Part I: Material relating to the request by the General Assembly for an advisory opinion of the Court

United Nations A/79/L.28/Rev.1
General Assembly
Distr.: Limited
12 December 2024
Original: English
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Seventy-ninth session
Agenda item 123
Strengthening of the United Nations system
Algeria, Belize, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Guyana, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Norway, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Yemen and State of Palestine:* revised draft resolution
Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States
The General Assembly,
Guided by the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including the inalienable right of self-determination of peoples and the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force,
Having considered the letter dated 28 October 2024 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the General Assembly1 bringing to the attention of the General Assembly, on an urgent basis, developments which could prevent the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, as mandated by the General Assembly,
Having noted that, according to the aforementioned letter, it can readily be appreciated that a situation may exist in which a difference has arisen between the United Nations and the State of Israel regarding, among other things, the interpretation or application of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations,2 to which Israel is a party,
Acknowledging, moreover, the statement by the Secretary-General, in his letter, that he would be grateful for any guidance and support which the General Assembly may be able to provide at this critical juncture in the history of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, __________________
* Any changes to the list of sponsors will be reflected in the official record of the meeting.
1 A/79/558.
2 Resolution 22 A (I).
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Having noted that the Secretary-General, in a letter dated 9 December 2024,3 has again brought the situation to the attention of the General Assembly and the Security Council,
Recalling all its relevant resolutions, including those adopted at its tenth emergency special session,
Recalling also all the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, including resolution 2334 (2016) of 23 December 2016,
Stressing the obligation of all Member States to fulfil in good faith the obligations assumed by them in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, including to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 77/247 of 30 December 2022, by which it decided, in accordance with Article 96 of the Charter of the United Nations, to request the International Court of Justice, pursuant to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court, to render an advisory opinion,
Recalling also the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024 on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,4
Reaffirming in accordance with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, that the Palestinian people is entitled to self-determination in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and that Israel, as the occupying Power, has the obligation not to impede the Palestinian people from exercising its right to self-determination, including its right to an independent and sovereign State, over the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, living side by side, in peace and security with Israel, within secure and internationally recognized borders,
Recalling that the International Court of Justice, in its advisory opinion, found that Israel remains bound to comply with its obligation to respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination as well as its obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and that it is for all States, while respecting the Charter of the United Nations and international law, to ensure that any impediment resulting from the illegal presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to the exercise of the Palestinian people of its right to self-determination is brought to an end,
Recalling also its resolution ES-10/24 adopted on 18 September 2024, following the advisory opinion issued by the Court on 19 July 2024,
Stressing the importance of upholding multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in the multilateral system,
Expressing grave concern about plans and measures, including legislation adopted, by Israel to interfere with or obstruct the presence and operations of the United Nations and United Nations entities and organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, as mandated by the General Assembly, recalling the Charter of the United Nations, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, and other applicable principles and rules of international law, inter alia reflected in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel5 and the __________________
3 A/79/684-S/2024/892.
4 A/78/968.
5 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2051, No. 35457.
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relevant United Nations resolutions, and reiterating the need for the United Nations and United Nations organizations to fully implement their mandates in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, without interference,
Taking note of the press statement of 30 October 2024 of the members of the Security Council on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, in which they expressed their grave concern over legislation adopted by the Knesset and demanded that all parties enable the Agency to carry out its mandate, as adopted by the General Assembly, underscored that the Agency remains the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza, and affirmed that no organization can replace or substitute the Agency’s capacity and mandate to serve Palestine refugees and civilians in urgent need of life-saving humanitarian assistance,
Considering that any action taken to impede the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to the civilian population leads, in addition to the ongoing unacceptable and widespread loss of life and suffering, to further displacement of population,
Recalling that the International Court of Justice, in its advisory opinion, found that the policies and practices of Israel are contrary to the prohibition of forcible transfer of the protected population under the first paragraph of article 49 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,6
Recalling also the obligation to refrain from attacking, destroying, removing or rendering useless objects that are indispensable to the survival of the civilian population,
Expressing deep concern at measures taken by Israel that impede assistance to the Palestinian people, including through measures that affect the presence, activities and immunities of the United Nations, its agencies and bodies, and those of other international organizations, and the representation of third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, aimed at providing, in accordance with international law, basic services and humanitarian assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,
Noting that the provision of such essential assistance to the civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is dependent upon the continued presence of the United Nations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which is the backbone of United Nations humanitarian relief operations, together with the facilitation of its operations and respect for its privileges and immunities, and that this presence, facilitation and respect for privileges and immunities are closely related,
Noting also the utmost urgency of upholding such essential assistance and that, according to the aforementioned letter from the Secretary-General,7 the cessation of or restriction on the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East would leave Palestine refugees without the essential assistance that they require,
Expressing the view that these developments demand consideration by and guidance from the International Court of Justice, on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency, of certain additional questions to supplement the Court’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, __________________
6 Ibid., vol. 75, No. 973.
7 A/79/588.
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1. Expresses its grave concern about the dire humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
2. Demands that Israel comply without delay with all of its legal obligations under international law, including as set out by the International Court of Justice;
3. Calls upon all parties to comply with their respective legal obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law;
4. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his rapid response and ongoing efforts regarding assistance to the Palestinian people, including with regard to the emergency humanitarian needs, particularly in the Gaza Strip;
5. Expresses its appreciation for the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, recognizes the vital role of the Agency in providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people, notably Palestine refugees, and particularly in the Gaza Strip, and endorses the efforts of the Agency to continue operations as far as possible in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, pursuant to resolution 77/123 of 12 December 2022, by which it extended the mandate of the Agency, and any further resolutions extending the mandate, calls upon the Agency to fully implement its high-level action plan for the implementation of the 50 recommendations of the Independent Review of Mechanisms and Procedures to Ensure Adherence by UNRWA to the Humanitarian Principle of Neutrality (Colonna Report), and welcomes the commitment affirmed by the Secretary-General and the Agency that they will fully implement the recommendations;
6. Reiterates its call to all States and the specialized agencies and organizations of the United Nations system to continue to support and assist the Palestinian people in the early realization of their right to self-determination;
7. Calls upon Israel to uphold and comply with its obligations not to impede the Palestinian people from exercising its right to self-determination, including by rescinding any measures that obstruct the provision of basic services and humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people;
8. Also calls upon Israel to abide by the Charter of the United Nations and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations in order to ensure the safety of the personnel of the United Nations, the protection of its institutions and the safeguarding of the security of its facilities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, at all times, as well as not to impede or impair the work of third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
9. Calls upon all parties to avoid actions that could weaken the critical role of the United Nations in conflict resolution and to support initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the question of Palestine, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and achievement of the two-State solution, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions, and the attainment of comprehensive and lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, and expresses its firm support for the role of the Secretary-General in this regard;
10. Decides, in accordance with Article 96 of the Charter of the United Nations, to request the International Court of Justice, pursuant to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court, on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency, to render an advisory opinion on the following question, considering the rules and principles of international law, as regards in particular the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, privileges and immunities applicable under international law for international organizations and
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States, relevant resolutions of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, the advisory opinion of the Court of 9 July 2004, and the advisory opinion of the Court of 19 July 2024, in which the Court reaffirmed the duty of an occupying Power to administer occupied territory for the benefit of the local population and affirmed that Israel is not entitled to sovereignty over or to exercise sovereign powers in any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory on account of its occupation:
What are the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and as a member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, including its agencies and bodies, other international organizations and third States, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including to ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population as well as of basic services and humanitarian and development assistance, for the benefit of the Palestinian civilian population, and in support of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination?
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United Nations A/79/PV.54
General Assembly
Seventy-ninth session
54th plenary meeting
Thursday, 19 December 2024, 10 a.m.
New York
Official Records
President: Mr. Yang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Cameroon)
The meeting was called to order at 10.05 a.m.
Agenda item 143 (continued)
Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the
United Nations (A/79/338/Add.1)
The President: In keeping with established practice, I would like to invite
the attention of the General Assembly to document A/79/338/Add.1, in which the
Secretary-General informs the President of the General Assembly that, since the
issuance of his communication contained in document A/79/338, Somalia has made
the payments necessary to reduce its arrears below the amount specified in Article
19 of the Charter.
May I take it that the General Assembly takes note of the information contained
in this document?
It was so decided.
The President: Before proceeding further, members are informed that the
meeting to consider the draft new Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing
Countries for the Decade 2024–2034, originally scheduled for today to hear
statements mandated in decision 79/537, of 6 December 2024, under agenda item 13,
has been postponed to a later date to be announced at the request of the sponsor of
the decision.
Reports of the Second Committee
The President: The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Second
Committee on agenda items 15 to 25, 59, 121 and 140.
I request that the Rapporteur of the Committee, Ms. Stefany Romero Veiga of
Uruguay, introduce the reports of the Committee in one intervention.
This record contains the text of speeches delivered in English and of the translation of speeches
delivered in other languages. Corrections should be submitted to the original languages only.
They should be incorporated in a copy of the record and sent under the signature of a member of
the delegation concerned to the Chief of the Verbatim Reporting Service, room AB-0928
([email protected]). Corrected records will be reissued electronically on the Official
Document System of the United Nations (http://documents.un.org).
