Fourth Committee, 9th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session
General Assembly
Date: 13 October 2026
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/ga/c4/81/9
Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations.

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Senegal · Chair [23:11]:

Good morning. The ninth meeting of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee, the Fourth Committee, is called to order. In accordance with our programme of work, the Committee will now continue its general debate on the decolonization items. Before giving the floor to the first speaker, I wish to remind delegations of the time limits of 10 minutes for national statements and 15 minutes when speaking on behalf of a group. For maximum utilization of our time, I appeal to all speakers to deliver shorter versions of their statement and to submit the full text to e-statements@un.org for posting in the UN journal. To support the interpreters, please e-mail in advance also the shorter version with the indication for interpretation only. And with this, I would like to hand the floor to the first speaker on my list, which is Ghana. You have the floor.


Ghana [24:11]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation congratulates you and the members of the Bureau on your election to steer the conduct of the business of the Fourth Committee during the 81st session. Ghana assures you of her full cooperation and looks forward to working with you for a successful session. Ghana aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the non-aligned movement and wishes to add the following remarks in its national capacity. Decolonization is not an abstract agenda to Ghana. In 1957, Ghana became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to free itself from colonial rule. Ghana's first president declared that our independence was meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of Africa. This principle and conviction still guide our engagement in this committee. Through the long years of struggle and experience, Ghana has learned that self-determination is not granted by goodwill alone. It is achieved through the persistent demand of inherent rights of all peoples to the steady support of the international community. This committee has long been at the heart of that support. 66 years after the adoption of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, contained in General Assembly resolution 1514, 17 non-self-governing territories still remain on the United Nations list. As we enter the final years of the fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, that is 2021 to 2030, we must honestly ask whether our methods match our ambition. The decade ends in 2030. My delegation believes that the time has come for a frank, forward-looking, assessment of what has worked and what has not. Too many of the resolutions we adopt each year are carried over with little change while the situation of the people's concern evolves. We encourage the special committee to consider how it's how it's working methods, its reporting and its engagement with the territories can be made more results oriented in remaining in the remaining years of the decade. Ghana believes that progress depends on five areas. First, a case-by-case approach that places the freely expressed wishes and interests of the people of each territory at the center of the process, consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and relevant General Assembly resolutions. Second, constructive cooperation between the Special Committee on Decolonization and administering powers. Visiting missions, regional seminars, and direct engagement with the peoples of the territories remain the most reliable source of accurate information. We encourage administering powers to facilitate such missions. Third, attention to the economic, social, and environmental realities of the territories. Many are small island communities facing the effects of climate change, limited economic diversification, and vulnerability to external shocks. Their development and their political future cannot be separated. Fourth, the role of the wide United Nations system, the specialized agencies and other entities of the system have a valuable contribution to making education, health, disaster preparedness, and capacity building in the territories. Ghana encourages them to continue expanding such efforts and calls for economic activities in the territories to be conducted in a manner that respects the interests and welfare of their peoples. Fifth, on the issue of information, the peoples of the territories can only make informed choices about their future if they have full access to information on the options available to them under General Assembly resolution 1514. We commend the Department of Global Communication for its work in disseminating information on decolonization, and we stress that this function must remain adequately resourced, including the organization's pursuit of reforms to strengthen its efficiency. Madam Chair, education remains one of the most powerful tools for self-determination. Ghana values and offers Ghana values the offers made by Member States for study and training facilities for inhabitants of the non-self-governing territories and encourages their continuation. An educated and empowered generation is the best guarantee that any decision on the territory's future will be informed, genuine, and sustainable. Madam Chair, in relation to the African continent and on the question of Western Sahara, Ghana welcomes the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2797 and adopt and supports the United Nations led political process under the auspices of the Secretary General and his personal envoy. We encourage the parties to engage in good faith and without preconditions in federals of the Security Council resolution for a lasting political solution. Ghana considers the autonomy plan as a realistic basis for a just resolution and urges that rigid positions must give way to constructive and forward-looking engagements focused on concrete outcomes. The unfinished business of decolonization also extends to the lasting consequences of colonialism and the transatlantic enslavement of Africans and their continuing legacies of its racialized injustices. We call on all member states to implement the objectives of the General Assembly resolution 8250 in advancing educational initiatives and programs, memorization and exchanges, and changes to laws to address systemic racism, inequality, and advance reparatory justice. Madam Chair, the credibility of this committee rests on its ability to deliver results for the peoples it serves. Every territory is different, and no single formula will fit them all. What must be common to all, however, is respect for the Charter, genuine dialogue among all concerned, and a shared determination to bring this chapter of history to a close. Ghana stands ready to work with all delegations, the administering powers, and the Special Committee towards that end. In conclusion, Madam Chair, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to the work of this Committee and to the realization of a world free of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. I thank you.


Senegal · Chair [31:32]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Ghana for her statement, and I would like now to hand the floor to the next speaker on my list, the distinguished representative of Saint Lucia.


Saint Lucia [31:46]:

Thank you very much, Chair. My delegation extends congratulations to you, as well as to the other members of the Bureau, on your election to guide the work of the Fourth Committee during this session. Rest assured of the full support of my delegation. Chair, it is clear that decolonization remains part of the unfinished business of the United Nations. Indeed, my delegation shares that view, and we are convinced that we need to step up efforts to truly address this long-standing issue, which is at the heart of our work in this committee. Last year, we observed the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Decolonization Declaration, a key instrument in advancing our work. While we can attest that decolonization has heralded success stories, we recall that 17 non-self-governing territories remain, many of which are small territories. Notwithstanding, the lingering effects of colonialism are indication that the job is not complete. Chair, as a member of and the current chair of the Special Committee on Decolonization, C-24, Saint Lucia has and will continue to play its part in advancing the decolonization agenda. It is in this spirit that I wish to reiterate the importance of the work of the C24 and recall the need for the necessary support to be given to the C24 in order to effectively fulfill its mandate, including support to undertake the annual regional seminars as well as visiting missions. Many of the NSGTs are small territories that share similar conditions and concerns to those of my country, including economic vulnerabilities, socioeconomic challenges, and climate change. This is a reminder that our work is critical for the people of the territories. Chair, on the question of the British Virgin Islands, my delegation welcomes the statement delivered last week by the Premier of the British Virgin Islands in this committee. We applaud the efforts being made by the territory in its decolonization process. My delegation took note of the commencement of negotiations in August with the United Kingdom on a new constitution. It is the hope that this development would lead to a path of full sovereignty. Saint Lucia was pleased to be part of the delegation that undertook the visiting mission to the British Virgin Islands in August 2024. We recall that among the recommendations emanating from the mission was the call for a political education program for the territory to heighten the awareness of the people of the political status options available to them in preparation for a legitimate act of self-determination. General Assembly Resolution 1893 recognizes the need for the C24 to ensure that the appropriate bodies of the United Nations actively pursue such a public awareness campaign aimed at assisting the people of the British Virgin Islands with their inalienable right to self-determination and in gaining a better understanding of their options. The development of the public awareness campaign with a timetable for the attainment of the full measure of self-government is vital to the self-determination process. It is to be noted that a constructive programme of work on a case-by-case basis has been mandated by the General Assembly for years, most recently in resolution 81/105. Such a decolonization work plan contains all the requisite steps, including the education programme, establishment of modalities of a popular consultation to ascertain the choice of the people, and the implementation of the decision of the people. In that regard, we are pleased to note that the British Virgin Islands own efforts to position the society for self-determination, including the setting up of a decolonization commission. Chair, on the question of Western Sahara, Saint Lucia takes notes of the developments with respect to this longstanding question, particularly with the adoption of resolution 2797. In this connection, it is the hope that a peaceful, realistic, and enduring political solution can be achieved. Moreover, Saint Lucia reiterates our support for the UN Secretary-General's efforts to facilitate the ongoing political process through the efforts undertaken by his personal envoy. Furthermore, my delegation welcomes the momentum garnered in support of the Moroccan Autonomy Plan. We respectfully encourage the parties to continue to engage in good faith negotiations in order to preserve the momentum garnered by Resolution 2797. In that regard, we encourage the parties to build on this so that a pragmatic and mutually acceptable lasting political solution could be achieved in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2797. Chair, at this critical juncture in the Fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, may this moment be a reminder of where we have come in the decolonization process, and may it importantly serve as a moment to bolster our collective efforts to advance the promise of decolonization. The task is not yet over. As we continue to examine the territories under the purview of this Committee on a case-by-case basis, St. Lucia remains seized of the developments in each territory and we will continue to emphasize the need for and the critical role of dialogue to achieve mutual and lasting solutions. In closing, the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly must be remembered for turning its laudable theme into actionable commitments. And those commitments into meaningful change. We will continue to play our part and collectively we can ensure that we leave noone behind. I thank you.


Senegal · Chair [38:01]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Saint Lucia and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. You have the floor.


Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [38:17]:

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. Allow me to congratulate you for conducting this general debate and extend our Congratulations to the other members of the Bureau. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela agrees with most of the interventions made by Member States, in particular with regard to the commitment to the eradication of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, and the recognition of the inalienable right to free determination of the peoples of the territories that have not yet exercised that right. We are grateful to the Special Decolonization Committee for the report on its 20 2026 session and to the Secretary General for the report submitted under the on these topics as a member of the special committee Venezuela reiterates its commitment to this mandate decolonization is one of the most noble tasks of this organization. Since 1945, more than 80 former colonies have achieved their independence, and today they're sitting in this room as sovereign states. This is a history of success that belongs to all of us. However, almost 66 years after the adoption of Resolution 1514, and when there are only barely four years left in the Fourth International Decade for the Elimination of Colonialism, 17 non-self-governing territories in which almost 2 million people live, continue to await the promise of the Charter to be fulfilled. The central idea that today we want to share with you is very simple: that free determination is not a concession, it is a right. Eradicating colonialism does not require a single formula. It requires examining each case based on its specificities, in conformity with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, and also respecting the will of the peoples complying with the principles of the Charter.

We.

Urge the administering powers to step up their cooperation with the Special Committee, to convey in a timely fashion information envisioned in Article 73 of the Charter, and to facilitate visiting missions and agree, territory by territory, programs of work with verifiable timeframes. Natural resources of the territories belong to their peoples. Economic activities that are conducted there must benefit them, preserve their options for the future, and protect their environment and their cultural identity. It is also important to address, with full and transparent information, the consequences of the activities that have affected the health of the population and their environment. We encourage specialized agencies to expand their assistance, and in particular, to small island territories that are exposed to climate change. And member states should keep available their offers of study and training. Madam Chair, with regard to the non-self-governing territories that are at the very heart of this debate, Venezuela values the dialogue that we have sustained in the special committee. encourages the administering powers and the representatives and authorities of each territory to advance together towards processes of free determination that are just and effective. It is up to each people to decide freely on their future among the options that are recognized in Resolutions 1514 and 1541, so that this decision to be authentic Its inhabitants must fully understand the various options available. As far as the question of Western Sahara, Venezuela reaffirms the right of the Sahrawi people to free determination in line with Resolution 1514. We support the efforts of the Secretary General and of his personal envoy, and encourage the parties to negotiate in good faith and without any preconditions to reach a political solution that is just, lasting, and mutually acceptable. We trust that the decisions that are adopted in the upcoming weeks on MINURSA will contribute to this purpose. With regard to the question of the Malvinas Islands, Venezuela reiterates its support for the legitimate sovereignty rights of the Republic of Argentina over the Malvinas, South Georgia, South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. This is a special and particular colonial situation that entails a sovereignty dispute We welcome the fact that the Special Committee has once again, by consensus, last June, adopted its resolution on this topic, and we urge both Governments to resume negotiations in conformity with resolution 2065 and to refrain from any unilateral actions while these negotiations are held. We support the good offices efforts of the Secretary-General. Allow me now to also refer to Palestine, the right of the Palestinian people to free determination and an independent state is an inseparable part of the unfinished agenda of this organization. Venezuela supports the broad international consensus in favor of a two-state solution, with Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace and security within recognized borders. We plead in favor of preserving the cessation of hostilities, unimpeded humanitarian access, reconstruction, and the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. Madam Chair, colonialism has not disappeared, It has changed its forms. Today, it rarely is expressed in foreign flags on far-off territories. It has adopted more subtle forms, such as economic and financial dependence, indebtedness that conditions sovereign decisions, the appropriation of natural resources, and the adoption of unilateral actions that are contrary to the UN Charter. It also manifests itself in new forms: the technological divide, the extraction of data without benefiting those who generate that data, the unequal burden of the climate crisis, and the imposition of cultural models that disregard the identity of peoples.

Venezuela condemns neocolonialism in all its forms and manifestations.

No people should see its right to decide on its destiny limited, or to dispose of its own resources, or choose its own model of development. The response is more multilateralism, more cooperation, and full respect for the sovereign equality of states. This 14th of December, we will commemorate for the second time the International Day Against Colonialism and all its forms and manifestations, which was proclaimed in Resolution 80/106. Let's make this date more than merely a commemoration. Let's make it an opportunity to take stock of concrete progress by 2030. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a nation born of an act of independence, will continue working in a constructive way with all delegations so that the fourth decade is the last one and so that the 17 territories can at last decide freely on their future. Thank you very much.


Senegal · Chair [45:42]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and I would like now to hand the floor to the next speaker of my list. Komoh, you have the floor.


Comoros [45:58]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Ladies and gentlemen, Permanent Representatives, ladies and gentlemen, members of the Committee, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, As-salamu alaykum. On behalf of the delegation of the Union of the Comoros, I would like to express the sincere congratulations of our delegation to you for chairing the Fourth Committee, and we also congratulate the other members of the Bureau. Rest assured, you have our full support and our constructive cooperation in carrying out your task. You can rely on our commitment and engagement to ensure a respectful dialogue and work that is commensurate with our planetary level responsibilities. Madam Chair, the Union of the Comoros reaffirms its tireless commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, notably the right of peoples to self-determination, respect for state sovereignty and the preservation of their territorial integrity. More than six decades after the adoption of resolution 1514 of the United Nations General Assembly, decolonization remains a collective responsibility and a requirement of international justice. It cannot be fully completed without respect for States' national unity, their internationally recognized borders and the legitimate aspirations of peoples. Madam Chair, for the Union of the Comoros, the question of territorial integrity is of particular importance. Our country reaffirms its commitment to the principles of national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with the charter and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. the Comoros remains resolutely committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect. It is in this spirit that regarding Moroccan Sahara, the Union of the Comoros reiterates its full support for the Moroccan autonomy initiative, which it considers to be a very realistic, serious, and credible basis for achieving a lasting political solution to this dispute. We encourage the continuation of the process under the auspices of the United Nations in a spirit of compromise, responsibility and good neighborliness for the sake of regional peace and stability. Regarding Palestine, our position remains equally constant. The Palestinian people must be able to fully exercise their right to self-determination and to live freely in an independent, sovereign and viable state, with Al-Quds al-Sharif as capital, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. The end of the occupation, the protection of civilians and respect for international law must constitute the absolute priorities of the international community. Madam Chair, decolonization must not be a requirement that is applied unevenly. It requires consistency, equity, and respect for international law in every situation. The Union of the Comoros therefore invites the United Nations and all member states to redouble their efforts to conclude the decolonization process, to prevent impingements upon territorial integrity, and to guarantee that the people's concern have a future of peace dignity and prosperity thank you


Senegal · Chair [49:13]:

I would also like to thank the colleague from Comoros and I now give the floor to the United Arab Emirates.


United Arab Emirates [49:27]:

Madam chair at the outset I would like to congratulate Senegal for its election as chair of the Fourth Committee for this session, and we wish them and the vice-chairs success in their work. The UAE aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Kingdom of Bahrain on behalf of the GCC. There is no doubt that the issues raised in the agenda of this committee are of great importance, particularly in light of the ongoing numerous unresolved matters related to decolonization around the world, including in our region. foremost among them the Palestinian question and the question of the Moroccan Sahara. In this context, my country reaffirms its unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, leading among them their right to self-determination, which requires, first of all, an ending to the Israeli occupation. Believing that creating an environment conducive to peace is an essential step towards achieving this goal, the UAE has been at the forefront of supporting the framework established by the international community to end the war in Gaza. and has stressed the need for the full implementation of US President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan to end the conflict, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the roadmap deriving from it. In parallel, we reaffirmed the need to advance towards a serious and credible political horizon that leads to a just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in security, peace, and stability side by side with the state of Israel. We stress the need to immediately halt the dangerous Israeli escalation in the West Bank and the expansion of settlement activities, including the E1 settlement plan, which undermines the geographical contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly between the West Bank and East Jerusalem. We condemn the escalating violence and terrorism by settlers, the ongoing incursions, and attempts to undermine the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem's Muslim and Christian holy sites in clear violation of international law. In the context of our discussion today, the UAE reiterates its full support for the brotherly Kingdom of Morocco in its efforts to find a sustainable political solution to the question of the Moroccan Sahara, while reaffirming the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Morocco over the Moroccan Sahara. My country reaffirms its support for the autonomy initiative put forward by Morocco. as a realistic, practical, and sustainable approach to settling this dispute in a manner that preserves the territorial integrity of the Kingdom. We also welcome the political momentum generated by the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2797. and reaffirm our support for the efforts of the UN Secretary General and his personal envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, while emphasizing the importance of the role of MINURSO in monitoring the ceasefire, which we call upon all parties to uphold. We further call on them to seize this opportunity and engage seriously in advancing the political process. Madam Chair. The UAE reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the principles of international law, including respect for sovereignty of states, good neighborliness, territorial integrity, and noninterference in their internal affairs. Based on this steadfast approach, the UAE reaffirms its full sovereignty over its three occupied islands, Greater Tumb, Lesser Tumb, and Abu Musa, which constitute an integral part of the territory of the UAE. Any decisions or actions taken by Iran are null and void and do not change any of the legal and historical facts. We reiterate our calls on Iran to end its unacceptable occupation of these islands, which constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of the UAE and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. and to respond to our repeated calls to resolve this dispute in good faith through direct negotiations or by referring the matter to the International Court of Justice. In conclusion, my country looks forward to participating constructively in the work of the Committee in order to advance efforts aimed at finding sustainable solutions to issues of colonialism. Thank you, Madam Chair.


