General Assembly: 112th Plenary meeting, 80th session

The 112th plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will begin its consideration of agenda item 132 entitled Report of the United Nations Youth Office. The documentation under this item is listed in the Journal of the United Nations. Before proceeding further, as agreed at the General Committee meeting of 18 May 2026 and announced in the President's letter dated 20 May 2026, I propose that the time limits for statements in the debate of this item be five minutes for individual delegations speaking in their national capacity and seven minutes for statements made on behalf of group of States. Is there any objection to this proposal? I hear none. It is so decided. Accordingly, pursuant to rule 72 of the rules of procedure of the Assembly, when a representative exceeds her or his allotted time, the President shall call the Speaker to order without delay, which will be done by means of an automatic microphone cut off. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screens. Please be aware that the remaining speaking time is displayed on the left hand side of the rostrum. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union, speaking on behalf of the EU and its member states.

Thank you, President. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, as well as Armenia, Monaco and San Marino, and the United Kingdom align themselves with this statement. The EU welcomes the 2026 report of the UN Youth Office, and we commend their leadership in advancing the youth agenda worldwide through its mandate on UN system coordination, intergovernmental support, as well as advocacy and outreach. Regarding system-wide coordination, we salute the work of the Office in mainstreaming and strengthening meaningful youth participation across the board. The latest Youth 2030 Progress Report shows significant advances by country teams and UN entities in systematic youth engagement in the implementation of the SDGs. We also welcome the launch of the Core Principles for Meaningful Youth Participation this March, which provides important guidance for the UN, Member States and civil society in establishing and strengthening participation processes that are safe, inclusive, rights-based and truly representative. In addition, we are pleased to see the catalytic impact of the Youth Compass, the Office's flagship initiative supported by the European Union. which provides a practical navigation tool for young persons to explore opportunities to engage in policy and decision-making processes. Turning now to intergovernmental engagement, we recognize the work of the Youth Office in organizing the high-level meetings to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, the 10th anniversary of the Youth Peace and Security Agenda, as well as the ECOSOC Youth Forum, among many others. We remain firmly committed to supporting the Office's key role in advancing the YPS agenda, and we encourage the Youth Office to continue to share information in a timely manner on upcoming initiatives and liaise proactively with Member States, youth delegates and all other stakeholders to maximise intergovernmental engagement in its important work. Finally, regarding advocacy and outreach, we commend the work undertaken by the Office to ensure that the voices of those most left behind are heard and to address key and emerging challenges, such as youth mental health or reprisals. We appreciate the leadership of ESG-Poyet and the Youth Office in actively listening, trusting young persons' agency, and building a genuine partnership with them. and we look forward to the upcoming UN Youth Town Hall, another opportunity for young voices to contribute to multilateral cooperation. We also appreciate the role of the Young Leaders for the SDGs in accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. We have heard loud and clear the call from young persons to move from mere participation to influence in decision-making processes, and we are working towards this goal. For example, through the global and local EU Youth Sounding Boards, young persons have been involved in co-creation, rollout and evaluation of the Youth Action Plan in EU external action, as well as other international cooperation frameworks. The EU also provided funding for the 2026 Global Education Monitoring Report, which places young learners and advocates at the centre of the analysis and recommendations on education policy. Furthermore, the EU Youth Peace and Security Network brings together more than 700 young peacebuilders from all over the world to implement demobilization, reintegration and inter-community dialogue activities in the field and in the wider international arena. Young persons are essential partners in creating, implementing and taking forward the goals and principles of the UN. And we can only succeed in addressing the burning challenges of today if we do not only invite young persons to the table, but co-create the tables themselves with them. empowering them with the information and skills needed to take part in the process and ensure their participation in the implementation and accountability for the decisions made. And I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Thank you, Mr. President. Portugal aligns itself with the European Union statement, and our strong commitment to the youth agenda needs no introduction. We acknowledge the substantial progress made by the Youth Office in strengthening youth engagement and advancing youth issues across the United Nations system. In this regard, allow me to highlight three main points. First, we particularly welcome the consolidation of the Youth Office as a system-wide anchor for youth affairs. The development of the core principles for meaningful, representative, inclusive and safe youth participation, as well as the implementation of the Youth Compass, provide important foundations for moving from consultations towards genuine influence. We also welcome the office's work across the three pillars of the organization, including on youth, peace and security, and human rights and sustainable development. Second, Portugal has sought to contribute to the efforts of strengthening youth engagement in practical ways. In April this year, on the margins of ECOSOC Youth Forum, Portugal hosted, together with a group of Member States and the UN Foundation, a discussion with young people on their priorities and perspectives regarding the selection of the next Secretary-General. This was the first time such a discussion was organized at the United Nations. The young participants underlined their vision for the next Secretary General, namely as a bridge builder in an increasingly fragmented world. For Portugal, this is precisely the essence of meaningful youth participation. It cannot be reduced to creating space for young people to speak. It must also ensure that their contributions can influence decisions, policies and priorities. Third, looking ahead, we believe that the coming years should focus on turning the progress made into a lasting institutional culture across the United Nations. We therefore welcome the Office's intention to advance meaningful youth participation as standard practice, strengthening accountability through the Youth 2030 Strategy, expand socioeconomic opportunities and investment in young people, and further implement the Youth Peace and Security Agenda. Mr. President, in concluding, investing in youth Participation is an investment in the legitimacy, resilience, and effectiveness of multilateralism itself. We stand ready to continue working with the youth office and with young people to ensure that the United Nations is not only an organization that speaks about the future, but one that gives future generations a meaningful role in shaping it. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus.

Thank you, Mr. President. Cyprus aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union. Allow me to make the following remarks in my national capacity. Cyprus welcomes the Secretary General's report and expresses full support to the mandate of the Youth Office. We commend the office under the leadership of Assistant Secretary General Dr. Pollier for its continued efforts to place young persons at the heart of the work of the United Nations. Cyprus is pleased to note the progress and milestones described in the report, particularly the consolidation of the Youth Office as a fully operational entity across the organization's three pillars, peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. My delegation applauds that the Office moved into a period of delivery, translating the commitments of the Pact for the Future and the second phase of the Youth Strategy into tangible progress with and for young people. We also welcome the core principles developed pursuant to the Pact for the Future for meaningful, representative, inclusive and safe youth engagement. However, as the report rightly highlights, we must bridge the persistent gap between participation and meaningful influence, ensuring that youth perspectives are meaningfully reflected in and can genuinely shape the decisions that affect their lives and futures. Mr. President, the principles of meaningful youth participation are well reflected in Cyprus national policies. including in Cyprus National Youth Strategy, which provides a comprehensive framework for youth policy aiming to strengthen the active participation, empowerment and well-being of young persons. In this regard, Cyprus supports a range of initiatives that translate these objectives into concrete opportunity for young persons. Allow me to share two concrete examples. First is the establishment of Ekfrasi, a national digital participation platform for young persons aged 18 to 35, facilitating a direct dialogue between youth and public institutions. Through thematic consultations, surveys and interactive engagement tools, young persons can express their views, share proposals and contribute to discussions on public policies affecting their lives. Second is the project entitled House of Youth Representatives, originating directly from Cypriot youth civil society, namely Cyprus Youth Council and the NGO Cyprus Youth Diplomacy, a project funded by the government and supported by Cyprus Parliament. This project has a permanent structure, establishing direct pathways for youth perspectives to influence and co-design policy decision making. Young Cypriots engage in a simulation of parliamentary deliberations on issues directly affecting their generation, and their policy recommendations are subsequently submitted at the highest political level. Since 2016, around 500 young Cypriots have participated in this project, with its ninth edition taking place this October in Nicosia. Furthermore, Cyprus attaches particular importance to the youth peace and security agenda. We welcome Security Council resolution 2807 and its call for increased youth participation in peace processes at all levels. Cyprus will continue to positively contribute to the advancement and implementation of the YPS agenda through the Group of Champions of Youth, Peace and Security. All these efforts stem from our conviction that young persons are not simply preparing to participate in our societies at some point in the future. They are already agents of positive change, shaping our societies today. Mr. President, as we move forward, we must ensure that meaningful youth participation is not just an occasional exercise, but a structural practice. Our commitment to leave no one behind must not omit the 2.6 billion young persons, the largest generation of young people in history. In this regard, Cyprus looks forward to the first ever United Nations Youth Town Hall taking place this December, and we stand ready to participate and support this initiative. Mr. President, to conclude, Cyprus will continue working to advance an agenda centered on meaningful youth participation, intergenerational dialogue, and solidarity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cyprus. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guyana.

