联合国大会第79届会议 - 第87次全体会议
联合国大会
Date: 25 August 2025
Language: English
Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/zh/ga/79/87?lang=en
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.

---

GA · President [0:00]:

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It's time to start. The 87th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The General Assembly will resume its consideration Of Agenda Item 127 entitled Global Health and Foreign Policy, a note by the Secretary-General has been circulated in Document A/79/915. I now give the floor To the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.


Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) · Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations [1:08]:

Mr. President, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has the honor of taking the floor on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations. Mr. President, SDG 3 on health and well-being calls upon us to guarantee healthy lives and to promote well-being at all ages. That is viewed as an essential step for sustainable development. Against that backdrop, we cannot overemphasize the fact that the topic that brings us together today addresses indeed one of the most relevant and far-reaching issues that the international community and humanity as a whole have faced together in recent times. That is global health as a priority, including one in foreign policy. Thank you. Global health is a fundamental aspect of the well-being of individuals and societies. In that connection, there must be cooperation, collaboration, and an inclusive approach adopted, one that goes beyond borders in order to address continuing health challenges on a global scale. Mr. President, the dramatic outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic 5 years ago highlighted the need for increased international cooperation and solidarity. It also highlighted the need to further strengthen multilateralism. The common understanding was that this was the only way to overcome common challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. In this vein, we underscore that the major health-related challenges facing humankind today are ones on which the United Nations has established clear frameworks for action across the board. These include universal health coverage, the prevention and control of non- Communicable and communicable diseases. That includes, incidentally, pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. There's also the fight against tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and the challenges related to mental health, among other issues of global significance. All of these are the issues that multilateralism must address today decisively and without delay. No country or region acting in isolation even with vast medical, technological, or economic resources, will be able to successfully meet the urgent needs of their people in the face of problems that even threaten the very existence of human life. Mr. President, the work of the United Nations to promote health is part of its humanitarian and development work, and that is rooted in its principles and concrete action throughout the world and has been since its founding 80 years ago. There's also the persistent message we've heard time and time again from world leaders who have been able to speak before this General Assembly. That message and the work of the United Nations have been clear and unequivocal. Health cannot be just a privilege for the richest. Neither can it remain a business. Health is a universal right for rich and poor alike, and both states and the United Nations are obliged to ensure that everyone can achieve and enjoy health. In that connection, we take this opportunity to once again condemn the continued enactment, application, and even the ratcheting up of unilateral coercive measures that was seen even during the worst pandemic humanity faced in the past 100 years. And they have been stepped up in spite of the multiple and growing calls for their complete and unconditional elimination. These illegal measures continue to be applied to more than a third of humankind. They constitute real mass violations of the human rights of entire populations. Moreover, they endanger the lives of millions of people. At the same time, they violate on a daily basis the most basic human rights of these people, including the right to health and the right to life. These illegal measures have also hindered the timely and effective access of states subject to these so-called sanctions to medicines, medical supplies, and equipment, as well as to personal protective equipment, screening tests, treatments, vaccines, and other essential goods. That undermines national efforts in the fight against tuberculosis, COVID-19, and other communicable and non-communicable diseases, and that has been confirmed by independent UN experts and acknowledged by the UN system at large. It is for this reason that the complete, immediate, and unconditional repeal of UCMs is particularly important and urgently necessary, especially bearing in mind that the so-called humanitarian exemptions in place have proven to be ineffective, or rather non-existent. In this regard, we also recall the initiative to create green corridors free from trade wars and sanctions. Primarily for the transit of essential goods, food, medicines, and personal protective equipment needed to combat communicable and non-communicable diseases. Mr. President, given the seriousness of this issue and the negative impact it has on the lives of millions across the globe, we reiterate that the question of unilateral coercive measures must be adequately addressed in all relevant outcomes of the United Nations, particularly in outcome documents related to the topic of health. These documents include the upcoming political declaration of the 4th High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being. That meeting will be held in a few weeks. The omission of this matter has been seen in some documents adopted nonconsensually in the past, and that omission must not once again be seen, particularly if we are truly committed to our pledge of leaving no one behind. Mr. President, on a separate, yet not unrelated note, my group cannot miss this opportunity to denounce the dishonest campaign unleashed by the government of the United States of America to discredit Cuban international medical cooperation. We must speak out against their attempts to exert pressure on recipient governments, particularly those from developing countries. That has diminished and tarnished the commendable work undertaken by Cuban medical personnel in terms of saving lives throughout the world. We saw this particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also elsewhere. This mendacious campaign is nothing more than a clear extension of the aggression and hostility of the US government against Cuba, a founding member of It is also an attack on multilateralism and on the values of international solidarity and cooperation, including South-South cooperation. And all of these are a linchpin of efforts undertaken to realize the right to health in all countries. In this context, we express our deep appreciation, gratitude, and recognition of the Cuban health professionals who have provided high-quality healthcare to millions of people around the world. At the same time, we call upon the U.S. government to to put an end to their coercive, hostile practices and policies, which are instruments of blackmail. In the context of this agenda item— indeed, this is an agenda item which addresses the essential topic of health, and as such, we cannot fail to refer to the ongoing catastrophic humanitarian situation in Palestine that includes a widespread famine inflicted upon the entire population, and that is the consequence consequence of systematic and widespread attacks perpetrated by Israel, the occupying power, against the Palestinian people, most notably in the Gaza Strip. The time has come to put an end to the suffering and the indiscriminate attacks against the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. These attacks have not only prompted the collapse of the health system in that sisterly nation, but also have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives. The United Nations must take decisive action as a matter of urgency to guarantee the respect for the right to food, to health, to peace, and to the self-determination of the State of Palestine. Without doing this, the very organization will never remain true to its very raison d'être. It is high time for us to collectively take unequivocal steps to put an end once and for all to this protracted conflict and to the continued suffering of the heroic Palestinian people. Thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [9:46]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand who will speak on behalf of the Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative Group.


Thailand · Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative [10:07]:

Mr. President, it is my honor to speak— it's my honor to speak on behalf of the 7 members of the Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative, consisting of Brazil, France, Indonesia, Norway, Senegal, South Africa, and Thailand. At the outset, we thank the Secretary-General for the report. Mr. President, almost 20 years ago, the Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative foresaw health as a new paradigm for cooperation which needed a more strategic focus on the international agenda. The adoption of the Oslo Declaration reiterates that foreign policy actions in security, trade, conflict, the environment, and human rights have strong bearing on the achievement of national and global health agenda. The spread of COVID-19 has indeed reminded us that the threat to health anywhere is, of course, a threat to health everywhere. For that reason, concerted and coordinated action to advance global health issues in the foreign policy sphere remains essential to our common health equity. The group strongly believes that global health challenges need to be tackled collectively through a robust multilateral health architecture with the WHO as its core and through enhanced partnership, international cooperation, and solidarity. We remain deeply concerned with the ongoing global health inequities and inequalities and emerging challenges such as a lack— such a lack of access to life-saving therapies and antimicrobial resistance, non-communicable diseases, Adverse impact of climate change, extreme weather events, conflicts, and of course humanitarian emergencies. Allow me to share some priorities in line with the GA Resolution 79/287 that the group views as critical to address global health challenges. Equity without comprehensively addressing determinants of health. Causes of ill health are rooted in social, economic, and political structure, such as poverty and hunger, and further aggravated by environmental risk factors contributing to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. Resolution 78/287 therefore puts strong focus to tackle determinants of health through health promotion and promoting healthy lifestyles. We must close the health gap faced by the poorest and the most vulnerable. Eliminate structural inequalities, integrate environmental protection into public health priorities, and catalyze regulatory physical measures to support health objectives. Health equity is a shared responsibility beyond health sector. It demands application of health in all policies, and collective effort of all stakeholders through whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, including a One Health approach. Second, equitable access must be prioritized to address health inequities and inequalities within and between the developing and developed countries. This requires Strengthening health systems, investing in primary healthcare to achieve universal health coverage, and ensuring equitable access to medical countermeasures, digital technologies, safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as quality and affordable health products and health services for all. Moreover, access to technologies is critical for countries to scale up regional and local production of medicines and health products, which in turn will improve their timely and equitable access and overall the health security for people globally. Third, we share great concerns on the increasing humanitarian emergencies worldwide, which have devastating impact on health systems. Attacks on healthcare contributes to an increased risk of disease outbreaks, worsens malnutrition, and causes excess deaths. This trend must be stopped and protection of healthcare facilities and health workforce must be respected. As underlined by the Secretary-General, the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of the health and care workforce constitutes a critical bottleneck to the expansion of health service coverage. The projected workforce shortages by 2030 is increasing due to chronic underinvestment in health workers. The need for increased international focus and investment in the healthcare— in the health workforce, as provided by the WHO Academy, cannot be overlooked in this regard. Fourth, multilateralism still works. The group reaffirms our strong commitment to strengthening global health governance, notably To the full and effective implementation of the International Health Regulations, we welcome the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement as a vital legal framework to prepare for future pandemics. We underscore the importance of timely conclusion of the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex negotiation and look forward to working We will continue to work closely with the WHO Intergovernmental Working Group on this matter to ensure the agreement's full implementation. Despite these rising challenges, health financing is on the decline, facing sharp cuts on external aid and global health funding. We need adequate, predictable, sustainable health financing We must take bold steps across all sectors to fill this gap, including, of course, through the mobilization of domestic resources. Lastly, we must strengthen international cooperation to support capacity building for those countries in need through official development assistance, financial and technical support, and research and development. is not only fundamental to economic growth but also to development and achieving SDGs. The Foreign Policy and Global Health Initiative remains fully committed to work closely with the WHO, relevant UN entities, and partners to put health front and center of global agenda and strengthen our concerted action in achieving global health equity for all. I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [18:30]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union, who will speak on behalf of the EU and its member states.


EU · EU [19:08]:

President, Excellencies, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 member states. Multilateralism to tackle health issues is delivering results. We also note the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement earlier this year and the amendments to the International Health Regulations last year, which represent important steps in strengthening the global health architecture. As stated in Secretary-General's report, much remains to be done to reach the SDGs. Urgent political action is needed to address the alarming stagnation of progress towards universal health coverage by tackling shortage of the health and care workforce through initiatives such as the WHO Academy. Noncommunicable diseases and antimicrobial resistance remain at the top of the diplomatic agenda. As the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly affecting the health of the most vulnerable, and plastic pollution still awaits bold and decisive action from the international community, the One Health approach remains more relevant than ever. The EU and its member states remain firmly committed to promoting health equity and universal health coverage as key enablers, enablers of the 2030 Agenda. We will continue to work to strengthen health systems, enhance prevention and preparedness, and address, address the broader determinants of health, leaving no one behind. We know that the Secretary-General's report was released after Resolution 79/287 on global health and foreign policy was adopted, which limited its relevance in informing this important process. It is crucial that such reports are provided earlier in the future to better guide negotiations and ensure timely, comprehensive input from key global health stakeholders. While we supported the resolution, we expressed some strong reservations on several paragraphs and had to dissociate on technology transfer. We trust our concerns will be more clearly heard going forward to ensure stronger consensus, including in the current negotiations on the political declaration for the High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health. Strong multilateral cooperation and a robust multilateral health architecture with the WHO at its core are essential to address today's pressing health challenges, from pandemic preparedness and antimicrobial resistance to non-communicable diseases, mental health, and the impact of the climate crisis. The EU and its member states reaffirmed their support to WHO as the cornerstone of the global health architecture, and we will continue to work with all partners to advance equitable, effective multilateral responses to global health challenges. Thank you.