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Ms. Romero Veiga (Uruguay), Rapporteur of the Second Committee (spoke in Spanish): It is an honour for me to introduce to the General Assembly the reports of the Second Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the General Assembly at its seventy-ninth session. Those reports, contained in documents A/79/434 to A/79/447, include the texts of draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Second Committee to the General Assembly for adoption. For the convenience of delegations, a list of the action taken by the Committee has been prepared and circulated by the Secretariat in document A/C.2/79/INF/1.At its first meeting at the seventy-ninth session, on 3 October, the Second Committee approved the working arrangements of the Committee for the seventy-ninth session, as set out in the organization of work of the Committee, contained in A/C.2/79/L.1. As a result, during the main part of the seventy-ninth session of the General Assembly, the Second Committee held 26 meetings, including its joint meeting with the Economic and Social Council, and one side event. The Committee also held its annual dialogue with the Executive Secretaries of the regional commissions. The Second Committee adopted a total of 39 draft resolutions, 9 of which were adopted by recorded vote, and two draft decisions on the revitalization of the Committee’s work.Under agenda item 15, entitled “Information and communications technologies for sustainable development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/434, paragraph 21, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 16, entitled “Macroeconomic policy questions”, the report of the Committee is issued in seven parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/79/435, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda.Under sub-item 16 (a), entitled “International trade and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/435/Add.1, paragraph 12, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 16 (b), entitled “International financial system and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/435/Add.2, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 16 (c), entitled “External debt sustainability and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/435/Add. 3, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 16 (d), entitled “Promotion of international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and strengthen good practices on assets return to foster sustainable development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/435/Add.4, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 16 (e), entitled “Promoting investments for sustainable development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/435/Add.5, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 16 (f), entitled “Promotion of inclusive and effective international cooperation on tax matters at the United Nations”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/435/Add.6, paragraph 16, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 17, entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development”, the Committee recommends, in document A/79/436, paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 18, entitled “Sustainable development”, the report of the Committee is issued in 12 parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in
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document A/79/437, and the recommendations are contained in the chapeau and in the addenda.Under the chapeau of agenda item 18, the Committee recommends, in document A/79/437, paragraph 17, the adoption of two draft resolutions.Under sub-item 18 (a), entitled “Towards the achievement of sustainable development: implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through sustainable consumption and production, building on Agenda 21”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.1, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 18 (b), entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.2, paragraph 16, the adoption of two draft resolutions.Under sub-item 18 (c), entitled “Disaster risk reduction”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.3, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 18 (d), entitled “Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.4, paragraph 19, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 18 (e), entitled “Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.5, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 18 (f), entitled “Convention on Biological Diversity”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.6, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item 18 (g), entitled “Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.7, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (h) of agenda item 18, entitled “Harmony with Nature”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.8, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (i) of agenda item 18, entitled “Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.9, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (j) of agenda item 18, entitled “Combating sand and dust storms”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.10, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (k) of agenda item 18, entitled “Promoting the social and solidarity economy for sustainable development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/437/Add.11, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 19, entitled “Follow-up to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)”, the Committee recommends, in document A/79/438, paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft resolution.
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Under agenda item 20, entitled “Globalization and interdependence”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/79/439 and recommends, in paragraph 12, the adoption of one draft resolution.In the addenda, under sub-item (a) of agenda item 20, entitled “Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/439/Add.1, paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (b) of agenda item 20, entitled “International migration and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/439/Add.2, paragraph 6, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 21, entitled “Groups of countries in special situations”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/79/440, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda.Under sub-item (a) of agenda item 21, entitled “Follow-up to the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/440/Add.1, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (b) of agenda item 21, entitled “Follow-up to the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/440/Add.2, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 22, entitled “Eradication of poverty and other development issues”, the report of the Committee is issued in six parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/79/441 and recommends, in paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft resolution. Five recommendations are contained in the following addenda.Under sub-item (a) of agenda item 22, entitled “Implementation of the Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2018–2027)”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/441/Add.1, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (b) of agenda item 22, entitled “Industrial development cooperation”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/441/Add.2, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (c) of agenda item 22, entitled “Women in development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/78/441/Add.3, paragraph 19, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (d) of agenda item 22, entitled “Human resources development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/441/Add.4, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under sub-item (e) of agenda item 22, entitled “Eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/441/Add.5, paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 23, entitled “Operational activities for development”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/79/442, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda.Under sub-item (a) of agenda item 23, entitled “Operational activities for development of the United Nations system”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/442/Add.1, paragraph 12, the adoption of one draft resolution.
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Under sub-item (b) of agenda item 23, entitled “South-South cooperation for development”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/442/Add.2, paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 24, entitled “Agriculture development, food security and nutrition”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/443, paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 25, entitled “Towards global partnerships”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/444, paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 59, entitled “Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/445, paragraph 12, the adoption of one draft resolution.Under agenda item 121, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Second Committee recommends, in document A/79/446, paragraph 8, the adoption of two draft decisions.Under agenda item 140, entitled “Programme planning”, as indicated in paragraph 2 of document A/79/447, no action was required on the item.That concludes my introduction of the reports of the Second Committee before the Assembly. At this session, it proved more difficult than in the past to find consensus on the texts negotiated in the Committee. That notwithstanding, all delegations demonstrated a strong commitment to achieving the best possible outcome in support of our common goals, thereby enabling the Committee to conclude its work on time.On behalf of the Bureau of the Second Committee, I would like to express our appreciation to all the facilitators and coordinators and to all delegations for their constructive participation and engagement throughout the session.I also take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of the Chair of the Committee, His Excellency Muhammad Abdul Muhith of Bangladesh, who led us with conviction and magnanimity. I also wish to recognize the dedication of the Vice-Chairs, Mr. Ezekwesiri David Anyaegbu of Nigeria, Ms. Ivana Vejić of Croatia and Ms. Guðrún Thorbjörnsdóttir of Iceland. It has been a real experience and an honour to serve on the Bureau of the Second Committee and a pleasure to have taken on the task and the challenges with these colleagues. Allow me also to thank Mr. Emdadul Chowdhury of the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh for being available to discuss matters related to the Committee and the challenges encountered. Likewise, I wish to express the gratitude of the Bureau to the Secretary of the Second Committee, to Ms. Emer Herity, her team from the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management and Ms. Jori Joergensen for their ongoing support and guidance throughout those months. I also thank Mr. Friedrich Soltau and Joop Theunissen of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and other substantive offices that supported the work of the Committee.Finally, I take this opportunity to wish all delegations happy holidays and some much well-deserved rest.The President: I thank the Rapporteur of the Second Committee.The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. Therefore, if there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Committee that are before the Assembly today.
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It was so decided.
The President: Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote.May I remind members that, in accordance with decision 34/401, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, that is, either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation’s vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee, and that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. When there are multiple proposals under an agenda item, statements in explanation of vote before the voting on any or all of them should be made in one intervention, followed by action on all of them, one by one. Thereafter, there will be an opportunity for statements in explanation of vote after the voting on any or all of them in one intervention.Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Committee, I would like to advise representatives that we will proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Committee unless the Secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. This means that when separate or recorded votes were taken, we will do the same. I should therefore hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Committee. The result of the voting will be uploaded to the e-delegate portal under “Plenary e-Place”.In that connection, I have been informed of the following change. With regard to the report of the Committee on sub-item (k) of agenda item 18, entitled “Promoting the social and solidarity economy for sustainable development”, contained in document A/79/437/Add.11, the draft resolution entitled “Promoting the social and solidarity economy for sustainable development” no longer has a request for a recorded vote.I would like to draw the attention of members to a note by the Secretariat entitled “List of proposals contained in the reports of the Second Committee for consideration by the General Assembly”, which has been issued as document A/C.2/79/INF/1.Members are reminded that additional sponsors are no longer accepted now that draft resolutions and decisions have been adopted in the Committee. Any clarification about sponsorship in the Committee reports should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee.Furthermore, any corrections to the voting intention of delegations after the voting has concluded on a proposal should be addressed directly to the Secretariat after the meeting. I count on members’ cooperation in avoiding any interruptions to our proceedings in that regard.
Agenda item 15
Information and communications technologies for sustainable development
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/434)The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 21 of its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. Separate recorded votes have been requested on the twenty-second preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 34. I shall first put to the vote the twenty-second preambular paragraph.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of),
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Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Against:
Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America
Abstaining:
Costa Rica, Honduras, Singapore, United Republic of Tanzania.
The twenty-second preambular paragraph was retained by 116 votes to 56, with 4 abstentions.
[Subsequently, the delegations of Singapore and the United Republic of Tanzania informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour; the delegations of Georgia and Mexico informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote against.]The President: I now put to the vote operative paragraph 34.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint
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Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Against:
Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America
Abstaining:
None
Operative paragraph 34 was retained by 121 votes to 53, with no abstentions.
The President: The Committee adopted the draft resolution, as a whole, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution, as a whole, was adopted (resolution 79/194).
The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 15.
Agenda item 16
Macroeconomic policy questions
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/435)The President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?
It was so decided (decision 79/542).
(a) International trade and developmentReport of the Second Committee (A/79/435/Add.1)The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.In connection with the draft resolution, the Assembly also has before it a draft amendment circulated in document A/79/L.48.I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.Ms. De Miranda (Department for General Assembly and Conference Management): I would like to announce that, since the submission of draft amendment A/79/L.48, and in addition to the delegations listed in the document, the following countries have become sponsors of draft amendment A/79/L.48: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Switzerland and Ukraine.The President: We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the General Assembly will first take a decision on draft amendment A/79/L.48.
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A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of AmericaAgainst:Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, ZimbabweAbstaining:Türkiye
Draft amendment A/79/L.48 was rejected by 121 to 50, with 1 abstention.
[Subsequently, the delegation of Slovenia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]The President: We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s
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Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, ZimbabweAgainst:Argentina, Israel, United States of AmericaAbstaining:Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The draft resolution was adopted by 132 votes to 3, with 48 abstentions (resolution 79/195).
The President: I shall now give the floor to those members who wish to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.Mr. Nicolino (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): Argentina values the aspects of the resolution that refer to international free trade, which is fundamental to achieving development. In that context, I wish to note that Argentina began a new political path marked by an open market economy, the promotion of investment, strengthening the rule of law, fostering free competition between economic actors and full integration into the global economy and boosting the exports from our agricultural sector to ensure that it is competitive. And that also applies to added value exports.We also reaffirm the importance of ensuring that the multilateral rules-based trading system is fair, open, transparent, predictable, inclusive and non-discriminatory, and the elimination of trade barriers that are not consistent with World Trade Organization agreements. Furthermore. We also value the fact that the resolution refers to the distortions that some countries implement through agricultural subsidies as well as unilateral protective measures, with the excuse of protecting the environment. We reaffirm that it is fundamental to ensure full free trade for all without any forms of restriction.Free market capitalism is not only the most efficient economic system, but also the only one that is compatible with human dignity and the preservation of individual freedom. It is through private initiative, free competition and voluntary cooperation among people that we generate wealth, employment and opportunities for all. We steadfastly believe that this model is the only way to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger sustainably, thereby freeing millions of people from dependence on the State. We also reiterate that we disassociate ourselves from the references to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.Ms. Kavaleuskaya (Belarus) (spoke in Russian): Belarus voted in support of the resolution on international trade and development (resolution 79/195). At the same
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time, we disassociate ourselves from operative paragraph 9, and we do not believe ourselves to be bound by the obligations stemming from it, believing as we do that questions of domestic support for agriculture should be something that is addressed within the relevant multilateral forums.The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 16?
It was so decided.
(b) International financial system and developmentReport of the Second Committee (A/79/435/Add.2)The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/196).
The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 16?
It was so decided.
(c) External debt sustainability and developmentReport of the Second Committee (A/79/435/Add.3)The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/197).
