A/67/PV.61 General Assembly

The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Second Committee on agenda items 17 to 26, 61, 116 and 131. I request the Rapporteur of the Second Committee, Ms. Aida Hodžić of Bosnia and Herzegovina, to introduce the reports of the Second Committee in one intervention. Ms. Hodžić (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Rapporteur of the Second Committee (spoke in French): It is a privilege and 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 sixty-seventh session. The texts of draft resolutions and decisions recommended to the General Assembly for adoption are contained in documents A/67/434 to A/67/446. For the convenience of delegations, the Secretariat has included a checklist of actions taken in the Second Committee in document A/C.2/67/INF/1. During this main part of the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly, the Second Committee held 38 formal meetings and five special events. In addition, the Committee held one joint formal meeting with the Economic and Social Council and one joint informal meeting with the Third Committee. The Second Committee adopted a total of 36 draft resolutions, five of which were adopted by vote, and three draft decisions. Under agenda item 17, entitled “Information and communications technologies for development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 20 of document A/67/434, the adoption of two draft resolutions, and, in paragraph 21, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 18, entitled “Macroeconomic policy questions”, the report of the Committee is issued in four parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/67/435, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda. Under sub-item 18 (a), entitled “International trade and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/67/435/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 18 (b), entitled “International financial system and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/67/435/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 18 (c), entitled “External debt sustainability and development”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/67/435/Add.3, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 19, entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the outcome of the 2002 International Conference on Financing for Development and the 2008 Review Conference”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/67/436, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 20, entitled “Sustainable development”, the report of the Committee is issued in 10 parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/67/437 and the recommendations are contained in the chapeau and in the various addenda. Under the chapeau of item 20, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 28 of document A/67/437, the adoption of three draft resolutions. Under sub-item 20 (a), entitled “Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/67/437/Add.1, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item 20 (b), entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of 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 paragraph 21 of document A/67/437/Add.2, the adoption of three draft resolutions, and in paragraph 22, the adoption of one draft decision. Under sub-item 20 (c), entitled “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/67/437/Add.3, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item 20 (d), entitled “Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/67/437/Add.4, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 20 (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 paragraph 11 of document A/67/437/Add.5, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 20 (f), entitled “Convention on Biological Diversity”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/67/437/Add.6, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 20 (g), entitled “Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on its twelfth special session”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/67/437/Add.7, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 20 (h), entitled “Harmony with Nature”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/67/437/Add.8, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 20 (i), entitled “Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/67/437/Add.9, the adoption of one draft resolution. With regard to agenda item 20 and its sub-item (a), the Second Committee would like to kindly request that the General Assembly keep these items open for the resumed part of the sixty-seventh session of the Assembly. Under agenda item 21, entitled “Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/67/438, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 22, entitled “Globalization and interdependence”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/67/439, and the recommendations are contained in the following two addenda. Under sub-item 22 (a), entitled “Globalization and interdependence”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/67/439/Add.1, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item 22 (b), entitled “International migration and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/67/439/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 23, 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/67/440, and the recommendations are contained in the following addenda. Under sub-item 23 (a), entitled “Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/67/440/Add.1, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item 23 (b), entitled “Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries: outcome of the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries and Donor Countries and International Financial and Development Institutions on Transit Transport Cooperation”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/67/440/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 24, entitled “Eradication of poverty and other development issues”, the report of the Committee is issued in three parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/67/441, and the recommendations are contained in the chapeau and in the two addenda. Under the chapeau of item 24, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 11 of document A/67/441, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 24 (a), entitled “Implementation of the Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008-2017)”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/67/441/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 24 (b), entitled “Industrial development cooperation”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/67/441/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 25, 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/67/442, and the recommendations are contained in two addenda. Under sub-item 25 (a), entitled “Quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/67/442/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item 25 (b), entitled “South-South cooperation”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/67/442/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 26, entitled “Agriculture development and food security”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/67/443, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 61, 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 Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/67/444, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 116, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 5 of document A/67/445, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 131, entitled “Programme planning”, as indicated in paragraph 3 of document A/67/446, no action was taken by the Second Committee on the item. I should like to recall the high level of cooperation prevailing in the Second Committee. Although the Committee had to extend its work for two weeks in order to reach a successful conclusion, the Committee was able to fulfil the mandate entrusted to it by the Assembly and complete its work effectively and constructively. I should like to express, on behalf of the Bureau of the Second Committee, our profound appreciation to all the coordinators, facilitators and negotiators who persevered in the negotiation of our resolutions. I would also like to thank all delegations for their constructive participation and cooperation in reaching consensus on many draft resolutions and decisions. Allow me to also take this opportunity to express our warmest gratitude to our Chairperson, Mr. George Wilfred Talbot of Guyana, and Vice-Chairs Mr. Tauhedul Islam of Bangladesh, Mr. Stefano Stefanile of Italy and Mr. Modest Jonathan Mero of the United Republic of Tanzania for their extraordinary collaboration and partnership during this challenging and successful session of the Second Committee. I would also like to thank the secretariat of the Second Committee for its outstanding assistance and support to me and to all the members of the Bureau. Before I conclude, I should like to request delegations having any queries about corrections to the text of draft resolutions that were adopted by the Second Committee to communicate them as soon as possible to the secretariat of the Second Committee in order for those these corrections to be registered prior to the final issuance of texts as resolutions of the General Assembly. Finally, and on a more personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my very best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season and a well-deserved break from our work. Last, but not least, I wish you all peace and prosperity in the new year.