GA · President [22:00]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq, who will speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.


Iraq · G77 + China [22:15]:

Excellencies, I have the honor to deliver this statement Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to make a statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on Agenda Item 127, Global Health and Foreign Policy. The group thanks the Secretary-General for this report, Report A/79/915, on improving international cooperation and multilateral effort to address global health challenges.

Thank you.

and promote equality in health for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this report— in this regard, the Group wishes to highlight the following. The Group reaffirms that health is a fundamental human right and a central pillar of sustainable development. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgent need to strengthen multilateralism, international solidarity, and cooperation, including through international medical assistance, to ensure that no country is left behind in preventing, preparing for, and responding to global health emergencies. The Group rejects any attempt to hinder such cooperation or solidarity. The group recognizes that health finances require global solidarity and collective effort and highlights the urgent need to strengthen international cooperation to support efforts to build and strengthen capacity in developing countries, including through enhanced official development assistance and financial and technical support, and support to research, development, and innovative programs. The group stresses the urgent need to close persistent gap in timely, unhindered, and equitable access to medical equipment, vaccines, diagnosis, and health technologies, which continues to disproportionately affect developing countries and emphasized that strengthening technology transfer and local production is essential to increase global supply, ensure equitable access, and build resilient health systems. The group notes with concern that the health challenges facing developing countries are compounded by the high and increasing cost of health technologies, and limited capabilities and availability. This is aggravated by lack of transparency in price-setting policies from producers. It underscores that the global response remains inadequate to achieve the health-related targets of the 2030 Agenda and stresses that stagnant ODA and the growing pressure from commercial and other vested interests on health policies are critical obstacles requiring urgent action. The group acknowledges the pressing need to address the major impediments that developing countries face in accessing and developing digital technologies, and highlights the importance of financing and capacity building. The Group highlights the need to invest more in science, technology and innovation and to implement initiatives at all levels for the development of human resources in critical sectors such as health, where shortages are particularly acute and the migration of skilled professionals risks further weakening national systems. We stress the importance to develop strategies aimed at increasing capacity building to developing countries and confronting the brain drain of specialized human resources from countries of the Global South. The Group of 77 attaches great importance to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property. Property rights TRIPS Agreement and to the 2001 Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreements and Public Health. The group underscores that many developing countries will not be able to advance in health sector while they face unilateral coercive measures which have a direct and negative impact on the health and well-being of their populations. The Group urges all states to refrain from prolonging and applying such measures. Additionally, the Group strongly condemns the alarming rise in attacks, threats, and violences against medical personnel, particularly local and national staff, as well as their facilities, equipment, and supplies. Such acts violates international humanitarian law and severely hinders the delivery of life-saving assistance. Finally, the Group reiterates its commitment to working with all partners to advance a stronger, fairer and more resilient global health architecture grounded in the principles of equality, solidarity and sustainable development in order to achieve the health-related goal of 2030 Agenda. I thank you, sir.


GA · President [28:05]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Iraq. I now give the floor to distinguished representative of Cuba.


Cuba [28:36]:

Mr. President, health is a human right and not a merchandise. States have a fundamental responsibility of Guaranteeing services of universal healthcare that are accessible and of high quality to their people. Quality is proud to have a public healthcare system that is free, universal, and of high quality. In Cuba, health is a human right enshrined in the constitution of the country and Thank you. Global health is one of the unquestionable achievements of the revolution. Mr. President, global health cannot be unlinked from political tensions, humanitarian emergencies, climate change, or the unjust and unequal global economic order. Global health is essential, cooperation is essential, multilateralism is essential to provide effective responses to global health emergencies and to provide true universal healthcare coverage that benefits every individual. Developed countries have an inescapable debt that they owe Selfishness must be eliminated from international relations. Unilateral coercitive measures should be eliminated. These have a negative impact on the enjoyment of the right to health. The countries of the South, of the Global South, should not have to choose between paying the suffocating external debt or financing their national healthcare systems. What's necessary is more mutual support to achieve resilient, universal, humane, and sustainable healthcare systems that are not governed by the logic of the market, systems that are supported by coherent public policies and committed governments. We take note of the report presented by the Secretary-General on improvement in international cooperation and on multinational efforts to address challenges of global health and promote equality in health in order to fulfill the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The data, the information in the report are not very positive and compel us to act with urgency. $2.7 trillion are being spent on military expenditures. Today, we express our solidarity with our Palestinian brethren, whose humanitarian situation is tragic and extremely worrying due to the genocide underway. The healthcare system in, in this brethren nation has collapsed. And it is mostly women and children, Palestinian women and children who are suffering from this. We reiterate our support for the mandate of the World Health Organization when we reaffirm our commitment with a WHO that is strong, inclusive, and representative. And we reject the unjustified attacks by the United States against this important body. This clearly demonstrates its scorn for multilateralism. Mr. President, for over 6 decades, with incredible effort, the Cuban government has implemented a public health system that is universal and that is focused on prevention, equality and solidarity that is based on a single— one single health as a daily practice. This has eased the devastating impact of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States. This has been in spite of this blockade. The impact of this blockade are particularly visible and very painful. 21 hours of blockade is equivalent of $12 million, an amount that would allow Cuba to purchase the necessary insulin to cover the needs of all the diabetics in the country for an entire year. For the cost of 25 days of blockade, which is equivalent of $339 million, our country could cover the needs for basic medication for everyone for an entire year. The arbitrary inclusion of our country in the list of countries that are supposedly sponsoring terrorism and the campaign of discreditation promoted by the United States against our medical services Only strengthen the criminals' attempts to suffocate Cuba and affect the well-being and health of millions of people, not only in our country but in other parts of the world. Since 1963— 1963— over 605,000 Cuban healthcare professionals have provided healthcare services in 165 countries. And currently, over 24,000 healthcare professionals are providing their support in some 56 countries, mostly in the Global South. Also, we have contributed to the training of tens of thousands of physicians and doctors from the countries of the Global South during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cuba sent, being very modest, 58 medical brigades to dozens of countries and territories. In all cases, our solidarity has been genuine, and the only goal of that support was and has always been to save lives and to enhance the well-being of peoples of the nations receiving our support and contribute to efforts to develop their healthcare systems. The politically motivated campaign of the current Secretary of State of the United States against Cuban medical services will never be accepted or heeded in the countries of the world that can always count on the selflessness of Cuban healthcare professionals. We're grateful for the strong statement of G77 and China in our support, which is the broadest grouping in the United— and most representative grouping in the United Nations to strengthen international medical cooperation, and their rejection to— their rejection of any attempts Yes. — to block global solidarity in this sphere. We greatly appreciate the firm, strong recognition of the Group of Friends in Defense of the U.N. Charter, recognition for international medical assistance that Cuba provides with all modesty. Mr. President, no one will prevent Yes, we will continue providing assistance where it is necessary and where human life needs it. In spite of the lies of the United States, we will continue providing more solidarity and cooperation. Under the leadership of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, he stated that to be internationalist is to pay our own debt towards humanity. Thank you very much.


GA · President [37:56]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia.


Zambia [38:23]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Excellencies, allow me to first align Zambia with the statement given by Iraq on behalf of G77, and let me also now deliver a statement on behalf of Zambia. Zambia welcomes the comprehensive report of the Secretary-General and commends the World Health Organization for its in-depth assessment of global health and humanitarian challenges. The report rightly affirms what many of us know to be true, that global health, foreign policy, and sustainable development are inextricably linked. For Zambia, and indeed for many developing countries, this connection is not abstract. It is a daily reality that defines the well-being and resilience of our people. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the structural inequalities in access to vaccines, medicine, and life-saving technologies. Zambia joins others in calling for a truly inclusive and equitable multilateral system, one that prioritizes global solidarity, timely technology transfer, and fairer intellectual property frameworks. No country should be left behind in future health emergencies. We remain deeply concerned by the global stagnation in achieving universal health coverage, Sustainable Development Goal 3.8. Zambia acknowledges that achieving universal health coverage, a specific identified in SDG 3.8 is closely linked to the strength and resilience of its health systems. A well-functioning health system is essential to ensure equitable access to equal quality healthcare services for all, especially in the context of demographic changes, health emergencies, and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases. Mr. President, on his part, Zambia is strengthening its primary healthcare system as it serves as the foundation for its overall healthcare system. Primary healthcare is cost-effective and inclusive, ensuring that health services are delivered close to communities. This approach emphasizes early disease detection, prevention, and integrated care, particularly concerning non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health and mental health. Zambia has adopted a multisectoral approach to achieve universal health coverage, requiring collaboration across sectors such as education, water and sanitation, as well as social protection. The current health policy focuses on strengthening multisectoral strategies to address social determinants of health, including poverty, gender inequality, and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. Zambia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to improving global health outcomes through enhanced international cooperation and multilateral engagements. Mr. President, we recognize that achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being, requires collective global action, solidarity, and equitable partnerships. The transboundary nature of pandemics, climate change, and other health emergencies demand a coordinated global response rooted in equity, inclusivity, and mutual accountability. Zambia calls for strengthened global health governance increased development financing, and the sharing of innovations, knowledge, and technologies, especially with low- and middle-income countries. We urge all stakeholders to prioritize health system resilience, universal health coverage, and the equitable distribution of essential health services, medicines, as well as vaccines. Our shared future depends on bold, inclusive and collaborative action that leaves no one behind. Zambia remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. We recognize that health is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. As we work towards achieving, achieving the SDGs and the aspirations of Agenda 2060, 2023, Zambia calls for renewed global commitment, increased investments, and strengthened partnership to address the health challenges facing our nation and world. Mr. President, in conclusion, together we can build a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future for all together. I thank you.


GA · President [43:21]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Zambia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay.


Uruguay [43:43]:

Muchas gracias.

Thank you very much. Uruguay aligns itself with the statement made by G77. We wish to make the following statement in our national capacity. we value the report prepared by the WHO. We'd like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our staunch support and admiration of its crucial work. We agree that it is vital that the international community remain alert and strengthen its capacity in terms of future— in terms of prevention, preparedness for, and response to future pandemics and other health emergencies. That is all vital. Thank you. Vital in terms of achieving the SDGs and achieving universal health coverage. Here, in this connection, we are delighted by the recent adoption of the pandemic agreement and the amendments made to strengthen the International Health Regulations by the WHO, and we hope that both instruments will contribute to strengthening international cooperation. We recall that important lessons were drawn from the most recent pandemic, and one of those was the need to facilitate access to affordable and high-quality medications during health emergencies. We need to continue working to foster technology exchange and knowledge, bearing in mind that obstacles in this domain will continue to hinder our ability to deal with future health crises. For Uruguay, the Agenda 2030 is our roadmap in terms of ensuring all people can enjoy human rights at a national level. We are convinced of their value— of its value, rather, and as an agenda, and as such, we lament the backsliding seen in terms of its achievement, especially when it comes to SDG 3. That is a result of and an indicator of progress in other areas. At a national level, we have public policies which promote equity. These are comprehensive and intersectoral in approach and they focus on prevention, territorial-level work and are focused on human rights. We have a national integrated healthcare system with universal coverage and equitable access. And we establish synergies through this system with other SDGs, including the reduction of poverty. We regret that progress is being undone at a global level in terms of national immunization programs. We recall in this regard that vaccinations save lives and that public health policy must be based on science and not be affected by misinformation campaigns or fake news. We are concerned by the laws, policies, norms, and social practices which continue to deny healthcare to and sexual and reproductive rights to many people, including girls, adolescents, and those most vulnerable among us. We welcome the fact that since the year 2000, on average, pregnancy and birth healthcare and health at this time has improved, but we are concerned by the fact that maternal mortality does not continue to decrease. Where NCDs are concerned, we continue to note that these remain the primary cause of death across the world, and we agree that persistent inequality is slowing progress and jeopardizing progress in terms of NCDs and their eradication. We hope that the political declaration to be adopted during the high-level meetings to be held in September will renew our commitment to dealing with mental health. And mental health disorders continue to increase, and they don't receive the care they require. We regret the fact that in terms of universal healthcare coverage. There are still in 2025 4.5 million people— billion people rather, at a global level that don't have access to crucial healthcare. We must strengthen the international community's desire to tackle that alarming— the alarming persistence of inequalities when it comes to enjoyment of healthcare, and we must step up access to all essential healthcare services and work on areas where little progress is has been seen, such as coverage against non-communicable diseases and maternal health. We are worried by the grave backsliding seen in terms of the respect for international humanitarian law, including the protection of healthcare facilities and healthcare personnel in conflict situations. Thank you.