The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 16?
It was so decided.
(d) Promotion of international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and strengthen good practices on assets return to foster sustainable developmentReport of the Second Committee (A/79/435/Add.4)The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.I would like to inform members that action on the draft resolution is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on the draft resolution as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available.The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 16.
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(e) Promoting investments for sustainable developmentReport of the Second Committee (A/79/435/Add.5)The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/198).
The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 16?
It was so decided.
(f) Promotion of inclusive and effective international cooperation on tax matters at the United NationsReport of the Second Committee (A/79/435/Add.6)The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.I would like to inform members that action on the draft resolution is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on the draft resolution as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available.The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 16.
Agenda item 17
Follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/436)The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/199).
The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 17.
Agenda item 18
Sustainable development
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/437)The President: The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II, one by one.Draft resolution I is entitled “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”.A recorded vote has been requested.
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A recorded vote was taken.In favour:Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, ZimbabweAgainst:Argentina, Canada, Israel, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, United States of America, ZambiaAbstaining:Cameroon, Fiji, Panama, Rwanda, Togo, TongaDraft resolution I was adopted by 167 votes to 9, with 6 abstentions (resolution 79/200).[Subsequently, the delegation of Germany informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Zambia informed the Secretariat that it had intended not to participate.]The President: Draft resolution II is entitled “Entrepreneurship for sustainable development”.A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominican
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Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Zambia, ZimbabweAgainst:Algeria, Bangladesh, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brunei Darussalam, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, YemenAbstaining:Angola, China, Mauritania, Namibia, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Türkiye
Draft resolution II was adopted by 146 votes to 30, with 7 abstentions (resolution 79/201).
[Subsequently, the delegation of Liberia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Bahrain informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]The President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18.(a) Towards the achievement of sustainable development: implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through sustainable consumption and production, building on Agenda 21Report of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.1)The President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/202).
The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
(b) Follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further
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Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing StatesReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.2)The President: The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II, one by one.Draft resolution I is entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States”. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 79/203).
The President: Draft resolution II is entitled “Towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations”. A separate recorded vote has been requested on the tenth preambular paragraph. I now put it to the vote.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, ZimbabweAgainst:NoneAbstaining:Belarus, Russian Federation
The tenth preambular paragraph was retained by 174 to none, with 2 abstentions.
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[Subsequently, the delegation of the Russian Federation informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote against.]The President: The Committee adopted draft resolution II as a whole without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution II, as a whole, was adopted (resolution 79/204).
The President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
Mrs. Kasymalieva (Kyrgyzstan), Vice-President, took the Chair.(c) Disaster risk reductionReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.3)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/205).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
(d) Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankindReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.4)Draft amendment (A/79/L.49)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report. In connection with the draft resolution, the Assembly also has before it a draft amendment, circulated in document A/79/L.49.Before proceeding further, we will first address co-sponsorship of the draft amendment. For the Assembly’s information, the draft amendment has closed for e-sponsorship.I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.Ms. Sharma (Department for General Assembly and Conference Management): I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft amendment, and in addition to the delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of A/79/L.49: Albania, Iceland, Israel, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Switzerland, Ukraine and Vanuatu.The Acting President: I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation to introduce an oral amendment to the draft resolution contained in document A/79/437/Add.4.Mr. Meschchanov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The Russian Federation would like to present an oral amendment to the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in document 437/Add.4 on agenda item 18 (d). The text of the amendment is as follows, and I will read it out in English.
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(spoke in English)Add the following paragraphs after operative paragraph 6:Operative paragraph 6 bis would read:“Recognizes that transitional fuels can play a role in facilitating the energy transition while ensuring energy security”.Operative paragraph 6 ter would read:“Recognizes that parties should cooperate on promoting a supportive and open international economic system aimed at achieving sustainable economic growth and development in all countries and thus enabling them to better address the problems of climate change, noting that measures taken to combat climate change, including unilateral ones, should not constitute a means of arbitrary or unjustifiable discrimination or disguised restriction on international trade”.The Acting President: We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the Assembly shall first take a decision on draft amendment A/79/L.49 and the oral amendment proposed by the representative of the Russian Federation, one by one. I now put to the vote draft amendment A/79/L.49.A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Nauru, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, VanuatuAgainst:Algeria, Angola, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
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Abstaining:Mozambique, Namibia, Singapore, Türkiye
Draft amendment A/79/L.49 was rejected by 95 votes to 75, with 4 abstentions.
The Acting President: I now call on the representative of the Russian Federation on a point of order.Mr. Meschchanov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): Given the result of the voting on draft amendment A/79/L.49, the delegation of the Russian Federation withdraws its oral draft amendment.The Acting President: As the representative of the Russian Federation has withdrawn the oral amendment proposed by the delegation, we shall now take a decision on the draft resolution. A separate recorded vote has been requested on operative paragraph 16.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, ZimbabweAgainst:Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of AmericaAbstaining:Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras
Operative paragraph 16 was retained by 113 votes to 53, with 5 abstentions.
The Acting President: The Committee adopted the draft resolution as a whole without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution, as a whole, was adopted (resolution 79/206).
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The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
(e) Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in AfricaReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.5)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/207).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
Agenda item 18
(f) Convention on Biological DiversityReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.6)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/208).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
(g) Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment ProgrammeReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.7)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/209).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
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(h) Harmony with NatureReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.8)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/210).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (h) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
(i) Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for allReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.9)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/211).
The Acting President: I now call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary.Mr. Szijjártó (Hungary): The world, including the global economy, has been undergoing major challenges, and the global population is increasing, industrial performance is increasing, transportation is being transformed from traditional to electric, the usage of cooling and heating systems is increasing, digitalization requires huge databases and, in many places around the world, potable water is being created either using desalination or cleaning methods. All those increase the global demand for electricity in a radical manner, and that is one of the major global challenges nowadays — whether the world will be able to meet that radically increasing demand for electricity. If we fail to do so, the global economy will suffer a huge decline, the environment will be seriously destroyed and humanitarian catastrophes might also occur. We, as the global community, must ensure the increased supply of electricity in an affordable way — namely, a cheap way — in a sustainable way and in a stable way, while protecting the environment but also ensuring a sufficient quantity of electricity in the future.The only way to satisfy all those preconditions is by increasing the capacity to generate nuclear energy. Nuclear energy provides a good platform for civilized East-West cooperation in the scientific, professional and mechanical fields as well. Therefore, Hungary rejects all initiatives aimed at negative discrimination against nuclear energy. Those attacks lack any kind of scientific or fact-based approach; they are clearly and purely ideological and political attacks.I would like to report to the Assembly that Hungary is investing in increasing nuclear capacities in such a manner as to guarantee the safe supply of electricity, ensure low energy prices, protect the environment and secure our independence from and protect ourselves from the volatilities of international energy markets. I am proud to report that most significant Eastern and Western nuclear companies are involved in that project.
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I wish to make my point. Hungary rejects and considers it totally unacceptable for any country to take unilateral steps to interfere in the composition of another country’s national energy mix. We reject and find it unacceptable for a country to expose another country to the risk entailed by a lack of safe energy supply by taking restrictive measures, be they financial, technological or regulatory in nature. All countries must refrain from taking such steps. The safe supply of energy is a matter of national security and a matter of national sovereignty as well. Consequently, unilateral steps by any countries that place the safety of another country’s energy supply at risk should be considered an attack on national sovereignty. I therefore think that it is very important for the international community to ensure that no country takes such unilateral steps, which put the safe energy supply of another country at risk.The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (i) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
(j) Combating sand and dust stormsReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.10)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/212).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (j) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
(k) Promoting the social and solidarity economy for sustainable developmentReport of the Second Committee (A/79/437/Add.11)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/213).
The Acting President: I shall now give the floor to those members who wish to speak in explanation of position on the resolutions just adopted.I give the floor to the representative of Argentina.Mr. Sotelo (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): The Argentine Republic has started down a new political path anchored in the principles of individual freedom and the pre-eminence of the market economy. That new direction is based on economic openness, attracting investment, consolidating the rule of law land promoting free competition and full integration into the global economy, with special emphasis on generating competitive exports. On that path, the fundamental guide of our nation is based on the unfettered defence of the right to life, freedom and private property. Those values are not only ethical principles, but also the vital pillars for the development of a prosperous and fair society.
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Argentina is determined to conduct all necessary discussions through the lens of those principles, because we understand that true social justice is achieved only with respect for the freedom of each individual to decide on their own life and destiny. Furthermore, we reaffirm that free-market capitalism is not only the most efficient economic system, but also the only one compatible with human dignity and the preservation of individual freedom. It is through private initiative, free competition and voluntary cooperation among people that we generate wealth, employment and opportunities for all. We firmly believe that that model constitutes the only way to eradicate poverty, destitution and hunger in a sustainable manner, thereby liberating millions of people from dependence on the State.For that reason, the Republic of Argentina dissociates itself from this resolution (resolution 79/213), as we believe that it promotes statist policies that not only obstruct personal autonomy, but also suffocate the creation of wealth and progress. The models that bestow upon the State the role of regulating, leading or controlling the economy have proven to be ineffective and unfair, as they deprive citizens of their basic right to pursue their own well-being. We trust that this message will serve to reaffirm our commitment to human freedom as the supreme principle, aware that only with more freedom and less interventionism will we be able to achieve lasting prosperity for all peoples.The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (k) of agenda item 18?
It was so decided.
The Acting President: The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18.
Agenda item 19
Follow-up to the implementation of the New Urban Agenda and strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/438)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/214).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 19?
It was so decided.
Agenda item 20
Globalization and interdependence
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/439)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution.A recorded vote has been requested.
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A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:
Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Against:
Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America
Abstaining:
Armenia, Türkiye
The draft resolution was adopted by 133 votes to 51, with 2 abstentions (resolution 79/215).
(a) Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/439/Add.1)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution.A separate recorded vote has been requested on the twelfth preambular paragraph.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo,
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Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, ZimbabweAgainst:Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Palau, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of AmericaAbstaining:Iceland, Mexico, Norway, Republic of Korea, Türkiye
The twelfth preambular paragraph was retained by 119 votes to 52, with 5 abstentions.
The Acting President: I now put to the vote the draft resolution, as a whole, on which a recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo,
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Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, ZimbabweAgainst:Argentina, Israel, United States of AmericaAbstaining:Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Palau, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The draft resolution, as a whole, was adopted by 134 votes to 3, with 48 abstentions (resolution 79/216).
The Acting President: The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 20.(b) International migration and developmentReport of the Second Committee (A/79/439/Add.2)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/217).
