Second Committee, 15th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

Good afternoon, colleagues. I call to order the 15th session, the 15th plenary, and I now invite the Committee to continue its joint consideration of agenda item 21, Eradication of Poverty and Other Development Issues, and its sub-items A to D, together with agenda item 23, Agriculture Development, Food Security and Nutrition. Before I give the floor to the first speaker this afternoon, as mentioned earlier, I'd like to remind delegations that the agreed time limit for statements during the joint consideration of agenda items are five minutes for statements made on behalf of groups and three minutes for national statements and by intergovernmental organizations and the United Nations system. I intend to implement these time limits strictly, including by means of automatic microphone cutoff. To assist speakers in time management, a countdown clock will be projected on the screens in the meeting room. It will start blinking red to indicate that the speaker has one minute left to conclude the statement. Delegations are requested to submit longer versions of their statements by e-mail to estatements@un.org. I thank speakers in advance for their cooperation. I now give the floor to Cote d'Ivoire.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, Cote d'Ivoire aligns itself with the statements of the G77 and China. and of the African group in national capacity, we would like to add the following remarks. My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his reports on social protection, decent jobs and equitable access to productive resources and the economic empowerment of women, especially rural women, as well as the transformation of food systems to achieve SDG 2, aiming to eradicate hunger, ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. For Cote d'Ivoire, this transformation must improve agricultural revenue, preserving natural resources and guaranteeing safe and affordable food through sustainable investments and equal access to financing and markets. Mr. Chairman, on the initiative of Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic, Cote d'Ivoire has made food security and nutrition a national and even continental priority. Turn to the national level. We have a multi-sectoral plan for nutrition for the period 2024-2027. It invests roughly 350 million US dollars. It's been implemented. This inclusive plan mobilizes eight sectors, including health, agriculture, education, water, and women's empowerment. Turning now to the continental level, the advocacy of the President of the Republic has contributed to making food security and nutrition the theme of 2022 for the African Union. Building on that work, the prize of excellence called Cote d'Ivoire CERFAM for strengthening nutrition and food security was adopted in February 2025 by the Conference of the African Union with 100 million of CFA francs, or around $171,000. It's awarded every two years, starting from 2027, to compensate and promote concrete initiatives to combat hunger and malnutrition in Africa. Also, we have the Center of Regional Excellence Against Hunger and Malnutrition, which is established in Abidjan in 2019. It was financed by Cote d'Ivoire and put at the disposal of continental and UN organizations, and it shares solutions and strengthens capacity in food security, nutrition, and development of human capital. In closing, we call for mobilizing sustainable financing and strengthening partnerships around national and continental priorities. Together, let's make the transformation of food systems and nutrition a powerful for poverty reduction, the empowerment of women, and the development of human capital. Thank you very much for so graciously listening to me.

I thank Cote d'Ivoire. I give the floor to Zimbabwe.

Thank you, Chair. Zimbabwe aligns itself with statements delivered on behalf of the groups to which it belongs, and we deliver this statement in our national capacity. We thank the Secretary-General for his reports under these agenda items. Poverty eradication remains the biggest global challenge and a fundamental requirement for advancing the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. The most tangible outcome of this endeavor will be the extent to which our collective efforts advance economic growth and promote environmental sustainability and social inclusion for the benefit of everyone, everywhere. With less than four years remaining to 2030, progress towards ending poverty and hunger remains insufficient. The persistence of structural inequalities, climate-related shocks, debt vulnerabilities, and inadequate development financing continues to undermine the ability of developing countries to deliver transformation in the lives of their people. Zimbabwe has placed poverty eradication and improvement of livelihoods at the center of its economic blueprint, the National Development Strategy 2. NDS 2 strategy advances an integrated approach anchored on inclusive economic growth, productive employment, food and nutrition security, social protection, and equitable access to essential services. As an agro-based economy, Zimbabwe is prioritizing climate resilient agriculture production, irrigation development, support for smallholder farmers, as well as value addition and beneficiation. Further, my government is expanding access to water to support small-scale irrigation and horticultural production, thereby transforming rural communities into centers of economic activity. These interventions are strengthening national food security, increasing household incomes, and building resilience among vulnerable communities. In order to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs, national efforts need to be complemented by an enabling international economic environment underpinned by adequate, affordable, and predictable development financing, technology transfer, and capacity building. We reaffirm the call for the reform of the international financial architecture and sustainable solutions to debt challenges, which continue to constrain the fiscal space available to developing countries to invest in poverty eradication, food security and sustainable development. Ultimately, the measure of our success will be the ability to lift people out of poverty, end hunger, and ensure that no one and no place is left behind. Zimbabwe remains committed to working with all stakeholders to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Thank you.

I thank Zimbabwe, and I now give the floor to the Russian Federation.

Mr.

Chairman, distinguished colleagues, the Russian Federation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Cuba on behalf of the like-minded countries. In national capacity, we would like to add the following. Russia has been consistent and staunch in setting a course to achieve the goals of the third UN Decade for the Eradication of Poverty for 2018 to 2027. We advocate a systematic approach toward tackling the problem of poverty, which is given a central place in the 2030 Agenda. Here, we attach particular importance to socioeconomic development of agricultural and rural areas. We view that as a critical condition for enhancing the standard of living of the population. Our country is rolling out a set of measures to develop agricultural production, to lay the ground for employment, and to enhance accessibility of social infrastructure and services. This work is being done specifically as part of the strategy for sustainable development of rural territories and our state program, which is called Comprehensive Development of Rural Territories for the period up to 2030. We're actively promoting the eradication of hunger at the national and international levels. For over a year, the level of Russia's dependence in terms of food security, its independence increased by 12%. Moreover, our country has made a significant contribution toward global food security. In the first nine months of 2026, the exports of our agricultural products increased by over 15% compared to the similar period of last year. We're continuing to systematically provide food humanitarian assistance. Its main recipients are traditionally the states of Africa and Asia. These are important positive results, and we were able to achieve them despite the sanctions of Western countries leveled against us. These have led to serious disruptions on agricultural markets. They have led to disruptions in deliveries and a significant increase in the food price inflation in the poorest of states. And similar repercussions are being felt by the Ukrainian attacks on Russia's infrastructure that ensures the export of agricultural products. Despite these difficulties, Russian agricultural products remain in demand. We reaffirm our dedication to ensuring stable deliveries for our partners in accordance with existing agreements. We will continue to work to ensure that high-quality goods at fair prices are available for consumers all over the world. Thank you.

I thank Russia, and I give the floor Venezuela.

La oportunidad de intervenir en esta discusión conjunta y suscribo la intervención formulada por el Grupo de los 77, Machina. Según las estimaciones más recientes, el hambre afectó en 2025 a unos 645 millones de personas en el mundo, una cifra que, pese a una ligera mejora, sigue muy lejos de la meta de erradicar el hambre para 2030. As recently pointed out by the President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, at the World Food Forum of the FAO, we live in a paradox. The productive capacity of the world has.

Reached unprecedented levels, while food is being wasted and millions of people are experiencing hunger. Mr. Chairman, the report of the Secretary-General on the eradication of rural poverty confirms that Three-quarters of those who live in extreme poverty are concentrated in rural areas. Venezuela supports strengthening legal security over land. so that those working the land can have more security as well as have access to social protection in the rural world. Among the factors that have an impact on hunger and food insecurity are also unilateral coercive measures, which exacerbate economic crises and restrict access to financing, agricultural technological inputs, and essential equipment for the production of foodstuffs. like to highlight the need to improve global governance in the area of food and agriculture, and the greater representation of developing countries. Today, Venezuela is experiencing a period of national rebirth based on economic recovery and strengthening of our productive capacity. In this framework, the Venezuela food plan spearheads the production of agricultural produce with the clear aspiration Venezuela should reach levels compatible with zero hunger by 2030. Food security occupies a central place in our agenda. Today in Venezuela, 90% of food consumed in the country and 99% of food allocated for social programs come from local production. of school support reached some 2.5 million children, while we continue increasing support for older adults, and we expect to reduce undernourishment by 3% in 2026. Madam, Mr. Chair, wherever there is hunger, our common responsibility should be to find solutions. The path is not fragmentation, but rather cooperation and solidarity. And as mentioned by President Rodriguez in the FAO, May each family have a plate of food on their table, that each young people has an opportunity to work in their land, and that each nation could look toward the future with confidence. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

