Fourth Committee, 18th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session

I call to order the 18th meeting of this Special Political and Decolonization Committee. Before proceeding further, I wish to remind delegations that the list of speakers for the general debate on Agenda Item 51 Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects closes today at 6 PM. This morning, the committee will continue and conclude its general debate on Agenda Item 53 entitled Questions Relating to Information and take action Thereafter, on draft resolutions A and B contained in the report of the Committee on Information contained in document A/80/21. Before hearing the first speaker in the general debate this morning, I want to inform the Committee that I've received a request from the delegation of France to be included in the list of speakers. I have a request to include the delegation of France in the list of speakers for this item, which closed last Monday, November 3rd. With your consent, I would like to grant this request. Accordingly, I will instruct the Secretariat to include the delegation of France in the list of speakers. I hear no objections. It is so decided. And I give the floor to Egypt.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving my delegation the floor. At the outset, we align ourselves with the statement of Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77. Mr. Chair, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Arab Republic of Egypt on this important item on the work of the Committee on Information. And at the outset, I would like to reiterate my country's full support for the mandate of the committee and the role of the DGC in promoting the mission of the United Nations, especially in light of the unprecedented challenges facing multilateral action. Egypt reiterates that effective communication and reliable information are an essential pillar for building confidence among peoples and in supporting joint efforts to achieve peace and development. In this context, we would like to commend the pivotal role played by the United Nations Information Center in Cairo as a vital bridge between the United Nations system and the our republic, and as a front for the organization's efforts in the region. For decades, the center has succeeded in promoting awareness of the principles and values of the United Nations, supporting sustainable development priorities, and empowering youth and media professionals in the Arab region. Egypt stresses the need to provide the center with the necessary financial and human resource support so that it can continue to perform its tasks, especially in light of the challenges faced by other field centers due to the current financial crisis. Mr. Chair, it is not possible to talk about the UN media without mentioning the tragic situation that media professionals in the Gaza Strip have experienced over the past 2 years due to the grave violations against them by the Israeli aggression. The world has witnessed the death of dozens of journalists while performing their professional duties in a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. And the rules for the protection of journalists in conflict zones. Therefore, Egypt affirms that the freedom of press and media cannot be selective, and that its defense must include all journalists without discrimination, especially those who pay with their lives to report the truth. Mr. Chair, Egypt also stresses the importance of safeguarding the principle of multilingualism in the United Nations system. And ensuring full equality among the 6 official languages so as to provide equal access to information for all peoples, including Arabic-speaking peoples. We also call for reducing the digital divide between the North and the South and strengthening national capacities in the field of media and digital communication, including artificial intelligence, so that technology does not become a tool to widen inequality but a means of empowering everyone. In conclusion, the Arab Republic of Egypt affirms that the UN media is a pillar of multilateralism and a means for consolidating a culture of peace, upholding the values of justice and equity, and promoting global awareness of our shared responsibility towards humanity. Thank you, Mr.

Chair.

