A/69/PV.105 General Assembly

Members will recall that, at its 75th plenary meeting, on 19 December 2014, the General Assembly concluded its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 21. In order for the Assembly to consider sub-item (b) of agenda item 21, it will be necessary to reopen it for the Assembly’s consideration. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to reopen consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 21?

Members will also recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 19 September 2014, the General Assembly decided to allocate sub-item (b) of agenda item 21 to the Second Committee. To enable the General Assembly to take action expeditiously on draft resolution A/69/L.81/Rev.1, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider sub-item (b) of agenda item 21 directly in plenary meeting and to proceed immediately to its consideration? *1527947* 15-27947 (E)

I now give the floor to the representative of the Plurinational State of Bolivia to introduce draft resolution A/69/L.81/Rev.1, entitled “Promoting inclusive and accountable public services for sustainable development”.

It is a privilege for me to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China to introduce draft resolution A/69/L.81/Rev.1 for consideration by the General Assembly. Before I begin, Mr. President, I would like to congratulate you on your work as President of the General Assembly at the current session and to thank you for your service to the Organization. We decided to present this draft resolution for consideration by the Assembly because we believe that this is the right time to submit a relevant draft resolution on public services and sustainable development. This draft resolution will be useful for Member States as they seek to build inclusive and accountable institutions to achieve sustainable development. (spoke in English) Before the adoption, we would like to take note of the following agreed texts for three paragraphs that will be reflected in the final text of the resolution. Paragraph 1 should read as follows: “Reaffirms that the United Nations system has a central role to play in promoting international cooperation in strengthening public institutions and public services for sustainable development”. Paragraph 4 should read as follows: “Encourages the international community to develop good practices on asset return, while supporting the Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the World Bank and other international initiatives that support the recovery of stolen assets, urges that regional conventions against corruption be updated and ratified, and reiterates the aim of eliminating safe havens that create incentives for transfer abroad of stolen assets and illicit financial flows, while working to strengthen regulatory frameworks at all levels to further increase transparency and accountability of financial institutions and the corporate sector, as well as public administrations”. Paragraph 11 should read as follows: “Recognizes, in their specific context, the positive contribution of indigenous peoples and local communities, including through some of their traditional values and principles, to strengthening individual and societal commitments in order to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of public administration and promote inclusive and accountable public services for sustainable development, including the Andean principles of ama suwa (do not be a thief), ama llulla (do not be a liar) and ama qhilla (do not be lazy), the Inupiat values of pitqiksiġautaiññiq (honesty) and qiksiksrautiqaġniq (respect for others) and the Blackfoot value of tukuki (impartiality and incorruptibility), while recognizing that it is a duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms.” (spoke in Spanish) Sustainable development emphasizes a holistic, equitable and forward-looking approach to decision-making at all levels. It is based on integration and a balanced consideration of the goals and objects that we have in the social, economic and environmental spheres, with respect to public and private decision-making. It focuses on the intra- and intergenerational equity. As we make the transition from the Millennium Development Goals to the emerging Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are universal and highly interdependent, Governments will need to adopt innovative approaches to promote policy change and integration, institutional coordination, participatory decision-making processes, and inclusive and accountable service delivery that effectively responds to needs. The adoption of this draft resolution would send a strong signal to all Governments, the United Nations system and the international community about the importance of public administration. The draft resolution categorically states that the foundations for sustainable development at all levels include transparent, participatory and accountable governance and professional, ethical and accountable public administration that is properly equipped with information and communication technologies. The international community will be encouraged to continue to support capacity-building in public administration and in building institutions at all levels to accelerate progress towards sustainable development. In particular, the draft resolution is key to achieving SDG 16, namely, promoting peaceful and inclusive sustainable development partnerships, facilitating access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Likewise, it calls on the Secretary-General to continue to provide assistance, specifically to developing countries in their efforts to strengthen their public institutions and public services for sustainable development. We are aware of the United Nations system’s readiness to provide inter-agency coordination on public administration and governance, as well as of the upcoming meeting to discuss ways of working together to implement the draft resolution in a coherent and synergistic manner. We welcome and hope that this type of initiative will be an encouragement to funds, programmes and departments of the Secretariat to strengthen their support for capacity-building in developing countries. We thank the Division for Public Administration and Development Management of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs for its assistance to the Secretariat during the coordination of the draft resolution. We also thank all members of the Group of 77 and China, as chaired by the delegation of South Africa, and of course all 193 States Members, which took part in the negotiation of the draft resolution. If I may add a few words in my national capacity, I would like to reiterate that in this draft resolution we recognize in this specific context the values ​and principles of the region I come from, the Andes, namely, ama suwa, ama llulla and ama qhilla. As Bolivian President Evo Morales has very rightly said, we would like to share these principles with the General Assembly in order to work towards a transparent and honest administration at the service of all the peoples of the world.