GA · President [47:52]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of The Philippines.


Philippines [48:14]:

Mr. President, the Philippines aligns itself with the statement made by G77 and China as delivered by Iraq. We welcome the Secretary-General's report and underscore that health is a cornerstone of peace, development, and human dignity. No country can meet today's global health challenges without stronger international cooperation and inclusive multilateral action. The Philippines has consistently demonstrated its commitment to global health multilateralism. As President of the 78th World Health Assembly, we championed equity, solidarity, and inclusivity in global health governance. We welcome the conclusion of the WHO Pandemic Agreement as a milestone in strengthening collective preparedness. We engage in this process as a co-facilitator for the Group for Equity. We reaffirm our support for the UN Health for Life Fund, where the Philippines serves on a steering committee, as an innovative financing mechanism to finance global health priorities. This April, we also hosted the 7th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety, which adopted the Mandaluyong Declaration, calling for concrete national and global action for patient safety. Beyond the UN and the WHO, we advance regional and cross-regional cooperation, including through ASEAN's Health Development Agenda and the Philippine-Pacific Initiative, launched last year, to strengthen partnerships with Pacific Island countries on public health, food security, labor mobility, and disaster preparedness. At home, we are pursuing equity-driven reforms, expanding PhilHealth insurance coverage, strengthening hospital and specialty care networks, intensifying multi-agency coordination, and rolling out innovative programs such as the Gamot for outpatient medicines, Yaka for patient-centered care, and enhanced HIV services. We invest in healthcare workers as a backbone of these reforms and ensure safe, resilient facilities with clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, and drive innovation, including through our new partnership with AstraZeneca to establish the Philippines' first pharmaceutical innovation hub. Looking ahead, the Philippines will actively contribute to the upcoming high-level meeting on noncommunicable diseases, reaffirming our commitment to addressing the rising burden of NCDs through global cooperation. Mr. President, for the Philippines, health is not only a domestic priority but remains a core sub-pillar of our foreign policy. For us, cooperation strengthens sovereignty and solidarity builds resilience. The road to 2030 is fast approaching, but our determination has never been clearer. The Philippines will work with all to uphold health as a universal right, a global public good, and a foundation for peace, equity, and sustainable development. Thank you.


GA · President [51:22]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.


Zimbabwe [51:40]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Zimbabwe aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the UN and the G77 and China, and we deliver the following remarks in national capacity. We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on improving international cooperation and multilateral efforts to address global health threats and promote equity in health for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Mr. President, the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder that no one is safe until everyone is safe. The pandemic exposed the deep inequities between developed and developing countries, particularly in relation to accessing vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, and other essential health technologies. For many countries in the Global South, including Zimbabwe, limited technology transfer, restrictive intellectual property regimes, and inadequate health system capacity prevented timely and adequate responses. Going forward, Zimbabwe emphasizes that equity must be called the cornerstone of global health cooperation, and this requires firstly capacity development. There is need to strengthen national health systems, particularly in developing countries, through sustained investments in infrastructure, human resources, and and community-based health delivery. The projected shortfall of 11.1 million health and care workers globally by 2030 disproportionately affects Africa, making capacity development an urgent priority. Secondly, technology transfer and local production. We welcome World Health Organization initiatives such as the mRNA vaccine Vaccine Technology Transfer Hub and the Local Production Forum. However, these efforts must be expanded and fully supported to enable developing countries to produce their own vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Without local production and meaningful technology transfer, Africa and other regions will remain vulnerable in future health crises. Thirdly, Financing for equity. Global health financing mechanisms such as the Pandemic Fund must prioritize the need of low- and middle-income countries. Adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing is essential to build resilient systems and to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies. Debt distress and austerity must not be allowed to undermine health spending in global— in the Global South. Finally, the climate change and health nexus. Zimbabwe also underscores the devastating impact of the climate crisis on health, particularly in Africa. Extreme weather events, drought, and floods have exacerbated malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and displacement. Support to developing countries must therefore integrate climate resilience into health systems. Mr. President, achieving universal health coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals require solidarity, cooperation, and fairness in the global health architecture. My delegation wishes to stress that health is not a privilege but a right, and that the 2030 Agenda cannot be realized as long as glaring inequalities in global health persist. In conclusion, Zimbabwe calls for a reinvigorated multilateralism that delivers on capacity development, technology transfer, and equitable access to health for all. Only through such collective action can we build a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for all people. I thank you.


GA · President [55:43]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Djibouti.


Djibouti [56:04]:

Thank you so much, Mr. President. Mr. President, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, my delegation thanks the Secretary-General for Thank you very much, Mr. President. I would like to start by transmitting the World Health Organization's report on global health and foreign policy. The elements contained in this report provide a perfect synopsis and overview of how improving international cooperation and multilateral action can help us to effectively address global health challenges and promote health equity for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Thank you very much.

Agenda and its SDGs. It also underscores how the intersection of foreign policy and global health is deeply intertwined with issues including but not limited to budget constraints, climate change crisis, instability, and conflict that severely impact healthcare systems, particularly in Africa. But above all, and as a message to all delegations, this report is a compelling, clarion call to stay vigilant and strengthen capacities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics and other health emergencies. My delegation aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China by Thank you very much. Thank you very much for the kind words addressed to me by the distinguished representative of Iraq. I would like to deliver the following observations in our national capacity. Mr. President, my delegation must add its voice to those delegations expressing deep concerns over the 4.5 billion lacking essential health services, the crippling health staff shortage in low-income countries, interest payments exceeding health and education spending in many developing countries and affecting over 3.3 billion globally. We are particularly hopeful that the WHO pandemic and international health regulations amendments will strengthen the global health architecture by ensuring that the much-needed equity and solidarity are at the foundation of preparedness and future response. However, we remain concerned with the financial resources needed to build such architecture. A total of $30 billion annually is required for effective preparedness. In addition to that, it must be recognized It is forecast that the need for financing will exceed available resources, even with the Pandemic Fund replenished. Nevertheless, my delegation is pleased to note that the report has given special attention to this issue. Predictable financing makes a huge difference between the inability to respond and a fully functional health system. Combating and reducing inequities is key to implementation. With the health spending differing widely from less than $50 to over $4,000 per capita and catastrophic out-of-pocket payments pushing millions into poverty, we would like to underscore that universal healthcare, emergency readiness, and economic recovery fundamentally depend on scaled international financing, equitable access, and inclusive governance. Least developed countries, LDCs, must be represented meaningfully and at all decision-making levels across the boards and bodies that steer preparedness financing, access to countermeasures, implementation follow-up. Inclusive governance matters. Equity cannot be achieved only by targets. It requires seats at the table. Mr. President, my delegation welcomes and looks forward to the upcoming high-level meetings on health and equity, including those on NCDs, HIV/AIDS, global road safety, and the high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. We stand ready to contribute with an emphasis on financing that directly reaches and supports developing countries' frontlines, particularly those in Africa, closing persistent access gaps, and third, ensuring equitable representation in governance and monitoring. In Djibouti, In Djibouti, a coastal nation home to a major international maritime logistics center and a humanitarian neighbor in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, we are strengthening primary care where people move and trade, reinforcing supply chains, and embracing prevention. We are also working with our partners so that essential healthcare services are available where needed most. In closing, Mr. President, we must have no illusions. As indicated in this report, the required actions will only succeed if they are well financed, delivered with equity, and through inclusive governance mechanisms with LDCs of Africa at the decision-making table. Thus, the earnest way multilateral commitment become staffed clinics, stocked supply chains, and lives saved in LDCs and beyond. I would like to take also this opportunity to inform you that an international conference on resilient health systems, medical innovation in Africa, and sovereignty will be held in Djibouti in December this year. Information about this conference is available as we debate and will soon be communicated through diplomatic channels to your respective capitals. You are all invited to join this important conference. Every contribution is most welcome and yours will be deeply appreciated. Thank you.


GA · President [1:02:36]:

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


Russian Federation [1:03:00]:

Mr. President, colleagues, Russia would like to align itself with the statement of Venezuela on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter. In our national capacity, we'd like to say the following. Our country, as in the past, has attached its priority attention to protecting and improving the health of our population, enhancing its well-being, providing support to families and multi-child families, and improving the demographics situation. Today demographic problems cause grave concern among politicians, legislators, and economists around the world, and national systems of healthcare are on the front lines in trying to find solutions to the risks involved in this. So at the end of May of this past year, in the course of the forum Russia and the World: Trends in Health and Longevity, we examined Key aspects of our national project Longevity and Active Life that was launched this year. Today, a new paradigm is the transition from a reactive medicine to a proactive medicine, treating— from treating consequences to preventing the causes. This requires integrating science, technology, and working with the patients themselves, so a people-centered approach. The achievements of the Russian system of healthcare care have been broadly recognized around the world. In our country, students from some 150 states are currently in medical school, including from Africa. We are actively developing our cooperation with countries and groups from the Global South in the areas of joint scientific projects, including cutting-edge solutions in the area of AI and nuclear medicine. We can offer the newest medical technologies created in Russia, and we see mutual interest in this. The Russian Federation supports and actively develops international cooperation in the area of scientific research. We are in favor of enhancing efforts through the U.N. based on the key coordinating role of the WHO and multilateral cooperation on issues of protecting public health and depoliticizing— depoliticization of specialized dedicated platforms of the organization. We are convinced that the capacity of the WHO must be further strengthened. Our country will continue to make a significant contribution in the work of this specialized agency of the UN system, including in providing universal healthcare coverage to people around the world, developing primary medical support, combating tuberculosis and noninfectious diseases, and ensuring compliance with international medical and sanitary rules. Mr. President, the delegation of Venezuela and Cuba have gone into detail about the very nefarious consequences of unilateral sanctions for the humanitarian situation of the countries affected. Illegal sanctions are a serious obstacle for sustainable development and significantly reduce the opportunities for resilient national systems of healthcare. Unilateral coercive measures do not allow medical workers to upgrade their qualifications and take part in international exchange and research programs. We are convinced that Tackling global challenges to healthcare can only be done on the basis of non-discrimination. Thank you for your attention.


