A/64/PV.86 General Assembly

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, the President of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the country’s armed forces. The late President left an important mark on his country. During his relatively short period in office, he pursued his responsibilities with dignity and with respect for the rights of all. He will be remembered for his unwavering contribution to democratic governance and economic revitalization and, in particular, for his determined efforts to bring peace to the Niger Delta region. As Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, he fought tirelessly against unconstitutional changes of Government and for the restoration of peace and stability throughout the subregion. I am also grateful to the late President for his commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations. One concrete demonstration of that support is Nigeria’s current standing as the fourth largest troop contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations. As Secretary-General of the United Nations and personally, I had the honour of working with the late President in addressing regional and global issues, and I benefited greatly from his wisdom and his commitment. I offer my most sincere condolences to Alhaji Yar’Adua’s family, to the people and Government of Nigeria and to all others touched by this loss. I extend my best wishes to his successor, His Excellency President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, as he now seeks to promote peace and development for all the people of Nigeria. Before I conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to again express my profound condolences for the people killed in yesterday’s plane crash in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. My deepest condolences go to the families and countries involved.

I now give the floor to the representative of Cameroon, who will speak on behalf of the Group of African States.

On 5 May 2010, His Excellency Mr. Umaru Yar’Adua, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, passed away as a result of illness, leaving his people in a state of grief, sadness and mourning. On this day when the General Assembly pays a well-deserved tribute to him, allow me at the outset to express, on behalf of the Group of African States, our profound grief at this irreparable loss. With the passing of President Yar’Adua, as was recently and rightly stressed by Mr. Jean Ping, President of the African Union Commission, Nigeria and Africa have lost an eminent son and a devoted advocate of the unity and well-being of all the peoples of the continent. Indeed, in the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States, and in his capacity as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the late lamented made a remarkable contribution in a very short time to the promotion and maintenance of peace, security and stability in several troubled countries and regions of Africa. It was again President Yar’Adua, a statesman of measured and conciliatory words, the hallmark of which was a call for dialogue and understanding, who with dignity, courage and skill actively pursued, in tandem with his counterpart, President Paul Biya of Cameroon, the implementation of the measures contained in the agreement reached under his predecessor, President Olusegun Obasanjo, to peacefully carry out the ruling of the International Court of Justice on the dispute pertaining to the Bakassi peninsula, thus ushering in an era of peace and strengthened and mutually beneficial fraternal cooperation between our two countries. This busy life, highly active despite his frail health, this lofty vision, sobriety and engaging sense of humanity and fraternity are only a few of the virtues that we are now deprived by the passing of President Yar’Adua. And it is for this deprivation, and in particular for the late President’s premature withdrawal, that the African group sheds its tears. We extend our most heartfelt and sad condolences to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, its staff, the Government and the great fraternal people of Nigeria and, through them, to the members of the family of the late President now facing the harsh realities of orphanhood. We raise our eyes to the future and implore the heavens to give us all — the family, the new Nigerian authorities and Africa in general — the strength to bear this mourning with dignity and responsibility, faithful to the aforementioned virtues, which will henceforth be the hallmark of the legacy of President Yar’Adua. Great men pass away in silence, reverence and piety, leaving to us and to time the concern of continuing their work. May the soil of Nigeria and that of Africa, which President Yar’ Adua so loved and served, cover him ever so lightly, and may his soul rest in peace in the eternity of the divine kingdom. Another accident occurred yesterday in Tripoli, Libya, with loss of human life. The African Group expresses its sympathy to all of those afflicted by this new mourning and hopes that the souls of the departed may rest in peace in heaven.

I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Asian States.