I thank Egypt and I now give the floor to Timor-Leste.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Timor-Leste aligns itself with the statement of ASEAN delivered by Vietnam and the Portuguese-speaking countries by Portugal as well as the Group of 77 and China by Iraq. We commend on the Secretary-General, Ms. Melissa Fleming, and her dedicated team at Department of Global Communication for exemplary efforts. This is clearly demonstrated in the comprehensive report outlined in Document A/ACT/323, which highlights Department initiatives in advancing multilingualism, countering disinformation, and expanding digital engagement in line with General Assembly Resolution 79/93. We also appreciate UN Secretary-General's report On the DGC's operations, the DGC is crucial in combating misinformation, hate speech, and disinformation threats that erode public trust, foster discord, and weaken societal structures. Mr. Chair, we take immense pride in our recent accession to ASEAN on October 26th, 2025. This historic milestone reinforces our commitment to regional cohesion, mutual prosperity, and the collective improvement of global well-being. As the 11th member and the first addition since Cambodia in 1999, it reinforces our shared resolve. It inspires us to pursue ambitious goals, act decisively, and forge bonds that transcend borders and cultures. United in this achievement, may it fuel our drive to convert aspirations into tangible progress and secure a prosperous future for everyone. As a nation democracy forged through the trials of colonial domination and internal strife, Timor-Leste embodies the resilient spirit of a nation that triumphed over adversity to achieve sovereignty and self-determination. We have experienced— we have directly experienced how credible and accessible information catalyzes transformation. It empowers engaged citizens, fortifies democratic institutions, and enables communities to rebuild and flourish. This aligns with United Nations core mandate to preserve peace and security, promote sustainable development, and uphold human rights as universal entitlements. Drawing from our experiences, experiences, we encourage all member states to embrace the mandate with vigor, converting obstacles into pathways for international harmony and collective achievement. In rapidly evolving digital era, artificial intelligence emerges as a transformative force capable of amplifying human ingenuity, from expediting medical discoveries for disease treatments to democratizing access to essential knowledge. We should approach AI not with apprehension but with optimistic resolve and strategic foresight. While challenges like the amplification of falsehoods or the widening of inequalities in nations like ours are significant, They are addressable through innovation and ethical leadership. Guided by principles of the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact adopted at the UN Summit of the Future in September '24, we can pioneer equitable AI governance that cultivates resilient information ecosystems, emphasizing AI oversight, digital safety, and fair data distribution. This empowers every nation and community to harness technology for justice and empathy. We recommend that member states allocate dedicated resources for AI capacity building in the Global South, including through collaborative programs to craft ethical AI standards and localized training initiatives. With a focused vision and unwavering commitment, we can channel this advancement into beacons of hope, forging an inclusive and prosperous world where exclusion is eradicated. Let this aspiration propel us toward immediate action and enduring progress. Mr. Chair, the digital divide stands beyond technological disparities. It represents a fundamental obstacle that stifles aspiration, entrenches inequities, and curtails human capabilities. Overcoming it is not merely an ethical imperative but a rallying cry for collaboration, unlocking empowerment, innovation, and autonomy for marginalized populations. Recent studies indicate that Africa's digital divide is narrowing, yet engagement in digital economies remains inconsistent, with the Global South exhibiting accelerated growth compared to other regions, although obstacles to access and skill persist. In Timor-Leste, which was constrained by remoteness and historical challenges, we have witnessed the invigorating impact of connectivity. Information and communication technologies have stimulated economic vitality, revolutionized education and strengthened communal bonds, revitalizing our nation and igniting sustained optimism. We urge the international community to bolster initiatives that narrow this divide, particularly in the Global South, where exclusive digital trade could speed up sustainable development by overcoming hurdles like disparate connectivity. By upgrading digital platforms, optimizing the UN's digital infrastructure for efficiency and reach, and empowering UN information centers to deliver impartial, accurate, and timely information, we can foster greater allegiance to our organization. We recommend advanced digital public infrastructure projects, as highlighted in contemporary policies analysis, to guarantee equitable access and promote economic integration in developing countries. Consistent with the United Nations Charter's emphasis on fostering mutual understanding and respect among peoples, Timor-Leste advocates for embedding multilingualism deeply within all UN activities. This sensitivity, this sense of authentic inclusion, a symphony of diverse voices, ensures that every culture and viewpoint resonates globally. We applaud the GC's advancements in in this domain and advocate for increased funding to ensure the equitable treatment of all official languages across UN digital channels while also extending support to local indigenous languages that preserve cultural heritage and enhance learning. By providing digital content in these tongues, explaining cultural, scientific, and educational topics, we facilitate meaningful involvement for indigenous peoples and underserved groups, enriching global dialogue with their insights. We recommend equipping UN digital libraries with AI-powered translation capabilities to incorporate additional indigenous languages, thereby boosting worldwide engagement. Mr. Chair, amidst escalating geopolitical strains and ongoing conflicts, we must resultantly counter the surge in disinformation that jeopardizes UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. We endorse the GCC's vital campaigns to debunk falsehoods targeting these critical operations and call for development of advanced crisis communication mechanisms in partnership with Member States. The ongoing review of the peacebuilding architecture offers a crucial juncture to embed innovative communication approaches co-designed with the Peacebuilding Commission to highlight the profound efforts of peace initiatives and inspire universal solidarity. Mr. Chair, our collective determination faces severe tests from escalating assaults on journalists and media personnel, as evidenced in Lebanon and Gaza since October 2023, where over 220 journalists have been killed, including deliberate attacks such as the October 13, 2023 strike in southern Lebanon that killed a Reuters journalist and wounded several others. They molest them for denouncing these atrocities and the impunity that erodes press freedom and human rights. Pushina's contribution for these defenders of truth is more than retribution. It is a compelling summons to construct a world where truth-tellers are safeguarded, societies remain enlightened, and justice prevails. We recommend that the UN establish an independent investigative body to address to address attacks on journalists in conflict areas, thereby enforcing accountability and implementing protective protocols. Mr. Chair, the United Nations must remain the preeminent repository of reliable information, steering us toward a future of equity, resilience, and boundless opportunity. Together, armed with courage and conviction, we shall realize this vision not only for our time but as an enduring legacy for posterity. I thank you.

I thank Timor-Leste for your statement and I give the floor to Malaysia.

