General Assembly: 114th Plenary meeting, 80th session

Good morning. Please take your seats. The 114th plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item 13, entitled "Integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields", to take action on a proposal announced in the Journal of the United Nations. I give the floor to His Excellency Robert Djeutsi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Togolese Abroad of Togo, to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.104.

Madam President of the current session of the General Assembly. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, permanent representatives, delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great honor for me to introduce on behalf of the Group of African States the draft resolution titled "Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Representation and promoting equitable representation of different regions of the world, specifically Africa. Before I begin, I would like to express the gratitude of the Group of African States and specifically my country, Togo, as the facilitator We would like to express our gratitude to all delegations for their constant commitment, their active participation, and their constructive contributions throughout the negotiations. We would like to warmly thank delegations that participated in the informal consultations and those that participated in many bilateral exchanges that were held in order to listen with openness in a space of mutual respect and compromise. And these conversations helped us significantly improve the text and reach a draft that is balanced, inclusive, action-oriented, and a document that reflects a broad consensus. President.

I'd like to thank the chairperson of the General Assembly, the Secretary General of the United Nations, the various delegations, experts, academics, teachers, civil society organization, and all those who work with conviction and perseverance to advance this vision. Madam the Chairperson, the history of the United Nations is marked by decisions that have progressively corrected imbalances inherited from the past. Our organization has demonstrated its ability to shape international standards as scientific knowledge advances and collective awareness grow and strengthen. Since its inception, it was pursued a fundamental ambition to enable humanity to better understand itself in order to live better together. Through dialogue, it was contributed to advancing our understanding of issues of as device, as humanity, human rights, development, climate, biodiversity, the ocean, digital technology, and more recently, artificial intelligence. Today, the issue of mapping as a cognitive tool deserves our collective attention. How do we represent the world? Do we teach it? How do the generation learn to see our planet? This seemingly simple question nevertheless touches upon how knowledge shapes our perception of the reality. Bien qu'il porte.

And although it refers to a technical issue, the draft resolution that has been submitted for your approval also touches upon important issues that concern our organization, such as education, knowledge, culture, historic justice, and the equitable representation of the world's regions and their peoples. For several centuries, certain cartographic projections that are used in school textbooks, media, digital platforms, and many official documents do not accurately reflect the true extension of our continents. If these projections were based on specific technical objectives, such as maritime navigation. Their use for general information or for educational purposes continues to influence the perception that entire generations have about how the world looks, and the persistence of these distortions in maps has caused, throughout time, significant consequences. it has contributed to symbolically minimizing the size of Africa as well as other regions, which has created an unbalanced vision of global geography. So this issue goes far beyond just the sphere of mapmaking or cartography. It has to do with cognitive justice. with access to precise geographical knowledge, the dignity of peoples, historic memory, and the fight against representations that we have inherited and have an influence on perception.

Maps are not simply geographical thoughts. Maps shape our understanding of the world. They guide education, nourish the imagination, and influence collective perceptions. They are therefore never neutral. When they present a distorted image of our planet, the risk perpetuating inaccurate representation that are passed down through generation. Correcting the map means choosing fidelity to the fact. It means recognizing that every region of the world deserves to be represented accurately and with dignity. It means transmitting to future generations a fairer, more balanced, and more realistic image of the world. I want to be perfectly clear with you, dear friends. This draft resolution is not directed against any state. This draft resolution does not question down the history of cartography. This draft resolution does not affect the current state of borders. This draft resolution does not condemn any projection, not even the Mercator projection. whose historical use fullness for navigation remains undeniable. This draft resolution does not impose any single projection for all users. This draft resolution, it explicitly recognizes the diversity of map projections and specific uses. In short, our approach, the African group approach, is not directed against any nation, any civilization, or any cartographic tradition. It's guided by a universal ambition to promote knowledge based on scientific occurrence respect for truth, and equal dignity for all people. Its ambition is simple, to promote projection that better preserve the true proportion of continent, particularly equal earth projections, including the equal earth projection, preferred, of course, by African Union. Madame la President.

Madam President, I would like to say it again. The draft resolution, and in particular the reference to the equal earth projection, concerns exclusively the proportional representation of continental land areas. It does not in any way concern the delimitation, delineation, status or recognition of borders, nor should it be interpreted as expressing any political, legal or territorial position whatsoever. Its purpose is strictly cartographic, scientific and educational. What we're doing here is promoting a more accurate representation of the relative sizes of the world's regions. So I would like to reassure everyone that here, what we're talking about is science. This text, by the way, encourages member states international organizations, and other stakeholders to promote cartographic representations that are more accurate when it comes to continental areas. It also invites relevant entities in the United Nations as well as regional organizations, academia, think tanks, and other technological actors to cooperate in order to build national capacities, support research and innovation, and also support specifically developing countries and African countries when it comes to map making, geography, as well as geospatial technologies. The draft fully respects existing mandates. It does not create any new financial obligations, nor does it propose any additional institutional mechanism within the United Nations. Education, of course, is a very important aspect here when it comes to this project because it encourages integrating a critical perspective of how maps are taught in school curricula. It also includes an explanation of projection methods, their characteristics, their limits, and appropriate uses. Madam President, for Africa, this resolution is specifically important. It contribute significantly to reaching the goals of the Decade for African Roots and the African Diaspora 2021-2031 and the Second International Decade for People of African Descent 2025-2030. 2034 and the final declaration of the 9th Pan-African Congress when it comes to correcting disproportionate cartographic representations of the continent by ensuring that Africa is appropriately recognized on the international sphere and by restoring the dignity of the continent and its diasporas, we correct historic distortions that we have inherited from our past legacies. President, ladies and gentlemen, permanent representative, ladies and gentlemen, delegates. Currently, I have the honor of submitting on behalf of the Group of African States this draft resolution for your consideration and I respectfully call upon all member states to support its adoption by consensus. I would like to warmly thank all member states that have already co-sponsored the draft resolution and that are continuing to join the list of co-sponsors for the draft. Their commitment strengthens our joint action. And I would like to invite others to join us, to join us and co-sponsor this draft so that it fully reflects our sense of unity and determination. Adopting this text would send a strong message. And the message is that our General Assembly believes in scientific truth in equity when it comes to representation and in the dignity of peoples and equality among regions of the world in our common perception as one humanity. By adopting this resolution, we're not just correcting a map, we are contributing to correcting our perception. And we would like to affirm that knowledge should elevate and not reduce. It should bring us closer, not divide us. And it should reflect the world in all of its diversity, its truth, and its dignity. Correcting the map is not simply an aesthetic or symbolic issue, but rather it is a demand for scientific accuracy and educational accuracy. Correcting the map means remembering that each region in this world matters, each people deserves to be seen as they are. And Africa, like all other regions, should be part of our universal consciousness. It should not be diminished by distortions from the past, but it should be recognized in its full reality, its contributions and its future. Correcting the map means thinking about the way in which knowledge is produced, the way knowledge is transmitted and visualized, and how we can contribute to a fair representation of continental areas when it comes to global cartography. We often say that the United Nations should reflect the world as it is, and today we would like to propose that we work so that the maps that show our world also respond to this demand for accuracy because a more exact representation of the world nourishes a more just understanding of our peoples and a more fair understanding of our peoples in turn nourishes respect which is the most important basis for peace?

