General Assembly: 73rd plenary meeting, 80th session

The 73rd Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. As announced in the letter dated 13 February 2026 from the President of the General Assembly, this meeting is convened to hear the address by His Excellency Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines. Before inviting him to address the assembly, in accordance with rule 70 of the rules of procedure of the assembly, I now give the floor to Mr. Courtney Rattray, Chef de Cabinet of the Executive of the Secretary-General, to speak on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Madam President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Secretary-General, I am honored to take part in this special plenary meeting of the General Assembly to welcome His Excellency Mr. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines. The Philippines is a founding member of the United Nations and a steadfast partner in advancing the principles and values of our organization. That leadership is clearly on display this year as the Philippines serves as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and as chair of the Sixth Committee of the General Assembly. For decades, the Filipino people have contributed to the life and work of the United Nations as diplomats and peacekeepers, as humanitarian workers and essential support staff in the spotlight and behind the scenes. The Philippines has supported UN peacekeeping for more than six decades, with women now comprising more than half of its deployed personnel. And as a country particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, it also plays a vital role in advancing climate action and climate justice. From disaster risk to economic inequality and technological disruption, the challenges we face do not respect boundaries. They demand solidarity, principled leadership, and a renewed commitment to multilateral solutions. Today's gathering reaffirms the central role of this assembly as a forum for dialogue, cooperation, and collective resolve, where nations large and small meet as equals, guided by the Charter and united by shared responsibility for our common future. Madam President, I thank the Republic of the Philippines for its continued engagement with the United Nations and for its commitment to international cooperation. Welcome and thank you.

I thank the Chef de Cabinet of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General, Mr. Courtney Rattray. The Assembly will now hear an address by His Excellency Ferdinand Romaldes Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines. I request protocol to escort His Excellency and invite him to address the assembly.