Thank you, Mr. President. Guyana welcomes this annual debate on the report of the United Nations Youth Office and extends our gratitude to the Secretary-General for the comprehensive report. We commend the considerable work undertaken by the Youth Office in advancing its 2025 to 2028 strategic plan, the Youth Strategy and Security Council resolutions on youth peace and security. We appreciate the youth offices work in ensuring that youth participated in key UN processes across the three pillars, including the high level political forum on sustainable development and sessions of the Human Rights Council. We encourage more youth participation in other major meetings such as the disarmament conferences. Guyana also welcomes the Office's strengthening of its system-wide coordination and accountability through engagements with UN country teams and targeted outreach to youth, and its efforts to scale up investment in youth and revitalize the UN Youth Fund. We acknowledge the flagship initiatives of the Office, including the Youth Compass, Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing, and the Young Leaders for Sustainable Development Goals. We believe that these are critical as the youth office continues to deliver on its mandate of advancing youth issues and youth engagement across the UN system. Mr. President, on the YPS agenda, Guyana was pleased to co-author with Sierra Leone resolution 2807 of 2025, which inter alia focused on increasing youth participation and leadership in youth processes, in peace processes, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, recovery and reconstruction at all levels. We look forward to the implementation of resolution 2807. It is critical, including at the level of the Security Council, to demonstrate our confidence in the abilities of our youth as peacebuilders and in advancing sustainable and peaceful outcomes, as many young persons experience conflicts firsthand. Mr. President, at the national level, Guyana views our youth population as an asset and as vital partners in national development efforts. We have prioritized youth development and participation and continue to invest significantly in the empowerment of our youth. We have expanded their access to education, skills training, entrepreneurial development, and employment opportunities. Many young Ghanaians are part of policy making and implementation. In closing, Mr. President, the Secretary General's report reflects the UN's progress in institutionalizing meaningful youth participation, but also highlights the need for more actionable solutions. Ghana notes the recommendations outlined in the report, particularly on reaching out to those youth with limited or no access to opportunities while creating a safe and inclusive space for youth contributions in decision-making processes. We must continue to invest in our youth. their education, skills, health and employment towards unlocking their full potential. Guyana reaffirms its commitment to working with the youth office and relevant stakeholders to build an inclusive, equitable and sustainable world with youth at the center. I thank you.

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

Mr. President, at the outset, we would like to thank the UN Youth Office for the report which reflects the Youth Office's intensive work over the reporting period. One of the key areas of the Office's work is the promotion of the principle of meaningful participation of young people in decision-making. In terms of the implementation of this principle at the national level, we would deem Russia's experience to be cutting-edge. Young people's involvement in civic and state affairs is expressed in very concrete institutional terms. We have youth parliaments, we have various councils under the auspices of executive bodies and other mechanisms for involving young people in public assessments of regulations and in youth policy design. It's very telling that following the latest round of elections, regional and municipal level representative bodies saw over 5,000 youth candidates elected to their ranks. One out of every nine representatives in which voters place their trust fall into this age bracket, young people. At the same time, we must remind everyone that involving minors, which are also young people, in decision-making is something that must be done solely with due regard for the guiding role of their parents, as well as other provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. involvement of young people in intergovernmental processes at the UN should be interpreted in keeping with the UN Charter and relevant rules of procedure. An equally important area of work is creating enabling conditions for young people to realize their full professional potential. In Russia, there is broad access to free higher education. In the 2026-2027 academic year alone, over 620,000 state-funded university places. have been allocated. What we're emphasizing is training for engineers, teachers, and medical staff. Young people are given broad opportunities for realizing their own initiatives through grants and other competitions. Specifically, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs is lending its support to educational, scientific, cultural, volunteering, and entrepreneurial projects. In this year alone, over 710 such projects will be getting funding. On a separate note, We would like to mention the broad-based forum campaign of the agency. In 2026, it brought together 27 platforms. These include the following fora: Russian North, Polus, Gosstat, Shum, and Ecosystem. We are actively maintaining and developing the legacy of the large-scale World Youth Festival, which took place in March of 2024 on the federal territory Sirius near the city of Sochi. Ever since then we've been hosting this event annually. And next week in Yekaterinburg, the International Youth Festival will begin. 10,000 young people from 190 countries, selected from 113,000 people who applied, will be attending. Amongst the participants there are many, many post-Soviet states, but also Argentina, Brazil, India, China, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. There will also be some representatives of Western states. all of the festival's leaders and participants are united in their openness to cooperation, readiness to exchange their experiences, and their unquestionable conviction that Russia is a country of opportunity. President, we recall how one year ago, the Youth Affairs Office, as one of the three key areas of its work, said that they would be focusing on socioeconomic development for young people. Having said that, the reporting period shows that this topic has been on the periphery over the last year. We hope that in future socioeconomic issues will be emphasized to a greater extent. We hope that the youth office will provide impetus to the international traditional family and future generations agenda. The priority should be placed on concrete measures, creating an enabling environment for having and raising children, support for those combining being a parent and their career and strengthening intergenerational ties. At the end of the day, it is in close-knit families that those values are located, the values that young people are using as they become adults and take on responsibility for the future of their countries. Russia stands ready to share its cutting-edge experience on family support and youth policy. I thank you.

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

Thank you, President. Ireland aligns itself with the statement of the European Union and has the following to add in a national capacity. We warmly welcome the 2026 report of the UN Youth Office. We'd like to thank the Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, Dr. Paulier, and his team for their leadership and energy in advancing the youth agenda. For Ireland, the report we are considering today points to three critical elements. First, youth participation must move from consultation to active participation and decision-making. We welcome the progress made by the UN Youth Office in embedding meaningful youth participation across UN processes, given the importance of young people being actively involved in shaping decisions that affect their futures. The launch of the core principles for meaningful youth participation was an important step in this regard. For our part, Ireland has a strong youth delegate program, and we encourage other member states to consider likewise. Secondly, we know that investing in young people is essential for peace, sustainable development, and human rights. This report once again demonstrates how youth engagement contributes across all three pillars of the UN's work. This will be even more important as we head towards a review of the sustainable development goals next year. And thirdly, the report illustrates clearly what the UN Youth Office is delivering in terms of results and it deserves sustained support. Real impact has been achieved through Youth 2030 implementation, through support of country teams, through youth engagement in intergovernmental processes, and new and very welcome work on mental health and well-being. President, Ireland was honored to co-facilitate, along with Malawi, the modalities resolution that gave rise to the very first UN high-level meeting on youth held during high-level week last year. Ireland is also proud to support the UN office financially with over $230,000 over two years in '25 and '26. We encourage all efforts to provide predictable and adequate resources to the UN Youth Office so that together we can ensure that young people remain at the heart of the United Nations.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Oman.

Mr. President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, may the peace and mercy of God be with you. We'd like to thank the Secretary-General. for the report on the UN Youth Office. We welcome this report and the achievements for young people in 2025. We also welcome the fact that how the obligations in the pact for the future have become commitments. Our country believes that young people are a partner to establish both the present and the future. His Majesty the Sultan of Oman has reaffirmed that young people is the greatest value and asset of our nations. They are the ones who build our nation. And in line with this view, my country has established an enabling environment for young people. We have listened to young people and we've promoted their involvement in all areas of development in line with the Oman Vision 2040. On this basis, we have put human beings at the heart of our development policies. We have made young people true partners in building the future. And we have supported around 100 initiatives in business and society. projects. This thanks to participatory platforms, including the Young Persons Award, as well as Oman's youth ambassadors. These are just a few examples that allow Oman to achieve the SDGs. In this regard, my country welcomes the report, which highlights the role of young people as agents for peace and security. Young people must be actively involved in the implementation of policies and resolutions that affect them and their futures. We must also ensure that this involvement is comprehensive, including over the internet. To conclude, my country believes and commits to continuing to work alongside the UN Youth Office to ensure that young people remain agents for peace and sustainable development. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Oman. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Republic of South Africa.