Thank you, Chair. Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN and by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset, Malaysia commends the important role played by the Department of Global Communications in narrating and amplifying the work of the United Nations through its traditional and digital platforms. As we live in a time marked by rapid information exchange and technological transformation, effective communication remains a key pillar in ensuring that trusted and reliable information reaches diverse audiences across all regions. By presenting accurate and balanced narratives about the work of the United Nations, the Department helps to strengthen global trust and support for the Organization's ideals, aspirations, and initiatives. Malaysia supports the Department's continued efforts to utilize social media, digital storytelling, and innovative outreach campaigns to disseminate information on the activities of the UN, including in conflict- and crisis-affected areas. Through initiatives such as UN News and UNIFID, the international community has been able to witness the human consequences of conflicts, such as the obstruction of humanitarian aid and vital supplies into Gaza. The media postings have garnered over 1 million views, reflecting the effectiveness of strategic communication in raising awareness and galvanizing action by the global community. Beyond media dissemination, Malaysia notes with appreciation the department's ongoing commitment to improving its online presence and accessibility. The introduction of a new website section dedicated to crisis and emergency response is a commendable step towards enhancing the user experience and ensuring that vital information is available in a timely and organized manner. This initiative allows users worldwide, including policymakers, journalists, researchers, and the general public, to access accurate information and updates on humanitarian situations more efficiently. Chair, while we celebrate these commendable innovations in communication and technologies, Malaysia remains deeply concerned about the growing challenges and threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech across digital platforms. These harmful practices not only distort facts but also have the potential to undermine the credibility of the United Nations and its agencies, polarize societies, and incite hostility and violence. The deliberate fabrication of stories to discredit the United Nations' work or to manipulate public perception poses a direct threat to international peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding. In this regard, Malaysia emphasizes the importance of fostering constructive engagement dialogue, and collaboration among all stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector, to counter disinformation and promote the culture of truth, integrity, and respect. The campaign's multilingual content and cross-platform dissemination have significantly expanded its reach, particularly among young people. Malaysia applauds these efforts, which play an essential role in nurturing digital literacy, empathy, and intercultural understanding among global audiences. Mr. Chair, Malaysia strongly condemns the continued and deliberate spread of disinformation targeting the UN's agencies, including UNRWA. False narratives directed against these agencies not only erode public confidence in their work but also endanger the lives of staff who serve in volatile environments. These baseless accusations and smear campaigns will have grave consequences as they jeopardize humanitarian operations and expose the personnel to life-threatening risks and violence. We urge all Member States to fulfill their obligations as members of the UN, to uphold the Charter, and to continue supporting the work of the UN and all its agencies. We must defend the credibility and impartiality of the Organization in good faith. Chair, in conclusion, Malaysia reaffirms its steadfast commitment to supporting the Department of Global Communication in carrying out its vital mandate to promote the work of the UN, respond to crises and conflicts, and safeguard information integrity. Malaysia stands ready to work closely with all Member States, UN entities, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen national and global partnerships in the field of information and communication. Together, we must ensure that the voices of truth, peace, and cooperation continue to prevail over disinformation, division, and hatred. I thank you.

I thank Malaysia and I now give the floor to Sudan.

Mr. Chair, our delegation affirms the vital role of the United Nations in providing information in all the official languages of the UN. We commend the role of the DGC in verifying news and its sources and to raise awareness of the objectives of the United Nations and its principles. We commend the role of UN media, which is a reference for accurate and reliable information for all international media outlets, news outlets, regarding the common challenges related to development, human rights, security, and peace. We align ourselves with the statement of Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. In today's world, which faces tensions and conflicts, in which crisis and poverty prevail, the role of the United Nations and its media is more important to highlight the issues that lead to the prevalence of conflicts such as the smuggling of weapons and the support of groups that are outside the control of state authorities and providing them with finance and with supplies. These groups are receiving generous support from external parties that are just as dangerous, such as Boko Haram and al Qaeda. They are all linked to chaos and destruction and death. Remaining silent about these crimes and those who are supporting them, such as we are witnessing in Sudan now, is a permit and an encouragement for those to continue to destabilize the region. We must talk about protecting civilians, and, and, and to just talk about having concern about them is a form of political hypocrisy. Therefore, we want to draw your attention to the heinous crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces in Darfur, especially in al-Fasher last week, which have gone beyond all boundaries and red lines in its continuation of committing crimes, systematic crimes against civilians, such as ethnic cleansing and genocide. And forced displacement. It completed its siege against al-Fashir for more than 500 days. These crimes are with an open regional support that cannot be denied, and they cannot deny their responsibility for it. We would also like to say that prevailing narratives by the media regarding the wars, which are always biased, or they try to be to achieve equality between 2 parties regarding responsibility for crimes and violations of human rights, or talking in a passive voice instead of an active voice— these are all narratives that are against the truth, and they do not serve the cause of peace and stability. They encourage the perpetrators to continue in their crimes, and they mislead the world opinion. And this is disinformation and misinformation.

