Second Committee, 12th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I invite the committee to continue its joint consideration of agenda item 18, sustainable development, and its sub-items LA to L, together with agenda item 19, global code of ethics for tourism. The 12th meeting of the Second Committee is called to order. Before we proceed, I would like to remind delegations that the agreed time limits for statements during the general discussion of agenda items are five minutes for delegations speaking on behalf of a group of states, three minutes for national statements, and three minutes for statements by intergovernmental organizations and the United Nations system. To assist speakers in time management, a countdown clock will be projected on the screens in the meeting room. The clock on the speech timer will start blinking red to indicate that the speaker has one minute left to conclude his or her statement. Please note that the microphone will be automatically deactivated in case speakers exceed the time limit. Having said this, I would appeal to all speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace to facilitate interpretation into the six official languages of the United Nations. A kind reminder also that delegations are requested to submit their statements by email to statements@un.org. And I thank speakers in advance for your cooperation. I will now call on the first speaker on my list, which is the distinguished representative of Andorra. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. We are delivering our statement on the 18J. We congratulate the ESD on his report on the sustainability of mountains. This is an essential source of water for millions of people, a source of biodiversity that sustains ecosystems. It is also home to hundreds of millions of people and cultural sanctuaries that are guardians of this and many people's depending on it far beyond the mountains. For Andorra, it's much more important than that. Our identity depends on this. This is why mountain ecosystems are the heart of our environmental action, supporting development and sustainability. In line with this, we were mentioned in the SG's report, and we had the Open Living Days with 150 people participating as part of our strategy for diversification, driving for technology and sport and sustainability. Also in relation to the coming Montreal framework on biodiversity, we have opened a national park that will cover 20% of the protected area. Chair, recognizing the decisive role of mountains in the fight against climate change, must lead to an effective presence in Belem at the COP 30. We will be organizing a side event on partnership for mountains to promote the integration of these into the UNFCCC and to strengthen the synergies between the three conventions.

In March, Andorra will become the epicenter of UN discussions on mountain sustainability, as we will host the seventh global meeting of the Mountain Partnership under the theme, "Mountains for the Future: Responsible Tourism, Thriving Communities," following the 13th World Congress on Snow and Mountain Tourism in collaboration with UN Tourism. This convergence highlights our determination to place sustainable tourism at the core of Andorra's development model, nationally and internationally, to create new opportunities for mountain communities and to help curb depopulation in these areas.

As the last

global meeting before 2030, it offers a unique chance to accelerate the 2030 agenda and the five years of action for mountain regions. Echoing the slogan of the meeting, by placing mountains at the heart of global climate, biodiversity, and development efforts, we will shape a shared vision from Andorra to every summit. May they continue to inspire action in this committee and beyond, in whichever forum.

I thank the distinguished representative of Andorra. And I see the distinguished Deputy Permanent Representative of Panama. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Panama aligns itself with the statements delivered by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China. And in our national capacity, I wish to highlight that Panama has made preservation of our natural heritage and a just energy transition fundamental pillars of our sustainable development policy and our action against climate change. In 2025, we reaffirmed this commitment as the host of the first climate week of the new global cycle of the UNFCCC and World Energy Week. Similarly, the recent visit of the support committee to the ESCASU agreement highlighted progress in the country in the area of participation, transparency, and environmental justice. At COP29 in Baku, together with Bhutan, Madagascar, and Suriname, we launched the G0 Forum in defense of more ambitious climate action. We have every faith that the COP30 in Belem will be an opportunity to make progress towards an agenda guided by climate justice, sustainability, and the protection of people and planet. Chair, during High-Level Week in New York, Panama announced two key commitments. The Natural Panama Fund aimed at guaranteeing sustainable and participative financing for conservation and the Nature Pledge, which includes national goals in the area of climate, biodiversity, and sustainable land use. Today, Panama protects 54 percent of its water and 35 percent of its land area, surpassing the global goals for conservation. Similarly, we welcome the forthcoming entry into force of the BBNJ Treaty and together with France and Tuvalu, we are leading the Coalition of Pioneers that promotes the implementation of the 30x30 goals and financing for ocean and climate resilience. Similarly, we are honored to have been selected as the host country for the World Congress of Protected Areas and Conserved Areas 2027, reaffirming our commitment to global action for nature. Chair Panama advocates for more inclusive multilateralism that is adapted to the realities of each country, using per capita income as a criterion for accessing international cooperation actually means ignoring the complexity of development and limiting opportunities for sustainable growth. And so establishing and strengthening partnerships with the private sector is key to fostering innovation, the energy transition, and to guaranteeing food security, as well as promoting resilient infrastructure. Chair Panama this year will take up facilitation of the resolution on sustainable, resilient, and tourism and sustainable development in Central America and the Dominican Republic. And we reaffirm our ability to stand and to work with all delegations in a constructive spirit to contribute to the success.

The speaker's microphone has been turned off, I thank you. I thank the distinguished Deputy Representative.

Representative of the Republic of Moldova, you have the floor.

Mr. Chair. I'm honored to address this committee on an issue that lies at the heart of our collective vision, sustainable development. We meet at decisive moment, nearly a decade after the adoption of the 2030 agenda, the world stands at the crossroads. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025 shows that only one third of SDG targets are on track. Multiple crises, conflicts, climate shocks, and widening inequalities continue to reverse hard-won progress. In this challenging context, the Republic of Moldova reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Guided by our national strategy, European Moldova 2030, and United Nations Moldova Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, we continue to align our national efforts with the principles of inclusivity, resilience, and green transformation. We believe that peace, stability, and equitable partnerships remains the cornerstones of progress in sustainable development. Strengthening international cooperation, ensuring fair access to financing, and giving developing countries a stronger voice in global decision-making are vital to restoring trust and driving transformation. The SDG Report 2025 highlights Moldova's steady progress in several areas: social protection, health, and access to essential services have improved. More women now receive maternity benefits. More children benefit from state support, and maternal and child mortality rates continue to decline. The modernization of social assistance and the digitalization of public services are reinforcing our commitment to equity and inclusion. In 2024 alone, my country mobilized nearly $169 million in development assistance towards SDG-related programs, supporting health, food security, gender equality, and good governance. Mr. Chair, at the same time, we recognize that greater efforts is needed. The Republic of Moldova remains highly vulnerable to climate change. Droughts and extreme weather events threaten agriculture and livelihood, well dependence on energy resources, export to us to energy vulnerabilities. Mr. Chair, the time for words has passed. As we move closer to 2030, we must turn commitments into concrete action by accelerating the green transition, investing in people, and safeguarding dignity and opportunity for all. The Republic of Moldova stands ready to work with all member states in this committee and across the wide United Nations system to turn this moment of uncertainty into one of renewed hope, solidarity, and shared progress. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Republic of Moldova. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statements of the G77 and China and the Arab Group. With less than five years until 2030, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. Progress toward the SDGs remains far too slow and uneven. as the world faces growing economic, political, environmental, and humanitarian challenges. Together, these challenges undermine the promise of the 2030 Agenda and the hope it had offered to millions around the world, including the Palestinian people. The 2030 Agenda has made it clear, there can be no sustainable development without peace.

This is nowhere more evident than in Palestine.

For decades, development in Palestine has been constrained by occupation, apartheid, and blockade.

But over the past two years,

it has been immensely devastated by Israel across occupied Palestine, including East Jerusalem, and most gravely, in Gaza. Nearly every SDG has been impacted, from ending poverty and hunger to ensuring health, education, sustainable cities, and climate resilience. Progress has not only been stalled, it has been set back by decades. According to the UNDP and ESCWA, Gaza has been pushed back by nearly 70 years,

while the West Bank has lost

around 16 years of progress, together representing one of the most severe development reversals in modern history.

Yet,

Despite the decades of oppression and occupation and the current painful realities, Palestine remains firmly committed to fostering conditions that allow every Palestinian to build a dignified

and sustainable future.

To this end, the state of Palestine has recently adopted its National Spatial Development Plan 2050, which creates the foundations for a thriving Palestinian society. It has also launched a digital financial identity, which is a key step toward a sustainable and modern digital economy. However, only by ending the occupation can Palestine realize its full potential. This demands concrete and decisive measures in line with international law. to bring our people's endless suffering to an end, enable

recovery, and create the conditions for genuine investment in peace and sustainable development.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ecuador. You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair. Ecuador prioritizes sustainable development, social equity, and economic prosperity, reaffirming our commitment to building an inclusive society where every citizen has the opportunity to prosper. These elements are reflected in our national development plan, Ecuador is not stopping 2025 to 2029, which is aligned with Agenda 2030 and guides public policy and governmental action for the next four years. Chair, this is a critical moment for moving towards sustainable development that is balanced across its three dimensions, economic, social and environmental. In the economic area, we are facing a complex and demanding environment. Global progress in economic growth and decent work has been unequal in the recent decade. Faced with this, Ecuador is actively participating in rebuilding economic competitiveness with an economy that grew 4% in the first quarter of 2025. One of the tools used was public-private partnerships that drives innovation, guaranteeing responsible investment and promoting social justice. In terms of peace and security, these are indispensable pillars for sustainable development. This has been gravely impacted in recent years all over the world. In Ecuador, we address the social dimension of insecurity by investing in our youth. Generating employment is essential because young people deprived of opportunities are more vulnerable to networks of transnational organized crime that represent a global threat. In the environmental sphere, climate action is still below the necessary level in order to fulfill the commitments of the Paris Agreement. The COP30 in Brazil is a valuable opportunity to focus the efforts necessary to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5 degrees centigrade. Ecuador has a multi-sectoral public policy that includes a range of tools to deal with climate change and preserve biodiversity. Among these, we have the national plans for adaptation and mitigation, and also for conservation, restoration, and sustainable use, and also instruments aimed at combating desertification, soil degradation, and drought. Finally, I wish to highlight Ecuador's efforts towards the full implementation of the Agenda for Sustainable Development the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and also the Compromiso de Sevilla and the Paris Agreement under the UNFCCC. However, we cannot do this alone. We need joint action on two fronts. Firstly, to reverse the trend of decreasing ODA. Secondly, developed countries must fulfill their commitment and deliver new, additional, and predictable climate financing that is aimed at mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage, avoiding these resources being counted twice as ODA. We cannot renegotiate principles that have already been agreed. Ecuador reiterates its commitment to continue working with all states for sustainable development that is inclusive, and resilient, and leaves no one behind.

I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ecuador.

To the distinguished representative of Armenia, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. The 2025 SDG report shows that only one-third of SDG targets are on track, while nearly one-third have fallen below 2015 levels. This reality underscores the urgency of decisive actions and collective solutions rooted in solidarity, equity, and renewed multilateralism. Armenia remains fully committed to the implementation of the 2030 agenda, advancing national policies that invest in people, promote quality education and universal health coverage, strengthen social protection, and foster gender equality and democratic governance. Green and digital transition stands at the core of our national priorities as drivers of innovation, connectivity, and inclusive growth. Mr. Chair, protecting the environment and addressing climate change remain among the defining challenges of our time. Armenia emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental sustainability across all dimensions of development policies, recognizing that healthy ecosystems are the foundation of resilient economies and societies. We underscore the need to scale up ambition in implementing global environmental commitments, strengthening complementarity among the Rio conventions, and mobilizing adequate and predictable financing to support developing countries in advancing climate action, biodiversity conservation, and land restoration. In 2026, Armenia will host the 17th Meeting of the Parties to the Biodiversity Convention. We assume this responsibility with a strong sense of purpose and partnership. Our vision for COP17 is guided by the principles of ambition, action, and inclusivity, aiming to translate global commitments into measurable progress. The global review of the collective progress under the KMGBF will be at the core of the conference, ensuring a transparent, science-based, and solution-oriented process. In this context, the timely submission and effective implementation of the national biodiversity strategies and action plans is essential to assess collective progress and ensure that national efforts align with the global goals and targets of the framework. Mobilizing adequate, predictable, and accessible biodiversity financing will be central to the success of COP17. Armenia will work to advance the comprehensive approach that scales up public and private resource flows, strengthens alignment between biodiversity and climate change financing, and promotes innovative mechanisms that channel funding directly to countries and communities most in need. In this regard, operationalizing the Cali Fund will be a key priority, ensuring that it delivers new and additional resources to support the implementation of the KMGBF, while fostering transparency, country ownership, and equitable access for developing countries.