Mr. President, thank you for convening the annual debate on the report of the United Nations Youth Office. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the United Nations Youth Office for its annual report on its activities, which demonstrates the wide range of activities undertaken to advance its mandate towards the increased and enhanced participation of youth globally. In establishing the UN Youth Office, General Assembly Resolution 76/306 was clear on the need to meaningfully include youth in all three pillars of the work of the United Nations. However, meaningful youth participation requires that we move beyond the abstract formulations that too often dominate multilateralism and translate participation into tangible influence over policies, decisions, and their implementation. Meaningful youth participation means that we reconsider the original reason for this agenda. More than half of the world's population is under the age of 35. The exclusion of so many people is economically, politically, and socially detrimental, while the meaningful inclusion of young people adds immeasurable value. We can no longer afford to exist in a world where decisions are taken on behalf of young people without their involvement. Political and economic decisions require the participation and the buy-in of young people. This requires a paradigm shift towards meaningful youth inclusion from the outset and integrating their views and proposals into decisions and processes. This will result in greater youth ownership and increased motivation to implement these decisions and processes. It is incredible that 132 UN country teams and 64 UN entities are actively implementing the United Nations Youth Strategy, Youth 2030. The next measure of progress must be how these activities enable young people to shape priorities and produce tangible outcomes in their lives. Member states remain central to this effort as they formulate the mandates of the United Nations and work together towards their implementation. Each national context presents a distinct set of youth needs. Meaningful participation should therefore inform how priorities are identified, tailored, and implemented at the country level. In South Africa, we continue to focus on education, skills development, and entrepreneurship to ensure that young people are adequately equipped to participate actively in the economy. The United Nations country team in South Africa and the South African Youth Employment Service recently signed a cooperation agreement to support these goals by creating work experience and skills development for young South Africans. We hope to grow this project alongside other work experience initiatives. Since its launch in 2018, the Youth Employment Service has placed over 200,000 young South Africans into 12-month quality work experience opportunities. South Africa has also expanded its learning placements at 50 technical and vocational education and training colleges to over 500,000 student spaces. In the last decade, these colleges have transformed mostly theoretical training into training that incorporates technical skills training and work experience. In closing, we call on all states civil society, the private sector, and the United Nations system to continue to promote the meaningful inclusion of youth in processes and decision-making in the pursuit of a more peaceful, just, and inclusive world. Thank you.

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

Thank you, President. President, France would like to thank the Secretary-General for its United Nations Youth Office report. It illustrates the effectiveness of the office's work with a view to ensuring youth participation, the realization of the SDGs as well, the fundamental principles underpinning greater youth involvement in intergovernmental processes as part of the Pact for the Future adoption are the best way to better factor in the youth for the UN member states and civil society. France welcomes the deployment of the UN Youth Compass supervised by the office, a platform aimed at bolstering youth participation in decisions which affect their daily lives. is also the relevant roadmap at the UN level. That platform, France supports all of the efforts aimed at broadening youth involvement in the design and implementation of public policies. In December of 2025, we adopted a roadmap for young people and international solidarity. This program of action covers the next three years. The objective is to bolster youth participation in international solidarity policies spearheaded by France. also stands mobilized within the framework of the International Volunteer Year for the promotion of sustainable development, ensuring that young people play a key role in achieving the SDGs. Mr. President, France remains resolutely committed to ensuring real, inclusive, and safe participation of youth in the decisions, the making of decisions which affect them directly. We support the UN Youth Office, will continue providing our support as it discharges its duties. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative for France. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador.

Thank you, Mr. President. El Salvador would like to express its thanks for the presentation of the fourth report of the UN Youth Office, and we recognize the leadership of the Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs, Dr. Philippe Pollier and his team. The report confirms that young people shouldn't be considered merely as beneficiaries of public policies, but rather as fundamental partners in the formulation, evaluation and implementation of these policies. This is particularly relevant when they are able to have an impact in policies that have real results and have safe, inclusive, resource-filled metrics. We also value youth participation in UN initiatives for sustainable development. We believe it's particularly important for this participation to be in line with the national priorities and realities and to contribute to translating international responsibilities into concrete responses for communities. In El Salvador, young people play a core role in our national priorities. Recently, the government announced 50,000 fellowships to expand access to university technical and vocational education. At the same time, consultative meetings allow young people from around the country to provide to make proposals and be involved in the matters that concern them. On the basis of the results of the report, we'd like to highlight four priorities. Firstly, we should close the gap between participation and influence. It's necessary to expand in opportunities for young people, particularly those in developing countries, can have access to processes and spaces within the UN, overcoming economic, geographic and digital barriers that hamper their participation. At the same time, we need to have mechanisms that share how their contributions were considered and what results they led to. In this context, we hope that the first open UN forum for young people will contribute to of diverse, representative and results-oriented participation. Secondly, participation should be linked to true employment, education, entrepreneurship and digital opportunities. We encourage the office to continue mobilising partnerships and resources to ensure that such opportunities are available to young people, particularly focusing on young people from developing countries. Thirdly, we welcome the systematic approach promoted by the initiative on mental health and wellbeing. This should take into account the family, educational, economic, community and digital circumstances that affect young people through preventive community evidence-based solutions. Fourth, we believe it's fundamental to continue implementing the agenda on young youth people and peace and security, strengthening the participation and leadership of young people in the peace building in El Salvador. The amounts of support received from the PBC have allowed us to focus on violence prevention and social cohesion, among other projects. That experience has confirmed, from our view, the importance of linking peacebuilding instruments more closely with the agenda. In this regard, we support the role of the Office in implementing resolution 2807/2025, particularly focusing on the involvement, protection and leadership of young people in peace and security processes. El Salvador is identifying specific opportunities for cooperation with the Office, particularly for the exchange of experience on national mechanisms for youth engagement, systematically incorporating youth priorities within the 2027 to 2031 cooperation framework and promoting work in entrepreneurship, employment, mental health and digital opportunities. We also believe it's important to facilitate the access of youth representatives from El Salvador to training processes and international support mechanisms. To conclude, we reaffirm our support for the office and our readiness to maintain close dialogue. We will continue to promote youth participation, which is not merely symbolic, but also able to have an influence on decisions, expand opportunities and contribute to sustainable development for peace and human rights. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of El Salvador. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you, President. Mexico would like to thank the UN Youth Office for the presentation of its report and we recognise the efforts made to advance in achieving its mandate. believe it's particularly relevant for young people to stop being seen solely as the beneficiaries of public policies and be recognized as relevant actors and leaders in decision making on such important issues as peace, sustainable development, human rights, and the future of multilateralism. Mexico highlights the partnerships of the office with member states, youth organizations, civil society, academia, foundations, and the private sector, which serve to strengthen its coordinating role within the UN system. We take note of its future priorities, promoting the meaningful participation of young people, strengthening accountability for youth 2030, driving forward the youth peace and security agenda, expanding socioeconomic opportunities, and closing the gaps that affect young people that are particularly vulnerable. We hope to hear more details on the first forum for young people planned for December 2026. President from Mexico, the meaningful participation of young people is essential to ensure sustainable and inclusive development. We concur with the SG that this participation should lead to the greater presence of young people in decision making processes. Our country promotes public policies that place young people at the heart of development and of social transformation. This in accordance with our national development plan and the building of our national youth program under a wellbeing, equality and inclusion based approach through the Mexican Institute for Youth, Mexico is strengthening youth participation through community initiatives to promote their rights, recover public spaces, prevent addictions and violence, sport, culture, substantive equality and care for the environment as well as peacebuilding. We are also implementing initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles, strengthening community coexistence and favour positive ownership over public spaces. We believe that international cooperation is fundamental to expand capacities, opportunities and youth networks. At a regional level, we highlight our participation in the Pacific Alliance Youth Voluntary Network. This has promoted community action, intercultural exchange and youth participation from Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Mexico seeks to further this cooperation stressing particularly climate action, environmental protection, community work and a regional civic commitment. Furthermore, the 2030 Agenda Youth Network has become a good practice for generational inclusion and sustainable development processes. Through this initiative, young people have been actively involved in consultations for our national development plan through regional fora for ECLAC and ECOSOC, the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and in multi-stakeholder dialogues, including through the drafting of the youth position paper 2026 to 2030. Such steps all contribute to achieving the SDGs and reflect Mexico's commitment to a comprehensive view of youth policies in which well-being, mental health, the culture of peace and access to opportunities are all inseparable components of sustainable development. Mexico will continue to support public policies that place young people at the heart of social transformation and promoting international partnerships, which expand their meaningful participation in multilateral spaces. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria.