Thank you.

Mr. Chair, focusing on side causes and matters and the consequences of wars and conflicts and crises while at the same time ignoring or neglecting or not giving due, due equal attention to the causes of such conflicts and their root causes is a main feature in today's world. Respecting human rights, which is a main pillar Of the United Nations Charter begins with dealing with the root causes of conflicts and eliminating them, and discriminating, distinguishing between a perpetrator and a victim, and to not reward the perpetrator. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you for your attention.

Doy las gracias a la distinguida delegación.

I thank Sudan, and I now give the floor to France.

Mr. Chairman, France aligns itself fully with the statement delivered by the European Union on behalf of all member states. In our national capacity, France wishes first and foremost to commend the USG of the Department of Global Communications for the announcements and the significant achievement— millions of views on the videos and more than 230,000 new subscribers. A significant accomplishment. I particularly welcome the emphasis on multilingualism and the reasonable integration of AI tools with human rigorous oversight and supervision. The research and risk analysis and response-based approach is a model for the responsible use of AI. In order to ensure accuracy and reliability of the information that is being circulated. These efforts enhance the role of the DGC as a source of reference in an informational environment which is increasingly complex in nature. We wish to support the message from a number of states who have taken the floor, who took the floor last week, rather, Tunisia recalled the importance, the critical importance of information in the political, economic, and social landscape, and also emphasized the need to protect journalists as well as freedom of expression, particularly in times of conflict. We share this commitment as a member of the group of authors of the biennial resolution on safety of journalists. The Republic of Moldova has attested to its experience in the face of hybrid war and disinformation, demonstrating the importance of transparency and of democratic resilience. These statements are a reminder of the fact that multilingualism, the fight against disinformation, and delivery of support for free media are at the very heart of the mandate of the United Nations. We, France, promote linguistic and cultural diversity, including online. This diversity enhances cohesion, mutual understanding amongst peoples. Our commitment to equitable access to information and our will to fight against disinformation lie at the heart of a number of initiatives, initiatives that have been adopted during the 19th Summit of Francophonie which was held in France in 2024. The first is geared towards facilitating better understanding and analysis of information and media. The second fosters access to French language content online. And the third is geared towards bringing about the emergence of Francophone AI, the Alain-Guiat Center at the International City of the French Language. Multilingualism remains a fundamental value of multilingualism in our eyes and that of the Francophone family, insofar as it helps to facilitate a fruitful dialogue amongst peoples and promotes human rights and democracy. Mr. Chairman, there is a need to recall the fact that in some regions, freedom of expression and media landscape polarization, uh, the media landscape continued to be severely restricted. In this context, public opinion is being restrained. Journalists are being muzzled, are being intimidated, even intimidated, threatened, and assassinated for having attempted to bring the truth to light. Social networks are being exploited by those same countries systematically in order to generate disinformation and to sow division by leveraging algorithms, bot farms, and coordinated, uh, remunerated troll campaigns. I wish to deliver these remarks. Countries where there is virtually no freedom of opinion use tools which were created by liberal countries to attack the freedoms which citizens of the free world enjoy. This is the irony here. But let us not be deceived. These countries are seeking to manipulate people's minds, to influence elections, and to destabilize societies, while at the same time Avoiding international vigilance and scrutiny, these methods pose a direct threat to peace, stability, and democracy. They cast light on the vital role of the United Nations, of independent media, and of civil society for the protection of information, for the promotion of transparency, and for the defense of faith in institutions. France, as we affirmed on the 29th of October last during the International Conference on Integrity of Information and Independent Media, which was organized by the International Fund for Independent Media, the FPIM, and the Forum on the Feed on Democracy, will continue to provide support for all initiatives that guarantee press freedom, access to reliable information, responsible use of technologies, protection of journalists, and the fight against disinformation campaigns. We cannot tolerate certain actors' attempts to undermine democratic principles as they seek to impose fear and doubt as instruments of power. Mr. Chairman, in a world where technology and information is being deployed at an unprecedented pace. We have a collective clear duty to bring together innovation, vigilance, and responsibility and accountability for information to continue to be an engine for peace, dialogue, and shared progress.

Thank you.