I thank the permanent delegate of Venezuela. I'm going to give the floor to Azerbaijan.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Women's economic empowerment is essential to eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development. As highlighted in the report of the Secretary General on Women in Development, persistent inequalities in employment, unpaid care work, social protection, and access to economic resources continue to limit women's full contribution to development. Azerbaijan attaches great importance to advancing women's empowerment and ensuring their equal participation in economic, social, cultural, civil, and political life. As reflected in the Secretary General's report, Azerbaijan has adopted a national action plan on gender equality for 2026 to 2028, addressing women's participation in public life, education and employment, as well as climate change and the strengthening of institutional mechanisms. One of the most significant legal reforms in our country in recent years has been the removal of restrictions on women's access to the labor market. The list of professions and workplaces in which women's employment was restricted has been reduced from 674 to 204. The remaining restrictions apply only to pregnant women and women with children under the age of 21. The World Bank's Women, Business and the Law 2026 report recognized these reforms as notable progress. Mr. Chair, at the beginning of 2025, women accounted for 48.4% of the workforce and 48% of the employed population in Azerbaijan. And the ratio of women's average monthly wage to men's increased from 53.9% in 2015 to 69.2% in 2025. As a further step, Azerbaijan has officially joined the Equal Pay International Coalition, EPIC, with the technical support of the International Labor Organization, reaffirming its commitment to closing the gender pay gap and promoting equal pay for work of equal value. Women's entrepreneurship is another important driver of economic empowerment, and by the end of 2025, women accounted for approximately 24% of individual entrepreneurs registered in the state registry. These efforts are complemented by post-conflict recovery and reconstruction initiatives in Azerbaijan, which aim to empower women and girls and ensure their meaningful participation. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, we reaffirm that the full participation and contribution of women in economic, social, and development processes are indispensable to achieving the sustainable development goals. And we will continue working with all partners to advance this shared objective. I thank you.

I thank Azerbaijan, and I give the floor to India.

Thank you, Chair. India aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Group of 77 and China. Eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions remains our foremost development priority. Progress requires productive employment, social protection, and equitable access to education, healthcare, housing, and basic services. Women's economic empowerment and opportunities for young people are essential to sustaining these gains. Chair, India's development experience places people at the center of these efforts. India lifted 415 million people out of multidimensional poverty over a 15-year period, as recorded in the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index. Financial inclusion supports these efforts by connecting people to banking services and public support. India has linked bank accounts with digital identity and mobile connectivity to transfer welfare benefits directly to people. Women are the majority of account holders under our national financial inclusion program, holding 55.7% of its accounts, 329.2 million as of August 2026. By expanding women's access to banking and public support, this approach strengthens economic empowerment and advances women-led development. Turning to agriculture, food security, and nutrition, India prioritizes affordable access to safe and nutritious food, stronger support for small and marginal farmers, and agricultural systems that can withstand climate and market shocks. India reiterates the need for a permanent solution at the WTO on public stockholding for food security purposes, enabling developing countries to sustain programs that provide affordable food to vulnerable populations. Food security must also encompass nutrition. Under the Government of India's PM Poshan scheme, children in government and government-aided schools receive a nutritious, hot-cooked meal on every school day. India's promotion of millets highlight the contribution that traditional, nutritious, and climate-resilient crops can make to diversified diets and sustainable agriculture. Chair, international cooperation should make agricultural technologies, weather information and advisory services accessible and affordable to developing countries. Digital tools must respond to farmers' needs and strengthen their capacity to manage risks. Our objective must be lasting progress, households with secure livelihoods, farmers with better incomes and communities with reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. I thank you.

Thank you, India. I give the floor to the Dominican Republic.

Thank you, Chairman. The Dominican Republic aligns itself with the statement of G77 plus China. The eradication of poverty and food security are interdependent goals at the heart of all our efforts. Rural poverty continues to be one of the main causes of hunger, and agriculture is an effective means to reverse this reality and promote an inclusive growth. We're happy to share with you that the Dominican Republic was taken off the map of hunger in the FAO today. Our agricultural sector provides 97% of our national foodstuffs. By achieving this historic milestone, our new goal is to eradicate calorie hunger, ensure development and nutritive diets, eradicating all forms of malnutrition. All these achievements will accompany the diminution of monetary poverty and the expansion of social protection. We acknowledge that progress is inseparable from equality. We are fostering a care economy through specific programs. This covers caregivers, giving priority to non-remunerated work and promoting the economic status of women. We also recognize the role of family-based agriculture, rural women and young people as agents of change through initiatives such as mothers in the rural areas. We support productive projects. With other projects, we support the activity of young people. We're also focusing on tourism, food lunches. We've managed to provide food lunches to millions of children, incorporating fresh fruits, ensuring thus support for local markets. In cooperation with industrial development, our free trade areas support millions, thousands of jobs, many of them occupied by women. We promote contacts between exporting companies and local producers. We're promoting local industrial startups to provide greater added value for national production. Mr. Chair, there's still a long way to go in the face of structural and climate challenges that still exist. No country can overcome these challenges by itself. We make an appeal to the international community to renew solidarity and forge transformative partnerships to develop a just, resilient, and prosperous development without leaving anyone behind. Thank you.

I thank the Dominican Republic, and I now give the floor to Bangladesh.

Mr. Chair, Bangladesh Alliance itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the G77 and China and LDC group. We take note of the Secretary General's reports. With an estimated 826 million people in extreme poverty, we call for global commitment, cooperation, and adequate resources to accelerate poverty eradication. The record 23.1% decline in ODA in real terms in 2025 makes this task harder. For countries like ours, responding to wars, climate change, and disasters requires reallocating scarce public resources otherwise needed for achieving SDG targets. Rising energy prices and declining remittance inflows compound these pressures. Mr. Chair, Bangladesh faces an annual SDG financing gap exceeding $132 billion until 2030. Despite these constraints, we remain committed to achieving the sustainable development targets. The government has launched the Farmers Card program to strengthen rural livelihoods and agricultural productivity. We are progressively increasing public spending on education and health, recognizing their role in breaking the cycle of poverty. Inclusive and sustainable industrial development is essential to creating decent jobs and diversifying our economies. We call for stronger cooperation in this regard through investment, technology transfer, and skills development. We also stress the importance of an open, equitable, rules-based, multilateral trading system and stable food supply chains. Improved market access, particularly for LDCs and graduating LDCs, is essential to expanding opportunities for their farmers and producers. Mr. Chair, women's empowerment is vital to eradicating poverty, ensuring food security, and improving nutrition. Advancing these objectives requires women's full participation in economic, social, and political spheres, and equal access to finance, productive resources, decent work, and digital technologies. Keeping this in mind, our government is working towards a universal social security system, placing women at its center. International cooperation and global development policies must give women's empowerment the priority it deserves. Development partners must fulfill their commitments on financing, trade, and technology transfer to support national actions. Delivering on our shared commitments is essential to strengthening the credibility of the multilateral system with the United Nations at its core. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Bangladesh. I give the floor to Niger.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The delegation of the Republic of Niger aligns itself with the statements delivered by the groups of countries to which it belongs. We'd like to add the following comments in national capacity. The eradication of poverty, food security, and agricultural development and nutrition are at the forefront of our national priorities. We have a program called Recasting the Republic 2025 to 2029. Through it, our country has chosen a structural transformation grounded in sovereignty, economic and food sovereignty, using our resources and the development of human capital and strengthening the resilience of our populations. It's a vision which fully dovetails with the 2030 agenda, especially SDGs 1 and 2. Niger faces challenges. Despite them, our economy has grown significantly in 2024 by 8.4%. This was driven by the performance of our agricultural sector and through oil exports as well. Our aggregate grain production over the last five years has has exceeded 26 million tons. Our onion production went from 1.2 million tons in 2020 to 2.25 million tons in 2024, while our cattle herd production went up to 20.3 million heads over the same period. These results are due to the work of the government through the Great Irrigation Program. They also show the remarkable resilience of our people, especially our agricultural workers and herders, who continue to build wealth despite climate disasters, insecurity, and the embargo imposed on our country since 2023. We now seek to convert this resilience into sustainable prosperity. Nutrition remains a priority for our country. Progress has been made in reducing malnutrition, but that needs to be consolidated through sustained investment in food systems, healthcare, water, sanitation, and social protection. We remain convinced that there cannot be a sustainable combat against poverty without transformation of productive systems. We have slightly more than four years to go by 2030. At this time, the SDGs are out of reach for many countries, including mine. But the potential is real. We have arable lands, we have a young and dynamic population, and real political will. What Niger needs today are sincere partnerships that are mutually beneficial and which respect our sovereignty and our strategic choices. That's why we are aiming to work on the 2030 agenda. Our people has shown its resilience. We now have a collective responsibility. It is to now give it the means to transform that into sustainable development and shared prosperity. Thank you.