We

will also seek to elevate the role of biodiversity in sustainable development, recognizing its interlinkages with food and water security, health, and climate resilience. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, Armenia remains fully committed to advancing Agenda 2030, advocating for inclusive and coordinated efforts to strengthen implementation, mobilize resources, and foster partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for people and the planet. I thank you.

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

Thank you, Chair. The radical changes that have happened over the last several years on the world stage have shaped a new global reality, which has a significant impact on sustainable development. Unfortunately, we must note that for Belarus, like for many other countries, the situation has been artificially compounded by unilateral coercive measures, which some states and international institutions are imposing in defiance of the UN Charter, and in doing so, This slows down the implementation of SDGs for the countries on the receiving end. Sanctions undermine food security, particularly in least developed countries. It limits access to financial and goods markets, to technology, and to transport infrastructure. However, for Belarus, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is, nevertheless, a strategically crucial benchmark for achieving social, economic, and environmental progress. and spirit of dialogue, openness for dialogue and commitment to sustainable development. In July 2025, Belarus submitted its third voluntary national review on the implementation of the 2030 agenda. Today we can say that Belarus has already met around 80% of the SDGs. At the same time, our country is setting a goal of long-term development for our state far beyond 2030. Our national strategy for sustainable development was adopted for the period up to 2040. And that sets out a model for sustainable development for our country and the direction for to ensure effective use of our demographic, social, natural, scientific, and industrial potential. Chair, but it attaches great importance to the to rational. consumption and production through ensuring economic growth and a transition from exhaustive to regenerative use of natural resources, and also through modernizing production implementation of innovative technologies, optimizing the use of existing assets, funds, resources, and materials too, bearing in mind their national characteristics. of our country and the global challenges, we believe the circular and green economy to be an important instrument for sustainable development and environmental security. Belarus is also fulfilling its obligations on the climate agenda, including as part of the Paris Agreement. Thus, compared with 1990, Belarus has already reduced its emissions by more than 40%. At the same time, unfortunately, we must note that even such a global contemporary problem, which requires real steps from everyone, because it affects everyone, is it being ignored by some people, because it doesn't meet the foreign policy interests of some states. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Belarus. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. South Africa aligns itself with the statements to be delivered by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China, and the statement delivered by Guinea-Bissau on behalf of the Africa Group. We are facing uncertain times with increasing and complex challenges facing our world. Multilateralism, science, equity, solidarity, and sustainable development are fundamental to our collective response to multiple crises. We acknowledge that there cannot be peace without development, and there cannot be development without peace. Yet many of our international commitments and pledges, including climate finance, are not realized. Instead, global military expenditure has reached historic highs. The impact of climate change is reversing economic growth and development gains in many countries, especially in the global south. Although Africa carries the least responsibility for climate change, many countries on the continent experience much of its harshest effects. Member states must honor the undertakings and commitments in line with the guiding principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The Baku to Belm roadmap of $1.3 trillion jointly developed by the COP29 and the incoming COP30 presidencies should be supported as an outcome of COP30. We must also ensure that the loss and damage fund is adequately capitalized so that it can fulfill its purpose to support vulnerable developing countries as climate impacts occur more frequently. Chairperson, pursuing environmental gains is crucial, But it should go hand in hand with efforts to reduce inequality, poverty, and exclusion. Achieving this balance is essential and in the best interest of all. Unilateral cross-border climate measures have negative impacts on international trade, industrialization, and just transitions in developing countries. We call for more engagement and cooperation to promote a supportive and open international economic system that would lead to sustainable economic growth and development for all. Furthermore, we call for support for Africa's vision and its special needs and special circumstances in relation to climate change as espoused in the AU Climate Change Resilience Strategy and Action Plan. The central role of the United Nations remains paramount in our collective multilateral efforts to achieve a revitalized global partnership for sustainable development and to make our pledge to leave no one and no country behind a reality.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nepal. You have the floor.

Nepal aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Mr. Chair, we meet at a time of converging crisis threatening to derail the 2030 agenda. Climate change, biodiversity loss, conflicts, and widening inequalities have reversed development gains and deepened debt crisis, particularly for least developed countries. Mr. Chair, the recent report on the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism underlines that tourism, when guided by ethical principles, can advance inclusive growth, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Tourism possesses the potential to redefine the trajectories of the economies and societies alike. Approximately 8.2% of the global workforce are today employed in the tourism sector. We welcome the Code of Ethics and Framework Convention on Tourism Ethics, which present an opportunity for reflection and realization of the sustainable development for tourism. Chair, Nepal continues to integrate the sustainable development goals in our national plans. The 16th priority plan fully aligns with the 2030 agenda. Poverty in our country has declined to 20 percent. Maternal mortality has fallen to 142 per 100,000 live births. More than 96 percent of our households now have electricity, yet climate vulnerability, limited transport connectivity, youth unemployment, digital divides, and widening STG financing gap annually continue to constrain our progress as we prepare for LDC graduation. Mr. Chair, in this context, first, achieving the First, to achieve the 2030 agenda, we must reinforce global solidarity with scaled up, predictable financing and partnerships. Implementing the Compromisso da Serra requires translating commitments into concrete support for developing countries and in the achievement of the SDGs. Second, delivering the Baku Rebellen roadmap of US$1.3 trillion in results-focused climate finance and operationalizing the loss and damage fund are imperative. Climate justice demands collective responsibility guided by common but differentiated responsibilities. ODA and accessible demand-driven cooperation remain critical. We urge development partners to meet their 0.7% and 0.2% GNI commitments. Fourth, closing the digital divide must be a shared global priority. Investment in digital public infrastructure, AI capacity building, STI financing, and skills can unlock innovation and inclusive growth. Mr. Chair, in conclusion, sustained commitment, genuine partnerships, and collective action are vital to ensure that our shared development efforts translate into tangible progress for the people and the planet. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Nepal, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

You have the floor.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we would like to thank you for the reports under this agenda item. The Kingdom is committed to implement the Agenda 2030 as part of our national strategy for the period 2020-2030. The aim being to build an ambitious society to strike a balance between economic growth and the protection of the environment. This is done through diversifying our sources of revenue, the encouragement of innovation, and also work to create a sustainable future. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted the Conference of States Parties to the Desertification Convention. And this led to the launch of a partnership on this topic. We are participating in the Green Initiative to increase plant coverage to reduce, to mitigate the effects of climate change and to promote environmental sustainability on a national and regional level. In order to build, foster international solidarity, we have supported developing countries via the Saudi Development Fund, which has funded development projects in more than 100 states around the world, on areas such as energy, water, education, infrastructure. Chair, agenda item, what's the agenda item? Tourism. Sustainable tourism, as we see it, is an important source of inspiration for social and economic development. This is why we attach particular importance to this sector as part of our 2030 vision. We do this through developing tourist infrastructure, protecting our national and cultural heritage, and encouraging responsible tourism. We also have created an international center for sustainable tourism to provide a global platform to accelerate the, to support this tourism sector. To conclude, coordinated international cooperation is the best way of meeting our aspirations. Thank you very much.

Saudi Arabia.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia. You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Chair. We are living through a time when the crisis and the environmental, economic, and social limits are putting us to the test. 2024 was the hottest year on record, and 2025 is already showing us the human cost of this: flooding, drought, fires, and devastating storms that destroy lives. For Colombia, A coherent policy and multilateral action that is sustained and science-based in order to deal with this reality is the line that separates survival and dignity from loss and despair. In this context, the sustainable development commitments cannot be limited only to statements of intent. This must lead to real transformation in the models of production, consumption, and of course, governance. This is why in Colombia we are moving towards a just energy transition that promotes diversification of production that is not just about substituting fossil fuels for renewable fossil renewable energies for fossil fuels. It means transforming our model of production, leaving behind extractivism and promoting economies sustain life, biodiversity, food sovereignty, clean energy, and the well-being of communities. We know that this transition must have at its heart the notion of inclusion. Climate justice requires the inclusion of the most vulnerable, who are disproportionately dealing with the consequences of climate change. Protecting the most vulnerable and including them in decision-making also means protecting the planet. Chair, Agenda 2030 continues to be our common roadmap. It is still necessary for guiding this transformation. In order to keep it in force, we must strengthen collective action through decisions that place human dignity at the core of development. And as we said in Cali, we must make peace with nature. For us, this is not just a slogan. This is an invitation to rethink how societies relate to one another. In this regard, we feel that COP16 has become a time when Diplomacy, democracy, and the will to move towards common solutions found common ground in the adoption of Decision 1622, which strengthens the synergies between biodiversity, climate change, and desertification. The Cali Fund and the Strategy for Resource Mobilization are clear examples of this. Lastly, Chair, this transformation the world needs will not be possible without adequate access to financing that is innovative and that allows developing developing countries to meet their commitments and strengthen their capacity for implementation. Today, the world needs more multilateralism than ever. We need an international system that can mobilize resources, that can guarantee climate justice, and defend human dignity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia.

To the distinguished representative of Haiti, you have the floor.

Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statements made by the G7, the G7 and China, and CARICOM. And we will speak to agenda items 18D and J, and we welcome also the reports of the Secretary-General on these topics. We call at the outset for the implementation of mechanisms that can guarantee the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Sustainable Development Agenda. The SDGs adopted at the UN in 2015 recognize the crucial role of mountain ecosystems in food security, as well as the fight against climate change, sustainable water management, life on land, and the reduction of inequalities. In Haiti, these objectives are particularly relevant in the mountain context. Sustainable development, as promoted by the UN, is independent by meeting current needs, without compromising the needs of future generations. The 2030 Agenda with its 17 SDGs seeks to reconcile the economic, social and environmental dimensions of global progress. Chair, amongst the major challenges, climate change is a central one. The effects of this because of greenhouse gas emissions are a threat to the entire planet because of the degradation of ecosystems, the fall of agricultural production, health risks and economic loss. The fight against this phenomenon is therefore an international priority. In Haiti, a particularly vulnerable country, earthquakes, hurricanes, droughts and floods have grave consequences on our people and our infrastructure. These natural disasters increase poverty and make a way of dealing with this based on natural resources and sustainable management, all the more relevant given and also it worked to reduce climate risks. Biodiversity also plays a key role in regulating ecosystems and stabilizing the climate. Haiti has a lot of endemic species, but nevertheless, biodiversity is under threat because of deforestation, land degradation, and chaotic urban planning. This preservation is essential to guarantee environmental resilience. Several national and international initiatives supported by the FAO and the UNDP are contributing to restoring ecosystems, supporting reforestation and environmental awareness raising. The Haitian government, through its environment ministry, is working to strengthen environmental policies and involve local communities. Mountains cover two-thirds of our territory, and they are at the heart of these ecological issues. They ensure water regulation, agriculture, and biodiversity, but they are suffering from erosion because of deforestation and unsustainable agriculture. The sustainable management of mountain areas is therefore crucial to prevent landslides and to protect soils. Finding sustainable development in Haiti requires international cooperation and active involvement of people, particularly young people and women. Projects such as the Biological Corridor of the Caribbean foster regional cooperation. We also strengthen environmental education, local action. The speaker's microphone has been cut off.