The Acting President: I now call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary.Mr. Szijjártó (Hungary): Unfortunately, it is no exaggeration to say that we are living in an age of danger. Amid the impact of war, the growing threat of terror and extremist ideologies on the rise, increasing numbers of people throughout the world are being forced to leave their homes. In the last 10 years, more than 120 million people became migrants, refugees and internally displaced persons, meaning that they were forced to leave their homes. In this very complicated situation, I think that there are two very important aspects that we must take into consideration.First, international law must be respected. That will allow us to avoid additional massive waves of illegal migration, which put the security and safety of countries at risk. Secondly, instead of managing or encouraging migration, we should work on tackling the root causes of migratory flows. International law makes a very clear distinction between migrants and refugees. It is unfortunate that, nowadays, the term “refugee” and the legal status of refugee are being misused, which is a very dangerous phenomenon. International law makes very clear that if someone is forced to leave his or her home, he or she is entitled to stay on the territory of the first safe country. International law says nothing about second, third, fifth, tenth or twentieth safe countries; it mentions only the first safe country. Therefore, a violation of a border between two safe countries must not be taken into consideration as a human rights issue but as a security issue and as a crime.
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The example of Hungary reflects the reality. We have faced pressure from both migration and refugees in the past 10 years, which has cost us (€)3 billion. On the one hand, we have been living for more than 1,000 days in the neighbourhood of the war in Ukraine, from which we have received 1.4 million refugees. They have full access to our schools, kindergartens, healthcare and labour market. We have been carrying out our country’s biggest humanitarian operation ever. We let everybody in from Ukraine who are fleeing the war because for them we are the first safe country. However, on our southern border, we are under huge migratory pressure. There, we are protecting an external border of the European Union that lies on the busiest migratory land route to Europe. Over the last three and a half years, we have stopped more than half a million illegal migrants seeking to violate our border, and with it, our sovereignty. They usually attack our police officers and border guards. They behave very aggressively and show no respect for our regulations or authorities.I would like to point out that Hungary remains committed to protecting its borders and to maintaining its sovereign right to decide who can enter our country and with whom we are ready to co-exist. In the meantime, we are offering every support to those fleeing the war in Ukraine. Moreover, we support initiatives of all kinds aimed at bringing peace to our neighbourhood, which is the only way to save people’s lives, to end families’ suffering and to stop forcing people to leave their homes.At the same time, encouraging people to leave their homes entails many risks. Countries of transit and destination often put the lives of people who are leaving their homes at risk and feed the smugglers’ and traffickers’ business model. Instead of encouraging people to leave their homes, we must stop migration by tackling the root causes on the spot. We have to carry out development programmes that create new jobs and offer better education and better access to healthcare where it is needed. For the last five years, Hungary has spent (€)2 billion on official development assistance, focusing on humanitarian help, especially to the Christian communities, who are among the most persecuted communities in many parts of the world. I would like to assure the Assembly that Hungary is committed to continuing to contribute to the success of international ambitions aimed at stopping migration, tackling its root causes and implementing development programmes worldwide in order to improve the lives of people in the places where they are living.The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 20 (b)?
It was so decided.
Agenda item 21
Groups of countries in special situations
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/440)The Acting President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?
It was so decided (decision 79/543).
(a) Follow-up to the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/440/Add.1)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.
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We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/218).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 21?
It was so decided.
(b) Follow-up to the third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/440/Add.2)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/219).
The Acting President: The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 21.
Agenda item 22
Eradication of poverty and other development issues
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/441)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/220).
(a) Implementation of the Third United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2018-2027)
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/441/Add.1)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/221).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 22?
It was so decided.
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(b) Industrial development cooperationReport of the Second Committee (A/79/441/Add.2)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/222).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 22?
It was so decided.
(c) Women in development
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/441/Add.3)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/223).
The Acting President: I give the floor to the representative of Belarus in explanation of position.Ms. Kavaleuskaya (Belarus) (spoke in Russian): We joined consensus on this resolution on women in development (resolution 79/223) and would like to state that we disassociate ourselves from the paragraphs that were included in the text of the resolution after the Second Committee’s vote on draft amendments A/C.2/79/L.52, A/C.2/79/L.54 and A/C.2/79/L.55, which took place on 26 November 2024.The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 22?
It was so decided.
(d) Human resources development
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/441/Add.4)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/224).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 22?
It was so decided.
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(e) Eradicating rural poverty to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/441/Add.5)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, ZimbabweAgainst:Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America
Abstaining:
Türkiye
The draft resolution was adopted by 129 votes to 52, with 1 abstention (resolution 79/225)
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 22?
It was so decided.
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Agenda item 23
Operational activities for development
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/442)The Acting President: May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?
It was so decided (decision 79/544).
(a) Operational activities for development of the United Nations system
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/442/Add.1)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/226).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 23?
It was so decided.
(b) South-South cooperation for development Report of the Second Committee (A/79/442/Add.2)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.I would like to inform members that action on the draft resolution is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on the draft resolution as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available.The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 23.
Agenda item 24
Agriculture development, food security and nutrition
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/443)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/227).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 24?
It was so decided.
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Agenda item 25
Towards Global Partnerships
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/444)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/228).
The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 25?
It was so decided.
Agenda item 59
Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources
Report of the Second Committee (A/79/445)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on the draft resolution.A recorded vote has been requested.A recorded vote was taken.In favour:Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan,
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Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Yemen, ZimbabweAgainst:Argentina, Canada, Israel, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, United States of AmericaAbstaining:Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Fiji, Kiribati, Panama, Paraguay, Rwanda, Togo, TongaThe draft resolution was adopted by 162 to 8, with 10 abstentions (resolution 79/229).[Subsequently, the delegation of Tuvalu informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]The Acting President: May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 59?
It was so decided.
Agenda item 121 (continued)
Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly
Report of the Committee (A/79/446)The Acting President: The Assembly has before it two draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in its report.We will now take a decision on draft decisions I and II, one by one.Draft decision I is entitled “Draft programme of work of the Second Committee for the eightieth session of the General Assembly”. The Committee adopted draft decision I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft decision I was adopted (decision 79/545).
The Acting President: Draft decision II is entitled “Revitalization of the work of the Second Committee”. The Committee adopted draft decision II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft decision II was adopted (decision 79/546).
The Acting President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 121.
Agenda item 140 (continued)
Programme planning
Report of the Committee (A/79/447)The Acting President: May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Committee?
It was so decided (decision 79/547).
The Acting President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 140.
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The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Second Committee before it for this meeting.On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Muhammad Abdul Muhith of Bangladesh, Chair of the Second Committee, the members of the Bureau, representatives and the Secretary of the Committee for a job well done.Mr. Marschik (Austria), Vice-President, took the Chair.
Agenda item 7 (continued)
Organization of work, adoption of the agenda and allocation of items
Note by the Secretary-General (A/79/638)The Acting President: In his note, the Secretary-General informs the Assembly of the passing of Imran Vanker of South Africa, member and Chair of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee.The Assembly will therefore be required at its current session to appoint a person to fill the remainder of the term of office of Mr. Vanker as a member of the Committee, which expires on 31 December 2026.Since the agenda of the current session does not contain a sub-item on “Appointment of members of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee”, the Secretary-General requests, pursuant to rule 15 of the rules of procedure of the Assembly, the inclusion in the agenda of the seventy-ninth session of an additional sub-item entitled “Appointment of members of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee”, under agenda item 116, entitled “Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments”.Owing to the nature of the sub-item, unless there is an objection, may I take it that the Assembly agrees to waive the relevant provision of rule 40 of the rules of procedure, which would require a meeting of the General Committee on the question of the inclusion of this additional sub-item in the agenda?
It was so decided.
The Acting President: May I take it that the General Assembly, on the proposal of the Secretary-General, wishes to include in the agenda of the current session, under agenda item 116, entitled “Appointments to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other appointments”, an additional sub-item entitled “Appointment of members of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee”, under heading I, “Organizational, administrative and other matters”?
It was so decided (decision 79/505).
Agenda item 7 (continued)
Organization of work, adoption of the agenda and allocation of itemsThe Acting President: Owing to the nature of the item, the Secretary-General also requests that it be allocated to the Fifth Committee. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to allocate this item to the Fifth Committee?
It was so decided.
The Acting President: I should like to inform members that this additional item becomes sub-item (l) of agenda item 116.
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Agenda item 9 (continued)
Report of the Economic and Social CouncilDraft resolution A/79/L.42
The Acting President: I now give the floor to the representative of Uganda to introduce draft resolution A/79/L.42.
Mr. Kwoba (Uganda): On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/79/L.42, entitled “Graduation of Cambodia and Senegal from the least developed country category”.As we present this draft resolution, the Group of 77 and China wishes to take this opportunity to congratulate the two countries — Cambodia and Senegal — for their remarkable progress and their graduation from the least developed country category, leading to this General Assembly decision.The Group reiterates that graduation from the least developed country category is a major milestone for the countries involved, as it means that significant progress has been made towards reaching at least some of the Governments’ goals. We would like to emphasize that graduation is only the beginning of a new journey. Cambodia and Senegal will continue to seek consistent support from the international community in order to address the structural barriers that remain. Those include access to concessional financing, technical assistance and favourable trade policies to consolidate their progress. We commend Mr. Ivo Miguel Rubio, from Angola, for negotiating on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We also express our appreciation to the Facilitator, Mr. Emdadul Chowdhury, from Bangladesh, for his tireless efforts.In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China invites all Member States to endorse this draft resolution and to join forces to ensure that the transition of Cambodia and Senegal is indeed smooth and successful.The Acting President: We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/79/L.42. For the Assembly’s information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship.I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.Ms. Sharma (Department for General Assembly and Conference Management): I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to the delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of draft resolution A/79/L.42: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. States that are members of the Group of 77 and China are already co-sponsors and therefore do not have to press the button.The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/79/L.42, entitled “Graduation of Cambodia and Senegal from the least developed country category”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/79/L.42?
Draft resolution A/79/L.42 was adopted (resolution 79/230).