GA · President [1:06:45]:

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


Pakistan [1:07:05]:

Mr. President, Pakistan aligns itself with the statement delivered by Group of 77 and China. We thank the Secretary-General for presentation of his report. The efforts of the Foreign Policy and Global Health Core Group in promoting the nexus between foreign policy and global health agenda are commendable. Mr. President, We agree with the assessment of the Secretary-General that the challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, non-communicable diseases, climate change and weather crisis, and the risk of pandemics and other health emergencies pose a pressing threat and call for improved and collective response. To the contrary, health financing is on the decline. With sharp cuts in external aid and global health funding. To achieve SDG 3, status quo is clearly not an option. We need to rethink how to better prepare our health systems and with adequate investments. Mr. President, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, no single country can overcome such a global health crisis on its own. Therefore, we should enhance our efforts towards sustaining political momentum and ensuring concerted action towards strengthening the health systems that are resilient to any such challenges that we may encounter in the future. Mr. President, as a signatory to the International Health Regulations of 2005, Pakistan firmly believes in working collectively to create a system that is fit for purpose for all humankind. The Government of Pakistan has undertaken a series of legislative and policy measures to strengthen healthcare systems, enhance social protection, and ensure universal access to essential services. Pakistan has made notable progress in improving maternal and child health. Maternal mortality ratio has declined significantly as we have integrated family planning into primary healthcare systems. The contraceptive prevalence rate has improved to 34%, with a targeted increase to 60% by 2030 under our National Action Plan on Population. We continue to promote gender parity in all dimensions of healthcare. Pakistan has adopted comprehensive policies to address communicable and non-communicable diseases, strengthen immunization coverage, and enhance mental health services. Being a climate-vulnerable country, Pakistan has prioritized the integration of climate resilience into health strategies, ensuring the availability of emergency reproductive health services during disasters. We are also expanding digital health platforms and telemedicine services to improve outreach and bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly in remote areas. Mr. President, to tackle the global health challenges, a collaborative and comprehensive approach premised on the principles of equity, non-discrimination, global solidarity, and burden sharing is needed. We need concrete action at the national, regional, international levels if we are to secure good healthcare for all. First, we need a strong commitment to sustainable health financing and investment. The burden of high borrowing costs and exorbitant debt payment constrain the ability of developing countries to address pressing health and social challenges. We urge member states, international financial institutions, UN agencies, and donors to improve international cooperation in support of efforts to strengthen capacities in developing countries, including through enhanced official development assistance, concessional financing, and public-private partnership. Second, international cooperation must facilitate transfer of health technology, including digital and diagnostic technologies, equitable and affordable access to all medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, medical countermeasures, and other health products. Thirdly, we must ensure universal health coverage by strengthening climate-resilient and sustainable health systems and ensuring access to treatment by strengthening primary healthcare and enhancing equitable access to vital health services. Finally, we have to foster early prevention and early detection of pandemics by improving diagnostics and surveillance. Much of that depends on strengthening the healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the availability of accurate diagnostic tools, and enhancing healthcare workers' training. Mr. President, in conclusion, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to improving public health, guided by the principles of dignity, equity, and inclusivity. We stand ready to work with global partners to build a healthier, more equitable world where every individual can realize its full potential. I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [1:12:20]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan. I now give the floor to distinguished representative of Senegal.


Senegal [1:12:32]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by Thailand on behalf of members of the Initiative Foreign Policy and Global Health, and we align ourselves with Iraq's statement made on behalf of G77 and China. We make the following statement in our national capacity. My delegation commends the publication of the Secretary-General's report entitled Improving International Cooperation and Multilateral Efforts to address global health challenges and promote equity in health for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We should here recall that this report was called for by Resolution A/RES/78/280 dated the 2nd of May 2024. That resolution was presented by the 7 member states of the Oslo Group, one of which is Senegal. The Secretary-General's report allowed us to identify 3 major problems. First of all, in a landscape marked by unprecedented technological, energy, and pharmaceutical advances, the world continues to face the dangerous uptick of diseases which bear the hallmarks of deadly pandemics. Progress made by humankind has been impressive, however, but there are cracks in terms of vulnerabilities to global health crises. Despite the success of research which has prompted remarkable medical discoveries, the majority of humankind has restricted access to healthcare, and for many people, the care provided is not appropriate for the medical problem diagnosed. Finally, There is a major injustice facing the world and a woeful lack of solidarity. These are 2 things that characterize the global healthcare landscape. Developing countries have already been weakened by economic crises and disasters, and at the same time they're seeing their people devastated by the searing prevalence of communicable diseases. At the same time, the North has a monopoly on health resources and technologies which were make it possible to address their problems. As such, we absolutely need to learn lessons from the above at a time when we're organizing our response to new challenges. These challenges include AMR, non-communicable diseases, climate change, and new pandemic threats. With these goals in mind, we must promote a multilateral approach that would allow us to do the following: 1, implement a a global partnership, leaving no one behind, so that we can provide a tailored response and usher in collective solidarity-based resilience measures to face pandemics. We must, too, reduce persistent disparities between our healthcare systems and narrow the clear divide seen between countries of the North and the South when it comes to vaccination, healthcare, and effective treatments. We must encourage and support initiatives allowing knowledge and experience sharing in terms of technology and technical innovations in medicine. This in order to ensure greater local-level vaccine production, including in Africa. We must support WHO initiatives and work towards the implementation of more effective global healthcare governance, governance based on equitably negotiated rules and leading to a legally binding global agreement. Here we should commend the adoption of the WHO Agreement on Pandemics that occurred during the World Health Assembly in May 2025. This text, once it has entered into force, will be an internationally legally binding instrument which will bolster global, global cooperation. It will also establish a legal framework for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. In this spirit of solidarity and cooperation, we must continue our work to guarantee access to quality healthcare for all. In this connection, my delegation reaffirms its commitment to continuing to strive for a healthier world in order to leave no one behind. This in accordance with the spirit of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Thank you.


GA · President [1:17:00]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of India.


India [1:17:17]:

Thank you, Mr. President, for convening us today. To discuss a critical agenda of global health and foreign policy. As the Secretary-General's report rightly suggests, better health requires multilateral cooperation and international efforts. We are happy to note the positive trends in the health sphere, such as global downward trend in under-5 mortality rates, maternal mortality rate, and efforts towards combating communicable diseases. However, we also note that there are areas that need further cooperation, such as in better access to affordable medicines and healthcare services, universal health coverage, access to health finances, and technical know-how. In this context, we take note of the recently adopted WHO Pandemic Agreement. Mr. President, allow me to highlight some of the efforts being adopted in India in our endeavor to improve health nationally and to contribute to the cause globally. Today, India, under its national plan, has established a system of providing universal health coverage following the principles of accessibility, inclusivity, affordability, community engagement, and digital health innovations, reaching every level of care from primary to specialized services. It is being achieved by the whole-of-government approach through the Ayushman Bharat flagship program consisting of 4 The first pillar, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, is the world's largest public health insurance program. It has issued over 350 million insurance cards, enabling 77.9 million hospital admissions worth over $1.29 billion by end of 2024. It now covers all citizens over 70 years of age. The second pillar is a Pradhan Mantri Ayush Aayog Bharat Health Insurance Mission launched in 2020-21 to strengthen critical healthcare infrastructure. The 3rd pillar covers 1.7 million health and wellness centers that deliver primary care, teleconsultations, district-integrated public health labs, aiding especially the underserved areas. A standout feature of our healthcare strategy is its community-based approach. A network of health volunteers, including over 1 million accredited social health activists and over 1 million Anganwadi workers, work tirelessly at the grassroots level, raising awareness and facilitating disease prevention. These volunteers drive the essential healthcare service delivery to the citizens, covering maternal and child health, preventive non-communicable and communicable diseases, exemplifying the essential role role of community engagement. Under India's flagship program on TB elimination, the Nikshaya Poshan Yojana supports TB patients with monthly nutritional aid. The Nikshaya web-based management system enhances surveillance and reporting for TB, strengthening national data infrastructure. India has leveraged digital technology through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which is the 4th pillar of India's health system. National platforms like the National Digital Health Mission streamline patients— patient records, while platforms like CoWIN and uWIN manage vaccination schedules. uWIN supports the universal immunization program covering 29 million pregnant women and 26 million newborns every year. Through the Global Initiative on Digital Health, India is offering to share these digital public infrastructure with the world by providing technical support and resources for their customization and adoption. Regulatory initiatives and an expansive generic drug production system have lowered the costs of essential medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic tools, making healthcare more affordable both domestically and internationally. Our generic pharmacy program delivers affordable medicines and serves as a model for other countries. As a 6th largest contributor to the World Health Organization, India has taken a leading role in global health. India has also become a hub for medical tourism, offering state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge treatments, and affordable care. Through strategic frameworks, India has made substantial progress in controlling diseases like HIV and TB and achieving key health indicators nationally. Malaria incidence has dropped by 64%, and the WHO has declared India free from trachoma, and achieve its target of eliminating visceral leishmaniasis as a public health issue well ahead of its schedule in October 2024. When the COVID-19 pandemic was in full fury and the world was reeling under its devastating impact, India launched the Vaccine Maitri initiative, an embodiment of our conviction that humanity's response must be collective and compassionate, guided by the principle of Vasudeva Kutumbakam— the world is one family, India's vaccine production and delivery capacity would be placed at the service of all humanity. This initiative demonstrated India's commitment to South-South cooperation, equitable access to affordable vaccines, and it became one of the largest and most far-reaching acts of solidarity in recent history. Between January 2021 and '23, India supplied over 300 million doses of vaccines to more than 100 countries as grants, through commercial channels, and via the COVAX initiative. To conclude, Mr. President, India's healthcare achievements are both a domestic and global resource. A commitment to cooperation, innovation, and inclusivity is shaping a future where healthcare is more accessible and impactful worldwide. Through these efforts, India stands ready to contribute to a healthier, more


GA · President [1:23:00]:

I thank the distinguished representative of India.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria.


Nigeria [1:23:15]:

Thank you.

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Nigeria aligns with the statement delivered by the distinguished delegate of Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China. and wishes to make the following observations in its national capacity. My delegation would like to thank the President for convening this meeting and extend our gratitude to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on improving international cooperation and multilateral efforts to address global health challenges and promote equity in health for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are gathered here today to acknowledge global efforts towards addressing complex health challenges, including infectious diseases, emerging pandemics, and the growing burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, inequities in access to essential medicines, vaccines, and health technologies. Africa in particular bears a significant burden in this regard due to climatic threats, intractable conflicts, food insecurity, and economic shocks which continue to strain its fragile health systems. Mr. President, Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to the principles that health is both human right and the foundation of prosperity and peace. We welcome the global initiative with the support of the World Health Organization and other partners to encourage sustainable development of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics against COVID-19. COVID-19 and other diseases that threaten low and middle income countries, including in Africa. At the national and subnational levels, Nigeria has not spared efforts and resources in addressing its growing health challenges. We scaled up HIV/AIDS prevention efforts. We increased access to antiretroviral therapy. And significantly reduced mother-to-child transmission. We have collaborated with partners to expand TB diagnostic services and community engagement efforts, launched a multi-sectoral accountability framework, use an AI-powered digital X-ray technology among others. Excellencies, Nigeria welcomes the progress recorded on child, adolescent, and maternal health. However, my delegation is particularly concerned about the use of languages on sexual and reproductive health and rights in the report. We do not align with the part of paragraph 9 of this report which highlighted sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents, and subtly underrated state sovereignty, culture and norms, policies, and religion of a people. Nigeria supports the use of more consensual and broad languages such as adolescent health, maternal health, that incorporates comprehensive health issues including mental, behavioral, environmental, physical, as well as reproductive health. Similarly, Nigeria welcomes the targeted training initiative in 17 at-risk African countries to ensure member states' preparedness for pandemics and health emergencies. However, the report should clarify that the intention behind paragraph 36 does not in any form represent approval given to pharmaceutical companies to use the population of these African countries for clinical trials without recourse to relevant international frameworks, including the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, the World Standards— the World Health Organization Standard for Medical Research, among others. In conclusion, Mr. President, Nigeria wishes to reiterate that achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals is still possible with stronger international cooperation and renewed multilateralism. We must act together with fairness, urgency, and commitment to ensure that no one is left behind. I thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [1:28:51]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste.