I thank the distinguished representative of Haiti. I would like to give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Eritrea. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter and the African Group. Chair, Eritrea reaffirms its commitment to 2030 agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. National efforts are focused on aligning the SDGs with domestic priorities, emphasizing self-reliance, community-driven programs, and engagement of people. particularly women and youth, to build resilient communities. To combat desertification, recurrent droughts, land degradation, and climate change impacts, Eritrea implements community-based projects such as water harvesting, soil conservation, and afforestation and reforestation. We are also investing in renewable energy to expand access to clean power. The country has integrated climate adaptation into development planning, including measures to protect coastal ecosystems. Eritrea upholds the principles of climate justice and common but differentiated responsibilities, and has prepared its ambitious nationally determined contribution. Mr. Chair, allow me to highlight the following priority areas of my country. Mobilizing financial resources, building capacity, and facilitating technology transfer to implement SDGs. Investing in early warning systems, integrating disaster risk reduction into all development strategies, and bolstering resilient communities and infrastructure to climate shocks. Urgently implementing and supporting implementation of NDCs, adopting ambitious targets to halt and reverse land degradation, accelerating the transition to renewable energy while supporting affected communities, addressing energy access disparities and promoting research in clean tech and storage, alongside protecting vital coastal ecosystems. In closing, my delegation wishes to emphasize that the full implementation of the SDGs depends on collective action, innovative solutions, and sustainable commitments from all member states to create a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all, without leaving anyone behind. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Eritrea. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Chair. Morocco wishes to express its appreciation for the high quality of the reports prepared to inform our deliberation under agenda item 18. The international community finds itself at a critical crossroad, where overlapping crises are reshaping our common agenda. Among these crises, the accelerating climate emergency stands out as the greatest multiplier of instabilities, straining natural resources and exacerbating inequalities. Morocco emphasizes the importance of a just and inclusive climate transition based on scaling up renewable energies, transfer of knowledge, and meaningful participation of local communities. In this regard, we wish to underscore that the twin crisis of global warming and land degradation are eroding livelihoods of communities across the globe. We call for building on the outcomes of the UNCCD COP16 held in Riyadh last year, which placed strong emphasis on drought resilience, land restoration, and the achievement of land degradation neutrality by 2030. On biodiversity, Morocco would like to highlight the outcomes of COP16 on biodiversity as a crucial stride in advancing global action to stop and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Building on this vision and following the high guidelines of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has placed the protection of marine biodiversity and the promotion for sustainable blue economy at the heart of its international action. In this vein, Morocco hosted on 9th October the third edition of the Blue Africa Summit, which gathered decision makers, scientists, and civil society to forge innovative partnerships for resilient coastal and marine ecosystems. During UNOC3 in Nice, Morocco spearheaded the Pact for Sustainable Blue Africa as a framework to mobilize African expertise and solidarity for ocean governance, and co-chaired the Africa for the Ocean Summit, which reinforced the continent's unified voice in favor of the ocean. Building on this momentum, Morocco will submit within this committee the biannual resolution on strengthening cooperation for integrated coastal zone management to achieve sustainable development as a sustained effort to promote in sustainable coastal development. Looking ahead, Morocco will host the 19th World Water Congress in Marrakech from the 1st to 5th December this year. We aim to elevate this event as a regional hub for water, climate, and resilience dialogue. Chair, Morocco's vision is clear. Climate action, biodiversity protection, universal energy access, resilience, and financial integrity are inseparable pillars of sustainable development. We stand ready to collaborate with all partners in transforming commitments into concrete actions. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco. And I now recognize the distinguished permanent representative of Mongolia. Your Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Desification poses significant challenges to all countries, including Mongolia. As of today, 77 percent of Mongolia's land is affected by desertification, threatening biodiversity, causing water resource scarcity, and then also, more importantly, the way we live. Situation has been deteriorating with more frequent droughts and extreme weather conditions, including harsh winters, resulting in devastating consequences for herders and local communities. In response, the government of Mongolia has been taking measures, including restoring degraded lands through reforestation, including 1 billion tree plantations by 2030, promoting sustainable agriculture, introducing community-based pasture land management to restore overgrazed grasslands, ensuring water conservation, diversifying resources, water resources, and promoting sustainable use of groundwater. Mr. Chair, Mongolia will host the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification from 17th to 28th of August 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, at which, in partnership with member states and international financial institutions, we aim to scale up financial support for affected countries. Promote innovation and technology for land monitoring and drought early warning systems. Empower local and rural communities, including indigenous communities, recognizing their vital role in sustainable land use. And integrate climate resilience into restoration strategies. Mr. Chair, we also highlight the crucial role of rangelands and pastoral communities in sustaining our planet's drylands as we mark the 2026 as the year of International Year of the Rangelands and Pastoralists, the UN resolution sponsored cost initiated by Mongolia. Globally, the 40% of the land is degraded, affecting almost 3 billion people. It's an issue not only environmental, but it's a food security, water, health, and global stability, more importantly. As we prepare for the three upcoming meetings of three Rio conventions, we call upon international community to provide adequate and predictive financing and enhanced technology transfer and capacity building and promote inclusive approach at international and national level, ensuring the meaningful participation of women, youth, and local communities. I thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished permanent representative of Mongolia. And I now give the floor to the distinguished Charg d'Affaires of Nigeria. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, Nigeria aligns itself with the statements delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. as well as Guinea-Bissau on behalf of the African group and wish to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Mr. Chair, at this critical juncture of economic upheavals, global uncertainties, and disturbing geopolitical divide, it is our fervent hope that poverty eradication would remain at the heart of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. It is in this wise that my delegation warmly welcome the Seville Compromise. We also acknowledge the efforts by the UN Secretary General to address the recurring debt crisis and the need for robust debt management system. The sustainable development goals require urgent and sustained action, not further rounds of reaffirmation or procedural amendments and yearly declarations that dilute momentum. As such, our collective effort must shift from the reiteration of well-established commitments to the accelerated and result-driven implementation of existing resolutions. In an era marked by fiscal pressure and debt distress, with sparse human and financial resources, every engagement at the United Nations must be strategic, efficient, and purpose-driven. We must bear in mind that trust in multilateralism is at stake, hence the international community can ill afford the duplication of efforts or the proliferation of meetings that yield limited or no substantive outcomes. We have seen commendable framework already adopted, such as the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the High Level Political Forum, ministerial declarations, and the Financing for Development Forum. However, the real measure of our progress lies not in the number of resolutions passed, but in the improved livelihoods, reduced debt vulnerability, and strengthened institutional capacity. Therefore, meetings and initiatives under the UN development system must be streamlined, coordinated, and result-oriented. We must shift our focus on the practical implementation of the 2030 agenda for the remaining five years by prioritizing the following. One, addressing recurring debt service cost. Two, strengthening debt management. Three, intensifying cooperation on anti-money laundering measures, including collective efforts in fighting illicit financial flows. Four, facilitating investment in emerging economies and harnessing the potential of the creative industries in the emerging economies for sustainable development. Mr. Chair, despite commendable efforts to build a more efficient and responsive United Nations system, trust in the multilateral system is now at stake. The true test of our.

I thank the distinguished CDA of Nigeria, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Namibia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Namibia remains firmly guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and continues to integrate the SDGs into our national planning instruments. Through our voluntary national reviews, most recently presented at the 2024 High-Level Political Forum, we have reported progress on critical goals such as SDG 8, 12, and 15. As a state party to the Paris Agreement, we have submitted an updated nationally determined contribution committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 89% by 2030, conditional on international support. Namibia, like many developing countries, contributes minimally to global emissions, yet disproportionately suffers the impacts of climate change. Tourism in Namibia is not merely an economic activity, it's a transformative tool for sustainable development, rural empowerment, and cultural preservation. Namibia launched its national strategy on sustainable heritage tourism and employment creation at community level in April 2021. Through this initiative, we are enhancing local livelihoods, especially among women and youth, while preserving Namibia's unique cultural and natural heritage. Namibia has also implemented the tourism satellite account. to better measure the sector's economic impact. According to our 2022 TSA, tourism contributed 6.9% to GDP and supported over 57,000 jobs, aligning with SDG target 8 and 9. Mr. Chair, Namibia believes that sustainable tourism, when guided by ethical standards and grounded in community participation, can be modeled for the transformative change envisioned by Agenda 2030. Yet, we are also mindful of the challenges, climate vulnerability, access to sustainable finance, and the need for capacity building at all levels remain pressing. We therefore call for stronger international cooperation, technology transfer, and climate finance to support the implementation of ethical and sustainable tourism practices, particularly in developing countries. As such, countries under sanctions such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Zimbabwe should be allowed equal access to tourism activities to advance their development agenda. In conclusion, Namibia reiterates its firm commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Namibia. And I now give the floor to the distinguished Deputy Permanent Representative of Ethiopia. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Africa Group by Guinea-Bissau. Mr. Chair, I do state, allow me to express my delegation's appreciation for the report of the Secretary General and the thanks to the presenters for the insightful presentation. The 2024 UN SDG report reveals that only 17% of the SDG targets are currently on track, with nearly half showing minimal or moderate progress, and over one-third stalled or regressing. This is a worrisome trend, and we should strengthen multilateral cooperation to address this global challenge. Mr. Chair, Ethiopia's remarkable progress in renewable energy development and access are part of our long-term low emission co-development strategy. More than 95% of Ethiopia's electricity is clean, being generated from renewable resources. Our national wheat production initiative has transformed the traditional and subsistent wheat production practices into mechanization, promoting Ethiopia to be the leading wheat producer in Africa in the year 2022-23 fiscal year. The Ethiopian 2022 digital strategy has paved the way to inclusive digital transformation with improved internet coverage, e-commerce, fintech and service delivery. Through Ethiopia's Green Legacy initiative, widely considered as one of the largest reforestation effort in Africa and globally, we planted over 78 million trees in seven years. The initiative has created hundreds of thousands of jobs, particularly for women and the youth. This is part of our commitment to protect our climate for present and the future generation of humankind. In the past seven years, Ethiopia has actively developed several ecotourism sites as part of national efforts to boost sustainable tourism and the local development. Key initiatives include the Dine for Ethiopia projects, helping to develop eco-friendly resorts and infrastructure around natural lakes and highlands, such as Gorgora, Wenchi, and Keshia. The establishment of Entoto Natural Park and the Shagar Park in Addis Ababa has expanded urban green spaces, while community-built tourism projects like the Lepis, the Kotori Village, and the Wenchi Dendi Kotori sites have integrated conservation with local livelihoods. As I conclude, Mr. Chair, Ethiopia would like to emphasize that strengthening multilateralism and outcome-oriented collaboration is critically important to implement the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs to build a fairer, more just, and resilient world without leaving no one behind. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished Deputy Permanent Representative of Ethiopia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Indonesia align ourselves with the statements delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN and to be delivered by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China, and wish to add several points in our national capacity. Mr. Chair, with less than five years left to 2030, global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals remains far from on track and uneven across regions. We need to redouble our commitment, step up our efforts, and identify game changers that can drive significant progress. If we are truly committed to making sustainable our future path, three key areas must be strengthened. First, we must commit to reform the multilateral system, make it more effective and better fit in safeguarding the path of sustainable development. This means enhancing coordination and accountability among global institutions, avoiding duplication of processes, mandates, and reports, and strengthening mechanism to track progress and ensure that commitments are translated into measurable outcomes on the ground. Second, we must mobilize innovation and multi-stakeholder partnerships. Fresh ideas, knowledge, and capital are essential to turn sustainability from a concept into concrete benefits. Therefore, we must bring in the private sector, academia, youth, and other stakeholders as active partners in development. We should also foster cross-border innovation ecosystem that connect North-South and South-South collaboration. Third, predictable support and long-term commitment are at the core of addressing financing, policy, and uncertainty challenges. Only by ensuring a scale-up of investment in capacity building, technology transfer, and inclusive systems, we could empower all countries to implement sustainable solutions effectively and equitably. To conclude, while creating norms and frameworks in this room is essential for our sustainable future, we must remember that our responsibility to deliver concrete results is not something that starts tomorrow, but something that is already ours today. Therefore, it is crucial for TUCI to fulfill its critical role in ensuring that commitments are translated into concrete follow-up actions to achieve meaningful progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Indonesia, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Lao PDR. You have the floor.

My delegation allies itself with the statements delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN and to be delivered by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China. I would like to add the followings in my national capacity. We remain firmly committed to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As an LDC and ALC, the Lao PDR face unique structural challenge, including those arising from climate change and global economic uncertainty. Despite these pressures, we have made notable progress. The Lao government has integrated the SDGs into its national development frameworks, particularly through previous and current national socioeconomic development plans. The next plan is under formulation and will reflect our new priorities as we approach post-LDC graduation. For us, the SDGs are not just global goals, but they are our national imperative. Our SDG 18, life safe from UXO, reflects unique challenges that hinder development. While progress has been made, UXO remains a significant obstacle. Thus, we call for continued international support to address this longstanding issue. Mr. Chair, climate change continues to undermine our sustainable development gains. The Lao PDR is increasingly affected by floods. droughts, and extreme weather, particularly in rural areas. Despite our minimal contribution to global emissions, we face disproportionate impacts. We urge our development partners to uphold the climate finance commitment, including the provision of $100 billion annually to assist vulnerable countries.