I think Niger, I give the floor to the.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Namibia aligns with the statements delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and the African Group, and takes note of the Secretary-General's report. The Secretary-General's report indicates an estimated 826 million people live in extreme poverty in 2026. While this marks a decline below the global pre-pandemic level recorded in 2019, extreme poverty in low-income countries remains higher than before. the COVID-19 crisis, underscoring the fragility and uneven distribution of progress across countries and regions. In this regard, we wish to highlight three points. First, international support must meet families' immediate needs while creating opportunities to earn an income. Namibia provides social grants to help vulnerable households meet their basic needs, while school feeding programs support children's nutrition. Our income generating activity fund provides materials and equipment for small businesses. The National Youth Development Fund supports young entrepreneurs with finance and technical assistance. These efforts are guided by the sixth national development plan, NDP6, covering 2025, 2026, 2029, and 2030, which prioritizes employment creation, equality, and wealth creation. Second, protecting livelihoods from climate shocks is essential to reducing poverty. In Namibia, drought can quickly push a struggling family into deeper hardships. When crops fail or livestock are lost, households struggle to buy food and keep children in school. Investment in reliable water supplies, early warning systems, and resilient agriculture is therefore also investment in poverty eradication. We call for the accessible adaptation finance, particularly grants, so that communities do not go deep into debt structure. Third, international support must reflect the realities people face. Namibia's middle-income status does not mean that every household enjoys a decent standard of living. National income averages can hide inequalities and limited access to basic services. Development cooperation should consider these conditions alongside vulnerability to climate shocks. Affordable finance, technology, and market access can help create jobs and expand opportunities for women and young people. Mr. Chair, progress towards SDG 1 should be measured and reflected in families' ability to meet their basic needs and improve their prospects for the future. I thank you.

I thank Namibia, I give the floor to Nepal.

Thank you, Chair. Nepal aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of G77 and China and LDC group. Poverty eradication remains an urgent development imperative and a shared global responsibility to achieve the 2030 agenda. Nepal remains firmly committed to ending poverty in all its forms and manifestations, with multidimensional poverty down to 3% by 2043. Nepal's 2024 SDG Voluntary National Review shows that multidimensional poverty has declined to 17.4% in 2021. Our experience demonstrates the value of inclusive social protection, community-based development, effective resource mobilization, youth entrepreneurship and self-employment, school feeding programs, multi-sectoral nutrition interventions, and expanded access to essential services for poverty eradication. While pursuing good governance, social justice, and inclusive development, Our development frameworks prioritize productive employment, agricultural modernization, industrial development, entrepreneurship, gender equality, and equitable access to opportunities for poverty eradication. Eight structural challenges, including high capital, trade, and transit cost, climate vulnerabilities, limited productive capacities, unemployment, and constrained fiscal space pose barriers. To ensure eradicating poverty requires accelerated progress on SDGs and integrated, nationally owned and adequately financed development strategies. We must extend an inclusive social protection system ensure universal access to essential services, and build resilience against economic and climate shocks that push vulnerable communities into vicious cycle of poverty. We reaffirm the importance of accelerating inclusive and sustainable industrialization by strengthening productive capacities, promoting economic diversification, facilitating technology transfer, and expanding decent employment opportunities, particularly through MSMEs. Women's leadership and economic empowerment is equally indispensable. For this, we must address structural barriers, ensuring equal access to education, skills, finance, technology, productive resources, and governance system. We should focus on transforming rural economies through climate-resilient agriculture, improved irrigation, rural infrastructure, sustainable food systems, and enhanced market linkages. The national development efforts must be matched by genuine international solidarity and partnership. We therefore call for the fulfillment of ODA commitments, scaled-up concessional and grant-based financing, sustainable debt solutions, equitable market access, and enhanced technological cooperation. The CBI commitment, AWAZA and Doha Programme of Action must deliver meaningful support to developing countries, particularly LDCs and LLDCs. As we approach the conclusion of the third UN Decade for the Eradication of Poverty and the 2030 Agenda, poverty eradication must move beyond income thresholds towards lasting human dignity, economic opportunity, social justice and resilience for all. I thank you.

I thank Nepal, and I give the floor to Poland.

Mr. Chair. Poland strongly supports the 2030 agenda. We call for acceleration of the implementation of all SDGs as a means of achieving lasting progress in economic and social development. Reducing poverty and inequalities is a priority for the Polish development cooperation. Guided by the principle of leaving no one behind, we address our support primarily to persons belonging to vulnerable groups and communities, especially by ensuring equal opportunities and access to education, healthcare, and decent work. Unfortunately, current geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts have a destructive impact on global food security, particularly regarding food production and distribution. We are very concerned about the grave implications of the current escalation in the Black Sea, and we call for an end to attacks on key maritime corridors and critical infrastructure in the region. The situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz poses another serious threat to world food security, with negative consequences felt not only in the region but also globally, especially by the LDCs. It is of paramount importance that freedom of navigation is restored. We call on the UN and its specialized agencies to step up their diplomatic efforts to end the weaponization or politicization of food security and armed conflicts. Mr. Chair, Poland believes that the mining of agricultural lands is crucial to allowing investments in food production and economic recovery. In 2026, we have contributed to activities by FAO in Ukraine and by UNMAS in Syria, aimed at clearing mines and explosive ordnance from agricultural areas. Last year, we allocated around 2 million euro to WFP's activities in Syria, Sudan, and for the School Meals Coalition. We also supported FAO's work in Sudan and finance activities by Polish NGOs in the field of food security carried out in Ukraine, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria. In our view, the UN system has a key role to play in developing and upholding arrangements to protect ports, shipping lanes, grain corridors, agricultural infrastructure and cross-border humanitarian supply chains. Poland reaffirms its support for the UN leadership in addressing the challenges to eradicating poverty and global food security. Through our bilateral and multilateral policy, as well as humanitarian and development assistance, we are committed to strengthening resilience in the regions that are most severely affected. I thank you.

I thank Poland. Thank you for Zambia.

Thank you, Chairperson. Zambia aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, the African Group, and the ODC Group. Zambia reaffirms itself its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We recognize that eradicating poverty, ending hunger, and achieving sustainable development require productive agriculture, resilient food systems, and inclusive economic transformation. Chairperson, global climate change, land degradation, drought, and economic shocks continue to threaten food security and rural livelihoods. Zambia therefore calls for sustainable agricultural practices and stronger integration of disaster risk reduction to agricultural policies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 to 2030. We also emphasize the importance of implementing commitments to combat land degradation and drought. Transforming agriculture from subsistence production to a productive, diversified, market-oriented, and climate-resilient sector is essential to eradicating poverty. This requires investment across the agricultural value chain, including irrigation, research, mechanization, rural infrastructure, financing, storage, agro-processing, and market access. Such investments can increase productivity, create employment, raise household incomes, and improve food and nutrition security. Chairperson, agriculture transformation must be inclusive. Women who play a critical role in food production and rural economies must have equitable access to land, finance, technology, extension services, and markets. Digital innovation also offers opportunities to expand access to agricultural knowledge, climate information, financial services, and market opportunities, particularly for rural communities. However, developing countries cannot achieve these ambitions alone. Zambia calls for strengthened international cooperation, increased concession of financing, technology transfer, and capacity building to enable countries, particularly those most vulnerable to climate change and exogenous shocks, to build resilient and sustainable food systems. Chairperson, Zambia remains committed to advancing agricultural transformation as a pathway to rural poverty reduction, gender equality, food security, and sustainable development. We urge the international community to match its commitments with concrete actions and adequate resources to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Together, we can build a future in which no country, community, or person is left behind. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank Zambia, and then I give the floor to Spain.

Chair, Your Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, Spain considers it fundamental to strengthen multilateralism and collective action, putting always people, their rights, and their dignity at the center. Bearing this in mind, first of all, gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls are essential for the eradication of poverty and for sustainable development. On the basis of our feminist foreign policy and our feminist strategy of cooperation, Spain promotes a transformative approach based on four pillars: rights, representation, resources, and partnerships. This involves eliminating structural barriers that limit the economic autonomy of women, ensuring their access to productive resources, financing, and decent work. as well as recognizing and redistributing domestic work and non-remunerated care work. Gender equality is not only a goal in itself, but rather an essential precondition for sustainable development. Secondly, the eradication of poverty requires addressing its structural causes and the inequalities that perpetuate it. It's not enough to promote economic growth. We need policies that strengthen systems of social protection and guarantee universal access to essential services and create opportunities and decent work. The second World Summit on Social Development of Doha renewed our collective commitment to social protection, decent work, and social inclusion. We also considered fundamental to move towards a A notion of progress that goes beyond GDP, incorporating indicators that better reflect the well-being of people, inequalities, and environmental sustainability, to guide public policies more effectively and more inclusively. With this in mind, the Seville Commitment offers us a roadmap to strengthen international cooperation and address the challenges of debt, mobilize additional resources, and advance towards an international financial architecture that is more inclusive and effective in support of the priorities of partner countries. Thirdly, The fight against hunger and the guarantee for decent work must occupy a central place in our collective efforts. Spain defends integrated responses that combine social protection, agricultural development, and sustainable and resilient solutions, focusing specific attention on small-scale producers, family agriculture, and rural women. This commitment will be strengthened with a new strategy of development. In this context, Spain has the honor of co-chairing together with Brazil the Global Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative that seeks to translate political commitments into concrete results supporting effective public policies and a better coordination of financing to accelerate advances towards SDG 1 and 2.