I thank the delegation of France, and I now give the floor To the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr. Chairman, the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo congratulates you as well as members of your bureau on your election to the bureau of the Fourth Committee and also for the way that you are leading the general debate of our committee. Mr. Chairman, the Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to associate itself with the statement made by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China. My delegation took due note of the report of the Secretary-General on issues pertaining to information and would like to add the following in our national capacity. The report of the Secretary-General covers a series of priorities of the UN in the sphere of communication and on the various activities carried out by the Department of Global Communication covering the reporting period from the 1st of February to 30th of June of 2025. Well, Acknowledging the importance of all these priority activities in fulfilling the mandate of the Department for the Promotion of Communication and the fact that the UN is acting in a global media environment that is rapidly evolving, I would like to limit my comments to 3 priority activities mentioned in the report. First of all, the intervention in situations of crisis or conflict. On this point pertaining to the intervention in situations of crisis or conflict, my delegation would like to congratulate Madam Melissa Fleming for the work that the UN has done in establishing a new section on the website of the organization dedicated to the response to crises and emergency situations. On this opportunity, I'd like— my delegation would like to I also thank the Department for the establishment of 2 new websites in the 6 official languages. One of them is dedicated to the DRC. This new website makes it possible to draw the attention of the international public opinion on the situation in the DRC. You will recall that recently, on the 30th of October, 2025, in Paris, during the conference to support peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region, which was organized by Togo, which is the designated mediator designated by the African Union and France. At that opportunity, the United Nations intervened in the debate through a video message of the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, who in his message, after thanking Togo and France, launched an appeal urging donors to support The humanitarian response plans. The President of France, which is the host country of the conference, advocated for the reopening of the international airport of Goma while respecting the sovereignty of the DRC, opening it for humanitarian causes and for daytime flights. To date, this video message of the Secretary-General has been posted on the new website of the UN dedicated to the DRC. For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this conference, this Paris conference, should respond to a triple emergency: humanitarian emergency, security emergency, and even more importantly, the peace emergency. Now, as far as the next point I'd like to touch upon is the promotion of the defense of human rights. The report of the Secretary-General for the reporting period draws the attention of international public opinion on the importance of combating hate speech and also on the Permanent Entity for Persons of African Descent. The digital campaign published by the Department on these 2 subjects, that is #NoToHate and #FightRacism, have generated thousands of hits online. As far as hate speech, at the national level, my government, through the Ministry of Communication and Media, has been publishing since August of 2023 the Charter on Online Medias with the goal of regulating digital platforms through good practices and to prevent verbal violence in social media. Furthermore, the recent appointment by the President of the UN Human Rights Council on the 27th of October of this year of the 3 members of the Fact-Finding Commission of the UN on the human rights situation in the province of South Kivu and North Kivu is an important piece of news which is very timely for the DRC. The DRC is We are looking forward to impatiently on the report of this fact-finding mission on the human rights situation in these 2 provinces. The 3rd major priority area of the Global Communication Department is the promotion of the work of memory and education. slave trade, which are celebrated each year in the United Nations. Similar to that, at the national level in the DRC, the lower house of the parliament adopted on the 17th of October of this year the recommendation that officially recognizes the crime of genocide committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been designated as genocoste, genocide. Genocide of Congolese. This is a ceremony of national commemoration that the Congolese parliamentarians established to pay tribute to the millions of Congolese people victims of massacres, sexual violence, and forced displacement that has happened over the past 3 decades. To commemorate the date of the second— beginning of the second war in the DRC in 1998, the second Makes it possible for us to say that this is not only a conflict that is taking place in the eastern provinces of the DRC, it is a silent genocide that is devastating the— that has devastated the Congolese people for over 30 years. Mr. Chairman, I would like, before concluding my statement, to applaud the efforts of the Department of Global Communications for the promotion of multilateralism in its information products, for example, by bringing together the senior leaders in charge of communication within the UN system before publishing updated information on the implementation of the Pact for the Future. Thank you very much.

I thank the Democratic Republic of the Congo for your statement, and I now give the floor I now yield the floor to the Dominican Republic.