Chair, international cooperation is essential. We highlight the need to strengthen partnerships, financial support, capacity building, and technology transfer, especially for those countries in special situations. As we prepare for a soft transition to emerge from the LDCs group, we highlight that Continued support is essential in order to continue this trend of sustainable development. My delegation reiterates its firm attachment to the 2030 agenda and exhorts the international community to redouble its efforts so that no one is left behind by honoring the commitments aimed at supporting those countries in special situation and achieving the SDGs. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Lao PDR, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guyana. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Chair. And my delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by the distinguished delegates of G77 and China, CARICOM and EOCs, respectively. I make this intervention in my national capacity. Chair, after 10 years since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is alarming that we are nowhere close to achieving the aspirations set out in this global development blueprint. The 2025 Sustainable Development Report confirms that 65% of the SDG targets are off track. There have been moderate improvements to eradicate poverty, provide affordable energy and mitigate the climate crisis. However, our efforts to achieve 0 hunger, good health and well-being and to build strong institutions have decreased over the last reporting period. This observation is particularly stark in developing countries, including SIDS. due to geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, climate shocks, and fiscal constraints. At the same time, the progress reflected in the report are concentrated in most developed countries. Chair, this committee, during this historic 80th session, must show resolve and reflect in our resolutions the measures needed to course correct. Implementing the severe commitments, particularly to close the SDG financing gap, will be key. Adequate energy remains one of the core boosters for sustainable development. As such, achieving the just transition is a top priority for Guyana. We are pursuing a transformative gas-to-energy project that will see the utilization of our vast gas reserves. In all this, Guyana is carefully balancing its green footprint with energy production to mitigate the effects of climate change. Chair, we therefore look forward to the deliberations at COP30 in Brazil, including on the establishment of a carbon market mechanism. This is necessary to protect our vast forests, freshwater sources, and rich biodiversity in the absence of predictable climate financing. On that note, we encourage member states to sign on to the Georgetown Declaration, which was adopted during the inaugural Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit in Georgetown earlier this year. Chair, achieving food security both locally and regionally remains a key priority for His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Eerfan Ali. For this reason, Ghana will continue to invest in food production to end hunger and ensure food security in our region. Finally, as a member of the UN Security Council, we have seen up close the direct link between peace, development, and food security. If we fail to invest in the SDGs, we can expect not only more poverty and food insecurity, but also conflicts. We have an opportunity to course correct, and Guyana stands ready to do its part. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Guyana, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives. You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. The Maldives aligns with the statement to be delivered by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China, and the statement delivered by Palau on behalf of AOSIS. For the Maldives, tourism is more than a revenue stream. It embodies resilience, identity, empowerment. But that lifeline is under pressure. Climate change is reshaping our shores, accelerating beach erosion, saltwater intrusion, and damage to coral reefs. External economic shocks are putting at risk the sector that underpins nearly half of our GDP and employment. Without responsibility, inclusion, and ethics at its core, the future of tourism remains at risk. We must prioritize three key actions to realize a sustainable and a resilient future for the sector. First, we must invest in education for sustainable tourism. Equipping local communities with the knowledge and skills for eco-friendly enterprises and sustainable tourism strengthens ecosystem health. The Maldives Ecotourism Framework recognizes this. It seeks to build local knowledge and capacity and cultivate an eco-conscious visitor base to transform tourism into a shared responsibility for conservation. Second, embrace frontier technology. The Maldives seeks to harness digital tools to cut administrative burdens, streamline data flows, and support eco-friendly operations. Innovation, when used ethically and inclusively, can monitor environmental change, improve services, and strengthen resilience. Third, ensure equitable access to finance and strengthen state capacity. The Maldives proposes debt relief for resilience building, redirecting savings from debt service into marine protection, renewable energy, and climate adaptation. Similarly, strengthening state capacity in data and policy making, which is a key priority of ABAS, is essential to ensure that debt relief translates into lasting resilience gains. Through these actions, we can accelerate progress towards SDGs. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Maldives, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Gambia. You have the floor.

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, my delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of G77 and China, least developed countries, and the African group, and makes the following remarks in our national capacity. The Gambia remains steadfast in its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and in doing so, have mainstreamed SDGs into our national planning, including our Green Recovery National Development Plan 2023 to 2027. We have demonstrated this through three voluntary national reviews of 2020, 2022, and 2025, and a voluntary local review in 2022, all conducted through inclusive national consultations. To build a more resilient and effective national framework, we are undertaking critical reforms in governance, justice, security, and finance to enhance domestic resource mobilization, strengthen institutions and social cohesion, and create stable foundation required for sustainable development. Guided by our national development plan and the integrated financing frameworks, we are expanding social protection to the most vulnerable. Through the program for accelerated community development, we are bridging the rural-urban divide by improving access to health, water, and electrification, While our National Health Insurance Scheme and digital civil records are ensuring essential health service without financial hardship, Mr. Chair, our economy depends largely on agriculture, tourism, and remittances. While agriculture employs over 70% of our population and tourism contributes over 20% of GDP, Remittances remain our most reliable revenue source at over 775 million US dollars in 2024, representing 31% of our GDP. The Gambia therefore champions diaspora finance, including our Remit Aid mechanism adopted as FFD for similar platform for action initiative. However, these sectors face severe challenges from climate change, global shocks, and limited mechanization. While efforts are underway to address them through policies like the Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy 2022 and 2021, and the Tanbi Wetlands Co-Management Plan, significant challenges remain due to persistent resource constraints and implementation capacity. Mr. Chair, the principle of leaving no one behind lies central to our development. We are advancing gender equality through targeted investments like the Gambia Women Fund to end enterprise fund to support women entrepreneurs and robust mechanisms to combat gender-based violence, including the Orange Center, a GBV helpline, and a support to victims fund. Our family strengthening programs create crucial synergies between the Beijing Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda. This commitment is further operationalized through targeted programs, including youth empowerment initiatives, the National Enterprise Development Initiative, and our COVID-19 socioeconomic response plan. We're establishing empowerment centers for women and girls, safe spaces for youth alongside a second chance education program and a landmark disability act 2021 with a dedicated form. Our climate neutral strategy and natural disaster risk enhancing financing strategies direct investment towards community resilience and biodiversity protection. Mr. Chair, despite this comprehensive effort, significant.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Gambia. Before continuing with the speaker list, I would like to again appeal to all speakers to deliver their statements at a reasonable pace so that we can facilitate our colleagues' interpretation services, so they can provide the interpretation services in all six official languages. I will now proceed, and I recognize the distinguished permanent representative of Cabo Verde. Ambassador, you have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. Cabo Verde aligns itself with the statements of G77 and China, African Group, and AOSIS. We meet at a time when the world must redouble its efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Multiple crises from climate change to global inequalities demand urgent, concrete, and collective action. For seats, the stakes are high. Our economies are highly exposed to external shocks, our ecosystems are fragile, and the impact of climate change, including sea level rise, are a daily reality. We must transform our development models to be more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, investing renewable energy, digital transformation, and blue and green economies as key drivers of growth and opportunity. Our pursuit of sustainable development must be guided by adaptation capacity with inclusion, equity, gender equality, and youth empowerment, ensuring that development truly benefits all people. Cabo Verde recalls the Compromisso de Seville and reiterates the urgent need to reform the international financial system so that it provides fair, predictable, and adequate access to resources for countries in special situations such as SIDS. We welcome the adaptation of the MVI, and we need to operationalize it, as well as the loss and damage fund. We also welcome the creation of the coordination mechanism for the I-SIDS. launched last May in Praia, Cabo Verde, and look forward to its swift operationalization to support the implementation of ABAS. Mr. Chair, Cabo Verde reaffirms its commitment to the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism as a cornerstone for responsible and sustainable tourism sector. We must translate its ethical principles into public policies, legislation, and practices that promote human rights, decent work, and respect for cultural diversity. The code must be updated to address challenges, including climate change, digitalization, and evolving social expectation. Cabo Verde reaffirms its total commitment to work with all so that tourism can effectively contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. We are better together. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished permanent representative of Cabo Verde. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine. You have the floor.

Mr. Chairman, Ukraine remains unwavering in its dedication to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Even under conditions of Russia ongoing war of aggression, Ukraine continues its efforts to advance the SDGs, both domestically and in solidarity with others. We continue to build resilience, innovate, and share our experience with partners, convinced that our struggle for survival is also a struggle for the sustainable development. The consequences of the aggression against Ukraine, however, directly undermine global progress towards all the SDGs. A clear example is the destruction by the occupying forces of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant in June 2023, which caused massive flooding across 600 square kilometers, destroyed farmland, and deprived hundreds of thousands of people of access to clean water. The consequences of this act of ecocide are far-reaching and extend well beyond Ukraine. In recent two weeks, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Ukraine and Europe, has been cut off from the electricity grid due to Russian shelling. Occupied since 2022, the plant remains in critical condition. Any failure would have catastrophic transboundary consequences for most of the European region. The war also devastates our environment and biodiversity. Ten national parks, eight nature reserves, and two biosphere reserves remain under occupation. Hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest lie in the war zone. This contamination of Ukraine's environment undermines climate action and the protection of life on land, with consequences that will affect the region for decades. At the same time, Ukrainian schools and education facilities remain deliberate targets of the aggressor state, depriving children of their right to learn. Yet, Ukraine remains dedicated to the goal of quality education, responding with resilience, building underground schools, and developing digital solutions to ensure that education continues even during air raids. Mr. Chairman, with only five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda, the world cannot afford to ignore how war undermines sustainable development. This is not only an attack on Ukraine's sovereignty and people. It is an attack on the East EGs, on Europe's security, and on our shared future. Ukraine, therefore, calls on all member states to stand united in defending the UN Charter and the 2030 agenda. Ukraine will continue to pursue the 2030 agenda, supporting multilateral solutions and contributing to a safer, greener, and more resilient world. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

You have the floor.

Thank you, Chair. At the outset, we align ourselves with the statement delivered by G77 and China and by the Arab Group. I thank the Chair and the Bureau for their remarkable leadership in the work of this committee in a world where The development challenges are being exacerbated. Sustainable development has become a real test as regards our ability to balance the demands of growth with production around the world. We congratulate the Secretary-General on this edifying report under this agenda item, Chair. Based on our national vision, Kuwait has placed sustainability at the heart of its economic development plans. Given that climate challenges require realistic approaches based on shared responsibility, in 2024, Kuwait created the Oversight Committee for Green Urban Development to guide our national efforts towards greener and more sustainable cities, to improve air quality, and to build green areas in residential and industrial zones. The General Commission for the Environment is continuing to implement the degraded land rehabilitation mechanism in accordance with our national plan. The aim is to reduce... land degradation by 35 percent by 2040, and to reset the balance between protection of the environment and promotion of economic growth. We support international initiatives, and especially the Convention to Combat Desertification, to protect ecosystems and against sand and dust storms. The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation launched a round roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 by integrating carbon capture and storage and a reduction in routine gas burning, as well as other investments in renewable energies and biofuels. In this regard, we have the Shiqaya project, which is our flagship example in this regard. Chair, Kuwait firmly believes that raising awareness about the environment and promoting education are the foundation for any real progress, and this is why we have included the concept of sustainability in school curriculum. We also support streamlining and re-greening, re-wooding of natural resources and reforestation. We call on the international community to promote collective action and to facilitate technology transfer to developing countries so that we can achieve just transition to sustainable development.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kuwait. And now I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates.