I thank Spain. I give the floor to Jordan.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Food security, agricultural development, and nutrition are among the most fundamental issues linked to human life and dignity, especially in light of growing conflicts, the deteriorating impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and escalating global challenges. The challenge is no longer just to increase food production, but it requires ensuring safe, healthy, and nutritious and affordable food for all. Jordan has achieved tangible progress in strengthening food security through the implementation of the National Food Security Strategy. And the rate of food self-sufficiency in Jordan has risen to 61%. And as per the latest edition of the SOFI report, progress has been achieved in Jordan across a number of indicators, including a decline in the prevalence of undernourishment and an improvement in the affordability of a healthy diet. Jordan believes that the future of agriculture cannot be measured solely by increased production, but also by the efficiency in the use and protection of natural resources. In this context, we continue our efforts to develop climate-smart agriculture, improve water use efficiency in irrigation, and expand the use of modern technologies and reduce food loss and waste, and increase the participation of youth and rural women in innovative initiatives. And we have developed national information systems that support early warning and response. Jordan's commitment to advancing food security extends to its humanitarian and regional responsibilities. In this context, in cooperation with the United Nations and international partners, we have extended a land corridor through Jordan to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian assistance to the civilians in the besieged Gaza Strip. our efforts must be measured by the delivery of food, water, medicine, and humanitarian to the persons that need them. Jordan is also strengthening its role as a general center for food security and humanitarian response. We are cooperating with the World Food Program, the FAO, and international partners. We have developed a regional food security and nutrition observatory for the Mashriq. And the initiative covers six countries, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine. We, through the observatory, contribute to data sharing, decision-making support, and enhanced capacity to respond to food security challenges in the region. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I thank Jordan, and I give the floor to Deputy Minister for European Affairs from the Foreign Ministry of Liberia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Liberia aligns itself with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the African group. Poverty eradication remains the central challenge of sustainable development. For Liberia, overcoming poverty requires more than short-term relief. It requires structural economic transformation that creates decent job, raises household incomes, strengthen food security, and expand access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. These priorities are the heart of Liberia's five-year development plan, the Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development. The Arrest Agenda for Inclusive Development is Liberia's nationally owned developmental vehicle for advancing inclusive growth, reducing poverty, and translating economic progress into measurable improvement in the lives of our people to attain the SDGs. Agriculture occupies a central place in this transformation. Liberia is working to move beyond subsistence production towards commercially viable agribusinesses and integrated agricultural value chains. Our focus is on increasing domestic food production, improving storage, processing and packaging, strengthening links between farmers and market, and promoting greater value addition to Liberia's agricultural product. This transformation requires sustained investment in rural roads, energy, irrigation, research, extension services, and modern production technologies. It also requires stronger support for smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and local enterprises, particularly those led by women and young people. Expanding their participation in agri-business can generate employment, strengthen rural economies, reduce food imports, and improve national food security. Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint. Small farmers and agricultural enterprises frequently face high borrow costs, limited collateral, and insufficient access to long-term credit. Liberia, therefore, calls for expanded concession financing, blended finance instrument, credit guarantee, and responsible private investment that can help de-risk agricultural production and attract capital across agro value chain. Honorable chairman, Liberia remains committed to national ownership, sound governance, and partnership with the private sector and international community. Through the effective implementation of the address of gender for inclusive development, we seek to build a more productive economy, expand opportunity, and show that growth deliver dignity and improve the living condition of our people. Thank you.

I thank the honorable minister. For Liberia, I give the floor to Italy.

Thank you, Chair, distinguished colleagues. Italy wishes to add some remarks in its national capacity on item 23, agriculture development, food security and nutrition. Our commitment in this field is longstanding, as demonstrated by our hosting of the UN Food and Agriculture Hub in Rome. our chairing of the Group of Friends on Food Security and Nutrition here in New York, and our support for the UN Food Systems Summit process since its very inception, up to the stock taking moment we co-hosted with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa in 2025. We meet at a time when global food security remains under severe strain. SDG 2, achieving zero hunger by 2030, is far from being reached. and hundreds of millions of people worldwide still suffer from hunger and malnutrition. This is due not only to structural challenges, but also to multiple crises disrupting global value chains. Structural challenges call for an innovative approach to development cooperation, rooted in mutual respect, national ownership, and the active involvement of the private sector. This is the approach we are pursuing to support the transformation of food systems in the partner countries of the Mattei Plan for Africa, many of which are LDCs and LLDCs. At the same time, contingent shocks, such as instability in Europe and in the Middle East, and disruption to key maritime route, must also be addressed. In this spirit, we launched the Rome Coalition for Fertilizer Access and Food Security, which held its second ministerial meeting during the high-level week. We reiterate our support to ensuring more stable, affordable, and diversified fertilizer and food supply chains to address price volatility and to strengthen long-term agricultural resilience, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. We will continue working with all involved partners and agencies to keep global food security at the forefront of the sustainable development agenda. Chair, every year the Second Committee addresses agriculture development, food security, and nutrition. This is not a routine exercise, but a reflection of the cross-cutting importance of this agenda item. This year, I have the honor of co-facilitating such resolution together with my esteemed colleague from Rwanda, We look forward to a constructive engagement with all delegations, with a view to reaching a text that reflects everyone's ambition on this pivotal issue and brings us one step closer to zero hunger. I thank you.

I.

Thank Italy. I give the floor to Malawi.

Chairperson, Malawi aligns itself with the statements delivered by the groups of G77 and China, Africa Group, and the LDC, and takes note of the Secretary-General's report. For Malawi, the transformation of agriculture must go beyond increasing food production.

It must lay the foundation for industrial development, create decent jobs, expand exports, and strengthen economic resilience. Malawi 2063 places agriculture productivity, commercialization, and the industrialization at the center of our national development agenda. However, climate shocks, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, limited access to modern technologies, and inadequate infrastructure continue to constrain our productive potential. Malawi, therefore, advocates international cooperation anchored on four priorities. First, improving agricultural productivity and climate resilience. We call for increased investment in irrigation, mechanization, improved seeds, agricultural research, extension services, and climate-resilient technologies. Second, linking agricultural production to industrialization. Increased productivity must be matched by investment in agro-processing, storage, reliable energy, transport, and market infrastructure. Developing countries must move beyond exporting raw commodities toward producing competitive, value-added products that generate employment and foreign exchange. Third, strengthening technology transfer and productive capabilities. International partnerships must equip farmers, cooperatives, and domestic enterprises with appropriate technologies, technical skills, and institutional capabilities to improve competitiveness, meet international standards, and integrate into regional and global value chains. Fourth, Mobilizing sustainable financing for agriculture and industrial transformation. Malawi calls upon international financing institutions and development partners to expand affordable, long-term financing, guarantees, and risk-sharing instruments for productive investment, particularly benefiting smallholder farmers, women, young people, and rural enterprises.

Chairperson.

Malawi believes that international development cooperation must be measured by the productive capabilities that are established and sustained. We therefore propose a productive capacity and capability transfer approach under which development partnerships deliver measurable improvements in productivity, technology adoption, domestic value addition, and institutional capacity while respecting national priorities and policy space. I thank you.

I thank Malawi. I give the floor to Tunisia.

Mr. Chair, Tunisia aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Arab Group, the African Group, and the Group of 77 and China, and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. We reaffirm our commitment to accelerating progress towards poverty eradication, gender equality, agricultural development, and food security. First, on poverty eradication, according to the World Bank, Tunisia's national poverty rate declined from 20.5% in 2010 to 15.2% in 2015, before rising to 16.6% in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These figures underline both the progress achieved over time and the need to strengthen social protection, create decent employment opportunities, and improve access to essential services. particularly for vulnerable populations. In this regard, the social security program provides monthly cash transfers to more than 330,000 poor households. Second, on women's participation in development, Tunisia considers women's empowerment a fundamental driver of economic and social progress. Our achievements in education and scientific research are particularly noteworthy. Women represent 66% of university students and 70% of university graduates. They account for 55% of scientific researchers, while women constitute most medical graduates and represent 74% of students enrolled in medical studies. Women also have achieved substantial representation in the judiciary, reaching 43% in 2018. These achievements reflect Tunisia's longstanding investment in education and equal opportunities. We remain committed to translating these gains into greater economic participation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and access to decision-making positions, while addressing persistent barriers to women's employment, especially in rural areas. Third, on agricultural development, food security, and nutrition, the FAO's latest country brief, dated August 26, estimates Tunisia's cereal production at approximately 1.8 million tons, nearly 20% above the five-year average. However, wheat imports are still forecast at 2 million tons for 26-27, representing more than half of domestic wheat supply. This progress demonstrates the importance of investment in agricultural productivity and support for farmers. In March 24, the World Bank approved an additional 300 million U.S. dollars for Tunisia's emergency food security response project. The financing supported wheat imports, supplies for dairy production, and climate-resilient seeds. Tunisia remains committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient society in which poverty is progressively eradicated, women participate fully in development.