I thank the Rapporteur of the Second Committee for her introduction of the reports of the Second Committee. If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Second Committee that are before the Assembly today.

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Second 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, i.e., 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 further remind delegations that, also 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. When a report contains more than one draft resolution, delegations will have an opportunity to explain their positions before and after the General Assembly takes action on all of the draft resolutions. Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Second Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. I should therefore hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Committee. Before proceeding further, 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”, which has been circulated as document A/C.2/67/INF/1. This note has been distributed desk to desk in the General Assembly Hall as a reference guide for action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Second Committee in its reports. In this connection, members will find, in the third column of the note, the order and numbers of the draft resolutions or decisions for action in the plenary meeting, with their corresponding titles and symbols assigned in the Second Committee in the fourth column of the same note. The Assembly is reminded that we will now be taking action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended for adoption by the Second Committee and, as such, those draft resolutions and decisions can no longer be additionally sponsored in the plenary meeting by Member States. Any clarification about sponsorship should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee.

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 20 of its report and a draft decision recommended in paragraph 21 of the same report. The Assembly will now take action on draft resolutions I and II and on the draft decision, one by one. We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled “Building connectivity through the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution II is entitled “Information and communications technologies for development.”The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We now turn to the draft decision entitled “Note by the Secretary-General on communication for development programmes in the United Nations system”. The Second Committee adopted the draft decision. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 17?

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 18?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 18?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 18 and of agenda item 18 as a whole?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Follow-up to the International Conference on Financing for Development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 19?

The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 28 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on draft resolutions I to III one by one. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled “International Day of Forests”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We now turn to draft resolution II, entitled “Oi1 Slick on Lebanese Shores”. A recorded vote has been requested.

We turn next to draft resolution III, entitled “Entrepreneurship for development”. A recorded vote has been requested.

I now give the floor to the representative of Israel in explanation of vote or position on the resolutions just adopted.

I want to sincerely thank all 141 countries that supported the landmark resolution 67/202, just adopted. The resolution is very dear to my mission, my nation and my tradition. Jewish teachings emphasize self-empowerment. Psalm 128 says that by the fruit of your own labour you shall be happy. Israel’s history demonstrates this principle. The entrepreneurial spirit is at the heart of our experience. Entrepreneurs have been a driving force behind Israel’s transformation from a developing country into a powerhouse of innovation. As Israel’s President Shimon Peres says, in a land lacking in natural resources, Israelis have learned to appreciate our greatest national advantage — our minds. With creativity and innovation, we have transformed barren deserts into flourishing fields and pioneered new frontiers in science and technology. This is the essence of entrepreneurship — seeing opportunities in challenges, seeing possibilities in the impossible, and realizing dreams in places where hope has been absent for too long. Together, as a global community, we can harness the remarkable power of entrepreneurship and create a ripple effect of change. Israel and the nearly 100 sponsors of this resolution had hoped to achieve consensus. Every country benefits from empowering its entrepreneurs. Let me be clear. Few places in the world could benefit from entrepreneurship more than the Arab world. From Syria to the Sudan and Saudi Arabia, people are demanding better lives, better economies and better governance. Like any other people, they want to live in countries without rampant corruption, discrimination against women and economic stagnation. The Arab delegations here today, like their Governments, have chosen to ignore those calls. Today they have not only turned their backs on their own people, they are also trying to turn back the clock on the important work of the Organization. Today is just the beginning. We must take the words of this resolution off the page and breathe life into them on the ground. We must create a platform for the visionaries, the dreamers and the risk-takers around the world. Israel will continue to do its part to advance this goal. MASHAV, our Agency for International Development Cooperation, is leading Israel’s effort to promote entrepreneurship around the world. Make no mistake —the stakes before us are high. The people whom we empower today will become the next Einstein, the next Picasso and the next Mother Teresa tomorrow. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Today, we are sending a clear message that we must harness this talent, we must create opportunity and we must propel the global agenda forward. The French thinker Alexis de Tocqueville, a great enthusiast of entrepreneurship, said that “history is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies”. Entrepreneurs are the originals. They are the ones who are making history. Let us pledge to support them and, together, let us make history.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 20.

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report. We will now take action on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution II is entitled “Implementation of the International Year of Water Cooperation, 2013”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 20. (b) Follow-up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States Report of the Second Committee (A/67/437/Add.2)

The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 21 of its report, and a draft decision recommended in paragraph 22 of the same report. The Assembly will now take action on draft resolutions I to III and on the draft decision, one by one. We first turn to draft resolution I, entitled “Towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled “International Year of Small Island Developing States”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We now turn to the draft decision, entitled “Report of the Secretary-General entitled “Towards the sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations”. The Second Committee adopted the draft decision. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 20?

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. We first turn to draft resolution I, entitled “International Cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño phenomenon”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution II is entitled “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 20?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 20? It is so decided.

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. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 20?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its contribution to sustainable development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 20?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on its twelfth special session and on the implementation of section IV.C, entitled ‘Environmental pillar in the context of sustainable development’, of the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development”. The Second Committee adopted it without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 20?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (h) of agenda item 20. (i) Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy Report of the Second Committee (A/67/437/Add.9)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in exercise of the right of reply.