Chair, my country is committed to sustainable development and the 2030 agenda. We would add our voice to that of G77 and China, and the voice of the Arab Group. The SDGs should guide us. And they do so in the UAE too. On a national level, we have a plan for the period of 2071, including on trade and development for the future. We are amongst the countries who are always the first to give assistance and support, particularly for countries facing climate-related threats. International solidarity is key to achieve the SDGs by 2030. The greatest challenge, as we see it, is posed by climate change. And we are contributing to fight it, doing via the Net Zero Initiative. This should be implemented by 2050 and we are some of the biggest supporters of the COP action, particularly the COP30, which is coming up in Brazil. Amongst the key objectives that we have set We see strength, we have strengthening the renewable energy sector, and we are trying to offer our support to different partners to build their capacity to ensure that they can have reliable, sustainable energy around the world. It's important that climate action be accompanied by efforts to protect biodiversity. We are proud that there's a meeting being held at the moment in Abu Dhabi, a meeting on the protection of biodiversity and mangroves and to protect the environment and human activity. Climate change has meant that natural disasters are more common and It also undermines efforts towards sustainable development. The UN Disaster Preparedness Committee, we are working with other member states to increase resilience and for risk management. To achieve the 2030 agenda, we need collective efforts to be undertaken. The speaker's microphone has been cut off.

Arab Emirates. And I remind delegations to speak at a slower pace to allow interpreters to follow the statements. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bahrain.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Adel Satt, I am pleased to commend the effort made by the committee and your tireless effort in conducting its work. Madam Chair, the Kingdom of Bahrain has made great strides in working to achieve the 2030 sustainable development goals and has made institutional arrangements to ensure the follow-up of the implementation of the 2030 agenda and its alignment with national plans, including the establishment of a ministry specialized in sustainable development to reflect the growing interest in developing its plans and programs in line with the UN goals and the high standards. Madam Chair, the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the future summit of 2024 to stress its commitment to achieving development goals and enhancing international cooperation to face global challenges. And we have stressed our collective goal to promote international cooperation and the financing of development and to use data-driven innovative solutions towards sustainable development. Madam Chair, to support the strategic partnership between the UN and Bahrain, the Kingdom has documented its work with the UN through the Strategic and Sustainable Development Framework 2021-2024, and our work has reflected in initiatives between the Kingdom and 21 UN agencies. Madam Chair, the UN Electronic Governance 2024 report has ranked the Kingdom of Bahrain in a better ranking by 32 rankings, which improves the ranking in communications, which has an effective role in improving the the objectives of the SDGs and providing government services. Madam Chair, as part of working with our international and regional partners, the Kingdom of Bahrain seeks carbon neutrality by 2016. Hence, we have doubled our use of renewable energies, and we have exceeded our annual target for afforestation through the national initiative for the development of the agriculture sector. In closing, the Kingdom of Bahrain works to achieve the SDGs, and we continue to work with the international community to achieve the SDGs towards a better future for all. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain. And now I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia, followed by Sri Lanka. Zambia, the floor is yours.

Thank you so much, Madam Chairperson. Zambia aligns its statement with those delivered by the group of G77 and China and the African group. We welcome the 2025 SDG report and express concern over the slow progress. Only 35% of SDG targets are currently on track or making moderate progress, while 47 show insufficient progress and 18% are regressing. We echo the Secretary General's urgent call for us to shift into overdrive. Zambia remains fully committed to the 2030 agenda and has integrated SDGs and green growth strategies into our national medium-term development framework. We support the call to accelerate progress across the six transitions highlighted in the report. In pursuit of these priorities, Zambia has made notable progress. We have adopted climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance food security and sustainability. We are diversifying our energy mix through the expanded use of renewable energy technologies, reducing our reliance on hydropower, a source increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts. We are advancing digital transformation and fostering an enabling environment for job creation, particularly for young people and women. In our transition towards an economy-wide approach to climate action, we have expanded our sectoral coverage in our nationally determined contributions. from three sectors in our first NDC to six in our second, and now to 10 sectors in our third NDC submitted provisionally on 10th March, 2025. Despite this progress, climate change remains the greatest threat to Zambia's economic and environmental sustainability. Zambia is ranked 41st among the most climate-vulnerable countries globally, and we continue to face recurring droughts, floods, and erratic rainfall that disrupt agriculture productivity and economic stability. To address these challenges, we echo the urgent call to strengthen, to close the SDG financing gap of $4 trillion in line with the severe commitment. And we specifically call for scaled up, predictable climate finance with greater focus on adaptation, not just mitigation. a fully operational loss and damage fund with simplified access for vulnerable countries, the reform of climate finance mechanisms to reduce bureaucratic delays and ensure timely disbursement, and recognition of countries facing dual challenge of climate vulnerability and debt distress through access to concessional finance, climate funding, special drawing rights to support recovery. We reaffirm our commitment to achieving the SDGs and also call for the accelerated attainment or at the accelerated implementation of SDI and the global digital compact that can contribute.

I thank the distinguished representative of Zambia, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka.

Thank you, Madam Chair, all protocol observed. My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the delegation of Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China, and wishes to make the following points in its national capacity. It is with pleasure that I share with this committee that Sri Lanka presented its third national determined contributions, NDC 3.0, for the period 2026-2035 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in September 2025. Sri Lanka has advanced its climate ambitions by transitioning from NDC 2.0 to NDC 3.0, strengthening mitigation actions across key sectors, and enhancing adaptation efforts to build resilience in the most vulnerable sectors of the country. These NDCs align with the national target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Madam Chair, Sri Lanka has taken tangible and results-oriented measures towards nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in line with the CBD. They consist of stronger national policies. For example, the Reforestation and Forest Cover Action Act aims to expand forest cover from 29% to 32% in line with our Paris commitments. The government recently took steps to safeguard non-protected forest, ensuring corridors across the island remain open for the safe passage of species, including our leopards and elephants. Sri Lanka also became the first country to legally protect all its mangroves, safeguarding 21,782 acres and planting nearly 10,000 more. I am happy to share that Sri Lanka signed the Global Declaration on Marine Pollution in 2011 and has endorsed the 2025 Nice Wake-up Call to advocate for a legally binding global plastics treaty. Madam Chair, we understand that a whole of society approach is integral to these efforts in order to enable all stakeholders to closely collaborate towards protecting, restoring, and managing ecosystems. However, Chair, what is equally essential to protect our shared climate is global collective action. The borderless nature of climate change demands extensive international cooperation that thoroughly addresses the economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainable development. The escalating risk of loss and damage demonstrates the urgent need to mobilize climate financing. Sri Lanka reaffirms the importance of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. As enshrined in the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. As a vulnerable developing island nation facing disproportionate impacts of climate change, Sri Lanka believes that climate justice must remain central to our collective effort. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, Sri Lanka looks forward to continuing its active.

Engagement under this

-- I thank the permanent representative. the Permanent Representative for the statement. And now I'll give the floor to the representative of Burundi.

Chair, despite efforts made, the world is worryingly behind in the implementation of the 2030 agenda. Successive crises in economic, environmental, geopolitical crises have exacerbated inequality, undermined progress in various regions of the global South, and have identified structural weaknesses in the current international cooperation system. In this context, the Pact for the Future, which was adopted in 2024, is an ambitious and realistic roadmap. It calls for a more inclusive type of multilateralism, for fairer funding, and for policies that are aligned with human rights, climate justice, and the needs of future generations. Equally, the Compromiso de Sevilla, which came following the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in July this year, underscores the importance of reforming the global financial architecture. to relieve the debt burden and also mobilize new resources that are predictable and accessible in order to effectively implement the SDGs. These two major texts are today key benchmarks to correct our current path, adjust our current path that we're taking, relaunch collective action and promote fairer, more equitable and more sustainable development focused on people's needs. Burundi believes that sustainable development should remain an absolute priority, particularly for countries of the South. It is underpinned by three pillars, economic, social and environmental pillars, which should be addressed in an integrated fashion. With this in mind, tourism, if it is well managed, can become a powerful, inclusive growth engine. It can create jobs, it can showcase natural and cultural heritage, and it can also strengthen social cohesion. However, to fully tap this potential, tourism should be guided by a strong ideal focused on sustainability, social justice, and respect for local communities and the preservation of the environment. Burundi therefore supports implementation of the Global Code of Ethical Tourism and also a normative instrument which is a normative instrument to guide public policy and practices in the private sector while respecting human values and common good. Chair, given the importance of the Pact for the Future and the Compromiso de Sevilla, Burundi calls for the implementation of rigorous follow-up and accountability mechanisms for commitments contained in these documents in order to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 agenda, particularly for developing countries. In conclusion, Burundi reaffirmed its commitment to work with all Member States to march forward together to achieve the SDGs in a spirit of solidarity, equity and partnership. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The world's population is growing quickly. By the end of this century, it's expected to grow by 25 percent to over 10 billion people, 10 billion people relying on productive and efficient food systems to meet their basic needs. At the same time, the most productive land for agriculture is growing scarce. To meet this challenge, farmers often result to clear-cutting forests, including the world's dwindling tropical rainforests, hotspots for biodiversity. And the water that these crops rely on is also in steep decline, all while the temperature climbs due to climate change. With these needs and resources pulling in different directions, the world desperately needs solutions. This is why Israel is proud to present its resolution, Agricultural Technology for Sustainable Development. Agri-food systems extend beyond the farm gates, involving nearly every sector of the economy. They involve cultivation, storage, transportation, logistics, retail, and even home use. We need to be smarter about production, be better at preventing food spoilage and waste, and use less energy at every step. The resolution highlights some of the ways that technology can help us grow more food and get that food to the consumer using less land, water, fertilizer, and energy. Among these is the growing potential of digitalization and AI. In some countries, information and communication technologies help connect smallholder farmers and agricultural cooperatives with national and global markets. And while mobile phones deliver accurate weather forecasts, helping farmers time their planting and harvest. AI can reduce costs by increasing the efficiency of logistics, including storage and shipping. This, along with renewable energy sources, also decreases greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change. This year's resolution also highlights the importance of innovation, producing new market-driven technologies and adapting and applying existing technologies. But getting all these developments into the hands of those who will use them is key. Agricultural extension services must bring all this global know-how to remote areas, to farmers everywhere, including women and youth in rural areas. Critically for this committee and the countries represented here, I am not speaking only of advanced technologies that only large-scale farmers and food processors in wealthy countries can afford. Many of these technologies have been in the hands of farmers for years, and others are already on the horizon, with costs decreasing every year. Mr. Chair, this resolution is a joint effort with FAO, and we would like to thank them for their leadership as well as for the presentation of the report this morning. We hope that more Member States will join us in supporting this important resolution. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel, and now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Qatar.

Madam Chair, at the outset, I would like to thank the SG for preparing the reports under the agenda item under consideration, the item sustainable development. My delegation aligns itself with the statement of the G77 and China. The State of Qatar in July of 2025 has presented its fourth VNR, which reflects our ambition at the national level to meet our comprehensive national development, Qatar 2030. And my country has achieved much in our march towards development in areas of education, digital transformation, innovation, healthcare, inclusion, social protection, and climate environment, climate friendly projects, and we are on track on the 17 goals, and we have made much progress in other indicators, including national health coverage that is more than 95%, and we are among the top 20 countries when it comes to pay equality or wage equality. The State of Qatar is committed to promoting international cooperation and multilateralism, which is part of our national policies and strategies. We continue to work effectively with multilateral agencies to promote international cooperation and response to crises and to work towards the SDGs. Fourteen offices of the UN being headquartered or with premises in Qatar is a representation of this effort. The State of Qatar continues its pioneering role in providing humanitarian and development assistance at the bilateral and multilateral levels. My country makes the promotion of the right to education, particularly in emergencies, as a priority in our international programs for development and relief. The State of Qatar has provided 4.8 billion U.S. dollars as foreign aid, and most of them have been dedicated and provided to developing states between 2020 and 2024. Some are channeled through the pioneering initiatives of the State of Qatar, including the program of education. Above all, we have provided education so that this program would reach more than 10 million children in 60 countries. The State of Qatar is a main invested in the acceleration of the impact of development in partnership with the UNDP, and we seek to find social solutions for the development challenges. In closing, we are committed to promoting efforts at all levels to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and to meet the aspirations of states and peoples towards comprehensive development, I think.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I thank the distinguished representative of the State of Qatar, and now I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Madam Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. With only five years left until 2030, we are facing the serious global challenges such as social and economic inequality, poverty, and so on. Such a reality lends us an urgency to discuss this agenda with a higher sense of responsibility. Firstly, acts of hindering sovereign countries' efforts for sustainable development should be stopped. We are now in such a reality where SDGs and multilateral framework of reflecting the future of humankind are denied by the reason of not conforming to the doctrine and interests of individual states. The environment for sustainable development of the developing countries that don't follow the Western standards and demands are being seriously threatened by the unilateral and coercive economic and military measures. All attempts of checking progress of developing countries towards achieving SDGs should categorically be opposed, and a peaceful environment should be ensured. Next. South-South cooperation should be further strengthened. Developing countries have powerful developmental potentials based on abundant human and material resources. If these countries strengthen cooperation and exchanges in several fields, SDGs can be achieved ahead of schedule. Developing countries should not only increase their voices in the international economic arena to safeguard their rights to development and interests, but also further expand strengthen exchange and cooperation in several fields of social economic development. Madam Chair, the DPRK are waging a vigorous struggle to implement the five-year plan for national economic development and has gained precious successes, not only in the fields of industry, agriculture, and construction, but also in those of science, education, public health, culture, tourism, renewable energy, and disaster resilience. The DPRK will in future to fulfill its responsibility and role as a member of the international community for the implementation of SDGs.

Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Now I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil, followed by the Dominican Republic. So Brazil, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Brazil aligns itself with the statement of the G77 and China. As we discuss agenda item 18 on sustainable development, we must recall our collective commitment to implement the 2030 agenda. Advancing the three pillars of sustainable development is the only way to ensure that growth improves lives for all, leaving no one behind, while addressing inequalities and environmental challenges for present and future generations. Despite global headwinds and attempts to undermine the 2030 agenda, meaningful windows of opportunity remain for course correction and stronger international cooperation. This is why Brazil accepted the responsibility to host COP30 in Belen less than a month from now. President Lula's decision to bring the world's attention to this unique Amazonian city was no coincidence. In the spirit of a global to combat climate change, Brazil seeks to move negotiations into a new phase of implementation, delivering tangible results that improve lives across all regions and cultures. In Belem, we expect robust and inclusive outcomes across all pillars of the climate regime, including a globally relevant set of indicators for the global goal and adaptation, the operationalization of the new collective quantified goal on climate finance, supported by the Baku to Berlin Roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually, and a renewed commitment to global mitigation through a new round of nationally determined contributions with ambitions economy-wide targets aligned with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. A central component to this global response will be the implementation of SDG 7 on affordable clean energy. Renewables already account for 30% of global power generation with solar and wind leading the growth. Tripling renewable capacity by 2030 could generate $650 billion in annual investment and 30 million new jobs, proof that the energy transitions can drive inclusive and sustainable prosperity. Our collective action, however, cannot stop team belaying. Brazil will host COP 15 of the Convention on Migratory Species in March 2026 in Campo Grande, prioritizing conservation of the Pantanal and reaffirming our commitment to multilateralism. We also look to strong outcomes at COP 17 of the UNCCD in Mongolia and COP 17 of CDB in Armenia, advancing the KMGBF and establishing conventions permanent financial mechanism. As Ariano Suassuna, one of Brazil's great writers, said, "The optimist is a fool, the pessimist is a bore, and the best thing is to be a hopeful realist." Brazil remains a hopeful realist, determined to scale up efforts to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. And now I'll give the floor to the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. We align with the statement delivered by Palau on behalf of AOSIS and by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China. The world is at a decisive turning point for the fulfillment of the SDGs. For developing countries, the next few years will be key in transforming commitment into results. In our case, structural vulnerabilities such as a limited productive base, the dependence on tourism, and exposure to natural disasters continue to restrict progress towards inclusive and sustainable development. The Dominican Republic reiterates its commitment to the implementation of the Abbas, Antigua and Barbuda agenda for SIDS that promotes resilient, innovative, and sustainable development. We also consider that it's fundamental that we operationalize the multidimensional vulnerability index, MVI, which reflects the real conditions in vulnerable countries and guarantees more equitable access to concessional resources. In line with the recommendation of the Secretary General of the WTO, we recognize that a holistic and multi-sectoral approach based on effective cross-sector coordination is essential in order to drive sustainable, inclusive and resilient development, strengthening public policies and promoting synergistic contributions. Chair, climate change continues to be the gravest threat for our countries. In the Caribbean, this challenge also finds expression in the phenomenon of sargassum, the frequency and magnitude of which is unprecedented and is affecting our coastlines, economies, and marine ecosystems. This phenomenon also directly impacts tourism, fishing, and the health of coastal communities. It is therefore urgent that we strengthen scientific, technological, and financial cooperation internationally in order to monitor, better manage, and more sustainably use sargassum. And we should also recognize this as a cross-border environmental challenge that requires coordinated responses. As we look ahead to the COP30 in Belem, we reiterate the need for more ambitious climate action with additional financing that is predictable and prioritizing adaptation and damage and loss. The Dominican Republic reaffirms its commitment to work with all in order to transform sustainable development into a reality that is profitable for all, especially the most vulnerable.

I thank the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic, and now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.

Madam Chair, we align with the statement to be made by Iraq on behalf of the G77, and we make the following remarks on national capacity. a world that is affected by climate change, economic crises, and growing inequality, we should redouble our efforts in order to achieve the SDGs. They represent a global commitment that demands international cooperation and effective policies. This is why Chile has sought to play an active role in their implementation. Since June 2022, we have had our framework law on climate change. It has two main goals, achieving carbon neutrality no later than 2050 and strengthening resilience against the most severe impacts of climate change. Chile has developed a national adaptation plan. This includes specific sectors and actions aimed at the areas most vulnerable to climate change. We have actions to increase climate resilience in areas such as biodiversity, water resources, infrastructure, health, mining, energy, agriculture, forest culture, fishing, agriculture and others. In 2024, Chile has had its adaptation plan for water resources in light of climate change. It is backed by the Green Climate Fund and the aim is to identify and address risks and opportunities that emerge as a result of the impacts of climate change on water resources in another number of sectors promoting sustainable management of water from an economic, social and environmental perspective. At the COP2030 in Belem, Chile will present its new NDCs with goals for 2035 following a citizens consultation process and inter-ministerial approval. The document includes various commitments in a number of areas that includes 80% electricity generation from renewable sources. and carbon neutrality by 2050. Chile has taken firm action to protect our biodiversity and natural heritage. We have created the biodiversity service and protected areas, and this covers 43% of our legal water and 22% of our national territory. In addition, we are one of the pioneer countries to ratify the BBNJ agreement. I will reiterate here our proposal to host the Secretariat of the BBNJ in the city of Valparaiso. Chair, we have full trust that as regards the COP30 to take place in Berlin, Brazil, and the COP17 on biodiversity in Armenia, will be decisive opportunities to strengthen global ambition for the protection of our planet. Achieving sustainable development is a shared responsibility that requires a joint effort and global commitment. It is only through cooperation and effective actions that we will be able to tackle the major challenges affecting the planet and build a more equitable and sustainable future for all. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Chile, and now I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Malaysia.

Thank you, Chair. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Philippines on behalf of ASEAN and to be delivered by Iraq on behalf of Group of 77 and China. We also thank the presenters for their comprehensive reports delivered this morning. Chair, Malaysia places great importance to its commitments to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The principles of the SDGs continue to guide our national policies, and Malaysia's national development plans are closely aligned with the goals. Under the long-term framework of the 13th Malaysia Plan and the Economy Madani agenda, we are strengthening efforts to build a high value, innovative, and technology driven economy while ensuring that growth remains people centered and fair. With policies focusing on enhancing governance, promoting sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and advancing social protection systems, Malaysia hopes to continue improving the well-being of its citizens. Chair, Malaysia recognizes the vital role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in accelerating SDG implementation. We continue to foster collaboration across government, civil society, the private sector, academia, and parliament to ensure effective policy integration and local action. At the local level, Malaysia continues to promote SDG localization to ensure the development reaches all communities, particularly those most vulnerable. By empowering local authorities and communities, we translate national aspirations into tangible progress on the ground. Looking ahead, Malaysia remains focused on strengthening resilience, fostering innovation, and advancing climate and environmental sustainability. We recognize that achieving the 2030 Agenda requires collective will, adequate financing, and inclusive partnerships at all levels. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the 2030 Agenda and calls for renewed multilateral cooperation and global solidarity. We urge all partners to work together to ensure that no one and no country is behind. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Malaysia. And now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The United Republic of Tanzania aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and that delivered by Guinea-Bissau on behalf of African countries. and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. Tanzania reaffirms its firm commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the principles of Agenda 21. Guided by our national long vision and integrated development framework, Tanzania continues to pursue a balanced approach that integrates economic transformation, human development, and environmental sustainability. Tanzania continues to make steady progress towards the sustainable development goals with improvement in education, health services, access to clean water, and renewable energy. Ongoing initiatives in youth and women empowerment, agriculture transformation, and innovation are fostering inclusive growth. However, as highlighted in the Secretary General's report on sustainable consumption and production, The world remains far from the trajectory required to achieve the 2030 agenda. Progress is uneven with developing and least developed countries lagging behind due to structural vulnerabilities and the compounding effects of global shocks. The combined impact of climate change that distress and disrupted global value chains continue to erode hard-won development gains. When least developed countries face developing crisis such as climate disasters, conflicts, or pandemic, their fiscal space collapses and the pace of recovery slows dramatically. To reverse this trend, the global community must take bold and coordinated action. We urge renewed international cooperation to accelerate technology transfer, scale up concession of financing, and the strengthened capacity building for sustainable industrialization and the green transformation. Climate finance must be predictable and accessible with simplified mechanism for adaptation and the loss and damage response. Moreover, trade regimes and debt architecture must be reformed to ensure fair participation of developing countries in global markets and to free resources for investment in resilience and sustainability. Tanzania reiterates that sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation. The international community must uphold the principles of equity, solidarity, and the shared responsibility to ensure that no country is left behind in the implementation of the 2030 agenda and the commitment of.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tanzania, and now I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Togo.

Thank you, Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statements made by the G77 and China and the African Group. Chair, the question of universal access to reliable and affordable energy services is an essential pillar of sustainable development. The Togolese Government is aware of the scale of this issue and has therefore made it a strategic priority. For several years now, Togo has been resolutely committed to profoundly transforming its energy sector with one clear ambition, ensuring universal access to electricity by 2030, and at the same time reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and putting renewable energy at the heart of the national energy mix. This vision is proof of our conviction that energy is both a tool for development, but also a factor for social inclusion and an instrument for economic sovereignty. To this end, Togo has taken a balanced approach, one that is based on diversifying sources of supply, which combines natural gas, hydroelectricity, and particularly solar power, and as well as we've also been focusing on public-private partnerships that are innovative, that foster sustainable investment. And the results have been encouraging. The electricity coverage of our country has gone from around 50% in 2020 to 74% in 2025. And this is thanks to rigorous planning and the implementation of targeted programs in rural areas. More than 300 localities were recently been joined to the grid. Thousands of households now benefit from small solar networks, individual kits, and solar public lighting, which therefore then improves standards of living, education, and health care in the most remote areas. Electrification is no longer only a question of infrastructure. It is now a vector for social cohesion and equality of opportunity. Chair, despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly in terms of financing and green technology transfer. In this connection, Togo will call for increased international partnerships, as well as increased mobilization of resources and promotion of innovative solutions to accelerate the energy transition and guarantee equitable access to clean and sustainable energy for all. This is how we will be able to, together, meet the commitments set forth in SDG 7. The speaker's microphone has been cut off.

Representative of Togo. And now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste, followed by Norway. Timor, the floor is yours.