I thank Tunisia, and I give the floor to Somalia.

Chair, distinguished delegates, as it is Somalia's first time taking the floor, we would like to congratulate the Chair and the Bureau on their appointment, and assure you of Somalia's support and cooperation. Somalia is aligned with the statements delivered on behalf of the G77 and China, the LDC group and the African group. We wish to deliver the following statement in our national capacity. For Somalia, eradicating poverty and achieving food security are not abstract goals. We welcome the report of the Secretary-General on the eradication of poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this context, we wish to highlight the following key priorities: First, National efforts must be complemented by a modernized global financial architecture that actively fosters sustainable development. Somalia calls for the full implementation of the Sapphia commitment to strengthen domestic resource mobilization, fulfill longstanding ODA commitments, expand concessional financing, and address systemic debt vulnerabilities. Second, poverty reduction is central to Somalia's national transformation plan, which is anchored in the 2030 agenda. Embedding poverty eradication across core national priorities enables nations to transition from short-term emergency relief to self-sustaining economic growth. Setting clear national targets allows governments to align fiscal policy, cultivate human capital, and enable international development financing to flow directly through national systems. Third, Developing nations must shift from exporting raw commodities to domestic agro-processing, livestock and manufacturing to break import dependency. Strong industrial partnerships deliver the technical capacity and patient capital needed to build resilient local value chains, shield vulnerable economies from global supply shocks and strengthen long-term self-reliance. And finally, rural poverty disproportionately impacts women and displaced populations, especially in Africa. Women consistently reinvest a higher proportion of their income into household nutrition, healthcare, and education. Capitalizing female-led enterprises and empowering women in decision-making directly reduces household poverty, enhances child health, and elevates community resilience. Chair, achieving sustainable poverty eradication requires aligning national transformation with global solidarity. Somalia stands ready to work with the Second Committee and all Member States to translate these priorities into lasting peace and prosperity for all. I thank you.

I thank Somalia, and I now give the floor to Togo.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Togo aligns itself with the statements delivered by Namibia, the Gambia, and Uruguay. Speaking on behalf of the African Group, the Group of the Least Developed Countries, and the Group of 77 and China, respectively, we'd like to share the following remarks in national capacity. Food security remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. There are climate change, conflicts, volatility of food prices and agricultural inputs, as well as disturbances of supply chains. And these are in particular affecting the LDCs and the developing countries. Given these challenges, Togo has chosen productive agriculture that is resilient, modern, and provides much added value. Agriculture capable of contributing to food sovereignty, nutritional security, and capable of building jobs and structurally transforming our economy. This choice is illustrated by concrete initiatives such as our program for the modernization of Togo's agriculture called Promat, covering the period 2025 to 2034. This is the strategic framework of our government aiming to sustainably transform agricultural and food systems. This aim fully fits into the new dynamic for development of our government through its new governmental roadmap for 2026 to 2031 and its vision up until 2040. Mr. Chairman, carrying out these aims requires a conducive international environment. In this regard, we have three calls. First, we call for strengthening concessional and forward-looking financing for agriculture, food security, and adaptation to climate change. Second, strengthen international cooperation on research, technology transfer, irrigation, mechanization, digitalization, and climate-smart agriculture. Our third point. We need to further support local processing and African agricultural value chains to ensure that our continent is able to create more jobs, more revenue, and provide more added value. By way of conclusion, my delegation expresses its appreciation to all of its technical and financial partners for their unwavering support. And we call for bolstering international cooperation so as to promote sustainable agriculture and to guarantee food security and improved nutrition for everyone. Thank you.

I thank Togo and I give the floor to Norway.

If we wanted to, we would. Distinguished delegates, Chair, my name is Kaja Engedal Hovdenak, and I speak on behalf of Youth of Norway. I have never heard anyone say they can't afford war, can't afford to occupy Palestine, or to bomb Ukraine.

But what I do hear a lot is that we can't afford vaccines, food, or to stop the climate crisis.

It's not a lack of resources.

It's a lack of will.

I spent part of my childhood in Gaza. The friends I grew up with, those who are still alive, know what it means when international law doesn't protect them. Israel's occupation and war have pushed an entire population into poverty and starvation, and not as a circumstance, but as a result of human rights violation. I was here last year, and I wish I didn't have to say this again as well. But when Ukraine was invaded, countries responded. When it comes to Palestine, some of the same countries lack that urgency. This shows a double standard in how we respond. Why should we, as the next generation, build trust in multilateralism when justice feels so selective?

If we are not able to act in our own United Nations, then where can we? If we wanted to, we would. I now give the floor to my co-youth delegates.

My name is Asgeir Cecilstad, and I'm speaking on behalf of Norwegian youth. But today, I'm also representing my LGBTQ siblings, especially trans youth around the world who are disowned, displaced, and live in poverty because of who they are. We talk a lot about meaningful youth participation in the UN, but many young people from different regions that should have access to this room aren't here. This is a democratic issue and makes the fight against poverty harder than it needs to be. The fight against poverty must be inclusive and rights-based. Poverty is multidimensional, as presented to us in the report this morning. So, participation in decision-making and solutions to end poverty should also be multidimensional. The UN has to talk less about people and more with people. Youth can speak for themselves. You just have to let us.

Thank you.

I thank Norway, and I now give the floor to Haiti.

Mr. Chairman, my delegation is speaking under agenda item 21 on the participation of women in development. We endorse the statement delivered by CARICOM and the Group of 77 and China. We welcome the report of the Secretary-General on this issue, which forcefully recalls that the empowerment of women is an essential lever for economic transformation. representing 50.5% of our population. Women are the bedrock of our nation. On the economic front, their role is decisive. They make up 51.8% of our active population. The Madan Saraz, which distribute products throughout our country, symbolize, with 73% of women active in trade and services, the vitality of our economy. In agriculture, where they make up 70% of labor, their contribution is hampered by a injustice involving land. 71% of them don't have any land under their own name. On the political and decision-making front, the desire to address the problem of gender is clear. In this regard, significant strides have been made. Many women lead public institutions that are significant. That includes the Unit for Combating Crime and Corruption, the National Education Fund, the National Insurance Fund, and the ministerial cabinet of the current government has five women. Despite these strides forward, major challenges remain, and there's a long way to go. It's impossible to separate this political aim from the reality on the ground. Insecurity has cruelly stymied our efforts. Women are experiencing total economic precarity in camps, where they face brutal living conditions, where rape is used as a tactic to sow terror. Also, the eradication of poverty is inseparable from securing the rights of women. By supporting their transition the formal sector, we're transforming their resilience into a true lever for national prosperity. This resilience also supports our diaspora. In 2025, cash remittances achieved 4.9 billion. That's 16.9% of our GDP. The women of our diaspora are pillars of financial stability amid external shocks, showing that Haitian women are major actors for our economic survival. In closing, Haiti calls for international cooperation that is stronger to support our program for empowerment. And we are pushing forward with this in the Ministry for Women and the Rights of Women. Its operational actions on the ground are already a central pillar of our national development strategy. Thank.

You.

I thank Haiti.

Thank you, Chair. In rural areas, a single harvest provides food and sustenance for a small family. When it fails, hunger and poverty deepen. Today's discussion brings these challenges together: poverty eradication, agricultural development, food security, and nutrition. Agricultural technology can help families grow enough food to eat well, produce enough surplus to sell, and earn a more reliable income. For Israel, farming under difficult conditions has made innovation a necessity. Connecting farmers, researchers, and businesses has been central to that effort. Israel leads the biennial resolution on agricultural technology for sustainable development. The resolution promotes smart farming to boost production and reduce food losses. It highlights digital tools and artificial intelligence across food systems, from farm to factory, from market to table. For a farmer, these advances can mean detecting crop problems earlier, using water more efficiently, and protecting the harvest until it can be sold. Research is also opening new possibilities for nutrition. An Israeli-led study examined controlled production of spirulina, a protein-rich microalga. The food produced contained all essential amino acids with consistent nutritional quality throughout the year and little dependence on weather conditions. This is an opportunity to strengthen protein supplies where conventional farming conditions are difficult and access to nutritious food is limited. But innovation can reduce poverty only when people benefit from it, and it must be accessible to all. That is why our resolution emphasizes access to technology, including remote rural areas. Affordable financing, practical training, and access to markets must support our efforts. We will see progress when families eat better, farmers earn more, and communities are better prepared for difficult seasons and climate change. These are the outcomes that should guide agricultural innovation and our work in this committee. I thank you.