My delegation would like to respond to the naïve fabrications promoted by the representative of the Israeli occupying Power. It is truly strange that such statements should be made at a time when we are adopting resolutions condemning Israel and calling upon it to respect human rights in areas under its occupation by ending its occupation and by granting the people under occupation the right to development on an equal footing with other peoples of the world. Those who have read United Nations statements, reports and resolutions over the years are well aware that such resolutions and reports expose Israel’s systematic policies of occupation of the Arab population in the occupied territories. I would cite, among others, the acts of aggression, displacements, killings, settler colonialism, forceful usurpation of the territory of others, plundering of resources, cutting down of trees, destruction of infrastructure, damage to the natural environment and refusal to allow the population under occupation to enjoy their sacred right to development. Indeed, we have just adopted resolution 67/201, condemning Israeli acts of aggression. We will also be adopting another draft resolution calling upon Israel to put an end to its plundering of the natural resources of the Arab territories under its occupation (A/67/444, paragraph 12). That resolution and draft resolution call upon Israel to respect resolutions of international legitimacy, to cease forthwith its continued, decadeslong violations and to put an end to its confiscation of agricultural land and plundering of natural and energy resources. Those violations have brought the process of development in the occupied Arab territories, whether in the Arab State of Palestine or in the occupied Syrian Arab Golan, to a complete halt. Despite repeated international calls, the Israeli occupying authorities have yet to heed these appeals. Israel is a State that was built on violating international law and on non-respect for the principles of human rights. The representative of the occupying Power said that Israel was changed from a barren desert into a paradise thanks to Israeli brainpower. It was not because of Israeli brainpower, but because of Israel’s violations and its exploitation of the occupied Arab lands and because it continues to receive unlimited support for its crimes from its allies. Therefore, what is really called for is an end to the usurpation of the rights of others and an end to the destruction and abuse of natural resources in the occupied Arab territories. Human rights are indivisible. Those who respect the right to development should submit draft resolutions in the context of sustainable development, which is of extreme importance to all countries of the world. We believe that it behoves the sponsors of such draft resolutions to grant people under occupation their rights to development and to enjoy its benefits on a par with other countries of the world. Israel must end the long occupation and its systematic violations, which have been documented by our Organization. Then and only then, when the occupation ends, can we talk about entrepreneurship and draft resolutions on other such issues. Therefore, the priority must be for Israel to put an end to its policy of double standards and respect the resolutions we are adopting today. Israel and its supporters must examine these resolutions and the report of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). I call on all countries, particularly those that support Israel, to read the ESCWA report, which clearly affirms that occupation is the sole obstacle preventing the people under occupation from achieving development. The Israeli occupation is the sole and last impediment to the development of the people of the area. The recent report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development on assistance to the Palestinian people (TD/B/59/2) makes it very clear to all those concerned that Israel thinks only of its own interests and of ways to exploit the Palestinian people and the people of the Golan and to end any hope of achieving development.

I have asked to make a statement in exercise of the right of reply in order to condemn Israel’s hypocritical claims and lies of being sincerely engaged in offering its resources for the benefit and development of the world. Israel is lying, and its representatives know very well that they are lying. The adoption of resolution 67/202 is not a high point on the record of the Second Committee. All the Arab countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, voted against it. The resolution does not deserve the respect of the international community, but certain parties are compromised and certain parties do not truly appreciate either honesty or the successful undertakings, be they in the diplomatic field or in contributing to the resolution of many world issues, of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the international level. The Kingdom has provided solutions to many of the issues plaguing the international community. The positive contributions and internal stability of the Kingdom are broadly recognized, as reflected in its friendly relations and respect with the countries of the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s sincere relations are rooted in its peace-loving and respectful nature and therefore cannot be compromised by false statements made by a country that violates human rights, including those of Palestinians.

As the name of my country was raised in the context of our deliberations, I would like to explain why my country voted against resolution 67/202. It is not that we turn our backs on our people. It is that we turn our hearts and our faces to our people in the occupied lands and territories, where we have seen and learned about the entrepreneurship of the Israeli population through their smart bombs, creative walls and such. That is why we cannot stand for that type of entrepreneurship.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (i) of agenda item 20?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 21?

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 22.

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The Assembly will now take action on draft resolutions I and II. We first turn to draft resolution I, entitled “Towards a New International Economic Order”. A recorded vote has been requested.

Draft resolution II is entitled “Promoting transparency, participation and accountability in fiscal policies”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 22?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. [Subsequently, the delegations of Madagascar and the Sudan informed the Secretariat that they had intended to vote in favour; the delegation of Estonia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to abstain.]

I shall now give the floor to those representatives who have requested to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.

I speak on behalf of my country, Iceland, and of Australia, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland, all of which abstained in the voting on resolution 67/219 on international migration and development. Our countries regret that the resolution on the important topic of international migration and development has not been able to enjoy consensus. We value multiculturalism. Migration has brought significant benefits to our societies. We recognize the importance of dialogue on migration and development among Member States and between Member States and a wide variety of stakeholders who make a vital contribution to the lives of migrants and their communities. Notwithstanding the importance we attach to the success of the 2013 high-level dialogue on international migration and development, our countries had no choice but to abstain. This is due to the very problematic wording of paragraph 12 of the resolution. The United Nations represents inclusion and openness. The United Nations needs to listen to the relevant and valuable perspectives of a wide range of organizations in this and other dialogues. Many such organizations, due to their size, are not able to attain Economic and Social Council consultative status, but still need to be given the opportunity to engage in this important discussion. We share the view that, had there been a solution that ensured appropriate process criteria and transparency in the non-objection mechanism for the selection of non-accredited civil society organizations, we would have been able to achieve consensus on this resolution. We regret that this was not possible. We remain deeply concerned over the language of operational paragraph 12, and it is primarily for that reason that we have abstained.