The Acting President: Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of position after the adoption, I would like to remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.Mr. Meschchanov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): The Russian Federation supported the adoption of resolution 79/230 by consensus. We highly value the commitment of the Governments of Cambodia and Senegal in fulfilling
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the recommendations of the Committee for Development Policy and their efforts to graduate from the category of least developed countries (LDCs). We express the hope that the path towards graduation from that category will be smooth and one way.At the same time, we remain concerned that this kind of technical resolution is gradually becoming another platform for discussing the problems of LDCs on substance, particularly about the inclusion of substantive aspects in the last part of the preambular section. Reference to external factors in that paragraph, although they are in part justified, were not fully reflected in the research of the Committee for Development Policy, which also states internal factors and the requests of the Governments of the countries that have met the LDC graduation criteria following 2023 as justification for the need to provide those countries with a five-year transition plan.This also deviates from standard practice with regard to the resolutions on the graduation of countries, such as General Assembly resolution 68/18 and 73/133, where the Committee recommended to provide countries that have met the graduation criteria, with a further transition period.We call on the sponsor of the resolution to stick to established practice in future in order to avoid superfluous discussions on this kind of resolution and to avoid expanding the texts.The Acting President: We have heard the only speaker in explanation of position after the adoption.The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 9.
Agenda item 7 (continued)
Organization of work, adoption of the agenda and allocation of items
The Acting President: Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 13 September 2024, the Assembly decided to allocate agenda item 17 to the Second Committee. To enable the Assembly to take action expeditiously on these documents, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider agenda item 17 directly, in plenary meeting, and proceed immediately to its consideration?
It was so decided (decision 79/505).
Agenda item 17 (continued)
Follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for DevelopmentDraft decision (A/79/L.44)Draft amendment (A/79/L.50)The Acting President: I give the floor to the representative of Canada to introduce draft amendment A/79/L.50.Ms. Ong (Canada): There is no doubt that we are at a pivotal moment in the international financing for development agenda, and the upcoming fourth International Conference on Financing for Development presents an opportunity to further focus our collective attention on the importance of mobilizing all sources of development finance to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. On an issue as important as financing for development, it is essential that civil society voices are heard. A successful and substantive conference requires the effective, well-structured and inclusive participation of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, academia and the private sector. Canada is committed to the guiding
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principle that stakeholders’ participation in United Nations activities, including that of civil society, produces better policy outcomes, is an essential part of understanding the complex and multifaceted issues for which the United Nations is mandated and benefits all Member States.We are pleased to propose this draft amendment to the decision on the participation of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector in the high-level meeting on financing for development. The text seeks to restore the full original list of civil society organizations as originally presented. We regret that some Member States continue to use the non-objection procedure to unilaterally block stakeholders and non-governmental organizations. These organizations are established and known and will no doubt contribute to meeting our financing for development objectives. The process outlined in resolution 78/271 is not a carte blanche for all stakeholders to participate, but rather it ensures transparency in who is objecting and why. No single Member State should have the final say in who does or does not participate in this forum, and we welcome the fact that the process allows the ultimate decision to rest with the entire membership. We support the original recommendation by the United Nations and therefore propose the draft amendment, which is aimed at simply reverting to the original list. We urge all Member States to vote in favour of the draft amendment.The Acting President: I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.Ms. Sharma (Department for General Assembly and Conference Management): I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft amendment, and in addition to the delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft resolution A/79/L.50: Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America.The Acting President: Delegations wishing to make a statement in explanation of vote before the voting on any proposal under this item, including the draft amendment, are invited to do so now in one intervention. After action on all of them, there will be an opportunity for explanations of vote after the voting on any or all of them.Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote before the voting, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.Mr. Meschchanov (Russian Federation) (spoke in Russian): We once again find ourselves in a situation where the process for the non-objection principle is being undermined by Western countries. The very mechanism for identifying participants that was agreed by Member States when they determined the modalities for the conferences is being violated. It is now essentially a free-for-all. Our delegation, like several others, expressed its concern about the possible participation in the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development of 13 non-governmental organizations that prefer to focus on biased and sponsored political assessments regarding international conflicts and are specialized in promoting gender issues and even the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender agenda rather than matters of financing for development.Those soapbox criers of the so-called woke agenda will as usual now start to complain that we are against inclusivity. However, we would recall that the rest of the list that passed the non-objection procedure contains almost 300 non-governmental organizations, and their participation raises no issues with any delegations. Of course,
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those organizations have the skills and mandate to participate in a specialized United Nations conference, and they also have the resources to make a contribution to its outcomes. Politicized non-governmental organizations, the aim of which has never been to discuss financing for development, could interfere in the running of the Conference and insist on discussing questions that are far beyond the financing for development mandate. That is why we requested a vote on the draft amendment.If members believe that the aim of the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development should be addressing specific matters of financing for development, and not lobbying for the interests of developed countries’ by non-governmental organizations that bear no obligation or responsibility for questions of financing, then we would ask them to vote alongside us against the draft amendment.Ms. Velasco (Sweden): On behalf of the European Union and its member States, we support the draft amendment (A/79/L.50) and align ourselves with the statement made by the representative of Canada.We recall the joint priority of ensuring an open, inclusive and transparent process that is open to stakeholders, including from civil society, academia and the private sector. The active participation of all stakeholders will be in the interest of the legitimacy of the process and will also contribute to reaching an ambitious outcome.In that vein, the European Union and its member States call for the participation of all stakeholders to be supported and facilitated in line with the letter and spirit of the modalities adopted by the General Assembly.Mr. Reta Haddad (Mexico) (spoke in Spanish): Mexico would like to express its position on the adoption of the list of non-governmental organizations for the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. In line with the modalities agreed in resolution 78/271, a clear process was established for the participation of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector. That framework explicitly recognizes the importance of inclusive and diverse participation in the Conference and its preparatory process. Mexico firmly believes that only through truly inclusive and representative participation that incorporates the perspectives of all societal sectors will we be able to guarantee that both the process and the final outcome document reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire international community.However, Mexico observes with profound concern the lack of transparency in the current process, in particular the fact that the list of non-governmental organizations that were objected to was not shared with members in a timely manner. That practice is not an isolated incident, but rather reflects a pattern that has been seen in various recent processes, including the adoption of the first list of non-governmental organizations requesting accreditation for the fourth Conference and during the preparatory process for the high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance. The principles of transparency and inclusion are pillars that underpin the legitimacy of our multilateral work and guarantee the effectiveness of our collective efforts. They are vital elements to ensure that we achieve outcomes that reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire international community. In that context, Mexico, both in its national capacity and in its capacity as co-facilitator of the outcome document of the Conference, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the meaningful inclusion of non-governmental actors, in full accordance with the agreed modalities of the Conference and the spirit of inclusive multilateralism. Therefore, we firmly support the full reinsertion of the organizations that were excluded from the list, recognizing the fundamental value of their contributions in ensuring the success of the Conference.Finally, Mexico calls on the membership to support the efforts geared towards ensuring a broad, diverse participation in the fourth International Conference on
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Financing for Development, and we urge the membership to vote in favour of the draft amendment submitted by Canada. That meeting will be crucial to bolster the framework for the financing of sustainable development, and its success will depend on the inclusion of diverse voices, which will not only enrich our discussions but also strengthen the legitimacy and effectiveness of our agreements.Mr. Kang (Republic of Korea): The Republic of Korea would like to thank Canada for submitting draft amendment A/79/L.50 to draft decision A/79/L.44. Resolution 78/271, on the modalities of the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, stresses the importance of the effective participation of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, academia and the private sector, in the Conference and its preparatory process. In that regard, the Republic of Korea will vote in favour of the draft amendment, and we invite others to do so, as it is in line with the adopted modalities and will promote a transparent, accountable and inclusive Conference process.Mr. Liu Liqun (China) (spoke in Chinese): China supports the organization of a successful International Conference on Financing for Development and thanks the President of the General Assembly for submitting the proposed list of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the basis of feedback from Member States. Resolution 78/271 clearly states that the list of multi-stakeholder participants should be considered by Member States on the basis of the principle of non-objection. The submission by relevant countries of draft amendments to the proposed list violated the principle of non-objection. The work of some NGOs has nothing to do with the theme of the Conference; they have become political tools for interfering in the internal affairs of Member States, and their participation will not contribute to the discussion at all. China will vote against the draft amendment, and it calls upon all countries to uphold the principle of non-objection and to vote against the amendment as well.The Acting President: We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the voting.The Assembly will now take a decision on draft decision A/79/L.44, entitled “Participation of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector in the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development”. In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, the Assembly shall first take a decision on draft amendment A/79/L.50.A recorded vote has been requested.A recorded vote was taken.In favour:Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Ukraine, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Zambia
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Against:Bahrain, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Gabon, Gambia, India, Kuwait, Mali, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, ZimbabweAbstaining:Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam, YemenDraft amendment A/79/L.50 was adopted by 73 to 23, with 49 abstentions.The Acting President: Since draft amendment A/79/L.50 was adopted, we shall proceed to take action on draft decision A/79/L.44, as amended.May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision A/79/L.44, as amended?
Draft decision A/79/L.50, as amended, was adopted. (decision 79/548).
The Acting President: Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the voting, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.Ms. Torres Seara (Cuba) (spoke in Spanish): This amendment (A/79/L.50) is geared towards perpetuating a formula that violates and overlooks the principle of non-objection, which has characterized the participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) without consultative status in the Economic and Social Council in the work of the United Nations for decades. My delegation does not support the attempts to erode the principle of non-objection, which should be recovered and fully retained in its original sense.The amendment submitted today only contributes to sowing politicization and division in the work of the United Nations. Cuba is convinced that the participation of civil society in the work of the United Nations is useful and beneficial. Over decades, we have seen how thousands of NGOs, including many from the South and from Cuba, made a significant contribution to the work of the United Nations, in line with the established practices and procedures, including consultative status with the Economic and Social Council and the principle of non-objection. Therefore, Cuba’s abstention does not constitute any value judgment on the list of NGOs set out in the amendment.Mr. Prabowo (Indonesia): Indonesia wishes to deliver an explanation of vote on amendment A/79/L.50 to decision 79/548.Indonesia acknowledges the significant contributions made by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations, academia and the private sector in multilateral processes by offering invaluable perspectives and expertise, including in the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. We believe that the Conference provides us with the opportunity to address the financing gaps that will allow us to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals.