Thank you, Mr. President. Algeria welcomes the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Youth Office and takes note of the progress made in implementing the Youth 2030 Strategy, the Office's Strategic Plan 2025-2028, and the youth-related commitments under the Pact for the Future. Algeria attaches great importance to the empowerment of young people and to strengthening their meaningful participation in public life and decision making. We consider youth not only as beneficiaries of development policies, but as essential partners and agents of change. In this regard, Algeria remains committed to enhancing the role of young people in line with Security Council resolutions on YPS, which call for greater and more inclusive representation of youth in decision-making at all levels. At the national level, Algeria has established concrete mechanisms to promote youth participation. These include the High Council of Youth established in 2021 to provide a platform for young people to contribute directly to public affairs, as well as revisions to the organic law on the electoral system, which expanded political opportunities for young people, particularly young women. A national youth strategy, 2026-2029, has been adopted to improve economic opportunities, education, and social protection for young people. In this context, Algeria highlights the DZ Young Leaders Initiative. officially launched in April 2026, designed to strengthen leadership and civic engagement through capacity building, dialogue, and exchange. This initiative enables young people to contribute meaningfully to addressing both national and global challenges. Mr. President, Algeria welcomes the global survey conducted by the Youth Office under the UN Youth Campus Initiative. to identify national best practices promoting youth rights, and we look forward to its findings. While we stress that youth participation must remain inclusive and meaningful, it should also respect national context and institutional frameworks while upholding the central role of member states in intergovernmental processes. Looking ahead, Algeria welcomes the UN Youth Town Hall in December 2026 as a pivotal opportunity to advance dialogue between young people and decision makers, ensuring that youth perspectives are reflected in global governance. Investing in youth today is essential to building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable societies and advancing the 2030 agenda. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco.

Mr.

President, Morocco would like to begin by thanking the Secretary General for this fourth report of the UN Youth Office. which bears out a remarkable consolidation of the structures with the resources that it itself qualifies as some of the most limited in the Secretariat. We'd like to join the numerous voices who through this meeting have welcomed the movement from the office from its establishment to implementation phase. President, the Kingdom of Morocco, under the enlightened leadership of King Mohammed VI, has made the empowerment of young people a strategic pillar of our national development. The national development plan for development, as well as investments in employment, education and civic participation, are all part of a belief that we fully share with this report. Young people are not mere beneficiaries of public policies, but essential partners in their design and implementation. And it is in this spirit that we welcome the progress made in the Youth 2030 program, including the eightfold increase in young people within UN frameworks for sustainable development between 2021 and 2024. We reiterate our readiness to share our experience in this area through the peer to peer apprenticeships network established by the office. Morocco welcomes the adoption of resolution 2807 of the Security Council, which enshrines the central role of young people in peace. processes. We are convinced that lasting stability in the Sahel and North Africa involves the active involvement of young people, and we encourage the Office to continue this dynamic in the second phase of the Youth Peace and Security Agenda. Mr. President, in light of the rapid changes of digital and AI technology, we have decided to invest massively in the digital transformation of our economy and our education systems. We fully share in the concerns expressed in this report with regard to the need to reduce the digital divide, particularly for young people from rural and remote areas. This is a priority that we have placed at the heart of our balanced territorial development plans. Mr President, finally, my delegation would like to underscore the importance of the first world youth summit of the UN, which is planned for December 2026. Morocco is committed to contributing actively thereto by contributing African and Maghreb voices to areas such as mobility, which warrant heightened participation in the years to come. We encourage all Member States to respond favourably to the call for predictable, sustainable funding for the Youth Office, which is essential so that it can fully implement its mandate. We reiterate our full support to the UN Youth Office and reaffirm our belief that the future of multilateralism will be forged with and through the involvement of future generations. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Thank you, Mr President. It is a distinct pleasure for me to be delivering Egypt's statement as part of this debate on the fourth report of the United Nations Youth Office. The report reiterates the role young people play across the three pillars of the UN, security, development and human rights. We would like to recall therefore, the governmental consultations on the resolution which gave rise to this office being established in 2022. Egypt had the pleasure of coordinating this process together with Guyana. On this note, I'd like to add that we emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and the need for the UN to promote youth participation. My delegation would like to commend the work that's covered in the report, which encapsulate all of the work that went into the establishment of this office over the course of many years. It's now fully operational. President, the Youth Affairs ASG visited Egypt in October 2025. He held a number of meetings with high-ranking representatives, he also met with young people, volunteers and youth working groups who focus on engagement with the United Nations. As part of that visit, The representative focused on issues of cooperation between the United Nations and the government of Egypt. We would like to underscore a number of issues related to youth, areas in which more work needs to be done. First, boosting investment in technology and innovation, in particular AI for development and innovation. We must promote youth employment by helping young people to acquire skills, including STEM skills. science, technology, engineering and mathematics sectors. Next, we need to strengthen the complementary link between migration and development. We need to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration. Young people need to acquire the skills, the competences they need to ensure that their skills meet the needs of the workforce. We need to help young people realise or achieve the SDGs in various countries. Next, we must promote youth entrepreneurship, SMEs, and to ALIA. We must also bolster young people's competencies, especially in developing countries. Fourth, we must broaden international cooperation especially as regards youth initiatives. This requires us to implement initiatives promoting young people's involvement at the national level and international level. That is the way that we can ensure young people find jobs in the workforce. By way of conclusion, Mr. President, we're committed to all efforts aimed at youth empowerment helping to achieve the SDGs. Furthermore, we've also launched the first national youth strategy 2025-2032, the first comprehensive strategy aiming to ensure youth participation. There are various pillars underpinning the strategy, economic empowerment, social empowerment, governance, the list goes on. This is on top of our national human rights strategy, which also contains a young people's rights component. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay.

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Assistant Secretary General for Youth Affairs for the presentation of the Secretary General's report on the work of the Youth Office for the period between the 1st of June, 2025 and the 31st of May, 2026, and we take due note of its final recommendations. In this context, we reaffirm our commitment to this office and we recognize the significant impact that its work has had across the three pillars of the organization since its establishment in 2022, contributing to coordinating, promoting, and speeding up initiatives for young people. This work is of particular importance in a context in which we have the largest youth generation in history. President, we would particularly like to highlight the work and efforts of the youth office in following up on and implementing the commitments made in the pact for the future, as well as celebrating the beginning of phase two of the UN strategy, youth strategy for 2030, which has entered its implementation phase so as to implement the sustainable development goals with and for young people. In this context, we also congratulate the youth office for its work in drawing up its strategic plan 2025-2028. This represents a valuable tool to forge ahead in implementing the aforementioned commitments and also helps to raise the profile of the voices, contributions and perspectives of young people across their full diversity. Turning to the arrangements made during the reporting period, we are grateful for the significant efforts that the Office made to organize the high-level meeting to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Global Programme of Action for Young People that was held on the 25th of September, 2025. Furthermore, we are grateful for the work done to promote the human rights of young people, as well as their leadership and meaningful participation, and the efforts made to expand the communication dissemination of their priorities across the UN system and to advance in implementing the youth peace and security agenda. In particular, we herald the ongoing work of the youth office in particular areas of particular interest to Uruguay, that is the promotion of gender equality, the empowerment of women, mental health care and the well-being of young people. We reaffirm and reiterate our support for and commitment to the youth office and we congratulate the office on the significant progress made over its four years despite its limited resources. We trust that the ASG, together with his team, will continue to work to reach significant concrete outcomes for the benefit of young people. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Suriname.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Republic of Suriname has taken note of the Secretary-General's report on the UN Youth Office and supports its call for meaningful, inclusive, and safe youth participation in decision-making. For Suriname, youth engagement is an important part of our national and regional efforts. Mr. President, through the SDG and CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Program, young Surinamese are given opportunities to represent the voices and priorities of our youth at regional level, while strengthening the leadership, advocacy, and diplomatic skills. We also recognize the importance of youth participation in advancing the sustainable development goals. Our national youth representatives help connect the global development agenda with the realities, ideas and aspirations of young people in our communities. This commitment has demonstrated very recently through our National Youth Congress 2026, held under the theme Young People are Building Suriname. young people from all districts came together to contribute to discussions on youth policy and the development of our country. Importantly, this process began at the district level, where young people first shared their concerns, ideas, and proposals through youth districts congress. Suriname looks forward to have Our young people participate in the UN Town Hall this December, among others. For our nation, meaningful participation means creating the space for young people to speak for themselves and to influence the decisions that shape their future. Suriname therefore encourage member states and the United Nations system to continue investing in youth leadership. representation and capacity building while ensuring that young people from all backgrounds, including those in rural and underserved communities, are able to contribute to sustainable development. Young people are partners in building the world we want for current and future generations. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Suriname. We have had the last speaker in the debate on this item. May I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item one thirty two. It is so decided. The assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item eighteen entitled sustainable development. to take action on a proposal announced in the Journal of the United Nations. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tajikistan to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.113.