The Asian Group was deeply saddened to learn that President of the Republic of Nigeria His Excellency Umaru Yar’Adua, who suffered from long-term health conditions, died Wednesday at the age of 58. Mr. Yar’Adua began his political career in 1991. He lost his first election, but he did not give up. Seven years later, he participated again and successfully contested the governorship in 1999, winning re- election in 2003 to a second term. As a state governor, he focused on the socio-economic development of the state, with particular attention to the education and health sectors. Not only did he pay down the huge state debt that he inherited, but he also accumulated millions in surplus in the treasury. He became known for his ascetic lifestyle and personal probity. He won a decisive landslide victory with 70 per cent of the vote in April 2007 and was elected as the thirteenth President of Nigeria. He faced the enormous task of maintaining the development programmes begun by his predecessor, establishing peace and reconciliation in the Niger Delta, and continuing the war against widespread systemic corruption. This is a great loss for Nigeria and the region. On behalf of myself, on behalf of my Government and on behalf of the Asian Group, I would like to convey to the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, to the bereaved family and to the Government of Nigeria our deepest and most sincere condolences. May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the people of Nigeria to overcome their grief. The Asian Group hopes that, under the able leadership of Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, now Acting President, the Republic of Nigeria will continue to strive towards a sustained democracy and prosperous country.

I now give the floor to the representative of Hungary, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States.

On this sad occasion, I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of Eastern European States. We commemorate today the passing of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua of Nigeria, which is a great loss for the nation and its people. His vision contributed significantly to efforts to promote peace, stability and justice in Nigeria, and he was committed to democratic governance and reforms. President Yar’Adua once said in an interview that “The problem is that people think that problems can be solved magically. Too many people with loud voices like to condemn and condemn. But with patience, we will all get there.” We need to recognize at this solemn moment that paths to democratic governance and reforms are paved with hardships and unexpected drawbacks, but these difficulties can be overcome for the sake of collective good, well-being and greater national interest. He was convinced that people derive the greatest satisfaction from serving others, rather than serving themselves. For him, it was always important to serve his nation. Although he is no longer with us, he shall be remembered for the examples he set throughout his life with his dedicated work. On behalf of the Group of Eastern European States, I would like to extend my condolences and deepest sympathy to the family of the late President, to the Government and to the people of Nigeria. At the same time, allow me to express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims who perished in the tragic Libyan plane crash.

I now give the floor to the representative of Peru, who will speak on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean States.

On behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group, I wish to extend to our heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of Nigeria on the regrettable death of His Excellency President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on 5 May. His qualities as a democrat and his career in the service of his country, together with his personal virtues as a just and upright man, provide a valuable example of leadership for the new generations of that sister African nation. President Yar’Adua’s deep esteem for his people was reflected in his efforts for domestic peace and his commitment to his country’s progress, a calling that he demonstrated even before assuming the presidency, when he served as Governor of the state of Katsina. I underscore his unswerving will to continue working in the service of his country despite the health problems that had troubled him for a decade. These posed no obstacle to his continuing his work, in particular because he firmly believed in the potential of Nigeria’s people and resources. Sharing the grief afflicting the Nigerian people and expressing our condolences to President Yar’Adua’s family, we hope that his legacy of commitment to the masses, to democracy and to his country’s neediest not only will live on in memory but will be seen and held up as an example in the coming years in Nigeria. On behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean Group, I would also like to join in the expressions of sorrow over the unfortunate air accident that has plunged the sister nation of Libya into mourning.

I now give the floor to the representative of Australia, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Western European and other States.

On behalf of the Western European and other States Group, I extend to the people and the Government of Nigeria our sincere condolences on the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Our thoughts and wishes are especially with his family at this difficult time. President Yar’Adua was uniquely schooled in both the politics and the business of modern Nigeria. He was excited by his country’s potential. He was passionate about its future. He was deeply saddened by its divisions, and he worked hard to overcome them. He deserves our recognition for his personal commitment to the rule of law and good governance and our praise for his efforts to bring peace, stability and development to the Niger Delta region. He promoted peace and stability in Africa through his support of Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts, and he strongly advocated democracy for Africa’s development. Nigeria — currently a member of the Security Council — remains one of the mainstays of United Nations peacekeeping globally. President Yar’Adua’s passing is a great loss for Nigeria and a great loss for its people. An inextinguishable part of his legacy must be for all of us to continue his efforts to heal divisions and bring security and prosperity to his country. The members of the Western European and other States Group are very confident that the people and the Government of Nigeria will overcome the loss and will work together to advance his vision. Our sympathies, of course, also go to all those so deeply affected by yesterday’s terrible plane crash in Libya.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United States, the host country.