Thank you, Chair. This is our first statement in this session. We'd like to congratulate you on your election, as well as the other members of the Bureau. You can count on the support of our delegation to achieve the goals of this committee successfully. We'd like to take this opportunity also to congratulate the previous Chair and the Bureau for the excellent work that was done during the previous session. Mr. Chairman, the Dominican Republic aligns itself with the statement made by Iraq on behalf of G77 and China, and by Ecuador on behalf of the Group of Friends of Spanish. We want to thank the presentation of Mrs. Melissa Fleming and repeat our acknowledgment for the work of this department. However, we take note of the presentation of the Secretary-General's report on the activities carried out by the Department of Global Communication, and we urge that communications by the United Nations reflect in a balanced way the complexity of international and regional contexts, but most importantly, the commitment of all parties to a sustainable and multilateral solution to all problems. Presenting the facts in a reliable way, accurate way is essential to promote and maintain a constructive dialogue. The complexity of topics covered demand analysis and presentation of facts in all their dimensions so that this is a bridge to build the necessary trust in order to achieve lasting solutions. This is why the Dominican Republic is counting on the United Nations and in particular on the Department of Global Communications. To communicate in an impartial way the will, the commitment, and the effort of member states. We'd like to underscore the importance of strengthening the protection of civilians, including journalists and media workers who are confronting growing risks in conflict areas. The protection of journalists in contexts of violence and crisis is not only a legal obligation, but also a key element in preserving transparency, accountability, and access to verified information. Their work is fundamental to make visible the humanitarian consequences of conflicts and facilitate an international response based on evidence. On another point, we welcome the continuity of such initiatives as the Campaign Verified, which is also involved in countering climate disinformation, and we underscore the importance of promoting partnerships with actors from civil society, academia, and youth. Furthermore, we'd like to underscore the importance that we attach to multilingualism and diversity as extremely important values of multilateralism. They are enshrined in the UN Charter. We acknowledge the significant progress reflected today in this area, and we also are happy that there are efforts to disseminate in ethnic and local languages of UN information. And on this, we urge the Department to continue to disseminate information on the activities of the organization in the largest possible number of languages, taking into account linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and the different levels of digital development of countries. It's important to continue promoting and facilitating international cooperation and training programs in the areas of communication media. In conclusion, in this era where we have a very complex international panorama with complex challenges, we see it more necessary than ever to combat erroneous information and disinformation, both online and offline. This makes the work carried out by the Global Communication Department and this committee increasingly important. And so we're very grateful for this opportunity.

Thank you.

I thank the delegation of the Dominican Republic. We have listened to the last statement of the general debate on item 52 of the program.

AF resolutions A and B recommended by the Committee on Information in its report on its 47th session. Draft Resolution A, entitled Information in the Service of Humanity, is contained in Chapter 4 of Document A/AT/21 on page 12 of the English text. Draft Resolution B, entitled United Nations Global Communications Policies and Activities, is contained in the same document on page 14 of the English text. May I propose that we hear general statements or explanations of vote before the vote on either or both draft resolutions together? Thereafter, we would take action on each draft resolution individually. After that, I would open the floor for explanations of vote after the vote and general statements on either or both draft resolutions? I hear no objection. It is so decided. Oh, the United States.

Mr. Chairman, thank you. The United States requested—

Yes, is it the EOV or is regarding the way we are going to proceed?

The EOV.

Just bear with me for a few more seconds. Thank you. It is so decided. I open the floor to delegations wishing to make general statements or explanation— or explain their vote before the vote on either or both draft resolutions A and B. As agreed at our organizational meeting, delegations will have 5 minutes to make a a general statement, or explain their vote. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of the United States.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I apologize for the confusion earlier. Mr. Chairman, the United States requested a recorded vote on resolutions A and B and is voting no due to a number of concerns we have with the text. First, the United States will not accept suppression of freedom of expression under the guise of combating disinformation and misinformation. Government censorship of speech is intolerable in a free society, and these terms are tools to police and moderate public debate. The United States is making every effort to protect freedom of expression, and we will not tolerate efforts to trample it at home or abroad. We will not shy away from calling out countries imposing censorship tactics such as government-imposed shutdowns of the internet and undue restrictions on freedom of expression online. We call on other members of states— I'm sorry, other member states to strengthen the free flow of information. Second, we remain vigilant against attempts to inject political or ideological language into United Nations resolutions. This resolution contains numerous references that serve only to shield Beijing from criticisms over its governance systems and human rights abuses. Similarly, the resolutions contain many references to developing countries. We are concerned that countries like China are misappropriating the term to gain advantages in the UN system. We urge the use of more clearly defined terminology that reflects actual national economic conditions. Technical assistance should be based on objective criteria not vague and inconsistent labels. Third, the repeated references to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals impinge upon state sovereignty as a soft form of global governance. We no longer reaffirm them as a matter of course. Fourth, in lieu of general references to climate and climate change, UN resolutions should focus on specific environmental threats and sensible environmental protections. Similarly, the references to gender are ambiguous and unclear. The United States expects UN resolutions to use terminology that clearly refers to women and men, girls and boys. Finally, Mr. Chairman, the United States requests whether yearly consideration of these resolutions is a good use of the UN's limited resources. Next year, we look forward to engaging with the Committee on Information to reduce the frequency to once every 2 years and to formulate a more focused, unambiguous, and apolitical report. Thank you, sir.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Hungary aligns itself with the statement that will be delivered on behalf of the European Union and its member states, but allow me to share a few additional remarks. As a UN forum dealing with public information, the Committee on Information has a vital role in providing guidance to the Department of Global Communications, thereby promoting reliable, factual, and multilingual information, as well as addressing the challenges posed to information citizens. To support this continuous effort, Hungary will vote yes on both resolutions today. At the same time, I would like to recall that Hungary did not adopt the Global Compact on Migration, GCM, and does not participate in its implementation, as Hungary firmly believes that migration has no positive impact on inclusive growth and development. For this reason, Hungary disassociates itself from operative paragraph 21 and operative paragraph 22 of the resolution titled United Nations Global Communications Policies and Activities. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, let me reiterate our appreciation for the work of this committee. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Hungary. I see no further requests for the floor. We will now take action on draft resolutions A and B individually, starting with draft resolution A entitled Information in the Service of Humanity, contained in document A/80/21. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of Draft Resolution A, please signify. Those against? Abstentions?