Madam Vice President, Excellencies, esteemed delegates, we gather once again at a time of profound global upheaval. Armed conflicts have erupted, geopolitical rivalries intensify, and the institutions designed for peace are tested by the complexities of modern challenges. In this critical decade, the world needs the Security Council to not only reflect responsibility and power, it must also reflect perspective. The Indo-Pacific, home to more than half of humanity, has become the strategic center of gravity in the 21st century. Its sea lanes carry the lifeblood of global commerce. Its stability shapes global prosperity. Its tensions carry consequences beyond regional borders. We of the Philippines offer a voice from this region, the voice of developing countries, the voice of climate vulnerable nations, and the voice of middle-income countries facing competing challenges and priorities. All this was persevering to achieve the well-being and security of our peoples. As a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, a bridge between global north and global south, the Philippines understands dialogue, partnership, and coalition building. We maintain warm and deep relations across diverse regions and political systems. We believe that diplomacy must always be given space to succeed. This year, the Philippines is proud to be chair of ASEAN. And ASEAN has succeeded in promoting peace, economic development, and social progress in Southeast Asia. ASEAN is the convening power in a region where interests of major and middle powers intersect. This has enriched the Philippines' experience as a forger of consensus, a builder of bridges. Excellencies, rising from the ashes of the Second World War, We have together built this forum for nations to partake in the discourse for peace. Enshrining our aspirations in the pages of the United Nations Charter, we vowed that never again shall we be cursed by such a global catastrophe. But watching events in Gaza, the Ukraine, Sudan, the Middle East, and in many other places, I cannot help but ask, are we succeeding? Or are we failing our ancestors who in 1945 forged this assembly out of shared anxiety, shared hope, and endeavor to fulfill humanity's aspirations for peace? Are we failing those who will succeed us? For surely they too deserve to inherit a world where safety, security, dignity, and a healthy planet are assured for all of humanity. It was not so long ago when we made the pact for the future, pledging a new beginning to multilateralism and promising to protect succeeding generations from the scourge of war. We joined calls for restraint, a de-escalation and cessation of hostilities, respect for international law, including the UN charter and humanitarian law, and for all concerned to return to the negotiating table for peace. History bears witness to my country's steadfast commitment to international peace and security. The Philippines was amongst the first nations to respond to the United Nations call for assistance in the Korean War. More than 7,400 Filipinos served under the United Nations command. 112 of them gave their lives to the cause of peace. Again, responding to the call of the United Nations and the Congolese government, the Philippines Air Force Limbus Squadron mounted its first international operation in 1963, heading to Congo on a peacekeeping mission to secure Congo skies. It was reported that our pilots not only flew, but also pioneered civic action missions, teaching locals the craft of bamboo weaving and furniture making. As early as the 1960s, Filipino peacekeepers worked not only for peace, but also for the progress of local communities. Since that mission in Congo, we have deployed 15,000 troops to 22 peacekeeping missions in Africa, in the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Asia Pacific. Our experience has taught us that at its core, peacekeeping is service to the community. We firmly support peacekeeping models that place paramount consideration for the needs of the community. We place emphasis on the promotion of efficient, responsive, and non-politicized peacekeeping models that promote the well-being of women, children, older persons, people living with disabilities, all vulnerable people. Then and now, we stand ready to do our part to stay the forces of war, to end conflict, to ease suffering. We call for urgent and much needed action for peace in the Middle East, in the Ukraine, in Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel, Yemen, and Myanmar. Their people continue to live in fear and in despair. These tragedies need to stop. Innocents must be protected and their basic needs immediately provided. And for the wider region, the Philippines joins the international community in calling for restraint, de-escalation, and cessation of hostilities. As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines led the issuance of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Statement on the situation in the Middle East, reaffirming the obligation of all states to resolve differences through engagement and to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in armed conflict consistent with international law. And as we call for the end of conflict around the world, we also urge all parties to these conflicts and the international community to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation arising from such conflicts. The safe, free, and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to people in need is not negotiable. This holds true for the Middle East. for Ukraine, Sudan, the DRC, the Sahel, Yemen, Myanmar, everywhere else where humanitarian action is needed. The global humanitarian overview for 2026 indicates that $23 billion is needed to save 87 million lives. No one country can nor should fulfill this onerous duty alone. We, the United Nations, standing together, must all bear this burden, for saving humanity remains our collective responsibility. And despite its developmental challenges, the Philippines remains committed as a partner of the UN, OCHA, Red Cross, and other humanitarian organizations. We consistently contribute to the Central Emergency Response Fund and other pooled funds to meet humanitarian needs. We encourage all countries on all development levels to support humanitarian action. At the same time, we urge all countries to take resolute steps to address the root causes of these conflicts. Our own experience has shown that peace is possible despite several decades of conflict. Guided by the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, Our relentless pursuit for peace achieved an alloyed success with the signing of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2014 after many years of negotiations. The now peaceful and growing Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in the southern part of the Philippines stands as a living testament to the transformative power of women to build enduring peace. championing and operationalizing Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security. The successful government panel of negotiators was led by a Filipina, Dr. Miriam Coronel Ferrer, who to this day remains the only woman to ever lead and sign a major peace agreement. Both humbled and emboldened by our success in resolving conflict, We hosted the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security in 2024. We welcomed 1,730 participants from 75 countries and discussed the roles of women in peace processes, the crafting of national action plans on women, peace and security, and financing strategies for WPS initiatives, among many other topics. Our National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the first in Asia, is now in its fourth iteration. Excellencies, war is not the only threat to humanity. Climate change poses the greatest existential test for all our civilizations. For the Philippines, the climate crisis is not a future risk. It is for us a present reality. It reshapes our coastlines, our communities, and even the Filipino psyche. Each typhoon, flood, and period of extreme drought leaves its mark, not only in physical damage, but trauma in the minds of our children. A 2022 survey showed that young people from the Philippines reported the highest vulnerability to climate anxiety. And so we have acted with purpose and urgency. making climate resilience a core component of our national strategy. In 2025, we allocated 18% of our national budget to climate-related expenditures. We established the climate change expenditure tagging system, which allows us to track and to align budget priorities with the national climate change action plan. To address loss and damage associated with the adverse impacts of climate change, The Philippines was selected to host the board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. And as host country of the board, we commit to ensure the fund's governance maintains equitable, transparent, and needs-based allocation of resources. The Philippines joined the movement to have the International Court of Justice issue an advisory opinion on the obligation of states in respect to climate change, and we were gratified by the ICJ confirmation that states have a legal obligation under international law to prevent climate harm. Standing by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, we reiterated our call on developed and industrialized countries to fulfill their obligations to cut greenhouse gas and provide new additional financing for climate adaptation and loss and damage. To galvanize support for the climate and environmental challenges faced by countries in Asia Pacific, the Philippines organized the 2024 Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. The Philippines also hosted the first international conference on nuclear technology for controlling plastic pollution last year. Together with the International Atomic Energy Agency, we join the search for ways that nuclear technology can help address plastic pollution. And as my country confronts its climate vulnerability directly, we extend our hand to other countries. The Philippines welcomes South-South or triangular cooperation, capacity-building arrangements, and the exchange of knowledge and technology. The climate crisis knows no borders. And it is by standing together, uniting in purpose, that we shall survive and overcome. The Philippines further stands ready to cooperate in other areas. Having achieved the level of success in healthcare education, migration governance, and technical vocational education and training, we are open to forging South-South cooperation especially with countries in special situations, small island developing states, least developing countries, and landlocked developing countries, as well as countries in Africa. As an active and responsible member of the G77 and China, the Philippines stands with the global south on issues of financing for development, food and water security, and implementing the 2030 agenda. As chair of the like-minded group of middle-income countries, the Philippines strongly believes that the UN development system must better cater to the specific needs of middle-income countries. For we are home to 75% of the world's population, 60% of its poor, and a third of global production. The Philippines supports Africa's call for fundamental reform of global governance structures, including permanent African representation on the UN Security Council. As fellow developing nations navigating often obsolete international systems that were designed without our counsel, we commit to amplifying Africa's leadership in reshaping multilateral institutions to reflect 21st century realities rather than 20th century power structures. We support rebalancing decision-making power in global financing institutions so developing countries are co-architects of systems that determine allocation, eligibility, and accountability. We must span the technological divide and leverage the power of technology for development, for security. The rapid development of emerging technologies, including AI, present immense opportunity and as with every powerful tool significant risks the Philippines advocates for multilateral cooperation to establish legally binding Norms and Frameworks that to govern our responsible behavior in these novel domains the the Philippines has adopted a national AI strategy which aims to build a robust infrastructure develop a future ready Workforce and strengthen Innovation we use AI and seek for it to become a tool for inclusion, respectful of the belief that human dignity must always be the primary consideration. Excellencies, all our efforts will mean little, nor will they endure, without the rule of law and respect for human rights. The Philippines has consistently affirmed its resolute commitment to the rule of law and the promotion, protection, and respect of human rights. Our decision to join the United Nations 80 years ago was anchored in the belief that the rule of law is the beacon that guides our journey towards peace, security, and shared prosperity. We adhere to multilateralism. We uphold the UN Charter. As a responsible state party, we abide by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. We are steadfast in our dedication to diplomacy, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the constructive management of differences to prevent escalation of disputes. We remain faithful to the principles of territorial integrity and the sovereign equality of all states. Our faith and commitment to the United Nations has never wavered, in the eight decades of our membership. We have always risen to the occasion whenever we are called. When the UN demands, the Philippines responds. At a time when the UN diplomats thought little of social issues and considered them unworthy of UN time, the Philippines insisted that social issues were the equal of economic ones. We spoke for vulnerable people of the world, bringing their views to the halls of the United Nations and inviting attention to their needs and their concerns. At a time when equality between men and women was still a contentious issue, the Philippines championed women and prepared the first draft of the CEDAW as a basic working paper for the United Nations. In the 80s, we worked tirelessly for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities during the decade of disabled persons. Holding fast to the inherent equality of all human beings, regardless of race, the Philippines likewise advocated against apartheid. In 1995, when women's rights and the concept of gender equality were under scrutiny, the Philippines sent a delegation to Beijing, and the Filipino chaired the main committee that negotiated the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Filipinos actively advanced the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that was adopted in 2007. Many of its provisions echoed the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of the Philippines, which we had enacted a decade earlier. We did our part for Rohingya youth by providing opportunities for them in our colleges and universities together with the UNCHR. Our four-year-old complementary pathways program has developed a graduate last year, with more expected this year. We are expanding the program yearly to benefit more Rohingya students. These efforts are reminiscent of our long-established open-door policy to refugees. Taking in Jews fleeing Europe during World War II, the White Russians in 1949, and the Vietnamese in the '70s and the '80s, the Filipino spirit of compassion lives on for the Rohingyas. We believe that migration is a force for good, and that migrants contribute to sustainable development in the countries of their origin, in transit, and in their destinations. Migrants, including seafarers, connect our nations. Their dignity and rights should serve as a unifying principle, not a divisive fault line for governments worldwide. The Philippines champions the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and calls on all to support the upcoming International Migration Review Forum. In light of the funding shortfalls faced by the UN, The Philippines has been vocal in its support for reforms that will enable the UN to deliver on its mandates while lessening bureaucracy and fragmentation. Concerned over the UN's current liquidity crisis and amid strong resistance to multilateralism, we persist in our commitment to this august organization. We paid our regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day due period in January of this year. And we are proud to be included in the UN's honor roll this year. Excellencies, our contributions across the whole spectrum of UN work since its inception are borne out by history. Always ready to be part of the solution, the Philippines has regularly proven itself to be an independent, trusted partner, an innovative pathfinder, and a committed peacemaker. In the midst of mounting challenges and uncertainties, our United Nations needs steady, committed, experienced hands, and we humbly offer ours to serve in the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028. We lodged our candidature mindful that a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council is not a right of any state, but a privilege earned through consistent, dedicated, meaningful, and concrete partnership in the service of the United Nations and soul of humanity. The Philippines stands ready once again to contribute, to help calm voices of division, provide a voice of balance, to shun ambition for service, and always as a voice for principled peace. And thus, I stand before you to humbly petition for your support for the Philippines in the elections on the 3rd of June, 2026. Thank you and Mabuhay.