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, let me offer our deep condolences on the passing of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Yar’Adua family and the people of Nigeria as they mourn his loss. Today, we remember and honour President Yar’Adua’s profound personal decency and integrity, his deep commitment to public service and his passionate belief in the vast potential and bright future of Nigeria’s 150 million people. President Yar’Adua was working towards building strong democratic institutions, based on constitutional processes. We know that he would want Nigeria to continue along that civilian democratic path. We urge all Nigerians to place their faith and support firmly behind orderly, democratic and constitutional mechanisms. The United States applauds the timely inauguration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the lawful successor to President Yar’Adua, and we applaud efforts to unify the country at this delicate moment. We encourage the Nigerian Government to continue to move towards national democratic elections in 2011 and offer our support and assistance in those efforts. On behalf of the United States, let me reaffirm to the Nigerian people and Government our commitment to continued friendship and partnership with them. Together, we will continue to work to tackle the common challenges that we face.

I now give the floor to the representative of Nigeria.

I wish to express the profound appreciation of the Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the members of the General Assembly for the unreserved support extended to Nigeria, in particular its Permanent Mission, following the death of our beloved President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The expressions of sympathy and feelings of solidarity have been enormous and have served as pillars of support for us during this difficult period. We are indeed deeply moved by the kind words and sentiments expressed this morning in honour of our late President, who was genuinely committed to the Nigerian people and who shared the vision of the United Nations. Those sentiments will for ever be etched in our national memory and will be conveyed to the Government of Nigeria. I cannot but end this brief statement by thanking you, Mr. President, and the Secretary-General for being here to commiserate with us and for your heartfelt tributes. I also thank the heads of the regional groups and the representative of the host country, the United States, for their very kind words and respect. May God in his infinite mercy bless you all as we pray for the repose of the soul of our late President. Finally, on behalf of Nigeria, I would like to pay our condolences to our brother nation Libya and all the other countries that lost citizens in the recent air crash near Tripoli. May they rest in peace.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

On behalf of the Libyan people and the members of the Permanent Mission of the Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to the United Nations, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the sentiments and condolences addressed to the Libyan people over the tragic accident that took place yesterday near Tripoli airport, in which more than 100 passengers aboard a Libyan flight from South Africa to Tripoli were killed. These condolences and this solidarity show once again our unity as an international community in good times and bad, and I will convey the sentiments that have been expressed today to our people and to the families of the victims. On this occasion, I would also like to echo the condolences of the representatives of the regional groups on the passing of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, with whom I have dealt personally. He was a model of a modest and sincere human being. Once again, I reaffirm my appreciation and gratitude and I ask God that no harm will come to any one dear.