I thank Israel. Give the floor Timor-Leste.

Mr. Chair, Timor-Leste aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of ASEAN, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, CPLP, the Group of 77 and China, and the Group of Least Developed Countries. We wish to make the following remarks in our national priority capacity. In our context, eradication of poverty and hunger requires an integrated approach that strengthens agricultural development, creates sustainable livelihoods, and improves nutrition. With this in mind, allow me to briefly highlight the following areas of action: first, advancing inclusive rural development. Preliminary findings from our 2024 Living Standards Survey indicates progress in our reduction of poverty at the national level, a reduction of 4.8% over the last decade. Building on these gains, we are working to expand economic opportunities, strengthen social protection, and improve livelihoods, particularly in rural communities where poverty remains higher. Second, strengthening agriculture productivity and resilience. Our recently adopted medium-term plan 2027-2030 set concrete priorities to rehabilitate irrigation system, strengthen agricultural extension services, and improve market access, particularly through carefully selected agriculture value change. This measure aim to improve and empower smallholder farmers, increase rural incomes, and be resilient to climate shocks. Third, improving food security and nutrition. While malnutrition remains a challenge with the higher prevalence among rural communities, Timor-Leste is strengthening its response through the National Council for Food and Nutritional Security. These efforts are complemented by initiatives such as conditional mothers allowance program, support maternal and child nutrition and the school feeding program, which links school feeding to opportunities for local food producers. Mr. Chair, sustained international cooperation, including accessible and predictable financing, appropriate agricultural technology, and capacity building remains essential to advancing these priorities. Our priority is to ensure progress reaches rural households, strengthen livelihood, and give every child a healthier future. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Tim. I give the floor to the State of Palestine.

Thank you, Chair. The State of Palestine aligns with the statements delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and by Libya on behalf of the Arab Group, and wishes to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Poverty eradication and food security are central to the 2030 Agenda. With only a few years remaining until 2030, the urgency of accelerating progress towards SDGs 1 and 2 has never been greater. The world possesses wealth, technology, productive capacity, and knowledge needed to eradicate poverty and end hunger. Yet, structural inequalities persist as over 600 million people continue to live in extreme poverty, while billions face high levels of food insecurity. For many countries in the Global South, poverty and hunger remain among the most pressing injustices of our time. For Palestine, however, these injustices are not inevitable conditions, but are forcibly imposed and perpetuated by the Israeli occupation. Mr. Chair, UNCTAD has warned that 92% of Gaza's economic establishments have been severely damaged or destroyed, forcing nearly the entire population into extreme poverty. A joint report by the European Union, United Nations, and the World Bank has also warned that the Israeli onslaught has erased 77 years of human development in Gaza. Last year, famine was declared as hunger and starvation were weaponized by the Israeli occupation, which destroyed nearly all of Gaza's agricultural lands. Yet, these realities do not define Palestine or its people. Palestine's greatest asset is its people, a formidable force who has sustained economic activity and driven development under impossible conditions imposed by the occupation, and whose potential is poised to be unleashed in a free Palestine. Palestine has agricultural land that could sustain its own people and even contribute to regional food security. This potential is reflected in the Jordan Valley, Palestine's water reservoir and bread basket, whose agricultural resources are exploited and are illegally and falsely marketed internationally as so-called Israeli products. The State of Palestine reiterates its call on states to take concrete measures by banning all products from illegal Israeli settlements in full compliance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Mr. Chair, for Palestine, eradicating poverty and achieving food security are inseparable from the realization of the right to self-determination as affirmed in the 2030 agenda. The state of Palestine reaffirms the importance of upholding international law and the charter of the United Nations to ensure accountability, justice, and an end to the Israeli occupation. Translating these commitments into concrete action is a cornerstone of realizing Palestine's full potential, ensuring food security, eradicating poverty, and fulfilling the pledge to leave no country and no one behind. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the State of Palestine. I give the floor to Rwanda.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Rwanda aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Group G77 and China, the LDCs, and the Africa Group. For Rwanda, eradicating poverty and ensuring food and nutrition security remains central to our national vision. Guided by Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation, as anchored in the Strategy Plan for Agriculture Transformation, we pursue an inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural economy that leaves no one behind. Our experience underscores the importance of linking social protection with productive opportunities. Investment in irrigation, sustainable land management, and rural infrastructure strengthen livelihoods and access markets. Mr. Chair, the Secretary-General report reminds us that around three-quarters of the world's extreme poor lives are in rural areas. Approximately 2.1 billion people experienced moderate or severe food insecurity in 2025. Poverty, land degradation, and food insecurity reinforces one another. Increasing production must therefore translate into better incomes, greater resilience, and access to nutritious food. Rwanda calls for action in four priority areas. First, restore soil health and strengthen sustainable land and water management while promoting equitable access to land, particularly for women and young people. Second, establishing agricultural de-risking instruments through unlocking access to finance, climate finance, and insurance for smallholders, alongside social protection that helps vulnerable households withstand shocks. Third, invest in research, extension services, and rural infrastructure, while reducing post-harvest losses and supporting agri-processing to improve incomes and create decent jobs. Fourth, advanced nutrition-sensitive agriculture and affordable, healthy diets, supported by health services, education, safe water, and sanitation. Mr. Chair, as co-facilitators with Italy of the resolution on agriculture development, food security, and nutrition, we look forward to working constructively with all member states towards a consensual outcome. Rwanda remains committed to building a resilient rural area communities. empowering women and young people and advancing the 2030 agenda. I thank you.

I thank Rwanda. I give the floor to Ethiopia.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of G77 and China, the African Group, and the LDC groups, and we want to highlight the following remarks in our national capacity. The Secretary General's report on the eradication of poverty highlights that global progress in poverty reduction remains uneven and insufficient, with one in 10 people still living in extreme poverty. This underscores the need for integrated and people-centered policies, strengthened international cooperation, expanded development financing, and increased investment to accelerate progress towards the achievement of sustainable development goals. Ethiopia's efforts to reduce poverty are grounded in the principle of addressing poverty in all its dimensions. Guided by a multi-sectoral approach that prioritizes inclusivity, resilience, and human capital development, we have made significant progress in creating conditions that help prevent people from falling back into poverty. We have also made substantial strides in increasing food production, improving nutrition, awareness and strengthening agricultural resilience. Through our Green Legacy Initiative, we have generated significant socioeconomic benefits in addition to its environmental contributions. This initiative has created thousands of jobs for young people and women in areas ranging from seedling propagation to forest management. It has also contributed to food security and self-sufficiency through the cultivation of fruit-bearing trees. Furthermore, the institutionalization of the homegrown school feeding program has supported improvements in educational attainment, health and nutrition outcomes. Similarly, the four year bounty of basket initiative is contributing to improved household nutrition in both rural and urban communities. Historically dependent on rain-fed with production, Ethiopia faced recurring food shortage and substantial import cost. In response to this, the government launched a nationally irrigated with production initiative, marking a transition towards large scale year round cultivation. This effort has positioned wheat as a cornerstone of food security and an important driver of agro industrial development. Despite these achievements, climate shocks, limited mechanization and capacity constraints continue to place significant pressure on food and nutrient systems, sustained investments in integrated agri-food system, climate smart technologies and robots data platforms remain essential to safeguard these gains to accelerate poverty reduction and advance achievement of SDGs. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank Ethiopia. I give the floor to Syrian Arab Republic.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I congratulate you on your chairmanship of the committee. We reaffirm our desire to share in the work of the Second Committee. At the outset, I endorse the statement of the G77 and China and that of the Arab Group. Ladies and gentlemen, during the 80th session of the UNGA, Syria worked to further our goals. During this session, we've worked to open up a new economic horizon for Syrians to ensure that this openness and cooperation are beneficial through jobs and chances to guarantee advancement in the future. This is why we've partaken in the work of this committee through active contributions. for our national priorities. Our economy has resumed its work, and we are working to make investments. We're aware of the long road ahead of us, and we're aware that the decades of war and mismanagement can't be eradicated from one day to the next. Syria is bringing its resources to bear, and we can count on our resources and our people and on our desire to improve ourselves, and we can rely on our partners and allies. We're working to eradicate poverty and ensure agricultural development, and this is at the forefront of our priorities. We expect that our partners will accompany us here with our economic transformation, development, investments, work opportunities, infrastructure, so as to allow our populations to return home to their land. We're going to work with a spirit of openness so as to achieve the SDGs for ourselves and for everyone else. Thank you.