Let me conclude with this word. A fair map does not change the geography of the world. It changes how we see the world. And when our perspective becomes more just, it paves the way for greater understanding, respect, and peace among nations. I thank each of the delegations for their commitment and support. Our responsibility begins now. I propose, if you allow me, that September 4 be designated as an International Day for a Fair Representation of the World. I thank you.

I thank the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Togolese Abroad of Togo. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/80/L.104. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for E sponsorship. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Thank you, Madam 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/80/L.104: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Indonesia, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, and United Arab Emirates. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor L.104, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. I see Turkey, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Syrian Arab Republic, Bahrain, Uruguay. Ecuador. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Nigeria, although Nigeria is already on the L document. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. Before giving the floor for explanation of vote before the vote, as announced in the President's letter dated January 6 and May 20, 2017, 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 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 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 seat. As the first speaker, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States, followed by Ukraine and Ireland.

Thank you, Madam President. This resolution marks the work and purpose of this institution. While this initiative is presented as an anodyne effort to update cartographic proportions, the United States clearly sees it cannot be separated from the much larger and more radical ideological project it belongs to, as its most vocal and committed proponents plainly and openly state. Instead of focusing on genuine problems of international peace, prosperity, or good relations, this body is debating map projects from the 16th century and their role in promoting reparations and cognitive justice. Resolutions like this one and the ideological agenda they promote are barnacles on our work here and the reason this institution is losing its credibility. When the United Nations questions why it is losing legitimacy in the world and is not taken seriously time and again, we point to resolutions such as this. We urge countries to instill common sense to this body and fully reject this text. The United States will vote no on this resolution. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

Madam President, Ukraine is compelled to take the floor to express our position on draft resolution A/80/L.104, entitled "Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World's Regions, Including Particularly Africa." Ukraine does not, in principle, oppose to the core issues addressed in this draft resolution. We do recognize the importance of accurate and scientifically sound cartographic representations, as well as the role of geospatial information in governance, sustainable development, education, and scientific research. Ukraine also endorses efforts to address historical distortions in the representation of the sizes of continents, particularly those affecting Africa and other regions of the Global South. Ukraine, however, cannot subscribe to the draft resolution in its present form because of a specific issue concerning the equal Earth cartographic projection referred to in the text. We regret that all our efforts to reach out to the co-sponsors of this draft resolution yesterday and this morning to find a compromise formulation regarding OP 8 bore no fruit. The equal earth maps depict parts of Ukraine's territory that have been temporarily occupied by Russia in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law in a manner that is wholly unacceptable. This representation of Equal Earth contains data that violate the fundamental principles of international law of sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, it is inconsistent with all the relevant General Assembly resolutions concerning the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the non-recognition of the attempted illegal annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014. It would be a truly fatal mistake for all of us and for the General Assembly to seek to correct a historic injustice in the geographical depiction of countries and continents by simultaneously allowing a deeply troubling interpretation of the text of this draft resolution. Such a misinterpretation could open a Pandora's box effectively enabling the abuse and distortion of the political map of the world. It is regrettable that while correcting the grave historic injustices of the past and finally addressing the dire consequences of colonialism, particularly in Africa, we at the same time might create new and no less serious problems, opening a back door to erroneous interpretations and creating an ambiguity that runs counter to the interests of every member state of the United Nations. For this reason, as the draft encourages member states to adopt, disseminate, and use the Equal Earth cartographic projection without ensuring that its application is fully consistent with relevant principles of the UN Charter and General Assembly resolutions concerning the territorial integrity and sovereignty of States, Ukraine cannot vote in favour of this draft resolution. We urge other delegations to take this matter seriously and voice their concern regarding the dangerous uncertainty and vagueness that may be created today, and vote accordingly. I thank you.

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

Thank you, President. I have the honour to deliver this explanation of vote on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The European Union and its Member States would like to thank the Permanent Mission of Togo for facilitating negotiations on the draft resolution entitled "Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World's Regions, Particularly Africa". The European Union supports the objective of this initiative to promote a more equitable and accurate cartographic representation of the world's regions, particularly Africa, and welcomes its scientific, educational and awareness raising purpose. And throughout the consultation process, we appreciated the constructive spirit of dialogue and compromise that characterized negotiations on the initiative. As consistently emphasised during the process, the European Union and its Member States wish to reiterate their understanding that the scope of the present resolution is strictly limited to cartographic representation for educational, awareness-raising and geographical literacy purposes, including the depiction of the relative size of continental landmasses. In that regard, we underscore that the resolution neither addresses nor affects questions relating to sovereignty, territorial status, delimitation, or internationally recognized borders of states in Europe, in Africa, or in any part of the world, nor should any element of its implementation or any cartographic representation produced pursuant to it. The resolution does not imply recognition of, support for, or acquiescence in any claim concerning disputed territories, changes to existing borders, or alterations to the legal status of any territory. Nor does it endorse any specific website, such as equal-earth.com, including the maps contained therein. And for the avoidance of doubt, the European Union and its Member States recall that within the UN system, the representation of international boundaries and territorial status remains governed by established UN policies and authoritative cartographic references prepared by the UN Geospatial Information Section. Nothing in the present resolution should be interpreted as modifying, superseding, or otherwise affecting those references or the internationally recognized boundaries reflected therein. President, we request that this statement be reflected in the official record of the meeting. And once again, we express our appreciation to the permanent mission of Togo as facilitator for efforts undertaken towards the adoption of this resolution. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ireland on behalf of the European Union. We've heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the vote. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L.104 entitled "Correct the Map: rebalancing global cartographic representation, and promoting equitable representation of the world's regions, particularly Africa. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution A/80/L.104, please signify. Those against? Abstentions?

The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution A/80/L.104, entitled "Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World's Regions, Particularly Africa." Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favor 164, against 1, abstentions 6. Draft resolution A/AD/L.104 is adopted. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to five minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. As a first speaker, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation, followed by Serbia and Paraguay.