The topic of international migration is extremely important to my delegation. Israel has absorbed immigrants from around the world since its establishment. As we transition from a developing country to a developed one, we support the convening of a high-level dialogue on international migration, as called for in resolution 67/219, just adopted. From our experience with migration, we have witnessed the value, and recognized the contribution of, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society in that area. We are therefore disappointed that certain delegations insisted on language that limited the participation of NGOs in the high-level dialogue. The non-objection basis for NGO participation, according to which NGOs can be blocked from participation if a single State anonymously objects, is unacceptable to my delegation. That procedure contravenes the basic principles of transparency and accountability. Although we do not deny that Member States are entitled to voice their concerns about a given NGO, we strongly believe that any objection should be made publicly and openly for all Member States to consider. For those reasons, my delegation voted against the resolution.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 22 and of agenda item 22 as a whole? It was so decided.

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 23. (a) Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries Report of the Second Committee (A/67/440/Add.1)

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report. We will now take action on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries”. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution II is entitled “Smooth transition for countries graduating from the list of least developed countries”. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

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? (b) Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries: outcome of the International Ministerial Conference of Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries and Donor Countries and International Financial and Development Institutions on Transit Transport Cooperation Report of the Second Committee (A/67/440/Add.2)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 23 and of agenda item 23 as a whole?

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, entitled “Promotion of ecotourism for poverty eradication and environment protection”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. 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 24. (a) Implementation of the Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008-2017) Report of the Second Committee (A/67/441/Add.1)

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 draft resolution is entitled “Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008- 2017)”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 24?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 24 and of agenda item 24 as a whole? It was so decided.

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 25. (a) Quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system Report of the Second Committee (A/67/442/Add.1)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Quadrennial comprehensive policy review”. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.

The United States is very pleased to join consensus on resolution 67/226, entitled “Quadrennial comprehensive policy review”. We applaud the efforts of the Swiss facilitator and thank him, his excellent support team and the many members of the Secretariat who provided exceptional support during the long weeks of complex and often difficult negotiations. We also thank all our colleagues who worked tirelessly to reach consensus. We believe that the resolution gives clear and constructive guidance to the United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies on ways to increase efficiency, transparency, cost-effectiveness and productivity as they pursue their important work. The United States is a strong supporter of, and a major financial contributor to, United Nations operational activities for development. My delegation would like to take this opportunity to express our views on several issues that arose in the course of the negotiations on which we would like to clarify the United States position. On resources and performance results, we support the notion that adequate, timely, predictable and flexible resources are important to the programme planning and delivery of the organizations. The resolution states that the fundamental characteristics of the operational activities for the development of the United Nations system include their voluntary and grant nature and their ability to respond to the development needs of programme countries in a flexible manner. The United States intends to continue to provide voluntary contributions to United Nations operational activities for development. We are especially gratified that the resolution calls for a greater focus on results, better data and more rigorous evaluation. The resolution stresses results-based management principles and sets out specific guidelines for the simplification and harmonization of business practices to encourage agencies to reduce waste, increase efficiency and direct any savings to the people who need it most. In our view, the concept of critical-mass for funding does not properly reflect results-based management principles because it shifts the focus of funding decisions from meeting people’s needs to meeting those of United Nations bureaucracies. On the work of resident coordinators and United Nations country teams, we believe that the resident coordinator plays a critical role in how the United Nations carries out its work in the field. We are pleased that the resolution strengthens the resident coordinators and ensures that they will have the background, training, support and resources that they need to be effective. The resident coordinator is the representative of the United Nations in a host country and represents the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations. The United States expects resident coordinators, among their many other tasks, to draw on such values to guide the work of United Nations country teams and to be accountable for upholding and promoting those values. On technology transfer, the United States believes that science and technology are important ingredients for development and that a political and legal environment that respects and protects intellectual property must exist for countries to benefit from their own innovations and technology transfer from abroad. Insofar as such technology resides in the private domain and has ownership, its transfer must be voluntary and on mutually agreed terms and conditions between the transferer and the recipient. My delegation would also like to note that we joined the consensus on the resolution today on the express understanding that, to the extent that it is implied in the resolution, the United States does not recognize the creation of any new rights that we have not previously recognized, the expansion of the content or coverage of existing rights or any other change in the current state of treaty or customary international law. In particular, the United States would like to recall its previous positions on economic, social and cultural rights and on the topic of the right to development. We also note that, as we have stated in the past, the discussion of the right to development needs to focus on aspects of development that relate to human rights. Those are universal rights that are held and enjoyed by individuals and that every individual may demand from his or her own Government. Finally, we would like to reiterate our concern that the Secretariat’s oral statement indicating a substantial need for resources came after the negotiations on the text of the resolution had concluded. That did not allow the Second Committee to give due consideration to the resource implications of the numerous provisions in the resolution. The adoption of the resolution does not denote endorsement of the amount of resources to be made available by Member States or the expansion of any mandates indicated in the oral statement.