Accordingly, the election shall be held by secret ballot, and there shall be no nominations. I should like to repeat that the 14 vacant seats are to be filled from among the regional groups as follows: four seats from among the Group of African States; four seats from among the Group of Asian States; two seats from among the Group of Eastern European States; two seats from among the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States; and two seats from among the Group of Western European and other States. The ballot papers reflect that pattern. In addition, I have been informed by the Secretariat that voluntary pledges and commitments made by Member States in accordance with operative paragraph 8 of General Assembly resolution 60/251 were accordingly issued as official documents of the General Assembly at its sixty-fourth session. Before we begin the voting process, I should like to remind members that, pursuant to rule 88 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order on the actual conduct of the voting. I should also like to seek the usual cooperation of representatives during the time when the General Assembly is conducting elections. I recall that all campaigning should cease in the General Assembly Hall during the voting procedure. This means that, once the meeting has begun, no more campaign material can be distributed inside the Hall. Moreover, all representatives are requested to remain in their seats so that the voting process can proceed in an orderly manner. We shall now begin the voting process. Ballot papers marked “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and “E” will now be distributed. Ballot A, for the African States Group, has four blank lines for the four seats. Ballot B, for the Asian States Group, also has four blank lines for the four seats. Ballot C, for the Eastern European States Group, has two blank lines for the two seats. Ballot D, for the Latin American and Caribbean States Group, has two blank lines for the two seats. Ballot E has two blank lines for the two seats assigned to the Western European and other States Group. I request representatives to use only those ballot papers and to write on them the names of the States for which they wish to vote. A ballot paper containing more names from the relevant region than the number of seats assigned to it will be declared invalid. A ballot will also be declared invalid if all the names of the Member States on that ballot do not belong to the relevant region. If a ballot paper of a region contains the names of Member States that do not belong to that region or that are not eligible for re-election or that are already members of the Council, the ballot remains valid, but those names will not be counted at all. At the invitation of the President, Ms. Bensmail (Algeria), Ms. Kyrle (Austria), Mrs. Velichko (Belarus), Mr. Lima (Brazil), Mr. Ayub (Pakistan), Ms. Tupouohomohema (Tonga) and Ms. Steele (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) acted as tellers. A vote was taken by secret ballot. The meeting was suspended at 11.10 a.m. and resumed at 12.15 p.m. The President: The result of the voting is as follows: Group A – African States (4 seats) Number of ballot papers: 188 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 188 Abstentions: 5 Number of members voting: 183 Required absolute majority: 97 Number of votes obtained: Angola 170 Mauritania 167 Uganda 164 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 155 Group B – Asian States (4 seats) Number of ballot papers: 188 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 188 Abstentions: 0 Number of members voting: 188 Required absolute majority: 97 Number of votes obtained: Maldives 185 Thailand 182 Malaysia 179 Qatar 177 Group C – Eastern European States (2 seats) Number of ballot papers: 188 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 188 Abstentions: 8 Number of members voting: 180 Required absolute majority: 97 Number of votes obtained: Republic of Moldova 175 Poland 171 Group D – Latin American and Caribbean States (2 seats) Number of ballot papers: 188 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 188 Abstentions: 3 Number of members voting: 185 Required absolute majority: 97 Number of votes obtained: Ecuador 180 Guatemala 180 Peru 1 Group E – Western European and other States (2 seats) Number of ballot papers: 188 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 188 Abstentions: 6 Number of members voting: 182 Required absolute majority: 97 Number of votes obtained: Spain 177 Switzerland 175 Having obtained the required majority and the largest number of votes of the members of the General Assembly, the following 14 States were elected members of the Human Rights Council for a three-year term of office beginning on 19 June 2010: Angola, Ecuador, Guatemala, the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Poland, Qatar, the Republic of Moldova, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand and Uganda.

I congratulate those States that have been elected members of the Human Rights Council, and I thank the tellers for their assistance in this election. This concludes our consideration of sub-item (h) of agenda item 111.

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendation of the Fifth Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that, under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401, the General Assembly agreed that “When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, 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.” May I also remind delegations that, in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. Before we begin to take action on the recommendation contained in the report of the Fifth Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take a decision in the same manner as was done in the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled “Financing arrangements for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti for the period from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010” without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 155.