Madam President, we thank the delegation of Togo, speaking on behalf of the Group of African States, for their coordination and for their constructive work in preparing the draft. Russia voted in favor of this resolution. At the outset, I want to note the balanced approach of its offers to the of its authors to the issue of cartographic projections. Shifting the surface of the Earth onto a flat plane without distortions is impossible. Any cartographic projection will inevitably retain some geographic characteristics at the expense of others. That's exactly why, as aptly noted in the resolution, there are many projections and they're developed for various purposes. The Mercator projection is no exception. It was created primarily for ocean navigation. The Mercator projection is widely used in education, in the media, in reference materials, and in other areas, and it has been for many decades. This has cemented a visual notion about the relative sizes of various parts of the world. and this notion does not correspond to their actual surface area. That's particularly glaring with regard to Africa and other regions that are closer to the equator compared to territories of higher latitudes. In and of itself, this cartographic effect has a mathematical explanation. However, maps do not exist in a historic vacuum. For generations, they've formed people's notions about the world, about the sizes of continents, and about their global area. That is why we understand understand the broader meaning that the countries of Africa put into this initiative. Coupled with the heavy historical legacy of colonialism, the longstanding disproportionate image of the African continent inevitably has begun to be viewed as yet another element of something that has developed in the past that is a system of concepts in which Africa's place and significance is diminished. We respect, in particular, that this initiative is coming from the states of Africa themselves, and it is reflecting their own view of how to overcome the implications of historic injustice. It's important to listen to and to support this voice without replacing it with one's own interpretations. We're not talking about declaring one cartographic projection right and all the rest wrong. The document promotes a more conscious choice of representing the world depending on the specific goal, and specifically using projections in educational information and socioeconomic context for those purposes. This should adequately convey the real relationships between the surface areas of states and continents. That is exactly how we view our African Partners Initiative as an attempt to rectify a long-entrenched imbalance and also to draw attention to the fact that even conventional ways of representing the world can affect how we view its regions and peoples. Russia has been consistent in its advocacy for overcoming the legacy of colonialism, and we support combating the practice of neocolonialism as well. We support the independent efforts of African states, efforts aiming to restore historic justice and strengthen Africa's role as one of the unique and influential centers of the contemporary multipolar world. This is precisely why Russia supported this African initiative. And we congratulate the African Group on the adoption of this resolution. This resolution demonstrates the clear fact that when the African Group is unified, then they can move a huge stone, including decades of injustice. Thank you.

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

Madam President, My delegation would like to briefly explain its position after adoption of this resolution. Serbia does not question the objective pursued by the sponsors of this initiative, namely the African States, and appreciates their efforts to address distortions in the representation of continental landmasses. Therefore, we fully support the goals underlined in this resolution, as well as the projection which more accurately represents sizes of all continents, particularly Africa. However, our concerns relate to the references to the equal earth in the text, considering that available sources and presentation associated with the equal earth contain political maps that are not in conformity with the international law, relevant UN resolutions, principles, standards, and guidelines. For this reason, my delegation abstained on this resolution. We once again wish to emphasize that Serbia fully supports the core objectives pursued by the sponsors of the resolution. My delegation kindly requests that this statement be fully reflected in the official record of this meeting. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Serbia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Paraguay, followed by New Zealand and Mexico.

Thank you, Madam President. Paraguay would like to thank the African Union for introducing this draft resolution highlighting the importance of the principle of equitable representation. And we insist on the fact that the work should be done by a technical organ that safeguards adequate geographic representation, including Latin America. When it comes to references to Agenda 2030, Paraguay would like to insist on its non-binding character and the fact that it is voluntary. Paraguay would like to maintain a constructive spirit in multilateral dialogue, and we highlight the importance of technical assistance provisions and capacity building in order to update curricula and cartographic systems of developing countries, including landlocked developing countries. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Paraguay. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand.

Thank you, President.

I speak on behalf of Canada, Australia, and my own country, New Zealand. CANS voted yes on the resolution entitled, "Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World's Regions, Particularly Africa, to Accurately Represent the Relative Size of Continents." We acknowledge the resolution's focus on education and promoting accurate information. We appreciate the recognition in the resolution that no projection can perfectly flatten the globe and that each projection is therefore suited to particular purposes. We also appreciate the explicit reference in the resolution that the resolution is intended to have no impact on the established practice regarding the use of cartographic material for navigational purposes. For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to place on the record that the present resolution and any materials associated with the Equal Earth projection cannot have any impact on matters of sovereignty, sovereign rights, territorial integrity, national borders or jurisdiction, and that nothing in this resolution shall be used as a basis to assert, deny, endorse or validate any claims to such rights. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of New Zealand. On behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand, I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico, followed by the United Kingdom and Cyprus.

Thank you very much, Madam President. My delegation would like to first recognize the presence of Minister Robert Doucet here in the room with us. thank him for the explanation with regards to the goal of this draft resolution. Mexico would also like to recognize the transparency and constructive spirit with which the Togolese delegation led negotiations for this draft resolution. My country actively participated in the informal consultations for this initiative, and we also valued very positively the scientific and technical merit of the text because it promotes strengthening education and cartographic literacy. This is why we do not consider that this document should be politicized. The Equal Earth projection is a technical alternative to the global representation for Earth's areas because it preserves the proportions of continental areas. Its use should be evaluated on the basis of specific criteria, bearing in mind that any map implies compromises when it comes to distance, direction, area and form. For Mexico, it is very important to boost an international dialogue on good practices when it comes to cartographic representation and to use as a reference specialized agencies of the United Nations, specifically the Committee of Experts on the Management of Global Geospatial information and the integrated framework of geospatial information. We would like to once again congratulate the delegation of Togo and the African Group for the adoption of this resolution. I thank you, President.

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

Thank you, Madam President. The United Kingdom thanks Togo for its leadership on this resolution. and for the constructive approach taken throughout the negotiations. You have been our compass. We also thank all delegations, especially our African partners, that engaged in good faith on this important issue. The United Kingdom recognises the important role that maps and cartography play in shaping our understanding of the world. We support efforts to ensure that cartographic tools are accurate, evidence-based, responsive to legitimate concerns about representation and historical bias. At the same time, we do not consider historical map projections in themselves to constitute a historical injustice requiring redress through the United Nations. We would also like to set out our concerns on the aspects of the Equal Earth project's depiction of territorial boundaries and and accompanying language, which could give rise to differing interpretations of well-established international positions, including on the status of Crimea. Just as this resolution emphasises that cartographic representations have a lasting influence on the perception and understanding of territorial realities and shape the collective imagination of peoples, So too, the misrepresentation of territorial boundaries perpetuates a continuing harm on those affected by the aggression. We welcome Togo's clarification that the projection is solely related to continental sizes. Maps must not obscure or legitimize recent acts that so many Member States have agreed are an aggression. Crimea is Ukraine. Russia invaded Crimea by force, and its attempted annexation is illegal, null and void. The United Kingdom does not recognise and will never recognise Russia's claim to Crimea or any other Ukrainian territory. In this regard, we underscore that the resolution does not take a position on questions of sovereignty, territorial status, delimitation or the internationally recognised borders of states. Nor should its reference to cartographic products or methodologies be interpreted as endorsing any particular depiction of territorial boundaries or political status. In the UN context, this remains governed by established United Nations policies and authoritative cartographic references prepared by the United Nations Geospatial Information Section. Nothing in the present resolution shall be interpreted as modifying, superseding, or otherwise affecting those references or the internationally recognised boundaries reflected therein. Noting that the resolution does not take a position on the political boundaries of any state and the importance of educational awareness and map projections, the United Kingdom has voted in favour of this resolution in good faith. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yang, the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus, followed by Liechtenstein and Pakistan.