I will read the following statement on behalf of Mr. Pius Wennubst, representative of Switzerland and facilitator of resolution 67/226, who could not be here today. “In the name of the Swiss Mission, I would like to thank the Bureau and the Second Committee, as well as Member States, for having once again entrusted Switzerland with facilitating the negotiations on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review. As facilitator, I did my best to keep the promise that Switzerland made and to ensure a transparent process to provide all elements for an informed negotiation, to keep a conducive and fair working environment, to conclude the work on schedule and to promote a spirit of collegiality in order to allow Member States to take their decisions within the best possible setting. “Through their strong engagement and fair requests, delegations enabled me to introduce the necessary flexibility needed for such a complex endeavour. I must underline that I received all the support needed from my Ambassador and my team, and I wish to thank them. Special recognition goes to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs for its extremely accurate preparatory work. I know that I should not single out anyone, but I cannot help emphasizing the commitment of Mr. Liu Huan Yu, who performed an incredible task under extreme time pressure. I would also like to thank the Vice-Chair of the Bureau, Mr. Modest Mero, for his strong support. “I believe that we all should be proud of the result achieved. The resolution on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review is pragmatic and consensus-based and provides clear and robust guidance to the United Nations operational system, for the moment, in all its pertinent areas, from the harmonization of best practices to cost recovery and from the resident coordinator system to gender mainstreaming. Even in areas where consensus could not be achieved, the dialogue was frank and sustained and prepared the ground for future debates in extremely important areas, ranging from governance to norm-related questions. “I would like to believe that, by implementing the measures taken, we will all be winners, since the resolution is strongly oriented to the increased coherence, efficiency and effectiveness of United Nations operations in support of country programmes in the field and of the leadership of national authorities. It also focuses on helping people to live better lives as well as on what they deserve. “May I also take this opportunity to thank, and express my appreciation to, everyone who worked tirelessly to make the adoption of the resolution possible. I can only assure the Assembly that its work was not in vain and that, after all their hard work and long and sleepless nights, we can retire for Christmas. I wish everyone happy holidays.”

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 25?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise? Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea- Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, 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, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, 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, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor- Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 25 and of agenda item 25 as a whole?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 26?

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. A recorded vote has been requested. Against: Canada, Israel, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Palau, United States of America Abstaining: Australia, Cameroon, El Salvador, Honduras, Malawi, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 61?

The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 5 of its report. We will now take action on the draft decision. The draft decision, entitled “Programme of work of the Second Committee for the sixty-eighth session of the General Assembly”, was adopted by the Second Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 116.

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee? It was so decided.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 131. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank Mr. George Talbot, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations and Chair of the Second Committee, as well as the members of the Bureau, the Secretary of the Committee and delegations for a job well done. The General Assembly has thus concluded consideration of all the reports of the Second Committee before it today.

I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana to introduce draft resolution A/67/L.49.

In this season of peace and goodwill, I extend my fervent prayers and best wishes for peace to the President, members of the Assembly and all peoples and nations. It is my honour to introduce, on behalf of the sponsors, draft resolution A/67/L.49, entitled “The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order”. In addition to the sponsors listed in document A/67/L.49, the following countries have also joined as sponsors: Algeria, Angola, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guinea- Bissau, Honduras, India, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Tajikistan and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Two years ago, when the General Assembly last considered this item, the Assembly recognized, through resolution 65/120, that inequality within and among countries was a concern for all countries, regardless of their level of development, that required the constructive engagement of the international community. Since then, the issue of inequality has been brought into greater relief in the context of the ongoing work towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, the Rio+20 outcome, “The future we want” (resolution 66/288, annex), and the preparations for the post-2015 development agenda. I wish to thank the Secretary- General for his report contained in document A/67/394, which sheds further light on the challenge of inequality, emphasizes its varying dimensions and provides an opportunity for a frontal approach to dealing with the issue and its effects. The concept of the new global human order is one of people-centred development. In that connection, it calls upon the international community to focus on bridging the increasing disparity in human development through a multilateral approach. The Secretary- General’s report succinctly places in perspective the current realities as they relate to the role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order and analyses the implications of inequality for global human development, as mandated by resolution 65/120. It provides for the evaluation of the trends and causes of inequality and their implications for economic and social development, while also addressing the subject within the United Nations framework and making recommendations that highlight the responsibilities of all parties at the different levels. The report highlights several key issues that are relevant to the process of promoting human development and to alleviating the challenges of inequality. It points to evidence that indicates that financial globalization has contributed, in part, to growing income inequality owing to the rising incidence of crises resulting from increased risk. The report informs us that the lack of social protection has also contributed to rising economic insecurity and inequality. It underscores the need for education, technology, capacity-building and decent work to bridge the gap in income generation, which ultimately impacts poverty. The report recognizes that universal social services can play a contributory role in promoting social cohesion and peace by creating buy-in among disenfranchised segments of the population and by reducing inequality. In reference to the Millennium Development Goals Report 2012, the Secretary-General notes that, despite impressive gains in many areas, inequality has detracted from progress and contributed to a slowing of advances in key areas. Acknowledging the important work undertaken through several United Nations agencies and processes, including the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, the report underlines that sustainable development must be inclusive and people-centred and that broad participation is essential to promoting sustainable development goals and ensuring that those goals benefit all people, including youth and children, indigenous peoples, women, older persons and persons with disabilities. The Secretary-General’s report also introduces several recommendations, ranging from creating employment opportunities and implementing a social protection floor, to the regulation and reform of the existing international financial architecture. The draft resolution before the Assembly today remains consistent with the general thrust of the advancement of human development. It is premised on the agreed text of the previous resolution, 65/120 of December 2010, and was updated and revised in the context of the current realities. The draft resolution takes into account the Secretary-General’s report and emphasizes the continued and growing importance of the need to address inequalities at the multilateral level. In that sense, it provides a platform for focused intergovernmental consideration of the question of inequality. In that context, inter alia, the draft resolution highlights the following elements: first, the significance of inequality in the global development agenda; secondly, the progress of the United Nations system and other actors in addressing inequality; and, thirdly, the need for mainstreaming inequality in the activities of United Nations agencies and programmes. It recognizes the progress in efforts on the part of many Member States to address inequality. Among its operative provisions is the request to the President of the General Assembly to convene an informal thematic debate of the Assembly in 2013 to address the issue of inequality, and the encouragement of appropriate consideration of the need to reduce inequality in the elaboration of the post-2015 development agenda. It is against that backdrop that I am honoured to introduce the draft resolution to the General Assembly for its adoption by consensus. In doing so, I wish to recognize the constructive engagement of the delegations that participated in the negotiation of the draft resolution in the course of the several consultations convened for that purpose. I especially thank the sponsors for their commitment and support. Finally, I take this opportunity to commend the fruitful efforts of the members of my delegation who spearheaded the informal consultations on the present draft resolution. I now commend the draft resolution to the Assembly for its consideration.