I have the honour on behalf of the sponsors to introduce draft resolution A/64/L.52, entitled, “Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases”. On behalf of the 14 Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I would like to thank the World Health Organization (WHO) for its support throughout the process and look forward to its continued support in the future. CARICOM also takes this opportunity to thank all those who contributed constructively during the negotiations, as well as the over 100 sponsors of the draft resolution, in particular the African Group, which has sponsored as a bloc. We view the broad support for the draft resolution as indicative of the significant impact of non-communicable diseases on the health, productivity, economies and development aspirations of all countries. Non-communicable diseases, in particular diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, which share common risk factors, can no longer be allowed to flourish as a silent epidemic, accounting as they do for 60 per cent of all deaths globally. The vast majority of these are in developing countries. While often mistakenly viewed as lifestyle diseases of wealthy societies, the data indicate that non-communicable diseases affect all classes and have a disproportionate impact on poor people and developing nations. Within our subregion, it is projected that non-communicable diseases could contribute to three quarters of deaths by 2030. WHO predicts that non-communicable disease-related deaths in Africa will rise by 27 per cent over the next decade. However, despite this sobering data on mortality, the scourge of non-communicable diseases is far more than an issue of public health. For much of the world, it is a fundamental development challenge that robs all States of their most productive workers, consigns families to poverty and imposes costs on States that often approach 7 per cent of their gross domestic product. WHO estimates that the lost economic output from heart disease, stroke and diabetes in developing countries alone will exceed $1.25 trillion by 2015. It is a cost that we can ill afford, particularly as developing countries continue to grapple with the fallout of the global economic crisis on our fragile economies. Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as having said, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”. However, modern reality demonstrates that, for many Governments, health and economic wealth are inextricably linked. A sick country is a poor country. In various States and regions, Governments are paying increasing attention to the impacts of non- communicable diseases on health and development. CARICOM’s 2007 declaration on non-communicable diseases, the Commonwealth’s 2009 statement on action to combat non-communicable diseases, the 2011 ministerial conference being planned by the Russian Federation, and the recent news of an initiative against childhood obesity here in the United States — to name but a few — are all part and parcel of the new attention being paid to this gathering but too often overlooked epidemic. Within the United Nations system, WHO has recognized the monumental health-care implications of these diseases and approved its 2008-2013 Action Plan for the Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases. Civil society organizations, most notably the recent alliance comprising the International Diabetes Federation, Global Cancer Control, the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and the World Heart Federation, have also played a leading and invaluable role in raising awareness and addressing the causes and effects of non-communicable diseases. The draft resolution seeks to harness this new energy and to help shape a coordinated global response to non- communicable diseases and all of their diverse impacts. The draft resolution calls for the convening of a high-level meeting of the General Assembly, with the participation of heads of State and Government, on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in September 2011. This high-level meeting will give political impetus to the coordination, prevention and control efforts that are necessary to combat these diseases. The draft resolution also makes the crucial connection between non-communicable diseases and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We in the Caribbean Community wholeheartedly embrace the draft resolution’s call to highlight the rising global incidence and the socio- economic impact of the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases at the MDG review meeting to be held later this year. In committing to increase and coordinate our efforts to prevent and control non-communicable diseases, we recognize, in broad terms, some of the steps that must be taken and deficiencies that must be addressed. We know, for example, that we must strengthen our systems for data collection, particularly in developing countries. We know that the priority accorded to non-communicable diseases in development cooperation must be enhanced. And we know that we must recommit to strengthening national health systems in areas that include budgetary allocations, financing, information and access to medicines. But most of all, we know that political will must be marshalled and buttressed in this new front of our ongoing health and development battle. All of these issues are addressed in this draft resolution. The General Assembly’s consideration of this draft resolution is a historic turning point in the global struggle to prevent and control non-communicable diseases and their impacts. The battle against non-communicable diseases has not received the level of attention, coordination or funding that reflects their staggering mortality rate or socio-economic impact. Today, we begin the process of changing that oversight.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat in connection with draft resolution A/64/L.52.

In connection with draft resolution A/64/L.52, entitled “Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases”, I wish to put on record the following statement of financial implications on behalf of the Secretary-General, in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of operative paragraphs 1, 2 and 4 of the draft resolution, the General Assembly would decide to convene a high-level meeting of the General Assembly, with the participation of heads of State and Government, on the prevention and control of non- communicable diseases in September 2011. It would also decide to hold consultations on the scope, modalities, format and organization of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, with a view to conducting consultations, preferably before the end of 2010. It would request the Secretary-General to submit a report to the General Assembly at its sixty- fifth session, in collaboration with Member States, the World Health Organization and the relevant funds, programmes and other specialized agencies of the United Nations system, on the global status of non- communicable diseases, with a particular focus on the development challenges face by developing countries. Since the consultations on the scope, modalities, format and organization of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, as called for in operative paragraph 2 of the draft resolution, have yet to be held, there is insufficient information available to the Secretariat at this time to determine the full extent of the programme budget implications arising from the adoption of the draft resolution. Should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution A/64/L.52, the Secretary-General would submit a statement of programme budget implications, if any, to the General Assembly as soon as specific decisions on the scope, modalities, format and organization of the high-level meeting of the General Assembly are taken, based on the results of the consultations called for in operative paragraph 2. As regards the report to be submitted by the Secretary-General to the General Assembly at its sixty- fifth session, called for in operative paragraph 4, it is determined that the report could be processed and issued in the six official languages of the United Nations by using existing resources approved for the biennium 2010-2011.