Excellencies, Cyprus supports the objective of the draft resolution entitled, "Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World's Regions, Particularly Africa." aimed at promoting a more accurate cartographic representation of the relative sizes of continental land masses. In this respect, we would like to express our gratitude to the permanent mission of Togo for its efforts in facilitating the negotiations. We wish to place on record our clear understanding that the present resolution is strictly limited to the technical, educational, and scientific aspects of cartographic projection. It neither addresses nor affects directly or indirectly questions of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders. No provision of the resolution and no cartographic representation promoted should therefore be interpreted or applied in a manner that implies recognition, legitimization, or acceptance of any purported alteration of internationally recognized borders. Cyprus stresses that the implementation of the resolution must remain fully consistent with the relevant United Nations resolutions, established United Nations policies, and authoritative United Nations cartographic practice, including the organization's established approach to the representation of international boundaries and territorial status. We request that this statement be reflected in the official record of the meeting and once again express our appreciation to the facilitator for the efforts undertaken towards the adoption of this resolution. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cyprus. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein, also on behalf of Norway and Iceland.

Thank you, Madam President. I have the honor to deliver this explanation of vote after the vote on behalf of Iceland, Norway, and my own country, Liechtenstein. We express our sincere gratitude to the permanent mission of Togo for facilitating the negotiations on the resolution entitled, "Correct the Map, Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World's Regions, Particularly Africa." We have voted in favour of the resolution as we welcome the accurate cartographic representation of the world's regions, particularly Africa, as well as the educational and awareness-raising purpose of this resolution. At the same time, we would like to echo the position of the European Union by underscoring that the resolution does not affect questions relating to sovereignty, territorial status, delimitation or the internationally recognized borders of States in Europe, Africa or any part of the world. nor should any element of its implementation or any cartographic representation produced pursuant to it. The resolution does not imply recognition of, support for, or acceptance of any claim concerning disputed territories, changes to existing borders, or alterations to the legal status of any territory. Let me finish by reiterating our thanks to the Permanent Mission of Togo for their efforts and congratulate them and the African Group for the successful adoption.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein, also on behalf of Norway and Iceland. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan, followed by the Philippines and India.

Thank you, Madam President. Pakistan would first like to thank Togo for presenting this resolution on behalf of the African Union. We voted in favor of the resolution. and support the basic premise of this initiative for an accurate description of the continental land masses only, and not countries' political maps and boundaries. There is no uniformly accepted method of drawing maps which represent the curved surface of the Earth on the plane. Cartographic representation methodologies, therefore, should be informed by the best available science in accordance with the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of states as enshrined in the UN Charter, without prejudice to the political maps of the member states. This resolution is, therefore, for educational purposes only, does not alter the legal status of the disputed territories recognized as such by the resolution of the United Nations Security Council and other international boundaries. It also does not prescribe one particular cartographic method for drawing of maps. We request that this explanation may please be made part of the official record. Thank you.

I thank the representative of Pakistan, and I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines.

Madam President, the Philippines congratulates Togo and the African group for this important resolution. The Philippines voted in favor of the resolution as a reaffirmation of our support to correct historical cartographic distortions of the African continent and in solidarity with Africa. In voting in favor of the resolution, the Philippines wishes to record its understanding of the references in the resolution to the equal earth projection and other equal area map projections and materials. We emphasize that the Equal Earth website contains disclaimers on the contents of maps uploaded on the website, which may be geopolitically contentious. We therefore are of the view that the adoption, dissemination, and use of Equal Earth area projections and associated materials are without prejudice to questions related to sovereignty, sovereign rights or jurisdiction, territorial or maritime boundaries, or the legal status of any territory or maritime area consistent with international law. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Philippines, and I now give the floor to the representative of India.

Thank you, Madam President. Our delegation welcomes the intention behind this resolution to promote more accurate and representative cartographic practices. We believe that maps play an important role in how societies understand geography and the relative scale of the world around us. However, we would like to clarify understanding on the scope of this resolution. We believe that the resolution should be understood as supporting the broader use and consideration of equal area map projections and not as endorsing the equal earth projection or any other specific map projection. Equal area projections are particularly relevant because they preserve the relative sizes or areas of continental and territorial land masses. This can help address distortions in perceived landmass size that arise from projections designed primarily to preserve other geographic characteristics, such as shape, direction, or distance. At the same time, different projections serve different cartographic purposes. No single projection is necessarily appropriate for every application. Therefore, we believe it is important for this resolution to remain technological and methodological neutral. Our delegation supports the language that encourages accurate cartographic representation, while allowing countries, institutions, and cartographers to determine which projection is most appropriate for their specific needs. Therefore, our position is limited to the principle of encouraging equal area approaches, where the objective is to preserve the relative sizes of continental landmasses. Such an approach would preserve the resolution's objective while avoiding or unnecessary reference for one particular cartographic methodology or endorsement of any specific projection, including the equal projection. India has therefore voted in favor of this resolution. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of India, and I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Madam President, my delegation wishes to underscore that, as is evident from the title and text of the present resolution, as well as its intended objective, the resolution contained in document A/18/L.104 is exclusively and solely restricted to scientific and technical methods for projecting the size of continents and does not address or concerns itself with any other matter whatsoever. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have heard the last speaker in explanations of vote after the vote. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested. as announced in my letter in the letters dated 6th January and 20th May 2026. I propose that the limit the time limits for statements in the exercise of the right of reply under this item be limited to 5 minutes for the first intervention and to 3 minutes for the second intervention. 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 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 statements in the exercise of the right to reply should be made by delegations from their seats. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Madam President, I want to comment on a number of statements. For some reason, those statements decided to address the territory of the Russian Federation, which is not a matter under discussion, and they diverted attention from an important African initiative. These territories that were mentioned, mentioned by a number of delegations, are part of the Russian Federation, and these territories were were part of the Russian Federation for centuries. Their peoples expressed their desire to return to Russia in free referendums, and thus they availed themselves of their right to self-determination, and they became part of Russia in full compliance with the UN Charter. Separately, I want to respond to the representative of Great Britain. That's because this isn't the first or the second time that his country, a colonial power, has not recognized territorial realities that happened due to the right of self-determination. But throughout time, their positions have changed, and they have acknowledged what is a fact and remains so. So I'd like to answer in their language, "Never say never."

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. I now call on the representative of the Ukraine.

Thank you, Madam Vice President. I would like to react to the statement of the delegation of the Russian Federation and draw attention to the member states of the General Assembly. that's what we have warned you before the vote. Now you see that with this resolution that was meant to correct historic injustice, you have opened a Pandora box. And I would like to react to the Russian representative, what you claim to be a Russian territory after your illegal annexation and attempts of annexation and illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, it will never, ever be recognized, neither by Ukraine nor by the international community. And I call upon the member states of the United Nations in this hall to be vigilant and to proceed carefully with such documents that was adopted today. Ukraine discards all the attempts by the Russian Federation aimed to legitimize the illegal occupation of our territory, which violates the UN Charter and international law, the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. It will never, ever be recognized. And again, I call upon the member states to be aware of the dangers of that Pandora box that you have opened today. The occupied territories of Ukraine I repeat it once again, will never, ever be recognized, and our territorial integrity and sovereignty over Crimea and other territories that were illegally occupied by Russia will be restored sooner than many think. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of Ukraine. May I take it that it is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item thirteen. It is so decided. I invite the attention of the assembly to draft resolution A slash 80 slash L one oh two circulated on the sub item B of agenda item twenty entitled culture and sustainable development. Members will recall that the Assembly concluded its consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 20 at its 64th plenary meeting in 15 December 2025. In order for the Assembly to take action on the draft resolution, it will be necessary to reopen consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 20. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to reopen consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 20? It is so decided. Members will recall that at its second plenary meeting on 12 September 2025, the Assembly decided to allocate sub-item B of agenda item 20 to the Second Committee, to enable the assembly to take action expeditiously on the document, may I take it that is the wish of the assembly to consider sub item B of agenda item 20 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 sub-item B of agenda item 20 to take action on draft resolution A/80/L.102. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.102.