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The inclusion of multi-stakeholder perspectives enhances the process by ensuring that the needs and priorities of various sectors and actors are reflected to help improve the effectiveness of the Conference’s outcomes. Therefore, Indonesia’s commitment to inclusive multi-stakeholder participation in all multilateral processes is unwavering. The same firm commitment also extends to respecting all agreed mechanisms and procedures.In that context, we are deeply concerned that, once again, there is an action being undertaken to undermine what is already a broad consensus on procedures and modalities. An amendment was proposed to reinstate NGOs and civil society organizations to which some countries have objections. That ignores the concerns that some countries may have, some of which may be valid concerns. It disregards agreements on modalities that have already been supported by all countries. Such actions can continuously erode trust among Member States and sharpen fragmentations, at a time when our solidarity and partnership are needed. For this reason, Indonesia abstained in the voting on the amendment.Ms. Aydil (Türkiye) I would like to begin by reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to supporting the active participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector in the work of the United Nations, as it is essential for achieving our common goals. A large number of NGOs and other stakeholders from Türkiye have already been contributing to all spheres of work of the United Nations and working together with the United Nations all over the globe, in particular in the most vulnerable countries. We strongly support the participation of NGOs and other stakeholders in the work of the United Nations, as long as their objectives and activities are in line with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In this particular case, we will support those NGOs and other stakeholders whose activities will contribute to the ongoing preparations for the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and that are capable of advancing solutions in financing, investment and trade in order to turbocharge fulfilment of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.Yet we cannot ignore the fact that some NGOs are engaging in activities that run counter to the purposes and principles of the Charter and are engaging in politically motivated acts against some Member States. As a long-standing member of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, we have encountered numerous cases in which Economic and Social Council consultative status and participation in various United Nations meetings was abused by certain organizations. That leads to the unnecessary politicization of discussions, which makes it difficult to achieve constructive dialogue and consensus. We believe that the criteria and principles laid down in Economic and Social Council resolution 1996/31 should apply to all NGOs seeking to participate in United Nations conferences and meetings.Not all Member States, including the proponents of this amendment, have information on the objectives, activities and financing of those NGOs whose are the subject of objections by certain Member States. The amendment proposed today unfortunately allows a group of Member States to override valid objections without adequate understanding or scrutiny of those NGOs’ activities, thereby potentially politicizing this matter. We consider the amendment to be a political rather than a technical one, as the proponent of the amendment has not given the grounds on which all those NGOs and stakeholders that are the subject of objections can be considered as critical to the work of the preparatory process of the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and to the conference itself. As a matter of fact, for the purposes of transparency and informed decision-making, it is highly important for Member States to know in detail how those NGOs and stakeholders plan to contribute to the conference. Furthermore, as we are speaking about financing for development, those countries that presented and supported the amendment under the guise of enhancing the
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voice of NGOs should focus their efforts instead on enhancing the representation and amplifying the voices of developing countries in global economic governance.For that reason, we voted against the amendment, which unfortunately reinstates on the list the NGOs and organizations that are the subject of objections. We will continue to underline that the views and concerns of the relevant Member States should be respected in determining the participation of relevant NGOs in the work of the United Nations in order to prevent United Nations platforms being abused for political purposes rather than being used to address technical matters.We look forward to the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, to be held in Spain next year, and we wish Spain every success in hosting the conference.Türkiye will continue to promote inclusivity and transparency at the United Nations in line with the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter.Mr. Shrier (United States of America): The United States is deeply committed to promoting the meaningful participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the United Nations system regardless of their political beliefs, including through the fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. That is why we co-sponsored Canada’s amendment for the reinstatement of the 28 civil society organizations that were dropped from the accreditation list through the no-objection procedure.While the United States agrees that Member States should retain the ability to prevent certain NGOs from participating in United Nations forums, in particular if they have ties to criminal entities or terrorist organizations, we are concerned that certain States are seeking to prevent NGOs from participating in United Nations meetings for political reasons and to do so without transparency.The long list of civil society organizations contains well-known and highly respected organizations with long-standing mandates on topics directly related to the Sustainable Development Goals, such as poverty reduction, environmental protection, institution-building and human rights. Providing diverse NGOs a platform in which to participate in the United Nations system makes this institution and its Member States stronger and more responsive to our citizens. The open exchange of ideas that NGO observers provide is essential to innovation and creative solutions in multilateral bodies. As we face shared global challenges, such as financing for development, it is critical that we include civil society voices in the work of the United Nations.Over the past year, we have seen a systematic attempt to exclude members of civil society from participating in United Nations processes. We believe that diverse voices and views enhance accountability. And we will continue to defend their inclusion on a principled basis without regard for their alignment with United States policy.The Acting President: The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 17.
Agenda item 7 (continued)
Organization of work, adoption of the agenda and allocation of items: reports of the General Committee
The Acting President: Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 13 September 2024, the Assembly decided to allocate sub-item (a) of agenda item 20 to the Second Committee. To enable the Assembly to take action expeditiously on the relevant document, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider sub-item (a) of agenda item 20 directly in plenary meeting and to proceed immediately to its consideration?
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It was so decided (decision 79/505).
Agenda item 20
Globalization and interdependence
(a) Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependenceDraft resolution A/79/L.46The Acting President: I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil to introduce draft resolution A/79/L.46.Mr. França Danese (Brazil): I wish to express Brazil’s sincere gratitude to all delegations that actively engaged in the negotiations on draft resolution A/79/L.46, entitled “Promoting and fostering the efficiency, accountability, effectiveness and transparency of public administration by strengthening supreme audit institutions”. I extend a very special thanks to all co-sponsors.Building upon resolutions 66/209 and resolution 69/228, the text before us reaffirms the critical role of supreme audit institutions in promoting efficiency, accountability, effectiveness and transparency in public administration. They are essential to strengthening governance.The draft resolution further underscores the strategic role that supreme audit institutions, as key components of statehood, can play in helping States address climate change through independent assessments of policy design and implementation and efficient resource allocation and accountability, while fully adhering to national priorities, institutional frameworks and legal systems.The International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), currently chaired by Brazil, has been instrumental in helping strengthen those institutions, in particular through cooperation, capacity-building and the sharing of best practices. INTOSAI’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and its continued partnership with the United Nations have further empowered supreme audit institutions to address global challenges and to contribute meaningfully to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Brazil reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the indivisibility of the Sustainable Development Goals and the three pillars of sustainable development. Their interconnected nature demands a holistic approach to governance and development, and that is what this draft resolution is all about.The Acting President: We will now proceed to consider draft resolution A/79/L.46.I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.Ms. Sharma (Department for General Assembly and Conference Management): I would like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to the delegations listed in the document, the following countries have become sponsors of draft resolution A/79/L.46: Angola, Austria, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Finland, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malawi, Maldives, Malta, Morocco, Mozambique, Norway, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Timor-Leste, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay and Viet Nam.The Acting President: The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/79/L.46, entitled “Promoting and fostering the efficiency, accountability, effectiveness and transparency of public administration by strengthening supreme audit institutions”.
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May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/79/L.46?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 79/231).
The Acting President: Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the voting, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.Mr. Sotelo (Argentina) (spoke in Spanish): Argentina would like to thank Brazil for presenting this resolution and for the constructive manner in which the informal consultations were conducted. At the same time, we recall that Argentina has disassociated itself from the Pact for the Future and that both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, to which it committed itself in good faith, are composed of non-legally binding aspirations that each State, in the exercise of its sovereignty, has the right to freely interpret and pursue. Our country will therefore not support any policy that implies the restriction of individual freedoms of trade or the violation of the natural rights of individuals, no matter who promotes it or how much consensus such an institution has. In a constructive spirit, our country has joined the consensus on the adoption of this resolution. However, we state that Argentina dissociates itself from any reference to the Sustainable Development Goals contained in this resolution.Mrs. Buenrostro Massieu (Mexico) (spoke in Spanish): Mexico joined the consensus on the adoption of the resolution entitled “Promoting and fostering the efficiency, accountability, effectiveness and transparency of public administration by strengthening supreme audit institutions”, presented by Brazil (resolution 79/231). We believe it is an appropriate and timely text, given the importance of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the national and international levels, and of updating our regulatory arrangements to facilitate such implementation. We commend and congratulate the Brazilian delegation for its leadership and initiative in this regard, in line with the priorities it promoted during its presidency of the Group of 20. Clearly, improving the efficiency, effectiveness, accountability and transparency of public administration is fundamental to implementing our commitments to sustainable development in its three dimensions. Six years before the culmination of the 2030 Agenda, this type of initiative helps to bring us closer to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals and their targets.The Acting President: We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the voting. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 20 and its sub-item (a)?
It was so decided.
Agenda item 115 (continued)
Elections to fill vacancies in subsidiary organs and other elections(b) Election of members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding CommissionThe Acting President: Members will recall that, in accordance with paragraphs 4 (a) to (e) of resolution 60/180, of 20 December 2005, the Organizational Committee shall comprise the following: seven members of the Security Council, including permanent members; seven members of the Economic and Social Council, elected from regional groups; five top providers of assessed contributions to United Nations budgets and of voluntary contributions to United Nations funds, programmes and agencies, including a standing peacebuilding fund; five top providers of military personnel and civilian police to United Nations missions; and seven additional members elected by the General Assembly, giving due consideration to representation from all regional groups in the overall composition of the Committee.
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By the same resolution, the Assembly also decided that each of the five regional groups shall have no less than three seats in the overall composition of the Organizational Committee.Members will also recall that, at the 56th plenary meeting of its seventy-seventh session, the Assembly elected Egypt, Kenya, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa as members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission for a two-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2023, and that, at its 42nd plenary meeting at its seventy-eighth session, the Assembly elected Poland and Uruguay as members of the Organizational Committee for a two-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2024.Consequently, the Assembly will need to fill the seats to be vacated by Egypt, Kenya, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and South Africa, whose two-year term of office expires at the end of this year.By a letter dated 27 November 2024 addressed to the President of the Assembly (A/79/630), the President was informed by the facilitator of the top 10 troop-contributing countries that Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Rwanda will serve on the Organizational Committee for the period beginning on 1 January 2025 and ending on 31 December 2026. By a letter dated 5 December 2024 addressed to the President of the General Assembly (A/79/672), the President was informed by the facilitator of the top 10 financial contributors that Canada, Germany, Japan, Norway and Sweden had been selected to serve on the Organizational Committee for the 2025–2026 term.May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to take note of the information contained in documents A/79/630 and A/79/672?
It was so decided.