On behalf of the Assembly, I wish to thank the President of the Republic of the Philippines for the statement just made. The assembly will begin its consideration of agenda item twelve entitled improving global safety to take action on a proposal announced in the journal. Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that the assembly will hold a debate on this item at a later date to be announced. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A slash AT slash L forty-six. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Thank you, 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 operative paragraphs one, four A, five, six, and 13 of the draft resolution, the General Assembly would decide that the one and a half day high-level meeting on improving global road safety to be convened by the President of the General Assembly in collaboration with the World Health Organization shall be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on 20 and 21 July 2026 at its 80th session from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the first day and 00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the second day, and consists of an opening segment, a plenary segment for general discussion, two multi-stakeholder panels, and a brief closing segment. That is in operative paragraph one. Further decide that the organizational arrangements for the two multi-stakeholder panels will be as follows. Two consecutive multi-stakeholder panels will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second day. This is in operative paragraph 4a. Decide that the high-level meeting shall adopt a concise and action-oriented progress declaration agreed in advance by consensus through intergovernmental negotiations to be submitted by the President of the General Assembly for adoption by the Assembly. This is in operative paragraph five. Request the President of the General Assembly with the support of the World Health Organization, the United Nations Regional Commissions, the Secretary General's Envoy for Road Safety and other relevant partners to organize and preside over an interactive multi-stakeholder hearing no later than May 2026, with the active participation of appropriate senior-level representatives of Member States and members of the United Nations specialized agencies, observers of the General Assembly, parliamentarians, representatives of local governments, relevant United Nations entities, non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, invited civil society organizations, philanthropic foundations, academia, medical associations, the private sector, and broader communities, ensuring the participation and voices of women, children, youth, indigenous peoples, people of African descent and persons with disabilities as part of the preparatory process for the high-level meeting, and also request the President to prepare a summary of the hearing prior to the high-level meeting. This is operative paragraph six, and Decide that the proceedings of the high-level meeting and the multi-stakeholder hearing shall be webcast, and encourage the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, and the Executive Secretaries of the United Nations Regional Commissions to give the highest visibility to the high-level meeting. through all relevant media platforms and information and communication technologies. This is operative paragraph 13. Should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution A/AD/L.46, while there would be additional workload for the Secretariat, every effort will be made to meet the requirements within its capacity and there would be no programme budget implications for 2026. In this regard, the Secretariat wishes to inform the General Assembly that its ability to implement the mandates will depend on the availability of adequate liquidity resources. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. Before giving the floor for explanations of votes before the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes and be made from their seats. I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Under President Trump, the United States is returning the UN to its core purposes, maintaining international peace through measurable results, not ideological statements. Resolutions must be concise and actionable. They should drive outcomes, not just fill calendars. The United States will vote no on this resolution because it represents the very type of mandate creep that has eroded the credibility of this institution. This resolution seeks to authorize yet another high-level meeting and multi-stakeholder hearing at a time when the UN insists it is facing an unprecedented liquidity crisis. Directing scarce regular budget funds towards webcasting, highest visibility media platforms, and travel for specialized agencies is fiscally irresponsible when the UN should be focused on its most essential work. Progress on road safety is achieved through local, state, and national law enforcement, engineering, and infrastructure, not through the New York-based summits. The call for a comprehensive review and the highest visibility for this meeting creates an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy that duplicates existing efforts of other UN agencies. By focusing on symbolic observances and lengthy negotiations rather than practical action, this resolution makes the gap between the Model UN and the real UN too small for comfort. We cannot support a process that prioritizes gender balance and geographical representation in delegations over the technical and law enforcement expertise required to actually save lives. The United States is taking a back-to-basics approach to road safety, as seen in our domestic operation Safe Drive, which uses targeted enforcement to remove thousands of dangerous drivers from our roads. We believe member states should focus their efforts on such practical, results-driven actions within their own borders rather than engaging in symbolic global gestures. For these reasons, the United States cannot support this resolution. We call for a return to focused diplomacy that prioritizes institutional effectiveness over unchecked bureaucratic growth. 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 slash AT L forty-six entitled scope modalities, format and organization of the high level meeting on improving global road safety. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution A/AT/L/46 please signify. Those against. Abstentions.