We will now take a decision on draft resolution A/64/L.52, entitled “Prevention and control of non-communicable diseases”. I call on the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of draft resolution A/64/L.52, the following countries have become sponsors of the draft resolution: Azerbaijan, Belgium, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Bulgaria, Cameroon on behalf of the Group of African States, Croatia, Cuba, Finland, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Turkey and the United States of America.

May I take it that the General Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/64/L.52?

I now give the floor to those delegations wishing to make statements after the adoption of resolution 64/265.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries align themselves with this statement: the candidate countries Turkey, Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia. The European Union welcomes the adoption by consensus of resolution 64/625, on non-communicable diseases, which proves the significance and relevance of that topic and the importance that the international community attaches to it. In particular, we wish to commend the delegations of the Caribbean Community for their initiative, leadership and efforts in achieving that result. Global health cannot improve unless we address the growing burden of health problems associated with non-communicable diseases, which are the primary cause of mortality in the world, representing 60 per cent of all deaths, with 80 per cent of such deaths in middle-income and low-income countries. Many of those deaths are premature, and the rate of non-communicable diseases could be lowered; this requires concerted preventive action by all. In the European Union countries, there are relatively high rates of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity disorders and musculoskeletal disorders, that can be attributed to an interaction of genetic and environmental factors, and, especially, lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, poor diet and lack of physical activity. In its health strategy, the European Union recommends addressing the prevention of those diseases by developing strategies and mechanisms to address the key determinants, which arise from both lifestyle and social and environmental factors. Prevention is key, along with information exchange on the threat of non-communicable disease, including gender-specific health risks and rare diseases, and on the necessary response. Given that most of those diseases are preventable, the main activities should focus on raising public awareness, building knowledge and strengthening preventive measures. The European Union includes prevention in its community policies and promotes setting up networks and information systems among member States to generate a flow of information, analysis and the sharing of experiences in the area of public health. We are also aware of the lack of sufficient statistical data in this area and are convinced that it is important to develop and utilize reliable indicators of the trends in non-communicable diseases and their risk factors. While international cooperation and coordination are the keystone of success, the European Union believes that the World Health Organization is the appropriate United Nations agency and needs to play a leadership role in proposing good solutions. The European Union welcomes the decision to convene a high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in September 2011. We are convinced that greater effort is needed on the part of the World Health Organization and United Nations Member States to lower the rate of non-communicable diseases and the resulting illnesses and premature deaths. In that regard, the European Union will take an active part in the consultations on the 2011 high-level meeting.

The United States was pleased to be a sponsor of resolution 64/265, which brings much needed attention to the growing global public health challenges posed by non-communicable diseases. We would like to express our particular appreciation to the States members of the Caribbean Community for leading this important initiative. Almost all countries are facing emerging epidemics of non-communicable diseases, with the greatest increases being experienced in developing countries. The United States is committed to addressing the mortality and disease burden posed by non-communicable diseases at home and abroad. First Lady Michelle Obama is raising awareness of childhood obesity and the importance of healthy eating through a national campaign called Let’s Move. That campaign is enlisting the support of a broad range of partners to encourage children to be physically active and to help parents and schools make healthy family and school food choices. The United States will also actively support effective actions by other countries to deal with non- communicable diseases. Our global efforts should strengthen and complement the efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO), in particular the WHO Global Strategy for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases and the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. As we have noted in the past, we consider access to medicines to be one of a wide array of elements that are fundamental to the progressive realization of the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. We also note that this resolution does not define the content of that right.

We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 114.