The Acting President: The Assembly will now proceed to the election of five members of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission.By its resolution 60/261, of 8 May 2006, the Assembly decided that the members of the Organizational Committee shall serve for renewable terms of two years, as applicable. Accordingly, Egypt, Qatar and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are eligible for immediate re-election, while Kenya and South Africa have already been elected by the Economic and Social Council in its decision 2024/220 A, of 9 April 2024, and 2025/209 of 16 December 2024.Regarding candidatures for the five vacant seats, I should like to inform members that from among the African States, three endorsed candidates have been communicated, namely, Egypt, Morocco and Uganda. From among the Asia-Pacific States, one endorsed candidate has been communicated, namely, Cambodia. From among the Latin American and Caribbean States, one endorsed candidate has been communicated, namely, Brazil.Members will recall that, by its resolution 60/261, the General Assembly decided that the rules of procedure and established practice of the Assembly for the election of members of its subsidiary bodies shall apply to its election of members of the Committee. For this election, rules 92 and 94 shall be applicable. Accordingly, the election shall be held by secret ballot.However, I should also like to recall paragraph 16 of decision 34/401, whereby the practice of dispensing with the secret ballot for elections to subsidiary organs when the number of candidates corresponds to the number of seats to be filled should become standard, unless a delegation specifically requests a vote on a given election.In the absence of such a request, may I take it that the Assembly decides to proceed to the election on that basis?
It was so decided.
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The Acting President: Since the number of candidates is equal to the number of
seats to be filled, may I take it that the Assembly decides to elect Brazil, Cambodia,
Egypt, Morocco and Uganda as members of the Organizational Committee of the
Peacebuilding Commission for a two-year term of office beginning on 1 January 2025?
It was so decided (decision 79/413).
The Acting President: I congratulate all the States on their elections.
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration
of sub-item (b) of agenda item 115?
It was so decided.
Agenda item 123 (continued)
Strengthening of the United Nations system
Draft resolution (A/79/L.28/Rev.1)
Report of the Fifth Committee (A/79/667)
The Acting President: I now give the floor to the representative of Norway to
introduce draft resolution A/79/L.28/Rev.1.
Mr. Kravik (Norway): The civilian population in the occupied Palestinian territory
is trapped in a living nightmare. Approximately 45,000 Palestinians are reported to have
been killed since fighting erupted. Seventy per cent of them are women and children.
Many more lie under the rubble. Most hospitals and schools in Gaza have been wilfully
destroyed. Houses have been reduced to rubble. Hunger and disease are prevalent.
Humanitarian workers have been targeted.
Norway has consistently condemned Hamas’s brutal and indiscriminate terrorist
attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. We have called for a ceasefire and the immediate
release of all hostages.
We recognize that States may take different positions as to what has caused this
dystopian nightmare. What we cannot afford to disagree on, however, is the humanitarian
imperative to provide aid and assistance to those in desperate need. And under no
circumstances can we tolerate that any State impose obstructions and impediments
to organizations and States that provide humanitarian and development assistance to
civilians. Yet that is exactly what is happening. While civilians are dying, exposed to
the most atrocious of circumstances, aid workers are being targeted and aid delivery
is systematically obstructed. That is not only unconscionable; it is also a violation of
international law.
We, the Member States of the United Nations, have an obligation to ensure the
necessary conditions for safe and effective humanitarian operations. We can no longer
tolerate impediments that hinder humanitarian access and disrupt planned operations to
Palestinians under illegal occupation.
That is the reason for draft resolution A/79/L.28/Rev.1, which is now before us.
With the draft resolution we are stating unequivocally that enough is enough. For
international law to remain credible, for the most basic humanitarian principles to be
upheld, we must act. That is why Norway — together with a group of dedicated States,
to which we owe our greatest gratitude, comprising Chile, Egypt, Guyana, Indonesia,
Ireland, Jordan, Malaysia, Namibia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa and
Spain — is presenting this draft resolution to the United Nations membership. Its
overarching purpose is to protect and preserve the humanitarian operations of the United
Nations, of humanitarian organizations and of third States in the occupied Palestinian
territory.
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We are particularly concerned about the Israeli legislation that targets the United Nations directly, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). That legislation, already adopted, will, if implemented, effectively end UNRWA’s operations in the occupied Palestinian territory. That in turn will collapse the United Nations humanitarian response. Such an outcome would be intolerable. It would also have dire implications for the United Nations humanitarian efforts — and its privileges and immunities — beyond the present situation.We recall the Secretary-General’s letter to the membership (A/79/684), in which he requested support from the General Assembly to enable UNRWA to carry out its mandate, as instructed by the Assembly.In this draft resolution, we are seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice. The request focuses on clarifying Israel’s obligations to ensure and facilitate humanitarian and development assistance in the occupied Palestinian territory.Norway, a founding Member of the United Nations, believes that we cannot remain passive witnesses to what may come to be seen as a frontal attack on this very Organization and on the multilateral system itself, with immense humanitarian consequences.Let us act therefore with dispatch and determination to uphold the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to prevent further suffering in the region.I urge all Member States to vote in favour of this draft resolution.The Acting President: We shall now proceed to consider the draft resolution contained in document A/79/L.28/Rev.1. For the Assembly’s information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship.I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.Ms. Sharma (Department for General Assembly and Conference Management): I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to the delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of A/79/L.28/Rev.1: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Colombia, Djibouti, France, Guinea, Lebanon, Maldives, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Saint Lucia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, the Sudan, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Republic of Tanzania and Viet Nam.The Acting President: Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote before the voting, I would like to remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.Mr. Shrier (United States of America): The United States respects the important role of the International Court of Justice in advising the General Assembly and in the peaceful settlement of disputes. The United States is also committed to supporting the path to a negotiated two-State solution and realization of Palestinian self-determination through constructive measures.However, the proposed referral here brings us no closer to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It will not meaningfully improve the lives of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who neither started this conflict nor have the ability to end it. While we have no desire to prejudge the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, our concern is that any action by this organ and any court proceeding should reinforce, rather than harm the advancement of a ceasefire and hostage release consistent with Security Council resolution 2735 (2024), as well a realistic and lasting diplomatic solution, and support life-saving humanitarian assistance.
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The proposed referral will not encourage the parties to engage with one another on
a political process to solve issues, bridge divides or work towards direct talks, with a
two-State solution as the end goal. The United States will keep working to improve the
humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza, which requires unhindered humanitarian
access and a surge in humanitarian aid reaching Palestinian civilians in need. To that
end, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near
East (UNRWA) provides critical life-saving humanitarian assistance to vulnerable
Palestinian civilians. Any interruption in the delivery of these services could lead to
severe humanitarian consequences for millions of Palestinians. UNRWA personnel
must enjoy freedom of movement in order to provide needed educational health relief
and social services. Israel’s fight is with Hamas, not UNRWA, and humanitarian
personnel must not be targeted. The United Nations is part of the solution and should
play a role in ending this conflict.
We welcome calls for the reform of UNRWA and the swift implementation of recommendations
called for in the Colonna report. And yet, today’s one-sided draft resolution
seeking another International Court of Justice opinion on Israel’s behaviour is deeply flawed
(A/79/L.28/Rev.1). It fails to create a path forward for restoring trust between Israel and
UNRWA, despite United States efforts to put forward proposals that would do exactly that.
We reiterate our concern that Israel must not restrict the delivery of humanitarian
assistance in Gaza, imposing obstacles that must be removed. Going forward, Israel
must also ensure that implementation of its recent legislation does not further impede
the delivery of humanitarian assistance and critical services, including the provision of
assistance by UNRWA, which remains a vital lifeline for Palestinians. Equally vital,
as the aid delivery architecture in Gaza evolves, the United Nations must work with all
relevant parties and have a viable plan in place to facilitate aid deliveries.
The Secretary-General’s recent letter regarding UNRWA and the future of
aid delivery in Gaza suggests that the United Nations has not yet begun an earnest
conversation with Israel regarding implementation of the legislation. Nor does it appear
that the relevant United Nations agencies have had detailed conversations on steps they
could take in order to help ensure the continuity of United Nations aid deliveries to
Gaza. With lives in the balance, this must change. Yet nothing in this draft resolution
addresses these pressing issues. The United Nations must demonstrate that it will
continue, in word and deed, to stand with the people of Gaza in their hour of need.
Nobody benefits from the Organization’s failure to address lingering questions
about whether UNRWA personnel violated the Agency’s neutrality policy. We deeply
regret that this draft resolution fails to address credible allegations about the activities
of some UNRWA personnel. Resolving those allegations could bolster UNRWA’s vital
humanitarian mission.
The United States will vote against this draft resolution. We encourage other
delegations to do the same. It is time for Israel and the United Nations to work together
and take pragmatic steps to ensure that there is no interruption of humanitarian aid
delivery to Palestinians in desperate need. We can and must do better to set the region
on a path to peace and to set the conditions for negotiations towards a two-State solution
for the benefit of future generations of Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Mr. Danon (Israel): The Assembly clings to the past and its obsession with the
distorted opinions International Court of Justice. Meanwhile, the Middle East is
changing before our eyes — Hamas is being dismantled; Hizbullah has been humiliated;
Al-Assad has fallen; and Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, Hassan Nasrallah, Ibrahim
Aqil and dozens of other arch-terrorists have been eliminated. The terror network that
once cast a shadow over our region is being erased. Israel looks to the future — a future
of stability. We must take advantage of this rare historic opportunity and free the world
from the murderous Iranian regime.
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Yet the Assembly refuses to move forward, looking only to the past. The Assembly recycles the same biased resolutions and ignores the new reality. Its ingrained bias refuses to allow it to move on. The International Court of Justice has now been weaponized. Its advisory opinions are twisted in order to attack Israel and undermine our right to defend our people. That is not justice; it is a political theatre. It cheapens the Court, emboldens terror and undermines the principles that the institution was founded to uphold. The Assembly became accustomed to being endlessly consumed by biased resolutions completely detached from reality and aimed at singling out Israel and ignoring the truth.And now the Assembly has added a new act to the circus — the International Court of Justice. Here is the script: the Assembly refers a one-sided resolution to the Court; the Court delivers another distorted advisory opinion; and then we are back in this Hall, debating the same recycled nonsense. And what happens next? Another referral, another opinion, another meeting, and round and round we go, in an endless loop of bias detached from the reality on the ground. This is not diplomacy; it is a mockery, and the only ones celebrating this circus are the terrorists who exploit the Assembly’s obsession with Israel to escape accountability.While the Assembly obsesses over us, Hamas continues to terrorize: 100 hostages remain in Gaza. And Iran, the puppet master, continues its March towards nuclear capability. But none of that seems to matter here. No, in the Assembly, in this Hall, the focus is on undermining Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. These resolutions do not build bridges; they build walls of division.Israel sees a new Middle East emerging, a region freed from the grip of Iran and its proxies. But the Assembly will be left behind. Instead of seizing this moment to foster peace and stability, this draft resolution would have the Assembly choose to continue a cycle of hate. Instead of looking forward, this draft resolution looks backwards. It is time to stop. Stop the circus. Stop the cycle. Stop enabling the forces of terror by refusing to face the truth. Stop clinging to the past. Break free from this endless loop of bias and distortion. Look to the future. And help us build a Middle East not defined by terror but by peace and opportunities.Mr. Sekeris (Greece): Today’s vote on the draft resolution (A/79/L.28/Rev.1), which requests an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, highlights one once again the urgency of addressing the unprecedented crisis that is taking place in the Middle East. Greece is committed to international law and international justice. Therefore, just days ago, on 11 December, at the tenth emergency special session of the Assembly, Greece voted in favour of the two resolutions in support of the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza (resolutions ES-10/25 and ES-10/26).We believe that we should allow time for the parties involved, as well as the international community, to follow up on those resolutions and engage in addressing the issues that have been raised. That is why, although we share the concerns raised in the draft resolution, we will abstain in the voting.Let me reiterate once more that Greece, as a country in the region and also as an incoming elected member of the Security Council, stands ready to assist in any peace effort conducive to the promotion of the much-needed stability and prosperity in the region. I thank.The Acting President: We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the voting.The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/79/L.28/Rev.1, entitled “Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States”.