Madam President, on behalf of the core group comprising Cyprus, Italy, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and my own country, Vietnam, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.102, entitled "International Decade of Culture and Sustainable Development, 2027-2036". Madam President, culture gives meaning to our identities, connects communities, and inspires creativity and innovation. It promotes social cohesion and inclusion, supports livelihoods, and strengthens the resilience of societies. The 2030 Agenda acknowledges the natural and cultural diversity of the world and recognizes that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to and are crucial enablers of sustainable development. Yet, recognition of culture's importance has not always been matched by sustained attention, coordinated action, or its systematic integration into economic and development policies. An international decade is therefore essential to provide a sustained framework for member states to turn commitment into action. It can help mobilize political support, diversify economies, enhance partnerships and resources, foster the exchange of knowledge and experience, and ensure that culture remains high on the global development agenda. At a time of growing division and complex global challenges, culture can also help build understanding, promote dialogue, and strengthen our sense of shared humanity. Against this backdrop, the draft resolution proclaims 2027 to 2036 as the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development. The initiative builds directly on UNESCO General Conference resolution 43C/41, adopted by consensus in November 2025, which proposed the proclamation of the decade. We express our particular appreciation to UNESCO for its valuable support in helping us advance this initiative. With its unique mandate and long-standing expertise in culture, UNESCO will play an essential role in transforming the objectives of the Decade into meaningful action. The draft resolution invites UNESCO to lead its implementation in consultation with Member States and in collaboration with the United Nations system and other relevant stakeholders. On behalf of the core group, allow me to thank all delegations for their constructive engagement. Their contributions helped us arrive at a balanced text that successfully passed the silence procedure. We are also grateful to all member states that have joined the draft resolution as co-sponsors. Madam President, the International Decade is an opportunity to move from recognition to implementation and to place culture more firmly at the service of people, communities and sustainable development. We therefore look forward to the adoption of draft resolution A/80/L.102 by consensus and to working together towards the successful implementation of the International Decade of Culture and Sustainable Development. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Vietnam. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/80/L.102. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Madam 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 L102: Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Chad, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, France, Gabon, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkmenistan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe, and the State of Palestine. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor L.102, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. I see Central African Republic, Iraq, Romania, Georgia, Somalia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, United Arab Emirates, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, Senegal, Malta, Togo, Poland, Botswana, Djibouti, Niger, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Fiji. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote before the vote, as announced in the President's letter dated 6 January and 20 May 2026, I propose that the time limits for statements and explanation of vote under this item be 5 minutes. Is there any objection to this proposal? I hear none. It is so decided. Accordingly, pursuant to the 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 cutoff. 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 give the floor to the United States of America.

Under President Trump, the United States is returning the UN to its core purposes and maintaining international peace through measurable results. Filling the agenda with symbolic observances and superfluous statements diverts attention from the UN's essential work, does nothing to spur economic growth, and contributes to procedural bloat. The resolution at hand is both a prime example of the excesses of the UN system and how easily this body forgets its founding principles and its own guidelines. We are living through unprecedented bureaucratic times. Should this resolution pass, the UN will observe 19 concurrent international decades in 2027. This is a massive escalation over the 80 years history of this institution. Should this resolution pass, the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development will share the stage with sciences for sustainable development, afforestation and reforestation, healthy aging, sand and dust storms, cryospheric sciences, and many more. For these reasons, the United States will call a vote and vote no, and urges other member states to do so as well. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the vote. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L.102, entitled International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development, 2027 to 2036. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution A/80/102, please signify. Those against? Abstentions.

The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution L.102, entitled "International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development, 2027-2036". Will all delegations confirm that the votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine.

The results of the vote is as follows. In favor, 174. Against, one. Abstentions, zero. Draft resolution A/80/102 is adopted. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to five minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I give the floor to Paraguay.

Thank you, President. When it comes to the references to Agenda 2030, Paraguay would like to highlight its voluntary nature and its non-binding character. Our vote in favor attests to our intention to be constructive in multilateral dialogues, especially when it comes to strengthening international cooperation for development. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Paraguay, and I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Mexico would like to thank the Vietnamese delegation for introducing this draft resolution. Culture is part of sustainable development. It is a source of identity, social cohesion, and innovation. It is also a cross-cutting factor in order to achieve the SDGs. Mexico shares the conviction that effectively integrating culture into development policies is a necessary condition for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable progress. In that framework, we recognize the mandate that UNESCO has when it comes to promoting and protecting cultural heritage, diversity, and the creative economy, and we welcome the fact that it has been chosen as a steward for the decade. Given all of this, Mexico voted in favor of this draft resolution. Its content is consistent with Mexico's national priorities when it comes to development, social inclusion, and promoting cultural diversity. Nevertheless, My delegation would like to register that declaring once again another international decade or commemoration does not reflect our position, which we have consistently held. Given these initiatives, Mexico has tried to avoid the proliferation of days, weeks, and decades when it comes to celebrations. the context of revitalizing the work of the General Assembly and relevant resolutions on the matter states agreed to rationalize the work of the GA and therefore to suspend the review of new initiatives of this kind during the 80th 81st and 82nd session this current draft resolution was considered in the framework of the 80th session but Mexico underlines that its adoption is happening on the very last day of action therefore we invite all member states to to fully respect the suspension that I just mentioned when the next session starts without any kind of exception. Likewise, Mexico would like to reiterate its commitment to the principles of UNAD, which invite us to rationalize the resources of our multilateral system to avoid duplicity of efforts and strengthen existing mechanisms. Finally, We would have liked for the draft to incorporate more substantive elements to anchor the cultural agenda in instruments and frameworks that are already existent in the United Nations, specifically Agenda 2030 and the different commitments of 2025. President Mexico reaffirms his commitment to continue working to recognize culture as an indispensable pillar of sustainable development and in order to protect cultural diversity as humanity's common heritage. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Mexico, and I now give the floor to the representative of New Zealand, speaking on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Thank you, Madam President. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, Canada and my own country, New Zealand. We thank the facilitators for their work and acknowledge the importance many delegations attach to this subject. While our delegations support efforts to raise awareness and promote engagement on important global issues, we reiterate our concerns about the continued proliferation of international days, weeks, years and decades. These concerns are not specific to any one topic. In the spirit of transparency, we raised these concerns with the facilitators during the process. Our concern is the resource and operational burden these resolutions place on UN systems and on Member States, particularly at a time when the Organization is facing a financial crisis. And already limited resources are under increasing strain. While this burden is felt by all Member States, it is especially pronounced for small and medium-sized delegations. Against this backdrop, we note the inconsistency between the continued creation of new observances and our collective commitments under the UN80 initiative, particularly the mandate creation, implementation and review resolution 80/251, and our commitments under the General Assembly revitalization resolution 70/327. In this regard, we recall operative paragraphs 31 and 32 of resolution 79/327, and encourage full implementation of agreed efforts to pause and rationalize new observances from the 81st session. We are also concerned that this resolution does not include mandate implementation review clauses. We wish to recall that in resolution 80/251, Member States agreed that all new and renewing mandates should include mandate implementation review clauses. We remain committed to working constructively with all delegations to ensure our collective efforts are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our shared commitments. I thank you.