Timor-Leste [1:29:16]:

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to address this pivotal high-level meeting where global health is rightly framed as a matter of foreign policy and security. emphasized by Agenda Item 127 and Resolution 78/280. This statement aligns with the statement delivered by G77 and China. Mr. President, Timor-Leste sees health as a human right and a vital foundation for peace, stability, and sustainable development. Since independence, we have expanded health— universal health coverage through fortified primary healthcare free essential medicines, and deployment of community health workers across our rural and remote areas, yielding measurable improvements in maternal and child health and vaccination rates. However, today we face a dual health challenge. Communicable diseases may no longer dominate, but the rapid rise of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular illness, cancers, and chronic respiratory conditions threatens to reverse our progress. Compounding this is the growing burden of mental health conditions worsened by enduring social problems. Such social problems compromise our health system, social cohesion, and development trajectory. Mr. President, we are responding and we are making progress on malaria elimination. As of 24th of July, 2025, Timor-Leste has been certified malaria-free by WHO, becoming the 3rd country in Southeast Asia— or in Asia to win such certification. We salute our health workers and partners who share this journey. On NCD management, we have launched the Timor-Leste HEARTS Programme, aiming to put 50,000 people with hypertension and diabetes on standard care by 2025. Nearly 4% of adults have elevated fasting blood glucose, a key diabetes risk marker, and alarmingly, women face a death rate from diabetes that is 4 times higher than that of men. Moreover, 45% of all deaths in our country are attributed to NCDs. Third, on data and surveillance, we are conducting our second national steps of survey to capture NCD risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, diet, physical inactivity, raised blood pressure and glucose, and overweight, as well as facility readiness. Innovative digital tools are used for efficient data collection and integrated NCD and mental health services assessments. In mental health integration, despite only a few mental health professionals per 100,000 and a municipal budget allocation, we are embedding psychiatric care into primary health settings for developing a national mental health strategy for 2025-2030. At the local national hospitals in 2020, among those presenting for psychiatric care, schizophrenia accounted for 21%, depression 80%, and suicidal tendencies, 80%— a stark early snapshot of the mental health landscape. Mr. President, however, we acknowledge that we cannot do this alone. As foreign development assistance diminishes, LDCs like Timor-Leste must help mobilize domestic resources. Sustained— therefore, sustained international cooperation remains essential for technology transfer health insurance investment, health infrastructure investment, and equitable access to diagnostics and medicines for NCDs and mental health. This is where health and foreign policy intersect. Solidarity, diplomacy, and cooperation are as vital as medicines in saving lives. Health underlines peace and development, and the threats of NCDs and mental illness are global security concerns. Unaddressed, they will erode stability, widen inequalities, and impair resilience to crises like pandemics and climate change. Bold action, however, can deliver healthier, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Therefore, Timor-Leste calls for: first, stronger international solidarity and predictable financing aligned with universal health coverage. To support the fragile states under unilateral coercive measures, including lifting blockages affecting vulnerable countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and others, and partnership to safeguard our malaria-free status, accelerate NCD and mental health response, and reinforce integrated community health systems. Mr. President, to conclude, Timor-Leste stands ready to partner with the Member States, the WHO, and our development partners to ensure that our collective fight against global health challenges becomes a shared success for humanity. I thank you.


GA · President [1:34:30]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.


Israel [1:34:50]:

Mr. President, Israel takes notes of the report that lays out WHO's focus areas and main agenda. We believe that it is states' responsibility to protect their people's health. However, only through a joint global effort will we be able to enhance the world's capacity to face current and future spread of diseases and other global health challenges. For decades, Israel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening public health at home and around the world. Israel has been at the global forefront of medical innovation, with Israeli scientists, scientists and doctors leading the way with new treatments for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Health systems globally face similar acute challenges that require systematic change and continued investment in science, technology, and innovation, which is crucial for unlocking solutions to many of today's global health challenges. And we will continue to do our part. It is unfortunate that this— the discussion and discussions and practices about health has shifted. The politicization of health diplomacy and the weaponizing of health policies undermines the spirit of cooperation the WHO and this Assembly set to promote. Israel remains fully committed to working with all partners who share a real interest in improving global health outcomes through constructive multilateral engagement. Finally, recent report details the acute health conditions of the remaining living hostages held in Hamas tunnels in Gaza. We call for their immediate unconditional release. It has been 689 days. I thank you.


GA · President [1:36:36]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. I now give the floor to the observer of the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa.


WSA · Observer [1:37:12]:

Excellencies, good morning. The Permanent Observer Mission of Water and Sanitation in Africa aligns with the commitment to global health and wish to affirm that water and sanitation are most essential to the promotion of global health. However, in the 2030 Agenda of Leave No One Behind, billions of people across the world lack access to safe drinking water and its services— sanitation services. Our observer mission believes that the impact of these services lead to waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and economic burden, and this challenges the global healthcare and full achievement of the SDGs and targets. Excellencies, our mission wishes to inform that through our project, Science-Based Solutions for Water and Sanitation, efforts must be geared towards prioritizing equity and inclusion, integrating access to water and sanitation into SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 12, fostering collaborative governance globally, including all sectors of stakeholders, to work towards disease prevention, economic and sustainable development. We also believe that the outcome of these will provide enabling environment for quality of life while playing vital role in promoting global health for all. I thank you.


GA · President [1:38:51]:

Mental Agency for Water and Sanitation for Africa. We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. The General Assembly has thus concluded this day— at this stage, its consideration of Agenda Item 127. The Assembly will begin its consideration of Agenda Item 134, entitled Report of the United Nations Youth Office. The report of the Secretary-General has been circulated in document A/79/986. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait, who will speak on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council.


Kuwait · GCC [1:40:09]:

Mr. President, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the United Arab Emirates, The Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the Sultanate of Oman, and my country, the State of Kuwait. The members of the GCC expressed their appreciation of the Secretary-General's report on the Youth Office. The report emphasizes the importance of investing in youth This is not a luxury but a necessity for a future that our— for the future of our organization and of the world. Ever since it was created, this office has been a pillar of the United Nations system. It is leading the youth agenda through its 3 main pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. Despite its limited capabilities, And the 16 positions only, the office was capable of achieving an important impact by working with more than 60 UN agencies and 132 national teams. This embodies the importance of partnerships and collective commitment towards youth matters. In this context, The countries of the GCC emphasized the need to provide sustainable and sufficient resources to the UN Youth Office in order to guarantee its ability to discharge its responsibilities and to meet the growing ambitions of the youth worldwide. Mr. President, the GCC countries welcome phase 2 of the UN strategy for the youth. 2025-2030. This stage places youth at the heart of achieving Sustainable Development Goals. It also lays the foundations for accountability mechanisms that guarantee that the voice of youth will be turned into tangible actions. We also welcome the contribution to the success of this strategy including by reinforcing the participation of Gulf youth in the UN programs and activities. The presence of youth in intergovernmental processes is clear today more than ever, whether in the Summit for the Future, including the Pact for Future Generations, or through the ECOSOC, or even in the High-Level Political Forum and the Human Rights Council. This growing participation wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for the vital role played by the UN Youth Office, which is making the voice of youth heard in all UN processes. In this context, the GCC countries reaffirmed the importance of integrating youth in peacebuilding efforts and preventing conflicts, and the importance of supporting their role in mediation and reconciliation. Based on our conviction that sustainable peace cannot be achieved but through the empowerment of future generations. The GCC countries also believe that integrating youth in climate policies represents an investment in equity among generations. It also guarantees that the decisions we are taking today are in line with the rights of future generations. We also emphasized the need to protect the youth participating in UN activities from any reprisals or intimidation, and the importance of providing them with a safe environment for a targeted and free participation. Mr. President, the GCC countries appreciate the interaction between the Office and Permanent Missions. This contributes to integrating youth issues in multilateral deliberations. It also allows opportunities for practical partnerships that will contribute in building a fairer and more sustainable future. We also emphasize the need to continue developing training programs and recruiting new people in the UN system by empowering the youth, allowing fair and comprehensive professional path for the youth is a guarantee for a UN system that is capable of innovation and which reflects the aspirations of future generations. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we reaffirm that protecting the youth and relaying their voice is not only the cornerstone for the existence of this organization, but it is also the true guarantee for a future of peace, justice, and sustainability. Thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [1:45:26]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Kuwait. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union, who will speak on behalf of the EU and its member states.


EU · EU [1:45:49]:

Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its member states. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Andorra and San Marino aligned themselves with this statement. Mr. President, the EU welcomes the 2025 Report of the UN Youth Office and commends the Secretary-General and the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs for their leadership in advancing the UN's commitment to young persons worldwide. We express our appreciation for the Youth Office's sustained efforts since its establishment in scaling up meaningful youth participation across the UN system. We also welcome the convening by the UN Youth Office of recurrent meetings to update Member States on the activities carried out by the Office. The EU strongly believes that young persons are not only beneficiaries, but first and foremost essential partners in building sustainable peaceful, and inclusive societies. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support young persons as key partners in our efforts towards the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, the promotion of peace and security, and the fulfillment of human rights. We welcome the launch of the Youth Office Strategic Plan 2025-2028, with its focus on strengthening meaningful youth engagement, enhancing system-wide coordination, and promoting socioeconomic opportunities for young people. These priorities align with the values and commitments of the EU as we place young persons at the center of our activities, both within the European Union and in our external action. We commend the Youth Office for formally establishing establishing, in collaboration with DPPA and UNFPA, a dedicated Secretariat to coordinate system-wide efforts on youth, peace and security, and we encourage the Youth Office to continue advocating for the full implementation of the YPS agenda. Mr. President, it is important for youth participation to move beyond symbolism. It must be institutionalized, inclusive, and adequately resourced. The EU remains committed to supporting the UN Youth Office in its efforts to strengthen accountability, broaden access, and safeguard the participation of young persons, including girls and young women, young persons with disabilities, and those from marginalized communities. We are proud to support these efforts with an ongoing contribution of €1 million to ensure that the Youth Office has the resources it needs to deliver. We call on all Member States to continue investing in young persons, to trust them in decision-making processes and with leadership, and to ensure that their voices are heard and acted upon. The future of multilateralism depends on the full, equal, and meaningful participation of the world's young people. Thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [1:49:14]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cyprus.


Cyprus [1:49:31]:

Mr. President, Cyprus aligns with the statement delivered by the European Union. Allow me to make some additional remarks in my national capacity. At the outset, Cyprus welcomes the Third Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Youth Office. We are pleased to note the progress and milestones described therein, and especially the impact of the Office across all 3 pillars. My delegation expresses full support to the mandate of the Youth Office. We commend the leadership of the Youth Office for advancing Youth 2030, strengthening partnerships, advancing youth affairs in the United Nations system, as well as for all the efforts to strengthen meaningful youth engagement at all levels. Furthermore, Cyprus welcomes the launching of the Strategic Plan 2025-2028, and we highlight the importance of the engagement of the Youth Office with Permanent Missions. Mr. President, young persons form the backbone of our societies as agents of positive change. Their contributions are indispensable in promoting peace and security, advancing sustainable development, and upholding human rights. Cyprus is a strong supporter of the full, equal, and meaningful participation of young persons in decision-making processes at all levels— local, national, regional, and international. Including here at the United Nations. We welcome that one of the key priorities of the Youth Office is to enhance youth participation in intergovernmental bodies, mechanisms, and processes across the United Nations system, and we recognize the visible and growing participation of youth in key processes. In the same vein, allow me to underline that also at the national level, Cyprus government is implementing programs and actions on meaningful youth participation, with a special focus on giving young persons the opportunity to shape national policies. Cyprus is also in the process of drafting a new national youth strategy through a participatory approach. Mr. President, young persons are agents of positive change for peace and security worldwide, including Cyprus. They are in the forefront of identifying innovative solutions to regional and global challenges. The landmark Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, together with the Pact for the Future adopted last September, have laid a critical foundation for advancing youth participation in the youth, peace and security agenda. In this regard, we highlight the importance of the agreement to formally establish a dedicated Secretariat aiming at enhancing and streamlining the United Nations system-wide coordination on youth, peace and security. Mr. President, to conclude, Cyprus reiterates its full support for the mandate and work of the United Nations Youth Office. In the eve of celebrating the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, but also in the context of UNAT, we must remain committed in ensuring that the voices of young persons are not only heard, but are reflected in the decisions that shape our shared future. I thank you.