The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution A/46 entitled Scope, Modalities, Format and Organization of the High-level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety. 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, one hundred forty-nine against one abstentions zero. Draft resolution A slash L forty-six is adopted. Before giving the floor for explanations of votes after the vote, May I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed ten minutes and be made from their seats. I give the floor to Belarus.

Madam President, Belarus voted in favor of the resolution on the scope modalities format and organization of the high level meeting on improving global road safety, which was introduced under agenda item 12. We believe that effective preparations for the conduct in 2026 of the high level meeting for the implementation of resolution 76 slash 294 dating 30 June 2022, the political declaration for the high level meeting on improving road global road safety as well as duly taking into account the fact that the member states' views are duly taken into account will make a significant contribution towards achievement of obligations towards halving the number of deaths and injuries as a result of vehicular accidents throughout the world. We trust that these actions will facilitate access to safe, accessible, sustainable transportation systems for all, as is enshrined in what has been approved by member states and governments, namely the priorities of the Agenda 2030, We, Belarus, disassociate ourselves from OP 11 of the resolution. We do not deem ourselves to be bound by the obligations thereunder. We stress our concerns about the expansion of the practice of the approval by the General Assembly of the final list of interested parties invited over states objections. And we also view as unacceptable the transformation of the work of thematic forum, fora into platforms for political score settling, where in the guise of where NGO representatives in civil society represent hostile and politicized rhetoric. And in that guise, this is portrayed as emanating from certain member states. We request that our position be inscribed in the official record for today's meeting. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the representative of Belarus, and I now give the floor to the representative of

Argentina.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Argentina takes note of the present draft resolution and the efforts made by the co-facilitators. As pertains to document L46, Argentina recalls that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is made up of non-legally binding inspirations that each state, in the exercise of its sovereignty, has the right to interpret and pursue freely. Based on this, we dissociate from set references, references to that included in this document. Argentina also disassociates itself from references to parity and gender balance. These are concepts that allow for different interpretations according to the international framework that they are used in. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Argentina and I now give the floor to the representative of Turkey.