The committee is now voting on Draft Resolution A entitled Information in the Service of Humanity, contained in document A/80/21. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen?

May I ask the Democratic Republic of the Congo if it's a point of order? Oh, thank you. It's fine.

I ask again, will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favor, 147; against, 2; abstentions, 1. Draft Resolution A is adopted.

Adopted.

We will now take action on Draft Resolution B entitled United Nations Global Communications Policies and Activities, contained in Document A/AT/21. A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of Draft Resolution B, please signify. Those against? Abstentions?

The committee is now voting on Draft Resolution B entitled United Nations Global Communications Policies and Activities, contained in Document A/80/21. Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been completed. Please lock the machine.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favor, 148; against, 2; abstentions, 1. Draft Resolution B is adopted. I now open the floor to delegations wishing to explain their vote after the vote or make general statements on either or both draft resolutions A and B. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Thank you, Mr. President.

I have the honor to deliver this explanation of vote on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada, in support of the resolutions on information in the service of humanity and the United Nations global communications policies and activities. We wish firstly to express our gratitude to the Secretary-General for his August 2025 report on questions relating to information, to Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming for her informative, informative presentation last week, and to the members of the Committee on Information for their diligent, apolitical, and consensus-based work. Chair, these resolutions cover key priorities for CANZ members, including firstly, promoting and protecting human rights, including the right to freedom of opinion and expression and the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information. Secondly, supporting the fulfillment of these rights through efforts to bridge the digital divide protect journalists, advance multilingualism, and foster independent, plural, and diverse media. And finally, engaging in multilateral and whole-of-society efforts to build resilience and counter the threats posed by disinformation, misinformation, and information manipulation. As noted in the Resolution on UN Global Communications Policies and Activities, the safe, secure, and trustworthy use of artificial intelligence has the potential to accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, AI is also being used for malign purposes, including the creation and spread of disinformation and misinformation, which incites violence, erodes trust in institutions, undermines peace and security, and impedes global cooperation on shared challenges. We welcome the addition of language noting these concerns and reaffirm the importance of multilateral and whole-of-society efforts to safeguard information integrity uphold human rights, and enhance collective resilience.

Mr. Chairman, the members of— we also highlight the new report on the importance of multilingualism in local content. Multilingualism is a linchpin in international relations and diplomacy, specifically here at the United Nations. It reflects the diversity of member states and helps each member state to better express themselves and to better understand the views of others by building our capacity to build a shared future. Moreover, multilingualism is critical for communicating with an international public and for the guarantee of integrity of information. In this regard, we wish to take this opportunity to thank the Department of Global Communications of the United Nations for its significant efforts in the advancement of linguistic diversity while highlighting its key role as a credible source of credible, credible, impartial, and objective information. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Canada. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Thank you, Chairman. Cuba voted in favor of the 2 draft resolutions, A, Information in the Service of Humanity, and 2, Policies and Activities of Global Communication of the United Nations, which address issues of interest for the work of our organization. For my delegation, advances in the process of the informatization of society and development of We reject its practice of preventive consensus, especially on topics that are very important for our work. It's very concerning the position of this government against the 2030 Agenda and its international scope. A text that was— this was a text that was developed collectively to advance towards sustainable development. It's the government of this country that has disseminated disinformation campaigns, launching mendacious accusations against sovereign nations. It is the same government that imposes blockades and unilateral coercive measures that cause massive damage and damage information and communication sectors of countries. In a context where accuracy of information is more and more important, we highlight the fact that the promotion of integrity of information must be maintained as a strategic priority and a value of the United Nations. Cuba reiterates its determination to contribute to efforts to establish a global information order and communication that is more equitable and just, which promotes digital development based on the will of peoples.

Thank you very much.

I thank the delegate of Cuba.