Today humankind is confronted by myriad challenges that are all linked. Among others, they include the continued development challenges faced by many countries, peace and security and human rights. The nexus between the three imperatives, namely, development, peace and security and human rights, dictates that the international community needs to continue to pay focused attention to extricate humankind from the doldrums of insecurity in all its dimensions. That is all the more important in the current context of slow global economic growth. With regard to my own country, the most pressing problems confronting South Africa today are poverty, inequality and unemployment. We must acknowledge that those challenges are not unique to South Africa or Africa, but to a number of regions in the global South. However, we are working hard to overcome those challenges. In South Africa we have seen progress throughout the past 18 years, despite facing some common challenges that continue to afflict humankind across regions, such as infrastructure development backlogs, the unsustainable use of natural resources, the spatial divides that exclude the poor from economic advancement and the uneven quality of our public services. The link between poverty and inequality is well known. Poverty continues to engender inequality in communities, countries, regions and around the world. In turn, inequality continues to be a scourge with the potential to frustrate the very efforts aimed at eradicating poverty. For instance, the lack of road infrastructure in rural areas and poor access to health facilities, schools and other social centres can easily threaten the national programmes that are aimed at addressing the very conditions of poverty and bettering the lives of people. The question of spatial differences in our societies remains a major challenge to the implementation of our development programmes. South Africa’s current efforts at reconstruction and development stem from its historical experience of segregation and are aimed at tackling the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Our poverty-eradication efforts are anchored in the national Constitution, whose preamble states that the democratic State is under the obligation to heal the division of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights; lay the foundation for a democratic and open society in which the Government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law; and improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person. For that reason, the Government has chosen to build a development State shaped by the history and socioeconomic dynamics of South African society. In that approach we are guided by the conviction that the State must intervene decisively in the economy, with the aim of promoting growth and development. Furthermore, it is our conviction that it is the State that should drive the correct policies to ensure the delivery of social justice and cohesion to the people of our country. To overcome those disabilities we have, in the past few years, developed the New Growth Path, the Industrial Development Policy Action Plan and the National Development Plan. My delegation must hasten to add that no national Government can succeed in its endeavours to eradicate poverty and bridge inequality gaps while acting alone. We acknowledge that each country has unique characteristics that make it more or less difficult to successfully address those challenges. Globalization enjoins us to work together as nations, and sometimes to make uncomfortable choices to ensure that we fit in the global network of economies. South Africa fundamentally believes in the purposes and principles contained in the Charter of the United Nations. The United Nations enjoys universal membership and is positioned at the centre of global governance and multilateralism. Indeed, the United Nations remains the foremost multilateral forum, one that is entrusted by Member States with bringing about hope, peace and order in the world. The United Nations is therefore central to the evolution of a new global order. We need a global partnership that is based on clear commitments and actions by each Member State. Our common response to the challenges of poverty and worsening inequality should be seen in the form of sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth in developing countries. Social-protection systems that address and reduce inequality and social exclusion are essential for the eradication of poverty. In that context, we need to acknowledge the importance of development assistance and cooperation, as well as partnership. South Africa will continue to call for the national efforts of developing countries to be reinforced by an enabling environment aimed at expanding the development horizon in the global South. We are pleased that the Secretary-General has prioritized sustainable development in his second term. This debate could not have come at a better time to help focus the attention of the international community on issues of sustainability and sustainable development. The United Nations should work tirelessly to ensure that we consolidate the development gains as we join hands to develop further effective responses capable of addressing the new and emerging challenges that threaten to widen inequality gaps around the world. In that connection, the remaining three years before we reach the Millennium Development Goals target date will be crucial to making a difference in the lives of many around the world. May we also add that the post- 2015 development framework should accord poverty the highest priority, for it to earn relevance and credibility in the eyes of the millions of the people that the United Nations serves.