Thank you, Madam President. Turkey is committed to supporting the active participation of NGOs, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector in the work of the UN, as this is essential for achieving our common goals. A large number of NGOs, as well as other stakeholders from Turkey, have already been contributing to all spheres of work of the UN and working together with the UN all over the globe, in particular in most vulnerable countries. We strongly support the participation of NGOs and other stakeholders to the work of the UN, as long as their objectives and activities are in line with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. Madam President, Turkey supports those NGOs and other stakeholders whose activities will contribute to the high-level meeting on improving global road safety. Yet, we cannot underestimate the fact that some NGOs may engage in activities that run counter to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the UN and engage in politically motivated acts against some member states. As a long-standing member of the NGO Committee, we have encountered numerous cases where ECOSOC consultative status and participation in various UN meetings was abused by certain organizations. This leads to unnecessary politicization of discussions, which makes it difficult to achieve constructive dialogue and consensus. We believe that the criteria and principles formulated in ECOSOC resolution 1996/31 should apply to all NGOs who seek to participate in the conferences and meetings of the UN. Madam President, Not all Member States can have detailed information on the objectives, activities and financing of those NGOs that are objected by certain Member States. We believe that participation of NGOs in a UN process should be handled in good faith between concerned Member States that may have full information about the activities of the NGOs in question. As a matter of fact, for the purpose of transparency, for an informed decision making, it is highly important for member states to know in detail how those NGOs and stakeholders plan to contribute to the high level meeting. Therefore, Turkey disassociates itself from the OP11 of the resolution. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of Turkey. We have heard the last speaker in explanations of vote. Sorry. We now have a request from the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Madam President, delegation is grateful to the coordinators of the intergovernmental negotiations on the draft resolution A/80/L.46, Kyrgyzstan and Slovakia, for the work that has been done. The Russian Federation attributes particular significance to preventing road traffic accidents, providing for road traffic safety, and preservation of people's lives remain a top priority under our national socioeconomic policy. In this area, we have accumulated significant and unique experience, and we stand ready to share this experience with developing countries, with all, all who are interested in this. We have proactively and constructively participated in reaching agreement on the document under consideration today and we join consensus on its adoption. We trust that the 20 to 21 July 2nd high level meeting on road traffic safety will be a success. At the same time, we wish to draw attention to a contentious non-consensus based language, and this is found in the end of paragraph 11 of the operative part of the draft resolution. Said paragraph generates discord among member states and generated discord among member states during the agreement on procedural documents of the General Assembly 15 years ago in order to generate momentum for the inclusion in work of non-governmental organizations without consultative status at ECOSOC. But those who complied with the rules of procedure, the General Assembly devised a formula participation of NGOs approved by all states on the basis of the non objection principle. The years long practice, this year's long practice has effectively allowed for the intergovernmental nature of the United Nations to be maintained as well as the contributions of NGOs to be upheld. However, the ongoing consensus, which has been ongoing for decades, is being violated and has recently, the current working methods of the United Nations are increasingly being cast into doubt and this merely undermines the unity and solidarity of member states. We wish to emphasize and underscore that in principle we welcome the contribution of civil society in the work of the United Nations. However, the above mentioned principle of non objection, the non objection principle is being breached. And we wish to recall the following, the language about the final decision of the General Assembly of the United Nations, which we presently see in paragraph 11 arose following a series of votes which confirms the aggressive imposition on the General Assembly of a contradictory approach in parallel with the financing of NGOs which are both destructive and politicized in nature. And for this reason, our delegation disassociates itself from paragraph 11, and we request that this be enshrined on the meeting record. Thank you for your attention.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. We have now heard the last speaker in explanations of votes after the vote. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Aida Kasamaliyeva, Permanent Representative of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations, and His Excellency Peter Hulany, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the United Nations, who ably and patiently conducted the discussions and complex negotiations in the informal consultations on the draft resolution. I am sure members of the Assembly join me in extending to them our sincere appreciation. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 12. The Assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item 13 entitled Integrated and coordination implementation of follow 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. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil to introduce draft resolution A/80/L.44.

Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Brazil has the honor to introduce the draft resolution on the designation of the International Coffee Day, on behalf of a core group of 18 countries: Angola, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Finland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Peru, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Turkey, Vietnam, and Yemen. 59 countries have joined us as main co-sponsors, 20 more joined us as co-sponsors, and we hope others will still join from the floor. The diversity of this group, bringing together countries from different regions, cultures, and stages of development, producers and consumers of coffee, reflects the universal resonance of this initiative. It demonstrates that even in complex and challenging times, cooperation and unity remain possible. On 4 July 2025, the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, at its 44th session, designated 1 October as International Coffee Day. Today, it is in the hands of this General Assembly to endorse that decision and to give it the universal recognition it deserves. Coffee, Madam President, is more than a commodity. It is more than a crop traded across oceans and harvested in fields tended with dedication and resilience. It is a thread woven into the social and cultural fabric of most societies. From its historical origins to its global presence today, coffee has connected people across continents. It is present at family tables and in workplaces at the early hours of the day. It accompanies conversations that build friendships, negotiations that shape partnerships, and exchanges that inspire ideas. Across generations, coffee has served as a symbol of encounter, a simple yet powerful invitation to sit together, to speak, and to listen. This resolution acknowledges the cultural, social, and historical significance of coffee. It recognizes the millions of livelihoods linked to its production, processing, transport, trade and consumption. Behind every cup of coffee are farmers, many of them smallholders, as well as workers, cooperatives, entrepreneurs and families whose well-being depends on a fair and sustainable global value chain. By endorsing the International Coffee Day, We celebrate not only a charming and cherished product, but also the communities sustained by it. We affirm the importance of cooperation among producing and consuming countries. We underscore the value of sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness throughout the supply chain. And we highlight the contribution of coffee to rural development, poverty reduction, and cultural heritage. At a time when divisions too often dominate headlines, this resolution sends a different message. It reminds us that shared traditions can bring us together. It signals to producers and consumers alike that fairness, partnership, and sustainability remain principles worthy of our collective commitment. It reassures our citizens that even in difficult times, multilateralism can still deliver moments of agreement and shared and meaningful celebration. We are grateful to the many delegations whose constructive engagement and co-sponsorship strengthened the text and allowed it to proceed in a spirit of consensus. Their support reflects the understanding that some initiatives, though modest in appearance, carry profound symbolic value. Madam President, in endorsing 1 October as International Coffee Day, this Assembly has the opportunity to recognize a tradition that transcends borders and generations. We invite all delegations to join us in supporting this draft resolution. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/AT/L.44. 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.44: Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Bahrain, Croatia, Georgia, Guyana, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malta, Mozambique, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Ukraine and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor AO44, please signify by pressing the microphone button now. I see Comoros, Iraq, Poland, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Honduras, Vanuatu, Haiti, Suriname, although Suriname is already on the L document, Togo, Timor-Leste, although Timor-Leste is already on the L document. Guatemala, same, it's already on the L document. France, same, already on the L document. Tunisia. Congo, Serbia, Algeria and Solomon Islands. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote before the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed ten minutes and be made from their seats. I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you again, Madam Chair. We urge member states to exercise restraint in putting forward resolutions. Filling the agenda with symbolic observances like an International Coffee Day diverts attention from the UN's essential work and does nothing to spur economic growth. These juvenile gestures shrink the gap between the real United Nations and a model UN exercise. The unchecked growth of reports, conferences, and hollow negotiations has strained resources and eroded global confidence. For these reasons, the United States will not support this resolution. We call for a renewed commitment to focused diplomacy and results-oriented action to restore this institution's credibility. We urge our fellow member states to exercise restraint in creating new international observances. Let us focus our collective efforts on practical results, on practical results driven actions rather than on symbolic gestures. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of votes before the vote. The assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A slash AT slash L forty-four entitled International Coffee Day. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution A/80/L.44, please signify. Those against? Abstentions.

The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution A/80/L.44 entitled International Coffee Day. 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 favour 150, against 1, abstention 1. Draft resolution A/AT/L.44 is adopted. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed ten minutes and be made from their seats. I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico.