Senegal · Chair [53:52]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Arab Emirates, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Your Excellency, you have the floor.


Netherlands (Kingdom of the) [54:04]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Kingdom of the Netherlands would like to start by congratulating you on your appointment, as well as other members of the Bureau. The agenda of this committee offers an opportunity to engage in dialogue on the important topic of decolonization. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is… fully aware that the history of colonialism, but also of slavery and transatlantic slave trade, have left its marks on many communities and continues to reverberate to this day. The consequences are also felt across the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As autonomous countries within the Kingdom, each has its own history, experience and perspective on the legacies of colonialism and slavery. We are determined to confront the darkest pages of our colonial past in concert with countries and communities affected by it. We cannot undo the past, nor can we erase the suffering and injustices that occurred. But the fact that history cannot be changed does not absolve us from the responsibility to address it. Addressing the past for us is not just an exercise in remembrance. It is also about taking responsibility in the present and about the relationships we choose to build for the future. Madam Chair, in this spirit, in 2022, the Dutch Prime Minister apologized for the past actions of the Dutch state to enslaved people in the past, everywhere in the world, who suffered as a consequence of those actions, as well as to their daughters and sons, and to all their descendants up to the present day. In addition, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander expressed his regrets and offered his personal apologies for the excessive violence during the Indonesian war of decolonization. These apologies were only the start of a process of addressing and understanding our past. After an apology comes a comma, not a full stop, as our former Prime Minister put it. Our current Prime Minister pledged to continue this process of acknowledgement and taking responsibility across all parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. So how do we continue after the comma, so to say? Two examples of concrete steps we have taken in this regard. We have allocated 200 million euros to raise awareness of our slavery past, foster engagement, and address the ongoing impact of colonialism and slavery in the present day. We have developed a policy for the return of cultural heritage that were taken involuntarily in colonial times. Under this policy, the Netherlands seeks to right past wrongs by reuniting objects from Dutch collections. We have done so, amongst others, in Nigeria, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. In this process, we have learned it is not just about the material objects themselves, but about what they signify in terms of dignity, cultural identity, and equality. Madam Chair, we continue to be committed to a process of introspection and learning from these important topics. This cannot be carried by a central government alone. In our country, civil society and research institutes have played an essential role in the societal shift towards greater acknowledgement of the past and the official apology. Across the Netherlands, many other organizations have taken the initiative to actively research their role in the history of colonialism and slavery, including the Central Bank of the Netherlands and other financial institutions, companies, churches, and municipalities. And some of these efforts started even before the official apology in 2022. Engaging in international dialogues, such as the one today in the Fourth Committee, is a crucial part of that larger process. At the same time, we must actively resist attempts by those who want to instrumentalize this history to deepen rather than to bridge divisions. Narratives that seek to create a contrast between us and them do not bring us closer to justice or to reconciliation. We believe that confronting difficult chapters of our shared history, including those that are still affecting generations to this day, can bring us closer rather than drive us apart. And that is why within our kingdom, we are working hard to engage in an honest dialogue with the descendants of of enslaved people and with various communities. We believe that only through open dialogue, mutual recognition, and a commitment to our common humanity, we can move forward together. And we hope that speaking here today helps us chart that path forward. I thank you very much.


Senegal · Chair [59:07]:

Thank you, Your Excellency. I would like now to hand the floor to the next speaker on my list, being Argentina, on behalf of the Ibero-American Conference. You have the floor.


Argentina · Ibero-American Conference [59:22]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Ibero-American Summit. The member states of the Ibero-American Conference have expressed their position on the question of the Malvinas Islands on various occasions. Most recently, in the special communique on the question of the Malvinas Islands adopted on the 25th of March, 2023 in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, the heads of state and government of the Ibero-American countries reiterated their position on this question in the following terms. First, reaffirms the need for the government of the Republic of Argentina and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland resume as soon as possible negotiations aimed at finding a prompt solution to the sovereignty dispute over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas, in the framework of resolutions of the United Nations, the Organization of American States and the provisions and purposes of the United Nations Charter, including the principle of territorial integrity. to the unilateral exploration and exploitation activities for renewable and non-renewable resources that the United Kingdom has been carrying out in the disputed area, recalls the appeals of the international community to refrain from adopting decisions that would entail unilateral modifications into the question of the Malvinas Islands in accordance with resolution 3149 of the United Nations General Assembly. which in no way help to contribute to achieving a definitive solution to the territorial dispute. Three, point to the strengthened military presence in the area under dispute, which, while violating Resolution 3149, is also incompatible with the policy of commitment to pursuing a peaceful settlement to the territorial dispute between the Government of the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Four, therefore highlights the successive resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly which urge the Secretary-General to carry out good offices with a view to the resumption of negotiations aimed at, as quickly as possible, finding a peaceful solution to the aforementioned dispute. Lastly, stress the permanent constructive stance and readiness of the Government of the Argentine Republic to achieve a definitive solution to this special and particular colonial situation, as it is defined by the United Nations. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Madam Chair.


Senegal · Chair [1:02:22]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Argentina for his statement, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.


Democratic Republic of the Congo [1:02:37]:

Madam Chair, my delegation at the outset would like to congratulate you and the members of the Bureau on your election to conduct the work of the Fourth Committee. Rest assured, you have the full support of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in carrying out your work. Among the various questions related to decolonization on the agenda of our Committee, my delegation would like to focus its statement on the situation in Western Sahara, the settlement of which remains an important important issue for peace, stability and regional integration of the Maghreb. Madam Chair, the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains convinced that the settlement of the question of Western Sahara necessarily will involve a realistic, pragmatic, sustainable and mutually acceptable political solution in the context of the process conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. In this regard, my delegation recalls the adoption of resolution 2797 of the Security Council, which marked an important milestone in efforts aimed at achieving a political settlement to this question by putting the Moroccan autonomy proposal at the heart of the discussions. Presented in April 2007, this initiative, in the eyes of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a credible, serious, and constructive basis for reaching a definitive political solution while respecting the parameters established by the United Nations. My delegation considers that the prospects that this has opened up should be transformed into renewed political will on the part of all of the parties concerned, because no possible settlement, however promising it may be, will be able to achieve the expected results without sincere engagement, a spirit of compromise, and the steady restoration of trust among the parties. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, in this regard, reaffirms its full support for the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres, and of his personal envoy, Mr. Staffan de Mistura, with a view to achieving the resumption and conclusion of the political process. We encourage all of the parties concerned to continue their good faith engagement and to seize upon the opportunities opened up by the current discussions to advance a solution that guarantees the stability of the territory, economic and social development, and the legitimate aspirations of the populations concerned. Madam Chair, in this regard, my delegation reaffirms its support for the role played by the United Nations Mission to Organize the Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO, whose presence contributes to the preservation of stability and supporting diplomatic efforts. We welcome the recommendations of the Secretary-General aimed at extending its mandate for an additional year up to the 31st of October 2027. Thank you.


Senegal · Chair [1:05:38]:

I thank the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and I would now like to give the floor to the Central African Republic.


Central African Republic [1:05:51]:

Thank you, Madam Chairperson. I thank you for giving me the floor. I would like to begin by expressing my warmest congratulations to you and your election to chair this important committee. I'd like to extend those congratulations to the other members of your bureau, to which I wish every success in conducting our work. Madam Chair, decolonization remains one of the fundamental commitments of our organization. Since the adoption in 1960 of Resolution 1514 regarding the granting of independence and countries to colonial to colonial peoples and countries, considerable progress has been accomplished. However, 66 years later, this commitment remains unfinished. For the Central African Republic, decolonization cannot be limited to of political independence. It should allow the states and peoples to have the necessary means to fully exercise their sovereignty, preserve their identity, and freely conduct their economic and social development. On this point, the Central African Republic reaffirms its attachment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, in particular respect for the sovereignty of states, their territorial integrity, the right of peoples to decide on their future, and peaceful resolution of disputes. These principles must continue to guide our collective action in an international context marked by persistence of conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and growing difficulties to which developing countries are confronted. Madam Chair, the Central African Republic remains deeply concerned by the situation in the Middle East, suffering endured by the civilian population, destruction of essential infrastructure, and persist and problems in humanitarian access remind us of the urgency of reaching a lasting peace. My delegation calls for the protection of civilian populations, to uphold international humanitarian law, and continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at putting an end to the violence. We remain convinced that a true peace in the region can only be obtained through dialogue and the search for a political solution that is just and lasting in conformity with the relevant resolutions of the United Nations. Madam Chair, with regard to the question on the Moroccan Sahara, the Central African Republic notes with satisfaction the developments that have occurred since our last session, in particular the adoption on the 31st of October of last year of Resolution 2797 of the Security Council. This resolution is an important step in efforts aimed at achieving a political solution to this regional dispute, which has lasted several decades. and calling on the parties to continue negotiations on the basis of the Moroccan autonomy initiative, the Security Council has given new impetus to the political process conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. The Central African Republic considers that this development must be fully taken advantage of. After so many years, it's necessary for diplomatic efforts to finally produce concrete results in a spirit of realism, dialogue, and compromise. We applaud the constant efforts undertaken by the Secretary General of the UN and his personal envoy to move the political process forward and to make the positions of the parties involved converge. Madam Chair, the Central African Republic reaffirms its full support to the political process conducted under the auspices of the UN in conformity to the relevant resolutions of the Security Council with a view to reaching a political solution that is just, lasting, and mutually acceptable on the question of the Moroccan Sahara. And with this in mind, my country reiterates its support for the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative presented in 2007, which we consider as the most serious, credible, and realistic basis to reach a definitive solution to this dispute while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco. We also welcome the efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Morocco to advance this initiative, as well as its participation in the political discussions undertaken during 2026, in particular in Madrid and Washington. These consultations point to the need to maintain dialogue and continue efforts to converge positions. It's important now that the parties involved commit themselves in good faith and to negotiate without preconditions in order to reach a lasting political solution. For the Central African Republic, maintaining the status quo is not a satisfactory solution. The continuation of this dispute continues to weigh on the possibilities of regional cooperation and integration at a time when the countries of the Maghreb have significant economic and human potential. We encourage, therefore, all parties and stakeholders, including neighboring countries, to support in a constructive way the efforts undertaken under the auspices of the United Nations. Madam Chair, the Central African Republic would also like to applaud the efforts of socioeconomic development launched by the Kingdom of Morocco in its southern provinces. These initiatives contribute to improving economic prospects of the local population and strengthen the possibilities for development in the region. The Central African Republic also attaches particular importance to the participation of the populations in management of public affairs. On this point, we take note of the holding of legislative elections on the 23rd of September of this year and the participation of the population of the southern provinces in this electoral process. We believe that the participation of people in decisions that concern their future as well as promoting their economic and social rights must remain at the heart of all efforts of sustainable development. The Central African Republic, which maintains relations of friendship and cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco, reaffirms its determination to continue supporting initiatives promoting peace, stability, and regional integration. Madam Chair, Africa needs peace, stability, and strengthened regional cooperation to take up the economic and social challenges that it faces. The Central African Republic, based on our own experience in the area of national reconciliation and peacebuilding, remains convinced that dialogue and compromise are the most secure ways to achieve a solution to disputes. We hope that the current momentum will allow the parties involved to take further steps towards a definitive political solution in the interest of people and stability of the entire region. Thank you.


Senegal · Chair [1:12:24]:

I thank the delegation of the Central African Republic, and I would now like to give the floor to the delegation of Israel. You have the floor.


Israel [1:12:35]:

Madam Chair, distinguished members of the committee, the question of the Falkland-Malvinas Islands remains a matter of historical, political, and regional sensitivity. which continues to generate considerable interest within the international community. Israel recognizes the importance that the Argentine Republic attaches to this issue, as well as its ongoing efforts to address this matter through diplomatic channels and in accordance with the principles of international law. We reiterate the importance of a direct, constructive and practical dialogue between the parties involved, based on the principle of peaceful resolution of disputes. Israel supports the principle of settling international disputes by means of negotiation and direct dialogue based on mutual respect.

At the same time, we believe that any progress on this matter must be achieved

while taking into consideration the full spectrum of relevant historical, legal, and human aspects. Israel will continue to encourage a mutually agreed peaceful resolution as part of its commitment to an international order based on dialogue, stability, and cooperation among nations. Thank you, Madam Chair.


Senegal · Chair [1:14:19]:

I thank the distinguished Ambassador of Israel, and I would like now, before proceeding to the next speaker on my list, I would like to inform the distinguished delegates that I have received requests from delegations of the Congo and Botswana to be included in the list of speakers for the decolonization items, though the inscription closed last Friday. With your consent, I would like to grant these requests. Accordingly, I will instruct the secretariat to include the Congo and Botswana in the list of speakers for the decolonization items, while also maintaining the current arrangement of the list regarding the last two speakers. It is so decided. With this, I would like to now hand the floor to the distinguished representative of the Congo. You have the floor.


Congo [1:15:30]:

Madam Chair, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, delegates, the delegation of the Republic of the Congo would like to, first of all, express our warmest congratulations to you on your election to chair the Fourth Committee. We assure you of our full support in leading this work and wish you every success in fulfilling your mandate. My delegation also thanks the Secretary-General of the UN

for the efforts undertaken in preparing this session and for his constant commitment in favour of the implementation of the principles and purposes enshrined in the Charter.

This year offers a new opportunity to reaffirm our collective commitment towards one of the

fundamental objectives of the United Nations: the complete elimination of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. The question of decolonization remains at the heart of the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, in particular respect for the sovereign equality of states, territorial integrity, and the rights of people to decide on their future. The adoption of Resolution 1514 of the General Assembly on 14 December 1960, entitled Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Peoples and Nations was a turning point, a historic turning point. That resolution proclaims that all peoples have the right to self-determination and that colonialism must be quickly and unconditionally abolished. Resolution 1541 specified the principles governing the exercise of this right, while resolution 2625 reaffirmed its fundamental character in international relations. Madam Chair, thanks to the efforts of the United Nations and the Special Committee in charge of decolonization and international solidarity, a certain number of people have gained independence and sovereignty. However, In spite of this important progress, 17 non-self-governing territories remain on the UN list. demonstrates that the decolonization mandate entrusted to our committee has not yet been implemented. The Republic of the Congo affirms its full support to the Special C24 Committee, as well as the Fourth International Decade for the Elimination of Colonialism, proclaimed in resolution 75/123 of the General Assembly for the period 2021-2030. We call on the administering powers to fully cooperate with the United Nations in conformity with the Charter and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly. Madam Chair, the Republic of the Congo also considers that the full realization of the rights of people to decide on their future is essential in situations that continue to remain on the agenda of the United Nations.

On this

point, we reaffirm our constant support to the Palestinian people in the exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination and independence in conformity with the UN Charter, the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, and the Security Council. as well as the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice as far as the situation in Western Sahara. The Republic of the Congo takes note of resolution 2797 of the Security Council and is following with great interest the latest developments with regard to this topic. Madam Chair, for many African countries, colonialism is not simply a historic heritage legacy. It is a legacy that continues to be felt through structural inequalities and continued economic imbalances and challenges to development. This is why decolonization must be examined on all its dimensions. It must allow the peoples in question to exercise effectively their political, economic, and cultural sovereignty. as well as their right over their natural resources in conformity with the resolution 1803 regarding the permanent sovereignty over natural resources. Congo would also like to underscore the importance of strengthened partnerships between the United Nations regional organizations, and member states in order to accelerate the implementation of the relevant resolutions pertaining to decolonization and to support the sustainable development of the territories concerned. Madam Chair, while the international community is working to implement the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the pact for the future, we must remain faithful to the founding ideals of our organization. decolonization remains a question of justice, of human dignity and fundamental rights and international peace. The Republic of the Congo calls on all states to renew their political commitment in favor of the full implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Peoples and Countries and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations, so that no people remains deprived of its right to freely determine its future. As 1514 states subjecting people to domination and subjugation and foreign exploitation is denial of fundamental human rights over six decades after its adoption this affirmation remains as valid as ever the completion of the process of decolonization is a historic and moral responsibility that we must collectively take on in the interests of current and future generations thank you very much


Senegal · Chair [1:21:45]:

I thank you, and I would now like to give the floor to Botswana.

You have the floor.


Botswana [1:21:55]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Botswana aligns itself with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the inalienable right of all peoples to self-determination. as enshrined in the General Assembly resolution 1514, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. Botswana supports this resolution because the question of Western Sahara remains an unfinished decolonization matter that requires the sustained attention and responsibility of the United Nations. The people of Western Sahara must be afforded the opportunity to determine their political future freely, in accordance with the principles of international law and the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Security Council. Botswana considers that a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution must be founded on genuine dialogue, good faith and respect for the freely expressed wishes of the people concerned. We therefore support continued negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General and his personal envoy, and urge all parties to demonstrate the necessary political will, engage constructively, and refrain from actions that could undermine the prospects for a peaceful settlement. We further emphasize the importance of upholding international humanitarian law and protecting the dignity and rights of the people affected by this protracted dispute. Cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross, as called for in the resolution, is an important element of meeting the applicable humanitarian obligations. Madam Chair, for Botswana, the credibility of the United Nations rests not only on the principles it proclaims, but also on its consistent efforts to ensure their meaningful implementation. The question of Western Sahara, therefore, calls for renewed international resolve, impartial engagement, and a genuine commitment to a peaceful outcome. Botswana accordingly supports the draft resolution as a reaffirmation of the United Nations' responsibility towards the people of Western Sahara, and as a means sustaining the search for a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution that provides for their right of self-determination. I thank you, Chair.