Before giving the floor to the speaker in explanation of position, I would like to remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the United States and Israel, whose representative could not be here today. I would like to begin by thanking all the delegations that participated in the negotiations on draft resolution A/69/L.81/Rev.1. We appreciate the hard work and cooperative spirit they demonstrated, which enabled all of us to reach consensus on it. Promoting good governance, combating corruption, upholding the rule of law and developing inclusive, accountable public service institutions are vital to achieving sustainable development. We see the draft resolution as a tool to help us achieve those ends and as part of the support for Goal 16 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which will finally be adopted later this month. We would like to take this opportunity, however, to clarify the text on several points. In our view, it is unhelpful to distinguish between Member and observer States, as the resolution does, when referring simply to “States” is an easier, more inclusive and preferable solution. The United States understands that the language in the draft resolution regarding policy space must be read as consistent with States’ obligations under international human rights treaties to which they are party; it does not affect potential constraints under international law or agreements. Furthermore, while the contributions of indigenous cultures can potentially improve the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of public administration and promote inclusive and accountable public services for sustainable development, the language in the draft resolution should not be interpreted as our endorsement of any traditional practices or values, such as honour killings or discrimination against women or persons with disabilities, that fail to respect the universal human rights of individuals. Finally, we do not believe that it is appropriate to single out, as this draft resolution does, a handful of cultures or principles from the wide-ranging and diverse cultures that exist all over the world. We ask that this explanation be included in the records of this meeting. On a personal note, I would like to note that this is your last day in office, Mr. President, and that I have enjoyed working with you throughout your tenure.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/69/L.81/Rev.1. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft resolution?

I shall now give the floor to delegations that wish to speak in explanation of position following the adoption of the resolution.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset, the Group of 77 and China would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership and stewardship of the General Assembly as we move closer to bringing down the curtain of its sixty-ninth session. The Group of 77 and China introduced resolution 69/327, entitled “Promoting inclusive and accountable public services for sustainable development”, because we believe it will be useful to Member States in building inclusive and accountable institutions that will help them achieve sustainable development. Sustainable development emphasizes a holistic, equitable and far- sighted approach in decision-making at all levels. It rests on integration and a balanced consideration of social, economic and environmental goals and objectives in both public and private decision-making processes. It also emphasizes intra- and inter-generational equity. As we transition from the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Governments will have to adopt approaches that promote policy change and integration, institutional coordination, participation in decision-making processes and the effective, responsive, inclusive and accountable delivery of services. The adoption of this resolution today sends a strong signal to all Governments, the United Nations system and civil society organizations about the importance of public administration. The resolution states categorically that the foundations of sustainable development at all levels include transparent, participatory and accountable governance in a professional, ethical, responsive public administration that is enabled by information and communications technology. It will encourage the international community to continue to support capacity development in public governance and institution-building at all levels, in order to accelerate progress towards sustainable development. The Group of 77 and China believes firmly in the importance of promoting inclusive and accountable public services for sustainable development. That becomes more pertinent as we move towards the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Public services must be strengthened at the appropriate levels in order to ensure that they are provided to people speedily and in a transparent manner. It is very important that bottlenecks affecting the delivery of services at the local level be unblocked. Functioning municipalities are critical to achieving better results. In the main, it is the duty of Governments to ensure that public services are functional and that they benefit their populations. Each country thus has the primary responsibility for its own economic and social development. The role of national policies and development strategies cannot be over-emphasized. At the same time, there must be respect for each country’s policy space and governance structures in implementing policies for promoting inclusive and accountable public services for sustainable development, while remaining consistent with the relevant international rules and commitments. The Group would like to state that the United Nations system has a central role to play in promoting international cooperation in order to strengthen public institutions and services for sustainable development. We believe that the United Nations can also play a role in creating an environment conducive to helping States fulfil their national plans and internationally agreed-on development goals, including those MDGs whose achievement is incomplete and the forthcoming SDGs. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of the role of North-South cooperation through the official development assistance that many developing countries receive, and that plays a vital role in, among other things, ensuring that public services run smoothly at the country level. The Group of 77 and China values the importance of freedom, human rights, national sovereignty, good governance, the rule of law, peace and security and the fight against corruption at all levels and in all its forms, as well as effective, accountable and inclusive democratic institutions at sub-national, national and international levels, as central to enabling inclusive and accountable public services for sustainable development. The Group also recognizes that efficient, accountable, effective, inclusive and transparent public institutions and services at all levels have a key role to play in the implementation of internationally agreed-on development goals, including the unfinished business of the MDGs and the soon-to-be adopted SDGs. The Group also believes that Member States should be encouraged to utilize information and communication technologies in designing public policies and providing public services in order to support national development efforts and respond effectively to national and local needs and priorities. Without that important technology, such services will be hampered. There is a need for the North to provide more support to developing countries in that regard, with particular attention being paid to the least-developed countries. The Group of 77 and China recognizes, in their specific context, the positive contributions that indigenous peoples and local communities, through some of their traditional values and principles, can make to strengthen individual and societal commitments in order to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of public administration and promote inclusive and accountable public services for sustainable development. That will also speed up services and foster inclusivity and collective memory in public services and their administration. It is therefore critical that no one be left behind as we work together to improve public services. The Group of 77 and China held enriching informal consultations with partners on the resolution adopted today. We worked tirelessly and in good faith to achieve a common understanding that could enable us to reach consensus. In that spirit, we are asking for support for resolution 69/327 and its aim of avoiding bottlenecks in public services and ensuring that bureaucratic errors are dealt with. That can only help to create an atmosphere more conducive to the promotion of inclusive and accountable public services for sustainable development.