Muchas gracias, Senora. Thank you very much, Madam President. Mexico welcomes and thanks the proponents for their efforts to put forward and facilitate this draft resolution. My delegation recognises the cultural, social and economic importance of coffee. For many countries and millions of families and communities, coffee represents fundamental source of livelihood. The resolution we just adopted is proof of this. The growing and production of coffee plays a relevant role in rural development, in providing jobs and in preserving cultural traditions, and also contributes to the well-being of small producers and indigenous peoples who participate actively in the different steps of its production. Coffee, therefore, is a catalyst of human development with a lot of on social, economic and environmental stability. Mexico believes that it is important to recognise the relevance of agricultural producers and the communities that depend on them. These can be set forth through the frameworks, initiatives and mechanisms we already have, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Mexico supports the value of this resolution and, at the same time, we recognise the content of resolution 79327 on the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly, through which all Member States agreed to suspend new initiatives during the 80th, 81st and 82nd sessions and to bring those initiatives together under other thematic issues. We fully agree on the need to safeguard the relevance of international observations and avoid their proliferation, which can water down the political and financial impact of our agendas. We also emphasise the importance of a sector going beyond day year or decade in the calendar and to prioritize initiatives that achieve results within and outside the General Assembly on such key issues as the one that we're dealing with today. Mexico believes that this is the right time within the framework of the UNAT initiative and given the international challenges that require our attention to reaffirm a collective commitment to a more rational efficient and coherent management of the work of this Assembly. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Mexico. We have heard the last speaker in explanations of vote after the vote. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 13. The Assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item 35 entitled Question of Palestine. The documentation under this item is listed in the Journal of the United Nations. I should like to draw the attention of the Assembly to the letter dated 13 February 2026, in which the Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People informs the President of the request of the Government of Chile to become a member of the Committee. The chair also requests that the matter be brought to the attention of the assembly for its approval. May I take it that the assembly decides to appoint Chile as a member of the committee? It is so decided. I should also like to draw the attention of the assembly to a letter dated 16 February 2026 in which the chair of the committee informs the president of the decision of the government of Ecuador to withdraw from the committee. The chair further suggests that the assembly be informed about the aforementioned change in the men in the membership of the committee. May I take it that the assembly takes note of the change in the membership of the committee communicated in this letter. It is so decided. The assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item thirty-five. The assembly will consider sub item E of agenda item one one five entitled appointment of members of the board of the ten year framework of programs of sustainable consumption and production patterns. to appoint members of the Board for a new term of office following the expiration of the terms of office of the current members on 20 March 2026. The representative of the United States is requesting the floor. I now give the floor to the representative of the United States.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The United States called a vote today to send a clear message. For too long, this body has operated under the delusion that a group of unelected bureaucrats in New York or Geneva should have a say in how Americans produce energy, grow food, or run their businesses. Let's be clear about what this 10-year framework actually is. It is a specialized tool for global social engineering. It is an attempt to wrap a straitjacket around the American economy in the name of sustainable consumption. We are voting against these appointments for three simple reasons. First, sovereignty is not a suggestion. On March 4th of last year, we walked away from the 2030 agenda. We don't subscribe to UN frameworks on economic mandates, consumption, or production, and do not subscribe to SDG 12. We encourage your own governments to consider why you would be in support of this. We certainly don't recognize the authority of a framework that views American prosperity as a problem to be managed. If you want to tell your own citizens how to live, that is your business. You will not do it to ours. Second, the United States is serious about the value of its contribution. As of January 7th, the United States ceased participation in UNDESA among a myriad of other UN entities that frankly have no purpose. This framework falls in that same category. It is a matter of basic accountability to the American taxpayer that we stop paying for endless debates, frameworks, and talk shops that undermine our way of life. Third, the United States supports responsible, market-driven growth, not mandates. The world needs American energy, American ingenuity, and American manufacturing. This framework wants to decouple growth from resources, another way of saying managed decline. Under this administration, we choose energy dominance. We choose the blue-collar worker over the blue-helmeted regulator. Let's be clear. The era of useless soft law and global goals dictating American domestic policy is over. We are restoring integrity to this body and a driven sense of purpose that delivers value to our taxpayer. We question why your governments are not doing the same. Decisions about what we produce and what we consume will be made by the American people or made by your own citizens in your countries. Our vote does not reflect our individual relationships with the countries up for the board, but rather represents a total objection to the very existence of the framework, let alone the UN-appointed board mandating it. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the United States. Members have just heard the request for a secret ballot for all candidates. Accordingly, the Assembly shall conduct a secret ballot for the appointment of members of the Board at a later date to be announced. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item L of agenda item 115. The Assembly will resume its consideration of agenda item 127 entitled Global Health and Foreign Policy to take action on a proposal announced in the Journal. Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that the Assembly will hold a debate on this item at a later date to be announced. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal to introduce draft resolution A/AT/L.45.

Madam President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I have the distinct honor to introduce on behalf of Nepal and other 30 co-sponsoring countries the draft resolutions a slash 80 slash l45 entitled International Wellness Day for the considerations and adoptions by the General Assembly I deeply appreciate all the co-sponsoring countries for their valuable support we are also grateful to all distinguished delegations for their constructive engagement and valuable feedback during the consultations, which have been instrumental in bringing the draft to its current form. Madam President, in recent years, the international community has increasingly recognized that health and well-being extend beyond the treatment of the illness. Wellness represents a holistic approach that encompasses physical, mental, social, cultural, emotional and ecological well-being. It encourages preventive care and cost effective solutions. It promotes healthy lifestyles and spiritual awareness. It strengthens communities. and foster social harmony, and it enables people to live healthier, balanced and fulfilling lives. Madam President, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages has remained our collective commitment over the years. Achieving this global commitment requires not only effective health systems, but also greater attention to prevention, mental health, emotional resilience, and broader determinants of holistic wellness. The draft resolution highlights the importance of preventive, lifestyle-based, and people-centered approaches to health by promoting wellness. Societies can help reduce the financial burden of noncommunicable diseases, support mental health and well-being, and strengthen resilience in communities across the world. The draft resolutions also recognizes the diversity and valuable contributions of cultural traditions and indigenous knowledge, including evidence-based traditional medicine, in supporting holistic wellness and strengthening health systems. Such approaches, when combined with modern medical practices, can contribute to more inclusive and people-centered models of care. Madam President, the resolution proposes the proclamation of 15 April as International Wellness Day. The observance of this day would provide UN member states, the United Nations system, civil society and private sector, and communities around the world with an opportunity to raise the awareness of the importance of the holistic wellness and to share knowledge and best practices that promote healthy and sustainable lifestyles. The draft resolution also acknowledges the broader and social economic and promoting wellness. Sorry, the wellness sector has the potential to contribute to such economic development by supporting job creation, encouraging innovations, and contributing to inclusive economic growth. At the same time, fostering a culture of wellness can help improve the quality of life, help safeguard the human dignity, and help empower individuals to realize their full potential. More importantly, the draft resolutions emphasizes that wellness practices should remain affordable inclusive and accessible to all, ensuring that no one is left behind. Madam President, we are facing mounting health challenges, shaped and sharpened by the interplay of numerous and overwhelming, overlapping global crises and challenges. Our health systems are being tested like never before. At this critical moment, promoting holistic wellness is both timely and necessary. Proclaiming International Wellness Day would therefore enhance global awareness, cooperation and action. in support of the healthier societies around the world. I sincerely hope that the General Assembly will support this initiative, recognizing the importance of promoting wellness across our societies. In the spirit of solidarity and multilateral cooperation, we highly value the support of the UN member states for the adoption of the draft resolutions by consensus. Madam President, let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment to healthier lives, stronger societies, and a more sustainable future for all. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/AT/L.45. 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/AD/L.45: Antigua and Barbuda Belarus Brazil China Colombia Cuba Dominican Republic Fiji Hungary Mongolia Morocco Portugal Qatar, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Vietnam. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor AO45, please signify by pressing the microphone button. I see Vanuatu, Maldives, Algeria, Nicaragua, Zambia, Hungary, Rwanda, Ecuador, and Comoros. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote before the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed ten minutes and be made from their seats. I give the floor to the United States.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Reiterating our earlier statements, symbolic observances and juvenile gestures like an International Wellness Day divert attention from the UN's essential work and do nothing to spur economic growth. This scope creep fuels bureaucratic inertia and undermines the UN80 back-to-basics reform effort. Let us focus our efforts instead on practical results-driven actions. Second, this resolution reaffirms the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. As the United States has made abundantly clear, the 2030 Agenda and SDGs impinge upon state sovereignty as a soft form of global governments, and we will not reaffirm them. Third, The text references resolution 79-287 on global health and foreign policy, which the United States voted against and to which we remain opposed. We reiterate that health-related policy must remain the sovereign responsibility of national governments, shaped by domestic priorities, national contexts, and the will of citizens, not imposed by international bureaucracies or multilateral mandates. For these reasons, the United States will vote no and urges other member states to consider the value add of this resolution in this time of reform. 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/AT/L.45 entitled International Wellness Day. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution A/80/L.45, please signify. Those against? Abstentions.