Senegal · Chair [1:24:41]:

I thank the representative of Botswana for his statement, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria. Your Excellency, you have the floor.


Algeria [1:24:56]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Once again, we are deliberating on the question of Western Sahara, a question which remains a question of incomplete decolonization, and it is a question that is etched into the legal marble of the United Nations, enshrined in General Assembly resolutions and informed by the International Court of Justice, be it Resolution 1514 or Resolution 1541. It has been clearly established that the choice of political status of a territory must proceed from the free will of its people. That requirement is at the heart of all genuine decolonization. It draws the essential line between what is decided in place of a people and what a people decide freely for themselves. Madam Chair, my country welcomed the resumption at the beginning of this year of direct negotiations between the two parties to the conflict, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front, under the joint auspices of the United Nations and the United States of America, promising negotiations that Algeria, alongside Mauritania, participated in as observers. as neighbors paying attention and demanding with a concern for a return to peace and a stability in our region. But speaking frankly, the developments on this question, which we have noted with concern, are, as everyone knows, the direct consequence and the publicly owned consequence of a shameful transaction to the detriment first of all of the Palestinians and then to the Sahrawis it is indecent retribution by two states that are reputed for their territorial ambitions and their defiance of the rules of international law order and their defiance of the jurisprudence of international justice today some the same fact, are demanding that the Sahrawis abandon their aspirations to liberty and dignity and that they accept a fait accompli out of pragmatism, out of realism. And it is up to our committee, which is tasked with successfully concluding decolonization, to satisfy the democratic aspirations and grievances of the Sahrawi people. Our committee must not look away from the ordeal faced by the Sahrawi people for nearly 50 years and the dreams of returning to their country in dignity and with respect for their inalienable rights. This is an opportunity for us to record the parameters of the resolution of the settlement of this conflict. First of all, No one is able to grant sovereignty over a territory, not even the Security Council. The only holder of sovereignty is the Sahrawi people, who must, as a matter of urgency, be consulted about their future. Second, a solution can only be just and sustainable It cannot be sustainable if it is imposed. Negotiation must be a path, certainly a difficult path, towards a solution, a solution that must not be decreed in advance. Third, the majority of the Sahrawi people is dispersed within Algeria, Mauritania, and elsewhere, where they have found refuge. And this is refuge which has status that is guaranteed by the United Nations and protection that is guaranteed by multilateral conventions. The Sahrawi people has the right to international assistance and we, the Member States, we have the duty to provide support, protection and assistance to them. while we await the emergence of a political solution that is just and sustainable for the conflict of Western Sahara. Yes, Madam Chair, we are all aware that financial resources for humanitarian assistance are drying up, and this is due to the intensification and the multiplication in the number of humanitarian needs. But Is the solution not through negotiation, through diplomacy, to achieve lasting solutions which take into account the root causes of these conflicts? And not the panacea of, through creative accounting, reducing the number of refugees that are requesting our assistance in the first place? To date, humanitarian assistance from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees has generated respect and consideration, specifically because that humanitarian assistance was distributed to those that were suffering without politicization, without calculation, without political interference. and UNHCR should not allow itself to be dragged into what today looks like indecent famine blackmail to force refugees to accept short-sighted political solutions. That is not its mandate, and that is not anything that does it any honor. To conclude, Madam Chair, Algeria is committed to international law. It is committed to international humanitarian law. And more than anyone, today more than in the past, it wants to see a lasting, sustainable solution to the conflict of Western Sahara under the auspices of the United Nations. A solution that is in line with justice, a solution that is in accordance with the aspirations of the Sahrawi people, a solution that can bring peace and harmony to our region. And we appeal to the General Assembly, the guardian of international law and the guardian of respect for the United Nations Charter, to promote this just and sustainable solution that would guarantee the Sahrawi people the exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination. Thank you.


Senegal · Chair [1:32:56]:

I thank the delegation of Algeria for their statement, and I would now like to give the floor to the delegation of Morocco. Excellency, you have the floor.


Morocco [1:33:09]:

Madam.

A year ago, the Security Council adopted its historic Resolution 2797, marking a significant turning point in dealing with the issue of Moroccan Sahara by the United Nations, moving from management to resolving it. This resolution was applauded by all parties, and it was an irreversible turning point compared to all the previous resolutions of the Council for several reasons. First of all, it enshrines the Moroccan autonomy initiative as the only basis to resolve this regional dispute, putting it at.

The heart of the political process of negotiation.

Secondly, for the very first time, it established the status of autonomy in the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. Thirdly, it reaffirmed the responsibility of the four parties, Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and Polisario. Fourth, fifth, it called on the parties to negotiate in good faith without preconditions. Five, it allowed for direct discussions among the four parties during the three meetings held in Washington and Madrid. Six, it allowed the Kingdom of Morocco to present the autonomy initiative in a very detailed way, providing many details. This autonomy reconciled political realism, democratic governance, and the aspiration of the population.

As the Secretary General indicated last week, and it's his report to the Security General, these discussions made it possible to deal with the concrete parameters of a future resolution. This opportunity is an opportunity for all parties to assume their historic responsibility.

The resolution of the Security.

Council must be implemented, discussions must be held without preconditions, good faith must be demonstrated, commitments undertaken must be honored. The ceasefire must be reestablished and observed. It's based on these conditions that the momentum generated by Resolution 2797 could be preserved, could produce its impact, and lead the process to its successful conclusion. Madam Chair, beyond its political dimension, Resolution 2797, first and foremost, offers a human promise because behind each resolution, there are young people, there are people living in the Tindouf camp. After each resolution adopted, there is an additional generation that will continue being subjected to the consequences of non-implementation. The This is the second longest refugee crisis in the world cannot be allowed to continue for another half century. This is why Morocco has sought to benefit the populations in Tindouf by providing opportunities. these lasting solutions, including freely accepted repatriation. His Majesty King Mohammed VI has already made a solemn declaration on this. They can be resettled in a third country or be resettled in the Moroccan Sahara. Any attempts to undermine these efforts will be politically and morally to be condemned, Madam Chair. It is with great attention that I followed these statements regarding Moroccan Sahara during the high-level week, as well as during this August committee. We regret that these statements include historic distortions, legal distortions, denial of realities generated by Resolution 2797, and attempts to assign intentions that are unjustified.

First of all, let's correct some of these views.

First of all, decolonization. The decolonization of Sahara was concluded half century ago with the return of the Sahara to its mother, Morocco.

In accordance with Article 52 of the UN Charter.

Resolution 2797 confirmed this integration by enshrining autonomy in the framework of Moroccan sovereignty. And those who have still not understood it, the message of His Majesty the King was clear, and I quote, "From now on, there will be before and after the 31st of October.

The time has come for a united Morocco." and no one will trample on the rights or transgress historic borders of Morocco." End of quote. Two, self-determination.

The only question related to self-determination and Resolution 1514, I want to recall that the UN doctrine in this area is not limited to this one resolution.

Its multiple gaps have led member states to complete it with two other resolutions just as important.

First of all, 1541 codified the incompatibility of the principle of self-determination.

With any violation of national unity and territorial integrity of countries.

With regard to Resolution 2625, it stipulates the acquisition of any other political status freely decided by people constitutes for that people a way of exercising its right to self-determination. And Resolution 2797, the Security Council does not seek anything else but to achieve a status of autonomy freely negotiated in conformity with Resolution 2625.

625 third the good faith good.

Faith is not an empty slogan it is a sincere action a political commitment a diplomatic.

Ethics it is not a one-way street it's reciprocal it has to be measured.

In practice by starting with oneself and not simply by statements or assigning intentions to the other party the.

The detailed presentation of the autonomy plan presented by Morocco.

Morocco is still waiting for a response from the other parties as far as this political status. The political status of certain parties was also refined by the resolution of the Security Council.

The four parties to the dispute were clearly identified in successive resolutions of the Security Council. Furthermore, in Washington and Madrid.

Neither observers nor neighbors nor third.

Neutral parties that participated in the three in the three discussions but the four parties identified by the Security Council Morocco Algeria Mauritania and the Polisario front without any distinction or differentiation five the the advice the International Court of Justice the advice the opinion of the court defined.

