Nations System to Take Action on a Draft Resolution, circulated in document A/79/L.28, revision 1. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of the draft resolution is contained in document A/79/667. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway to introduce draft resolution A/79/L.28, revision 1. You have the floor. Norway [2:47:31]: Mr. President, distinguished representatives. The civilian population in the occupied Palestinian territory is trapped in a living nightmare. Around 45,000 Palestinians are reported killed since fighting erupted. 70% of them are women and children. Many more lie under the rubble. Most hospitals and schools in Gaza have been willfully destroyed. Houses are reduced to rubble. Hunger and disease are prevalent. Humanitarian workers have been targeted. Norway has consistently condemned Hamas's brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attack on Israel on 7 October. We have called for a ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages. We recognize that states may take different positions as to what has caused this dystopian nightmare. What we cannot afford to disagree on, however, is the humanitarian imperative to provide aid and assistance to those in desperate need. And under no circumstances can we tolerate that any state imposes obstructions and impediments to organizations and states which provide humanitarian and development assistance to civilians. Yet, this is exactly what is happening. While civilians are dying, exposed to the most atrocious of circumstances, aid workers are being targeted, and aid delivery is systematically obstructed. This is not only unconscionable, it is also a violation of international law. We, the Member States of the United Nations, have an obligation to ensure the necessary conditions for safe and effective humanitarian operations. We can no longer tolerate impediments that hinder humanitarian access and disrupt planned operations to Palestinians under illegal occupation. This is the reason for the draft resolution which is now before us. With this resolution, we are stating unequivocally that enough is enough. For international law to remain credible, for the most basic humanitarian principles to be upheld, we must act. This is why Norway, together with a group of dedicated States to which we owe our greatest gratitude, comprising Chile, Egypt, Guyana, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Malaysia, Namibia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa and Spain, is presenting this resolution to the UN membership. Its overarching purpose is to protect and preserve the humanitarian operations of the UN, of humanitarian organizations, and of third states in the occupied Palestinian territory. We are particularly concerned by the Israeli legislation that targets the UN directly, especially UNRWA. This legislation, already adopted, will, if implemented, effectively end UNRWA's operations in the occupied Palestinian territory. This, in turn, will collapse the United Nations' humanitarian response. Such an outcome would be intolerable. It would also have dire implications for the UN's humanitarian efforts and its privileges and immunities beyond the present situation. Mr. President, We recall the Secretary-General's letters to the membership, where he requested support from the General Assembly to enable UNRWA to carry out its mandate as instructed by this Assembly. In this draft resolution, we are seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice. The request focuses on clarifying Israel's obligations to ensure and facilitate humanitarian and development assistance in the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr. President, Norway, a founding member of the United Nations, believes that we cannot remain passive witnesses to what may come to be seen as a frontal attack on this very organization and on the multilateral system itself. with immense humanitarian consequences. Let us act, therefore, with dispatch and determination to uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to prevent further suffering in the region. I urge all Member States to vote in favour of this draft resolution, and I thank you for your attention. GA · President [2:52:42]: I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/79/L.28, revision 1. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for sponsorship. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [2:53:01]: I thank you, Mr. President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to the delegations listed on the L document, The following countries have also become co-sponsors of A/79/L.28, revision 1: Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, France, Guinea, Lebanon, Maldives, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, I apologize, not Nigeria, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, St. Lucia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor A/79/L.28, revision 1, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. Djibouti. Trinidad and Tobago. Somalia. United Republic of Tanzania. Antigua and Barbuda. Nigeria, Colombia, Sierra Leone. And that concludes the list. Thank you, Mr. President. GA · President [2:54:51]: I thank the Secretariat. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote before the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. to the first of three speakers. United States, you have the floor. United States of America [2:55:14]: Thank you, Mr. President. The United States respects the important role of the International Court of Justice in advising the General Assembly and in the peaceful settlement of disputes. The United States is also committed to supporting the path to a negotiated two-state solution and realization of Palestinian self-determination through constructive measures. However, the proposed referral here brings us no closer to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It will not meaningfully improve the lives of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who neither started this conflict nor have the ability to end it. While we have no desire to prejudge the court's advisory opinion, our concern is that any action by this body and any court proceeding should reinforce rather than harm advancement of a ceasefire and hostage release consistent with Security Council Resolution 2735, as well as a realistic and lasting diplomatic solution, and support lifesaving humanitarian assistance. The proposed referral will not encourage the parties to engage with one another on a political process to solve issues, bridge divides, or work toward direct talks with a two-state solution as the end goal. The United States will keep working to improve the humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza, which requires unhindered humanitarian access and a surge in humanitarian aid reaching Palestinian civilians in need. To that end, UNRWA provides critical, lifesaving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable Palestinian civilians. Any interruption in the delivery of these services could lead to severe humanitarian consequences for millions of Palestinians. UNRWA personnel must enjoy freedom of movement to provide needed educational, health, relief, and social services. Israel's fight is with Hamas, not UNRWA, and humanitarian personnel must not be targeted. The UN is part of the solution. and should play a role in ending this conflict. Mr. President, we welcome calls for reform of UNRWA and swift implementation of recommendations called for in the Kelowna report. And yet, today's one-sided resolution seeking another ICJ opinion on Israel's behavior is deeply flawed. It fails to create a path forward