I am delivering this statement on behalf of my colleague Mr. William Lim, who could not be here today. Singapore expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report to the General Assembly on the role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order and on an assessment of the implications of inequality for development (A/67/394). We are happy to note that there has been significant progress in reducing absolute income poverty in the past 30 years. However, we share the concern of the Secretary-General that, despite the significant progress made, income inequality in fact been growing in many countries. As the Secretary-General’s report notes, rising income inequality is a global phenomenon driven by the forces of technological progress and globalization. Singapore, as a city-State with a small, open economy, is susceptible to the impact of international market forces and competition, which drive income differences. The issue of income inequality is therefore a special challenge for us. Singapore’s strategy in tackling that challenge entails ensuring that all Singaporeans benefit from growth, with a special focus on the lower-income groups. We do so by equipping them with the skills to take on better-paying jobs and through targeted benefits and subsidies, redistributing incomes in a fair and sustainable manner. At the same time, we are mindful not to create a sense of entitlement or an environment that is stifling to innovation and enterprise, which are counterproductive to growth. Allow me to share some of the key principles underlying Singapore’s approach in addressing the challenges posed by inequality. A competent workforce is especially important to Singapore, a country with no natural resources. Although we firmly believe that we must be able to catch those who fall through the cracks, any safety net should not discourage the incentive to work. Accordingly, we are strong advocates of the self-help approach. For example, the Central Provident Fund, an individual-based retirement savings system that requires co-contributions from employers and employees, is a cornerstone of social protection in Singapore. Besides retirement, Singaporeans can use those savings for fundamental needs such as housing and health care. Singapore has also introduced the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme, which supplements the wages of low-wage employees. In addition, we practice the “many helping hands” approach, whereby strong participation from community partners, such as community self-help groups and voluntary welfare organizations, is key to addressing problems caused by rising income inequality. The Singapore Government works to strengthen the capabilities of those partners. That approach of working with the community also promotes social inclusivity and cohesiveness. As reported by the Secretary-General, inequality can reduce social mobility. In and of itself, social mobility must be supported by a system that provides inclusive opportunities and equal access to health care, education and employment opportunities regardless of one’s background. In that regard, Singapore advocates the principle of “every school a good school” for all Singaporeans, so that they all have access to quality education regardless of where they live and what their socioeconomic backgrounds are. In the highereducation landscape, Singapore also strives to provide multiple pathways to success to allow individuals to pursue excellence in their own ways. It is in that spirit that our efforts in international collaboration towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in tackling poverty and inequality must continue to include relevant capacityand capabilitybuilding efforts, which must be customized according to the political, social and economic environments of the respective countries. One size does not fit all, and a policy suitable to one set of circumstances will not necessarily be useful in another. Singapore is committed to the efforts of the United Nations and the international community in helping partner countries in the achievement of the MDGs. We encourage the development of the sustainable development goals, as agreed upon at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, which will build on the MDGs and converge with the post-2015 development agenda. In that connection, we support the High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda, established by the Secretary- General, to prepare a bold yet practical vision for the post-2015 development agenda. We also join the Secretary-General in his call for negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda to be completed urgently to establish a fair trading system and deliver the attendant benefits to developing countries.

First and foremost, I wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order and an assessment of the implications of inequality for development (A/67/394). Malaysia welcomes the report and the assessment made on the impact of inequality on the development agenda. We appreciate the recommendations provided in the report, especially on the call for the United Nations and Member States to continue emphasizing the need to reduce inequality throughout the consultative process on the development agenda beyond 2015. While we can be proud of our success in bridging the development gap thus far, the road ahead is full of challenges and uncertainties. For instance, the ongoing global financial and economic crises and the slow rate of recovery have hampered progress. We believe that the United Nations provides the best platform to address such challenges and the subsequent effects that have led to greater inequality. At this juncture, allow me to share some of Malaysia’s experiences in addressing the gap between opposite ends of the spectrum, including that between the rich and the poor, as well as between men and women. Malaysia has been very fortunate that, since its independence, in 1957, the Government has continuously adopted policies geared towards the people. Since 1970, the Government has undertaken ambitious socioeconomic programmes intended to balance the economic participation of various groups of citizens and to promote equitable growth. As a result, Malaysia’s per capita income has grown significantly. The incidence of poverty has also decreased, from 75 per cent in 1957 to only 3.8 per cent in 2010, with hardcore poverty having been virtually eradicated. Malaysia believes that it is important to monitor the effectiveness of poverty-eradication programmes. In 2008, Malaysia introduced the e-Kasih system, which does just that to ensure fair distribution of aid to the poor. Malaysia truly believes that education is a prerequisite for a nation to be able to fully address inequality. That is due to the belief that knowledge is the key to higher income for its people. At the same time, we feel that the development of human capital is a crucial ingredient for success in the journey towards becoming a developed economy. Since the mid-1990s, the Government has consistently allocated at least one-fifth of its national development expenditure to education and training. Realizing the importance of the acquisition of knowledge, particularly in reducing income inequality, Malaysia also provides free education to all of its citizens at the primary and secondary levels. The Government of Malaysia has always been supportive of efforts aimed at providing an enabling environment for the advancement of women at both the national and international levels. The tenth Malaysia Plan, for 2011-2015, highlights the Government’s commitment to ensuring that at least 30 per cent of positions at decision-making levels are held by women. As a result of our efforts, we are seeing more women in high-level political positions and as top administrators and managers in all key socioeconomic areas. To further underscore the importance the country places in enhancing women’s participation in the labour force, the Prime Minister of Malaysia recently announced that, beginning in 2013, a double tax deduction incentive would be provided for training expenditures incurred by companies re-employing women after a career break. We view the return of tertiary-level-educated women into the workforce as a strategic advantage to the nation in order to enhance the country’s competitiveness. In order to allow the poor to lead comfortable lives, Malaysia launched the House Built Project to repair and rebuild houses of the poor. That is in addition to various low-income housing schemes to allow the poor to own houses. In ensuring that health-care services are enjoyed by all, the Government introduced the One Malaysia Clinic. The Government’s emphasis and efforts in enhancing health-care services have led to higher life expectancy levels and lower infant mortality rates. In conclusion, the Government of Malaysia has certainly taken all the steps necessary to allow all of its people to enjoy a higher quality of life. That has been done mainly through addressing imbalances and inequalities. While we have done much, there is always more that can be done. In that regard, Malaysia looks forward to the United Nations playing a more effective role, not only in promoting but also in realizing greater equality for all the peoples of the world in various aspects. Only then can we have a world free from conflict and prejudices.