Thank you for giving me the floor. Timor-Leste views the 2030 agenda not merely as an external requirement, but as a moral and developmental compass, guiding us toward peace, prosperity, and dignity for all. Our strategic development plan is fully aligned with the sustainable development goals, translating global aspiration into a national vision for… vision for resilience, inclusive and sustainable future. While both frameworks emphasize inclusive growth, we recognize that accelerated action is needed to meet our shared objectives. Working closely with the United Nations and other international partners, the government has prioritized investment in human capital, particularly in health, education, and gender equality. These efforts have produced tangible progress. Thailand Maternal health have improved markedly, schooling enrollment has expanded, and general parity in education has been achieved. At the local levels, municipalities are pioneering innovative irrigation system that enable year-round agriculture, boosting food security and community livelihoods. These initiatives embody our commitment to climate resilience and inclusive development. However, the path forward is not without challenges. Heavy reliance on oil and gas revenue leaves our economy vulnerable to the global market fluctuation, threatening fiscal stability and long-term planning. Limited institutional capacity constrain the effective implementation of policies and delivery of services. Moreover, the impacts of climate change, including natural disaster, pose serious risks to infrastructure, livelihoods, and development gains. To address this challenge and fully realize the SDGs, Timor-Leste is taking the early steps to diversify its economy, strengthen the institutional capacities, integrate planning and budgeting system, foster inclusive partnership, and invest in localized, evidence-based development strategies. Madam Chair, Timor-Leste's sustainable development journey is marked by the courage and commitment. While challenges remain, The progress achieved inspire hope and lays the foundation for a fairer and more sustainable future. The road to 2030 is short, but the journey is profound. Let us choose collaboration over competition, solidarity over silence, and justice over indifference. Through decisive leadership, collective effort, and unwavering determination, we can achieve the vision of a just, sustainable, and peaceful world. Timor-Leste reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the full realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. Thank you, madam.

I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste, and now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Norway.

Thank you, Chair. The climate and development crisis are deeply interconnected, and so must be their solutions. This is the clear message from the third global report on climate and SDG synergies. With over 80% of SDG targets directly linked to climate, addressing the climate crisis is fundamental to meet the SDGs. Climate change affects the lives of millions of people around the world. disproportionately impacting women and girls. Least developed countries and small island developing states remain particularly vulnerable to the impacts and risks of climate change. As we all know, progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030 are significantly off track. The eight years since the Paris Agreement entered into force have been the warmest on record, and carbon emissions have been rising. But the good news is that through our collective action, we have avoided the worst outcomes. We have the solutions for action. At COP28 in Dubai, nations united around a goal of phasing out fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner, tripling renewable energy, and doubling energy efficiency. But the energy transition is not happening fast enough, and it remains highly concentrated in a few countries. The transition towards a resilient and low-carbon economy is a major opportunity for growth, innovation, and a sustainable future. At the UN Climate Summit 2025, close to 100 countries stood together to show that determination to fight the climate crisis is alive and strong. COP30 in Belem presents a crucial opportunity to reconnect the climate, biodiversity, and pollution agendas of the triple planetary crisis into a coherent, integrated approach. We call upon all countries to submit ambitious NDCs. Norway presented… in NDC at the summit, we will cut emissions by at least 70 to 75% in 2035 compared to 2090 levels. The fight against climate change is a cornerstone in Norway's development efforts. We have delivered on the financial pledges we made in Glasgow to double our climate finance by 2026. For a second year in a row, we exceeded our target to double our climate finance. At the 80th session of the Second Committee, Norway continues to put emphasis on climate and environment, biodiversity, renewable energy, and their interlinkages. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Norway. And now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria, followed by Azerbaijan. Algeria, the floor is yours.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Algeria aligns itself with the statement made by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China, Guinea-Bissau on behalf of African Group, and by Oman on behalf of Arab Group. Madam Chair, a decade has passed since the adoption of our 2030 agenda. While challenges persist, our commitment remains unwavering. Algeria has made significant progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. guided by its national priorities to advance inclusive socioeconomic development. We have made substantial progress in education, healthcare, and food security through the development of an innovative and sustainable agriculture model. Social protection equally remains a cornerstone of our development model. We have also an ambitious program for renewable energy and water security, as well as infrastructure projects as part of a broader national digital transformation strategy. Madam Chair, today, more than ever, we must prioritize technology transfer, adequate and predictable financing, and effective cooperation to address several challenges, such as poverty, desertification, and climate change. in order to reduce the longstanding gap between the global south and the north and accelerate the implementation of the SDGs in a just and comprehensive manner. We must renew our commitment based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in addressing the dire consequences of climate change, especially in developing countries. Ensuring sustainable financing in climate change remains crucial. Developing countries need a comprehensive and effective reform of the international financing architecture to mobilize adequate resources and reduce the financial gap. We look forward to the COP30, which will be held in Brazil, to develop common understandings in global climate policies. Our work must also give greater importance in enabling developing countries to access modern technologies and enhance capacity building and technology transfer in order to strengthen developing countries' capabilities to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Together, we must accelerate our action-oriented efforts toward inclusive and equitable sustainable development for all. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Algeria, and now I'll give the floor to the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan.

Madam Chair, at the outset, I would like to thank you for convening this meeting. The report of the World Tourism Organization on the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism underscores the vital role of tourism in driving sustainable development. It highlights progress in promoting inclusive growth within the sector, while also emphasizing the need for stronger policy alignment and international cooperation. Building on these global efforts, Azerbaijan recognizes the transformative role of tourism in shaping inclusive and resilient societies. In light of this, the Azerbaijan 2030 National Priorities for Socioeconomic Development identifies tourism as one of its five key pillars. In recent years, Azerbaijan has undertaken significant efforts to diversify its economy, identify tourism as a key strategic sector. The government of Azerbaijan has implemented policies aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing air connectivity, and preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage. To attract more tourists, Azerbaijan introduced the e-Asan visa system, which allows citizens of eligible countries to obtain electronic visas within three days of application. Tourism is not only a driver of economic growth, cultural exchange, and regional development. It's also a sector increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. For the first time, climate action in tourism in the COP29 action agenda under the presidency of Azerbaijan marked a milestone for the tourism sector. In this context, we launched the COP29 Declaration on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism, which provides a strategic framework for aligning the sector with national and global climate agendas, including nationally determined contributions. As a member of UN Tourism, Azerbaijan is committed to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. In November 2024, on the occasion of Tourism Day at COP29, the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and UN Tourism signed a letter of intent, reaffirming our shared commitment to strengthen collaboration on climate action within the tourism sector. In conclusion, Azerbaijan stands ready to work with all member states to advance the shared goal of responsible, inclusive, and climate-conscious tourism. We call for strengthened cooperation at all levels to ensure that tourism contributes meaningfully to peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all communities. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Azerbaijan. And now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Federated State of Micronesia.

Madam Chair, Micronesia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Palau on behalf of AOSIS and Iraq on behalf of G77 and China. I have the honor to deliver this statement in my national capacity. Micronesia has outlined six national acceleration priorities: climate resilience, economic self-reliance, human capital development, infrastructure expansion, cultural preservation, and institutional strengthening. Madam Chair, Micronesia has made significant progress in various domains aligned with these vital global goals. Our dedication to environmental stewardship is exemplified by the establishment of protected areas that safeguard over 30% of our marine ecosystems and 20% of our terrestrial areas through formal conservation. This not only highlights our commitment to biodiversity, but also resonates with the principles outlined in SDGs 14 and 15. Initiatives such as the Micronesia Challenge are instrumental in preserving our invaluable natural heritage for generations to come. Madam Chair, Micronesia has doubled the capacity of renewable energy, thus improving access to clean energy in remote islands. Reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels is a critical step toward achieving energy independence and sustainability. Madam Chair, in the realm of healthcare, we proudly maintain high immunization coverage and essential maternal health services, reflecting our commitment to SDG 3. We are dedicated to enhancing health delivery, particularly for those residing on outer islands, ensuring that all individuals receive the necessary care. Madam Chair, digital transformation is of importance to our nation. We have expanded our broadband internet to reach isolated communities, which have enabled e-learning in remote schools. Moreover, we are actively promoting gender equality, as evidenced by the increasing representation of women in our national Congress. Aligning with SDG 5, empowering women is pivotal pivotal to fostering sustainable development and realizing the full potential of our communities. In our efforts to address the specific needs of youth, persons with disabilities, and our elderly population, we are enhancing educational opportunities for young people while empowering them through leadership program and mental health support. For individuals with disabilities, we are implementing inclusive policies and enhancing accessibility to foster their independence. Additionally, we.

I thank the distinguished representative of Micronesia, and now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya.

Madam Chair, I thank you for giving Kenya the floor. We wish to align with the statements delivered by the Group of 77 and China and the African group and make the following remarks in national capacity. The report of the Secretary General on sustainable development presents a stark reality that progress on achieving the 2030 agenda is alarmingly slow, with only 35% of the SDG indicators on track, while 18% are in recession. It is very clear that the path to 2030 needs urgent and decisive action. We therefore must prioritize the eradication of poverty by strengthening support for decent jobs, expanding access to financial services for micro, small, and medium enterprises, accelerating inclusive industrialization, and nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation. Secondly, We must accelerate the reform of the global financial architecture as envisioned in the recently adopted Seville Commitment. Thirdly, we must address the environmental challenges through mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation. We must unlock the $300 billion pledge at Baku and accelerate negotiations towards the 1.3 trillion goal under the Baku to Belém roadmap. In line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk 2015 to 2030, we must promote a risk-informed approach to sustainable development at all levels, integrating disaster risk reduction into policies, programs, and investments. Fifth, we must utilize science, technology, and innovation to accelerate transitions to renewable energy, food systems, and digital connectivity. We must address the various challenges faced by developing countries, least developing countries, landlocked states, small island developing states, middle income countries, and conflict-affected regions. Supporting strategies like the African Union Agenda 2063 and the New Partnership for Africa's Development is crucial. Chair, in closing, Kenya remains committed to of Agenda 2030 and calls for the international community to fulfill its commitments to ensure sustainable development for all. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kenya. And now I will give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guinea.

Madam Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China, and by Guinea-Bissau on behalf of the African Group. The Republic of Guinea thanks the Secretary-General for the relevance of the different reports presented. Allow me now to share some remarks on our national capacity. The Republic of Guinea reaffirms its firm commitment to Agenda 2030 and to the SDGs. We consider that sustainable production is an essential lever, not only for economic growth, but also for social justice, protection of the environment, and resilience in the face of climate change. In this framework, the Republic of Guinea has integrated sustainability principles into our national strategies, notably through the Simandou 2040 program to strengthen governance, food security, environmental resilience, and productive employment for youth and women. The implementation of this program will notably enable fostering modes of production that are environmentally friendly, limiting pollution, waste, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. It will also allow us to promote local industry that uses national resources while adopting appropriate technologies with energy efficiency and sustainably sourced energy. We will also be able to guarantee that economic benefits from production, employment, and revenue, for instance, are equitably distributed, especially amongst vulnerable populations, women, and young people. We can ensure sustainable and responsible consumption, integrate sustainability indicators in national monitoring tools, promote the circular economy, recycling, energy efficiency, raising awareness and education amongst citizens to support sustainable lifestyles. strengthen policies for reforestation, sustainable forest management, and ecosystem restoration, support agricultural producers, and support local processing of agricultural and mining products so that we can create more added value, employment, and revenue within communities, encourage the establishment of PPPs to develop value chains. With this in mind, we launched a call for strengthened and targeted international financing for sustainable production projects, including green infrastructures, renewable energy, and agroecology, technology transfer, and knowledge transfer with technical training. Together with cooperation from the UN system, the Republic of Guinea believes firmly that sustainable production is not only possible but essential. Together with international solidarity and political will and the commitment of our communities, we believe that sustainable production can become a reality. The speaker's microphone has been cut off.

And now I will give the floor to the Deputy Permanent Representative of Tajikistan.

Madam Chair, Tajikistan aligns itself with the statement delivered by.

Distinguished representative of Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China.