for restoring trust between Israel and UNRWA, despite U.S. efforts to put forward proposals that would do exactly that. We reiterate our concern that Israel must not restrict the delivery of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, imposing obstacles that must be removed. Going forward, Israel must also ensure implementation of its recent legislation does not further impede the delivery of humanitarian assistance and critical services, including provision of assistance by UNRWA, which remains a vital lifeline for Palestinians. Equally vital, as the aid delivery architecture in Gaza evolves, the UN must work with all relevant parties and have a viable plan in place to facilitate aid deliveries. Mr. President, the Secretary General's recent letter regarding UNRWA and the future of aid delivery in Gaza suggests the UN has not yet begun an earnest conversation with Israel regarding implementation of the legislation. Nor does it appear that relevant UN agencies have had detailed conversations on steps they could take to help ensure continuity of UN aid deliveries to Gaza. With lives in the balance, this must change. Yet nothing in this resolution addresses these pressing issues. The UN must demonstrate that it will continue in word and deed to stand with the people of Gaza in their hour of need. Mr. President, nobody benefits from the UN's failure to address lingering questions about whether UNRWA personnel violated the agency's neutrality policy. We deeply regret that this resolution fails to address credible allegations about the activities of some UNRWA personnel. Resolving these allegations could bolster UNRWA's vital humanitarian mission. Mr. President, the United States will vote against this resolution. We encourage other delegations to do the same. It is time for Israel and the UN to work together and take pragmatic steps to ensure there is no interruption of humanitarian aid delivery to Palestinians in desperate need. We can and must do better to set the region on a path to peace, to set the conditions for direct negotiations toward a two-state solution for the benefit of future generations of Palestinians and Israelis alike. Thank you. GA · President [3:00:45]: I thank the distinguished representative of the United States and give the floor to Georgia. Georgia has the floor? No, Georgia does not want the floor. In that case, I give the floor to Israel. Israel [3:01:11]: Thank you, Mr. President. This Assembly clings to the past and its obsession with distorted ICJ opinions, meanwhile The Middle East is changing before our eyes. Hamas is being dismantled. Hezbollah has been humiliated. Assad has fallen. Yehia Sinwar, Muhammad Deif, Hassan Nasrallah, Ibrahim Akil, and dozens of other arch-terrorists, all eliminated. The terror network that once cast a shadow over our region is being erased. Israel looks to the future, a future of stability. We must take advantage of this rare, historic opportunity and free the world from the murderous Iranian regime. Yet, this Assembly refuses to move forward-looking only to the past. This Assembly recycles the same biased resolutions and ignores the new reality. Your ingrained bias refuses to allow you to move on. The ICJ now has been weaponized. Its advisory opinions are twisted to attack Israel and undermine our right to defend our people. This is injustice. It's a political theater. It cheapens the court. emboldened terror, and undermined the principles this institution was founded to uphold. You became accustomed to being endlessly consumed by biased resolutions, resolutions completely detached from reality, aimed at singling out Israel and ignoring the truth. And now, you have added a new act to this circus: the International Court of Justice. Read the script. This Assembly refers a one-sided resolution to the ICJ. The ICJ delivers another distorted advisory opinion. Then we are back in this hall, debating the same recycled nonsense. And what happens next? Another referral, another opinion, another session. Around and around we go, an endless loop of bias. detached from the reality on the ground. This isn't diplomacy. It's a mockery. And the only ones celebrating this circus are the terrorists who exploit your obsession with Israel to escape accountability. While you obsess over us, Hamas continues to terrorize. 100 hostages remain in Gaza. And Iran, the puppet master, continued its march toward nuclear capability. But none of that seems to matter here. No, in this assembly, in this hall, the focus is on undermining Israel's right to exist and defend itself. These resolutions do not build bridges. They build walls of division. Israel sees the new Middle East emerging, A region freed from the grip of Iran and its proxies, but this Assembly will be left behind. Instead of seizing this moment to foster peace and stability, this resolution would have you choose to continue a cycle of hate. Instead of looking forward, this resolution looks backward. It is time to stop. Stop the circus. Stop the cycle. Stop enabling the forces of terror by refusing to face the truth. Stop clinging to the past. Break free from this endless loop of bias and distortion. Look to the future and help us build a Middle East defined not by terror, but by peace and opportunities. Thank you, Mr. President. GA · President [3:05:37]: I thank the distinguished representative of Israel and give the floor to Greece. Greece [3:05:43]: Mr. President, today's vote on the draft resolution requesting an ICJ advisory opinion highlights once again the urgency to address the unprecedented crisis that takes place in the Middle East. Greece is committed to the national law and international justice. Thus, just days ago, on the 11th of December, at the 10th emergency special session of this Assembly, Greece voted in favor of the two resolutions supporting UNRWA's mandate, as well as demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. We believe that it should allow time for the parties involved, as well as the international community, to follow up on the aforementioned resolutions and engage towards addressing the issues that have been raised. This is why, although we share the concerns raised in the draft, we will abstain. Mr. President. Let me reiterate once more that Greece, as a country in the region, and also as an incoming United Nations Security Council elected member, stands ready to assist any peace effort conducive to the promotion of the much-needed stability and prosperity in the region. I thank you. GA · President [3:06:43]: I thank the distinguished representative of Greece. Colleagues, we've had the last speaker and explanation of vote before the vote. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/79/L.28, revision 1, entitled "Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligation of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States." A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. In favor of draft resolution A/79/L.28/Rev.1, please signify similarly those against and those wishing to abstain. UN Secretariat · Secretariat [3:07:32]: The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution A/79/L.28/Rev.1 entitled "Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third states. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine. GA · President [3:08:17]: The result of the vote is as follows: in favor 137, against 12, abstentions 22. Draft resolution A/79/L.28, revision 1, is thereby adopted. In view of the lateness of the hour, statements in explanation of vote after the vote under this item and agenda item 75 and its sub-items a to c will be heard at 3 p.m. in this hall. Colleagues, have a good lunch. This meeting is adjourned.