We have heard the last speaker in the debate on agenda item 16. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/67/L.49. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in document A/67/L.49, the following countries have also become sponsors of the draft resolution: Algeria, Angola, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Botswana, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, India, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Tajikistan and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/67/L.49?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 16?

Members will recall that the Assembly held the debate on agenda item 70 and its sub-items (a) to (c), at its 54th and 55th plenary meetings, on 13 December. Members will also recall that, under sub-item (a) of agenda item 70, the Assembly adopted resolution 67/87, at its 55th plenary meeting, on 13 December. I now give the floor to the representative of Algeria to introduce draft resolution A/67/L.50.

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, it is my honour to introduce the draft resolution contained in document A/67/L.50, entitled “International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development”. We are pleased to announce that the following countries have joined the list of sponsors: Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Spain and Sweden. By introducing the draft resolution, the Group of 77 and China reaffirms the importance of international cooperation on humanitarian assistance in support of the efforts of affected States in dealing with natural disasters in all their phases, in particular in preparedness, response and early recovery. At the same time, it is recognized that the affected State has the primary responsibility in the initiation, organization, coordination and implementation of humanitarian assistance within its own territory. The importance of the humanitarian principles set out in resolution 46/182 are also highlighted in the draft resolution. The draft resolution also recognizes the clear relationship between emergency response, rehabilitation and development. It also reaffirms that, in order to ensure a smooth transition from relief to development, emergency response should be provided in ways that will be supportive of shortand medium-term recovery, leading to long-term development. Given the fact that the Hyogo Framework for Action will come to an end in 2015, the draft resolution calls upon Member States, the United Nations system and other humanitarian development actors to fully implement the Framework, in particular the commitments related to assistance to developing countries. The text of draft resolution A/67/L.50 is the result of the consensus reached through informal consultations and bilateral meetings that were convened over the past few days. It incorporates most of the proposals made by some major groups and delegations. The Group made concrete efforts to include the contributions of other groups and Member States. The text of this year’s draft resolution contains new elements based on recommendations from the Secretary-General’s report (A/67/363). Those new paragraphs highlight the importance of strengthening international partnership at all levels when a natural disaster situation arises so that there can be effective cooperation in the provision of humanitarian assistance to those in need. Another important area that the draft resolution highlights is the importance to development of improved data collection and analysis in order to facilitate the exchange of information with humanitarian organizations of the United Nations in order to support preparedness efforts and improve the effectiveness of a needs-based humanitarian response. This year’s draft resolution also stresses the need to enhance resilience at all levels. In that regard, we encourage Member States, the United Nations system and other relevant actors to support the process appropriate to integrating resilience into humanitarian and development programming. Moreover, the draft resolution requests United Nations humanitarian and development organizations to improve the coordination of disaster-recovery efforts, from relief to development, by strengthening institutional coordination and strategic planning efforts in disaster preparedness, resilience-building and recovery, in support of national authorities, and by ensuring that development actors participate in strategic planning at an early stage. Lastly, the draft resolution strongly encourages giving appropriate consideration to disaster-risk reduction and building resilience to disasters within the post-2015 development agenda, as well as to promoting a complementary approach between that agenda and the post-2015 framework for disaster-risk reduction. In conclusion, I would like to express the appreciation of our Group for the collaboration and cooperation shown by all partners during the informal consultations, which enabled us to agree on the important issues addressed by the draft resolution. The Group also wishes to warmly thank all the delegations that are sponsors of draft resolution A/67/L.50. We look forward to its adoption by consensus.

The Assembly will now take action on draft resolution A/67/L.50, entitled “International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

In addition to the sponsors listed in draft resolution A/67/L.50, the following countries have also become sponsors of the draft resolution: Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Spain and Sweden.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt draft resolution A/67/L.50?

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 70. Programme of work

I would like to make an announcement concerning the consideration of draft decision A/67/L.48. Although the text circulated was approved by the regional groups, I have recently been informed that some Member States will require more time to conduct further consultations on the issue. In the light of that fact, the consideration of draft decision A/67/L.48 is deferred to the 62nd plenary meeting.