Now to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. For the Russian Federation, we voted in support of the resolution of the committee— the DGC. We believe that the provisions therein, as they presently stand on the whole, reflect the mandate of the committee and set out key guidelines of the work of the DGC and highlight the importance of multilingualism, objectivity, and impartiality in the official information resources of the UN, as well as the need to build the capability of our organization in the area of global communications. At the same time, it is with regret that we have to note that the document which over many years was adopted by consensus, which was viewed by member states as a unifying foundation for work on information, this year was put to the vote. The text of the resolution was drafted during open, inclusive, and rather complicated consultations with the participation of the G77 G7 plus China, the European Union, and a broad range of delegations. As a result of this work, agreement was reached on balanced language— language reflecting the contribution of all participants, which of course allowed for us to hope that consensus-based practice would be maintained. We believe that the agreements arrived at at the committee need to be honored and not revised unilaterally at the final stage following the completion of negotiations. A departure from existing consensus-based tradition on such a sensitive and at the same time consolidating issue is a step which does not help to build trust among member states and does not help to enhance the effectiveness of work on the information-related agenda. At the same time, we stress that today's vote does not diminish the importance of the resolution and the parameters for the DGC: multilingualism, equal access to information, and transparency in activities of the United Nations. We are keen to see this document continue to serve as a guide for the Secretariat and Member States. We trust that during preparations for the next resolution, all delegations will constructively and ahead of time join negotiations, and the Fourth Committee will revert back to the process of consensus-based adoption of this important document reflecting the shared, not divisive, agenda in the sphere of global communications. Thank you for your attention.

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

Thank you, Chair.

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The European Union deeply regrets that, for the first time in 38 years, Draft Resolution A, Information in the Service of Humanity, and Draft Resolution B, United Nations Global Communications Policies and Activities, could not be adopted by consensus, which in our view allows us to find common ground on issues that connect us all. On Item 53, Questions Relating to Information, has long reflected our collective commitment to uphold the importance of communication as a global public good, as well as our shared interest in ensuring that the United Nations can communicate effectively, credibly, and inclusively. The European Union remains committed to constructive engagement in future discussions on these resolutions. with the hope that we once again can return to consensus next year.

I thank you, Chair. I thank the distinguished representative of Denmark. I see no further requests for the floor. The exercise of the right of reply has been requested. Delegations are reminded of the maximum of 2 interventions, with the first intervention limited to 5 minutes and the second to 3 minutes. I call on the representative of Kuwait.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

To get to the heart of the subject, ladies and gentlemen, We are exercising our right of response—

reply after what we heard from the entity, the occupation entity, in their laughable, ironic statement. The last in the universe to be speaking of the freedom of the press is Israel.

Thank you.

Israel. The occupier cannot speak of freedom. It is inconceivable. Those who practice injustice cannot speak of justice. You cannot throw— if you live in a glass house, you shouldn't throw stones. We understand, obviously, clearly, the differences in viewpoints. That is normal. What we don't understand and what we will never understand is that Israel criticizes a state like Kuwait. First of all, thank God for the state of Kuwait. This is a state that is, has been, and will be the will of God. The ultimate incarnation of freedom, a living flame, a living light of freedom, the ultimate haven in God's will. I feel completely at ease speaking of this subject. I come from a country that has always, always called for peace. Now, may the representative of the occupying entity listen to me very carefully. There were allegations by this entity which is the worst in history in terms of violating freedom of the press and information. This is the only entity today That continues its systematic military occupation, which is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, of the resolutions of the Security Council, and of the General Assembly. Let us examine the resolutions of the United Nations. And the mentions made of the occupying entity and the mentions made of the references made to Kuwait, and I'll let you be the judge. Can it really be serious that a representative of such an occupying entity criticizes Kuwait? This is an example of ultimate political cynicism. Our system is based on The separation of powers, and our only mantra has always been peace. Our judiciary is completely independent in our country. Our national press has played an essential role in raising the information level and awareness of our population. We have never presented inaccurate information. False information. The representative of the occupying entity is undermining the integrity of Kuwait. Let me ask you a question, and you can— simple question, you could find it on any social media. Who has killed 250 journalists over 2 years? Has it been Kuwait, or is it the occupying entity?

Who?

Has confiscated the authorization by press offices in Gaza? Who has for who has tried to stifle the truth? Who has prevented any free free entity to Um, to, uh, shed light on the practices of, uh, Israel in Gaza. The lessons today, or the conclusions today, are quite simple and clear. When we ask for the floor, let's understand who we are and who we are speaking of. Thank you.

I call on the representative of Oman.

Mr. Chairman, in response to the representative of Israel during the 17th plenary session pertaining to information activities, In the report A/80/232, the goal is not to discuss the ranking of countries in terms of freedom of the press, where Israel occupies 112th place, by the way, according to the RSF. This country which And attempts to hide the fact that we support consensus, we support peace, human rights, and peacebuilding. Thank you.

The committee has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 53. The committee will meet again this afternoon at 3:00. The Security Council will reconvene tomorrow at 3 PM in this conference room to begin its consideration of Agenda Item 51, entitled Comprehensive Review of the Whole Question of Peacekeeping Operations in All Their Aspects. The meeting is adjourned.