The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution A/80/L.45 entitled International Wellness Day. Will all delegations confirm that the 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 favour 143, against 1, abstentions 0. Draft resolution A/AT/L.45 is adopted. Before giving the floor for explanations of votes after the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should in any case not exceed 10 minutes and may be made from their seats. I give the floor to the representative of South Africa.

Thank you, Madam President. I take this opportunity to explain South Africa's position on the draft resolutions considered this morning to designate further international days. South Africa voted in favor of the relevant draft resolutions. My delegation, however, would like to recall operative paragraph 31 of General Assembly resolution 79/327, which noted the significant increase in the number of proposals to proclaim international days, weeks, months, years and decades, and which decided, on a trial basis, to put on hold consideration of new proposals for international days, weeks, months, years, and decades during the 81st and the 82nd sessions of the General Assembly. Paragraph 31 also requests the President of the General Assembly, effective from the 81st session, to group all proclamation requests for international commemoration into a single resolution per agenda item, where each proposed commemoration contains its own operative paragraph focused on each establishment. Madam President, South Africa continues to support the proclamation of international days, weeks, months, years and decades. However, General Assembly resolutions aimed at ensuring that the Organization functions in an efficient and effective way also bears consideration. South Africa welcomed and supported the adoption of resolution 79/327 towards this objective. We encourage fellow member states to consider OP 31 of resolution 79/327 and its implementation in a positive and constructive way and look forward to the president of the 81st session of the General Assembly to implement this provisions of the resolution accordingly. Thank you very much.

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

Thank you very much, Madam President. Mexico is grateful to the proponents for their efforts to present and facilitate this draft resolution. My delegation recognizes the importance of well-being. This has been a pillar for the government of my country over the last eight years, because through it, we can satisfy the physiological needs of the population, and we can guarantee social rights, guarantee living quality and build social peace. Nevertheless, my delegation believes that, while it is fundamental to promote well-being and have initiatives that take account of it, these initiatives can be pursued effectively through the frameworks, initiatives, etc., that we already have in existence, which means that it's are necessary to proclaim an additional international day, especially when it comes to a principle that's not defined within the UN system and that has different interpretations depending on the national context. While Mexico supports this resolution, the position of my country is clear when it comes to proposals to proclaim different days, years, and international decades. There's concerning proliferation of these proposals. These commemorations can be relevant sometimes, but the reality is that over recent years, they have increased in frequency unnecessarily. This has overburdened our system and its work and has generated a significant operative and financial burden. With the adoption of the International Coffee Day resolution a few moments ago, we have seen four new international days and eleven before, and the year before that, six days and one decade. This is the concern over this is recalled in Resolution 79/327 over the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, which calls a suspension on the number of the proclamation of international days, months and years during the 80th, 81st and 82nd sessions and to group these initiatives under broad thematic sections. There should not be an opportunity to approve a new number of international commemorations during this session. On the contrary, at this time, this is the right moment within the framework of the UNAT initiative to show a collective commitment to a more rational, efficient and coherent management of the work of this assembly. In this regard, Mexico believes that it's necessary to move towards a more efficient, coherent, anthematic and integrated mechanism to ensure that these initiatives have added value in the work of the United Nations. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Mexico. We have heard the last speaker in explanations of vote after the vote. The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 127. The meeting is now adjourned.