Thank you, Mr. President, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues. I have the honor to introduce the draft resolution A/AT/L.113 entitled Modalities of the 2028 United Nations Conference on the Final Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the objectives of the International Decade for Action Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028. For Tajikistan, this is more than a modality resolution. For more than two decades, water has been at the heart of our diplomacy. As a mountainous country, we know water as a source of life, development, and cooperation. and we also know how vulnerable it has become. This understanding has guided the water initiatives advanced under the leadership of His Excellency Mr. Emomali Rahmon, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, including the International Decade for Action Water for Sustainable Development. In 2023, Tajikistan, together with the Kingdom of the Netherlands, co-hosted the United Nations Water Conference in New York, generating important momentum through the Water Action Agenda. We now look to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. The same six themes agreed for Abu Dhabi will guide the interactive dialogues in Dushanbe. ensuring continuity from acceleration in 2026 to review and forward action in 2028. In May this year in Dushanbe, His Excellency President Emomali Rahmon put forward the Dushanbe Water Framework with a clear message. The end of the Water Action Decade should not be the end of end of international water action. It should mark the beginning of its next chapter. The draft resolution before us provides the pathway for that vision. It decides that the 2028 conference will be held in Dushanbe from 4th to 6th of May, 2028, and provides for a one-day high-level preparatory meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York in 2027. Most importantly, the conference shall adopt by consensus a non-binding, action-oriented, and intergovernmentally negotiated sole outcome document agreed in advance that serves as a Dushanbe water framework and provides a basis for advancing water action. Two co-facilitators appointed by the President of the General Assembly will conduct an open, transparent and Member States-driven negotiation of that outcome. Dear colleagues, this is a significant step For the first time in the current generation of the United Nations water conferences, member states will negotiate in advance and adopt by consensus a dedicated intergovernmental outcome on water. Mr. President, the text before us is a result of intensive consultations. Throughout the process, Tajikistan listened carefully demonstrated considerable flexibility and worked to preserve both the balance of the text and the spirit of consensus. We see 2026 in Abu Dhabi, the preparatory meeting in New York in 2027, and Dushanbe in 2028 as one continuous journey from acceleration to preparation and to a forward-looking outcome. Dushanbe should be the place where we take stock of one decade and together open the next chapter of global water action. For Tajikistan, this is a continuation of a long-standing commitment to keep water at the centre of cooperation, implementation and decision-making. Therefore, distinguished colleagues, we invite all Member States to support the draft resolution by co-sponsoring it and join us on that journey. Before I conclude, Mr. President, I would like to make a small amendment to the annex two, paragraph 16, due to some technical error. and I ask the Secretariat to remove the words "as observers" from the text as we agreed during the negotiation and consultations. So annex to paragraph 16 will read, "The President of General Assembly shall also draw up list of other relevant non-governmental organizations, civil society and youth organizations, local and regional authorities, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and other stakeholders whose work is relevant to the conference, which may participate in the conference and the preparatory meeting, taking into account the principles of transparency and equitable geographical representation, and the rest goes according to the paragraph. I thank you once again for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tajikistan. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/80/L.113 as orally revised. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

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/AD/L.113 as orally revised. Armenia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Gabon, Guyana, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Senegal, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, Uzbekistan and Zambia. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor L.113 as orally revised, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. I see Kazakhstan, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Chad, Eswatini, Guinea-Bissau, Angola. That concludes the additional co-sponsors. Thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat.

Canada has not pressed the button, so please, please, yes. No, it's gone. Canada is asking for the floor. So, yes.

Canada has raised a point of order. The representative of Canada, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor. And with thanks to the permanent representative for his oral enunciation of.

Annex V, paragraph 16.

Mr. President, Canada would like to confirm that the text as orally articulated by the Ambassador includes the reference to indigenous peoples organizations as was outlined in the text that was circulated in the journal today. And if it does not include that reference, Canada would seek to reinsert the reference to Indigenous Peoples' Organizations.

I thank you.

I give the floor to the Secretariat to explain the text as presented.

Thank you, Mr. President. Just through you, I would like to inform the delegation of Canada that the words indigenous peoples organizations do appear as in the old document. the oral correction or our division that was made by the delegation of Tajikistan was to remove the separate was as observers. So the beginning of para 16 of annex two reads as follows. The president of General Assembly shall also draw up list of other relevant non governmental organizations, civil society and youth organizations, indigenous peoples organizations, local and regional authorities, academic institutions and so on, with the oral revision as stated by the introducer to remove the words as observers. And that is what the Assembly has before. Before it, but just to clarify the true intention of Tajikistan, Mr. President, you may wish to ask the delegation of Tajikistan for clarification.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tajikistan to clarify the issue.

Thank you, Mr. President, for giving me the floor. In the interest of time, I read half of the paragraph, but focused on the removal of two words, which was as observers, but if the delegation of Canada wants Tajikistan to read as a pen holder of the resolution to confirm, I can read once again annex two para 16 in full to make sure that we capture all concerns of each delegations. With your permission, Mr. President, so para 16 will read, the President of General Assembly shall also draw up the list of other relevant non-governmental organizations, civil society and youth. organizations, indigenous peoples organizations, local and regional authorities, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, and other stakeholders whose work is relevant to the conference, which may participate in the conference and the preparatory meeting, taking into account the principles of transparency and of equitable geographical representation with due regard for gender parity and shall submit the proposed list to Member States for their consideration on a non objection basis. The President of General Assembly shall bring the list to the attention of the General Assembly for a final decision by the Assembly on participation in the high level meeting before the preparatory meeting and in and in any case no later than six months before the conference. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tajikistan for that clarity. We have another point of order by the Russian Federation. Please, you have the floor.

Mr. President, thank you for giving us the floor. We would like to extend our appreciation to the delegation of Tajikistan. Thank you for introducing the draft resolution, which we are going to consider shortly. In light of the oral amendment to the text of the resolution, which was introduced in the statement delivered by the delegation of Tajikistan, we have a question we'd like to put to the UN Secretariat. How, and also, will this amendment have an influence on the process of negotiating the outcome document of this future conference? In the text of this resolution, it's called the Dushanbe Framework for Action? We'd be grateful to get an answer from the UN Secretariat. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. The representative of the Secretariat, you have the floor, please.

Thank you, Mr. President. Subject to certainly any correction from the proposer, the delegation of Tajikistan, my interpretation of this provision is that in the conference and preparatory meeting, you know, normally, normally it's the participating states that has the right to vote. And the non-governmental organizations, civil societies, and others do not have a right to vote. That is the practice of the United Nations conferences, including its preparatory processes. You could call them observers, but whether they have right to vote or not, there is clear distinction that there is no right to vote on the part of these non-state participants.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L.113 as orally revised. entitled Modalities of the 2028 United Nations Conference on the Final Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action Water for Sustainable Development, 2018 to 2028. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/80/L/13 as orally revised? It is so decided. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote as announced in the president's letter dated six January and 20 May 2026. I propose that the time limits for statements in explanation of vote under this item be five minutes. Is there any objection to this proposal? I hear none. It is so decided. Accordingly, pursuant to rule seventy-two of the rules of procedure of the assembly, when a representative exceeds her or his allotted time, the president shall call the speaker to order without delay. Which will be done by means of automatic microphone cut off. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screens. Member States are also reminded that explanations of vote should be made by delegations from their seats. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union.