GA · President [1:52:42]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Cyprus. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zambia.


Zambia [1:53:07]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Republic of Zambia. I thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report detailing the vital work of the United Nations Youth Office in promoting youth participation leadership, and empowerment across the multilateral system. Zambia also commends the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and the entire Youth Office team for the important strides made in advancing the youth agenda across the United Nations system. We particularly applaud the successful transition from the Office of the Envoy on Youth to the fully operational United Nations Youth Office, as well as the launch of the 2025 to 2028 strategic plan. The office's achievements, despite operating with limited capacity, are commendable and reflect a clear commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for young people. Zambia aligns itself with the objectives of Youth 2030 and the Pact for the Future, particularly Chapter 4, which emphasizes meaningful youth engagement, inclusion, and intergenerational equity— principles that resonate deeply with Zambia's own national foreign policies and priorities. We strongly believe that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development but essential partners in shaping and implementing solutions. This belief is reflected in Zambia's long-standing practice of including youth delegates in our official delegations to the United Nations and other intergovernmental forums. Their presence is not symbolic but a demonstration of our commitment to participatory and inclusive governance. Zambia has made significant progress in increasing youth presentation in decision-making positions. The country has involved the youth in the development of Zambia's revised 2024 National Youth Policy. We welcome the Youth Office's growing coordination across the youth system, its promotion of youth participation in peace and security, human rights, and climate action, and the steps taken to ensure the inclusion of young women, young people with disabilities, and other unrepresented groups. We are encouraged by the establishment of the Youth reference group comprising diverse youth representatives, not only in consultations but as active partners in shaping the priorities, strategies, and actions of the office. In conclusion, Mr. President, Zambia also welcomes the launch of new flagship initiatives on meaningful youth engagement and youth mental health and well-being. These are critical areas that have long been underprioritized and must now be treated with the urgency and resources they deserve. Zambia reiterates its full support for the work of the youth. I thank you.


GA · President [1:56:16]:

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


Portugal [1:56:34]:

Mr. President, Portugal aligns with the statement delivered by the EU. I have the honor to take the floor today on behalf of my country, Portugal, whose commitment to the youth agenda needs no introduction. Portugal supported the creation of the UN Youth Office in order to recognize the important role of young persons and foster more meaningful, diverse, and effective youth engagement within the UN system. We not only supported its mandate, but we also continue to contribute to it financially. We acknowledge the substantial progress made by the Youth Office in strengthening youth engagement and advancing youth issues across the United Nations system, as outlined in the report. The work carried out by the Office, under the leadership of the Assistant Secretary-General, and with one of the leanest structures in the Secretariat, seeks to give more prominence to the youth agenda across all 3 UN pillars, and to consolidate the Office's institutional structure, implementing its system-wide mandate and delivering on its strategic plan, including implementation of the Youth 2030 Strategy, the Pact for the Future, and the Youth Peace and Security Agenda. Mr. President, during the period under review, I am pleased to acknowledge that to deliver a strong impact through institutional mobilization, partnerships, and sustained advocacy, the Assistant Secretary-General visited Portugal in November in the framework of the 10th UN Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum. Besides attending the Youth Forum, organized as an integral part of the main program of the Forum, the Assistant Secretary-General also had contacts with several high-level government officials and paid a visit to the National Youth Council. Mr. President, we recognize the visible and growing participation of youth in intergovernmental processes supported by the Office. In this regard, allow me to acknowledge the massive participation of youth during the most recent ECOSOC Youth Forum. We also welcome the convening by the UN Youth Office of recurrent meetings to update Member States on the activities of the Office, and in this respect, note the consultation with Member States on the draft Core Principles for Meaningful Youth Participation in Intergovernmental Processes. While hoping in the future for an introduction of the report by the UN Youth Office during the Plenary Meeting to consider it, we wish to stress the need, in the context of UN80, to preserve and build on the UN's work on youth, particularly the role of the UN Youth Office. Mr. President, we are one month away from the high-level event to mark the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, the first action plan on policies and programs involving youth. The anniversary offers a powerful opportunity to unite past progress with renewed global commitment for the youth agenda. The anniversary also coincides with the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of this organization. 5 years ago, So, while we were celebrating the 75th anniversary, Member States made a commitment to listen to and work with youth. We are confident that the Youth Office will be a strong supporter of Member States in fulfilling this commitment. Portugal is ready to do its part. I thank you.


GA · President [2:00:17]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative The Philippines.


Philippines [2:00:27]:

Mr. President, the Philippines welcomes the Secretary-General's report on the UN Youth Office and commends its progress in institutionalizing youth engagement across the UN system. We note with appreciation the transition from the Office of the Envoy on Youth and the launch of the 2025 to 2028 Strategic Plan. Which emphasizes youth engagement, coordination, and socioeconomic opportunities for young people. Our Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028 recognizes youth as agents of change and central to achieving sustainable development, social cohesion, and peace. Our Sangguniang Kabataan, or Youth Council, established in 1991, remains a unique model of youth political participation. The National Youth Commission leads youth empowerment efforts in the country, notably through our Philippine Youth Development Plan 2023 to 2028. They administer the government internship program, which accommodates out-of-school and unemployed youth as interns in government agencies and private companies. providing them with economic opportunities and training, and the Youth Organization Registration Program, which provides support and capacity-building opportunities for youth organizations. We also promote inclusive education through our Department of Education's Alternative Learning System, enabling out-of-youth and adults to complete basic education. Our Department of Trade and Industry's Youth Entrepreneurship Program further supports economic empowerment through entrepreneurship training. To complement these efforts, our National Action Plan for Children ensures protection from violence, access to services, and meaningful involvement in decisions affecting their lives while promoting safe and resilient environments. In the multilateral fora, The Philippines actively supports youth participation in intergovernmental processes, including the ECOSOC Youth Forum and other important meetings. We therefore welcome the UN Youth Office's initiatives on intergenerational leadership, climate action, and political participation, and will continue to leverage these frameworks to advance child rights, and ensure that the Filipino youth contribute to peacebuilding, sustainable development, and good governance. Mr. President, the removal of the Philippines as a situation of concern in the Secretary-General's next report on children in armed conflict reflects our sustained efforts and close partnership with the United Nations. We hope our experience can serve as a model for the global community Showing what is possible when children and youth are treated as partners in shaping a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Our candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028 will carry forward a youth and child-centered, survivor-focused, and rights-based approach to peace and security. The Philippines stands ready to support the UN Youth Office, implementing its strategic plan, and we encourage stronger collaboration among member states, civil society, and the youth themselves to advance sustainable, inclusive, and equitable outcomes worldwide. Thank you.


GA · President [2:04:10]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Philippines. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovakia.


Slovakia [2:04:27]:

Thank you, Mr. President.

Slovakia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of the European Union and wishes to make some additional comments in its national capacity.

We welcome today's debate on the report of the United Nations Youth Office and all progress that has been achieved.

We particularly appreciate 2028, which sets out priorities across 3 key areas: strengthening meaningful youth engagement, enhancing system-wide coordination and accountability, and promoting socioeconomic opportunities for youth. We encourage regular updates on the implementation of this plan. While we recognize the visible participation of youth in intergovernmental processes, Slovakia calls for strengthening efforts to advance participation further, particularly in light of important processes still pending within the United Nations. Mr. President, Slovakia attaches great importance to the role of young people. We believe it is essential to include them in all relevant decision-making processes, as they affect them and their lives directly. By doing so, we are not only shaping better policies today, but also investing in a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. Last but not least, we would appreciate it if a representative of the Youth Office could present the report next time, as this would greatly contribute to our discussion.

I thank you for your attention.


GA · President [2:06:19]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovakia. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay.


Uruguay [2:06:49]:

Thank you very much, Mr. President. We thank the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Youth Affairs and his office for drawing up the Secretary-General's report on the work of the Youth Office during the reporting period which runs from the 1st of June 2024 and the 31st of May 2025. We reaffirm our commitment to the office and we recognize the meaningful impact that its work has had across the United Nations' 3 pillars. Since its creation in 2022, the office has managed to coordinate promote and expedite initiatives related to youth. We welcome the Youth Office Strategic Plan for 2025-2028. We welcome the fact that Phase 2 has now been implemented to expedite the implementation of the UN Youth Strategy 2030. The goal here is to champion the implementation of the SDGs that relate to and are for and which work with young people. We particularly to point to the work that the Youth Office has done in terms of making good on commitments established in the Pact for the Future, particularly when it comes to achieving the meaningful participation of young people across various UN intergovernmental processes. This participation includes that in the Human Rights Council. There has been better coordination across the UN system, for example, in matters of peacebuilding in line with the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda, and efforts have been made to ensure no reprisals are suffered by young people who work with the organization. We welcome the work of the Office in 2 areas that are particularly important for Uruguay: one, the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women through cooperation between UN Women and youth feminist groups; and 2, caring for the mental health and well-being of young people. We support efforts made by the Youth Office to facilitate facilitate and strengthen internships for young people within the UN Secretariat. We reaffirm our commitment to the UN Youth Office and we congratulate the Office for the major progress made in only 3 years of existence, and this in spite of the fact it has only scant resources. These are uncertain and challenging times, and as such, we encourage the United Nations system and Member States to continue providing support to the system and commending its work. All must continue to promote the youth agenda at a national and international level. We must usher in a fair and integrated society where everyone's voice is heard. Thank you.


GA · President [2:09:12]:

Thank you, distinguished representative of Uruguay. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan.