I thank representative of New Zealand speaking on behalf of Cannes. I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Madam President, International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development 2027 to 2036 provides an opportunity to strengthen cultural cooperation among countries, promote greater understanding among peoples, and reinforce a culture of multilateralism based on dialogue, cooperation, and respect for cultural diversity. The Decade highlights the important contribution of culture to sustainable development, international understanding, and peace, and offers an opportunity to promote greater international cooperation, cultural exchange, and dialogue while respecting the diversity of culture and supporting efforts to advance sustainable development in all countries. The Islamic Republic of Iran attaches particular importance to this initiative and recognizes culture as an important part of the shared heritage of humanity. Iranian civilization has made significant contributions to human culture through its literature, philosophy, science, architecture, and arts. And Iran is home to numerous sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Cultural and cultural heritage must be protected at all times, particularly during armed conflict. Over the past year, the unprovoked aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against my country has caused damages to cultural and historic sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Golestan Palace in Tehran. Damage to cultural heritage is not merely damage to the property of one nation. It is an assault on the history, identity, and collective memory of humanity. Such incidents must not be normalized or met with silence. The international community has a responsibility to uphold international law, ensure the effective protection of cultural property, and unequivocally condemn military attacks that damage or endanger cultural heritage. Protecting cultural heritage must remain a shared responsibility without selectivity or double standards. We hope that the Decade will contribute to stronger cultural cooperation, greater mutual understanding, the strengthening of multilateralism, and the promotion of peace and sustainable development for present and the future generation. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the vote. May I take it that it is a wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of sub item B of agenda item 20 and of agenda item 20 as a whole. It is so decided. The Assembly will resume its consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 69, entitled Comprehensive Implementation and Follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, to take action on a proposal announced in the Journal of the United Nations. We shall now proceed to consider draft decision decision A slash 80 slash L one one six. Before the assembly will now consider draft decision A participation of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, relevant medical organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, and the private sector in the high-level meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. may I take it that the assembly decides to adopt draft decision a/80 l116 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 20th 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 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 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 representative of New Zealand.

Thank you, Madam President. New Zealand is a long-standing supporter of participation by civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders in UN processes, in line with ECOSOC resolution 1996/31, which reaffirms the indispensable role of NGOs in the United Nations system. This support extends to civil society participation in the high-level meeting commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. On this basis, New Zealand joined consensus on today's decision. I wish to recall that New Zealand abstained on resolution 80/299, consistent with our long-standing position on texts that relate to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. Racism in all forms is abhorrent and unacceptable. New Zealand is fully committed to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. New Zealand reaffirms the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination as the basis for efforts to prevent, combat and eradicate racism in all its forms. I thank you.

I thank the representative of New Zealand, and I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Madam President. The Islamic Republic of Iran has joined the consensus on draft decision A/80/L/116. Our affirmative action is confined to the approval for this high-level meeting only of the entities named in the annex pursuant to paragraph 5 of resolution 80/299. It does not create a standing category of participants, does not alter the intergovernmental character of the General Assembly and is without prejudice to the position of my delegation on resolution L/107 and on any future so-called procedural or institutional arrangements concerning indigenous peoples, representatives, and institutions. Approval of a named entity for attendance at a commemorative meeting does not confirm consultative status, does not imply endorsement of that entity's other activities, and does not substitute for the established rule of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations of the Economic and Social Council. Iran remains fully committed to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and to the high-level meeting convened to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the vote. May I take it that is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item B of agenda item 69 and item 69 as a whole? It is so decided. I invite the attention of the Assembly to draft resolution A/80/L.99, circulated under agenda item 71, entitled "Promotion and protection of human rights." Members will recall that at its second plenary meeting, on 12 September 2025, the Assembly decided to allocate agenda item 71 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 71 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 71 to take action on the draft resolution. I give the floor to her excellency Fatima Madah Bayo, first lady of Sierra Leone and president of the organization of African First Ladies for Development to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.99.

Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor and a profound responsibility to stand before this Assembly today to introduce, on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Government and people of Sierra Leone, the draft resolution entitled International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. I thank you, Madam President, for convening this important discussion, and I commend your leadership of this historic session of the General Assembly. I bring you all greetings from His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio. A warm greeting from the people of Sierra Leone, together with best wishes for a successful consideration and adoption of this important resolution. Sierra Leone is honored to lead this initiative as its main sponsor, together with 65 member states that have joined us as co-sponsors. We are deeply grateful for every delegation that has supported this process, participated constructively in the negotiations, and helped bring us to this historic moment. Your support sends a powerful message to girls everywhere. Their rights, dignity and future are not negotiable. To those Member States that have not yet joined us, I extend a sincere invitation. Join us today. By co-sponsoring this resolution, you are not simply supporting a text. You are standing with a girl whose voice may have been silenced. You are standing with a girl who wants to remain in school. You are standing with a girl who wants to become a doctor, a teacher, an engineer, a scientist, a leader, or simply to decide for herself when and whom she will marry. You are standing for her right to choose her future. My presence Here speaks to the importance the President and the government and the people of Sierra Leone attach to the plight of our children. But it speaks too to something deeply personal. This is a journey I know from my own life, one I was fortunate to survive. With my voice today, I carry the hopes that millions of children, and especially the girl child, will be spared what so many have endured. Madam President, today we have an opportunity to make history for our children everywhere in the world. Behind every statistics, a child, early and forced marriage is not merely a number. There is a child, there is a name, there is a dream, there is a future. A girl who should be learning may instead be preparing for marriage. A girl who should be discovering her potential may instead be carrying responsibilities far beyond her years. A girl who should be deciding what she wants to become may instead have decisions about her life made for her. And when a girl is forced into marriage, we do not only take away childhood, we take away choices, we take away opportunities, and too often we take away the future she could have helped build for her family, her community, and her country. Child early and forced marriage remains one of the most persistent barriers to gender equality, human rights, and sustainable development. It undermines girls' education, It threatens their health and well-being. It increases their exposure to violence, exploitation and abuse. It limits their economic opportunity. It perpetuates intergenerational poverty. And it prevents millions of girls from fully contributing to the social and economic development of their society. Let us therefore be clear. Ending child marriage is not only a human rights imperative, it is an investment in human capital. It is an investment in families, economies, communities and nations. We cannot speak credibly of gender equality while millions of girls are denied the right to determine the course of their own lives. We cannot speak of women's economic empowerment when girls are removed from classrooms before they have the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy. And we cannot build a resilient and prosperous society while allowing the potential of millions of girls to be constrained before it had the opportunity to flourish. Madam President, this is why Sierra Leone has brought this resolution before the General Assembly. The resolution proposed that 27 November of each year be proclaimed the International Day for the Elimination of Child Early and Forced Marriage. This international day would provide an annual global platform to renew political commitment, strengthen advocacy, raise awareness, promote accountability and accelerate action. It will encourage governments to strengthen legislation and enforcement. It will promote greater investment in girls' education, protection and empowerment. It will help communities challenge harmful norms and practices. It also amplifies the voices of survivors and girls themselves. And it will remind the international community every year of our collective responsibility to protect childhood and defend the dignity and rights of every girl. Most importantly, it will provide an opportunity for the international community to ask a simple but fundamental question: What have we done to ensure that another generation of girls do not lose its childhood and its future to forced marriage? An international day cannot by itself end child marriage, but political attention can, strong laws can, effective institutions can, education can, economic opportunities can, community leadership can, and above all, sustained political will can. This resolution is therefore not an end, it is a call to action. Madam President, Sierra Leone speak from experience. Under the leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, marking a historic step in strengthening the protection of children and affirming a fundamental principle: childhood must be protected, not surrendered. Our national experience has taught us that legislation is essential, but legislation alone is not enough. Laws must be accompanied by effective enforcement, strong institutions, education, community engagement, economic empowerment, and sustained political leadership. We therefore encourage all member states to strengthen their legal and institutional framework to prevent and eliminate child, early, and forced marriage, while ensuring that those laws are effectively implemented and that survivors and girls at risk have access to protection, education, health, services, and economic opportunity. Strong laws set standards. Strong institutions enforce them. Strong political leadership change society. Madam President, this resolution is not the achievement of one country. It is a collective commitment. Sierra Leone recognizes with gratitude the leadership of the Republic of Zambia and Canada in advancing the General Assembly resolution 79/158 on child, early and forced marriage. Their vision and determination helped lay the important foundation for the initiative before us today. I also pay tribute to His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilima of Zambia for his steadfast leadership as the African champion in the efforts to end child early and forced marriage. I express my profound appreciation to His Excellency President Julius Maadribio, whose leadership has placed the protection and empowerment of women and girls firmly on Sierra Leone's national agenda. I equally acknowledge African heads of and governments, presidents and prime ministers around the world, ministers, parliamentarians and policymakers who have championed the rights of girls and worked to translate international commitments into national laws and policies and actions. I pay special tribute to current and former First Ladies across the world. Through advocacy, community engagement, and public leadership, First Ladies have helped bring the voices of women and girls from the margin of national and global conversation to the center of public policies. Their message has been consistent. When we protect a girl, we protect a generation. I also extend our deepest appreciation to the United Nation family, its partners, including UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNESCO, the World Health Organization, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence Against Children, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, among others. I recognize the invaluable contribution of Just Right for Children, as well as Girls Not Bride, Equality Now, Plan International, Save the Children, World Vision International, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the Global Partnership for Education, Education Cannot Wait, faith-based organization, traditional leaders, youth advocates, women organizations, grassroots movements, survivors, and civil society organizations around the world. You have kept this issue alive when it would have been easier for the world to look away. Your advocacy has turned private suffering into a public responsibility. For that, we thank you. Madam President, distinguished delegates, as we stand here today, the world is watching us. And somewhere, a girl is watching, too. Perhaps she is sitting in a classroom, wondering whether she will be allowed to finish her education. Perhaps she is at home, afraid that a decision about her future will be made without her consent. Perhaps she has already survived a marriage she never chose. She may never know what is discussed in this Chamber, but the consequences of what we decide here may shape the course of her life. That is why this movement matters. The girls of the world are not asking you for sympathy. They are asking us for action. They are asking us to protect their childhood, to defend their dignity, to keep them in school, to ensure their safety, to give them economic opportunities, and above all, to give them the right to choose their own future. Madam President, let us ask ourselves, What will history say we did when we had the power to act? Will history say that we saw the numbers and looked away? Or will it say that at this moment, the nation of the world stood together and declared, "Enough!" Enough of childhood stolen. Enough of dreams interrupted. Enough of girls being treated as commodities rather than as human beings with rights, voice and aspiration. Enough of accepting harmful practices simply because they have existed for generations. Let history record that we choose protection over silence, education over exploitation, opportunities over poverty, justice over impunity, hope over resignation, and action over indifference. Let history record that we choose to stand with girls. Madam President, the choices we make today will echo far beyond this chamber. They will be felt in classrooms, in homes, in villages and communities, in hospitals, in parliaments, and in the lives of generations yet unborn. Let us therefore seize this historic opportunity. I respectfully call upon every member state that have not yet co-sponsored this resolution to join us, kindly join us. I call upon this assembly to adopt a resolution with the strongest possible expression of unity and solidarity. And I call upon all of us to ensure that the international day we seek to establish is not simply marked on a calendar, but becomes a catalyst for measurable action, stronger laws, investment, renewed political accountability. Let us build a world where a girl can dream without fear, where she can stay in school, where she can grow into adulthood with dignity, where she can determine her own future, where marriage is a choice, not a sentence. and where no child is ever forced to exchange her childhood for the future she did not choose. Because when we protect a girl, we do more than save one life. We protect a generation. We strengthen a nation. And we change the future. Let us stand together. Let us act together. And let us make history here together. I thank you all for your kind attention, and thank you, Madam President, for allowing me to make this presentation. God bless you all.

I thank Her Excellency, Madam Beah, the First Lady of Sierra Leone. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/80/L.99. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Madam President, 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 L/99: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Qatar, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor L99, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. I see the Comoros, Central African Republic, Cuba, Paraguay, Monaco, Singapore, Lebanon, Costa Rica, although Costa Rica is already on the L document, Djibouti, Vanuatu, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, South Africa, Georgia, United Republic of Tanzania, Nigeria, Sudan, Israel, Antigua and Barbuda, Guinea. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L.99, entitled "International Day for the Elimination of Child Early and Forced Marriage". We will now acknowledge Singapore as a co-sponsor. Is that...

No mistake.

Oh, all right. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L.99, entitled International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/80/L.99. 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 20th May 2026. I propose the time limits for statements in explanation of vote under this item B for 5 minutes. Is there any objection to this proposal? I hear none. It is so decided. Accordingly, pursuant to the 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 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 representative of Canada, speaking on behalf of CAANZ, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Thank you, Madam Vice-President.

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada. As stated earlier in this meeting, CANS recognizes the importance many delegations attach to the subject matter before us. At the same time, we remain concerned by the continued proliferation of international observances across the UN system and the cumulative resource and operational burden they create at a time of significant financial constraint.