President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the EU and its member states. At the outset, we would like to welcome Tajikistan's commitment to advance the global water agenda by organizing the 2028 UN Water Conference. We also appreciate Tajikistan's efforts to bring us to a balanced resolution that sets out the modalities of this conference. The 2023 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Tajikistan, generated significant political momentum and commitment towards enhancing water action at all levels, including through the Water Action Agenda. We welcome the important developments that have since taken place. These include the launch of the first UN system-wide strategy for water and sanitation, the appointment of the first UN Water Envoy on Water, Special Envoy on Water, and the adoption of resolution 77334 mandating the 2026 and the 2028 UN water conferences. We are now looking forward to the next conference that will be held in December in Abu Dhabi. This conference will be a critical milestone to maintain political momentum and strengthen accountability for implementation. It should help translate commitments into measurable action, promote scalable solutions and reinforce coherence between the water agenda and the wider 2030 agenda. We see the 2026 conference as a foundational moment. towards a more structured engagement on water at the UN and a first input towards the start of the beyond 2030 discussions which commence in 27. In this regard, we particularly look forward to the outcomes emerging from interactive dialogue E on water and multilateral processes. President, with respect to the resolution before us on the modalities for the 2028 UN Water Conference, it is essential that the 2028 conference builds on the outcomes of the 2026 conference. We are concerned that the inclusion in OP5 of a Dushanbe Water Framework as the sole outcome document of the 2028 conference prejudices the discussions that will be held this December. We therefore emphasize that the 2026 conference will have its own outcomes that need to be reflected in the 2028 conference. When it comes to the negotiations of the Dushanbe Water Framework ahead of the 2028 conference, we would like to stress that we read PP26 and OP18 of the modalities resolution as requiring the framework to build on relevant outcomes from the 2026 conference. We would not be in a position to support any framework that would not meet this requirement. We also believe that the negotiations of a framework should start only after the 2026 conference. Finally, we should ensure that the negotiations do not preempt the UN80 reform process by adding another layer of governance before we decide how water will be integrated into a more coherent, efficient UN system, including post-2030. We trust that our positions will be fully acknowledged and reflected in the upcoming negotiations, in which we look forward to engaging constructively. President, despite our serious concerns about a Dushanbe water framework, the EU and its member states are able to support this resolution and trust that our position as expressed today will be taken into account. We believe that today's consensual adoption demonstrates that the world continues to be united in addressing the global water crisis through multilateralism. In conclusion, we look forward to continuing to work together with all Member States on global water action. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.

Thank you, Mr. President. I take the floor to provide an explanation of my delegation's position on the resolution that has just been adopted. Mr. President, water lies at the heart of sustainable development. Yet progress on SDG 6 remains off track, with billions still lacking access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation services. Addressing this challenge requires sustained investments, strengthened capacities, and inclusive governance. India's commitment to the implementation of SDG 6 is well known and widely appreciated. Here at the United Nations, our collective efforts can be most impactful when they focus on areas that unite us. Mr. President, India believes that UN water conferences can make their greatest contribution when they serve as a platform for implementation, partnership building, and the exchange of practical solutions. Their value should lie in bringing together member states, the UN system, IFIs, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders to provide political impetus showcase successful initiatives, facilitate South-South and triangular cooperation, mobilize financing and technology, and above all, build partnerships capable of translating agreed commitments into tangible results. In this regard, we should exercise caution in establishing new negotiating processes or requiring that every conference produces a negotiated outcome document. This consideration is particularly relevant in the context of the UNAT initiative, which has placed renewed emphasis on reducing duplication, fragmentation and administrative burdens, while ensuring that mandates and resources are better aligned with delivery. Member States themselves have recognized the challenges arising from the proliferation of meetings and mandates and the growing gap between mandates and available resources. Our objective should therefore not be to create additional processes, but to make existing ones work better. The UN Water Conference should complement rather than duplicate established intergovernmental mechanisms. At a time of significant resource constraints across the UN system, institutional discipline is also a question of effectiveness. We should focus our collective energies and resources where they can have the greatest impact. A successful conference should therefore be judged not by the length of its negotiated document or the number of new processes it established, but by the partnerships it enabled, the resources it mobilizes, and the implementation it accelerates. For these reasons, India is not in a position to support a negotiated outcome document at the 2028 UN Water Conference and dissociates from OP5 that calls on the conference to adopt by consensus a non-binding action-oriented and intergovernmentally negotiated outcome document. Furthermore, paragraph 16 and annex 2 of this resolution dilutes member states' ability to express their valid concerns about NGOs that they deem unsuitable to participate in UN conferences, which are primarily intergovernmental in character. Therefore, the views and concerns of member states should prevail on the subject of NGO participation. For decades, UN conferences have been held with participation of NGOs on a non-objection basis, and we do not see the utility of bringing the final list of NGOs to the General Assembly for approval, especially considering that the office of the president of the General Assembly and member states do undertake due diligence in assessing the suitability of various NGOs for participation. We are therefore deeply concerned about the proliferation of this modality of NGO participation across modalities resolutions and hope that we will respect the non objection basis in forthcoming processes. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of India. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

Thank you, Mr. President. Argentina would like to thank the delegation of Tajikistan for its efforts to facilitate this draft resolution and to host the conference in 2028. Turning to the draft adopted, we would have preferred a more specific text exclusively focused on modalities issues as we expressed during the negotiations. In this context, we reserve our national position with regard to the references to the agenda 2030 throughout the text and the cross references in the preamble part of the text to various agendas that already have their own fora and specific negotiation frameworks. We highlight what is established in OP5 on the consensus based nature of a non binding action oriented intergovernmentally negotiated sole outcome document to be agreed in advance. We recall that the secretariat should provide neutral support to the preparatory process and we at the same time appeal for an efficient effective process in budgetary and administrative terms in the context of the UNAT initiative. Mr. President, any development in this area must be neutral in terms of policy and it should be voluntary and should be tailored to the circumstances and priorities of each country's national development as well as the law enforce. on resolution 1803 of the permanent sovereignty of the General Assembly, not sovereignty of natural resources. Thank you.

Thank you, distinguished representative of Argentina. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Turkey.

Thank you, Mr. President. Turkey would like to thank the facilitator, Tajikistan, for its efforts throughout the negotiations. We actively and constructively engaged in the negotiations on the resolution before us and contributed to efforts aimed at reaching consensus. Turkey strongly supports 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 the purposes of the charter of the UN. Yet, we cannot underestimate the fact that some NGOs may engage 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 politicization 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. Mr. President, we believe that participation of NGOs in a UN process should be handled in good faith between concerned member states that may have full information about the activities of the NGOs in question. Under the adopted resolution, however, it's in our view that the General Assembly will be required to take a decision on NGO participation without adequate information. While we support the need for an expedited process for NGOs that do not hold consultative status, we remain concerned that, in the absence of adequate information to assess applications, the resulting decision by the General Assembly would be uninformed, effectively rendering the non-objection basis redundant. Therefore, Mr. President, we wish to place on record our concerns regarding the procedure envisaged in paragraph 16 of Annex II for the participation of NGOs. I thank you.