Thank you. I now give the floor to Iran.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem. Mr. Chair, my delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Poverty eradication and food security are fundamental priorities for the Islamic Republic of Iran. rooted in our commitment to social justice and human dignity. Achieving this objective requires national action supported by adequate international assistance. We emphasize the central role of the United Nations in mobilizing such support and coordinating collective efforts in accordance with national priorities. Mr. Chair, national efforts, however, face significant external obstacles. But protectionist policies, barriers to market access, wars, military aggression, unilateral coercive measures, and maritime blockades aggravate poverty and food insecurity by undermining livelihoods, disrupting production, trade, and supply chains, increasing costs, weakening productive capacities. As I share, in particular, unilateral coercive measures, secondary sanctions, and overcompliance directed against the people of targeted countries restrict trade and access to healthcare, education, and agricultural inputs, raise costs, and undermine livelihood and social protection. They deepen poverty, inequality, and food insecurity, disproportionately affecting children, women, elder persons, and patients with serious and rare diseases. These challenges have been exacerbated by severe sanctions, unlawful unilateral coercive measures, military aggression, and maritime blockade against the Iranian people. Mr. Chair. Hosting millions of refugees and foreign nationals places further pressure on Iran's food supplies and public services. We therefore call on the United Nations and international donors to fulfill their commitment in this regard. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be separated from its root causes, unlawful military aggressions and subsequent attempts to impose an unlawful maritime blockade. These actions aggravate tensions, disrupt maritime trade, and undermine food security and development throughout the region and beyond. Ending the aggression and lifting the blockade are essential to restoring maritime security. Lasting progress against poverty and hunger requires peace and the removal of unlawful unilateral coercive measures. I thank Iran.

I give the floor to Algeria.

Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statements of the G77 and China, the African Group, and the Arab Group. Agriculture and sector and agri-food transformation are at the heart of Algeria's priorities for achieving food security. Today, the agriculture sector contributes around 15% to the national GDP. My country adopted a comprehensive policy based on enhancing financial resources for agri-food transformation, promoting investment and innovation for a modern agriculture system. Algeria's agriculture sector covers 70% of national markets' needs, and the agri-food sector currently employs more than 2.6 million persons. Algeria is ranked among the best performing African countries in terms of food security. Mr. Chair, Algeria reaffirms also its strong commitment to ending poverty and hunger in all its forms and everywhere. Algeria has placed the fight against poverty at the center of its priority and is committed to eradicating extreme poverty by 2030. The implementation of SDG 1 is based on an integrated approach, articulated around universal social policies, targets, programs, and measures to support purchasing power. Extreme poverty is under control at less than 0.5%. Mr. Chair, the current challenging context requires an adequate response that meets the need to eradicate poverty and to ensure food security and nutrition. In this regard, we need to enhance international cooperation in order to accelerate the reform of the international financial architecture to promote to global social protection and to reduce development gaps by strengthening international cooperation, capacity building, and bridging the digital gap. I thank you.

I.

Thank Algeria. I'm going to give the floor to the Holy See.

Mr. Chair, poverty is the greatest challenge facing our world today. In its many forms, it is not only a lack of material resources, but also a deprivation of the conditions for everyone to fulfill their potential, with full respect for their inherent God-given dignity. Therefore, eradication of poverty must remain at the core of the shared commitment to achieving sustainable development. One of the most destructive consequences of poverty is hunger and malnutrition. A lack of adequate food has a detrimental impact on the health, education, and livelihoods of millions of people. It forces parents to make the difficult choices between meeting their children's and their own basic needs. The situation is made even more unjust by the fact that, despite enough food being produced to feed everyone, hunger and starvation remain a daily reality for far too many people. At the same time, the deeply concerning extent of food loss and waste must be addressed. Pope Leo XIV observes that the continuing tragedy of widespread hunger and malnutrition, which persists in many countries today, is sadder and more shameful when we realize that although the earth is capable of producing enough food for all human beings, and despite international commitments to food security, it is unfortunate that so many of the world's poor still lack their daily bread. This paradox reminds us that eradicating hunger is not simply a matter of increasing production. Firstly, it requires addressing the conditions that prevent people from accessing sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food, including conflicts, climate change, unfair economic structures, and inadequate infrastructures, particularly for smallholder farmers who are left without access to land, markets, or a fair price for their labor. Secondly, it prompts reflection on how collective resources and priorities are allocated. As poorly the 14 states, financial resources and innovative technologies are being diverted from eradication of poverty and hunger in the world to the manufacture and trade of weapons. In this way, questionable ideologies are promoted while human relations cool, debasing communion, and stifling fraternity and social friendship. In this regard, it is essential that the international community places human dignity at the center of its work. This means translating commitments on poverty eradication and food security into the political will and allocate the resources needed to reach those most in need. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

I thank the delegation of the Holy See, and I now give the floor the International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD.

Thank you, Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, the latest evidence reminds us that progress on hunger and poverty remains far too slow. Hundreds of millions of people still face hunger and food insecurity, and rural areas remain home to most of the world's poor. Accelerating progress requires sustained investment in rural people, rural economies, and the systems that connect them to opportunity. As the only international financial institution and UN specialized agency exclusively dedicated to agriculture and rural development, IFAD sees investment in rural transformation as a practical and proven pathway to accelerate progress on both poverty eradication and food security. Through IFAD 14, our 14th replenishment, we are scaling up this effort through three priorities. First, markets. Small-scale producers must be connected to markets, finance, and value chains. IFAD invests in market systems that help rural people increase productivity, access opportunities, and raise incomes. Second, rural employment. With growing youth populations across many developing countries, creating decent jobs and enterprise opportunities in rural areas is both an economic and development imperative. IFAD 14 places productive employment, especially for young people and women, at the center of rural transformation. Third, resilience. Climate shocks, water stress, biodiversity loss, and conflict continue to undermine development gains. Strengthening resilient livelihoods and water security is essential to achieving lasting food security and stability. Across these priorities, IFAD 14 is also about making finance work better for rural people. The challenge is not only to mobilize more resources, but to ensure that finance is accessible, well-targeted, and adapted to the realities of small-scale producers, rural MSMEs, women, and young entrepreneurs. This means using public and concessional resources more strategically to de-risk investment, strengthen local financial systems, and crowd in responsible private capital where it can deliver real development impact. As IFAD prepares for its 14th replenishment, we remain committed to translating global commitments into tangible results for rural communities. Investing in rural people is an investment in food security, stability, and sustainable development for all. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development. And with that, we've heard the last speaker on the list. The right of response has been requested according to rule 115 of the General Assembly. I want to remind members that the exercise of the right of reply should be limited to two on each topic, three minutes for the first one and two minutes for the second one. I give the floor to Israel.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I'll start on a personal note. I want to address to the comments that were made by the youth delegate from Norway, and we fully support youth delegation's participation, and especially those who amplify and bring queer and LGBTQ voices into this room. And I'm saying it with no cynicism at all. I think it's important and we don't hear it enough in this room or in these halls. So congratulations for that. My following statement that I'm going to read is addressing to the rest of the statement by Norway. My delegation wishes to exercise its right of reply in response to the highly politicized accusation made by Libya, who spoke on behalf of the Arab group, Norway, and Brazil, who echoed messages we usually hear from Hamas and their supporters. It is deeply troubling when delegations politicize this forum while deliberately ignoring how terrorists and radical groups actively destroyed food security. Let us look to the facts regarding food security in Gaza. The grim reality is that the terror organization Hamas, who still holds control over Gaza, who still declares that they aim to eliminate Israel, regularly hijacks humanitarian aid trucks, loots their contents, and uses food as a weapon to maintain its violent stranglehold over civilian populations. Three years ago on October 7th, it was Hamas that brutally destroyed the region's agricultural infrastructure in a frenzied act of terror. Not to mention, they didn't just target Israelis. They massacred, butchered, and kidnapped agricultural students and international agriculture workers who were working in the fields and the kibbutzim, including from Thailand, Nepal, and Tanzania. Hamas kidnapped some of them alongside Israeli hostages, Arabs and Jews, starved them, tortured them, and psychologically abused them in dark tunnels. We must be clear, the statements we heard here today are distorted and one-sided and don't deserve the time of this assembly. When a country like Brazil can't say the word Hamas, it only adds fuel to the fires. When a country like Norway can't recognize Hamas, they may think they support the Palestinian people. They are wrong. The Palestinian people are the main victims of Hamas. For years, Hamas has gathered a vital civilian infrastructure. They dug up water pipes intended for human consumption and turned them into rockets to rain down on Israeli towns. They took supplies intended for agriculture and used them to dig and build hundreds of kilometers of underground terror tunnels to hide weapons, terrorists, and stolen food. Israel has always been clear in its vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and secure Middle East. Statements of division and misinformation do not achieve this goal, nor do they build bridges. Israel stands ready to work with any partner. It's generally committed to leaving no one behind for innovation, agriculture, cooperation, and shared sense of purpose, as we made in our statement. Thank you.