Kazakhstan [2:09:28]:

President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, My delegation would like to extend its gratitude to the Secretary-General and to the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs for the comprehensive report on the work of the UN Youth Office as contained in document A/79986. Kazakhstan welcomes the report and commends the Youth Office for the significant progress achieved during the reporting period. We note with appreciation that the Office has established established robust partnerships with Member States and the UN entities and delivered a strong impact through institutional mobilization and sustained advocacy, despite operating with one of the leanest structures in the Secretariat. The successful completion of its foundational phase, including the recruitment of its full team and the launch of its first Strategic Plan for 2025-2028, provides a clear and ambitious path forward. We are particularly encouraged by the Office's efforts to institutionalize meaningful youth participation across all pillars of the UN. The clear consensus that youth engagement must move beyond symbolic gestures and become fully resourced and inclusive is a message we strongly support. The record-breaking attendance at the 2025 Economic and Social Council Youth Forum and the convening of Youth Action Day at the Summit of the Future, which engaged over 2,400 young participants, are testaments to the Office's growing role as a central convener for youth voices. Furthermore, Kazakhstan commenced the launch of Youth 2030 Phase 2, which introduces a results framework and 6 strategic priorities to accelerate the implementation of the UN Youth Strategy. We believe the development of a system-wide youth marker to track investments is a critical step towards strengthening accountability and ensuring that our commitments translate into tangible results for young people on the ground. These global efforts resonate deeply with Kazakhstan's national priorities. Our government is steadfastly committed to creating an enabling environment where our young people can realize their full potential. Initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Personnel Reserve are creating direct pathways for talented young professionals to contribute to public service and nation-building. We are also actively promoting youth entrepreneurship and a vibrant culture of volunteerism as key drivers of innovation and sustainable development. Looking ahead, Kazakhstan is encouraged by the new flagship initiatives planned for 2024. Including the United Nations Youth Compass, designed to standardize meaningful youth engagement, and a new focus on the mental health and well-being of young people. These are both timely and critical issues that demand our collective attention. In conclusion, Kazakhstan reaffirms its unwavering support for the UN Youth Office and its critical mandate. In the context of UN aid reform, we stress the need to preserve and build on the UN's work on youth. We call upon all Member States to continue providing the necessary support to the Office. Let us work together to ensure that young people are not just consulted about the future, but are active and equal partners in shaping it. I thank you.


GA · President [2:12:54]:

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


Russian Federation [2:13:13]:

Mr. President, delegates, we're grateful to the UN Youth Office for presenting its report for— on its work over the past We see how intense this period was. The Office completed its essential stage of organizational transformation. The Office was fully staffed and the strategic plan for the upcoming few years began to be implemented. Commission, a fundamental body of ECOSOC. However, we believe that in the future the office will no doubt focus more attention on the youth dimension of 3 extremely important aspects of social development: eliminating poverty, combating unemployment, and ensuring social integration. And I think the additional impetus to this will come in November in Doha during the 2nd World Summit for Sustainable Development. We also expressed the hope that, thanks to the work of the Office, the commitments enshrined in the Declaration on Future Generations related to the implementation of family and family-oriented policies will be implemented, which will contribute to socioeconomic development of children and young people. Another key aspect of the work of the Office is strengthening the meaningful participation of Recognition is not enough. Involving young people implies having effective mechanisms. In the Russian Federation, we have the Chamber of Young Legislators under the Federation Council. Delegates examine draft federal laws, prepare assessments, and address initiatives to the Council of the Federation. Furthermore, we're seeking to expand the participation of young people in the executive branch. For this, the Federal Agency on Youth Issues has developed the program Go Start. It is aimed at making government and municipal service more attractive. Based on our national experience, which we, without any false modesty, consider as cutting edge, we attach great interest to examining principles of meaningful participation of young people in intergovernmental processes. In this connection, we'd like to share the following. First of all, in discussing the issues of meaningful participation, we need to remember that the agreed definition of youth in the UN includes children from the age of 15 to 18. Nothing in the developed principles should infringe on their legal status, which is enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. At the same time, it's important to understand that ensuring meaningful participation in intergovernmental processes can only be achieved among young people who have achieved their majority. Another aspect that should be reflected in the basic principles is an integrated approach to the issue of participation. It cannot only be reduced to participation in political sphere. This would be discriminating against young experts in such areas as science, sport, sports entrepreneurship, and voluntary work. Also, we shouldn't forget about the risks related to expanding youth participation. Receptiveness to new ideas coupled with limited life experience can often lead to instrumentalizing young people and using their voices for self-serving political needs. Lastly, the development of principles should be based on unconditional respect for the intergovernmental nature of the UN. In the view of our delegation, is contributing to fostering dialogue, cooperation, and solidarity among the various cultures and generations. We are convinced that the multinational composition of the Office reflects the broad geographical representation and will ensure success in this area. In this connection, other organs and organizations of the UN could take a cue. Development of respectful intercultural dialogue could be one of the thrusts of system-wide coordination in the framework of Youth 2030 strategy. It's no accident that the document that launched the youth agenda of the UN was the Declaration on the Promotion Among Youth of the Ideals of Peace, Mutual Respect, and Understanding Between Peoples. One of its principles sounds as follows: In order to bring youth together in the area of education, culture, sports, it's important to promote and expand among young people mutual exchange, travel, tourism, meetings, study of foreign languages, twinning of cities and universities without any discrimination, and other similar areas of activity. All those who share the ideals of peace and mutual understanding and hope to take an active participation in implementing this important principle, and at the same time to visit Russia and to immerse themselves in our culture, we would like We would like to invite to take part in the following international youth events: the World Youth Festival Assembly, which will take place in Nizhny Novgorod in September; the World Youth Festival Forum in Krasnoyarsk in 2026; and finally, the forum— festival itself in 2030. At the same time, the Russian delegation looks forward to the high-level meeting of the General Assembly in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth. This is not only a successful platform for exchange of views and experience on development of youth policy, it is an opportunity for all of us to remind ourselves that in a world torn by antagonisms, there will always be place for an agenda that unites and focuses on the future well-being. Thank you.


GA · President [2:20:14]:

I thank the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador.


El Salvador [2:20:34]:

Mr. President, El Salvador is grateful for the presentation of the 3rd report of the UN Youth Office for— UN Youth Office, and we particularly recognize the work done by the ASG for Youth Affairs, Dr. Felipe Thank you, Pauline, and his team. We take due note of the progress made in consolidating the Office's mandate. This in spite of the budgetary constraints facing the Youth Office. We particularly value the momentum given to the implementation of the Strategic Plan for 2025-2028. Its priorities include the following: the meaningful participation of all young people the strengthening of coordination and accountability across the system, and the promotion of socio-economic opportunities for young people. All of these priorities are crucial in order to guarantee that all young people are agents of change in the multilateral agenda. We recognise the pivotal role that the Youth Office plays in terms of systematically including the voices of young people young people in the various intergovernmental processes underway and across the 3 pillars of the UN system. These are peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. My country has supported this mandate since its very inception. We reiterate our commitment to the 2030 Youth Strategy and the second phase thereof. The goal of that second phase is to transform our institutional culture to make the UN more inclusive, intergenerational in nature, and sensitive to the needs and aspirations of young people. Mr. President, El Salvador recognizes the invaluable efforts taken by the Office, working closely with the Development Coordination Office. These efforts have seen the Office provide technical assistance to country teams across all regions. We welcome the fact that during the reporting period, the Office worked with the youth focal points in at least 85 country teams. The Office delivered briefings on emerging priorities and provided bilateral support at key junctures, such as during the establishment of UN cooperation frameworks for sustainable development and in terms of reporting on the implementation of the youth strategy and in terms of strengthening national and regional capacity to allow work with young people to occur. In this connection, we believe it is important that these efforts continue and be bolstered. They must meaningfully contribute to the work of country offices on the ground and must promote the rights and well-being of all young people. We laud the office's efforts to champion the youth peace and security agenda. That is a priority for El Salvador. Here we'd point to recent actions taken to bolster coordination across the system and to prepare the second global study. We also point to regional capacity-building efforts and regional consultations in this connection. This agenda must continue to grow stronger across the United Nations. The voice and leadership of all young people must stand as driving forces in terms of conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Furthermore, we underscore the fact that the full and meaningful participation of young people in the UN system and its operations is not optional. Neither can it be reduced to merely tokenistic gestures. It is rather a vital prerequisite if we are to strengthen trust in our institutions and build institutions which are closer to the people they serve, more transparent and sustainable. Institutions which meet the aspirations of new generations and the priorities of all countries. El Salvador also recognizes the Office's efforts to restructure the Secretariat's internship program. We are aware of the fact that for other States this proposal requires further analysis and more technical elements to be incorporated into it. However, we do reiterate that extending opportunities for inclusive and meaningful internships to more young people is key if we are to bring young people closer to multilateralism and enrich the work of the organisation. As such, we urge Member States to continue to participate in that debate and drive it forward. They should support the work of the Office to make these internships a reality. Finally, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting the rights of and empowering young people people, we are ready and willing to continue working closely with the Youth Office. This comes from the conviction that promoting the full and meaningful participation of young people lends momentum to the development of our societies and makes it possible to strengthen multilateralism. Thank you.


GA · President [2:25:51]:

I thank the distinguished representative of El Salvador. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative


Guyana [2:26:11]:

Thank you, Mr.

President. Guyana is pleased to add its voice to today's debate and extends its gratitude to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and insightful report on the work of the United Nations Youth Office. We acknowledge the considerable progress made by the Office in advancing efforts on youth across all pillars of the United Nations. We particularly welcome and were pleased to participate in the Office's launch of its 2025 to 2028 strategic plan in May. The plan's 3 priority parties, strengthening meaningful youth engagement, enhancing system-wide coordination and accountability, and promoting socioeconomic opportunities for young people are critical for ensuring youths are involved in present and future discussions addressing global issues. The significant surge in youth engagement across the UN system, as noted in the report, from planning to monitoring and evaluation is a testament to the efforts of the Office and a clear sign that the international community is moving beyond symbolic gestures towards institutionalized youth participation. Specifically, we recognize the efforts of the Office in institutionalizing meaningful youth participation across intergovernmental in the framework of the Pact for the Future and advancing the commitments outlined in Chapter 4 through the Pact's Working Group on Youth. It is critical for youths to have an input in decisions shaping their future. Mr. President, while youths are among those most affected by armed conflict, they are largely excluded from peace processes and their potential is underutilized. The meaningful participation of youth in conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding efforts, including at decision-making levels, can build trust and break cycles of violence and yield sustainable peace outcomes. We acknowledge the work of the Office on the Youth Peace and Security Agenda, but stress that more needs to be done, including at the Security Council. We also attach great importance to climate action and support efforts aimed at encouraging youth participation in climate processes. Young people must have a lead role in the fight against climate change, recognizing that their futures are heavily impacted by this phenomenon. In this regard, we applaud the Youth Office for promoting youth engagement in these processes and at the level of the UNFCCC. Mr. President, to enable the full and effective engagement of youths in global issues and decisions, we must prioritize investments in their education, capacity building, their health and well-being, and in creating job opportunities for, for them. This is the only way to unlock their true potential, including for promoting sustainable development and building a better future for all humankind. At the national level, Guyana prioritizes youth development and participation as an integral part of national development. We continue to take action to ensure that our youths are not merely benefiting beneficiaries of development but active architects. Some of our initiatives include the establishment of a national youth policy and the National Youth Council, the expansion of our national technical and vocational education and training programs, and the introduction of an online academy of learning where we offer free academic scholarship reaching thousands of young people. Significantly, tertiary education at our university is now free. Many young people are serving at various levels in the government, making important contributions to policymaking and implementation. In closing, Mr. President, the report of the Secretary-General serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve achieve when we prioritize youth-led solutions and meaningful participation. Guyana is committed to continuing our work domestically and to collaborating with the United Nations Youth Office and our partners to build an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world where the contributions of young people are not only recognized but truly valued. I Thank you.


GA · President [2:31:07]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Guyana. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe.