We also continue to emphasize the importance of ensuring that new resolutions are consistent with our collective.

Commitments made under UN 80 and General Assembly revitalization efforts. We therefore wish to reiterate these broader concerns in relation to the resolution before us and look forward to.

Continuing to engage with member states on necessary reform efforts. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Canada speaking on behalf of Cannes. And I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In the name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful, thank you, Madam President. The Islamic Republic of Iran has joined the consensus on draft resolution 80/L99 on the basis of this explanation of position, which I request to be reflected in the official records of the meeting. Free and full consent is a condition of a valid marriage under our civil code. Joining consensus on the proclamation of a day is not acceptance of every characterization in the text, nor of readings that treat the composite formula, "child early and forced marriage" as a single legal category. References to international instruments are understood according to the status of each state as a party or non-party, and in the case of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, subject to Iran's reservation upon ratification. Family law, including the legal capacity to marry, falls within the sovereign competence of a state. Article 23 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights protects the family and requires the free and full consent of the intending spouses. It does not impose a single chronological age of marriage. Attempts to treat 18 years as an inflexible universal minimum or every marriage below that age as forced marriage and a human rights violation per se have no foundation in the treaties by which Iran is bound. National strategies and the observance of the day remain the prerogative of member states to be pursued in an appropriate manner and consistent with the national laws as well as religious and cultural values. Accountability refers to the responsibility of perpetrators of forced marriage under domestic law. It does not authorize external monitoring of family legislation nor create a reporting mandate. Operative paragraph 6 correctly confines activities to voluntary contributions. Iran is not committed to the elements of the 2030 agenda that conflict with its national laws, Islamic principles, or cultural or religious values. Previous explanations of position on this item remain fully applicable. Nothing in the present text modifies those positions or constitutes a commitment to amend Iran's domestic legal order. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and I now give the floor to the representative of Argentina.

Madam President, the Republic of Argentina would like to congratulate Sierra Leone for introducing this draft resolution, as well as its successful facilitation and adoption. With respect to the text, Argentina would like to disassociate from references to Agenda 2030, and specifically the holistic criteria. I thank you.

I thank representative of Argentina. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the vote. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 71. I invite the attention of the Assembly to draft decision A/80/L.115, circulated under agenda item 86, entitled "Protections of persons in the event of disasters". Members will recall that at its second plenary meeting on 12 September 2025, the Assembly decided to allocate agenda item 86 to the Third Committee. To enable the Assembly to take action expeditiously on the document, may I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to consider agenda item 86 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 86 to take action on draft decision. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand to introduce draft decision A/80/L.115.

Thank you very much, Madam President. I have the honor to introduce on behalf of the Kingdom of Thailand the draft decision before us on the date and venue of the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. Madam President, this process did not begin in a conference room, but it began On a Sunday morning, December 26 of 2004, when the floor of the Indian Ocean ruptured, sending a wall of water crashing into the coastlines of 14 countries, my very own country, Thailand, watched entire communities disappear within minutes, if not seconds. Across the Southeast Asian and South Asian regions, more than 220,000 men, women, children lost their lives. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami remains one of the deadliest disasters in the modern history. It also exposed something else with brutal clarity. The world had no legal framework dedicated to protecting people in the event of disasters, or to organizing the international assistance they so urgently needed. Out of that tragedy came a mandate for the International Law Commission, whose decade of work produced the draft articles that we build on today. Yet the need for that convention has only become more urgent. Since 2004, we have found the victims of the earthquakes in Haiti, in Nepal, in Turkey, Syria, in Myanmar, the tsunami in Japan, typhoons in the Philippines. Even as we meet in this hall at this very moment, Rescue workers are still searching the mud along the Nepal-China border, where a glacier collapse triggered flash floods and landslides that have already killed well over a thousand people, with thousands still missing. Thailand joins the international community in extending our deepest condolences to the governments and peoples of Nepal and China, and stands in solidarity with all those who are searching for their loved ones. Madam President, how many more disasters must we witness before we close this legal gap? 21 years have passed since the tsunami that brought this issue into sharp focus, and yet the world still has no convention dedicated to protecting persons in the event of disasters. This is why Thailand is deeply honored to work hand in hand with the UN to host the conference in Bangkok from January 25th to February 12th of 2027, where delegations will negotiate and, we hope, conclude the PPED convention. For a country that has known the pain of disasters firsthand, hosting such conference that could finally close this gap is not only an honor, but a responsibility, and it is deeply, deeply meaningful to every single one of us in Thailand. Madam President, the convention we hope to conclude in Bangkok will certainly not stop the next earthquake, the next tsunami, the next flood, the next landslide, but it will mean that when disaster strikes, no government stands alone, that no survivor is left without protection, that assistance reaches those in need more quickly, and that human dignity is preserved even in the most difficult hours, the most circumstances. It will not prevent disasters, but certainly it can save lives. Thailand, therefore, respectfully invites all Member States to join us in adopting this draft decision, and we look forward to welcoming all of you to welcome the world to Bangkok in 2027. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand. We shall now proceed to consider draft decision A/80/L.115. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Madam President, the present oral statement is made in the context of rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. The present statement has also been distributed to member states. Under the terms of the draft decision, the General Assembly would accept with appreciation the generous offer of the Government of Thailand to host the Conference, and decide that the Conference shall instead meet in Bangkok from 25 January to 12 February 2027, and, if necessary, for a further two weeks, the dates and venue of which shall be decided at a later stage. Recall General Assembly resolution 31140, section 1, paragraph 5, and 40/243, section 1, paragraph 5, and also decide without setting a precedent that the United Nations shall bear the cost in connection with the provision of interpretation and documentation services and minor incidental administrative expenses, while the government of Thailand shall bear all other actual additional costs in holding the conference in Bangkok, Thailand, rather than at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Should the General Assembly adopt drafted decision L115, there would be additional interpretation and documentation workload for the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management and minor incidental administrative expenses for the Office of Legal Affairs. This would give rise to budgetary implications in the range of $0.6 million to $0.7 million for 2027. Accordingly, should the General Assembly adopt draft decision L/115, additional resource requirements would be presented in a revised estimate report to be submitted for consideration by the General Assembly at its 81st session. Also pursuant to draft decision, It should be noted that the Government of Thailand will need to defray the additional costs directly or indirectly involved in accordance with section 1, paragraph 5 of Assembly resolution 40/243, which stipulates that United Nations bodies may hold sessions away from their established headquarters when a government issuing an invitation for a session to be held within its territory has agreed to defray, after consultation with the Secretary-General, as to their nature and possible extent, the actual additional costs directly or indirectly involved. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. The assembly will now take a decision on draft decision A slash 80 slash one one L one one five entitled Dates and Venue of the United Nations Conference of Penny Potentaries on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. May I take it that the assembly decides to adopt draft decision A/80/L.115? It is so decided. The meeting is-- may I take it that is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 86? It is so decided. The meeting is adjourned with the remaining items to be reconsidered at 3 o'clock this afternoon here in the General Assembly. See you at 3.