Define the existence of the situation following the colonization by Spain first of all Morocco was in the Sahara long before Spanish colonization and yet

There was the allegiance of fidelity and loyalty that linked the Saharan tribes to Morocco. This attack on allegiance is still being practiced in more than 24 monarchies in the world, including European monarchies. Six, the final colony in Africa. Describing Africa, the Sahara, as the last colony in Africa discredits those that allege this. The response to this allegation is clear. It is not the decolonization of the Sahara, nor the last colony in Africa that was negotiated in Washington and in Madrid. Rather, it is the autonomy status within the context of Moroccan sovereignty. Certainly, there is representation. The self-declaration by the Polisario Front group to represent the population of the Tindouf camps is nothing other than shameful and usurpation of their political rights and a flagrant a seizure of their political will. The representation is a political will that only free, transparent elections can legitimize. The genuine representatives of the Moroccan Sahara are those very self-same people who were democratically elected, as was the case during the legislative elections of the 23rd of October. Since 1965, all of the elected officials come from the Sahara itself. Lastly, on the referendum, the statements that we've heard here and elsewhere demonstrate that there is an insidious lack of respect for Security Council resolutions. Those that are constantly calling for respect for the Charter and UN resolutions, I would like to remind them that the Security Council has definitively for the last 25 years maintained this and we cannot continue to ignore the resolutions that this committee regularly adopts and has done so for the last 20 years including those that will be adopted the day after tomorrow and they in no way mention the term referendum. Madam Chair, optimism born out of resolution 2797 and the Washington negotiations and the Madrid negotiations is linked to a lasting solution over the regional dispute over Moroccan Sahara that is 50 years old but Its scope is even bigger. It brings with it the ambition for a new regional epoch, the expression made by the King, and I quote, "We reiterate our continued commitment to work on the relaunching of the Union of the Maghreb on the basis of mutual respect, cooperation, complementarity among the five member states," end quote. I would like to conclude by reaffirming the firm and constant support of the Kingdom of Morocco for the territorial integrity of the United Arab Emirates, its permanent sovereignty over the Greater Tombless Tomb and Abu Musa Islands, and we also support the request of this fraternal country to put an end to the Iranian occupation of its three Emirati islands, as well as its position calling for the pursuit of a solution either through negotiations or a direct one, or through resorting to the International Court of Justice. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you.


Senegal · Chair [1:43:09]:

Distinguished delegates, we have heard the last speaker and scribed in the list of speakers for the general debate on agenda items 52 to 56. Before we continue, I would like to remind speakers to kindly deliver their statements at a reasonable speed to enable the interpreters to do the best job possible. Distinguished delegates, The exercise of the right of reply has been requested. Delegations are reminded of the maximum of two interventions, with the first intervention limited to five minutes and the second to three minutes. I call now on the representative of the United Kingdom. You have five minutes.


United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [1:43:53]:

Thank you, Chair. I'd like to exercise the right of reply in response to the statements from the distinguished representatives from Venezuela, Argentina for the Ibero-American Conference, and Israel. As this committee has already heard during this session, the United Kingdom has no doubt over its sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, and surrounding maritime areas of both territories. The UK is steadfast in its support for the Falkland Islanders' right of self-determination, which is enshrined in the UN Charter and article 1 of the two UN covenants on human rights. The Falkland Islanders have as much right as any other peoples to determine their political status and to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. Distinguished representatives have, in their statements, encouraged dialogue and negotiations between Argentina and the UK. The Falkland Islanders have made clear their overwhelming wish for the Falkland Islands to remain a self-governing territory of the United Kingdom, including in the 2013 referendum, which was supervised by independent observers. Argentina's constitution means that the only outcome of any negotiations that is acceptable to the Argentine Government is a full transfer of sovereignty. Negotiations on sovereignty would therefore be incompatible with the fundamental principle of self-determination in the UN charter. I re-emphasise that there can be no dialogue on sovereignty unless the Falkland Islanders so wish. On points made about military presence, I want to stress that UK forces in the South Atlantic are there entirely defensively, to ensure the defence of the Falkland Islands against any potential threat. We continue to keep force levels under review to ensure that we retain appropriate levels of defensive capabilities, as we have done since the illegal Argentine invasion in 1982. To conclude, the United Kingdom will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Falkland Islands Government and the Falkland Islanders. We will robustly defend their wishes, their economy and their right to determine their own future.


Senegal · Chair [1:46:06]:

Thank you. I now call on the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. You have five minutes.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:46:17]:

In the name of God, compassionate and merciful. Madam Chair, my delegation exercises its right of reply to the statements delivered by the distinguished representatives of the United Arab Emirates and Morocco concerning the three Iranian islands, Abu Musa, Greater Toman, Lesser Toman. These statements once again introduced a baseless and unilateral claim to sovereignty over our country's territory into a debate on decolonization without demonstrating any relevance to the agenda items before us. Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and the promotion of good neighborliness. At the same time, we underscore that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including over the aforementioned islands, cannot be subject to any negotiation. While categorically rejecting all negotiations against it, My delegation reiterates that the three islands, Buma, Saw, Greater Tom, and Lesser Tom are an integral part of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran's title rests on documented historical continuity predating the establishment of the UAE, supported by official records and maps. Measures undertaken on the islands by our competent authorities constitute an exercise of Iran's sovereignty and fall within its exclusive competence. I thank you, Madam Chair.


Senegal · Chair [1:48:01]:

I now call on the distinguished representative of Argentina. You have five minutes.


Argentina [1:48:10]:

Thank you very much. In response to the statement by the delegation of the United Kingdom on the question of the Malvinas Islands, the Argentine delegation would like to reiterate in all of the terms the statements made by the representatives of the Argentine Republic at the General Assembly regarding the consideration of the Special Committee on Decolonization of the Fourth Committee. As well, we recall that the Malvinas, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas are a com- an integral part of our… Argentine territory and that they are illegally occupied by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. They are subject to a sovereignty dispute between both countries, which is recognized by various international organizations. the illegal occupation by the United Kingdom, according to the United Nations General Assembly, which has adopted various resolutions on this, including 2025, which recognizes the existence of a sovereignty dispute that refers to the question of the Malvinas Islands and urges the governments of the Argentine Republic and the United Kingdom to resume negotiations in order to, as quickly as possible, find a peaceful solution and a lasting solution to the dispute. For its part, the Fourth Committee has repeatedly spoken out similarly, most recently through the resolution adopted on the 25th of 2026. Madam Chair, the Argentine Republic is aware, notes what has been said by the countries of the region represented by various groups and reiterates that the 2013 situation in the Malvinas Islands with the referendum that was carried out without the authorization of the United Nations, in which no state or international mechanism sent official representatives as electoral observers. It is a simple unilateral British act without any legal value and in no way alters the nature of the Malvinas Islands. It does not put an end to the sovereignty dispute, nor does it affect the legitimate Argentine rights. Indeed. In its recent advisory opinions on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 2025, the International Court of Justice indicated that the power of the General Assembly to pronounce itself on the modalities of the free and authentic expression of an autonomous territory, a non-self-governing territory. As a consequence, the realization of a referendum that does not include its approval lacks any legal value. of this is that the vote did not modify the sessions of the C-24 that continued to, by consensus, adopt resolutions on the question of the Malvinas Islands in the usual terms. The solution to the sovereignty dispute does not depend on a vote in which British citizens manifest their desire to continue to be British. they are subject to a dispute of which its own country is a party to. The right of self-determination does not exist, therefore, in the question of the Malvinas, because there is not a people in the sense of international law. Madam Chair, the Argentine Republic categorically rejects all characterization according to which it would be exerting pressure or hindering the lives of the people of the Malvinas. Within the framework of international law, our actions constitute the legitimate exercise of our sovereign rights in the face of unilateral exploration and exploitation activities of non-renewable natural resources, which are incompatible with these settlement and the resolutions of international law, the General Assembly and the United Nations Commission on the Law of the Sea, far from hindering the lives of the inhabitants of the Islands, Argentina has respected their way of life and their interest in accordance with the mandate established in its national constitution and the Convention of the United Nations. Prosperity, however, cannot be rooted in the appropriation and illegitimate exploitation of natural resources which belong to the Argentine people as a whole. To conclude, Madam Chair, the Argentine Republic reaffirms its legitimate rights of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas, which are an integral part of the national territory of Argentina. Thank you very much.


Senegal · Chair [1:52:19]:

I now call on the representative of the United Arab Emirates. You have five minutes.


United Arab Emirates [1:52:28]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation has requested the right to reply, the right of reply to the right of reply by the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the statements delivered by the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco. We reiterate our rejection of the false statements made by the representative of Iran. We reiterate that the three islands, Greater Tomb, Lesser Tomb, and Abu Musa, which are in the Arab Gulf, islands belonging to the UAE and are occupied by Iran. We categorically reject the continuation of the Iranian occupation of these islands. We reaffirm that any attempt to categorize this as an internal Iranian issue does not change the legal status of these islands. It is a violation of our sovereignty over these islands and a violation of the UN Charter and international law. We continue to call on Iran to go back to the international law and the Charter of the United Nations to solve this issue through bilateral negotiations or to resort to the ICJ. Thank you, Madam Chair.