Madam Chair, Tajikistan reaffirms its strong commitment to the full and effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which remain our shared blueprint for a better, more sustainable future. With only five years left to achieve the SDGs, we must redouble our collective effort to deliver on the promise of leaving no one behind. The global community face complex challenges from the climate crisis and rising inequality to constraint financing and geopolitical tensions. Tajikistan supports the Secretary General's call to accelerate progress, including through innovation and digital transformation under the UN 2.0 initiative. Chair, in line with this above action agenda, Tajikistan continues to strengthen domestic resources, mobilization, and integrate sustainability principles into public finance. Green budgeting elements are being introduced to assess the environmental and social impact of public investment. Tajikistan is also working with international partners, including the World Bank, ADB, and EBRD, and others to attract private and climate finance for sustainable development. Tajikistan is among the lowest carbon emitting countries in our region. Hydropower accounts for nearly 98% of our electricity generation. At the same time, Tajikistan is reintegrating into the unified energy system of Central Asia to enhance regional energy trade and efficiency. As one of the most climate vulnerable mountainous countries, Tajikistan prioritized climate adaptation, glacier preservation, and the integrated management of water resources. The 2025 International Year of Glacier Preservation, initiated by Tajikistan, reflect our country's continued contribution to the global agenda on climate glaciers preservation. Through the Dushanbe Water Process and the International Decade for Action Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028, we will mobilize government, scientists, civil society, and youth to turn commitments into action. Tajikistan also reaffirms its readiness to hold the 2028 United Nations Water Conference in Dushanbe, where we will shape the next chapter of cooperation. A chair looking ahead Tajikistan prioritized for 2026, 2030 includes strengthening green finance mechanism, expanding renewable energy, embedding sustainable across sectors, and enhancing regional cooperation. I thank you.

I thank the Deputy Permanent Representative of Tajikistan. And now I'll give the floor to the Permanent Observer of the Holy See.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At this critical juncture, marked by overlapping crises of poverty, climate change, and conflict, a commitment to integral human development that encompasses the full development of every person is more vital than ever. Pope Leo observed that we seem incapable of recognizing that the destruction of nature does not affect everyone in the same way. At the same time, Nature itself is reduced at times to a bargaining chip, a commodity to be bartered for economic or political gains. This approach distorts the true meaning of sustainable development by subordinating human dignity and integrity of creation to short-term interests and gains. Therefore, a renewed and courageous call to action is required. In this regard, my delegation would like to propose three concrete approaches. Firstly, the ecological debt owed to developing countries must be rectified. The nations and sectors that have disproportionately contributed to environmental degradation and climate change bear the responsibility to support those most affected by its consequences. This support can take many forms, including adequate financing, debt relief in times of crisis, the sharing of appropriate technologies, and capacity building. Such measures would help to repay the ecological debt owed to developing countries whilst supporting them on their path to sustainable development. Secondly, concerted action is required to protect biodiversity. While each community can take what it needs from the Earth, it also has the duty to protect the Earth and to ensure its fruitfulness for coming generations. Protecting our forests, oceans, and ecosystems is essential, both as a sign of their intrinsic value and for the survival of the countless communities whose livelihoods depend on them. Thirdly, The promotion of education for integral ecology. Lasting change cannot be achieved through policies alone. It also requires a conversion of hearts and minds. The change of lifestyle should be fostered through education that inform choices, inspires solidarity, and equips young people to build a culture of sustainability. Educational initiative should not be limited to technical solutions. They must also include ethical formation to cultivate the collective responsibility for safeguarding creation.

I thank the permanent observer of the Holy See, and now I will give the floor, uh, for a rep- to a representative of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Thank you, Chair. Allow me to share insights of the OECD's multidisciplinary policy analysis and evidence-based data on the cross-cutting topic of sustainable development. First, on oceans and the Antigua and Barbuda agenda for SIDS. OECD tracking reveals gaps in ocean-related official development assistance. In 2023, ocean ODA reached 5 billion US dollar, an increase of 1.5 billion US dollar from 2022, but still represents only 1% of total global ODA between 2010 and 2023. Moreover, just 63% of this funding supported sustainable outcomes, such as ocean protection and sustainable ocean management. To address this, the OECD has developed a guidance on development cooperation for sustainable ocean economy, offering a framework to align development efforts with ocean protection and sustainable.

Growth.

Additionally, the TOSD framework provides valuable insights into both concessional and non-concessional financing flows to SIDS, including those not eligible for ODA. Second, Applying multidimensional vulnerability indexes across diverse national contexts presents technical and political challenges. Ensuring that MVIs are both technically sound and politically accepted requires transparency and continuous testing and refinement, and inclusive engagement with policymakers, experts, and civil society. The OECD, through its work on well-being, sustainability, and multidimensional poverty, will contribute to the Beyond GDP Global Alliance under the SEVIA Platform for Action. Third, on education for sustainable development. Many countries are embedding climate and environmental literacy across curricula. Yet, there is no internationally comparable data on what people know about climate change or their readiness to act. To fill this gap, the OECD has developed a climate literacy framework under PISA, outlining essential competencies for students to support climate adaption and mitigation. The OECD is piloting the assessment under this framework with Brazil and Azerbaijan and will officially launch it at COP30 in partnership with the Paris Secretary of Education, IADB, and UNESCO. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the OECD, and I will give the floor now to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Thank you, Chair. SDG 7 sits at the very crossroads of our global challenges from climate action to development. Data from IRENA underscores this reality. In 2024, the world added 582 gigawatts of renewables capacity with investments estimated at over $834 billion. In 2023, the renewable sector employed 16.2 million people worldwide, a figure that is projected to double to 30 million jobs by 2030. Crucially, in 2024, renewables helped avoid $467 billion in fossil fuel costs, reinforcing their role not only as the lowest cost source of new power, but also as a key driver of energy security, economic stability, and resilience in a volatile global energy landscape. The evidence is clear, renewables are the most effective and affordable solution to drive global progress, and the renewable energy sector is not just an environmental solution, it is an economic powerhouse. Renewables can truly deliver on the promise of the 2030 agenda and the Paris Agreement. Ladies and gentlemen, achieving SDG 7 and the 1.5 Celsius target by 2050 is both technically feasible and economically viable. However, the stark reality is that benefits and progress remain concentrated in only a handful of countries and sectors. To be precise, regional disparities in geography, technology, and financing jeopardize the achievement of the SDGs and perpetuate energy poverty in the most vulnerable countries. To realize our goals, the world must overcome structural and systemic barriers that continue to impact the progress of the energy transition. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that access to renewable energy is equitable, inclusive, accessible, affordable, and fair for all. To achieve true success, development and developed countries must focus their efforts on three key areas, modernizing and expanding transition infrastructure, including grids, establishing regulatory frameworks and market designs fit for the age of renewables, building the institutional and human resource capacities required to support the energy transition. International collaboration, however, is also essential for bringing about a just and inclusive energy transition, as it can help secure the significant increase in finance needed to maximize socioeconomic benefits. In closing, by achieving SDG 7, we will do more than just solve the energy crisis. We will unlock progress across every other global goal, proving that clean energy is the ultimate accelerator for a better world. Thank you.

I thank the representative of IRENA, and now I'll give the floor to the permanent observer of the League of Arab States.

Thank you, Chair. Arab countries and the League of Arab States support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as part of national and regional strategies. These strategies are coordinated with the 17 SDGs. The League of Arab States has contributed to the Seville commitment as part of our collective responsibility, and we insisted on support being provided to countries affected by conflicts in the Arab region. and to restructure international criteria that take into account national and regional specificities. Initiatives from the League of Arab States are targeted, and they are targeted at achieving the SDGs, and we insisted on the link between financing the climate and the environment and development. The League of Arab States also insisted on the importance of regional frameworks to strengthen financing for development through funds and Arab development banks. This has increased the efforts made by the Arab League to indeed implement its resolution on sustainable financing for development in the Arab region. This was adopted in Baghdad in May 2025. At the UN level, the presence of Arab countries in political fora on a high level was very important. We were also well represented in numerous institutions, including the Regional Development Fund, where the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia contributed $200 million, including the Arab-- in addition to the Arab Fund for Iraqi Development Fund as well, $200 million. The League of Arab States also are part of efforts for the 2030 agenda and the 2063 agenda for Africa. in order to achieve sustainable development, to build a more sustainable future in the Arab region, and to strengthen complementarity between countries of the region. High-level events have been organized also. on the margins of the UN General Debate. Thank you very much, Chair.

I think the permanent observer of the League of Arab States. And now I will give the floor to a representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Madam Chair, on behalf of the IFRC and our 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, I congratulate the Chair on his election as Chair of the Second Committee. Today, disasters have become our new normal. Across the world, communities are enduring deadly wildfires, catastrophic floods, and disease outbreaks from Ebola to cholera. This year alone, we have witnessed the profound human toll of major earthquakes in Myanmar, Afghanistan, and our thoughts are now with the Philippines. For these communities and others, rebuilding has become an endless cycle. A roof repaired after one earthquake may be torn away by the next. And for many, repairing a damaged home means sacrificing school fees or other essentials. Each new disaster erodes progress, deepens poverty, and diminishes hope. Madam Chair, while progress has been made, these disasters are clear warnings. Investing in disaster risk reduction is not optional. DRR saves lives and protects livelihoods and infrastructure, and there can be no sustainable development without it. If we are serious about achieving the SDGs, we must rethink how we plan, institutionalize, and finance both risk reduction and response. First, governments must strengthen their disaster laws, policies, and plans at all levels. Effective DRR starts with strong legal frameworks. We welcome the UN General Assembly's decision to develop and conclude an internationally legal binding convention on the protection of persons in the event of disasters by 2027. The IFRC has put forward proposals based on the draft articles of the ILC for the consideration of states, and we stand ready to support governments with our national proposals. In the same spirit, the IFRC recently published a report on embedding early action into national laws. Early warnings alone are not enough. Many deadly disasters were predicted, but warnings failed to trigger action. Government should pre-agree on actions, set clear funding targets, and ensure financing is ready so support reaches communities quickly. Second, we must scale up DRR investments at the local level. Too little funding reaches local authorities, local organizations, and communities, the first responders and the backbones of resilience. The IFRC's DREF offers one model. It channels resources directly to national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, either before or within 72 hours after a disaster. In 2024 alone, the DREF allocated over 100 million U.S. dollars, reaching over 19 million people with lifesaving assistance. In closing, families from Afghanistan to the Philippines cannot keep starting over after every disaster. They must be empowered and supported. Thank you.

I thank the representative of the IFRC. We have heard the last speaker in the joint general discussion for this meeting. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested in accordance with rule 115 of the rules of procedures. of the General Assembly, I should like to remind delegations that the number of interventions in exercise of the right of reply for any delegation at a given meeting should be limited to two per item. The first intervention should be limited to five minutes and the second to three minutes. I give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you. We'd like to exercise our right of reply in order to call on delegation from Ukraine to refrain from attempts to politicize the agenda of the Second Committee and to focus their attention on the specialized topics that we discuss here in Turrialba. Currently, this is item 18 of the agenda. We've already called for the work of the committee to be depoliticized. the general debate, and we are repeating it now. I'd also like to advise the representative of Ukraine to be more thoughtful in how they look at the root causes of the conflict that's underway, and to remember that it was the Kyiv regime that came to power following a state coup in 2014 that rolled out a bloody war against their own people in the east of Ukraine. destroying energy and water infrastructure, putting mines in agricultural areas, and depriving many millions of Russian-speaking schoolchildren from education in their own mother tongue, overall depriving the whole east of the region from the opportunity to develop sustainably. So what's blockade of the Crimean Peninsula? It is priving people, normal people, from access to water resources. The irresponsible, senseless attack of the Kyiv regime on civilian nuclear facilities, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, increases the risk of terrible consequences for the region. We'd underscore once again that we This, we're here discussing an issue that is not in line with the Second Committee's work, and using it for politically motivated statements is unacceptable. And on our side, once again, we wish to underscore our commitment to constructive work with all delegations in the interests of supporting development. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. There are no further requests for the floor. In this case, we'll reconvene tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 PM in order to resume and conclude the joint general debate of agenda item 18 as a whole and agenda item 19. Please refer to the live list of speakers for the latest list. Tomorrow morning, the committee will hold its annual joint meeting with the Economic and Social Council here in conference room two. The joint meeting will focus on the topic of reimagining public investor partnerships, systems finance for inclusive sustainability transformations. This meeting is adjourned.