I thank Israel.

I give the floor to Iran.

Mr. Chair, today the representative of Bahrain, Libya, and Kuwait made unfounded allegations against my country. The Islamic Republic of Iran categorically rejects the allegations made against my country in this meeting. Out of respect for our colleagues in this room and the work of this committee, I shall not repeat our position, our position already recorded on the previous meeting of this committee. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Representative.

I thank Iran. I give the floor to Bahrain.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have requested the floor on behalf of the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council to respond to the intervention by Iran. I request the floor to assert that the attacks launched by Iran since the 28th of February have targeted states that are not party to the current conflict, and despite our repetition and assertion that we are not parties to the conflict. In this context, we emphasize that the international community's position was clear and decisive, and it was embodied in Security Council Resolution 2817, which was supported by 163 states, as well as the Human Rights Council Resolution 61/1, which has condemned the attacks and called for their cessation, and asserted that they were a violation of international law and international peace.

And security. Thank you.

Thank you. I give the floor to the State of Palestine.

Thank you, Chair. The delegation of the State of Palestine exercises its right of reply to the remarks just made by the Israeli delegation. We constantly hear the Israeli claims to be a trailblazer in agricultural technology and a contributor to food security. Yet we must ask, what meaning does this agricultural innovation hold when an entire people's own food systems are systematically destroyed, their land and resources exploited, and their access to food inhumanely denied? In Gaza, hunger and starvation were weaponized by the Israeli occupation, as famine was declared last year. The UN estimates that only 3% of Gaza's crop lands remain undamaged. In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian farmers face relentless settler terror and violence, restrictions on access to their lands, and the systematic exploitation of Palestinian natural and agricultural resources. Palestinian resources and products are exploited by the Israeli occupation and its illegal settlements, then marketed internationally under Israeli labels, erasing their Palestinian origin and diverting the economic benefits away from the very people whose land is exploited to produce them. Mr. Chair, agricultural development cannot be divorced from the responsibility to uphold international law and ensure that all people can cultivate their land and feed their own families. Agricultural development cannot be championed with one hand while the very foundations of a people's food security are destroyed with the other hand. The State of Palestine calls on the international community to ensure accountability, ban products originating from illegal Israeli settlements, and take concrete action to end the occupation that denies the Palestinian people their right to self-determination, economic development, and food security. I thank you, Mr. President.

I thank the State of Palestine, and I give the floor to the representative of Kuwait.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My delegation exercises its right of reply. To the Iranian intervention, the State of Kuwait affirms that it is not a party to this conflict and has not allowed for use of its territory or airspace to launch attacks against any state. We reject any claim to the contrary, and we reiterate our condemnation in the strongest terms of the brutal Iranian attacks since the 28th of February, which have targeted our civilian objects and the critical infrastructure. and has threatened civilians and residents in a clear violation of our sovereignty and territorial integrity and a violation of the principle of the no use of force as per the UN Charter. We reject the falsification of facts and the selective interpretation of international law and the Charter. To invoke self-defense is not to allow targeting civilian objects and is not to justify the attacks against peaceful state. The Security Council has condemned these attacks in Resolution 2817, and the Arab Group today and hours before has condemned these attacks. And accordingly, my country calls on Iran and its agents to end all attacks and to cease all interruption of freedom of navigation, and we hold Iran fully responsible and including a call for compensation, while also Kuwait maintains its right to defend itself as per the UN Charter. We reiterate our call for respect for state sovereignty and to commit to the peaceful means for settlement of disputes and to secure freedom of navigation as per UNCLOS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Thank you, Kuwait. give the floor to Iran to intervene a second time.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, my delegation rejects unfounded allegations against my country by the previous speakers. Our positions is already, as I mentioned, is on record. At a time when poverty and food insecurity demand urgent collective action, we should direct our efforts towards the responsibilities we shared under this committee's mandate. Countries of our region have a particular responsibility to promote peace, genuine dialogue, and cooperation. Regional cooperation can make a tangible difference through agricultural research, sustainable water management, resilient food supply chains, and coordinated responses to drought and sudden storm. and other shared environmental challenges. The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interest. We encourage all other countries to do so. Mr. Chair, as I mentioned, the situation in the state of Hormuz cannot be separated from its root causes, unlawful military aggressions and subsequent attempts to impose an unlawful maritime blockade is the root causes of such a kind of situation in the region. And then regarding the aggression against my country, the aggression has resulted in the killing of more than 3,400 Iranian people, including women and children. and the widespread destruction of Iran's civilian and vital infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, sports facilities, residence building, airport, cultural sites, and public saving centers. These crimes have been facilitated by certain regional countries that have made their territory and military facilities available to the aggressors. I thank you.

I thank Iran. I now give the floor to Israel to intervene a second time.

Thank you, Chair, and I'm sorry for taking the floor for the second time. I didn't prepare a statement because we will have a full session to talk about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict later this week, and we can address it there. But I just want to say shortly to address to the comments by the Palestinian delegate that he knows, and it's so unfortunate that he cannot mention Hamas because thousands of Palestinians worked shoulder to shoulder with Israeli farmers before October 7th, and it was a win-win for both of our people. If we cannot recognize that, then we cannot say what happened and what led to the situation we are in today. We will not be able to move forward.

I'll end with that.

I thank Israel. I give the floor to Kuwait to intervene a second time.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My delegation exercises its second right of reply to respond to the Iranian delegation. We reiterate once again our rejection of the Iranian claims and attempts to justify the attack against Kuwait. In addition, the State of Kuwait condemns the targeting of civilians and civilian objects anywhere, anytime, and under any circumstance. My delegation rejects the selective interpretation of Article 51. To invoke self-defense cannot justify attack against the state of Kuwait that has not exercised any aggression. And to invoke the Resolutions 3314 and another resolution does not prove the use of Kuwaiti territory and does not justify attacks. And we, once again, condemn the attacks against our civilian objects and critical infrastructure. And once again, we call on Iran and its proxies to end all aggression against Kuwait immediately and to fully implement Resolution 2817. And we hold Iran responsible for the attacks since the 28th of February, 2026. And this includes compensation for all moral and physical damages, while Kuwait maintains its right to self-defense as per the UN Charter. We reiterate our commitment to the respect of the state sovereignty, and we call for committing to the peaceful means for the settlement of disputes and to guarantee freedom of navigation as per UNCLOS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I thank Kuwait. We now give the floor to Bahrain for a second time.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I exercise my second right of reply to respond to Iran, whose intervention included allegations that are baseless. They are an attempt to distort the facts and invert them. The recent Iranian actions have directly targeted our country. They have attacked the infrastructure and critical waterways in the threat to freedom of navigation and the global economy. The claim that this is self-defense has no legal grounds. Attacking a non-conflict party cannot be justified by Article 51 of the UN Charter. In addition, the attempt to reclassify these acts as necessary or cautionary acts do not undermine their illegality. We also reject the accusations that our territory has been used in the military operations. These claims carry no evidence. and they're an attempt to blame parties that are not responsible for any of the wrongdoing. We call on Iran to immediately end any provocation or threat to neighboring countries, including using their proxies. In conclusion, we emphasize that what we witness today is not simply a difference of narrative, but a real test to the commitment of the international community to the respect of international law and the maintenance of international peace and security. We will continue to cooperate with our partners to protect international navigation and to promote peace and security in the region. Thank you.

Thank you, Bahrain. Give the floor to the State of Palestine to intervene for a second time.

Forgive me the floor again, and apologies for taking the floor, but I'm compelled to make the second thread of reply to the comments that we just heard from the Israeli delegation. Just to mention that since the beginning of the Israeli occupation, hundreds of billions of dollars have been exploited by the occupation, allowing settlements and settlers to steal, exploit, and falsely market their settlement products in international markets. So here we reiterate the call on states once again to abide by international law and to ban all products being produced in Israeli settlements. And of course, everything that we just heard from the Israeli delegation is null and void, especially given that we have famine declared in 2025 in Gaza, when hunger and starvation were used as a weapon of war. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank Palestine. Thus, the committee has concluded its consideration of 21 item 21 a and D I remind delegations that the deadline for submission of draft proposals under item 21 a and D as well as agent agenda item 23 is Friday 16th of October at 3 p.m. the committee will reconvene in this conference room tomorrow Thursday 15 October 10 a.m. to consider agenda item 22 operational activities for development and its sub items a and B The meeting is adjourned.