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

Mr. President, We welcome the adoption of the resolution on the modalities of the UN Conference on Water Resources to be held in Dushanbe in 2028. We'd like to thank Tajikistan for its readiness to host this important and large-scale event. We note that the negotiations process was painstaking. It required serious compromises on the part of all participants. The Russian Federation supported the resolution. However, we'd like to note the non-consensual nature of paragraph 16 of Annex II related to the participation of NGOs in the upcoming conference. We have taken the decision to dissociate ourselves from this paragraph, including in light of the oral amendment, which we simply cannot support. we will be guided by the fact that, as the UN Secretariat interpreted it today, according to their interpretation, non-government participants will not have a vote at the conference. Such participants will be partaking in an observer capacity, as per established UN practice. Mr. President, over ten years ago, the UN General Assembly came up with established practice for the participation of civil society in high level events, that is the principle of no objection. This practice fully reflects the intergovernmental nature of the UN. Unfortunately, we are increasingly seeing doubts cast on the past methods of work of the UN. This does nothing but undermine the unity of member states. A number of states believe that any NGO which expresses its desire to partake in a UN event should automatically be granted the right to do so. We cannot agree to such an approach. In practice, what usually happens is that there are organizations who don't have the right competencies, nor is their work directly relevant to the issues under discussion. In some instances, questions have arisen, legitimately so, about the level of independence and objectiveness of such organizations, since some of these organizations are de facto promoting the interests of specific states, groups of states, or commercial entities from which they receive significant financial support. This is what underpins our unswerving position, that is, that every member state has the right to object to the participation of a given body. We'd like to set the record straight. Russia supports the involvement of civil society representatives and other stakeholders in international multilateral conferences. Yet, whether their participation is advisable is something that should be determined first and foremost by their competencies and their contribution to the achievement of sustainable development in relevant areas. The involvement of civil society in the UN's work is something that should foster the search for mutually agreeable solutions, rather than being used to politicize a professional discussion, to deepen differences or to heighten polarization. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. President. My delegation expresses its appreciation to the delegation of Tajikistan for its efforts in facilitating the negotiations on the draft resolution A/AT/L.113. Ethiopia joined consensus on this resolution with the understanding of the following positions. My delegation attaches great importance to ensuring that the preparations for and outcome of the conference remain inclusive and Member States driven. In this regard, we welcome operative paragraph five stating that the outcome document to be adopted at the conference should be adopted by consensus as a sole document and should be non-binding, action-oriented and intergovernmentally negotiated. We consider these elements to be fundamental to the character and purpose of the outcome document. My delegation would also like to draw attention to our concern regarding the apparent inconsistency between operative paragraph 5 and the provisions contained in annex 3, particularly rules 33 and 35 of the draft rules of procedure. As reflected in operative paragraph five, there is a clear understanding that the final outcome document referred to as the Dushanbe Water Framework is to be adopted by consensus. My delegation considers this provision to be an important expression of the intergovernmental character of the conference and of the shared commitment to an outcome that enjoys the broadest possible political ownership among member states. However, annex three, rule 35 provides that subject to rule 33, decisions of the conference on all matters of substance shall be taken by a two-thirds majority. While we recognize the reference to rule 33, which concerns adoption by consensus, the relationship between these provisions remains unclear. If operative paragraph five establishes consensus as the agreed method for the adoption of the final outcome document, and rule 33 provides for consensus It's difficult to understand the precise purpose and practical application of Rule 75 in relation to substantive matters. This lack of clarity may create uncertainty regarding the applicable decisions, decision-making procedures during the conference. In our view, the rules of procedure should be drafted in a manner that is fully consistent with the operative provisions of the modalities resolution and that avoids any ambiguity. For this purpose, my delegation understands that operative paragraph five prevails on the process and adoption, including all substantive matters regarding the conference and the outcome document. In conclusion, with the above understanding, my delegation joins consensus and welcomes the convening of the 20th United Nations Conference in Dushanbe and appreciates the efforts taken by Tajikistan We remain committed to constructive engagement in the preparation for the conference. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ethiopia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you very much, Mr President. We'd like to thank the Tajikistan delegation for the presentation of this initiative, and we recognize the importance of agreeing the modalities of the UN Conference on Water for 2080 in advance, and we reiterate our commitment to an ambitious, inclusive, action-oriented process. Notwithstanding this, we would like to go on record with regard to some considerations that we consistently expressed around the negotiations from our perspective which were not adequately reflected in the final text. In particular on para OP5 we expressed our concern because we think that determining that the outcome document would serve as a Dushanbe water framework now is advanced. This is not based on the negotiated outcome in '28, but rather determining its nature and denomination before we understand the outcomes of that conference, uh, and, and other intergovernmental processes that are closely related there too. The resolution itself recognizes that the 2026 conference will provide an important basis for the preparations of 2028. Mexico believes that this link should lead to a logical, consistent sequence. Firstly, we should allow the 2026 conference to have its outcomes and on those that basis build the process towards 2028. This is particularly important in light of the discussions on the SDGs after 2030, the modalities of this conference shouldn't anticipate the negotiations on the architecture that will come after 2030, nor on the way in which water will be addressed in that future framework. These issues should be considered in the corresponding intergovernmental processes, including the conversations that will be held in the SDG summit for 2027. For this reason, we believe that the reference to the Dushanbe Water Framework is circumscribed to the mandate and scope of the 2028 conference and doesn't prejudice the 2026 conference outcomes nor the future negotiations on the post-2030 sustainable development framework. We would also like to refer to the process that led to the adoption of this resolution. Throughout the diverse negotiations, delegations expressed their substantive concerns and proposals on some of the pending paragraphs until the end of the negotiations. We hoped that these positions would have been more clearly and more balanced reflected in the text. The consensus demands not only flexibility from delegations but also transparent and predictable Only in this way will we be able to ensure that we have legitimate texts that can be supported by the majority of the European Parliament and the European Council. welcomed by the membership. That is particularly important when the outcomes might lead to intergovernmental processes that are still to be held. We have a constructive spirit and recognise the importance of supporting the 2028 conference. In doing so, we maintain the reservations that we have expressed and our understanding of the scope of its provisions. We will continue to participate constructively in the 2026 conference and in preparations for 2028 so as to advance an international water agenda that is ambitious, inclusive and action oriented, preserving consistency and complementarity between the various ongoing processes. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The United Kingdom would like to thank Tajikistan for its leadership and sustained efforts to facilitate negotiations on the modalities of the 2028 United Nations Water Conference. We recognize the importance of the 2028 conference as the final comprehensive review of the International Decade for Action Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028. It will provide an important opportunity to strengthen global water security, accelerate delivery of SDG6, and build on the outcomes of the 2026 UN Water Conference. The United Kingdom welcomes this resolution as a carefully balanced outcome and are pleased to join consensus. We particularly welcome the inclusion of language to allow for participation of civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders. Meaningful and inclusive participation is essential to the credibility and effectiveness of UN conferences. Civil society, academia, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropy bring expertise, evidence and the perspectives of communities directly affected by water insecurity. The language retained in this resolution preserves Member State oversight while ensuring that the General Assembly has the final say on participation. At the same time, the United Kingdom wishes to place on record its position regarding references to the Dushanbe Water Framework. We support the decision that the 2028 Conference should adopt an intergovernmentally negotiated outcome document. This would be a significant and for a UN water conference, unprecedented step towards stronger collective action on water. However, we remain concerned that predetermining the title and framing of that outcome in its modalities resolution risks re-empting the outcomes of the 2026 conference, including its interactive dialogue, water in multilateral processes, the discussions on the substance of the 2028 outcome of the conference itself, and wider discussions on the post-2030 agenda. Our support for this resolution should therefore not be interpreted as our endorsement of any substantive content associated with the Dushanbe Water Framework or of the relevance or applicability of existing international frameworks. Its content must be developed through an open, inclusive and transparent intergovernmental process. Finally, the United Kingdom looks forward to working with the host, Tajikistan, all Member States and stakeholders to deliver successful, inclusive and action-oriented UN Water Conferences in 2026 and 2028. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belarus.

Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, Belarus would like to thank the delegation of Tajikistan for coordinating the work on the draft resolution. We stand convinced that effective preparation and the hosting in Dushanbe in 2028 of this UN Conference on the Final Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action Water for Sustainable Development, as well as due regard for the views of all participating states, we believe that this will make a significant contribution to strengthening international cooperation with a view to ensuring sustainable management of water resources, helping us to achieve SDG 6. Having said that, Belarus would like to dissociate itself from paragraph 16 of annex 2 to the resolution. We'd like to underscore that Belarus is disquieted by the extension of the practice as regards the final list of stakeholders participating in the conference. We object to this. We believe it's unacceptable for thematic fora to be transformed into platforms for political score settling, whereby representatives, whereby politicized rhetoric, unfriendly rhetoric on the part of some countries is promoted under the guise of NGOs. Belarus remains interested in maintaining the UN as an intergovernmental organization. We want the orderly participation of all stakeholders to be possible here at the UN. We wish to have our position reflected in the minutes of this meeting. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Belarus. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France.