Zimbabwe [2:31:16]:

Thank you, Mr. President. We thank the Secretary-General for his report on the work of the UN Youth Office, and we are encouraged by the progress achieved during the period under report. We welcome the strides made by the Youth Office in advancing Youth 2030, supporting the implementation of the Pact for the Future, and institutionalizing meaningful youth participation across the 3 pillars of the UN. The establishment of the Youth Reference Group, the facilitation of youth engagement intergovernmental processes, and the launch of flagship initiatives on meaningful engagement and mental health are timely and commendable steps. For Zimbabwe, the empowerment and participation of young people is not an option but a necessity for the sustainable development and peace. Our youth constitute the majority of our population, and their aspirations, talents, and leadership are indispensable for the realization of the 2030 Agenda and the African Union's Agenda 2063. In this regard, the National Youth Policy 2020-2025 places young people at the center of the country's developmental agenda, reaffirming government's commitment to empowering and nurturing them as torchbearers of national vision. The policy envisions an empowered, well-resourced active, and patriotic youth population contributing meaningfully to social, economic, and political transformation, with strategic goals that promote education, skills development, employment creation, entrepreneurship, innovation, health, and active citizenship. By fostering meaningful participation, leadership opportunities, and resilience, Zimbabwe is ensuring that its youth are not only beneficiaries but also key drivers of progress towards Vision 2030 and continental aspirations under the 2063 Agenda. My delegation wishes to emphasize the need for continued investment in the capacity development of young people, particularly in developing countries. Too many of our young people still face structural barriers to education, employment, entrepreneurship, and political participation. The Youth Office must continue to support member states in creating an enabling environment that strengthens skills, expands access to decent work, and promotes inclusive participation in governance. In accessing opportunities. Zimbabwe further underscores the importance of adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing for the work of youth office. Without sufficient resources, even the most ambitious strategies cannot deliver their intended impact. We therefore call for increased support from partners and urge the United Nations system to ensure that youth-focused initiatives are not well— are not only well-resourced but also responsive to the priorities and realities of developing countries. Finally, we highlight the critical nexus between youth, climate change, peace and security. Young people are already on the forefront of climate adaptation, peacebuilding, and innovation. With meaningful support and inclusion in decision-making, they can drive more resilient, just, and sustainable futures. We look forward to working with all member states to ensure that the voices and contributions of young people, particularly from the Global South, are central to building an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all. I thank you.


GA · President [2:35:41]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Zimbabwe, and I now give the floor to distinguished representative of Egypt.


Egypt [2:35:57]:

Thank you, Mr. President, distinguished delegates and guests. My delegation commends the efforts of the United Nations Youth Office since its establishment in 2022 pursuant to Resolution 76/24. And welcomes the report of the Secretary-General, A/79/986, which provides a comprehensive overview of the significant progress achieved by the Office during its 3rd year of operation, despite functioning with a streamlined structure and limited resources, resources conferred 2 other Secretariat entities. On this occasion, I wish to highlight the following points. First, Egypt places youth at the very core of its national agenda and remains steadfast in the implementation of its national human rights strategy. In this context, we continue to invest in youth empowerment and capacity building while fostering dialogue between youth and decision-makers. This commitment is exemplified by the convening of successive editions of the World Youth Forum, which provide youth with a platform to articulate their perspectives on global challenges alongside governments, civil society, and international partners. Second, we commend the UN Youth Office's leadership in advancing the youth peace and security agenda in close collaboration with Member States, UN entities, and youth organizations. Third, my delegation affirms its commitment to advancing the Youth 2030 Agenda and stands ready to cooperate with the UN Youth Office and all partners to further advance youth empowerment. Fourth, in the context of the UN80, we underscore the need for sustained support to preserve and strengthen the UN's work on youth, especially through the UN Youth Office, in order to enhance its impacts, increase its effectiveness, and ensure that the aspirations of youth everywhere are fully realized. Finally, Egypt looks forward to the convening of the high-level meeting to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the World Programme of Action for Youth to be held on the margins of the 80th Session of the General Assembly as an important step in advancing the rights of youth and empowering them to actively shape their future and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. And thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [2:39:02]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan.


Jordan [2:39:22]:

Mr. President, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, allow me at the outset to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the activities of the UN Youth Office. We would like to thank specifically ASG for Youth Affairs, Mr. Philippe Beaulieu, for his efforts to enhance the active and structured participation of youth within the UN system. We took note of the significant strategic and institutional progress achieved as per indicated in the report, which means that the Youth Office has moved from the establishment phase to implementation and that the Youth Strategy 2030 is an inclusive framework that reflects the aspirations of youth around the world. In this regard, we welcome the launching of the UN Youth Compass and we appreciate the clear approach towards supporting the mental health and well-being of youth and enhance their safe participation from all categories, particularly youth with special needs. In this year of important milestones where we have the 30th anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth, to the year of adopting the Pact for the Future and the 10th anniversary for adopting Security Council Resolution 2020/50. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the youth agenda, not as an option but as a necessity. We have the honor to chair, in partnership with Finland, the group of friends of the YPS, the YPS Champions. We work with 30 countries in different regions.

We—

in close cooperation with the Youth Office, we seek to coordinate efforts and translate political commitment into policies and tangible financing, including through the second assessment study regarding progress achieved in implementing Security Council Resolution 2020/50 upon the request of the member states. The report indicated an unprecedented participation of youth in intergovernmental processes whether in the Pact for the Future or the Summit for the Future and others, is an important indicator and positive indicator but requires more. Participation does not mean attendance only but participation and partnership in decision-making. In Jordan, we launched regional and national programs for youth empowerment, including the Arab Strategy for Youth, Peace, and Security that was launched under Jordanian auspices and other initiatives to strengthen political participation and economic participation of youth in our region. In conclusion, we would like to reiterate the importance of strengthening and continuing to strengthen the role of the UN Youth Office and guarantee sustainable funding for it and enhance and expand its partnership with member states because this has a direct impact on the future of youth around the world. Thank you.


GA · President [2:42:23]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Jordan. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Nigeria.


Nigeria [2:42:34]:

Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, Nigeria wishes to thank Mr. President for convening this meeting and the Secretary-General for his report on the United Nations Youth Office. We commend the progress made in consolidating the office and in advancing the Youth 2030 strategy, which continues to strengthen youth engagement across the pillars of the organization's work. We particularly welcome the emphasis on youth employment skills development, and peacebuilding, which align with Nigeria's priorities of empowering young people through education, innovation, and constructive participation in national development. At the same time, we underscore that global youth-related commitments must respect sovereignty, constitutional provisions, and national laws of member states. Nigeria remains committed to engaging constructively with the Youth Office while ensuring that such engagement reflects our legal, cultural, and social context. I thank you, Mr. President. Thank you.


GA · President [2:44:07]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Nigeria. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.


Israel [2:44:18]:

Thank you, President.

Israel sees high importance in the participation of youth in the multilateral space, and for years we have a successful program of youth delegates who come to New York and take part in meetings around High-Level Week and the Third Committee season— session. They're able to obtain real hands-on experience and the opportunity to convey the voice of Israeli youth directly. For this statement, we have incorporated the views of our youth delegates as well, seeing them as a main and important contributor to this discussion. I am reading this statement in their voice. It is time to move from declarations to meaningful implementation. Too often, youth participation becomes politicized and young people are pushed aside. Youth voices should be heard for what they are— sounding the voices and aspirations of the younger generation in their societies. Politicization only silences these voices and prevents vital cooperation on global goals. In Israel, youth are recognized as a true engine of growth and resilience. The Government of Israel established the Youth Authority to strengthen youth involvement in decision-making, to design national strategies, and to build data-driven policies. After the devastating October 7th attacks and the displacement of communities along Israel's borders, special resilience programs for young adults were launched, supporting evacuated families, empowering regional youth leaders, and driving community rebuilding efforts. These programs demonstrate how youth can anchor recovery and shape a hopeful future. We also see youth as a central— center to innovation. Initiatives such as Ma'ale Digital Platform, which uses big data and AI to design youth policy across municipalities, and the interactive youth Data System, which makes national statistics accessible to professionals and decision makers, show how technology can amplify youth voices and guide better policy. Training in— trainings in areas like AI tools, entrepreneurship, and financial management ensures that today's young people gain the future-proof skills needed for tomorrow's challenges. Israel also stresses the importance of widening youth engagement beyond New York. UN hubs in Vienna, Geneva, Nairobi, and Addis Ababa deal with issues from fighting human trafficking and drug trade to health, environment, and economic development, which directly affect them. Early exposure to these issues will prepare young people worldwide to become tomorrow's policymakers and responsible leaders. As we are here to discuss the Secretary-General Report on Youth, we must address how young people see the United Nations itself. Recent data shows that UN reports have little visibility or impact. This must change. By engaging young people as partners in practical initiatives on sustainability, gender equality, employment, and innovation, the UN can bridge the gap between words and real progress. Honorable Chair, the voices we bring here are the voices of Israeli youth committed to resilience, to cooperation, and to shaping a better future. We urge this Assembly to ensure that youth engagement remains inclusive, practical, and free from political divisions, so that together we can turn promises into action. Finally, please join our call to free the 50 hostages who have been held by Hamas and other terror organizations in Gaza for the past 689 days. Bring them home now. Thank you.


GA · President [2:48:42]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.


Colombia [2:49:00]:

Okay.

Mr. President, Excellencies, colleagues, Colombia is grateful for the presentation of the report of the Secretary-General on the UN Youth Office. We applaud The completion of the institutional transition towards a new office, the implement the beginning of its strategic plan 2025-2028, and other achievements. These achievements, even in spite of the restrictions, reaffirm the commitment of the system to youth and to multilateralism. We acknowledge the mobilization of over. Establishing a joint secretariat between the Youth Office, the Department of Political and Peace Affairs, and the UN Population Fund in order to strengthen coordination and coherence of the youth peace and security agenda within the system. We acknowledge also the leadership of other countries such as Jordan and Finland as co-chairs of the Group of Champions of Young People, Peace and Security. Implementing youth peace and security agenda, focusing on gender, ethnic groups, and with an intersectional approach. With this plan, Colombia aspires to provide evidence, good practices, and apprenticeship to the multilateral debate, convinced that young people are key actors in consolidating just peaceful and sustainable societies. Lastly, we welcome the advances in intergenerational leadership and youth political participation, especially in decision-making areas in climate action and biodiversity. We are convinced that there is no sustainable peace or effective policies without the active participation of young people.

Thank you.


GA · President [2:51:55]:

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


Saudi Arabia [2:52:08]:

Excellencies, Mr.

President, distinguished delegates, at the outset, the Kingdom aligns itself with the statement delivered by the State of Kuwait on behalf of the GCC, and we would like to deliver other statements in national capacity. At the outset, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia wishes to thank the Secretary-General for his report and commends the United Nations Youth Office for its efforts in advancing the meaningful participation of young people in the work of the United Nations and in the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Mr. President, the Kingdom attaches great importance to empowering youth as key partners in sustainable development, peace, and innovation. Our national transformational vision, 2030 places young people at its very heart, with more than 70% of our population under the age of 35. Through investment in education, entrepreneurship, digital technologies, and cultural exchange, Saudi youth are delivering— are driving progress across all sectors of society. At the national level, the Kingdom continues to support initiatives that advance youth leadership and participation. We recognize the central role of the Youth Office in coordinating UN system-wide youth efforts and in promoting youth engagement in intergovernmental processes. We encourage the Office to strengthen its partnership with member states and other regional organizations. Mr. President, Saudi Arabia reaffirms the importance of enhancing youth capacities to contribute to peace, security, and innovation, and we underscored the importance of equipping young people with tools, skills, and opportunities they need to active— to be active contributors to peace, security, and sustainable development. We will continue to engage constructively with member states and to ensure that the UN office fulfills its mandate effectively. Thank you, Mr. President.


GA · President [2:54:36]:

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia. We have heard the last speaker in the debate on this item. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of Agenda Item 133?


Speaker 76 [2:54:54]:

34.


GA · President [2:54:55]:

It is so decided. The Assembly will meet at 3 PM today in this hall to take action on the draft proposals before it. The meeting is adjourned.