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A recorded vote has been requested.
A recorded vote was taken.
In favour:
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan,
Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil,
Brunei Darussalam, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Chad, Chile, China,
Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic People’s Republic
of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador,
Eritrea, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-
Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic
of), Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait,
Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho,
Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta,
Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro,
Morocco, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand,
Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru,
Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint
Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra
Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri
Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan,
Thailand, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan,
Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe
Against:
Argentina, Czechia, Fiji, Hungary, Israel, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru,
Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Tonga, United States of America
Abstaining:
Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Croatia, Estonia, Ethiopia,
Georgia, Greece, Lithuania, Panama, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda,
Samoa, Serbia, Slovakia, South Sudan, Togo, Ukraine, Uruguay
Draft resolution A/79/L.28/Rev.1 was adopted by 137 votes to 12, with 22 abstentions
(resolution 79/232).
[Subsequently, the delegation of Ecuador informed the Secretariat that it had
intended to abstain.]
The Acting President: In view of the lateness of the hour, statements in explanation
of vote after the voting under this item and under agenda item 75 and its sub-items (a),
(b) and (c) will be heard here in the Hall at 3 p.m.
The meeting rose at 1.15 p.m.
United Nations A/RES/79/232
General Assembly
Distr.: General
19 December 2024
24-24238 (E)
*2424238*
Seventy-ninth session
Agenda item 123
Strengthening of the United Nations system
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 19 December 2024
[without reference to a Main Committee (A/79/L.28/Rev.1)]
79/232. Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, other international organizations and third States
The General Assembly,
Guided by the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including the inalienable right of self-determination of peoples and the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force,
Having considered the letter dated 28 October 2024 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the General Assembly1 bringing to the attention of the General Assembly, on an urgent basis, developments which could prevent the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, as mandated by the General Assembly,
Having noted that, according to the aforementioned letter, it can readily be appreciated that a situation may exist in which a difference has arisen between the United Nations and the State of Israel regarding, among other things, the interpretation or application of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations,2 to which Israel is a party,
Acknowledging, moreover, the statement by the Secretary-General, in his letter, that he would be grateful for any guidance and support which the General Assembly may be able to provide at this critical juncture in the history of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, __________________
1 A/79/558.
2 Resolution 22 A (I).
A/RES/79/232
Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of
Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and
activities of the United Nations, other international organizations
and third States
2/5 24-24238
Having noted that the Secretary-General, in a letter dated 9 December 2024,3 has again brought the situation to the attention of the General Assembly and the Security Council,
Recalling all its relevant resolutions, including those adopted at its tenth emergency special session,
Recalling also all the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, including resolution 2334 (2016) of 23 December 2016,
Stressing the obligation of all Member States to fulfil in good faith the obligations assumed by them in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, including to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council,
Recalling its resolution 77/247 of 30 December 2022, by which it decided, in accordance with Article 96 of the Charter of the United Nations, to request the International Court of Justice, pursuant to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court, to render an advisory opinion,
Recalling also the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 19 July 2024 on the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and from the illegality of Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,4
Reaffirming in accordance with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, that the Palestinian people is entitled to self-determination in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and that Israel, as the occupying Power, has the obligation not to impede the Palestinian people from exercising its right to self-determination, including its right to an independent and sovereign State, over the entirety of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, living side by side, in peace and security with Israel, within secure and internationally recognized borders,
Recalling that the International Court of Justice, in its advisory opinion, found that Israel remains bound to comply with its obligation to respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination as well as its obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and that it is for all States, while respecting the Charter of the United Nations and international law, to ensure that any impediment resulting from the illegal presence of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory to the exercise of the Palestinian people of its right to self-determination is brought to an end,
Recalling also its resolution ES-10/24 adopted on 18 September 2024, following the advisory opinion issued by the Court on 19 July 2024,
Stressing the importance of upholding multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in the multilateral system,
Expressing grave concern about plans and measures, including legislation adopted, by Israel to interfere with or obstruct the presence and operations of the United Nations and United Nations entities and organizations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, as mandated by the General Assembly, recalling the Charter of the United Nations, the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, and other applicable principles and rules of international law, inter alia reflected in the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel5 and the __________________
3 A/79/684-S/2024/892.
4 A/78/968.
5 United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 2051, No. 35457.
Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of
Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and
activities of the United Nations, other international organizations
and third States A/RES/79/232
24-24238 3/5
relevant United Nations resolutions, and reiterating the need for the United Nations and United Nations organizations to fully implement their mandates in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, without interference,
Taking note of the press statement of 30 October 2024 of the members of the Security Council on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, in which they expressed their grave concern over legislation adopted by the Knesset and demanded that all parties enable the Agency to carry out its mandate, as adopted by the General Assembly, underscored that the Agency remains the backbone of all humanitarian response in Gaza, and affirmed that no organization can replace or substitute the Agency’s capacity and mandate to serve Palestine refugees and civilians in urgent need of life-saving humanitarian assistance,
Considering that any action taken to impede the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to the civilian population leads, in addition to the ongoing unacceptable and widespread loss of life and suffering, to further displacement of population,
Recalling that the International Court of Justice, in its advisory opinion, found that the policies and practices of Israel are contrary to the prohibition of forcible transfer of the protected population under the first paragraph of article 49 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949,6
Recalling also the obligation to refrain from attacking, destroying, removing or rendering useless objects that are indispensable to the survival of the civilian population,
Expressing deep concern at measures taken by Israel that impede assistance to the Palestinian people, including through measures that affect the presence, activities and immunities of the United Nations, its agencies and bodies, and those of other international organizations, and the representation of third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, aimed at providing, in accordance with international law, basic services and humanitarian assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,
Noting that the provision of such essential assistance to the civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is dependent upon the continued presence of the United Nations, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, which is the backbone of United Nations humanitarian relief operations, together with the facilitation of its operations and respect for its privileges and immunities, and that this presence, facilitation and respect for privileges and immunities are closely related,
Noting also the utmost urgency of upholding such essential assistance and that, according to the aforementioned letter from the Secretary-General,7 the cessation of or restriction on the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East would leave Palestine refugees without the essential assistance that they require,
Expressing the view that these developments demand consideration by and guidance from the International Court of Justice, on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency, of certain additional questions to supplement the Court’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, __________________
6 Ibid., vol. 75, No. 973.
7 A/79/588.
A/RES/79/232
Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of
Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and
activities of the United Nations, other international organizations
and third States
4/5 24-24238
1. Expresses its grave concern about the dire humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
2. Demands that Israel comply without delay with all of its legal obligations under international law, including as set out by the International Court of Justice;
3. Calls upon all parties to comply with their respective legal obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law;
4. Expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his rapid response and ongoing efforts regarding assistance to the Palestinian people, including with regard to the emergency humanitarian needs, particularly in the Gaza Strip;
5. Expresses its appreciation for the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, recognizes the vital role of the Agency in providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people, notably Palestine refugees, and particularly in the Gaza Strip, and endorses the efforts of the Agency to continue operations as far as possible in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, pursuant to resolution 77/123 of 12 December 2022, by which it extended the mandate of the Agency, and any further resolutions extending the mandate, calls upon the Agency to fully implement its high-level action plan for the implementation of the 50 recommendations of the Independent Review of Mechanisms and Procedures to Ensure Adherence by UNRWA to the Humanitarian Principle of Neutrality (Colonna Report), and welcomes the commitment affirmed by the Secretary-General and the Agency that they will fully implement the recommendations;
6. Reiterates its call to all States and the specialized agencies and organizations of the United Nations system to continue to support and assist the Palestinian people in the early realization of their right to self-determination;
7. Calls upon Israel to uphold and comply with its obligations not to impede the Palestinian people from exercising its right to self-determination, including by rescinding any measures that obstruct the provision of basic services and humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people;
8. Also calls upon Israel to abide by the Charter of the United Nations and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations in order to ensure the safety of the personnel of the United Nations, the protection of its institutions and the safeguarding of the security of its facilities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, at all times, as well as not to impede or impair the work of third States in the Occupied Palestinian Territory;
9. Calls upon all parties to avoid actions that could weaken the critical role of the United Nations in conflict resolution and to support initiatives that contribute to a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the question of Palestine, the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict, and achievement of the two-State solution, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant resolutions, and the attainment of comprehensive and lasting peace and stability in the Middle East, and expresses its firm support for the role of the Secretary-General in this regard;
10. Decides, in accordance with Article 96 of the Charter of the United Nations, to request the International Court of Justice, pursuant to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court, on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency, to render an advisory opinion on the following question, considering the rules and principles of international law, as regards in particular the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law, international human rights law, privileges and immunities applicable under international law for international organizations and
Request for an advisory opinion of the International Court of
Justice on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and
activities of the United Nations, other international organizations
and third States A/RES/79/232
24-24238 5/5
States, relevant resolutions of the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, the advisory opinion of the Court of 9 July 2004, and the advisory opinion of the Court of 19 July 2024, in which the Court reaffirmed the duty of an occupying Power to administer occupied territory for the benefit of the local population and affirmed that Israel is not entitled to sovereignty over or to exercise sovereign powers in any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory on account of its occupation:
What are the obligations of Israel, as an occupying Power and as a member of the United Nations, in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, including its agencies and bodies, other international organizations and third States, in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including to ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population as well as of basic services and humanitarian and development assistance, for the benefit of the Palestinian civilian population, and in support of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination?
54th plenary meeting
19 December 2024