Senegal · Chair [1:53:45]:

I see the distinguished representative of Iran you now have three minutes


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [1:53:55]:

thank you madam chair for giving me the floor my delegation takes the floor once more in response to the representative of the United Arab Emirates no amount of repetition can come for legitimacy on a territorial assertion unsupported by the historical record long before UAE came into being Official documents and maps identify these three islands as belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The latest intervention by my colleague, the representative of the UAE, has offered nothing that changes the record. Honestly, that intervention leaves the central question unanswered. How does this claim concerning the three Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf relate to these decolonization items. Madam Chair, our people have demonstrated steadfastness through past challenges. We speak with that same sense of continuity and responsibility today. Our country's sovereignty over any part of its territory, including these three islands in the Persian Gulf, is not and never be negotiable. Any assertion from any country does not alter this position and is firmly rejected. Last but not least, as recalled in previous meetings, Persian Gulf is the correctly established designation in United Nations terminology. All delegations, including UAE's delegation, should respect that usage rather than substitute political preferences for accurate reference. I thank you, Madam Chair.


Senegal · Chair [1:55:37]:

I now call on the representative of the United Arab Emirates for a second intervention. You have three minutes.


United Arab Emirates [1:55:46]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. I want to reiterate once again the position of the UAE. their steadfast position regarding their sovereignty over these three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, which are positioned located in the Arabian Gulf. We reject the Iranian occupation of these islands. These islands are an integral part of the territory of the UAE. We reiterate our genuine call to Iran to settle this dispute using peaceful methods in line with international law and the Charter of the United Nations. We hope that Iran will deal with this conflict with responsibility and in line with good neighborliness and the respect for the sovereignty of states. Thank you, Madam Chair.


Senegal · Chair [1:56:35]:

Distinguished delegates, I do not see any further requests for the right of reply. Before proceeding further, I would like to remind the Committee that we will be taking action on the draft proposals submitted under agenda items 52 to 57 on Thursday 15th of October. Action on the drafts will follow the sequence listed of the non-paper listing those proposals distributed last Friday via e-delegate. In line with the Committee's decision taken at its 7th meeting on 9 October, the Committee will now consider agenda item 124, entitled "Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly". The General Assembly has assigned this agenda item to all Main Committees for the purpose of discussing their respective working methods. In connection with the discussion of our working methods, the Committee's attention is drawn to the document A/C.4/81/INF/4, which highlights the still applicable provisions of General Assembly resolutions and to the summary of the Committee's discussion on its working methods at its last session, circulated via e-delegate. I invite delegations to share their views on the best practices the Committee could adopt, as well as on ways to further improve our working methods. The floor is now open for our discussion. Delegations wishing to intervene are invited to request the floor by pressing the microphone button. I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union. You have the floor.


EU · EU [1:58:52]:

Thank you, Chair. Esteemed colleagues, I take the floor on behalf of the European Union and its member states. We thank the Chair for convening this discussion on the working methods of the Fourth Committee, as we consider this an important opportunity to take stock of existing practices and identify practical ways to make our work more effective and efficient. The revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, as set out in resolution 79/327, calls on all of us to ensure that the Assembly and its main committees fulfill their mandates effectively. This is particularly relevant in the broader context of the UN80 initiative and our collective efforts to make the United Nations more fit for purpose. The European Union believes that improving our working methods should build on practices that have already demonstrated their value while supporting practical improvements. In this regard, we would like to highlight a number of points. First, we should preserve and consolidate established good practices. We welcome the practices that have contributed to the efficient functioning of this Committee. including the punctual start of meetings, adherence to speaking time limits, the use of the flashing light system, timely availability of documentation, and the effective use of digital tools, particularly eDelegate. We particularly value the flexibility to move agenda items forward as the programme of work progresses, as well as timely and transparent communication of changes to the schedule. These practices allow delegations and the Secretariat to plan their work and make the best use of available meeting time. We will also underline the importance of maintaining close coordination between the main committees, particularly the Fourth and First Committees, to avoid parallel meetings and minimize the burden on delegations, especially smaller ones. And on coordination, we also would like to welcome the new initiative by the PGA to meet regularly with the chairs of the main committees, including the Fourth Committee, to discuss GA revitalization, discussions which will hopefully translate soon into concrete outcomes. At the same time, efficiency must go hand in hand with multilingualism. The timely availability of documentation in all six official languages including draft resolutions, is essential to ensuring the equal participation of all member states. Efficiency measures, therefore, should not come at the expense of the multilingual character of our organization. We also regret the discontinuation of press releases covering the committee's work. These provide an important record of its discussions and help make its work accessible to a wider audience. we encourage exploring ways to ensure their continuation. Second, we should build on the positive new practices introduced in recent sessions. We welcome the Chair's initiative to circulate a non-paper ahead of the discussion on working methods, providing delegations with a structured basis for reflection. We also consider the immediate consideration of substantive agenda items following the organizational meeting as well as the circulation of the programme of work in a table format, useful practices that should be maintained in future sessions. We encourage the regular updating of the programme of work on the Committee's website. In addition, we see merit in strengthening institutional memory through a digital repository of the Committee's working methods and established practices, including contributions from outgoing bureaus. This could facilitate continuity between successive Bureaus and provide delegations with an accessible reference. Third, we support further practical improvements. In this regard, we would like to offer a few suggestions for consideration. On the consideration of decolonization items, the European Union attaches great importance to the participation of petitioners and to ensuring that their perspectives are heard and meaningfully reflected in our deliberations. We will therefore suggest exploring the possibility of holding an uninterrupted joint general debate on the decolonization items with petitioners heard before member states take the floor. This will allow delegations to take their perspectives into account when preparing their interventions, contributing to a more coherent and substantive discussion. It could also facilitate better planning by delegations and more efficient arrangements by the Bureau and Secretariat, including with regard to interpretation. We will also be open to further considering the proposed one-step approach to the consideration of requests for hearings by petitioners, provided that it allows delegations sufficient opportunity to raise questions and address any concerns before decisions are taken. We must particularly insist on our encouragement to delegations to exercise restraint in proposing additional agenda items. Focus and prioritization are essential if we are to avoid overburdening the Committee and ensure that sufficient time and attention are devoted to its substantive work. We also see value in continuing discussions on how to make better use of our meeting time, including the organisation of explanations of vote and statements before and after action to ensure the ability of all Member States to participate in the work of the Committee. Chair, colleagues, Revitalization is about ensuring that our working methods allow this committee to fulfill its responsibilities effectively, make the best use of our collective resources, and deliver meaningful outcomes. We stand ready to engage constructively in this process. And I thank you.


Senegal · Chair [2:05:32]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union for his statement, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand.


New Zealand [2:05:46]:

With thanks to you, Chair, including for your leadership of our work and convening this discussion. Chair, the case for revitalization and for practical improvements of working methods has never been stronger. Strengthening the UN's ability to deliver and ensuring its effectiveness, credibility and sustainability requires Member States to redouble their efforts to achieve progress now. In this regard, I offer the following three reflections. First, we must implement reform and revitalisation commitments that have already been agreed. New Zealand, along with Cairns partners, Canada and Australia, made this call at the recent General Assembly debate on revitalization, and I reiterate it here. In line with resolution 80/251, New Zealand calls on all member states to exercise greater discipline in creating and renewing mandates, supported by concept notes as appropriate, to avoid duplication, to move towards biennial and triennial resolutions and reporting cycles where appropriate, to ensure that any new requirements deliver clear and demonstrable value. To include clear review mechanisms in all new and renewing mandates. Review clauses mean that work to actually progress a mandate is evaluated, supporting better accountability for the promises we make and, importantly, that we take practical actions to meet the promise. Second, this session also marks the commencement of the moratorium on new international days, weeks, months and years agreed in resolution 79/327. We call on all member states to respect both the letter and spirit of this measure. Third, General Assembly revitalization and UN80 reform must be mutually reinforcing to foster a system-wide approach, including across all committees and pillars of the UN. Our goal needs to be a culture of continuous improvement, a consistent practice of translating our commitments into action, and a focus on the real-world impact in everything we do. I thank you.


Senegal · Chair [2:08:04]:

I thank the representative of New Zealand for his statement, and I would like now to hand the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador.