Thank you, President. France fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by Ireland on behalf of the EU and its member states, and we'd like to add the following in national capacity. France welcomes the adoption of this important resolution, which opens the way to the preparation for the UN conference on water for 2028. We welcome this new opportunity to progress collective action for water and sanitation. France remains fully committed to these issues. In December 2024, the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, organized together with Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the World Bank, the One Water Summit in Riyadh, which allowed us to mobilize the international community around several coalitions and initiatives that were ambitious in nature. We contributed actively to the preparation for the UN Conference on Water that will be held in the UAE, particularly as a co-host with South Africa of an interactive dialogue on investments for water. France grants particular importance to inclusive participation for all stakeholders in UN conferences. In this regard, we welcome Tajikistan for including in this resolution language providing for a final outcome from the General Assembly. This advance is all the more important because in the 2026 summit, we regret that three French organisations have faced an objection without a possibility for an appeal, and we remain fully mobilised for an ambitious inclusive results oriented conference. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative for France. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany.

Thank you, Chair, President, Excellencies. Germany aligns itself with the statement made by Ireland on behalf of the EU and its member states. Please allow me a brief remark for Germany in light of our role as co-chair of the interactive dialogue on water and multilateral processes of the 2026 UN Water Conference. In 2023, led by the Netherlands and Tajikistan, the UN Water Conference built momentum. This momentum can easily be lost. The 2026 conference is a critical moment for us member states to prove that we are able to act and take further steps forward. In light of UNAD and the approaching end of the 2030 agenda, we need to strengthen coherence on water. As co-chairs, we are leading broad consultations to hear what member states need and how the UN system could help them achieve it. When we talk about building a house of water, it is an invitation to all of you to contribute. We cannot afford parallel processes. So let's be clear, 2028 has to build on 2026. If not, both conferences could fail. So let us now focus on the 2026 conference. And once we have delivered progress there, we can reconvene and make the 2028 conference the next important milestone. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany. We have had the last speaker in explanations of vote after the vote. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18. I invite the attention of the Assembly to draft resolution A/80/L.110 circulated under agenda item 25 entitled Social Development. Members will recall that the Assembly concluded its consideration of agenda item 25 at its 69th plenary meeting on 18th December 2025. In order for the assembly to take action on the draft resolution, it will be necessary to reopen consideration of agenda item 25. May I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to reopen consideration of agenda item 25? It is so decided. Members will recall that at its second plenary meeting of 12 September 2025, the Assembly decided to allocate agenda item 25 to the third committee. To enable the Assembly to take action expeditiously on the document, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider agenda item 25 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 25, to take action on the draft resolution A/80/L.110. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan introduce draft resolution A/80/L.110.

Thank you, Mr. President. On behalf of Pakistan and the co-sponsors, I have the honor to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.110. entitled Access to Assistive Technology under agenda item 25, Social Development. President, assistive technology encompasses a wide range of products, devices, and related services from wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and hearing aids to communication devices, screen readers, and other digital solutions. that enable persons with disabilities, older persons, and persons with certain health conditions to live with greater independence and dignity. Behind the term assistive technology are profound human possibilities. A wheelchair can mean a person can go to school, enter a workplace, or participate in community life. A prosthetic limb can restore mobility and independence. A hearing aid can allow a child to follow a teacher and participate in classroom. A communication device can give someone the means to express their choices, ideas, and aspirations. And for a person who is blind, a screen reader can transform a computer into a gateway to education, information and employment. These are not simply products or devices. They can be the bridge between dependence and independence, between exclusion and participation, between potential and opportunity. Yet, for millions of people, they remain out of reach. Astonishingly, around 2.5 billion people worldwide need one or more assistive products, devices or services, and millions do not have access. Behind this enormous gap are barriers of affordability and availability, inadequate infrastructure and services, shortage of trained personnel and unequal access to technology. For Pakistan, advancing access to assistive technology has been a longstanding commitment. Pakistan initiated the landmark World Health Assembly Resolution 71.8 on improving access to assistive technology, adopted by consensus in 2018, and has continued to advance this agenda at the national, regional, and international levels. Draft resolution L.110 carries that commitment forward while broadening the conversation beyond any single sector. Conceived as a one-time resolution, consistent with the spirit of the UNAT initiative, it seeks to focus the attention of the General Assembly on access to assistive technology as a cross-cutting development imperative connected with education, employment, health, social protection and the ability of individuals to participate fully, effectively and meaningfully in society. Accordingly, the resolution calls for sustainable access to quality and affordable assistive technology, particularly for those most at risk of being left behind. It encourages national strategies and priority assistive product lists, promote research, innovation, stronger data and appropriate procurement systems and emphasizes the full effective and meaningful participation of those who use and benefit from assistive technology in relevant discussions. Resolution also calls for systemic inclusion in humanitarian preparedness and response, including in situations of armed conflict and disasters. It encourages stronger international cooperation, strengthening financing and technical assistance, particularly for countries facing resource and capacity constraints. President, at its core, this resolution rests on a simple conviction. Technology fulfills its greatest purpose when it expands human possibility. It is all about dignity, choice and opportunity and ensuring that no person's potential is limited just because the technology that could enable them remains beyond their reach. Before concluding, allow me to express Pakistan's sincere thanks to all delegations that have co-sponsored this resolution. And I would like to appreciate, in particular, my colleague Councillor Saima Saleem who drafted this resolution and steered the negotiations as well as all our colleagues from various delegations who led us to consensus through their constructive engagement flexibility and valuable contributions throughout the consultations It is in that spirit, President, that we hope the General Assembly will adopt draft resolution A/80/L.110 by consensus. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/80/L.110. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

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 L110: Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Botswana, Brunei, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Egypt, Eswatini, Gabon, Guyana, Honduras, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Maldives, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor A/110, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. I see Rwanda, Malaysia, Thailand, Sudan, Indonesia, Malawi, Tajikistan, Jamaica, Liberia, Ghana, Angola, Chad, Gambia. Thank you, Mr. President.

The assembly will now take.

I'm sorry, Tajikistan has just pressed a button. Tajikistan is that also for not as a no. So Tajikistan is not an additional co-sponsor?

Is that a point of order? Okay, thank you.

It's still pressing.

My mic is on.

My mic is on, well requesting for the floor. Co-sponsorship. So Tajikistan is also an additional co-sponsor. Yes? Thank you. Thank you, Mr. President.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L.110 entitled Access to Assistive Technology. May I take it that the assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A slash eight zero slash L ten. It is so decided. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote as announced in the president's letter dated 6th January and 20 May 2026. I propose that the time limits for statements in explanation of vote under the this item be 5 minutes. Is there any objection to the proposal? I hear none. It is so decided. Accordingly, pursuant to rule seventy-two of the rules of procedure of the assembly, when a representative exists his or her allotted time, the president shall call the speaker to order without delay. Which will be done by means of automatic microphone cut off. To assist delegations in managing their time, a countdown clock will be displayed on the screens. Members are also reminded that explanations of vote should be made by delegations from their seats. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union.

President, Excellencies, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 member states. We would like to thank Pakistan for facilitating this process. The EU remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateralism and sustained global health action, recognizing it as an enduring worldwide challenge that demands a unified international response and therefore joins consensus on this resolution. Having said this, we regret the removal of references to the World Health Organization and the weakening of the language on universal health coverage compared with previous iterations of the text. We consider the WHO to be the central pillar of the global health architecture and universal health coverage as a key objective for strong, inclusive, and resilient health systems.

In this regard, we are concerned.

By the use of a change of a general assembly agenda item to justify selective omissions in the text. We further recall that access to technology must respect international rules and that technology transfer can only be undertaken on a voluntary basis and on mutually agreed terms, and consider that relevant references in the text do not set a precedent for future negotiations. The EU will continue to cooperate with partner countries in areas of mutual interest on the basis of solidarity, accountability and respect for human rights, to strengthen the resilience of health systems and address the root causes of ill health. which is fundamental to achieving the sustainable development goals and implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland speaking on behalf of the EU and the member states. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

Thank you very much, President. Argentina would like to thank the delegation of Pakistan for its efforts to facilitate this draft resolution. We highlight the importance of assistive technology, bearing in mind the possibilities and capacities of each state and in accordance with its circumstances, priorities, resources and national laws. With regard to PP1, PP7, OP8, Argentina believes that the 2030 Agenda comprises non-legally binding aspirations that each state, in the exercise of its sovereignty, has the right to interpret and pursue freely. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Argentina as the last speaker. We have heard the last speaker in explanations of vote after the vote. May I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item twenty-five? It is so decided. The meeting therefore stands adjourned.