El Salvador [2:08:16]:

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. We are grateful for the convening of this meeting, which gives us an opportunity to reflect on the working methods of the Fourth Committee and its contribution to the broader process of revitalizing the General Assembly. From El Salvador's point of view, this discussion is particularly relevant in the context of implementing the UN80 initiative and the commitments made in resolution 79/327, which stipulate our shared responsibility to review our institutional practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and ensure the more efficient use of available resources. This exercise should be based on a fundamental premise, which is that revitalization is not an end in and of itself. It is a means for strengthening the ability of the General Assembly and of its main committees to fulfill their mandates. In that regard, we would like to share some considerations. First of all, we recognize the importance of moving towards more efficient, coherent, and results-oriented working methods. The rationalization of procedures, reducing duplication, and greater institutional coordination are goals that we share, particularly in light of the current financial restrictions of the organization. However, we feel it is essential for these efforts to develop with full respect for the prerogatives of member states. Any amendment to the working methods or the program of this committee must result from consensus through transparent, broad and inclusive consultations. The pursuit of efficiency should not lead to an automatic reduction in deliberation spaces, nor in the application of one-size-fits-all criteria to mandates which address different needs and realities. Similarly, we believe it is essential to make sure that negotiation processes, particularly those relating to draft resolutions that are particularly cross-cutting, have sufficient time for informal consultations and substantive deliberations. Allocating enough time for negotiations is an essential condition to facilitate consensus building, to allow for different positions to be considered, and to make sure that the decisions that are adopted are the result of inclusive processes that are duly substantiated. Moreover, although we recognise that the adoption of some resolutions by a vote has been the common practice of this committee, we note that, during the previous session, there was an increase in the number of draft resolutions that were put to a vote. ignoring the different positions that naturally exist between Member States, we believe it is important to continue, as much as possible, to promote consensus-building as a practice that strengthens the legitimacy of our decisions and that reflects the spirit of cooperation that has characterised the work of this Committee. Second, We feel that there are concrete opportunities to strengthen the organization and predictability of our work. In particular, we reiterate the importance of improving coordination with the First Committee in accordance with resolution 51/241. both when it comes to the planning of meetings and in negotiations of resolutions on related questions, in order to avoid overlap and to reduce the workload of delegations. Moreover, we consider it necessary to ensure the timely availability of up-to-date information on the practices, procedures, and decisions of this Committee. In this regard, we reiterate our proposal to establish a compendium or digital repository that would help preserve its institutional memory, facilitate the transition between sessions, and strengthen the transparency of our work. Equally, we wish to highlight the importance of ensuring the availability and accessibility of the records of previous sessions as essential instruments to ensure that there is follow-up to deliberations, to preserve the precedence for decisions and to facilitate the continuity of work of delegations. Third, we wish to underscore that institutional efficiency should advance hand in hand with the principles of inclusion and equitable participation. In this context, we express our profound concern over the repercussions that the current budget cuts could have on multilingualism, particularly when it comes to the availability of interpretation, translation and documentation services in the six official languages. For El Salvador, multilingualism is not a secondary administrative consideration, it is an essential condition for guaranteeing equality among the Member States and their effective participation in intergovernmental processes. Therefore, we reiterate our firm opposition to any practice which, under criteria based on achieving budgetary economies or administrative efficiency, leads to a restriction in language services or to the establishment of working mechanisms that operate exclusively in English. The financial difficulties of our Organisation must not be resolved at the expense of one of the fundamental principles upon which its universal and inclusive nature is based. We would also like to recall the amendments to the rules of procedure of the General Assembly through resolution 79/327, which incorporated the use of feminine pronouns, adjectives and nouns in the six official languages, although we recognize that adapting institutional practices requires collective effort. We consider it important to ensure the consistent application of these provisions, particularly in references to offices and functions held by women, as part of our commitment to a more inclusive and representative organization. Finally, would like to refer to the decolonization items which constitute a central responsibility of this committee. El Salvador reaffirms the importance of preserving spaces for participation for petitioners of the non-self-governing territories, whose testimony represents a fundamental contribution for the consideration of each and every one of these questions. At the same time, we believe it is the the right time to keep thinking about how we can strengthen the substantive nature and the impact of these exchanges so that they can more effectively contribute to following up on decolonization mandates and to the identification of concrete ways to make progress on meeting outstanding goals. Madam Chair, the Fourth Committee plays an essential role in examining questions that have a direct impact on peace, international peace and security, and the implementation of important United Nations commitments. We will continue to participate constructively in these efforts with the conviction that the true value of revitalization lies in our ability to turn better working methods into better results for the United Nations and its member states. Thank you very much.


Senegal · Chair [2:16:14]:

I thank the representative of El Salvador for her statement, and I would like now to hand the floor to the Islamic Republic of Iran.


Iran (Islamic Republic of) [2:16:24]:

Madam Chair, at the outset, my delegation wishes to express its appreciation to you and the members of the Bureau, especially His Excellency, Permanent Representative of Senegal, for your leadership and efforts to facilitate the work of the Fourth Committee during this session. We also thank the Secretariat and the interpreters for their continued support. We welcome this opportunity to exchange views on the Committee's working methods in the context of the revitalization of the work of the General Assembly. My delegation attaches importance to ensuring that the Committee conducts its work effectively and efficiently, while preserving the inclusive character of its deliberations and the ability of all Member States to contribute meaningfully. Improvements in working methods should advance these objectives together without compromising participation in the pursuit of efficiency. In this regard, we commend the good practices observed during previous sessions, including the technical briefing held prior to the start of the session, The continuation of direct dialogue with representatives of United Nations bodies and entities, as well as with senior United Nations officials. The timely and transparent communication of changes to the programme of work and the timely availability of documentation. We also appreciate the effective use of digital tools, particularly the timely availability of meeting transcripts on UN Web TV, which facilitates access to the Committee's proceedings. We emphasize that any changes to the Committee's working methods must be guided by the principle of consensus. The process of considering and formulating recommendations should be inclusive, transparent, and Member State driven, with due regard for the views and practical needs of all delegations. Madam Chair, against this background, my delegation must draw the Committee's attention to a serious and continuing impediment to our full participation. the refusal of the host country to issue visas to our representatives who have applied to travel from our capital to New York to participate in the work of the General Assembly's main committees. The credibility of our collective efforts in the debates and discussions of this committee also depends on ensuring the equal and unhindered participation of all Member States. Each Member State must be able to participate fully through its designated representatives. The continuing failure of the host country to issue visas to our representatives obstructs that participation and must be rectified without delay. Despite our repeated efforts and recourse to the appropriate channels to resolve this matter, the situation remains unresolved. To date, none of those designated to travel from our capital to participate in the work of the Fourth Committee or other main committees has been issued a visa. Their absence restricts our delegation's ability to contribute fully to the work of these committees. We respectfully request that our delegation's objection to this continuing impediment to its full participation be duly reflected in the committee's report to the General Assembly. We further request that this matter receive due consideration in subsequent discussions on the Committee's working methods, including through follow-up by the Chair and the Bureau with the Secretariat and the host country, with a view to securing its prompt resolution. Madam Chair, in conclusion, despite these constraints, my delegation remains committed to constructive engagement in efforts to improve the Committee's working methods. Such efforts must rest on a fundamental premise: all Member States must be able to participate fully, equally and without hindrance. We therefore call upon the host country to issue visas to our representatives without further delay, thereby enabling our delegations' full participation and giving practical effect to the principles of inclusivity and equal participation that should guide the Committee's work. I thank you, Madam Chair.


Senegal · Chair [2:20:59]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and I would like now to hand the floor to Switzerland.


Switzerland [2:21:11]:

Thank you, Madam Chair. Switzerland thanks you for convening this meeting.

As this is the first time we're taking the floor.

I would like to congratulate you and the Bureau on your election and assure you Switzerland cooperation and success, we consider it important to continue our discussions on the committee's working methods, building on the achievements of the previous session to make better use of our time and resources, while ensuring the full participation of all relevant stakeholders. We welcome the early planning of the work of the fourth committee and encourage this practice to continue. Allow me to highlight three points. First, Switzerland supports shorter, clearly defined speaking times. We welcome their strict enforcement, including by switching off the microphone once the allotted time has expired, to ensure concise statements. For its part, Switzerland aims to limit its national statements to three minutes. Second, We should focus our time on issues that require our collective attention. We therefore support the call by the co-chairs of the ad hoc working group on revitalization in their letter of 3 September for shorter, fewer, and less frequent resolutions and decisions. Thirdly, the principles set out in resolution 80/251 on the creation implementation and review of mandates remind us of the importance of adopting clear, concise, and impact-oriented resolutions that include review clauses. It is now up to us to translate these principles into practice. Thank you.


Senegal · Chair [2:23:16]:

I thank you as well.

Distinguished delegates, I see no further requests for the floor. We have heard from the last speaker in our discussion on working methods. I would like to thank all delegations for this constructive exchange of views. The Chair, with the support of the Bureau, will share with delegations a summary of today's discussions. The Committee has thus concluded the stage of its consideration of the agenda item 124, entitled "Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly". The Committee will reconvene on Thursday, 15 October, in this same conference room at 10:00 a.m. to take action on the draft proposals submitted under agenda items 52 to 57. I wish also to remind delegations that the deadline for the submission of proposals on agenda item 45, entitled "Effects of atomic radiation", is today at 6:00 p.m. and for proposals on agenda item 46, entitled International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, is on 21st October at 3 p.m. At its seventh meeting, the Committee had decided to hear a briefing by the co-chairs of the ad hoc working group on mandate implementation review immediately after the adjournment of the ninth meeting. Due to a conflict in the Co-Chairs' schedule, I would like to propose that we hear the briefing by the Co-Chairs after the 10th Plenary Meeting, this Thursday, 15th October, in an informal setting. I hear no objection. It is so decided. The meeting is adjourned.