I now give the floor to the observer of the European Union.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The European Union and its member States believe that inclusive and accountable public services are a condition for successful policies, including in the field of sustainable development. It is our understanding that inclusive and accountable public services require institutions that respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, advance gender equality, allow for the effective participation of all interested stakeholders, condemn and actively fight corruption and promote transparency and accountability. Those are the hallmarks of good governance and the rule of law, which the European Union and its member States consider of the utmost importance and which have most recently been reflected in the Addis Ababa Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, soon to be formally adopted. In that regard, we believe that States have the primary responsibility for establishing inclusive and accountable public services, and the United Nations system plays an important, albeit supportive, role in that. The EU and its member States participate actively in related discussions, including in the Committee of Experts on Public Administration and the Second Committee, particularly with regard to the biennial resolution on supreme audit institutions. However, with respect to resolution 69/327, just adopted by the Assembly, the EU wishes to underline that, since the very beginning of the negotiation process, we stressed the limited value added by the text and the overlap with and duplication of the efforts I have just mentioned. We have recalled that there is a pressing need to streamline the work of the Assembly in order to make it more effective and efficient and avoid duplication of already existing United Nations work and resolutions. We have also pointed out the difficulty of dealing with an important issue such as the one covered by this resolution, in an inclusive and transparent fashion in a very short period immediately after the conclusion of two complex negotiation processes — those that led to the Addis Ababa Agenda and the post-2015 intergovernmental negotiations. The time pressure did not allow for effective coordination with all the interested parties and did not help the negotiation process itself. Despite all of that, the EU and its member States engaged constructively in the negotiations. We are disappointed that consensus could not be reached on the whole text in the context of regular informal consultations. We cannot endorse the use of politically charged or factually incorrect formulations and provisions. With regard to paragraph 11, the European Union and its member States would like to reiterate their respect and appreciation for the positive contribution of indigenous peoples to strengthening the effectiveness, efficiency and transparency of public administration. Nonetheless, we believe that the list of principles and values set out in the paragraph is incomplete. Moreover, we believe firmly that it is the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, to cite paragraph 5 of the 1993 Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The European Union and internationalts member States consider the resolution adopted today to be a one-time initiative, but we are of course willing to work with all partners to incorporate the many useful and universally applicable ideas that are indeed contained in it into existing documents of the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly. As the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly is about to conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you, Mr. President, on behalf of the European Union and its member States, for your leadership, hard work and guidance during the session. We would also like to express our gratitude to your dedicated team. Under your leadership, the Organization has been able to achieve a great deal during this session. We look forward to collaborating with your successor and his team, and we thank you once again for your personal commitment to advancing the agenda of the United Nations.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of position. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 21 and of agenda item 21 as a whole?

Members will recall that the Assembly considered this agenda item at its 54th plenary meeting, on 17 November 2014. I now call on the representative of Senegal.

I deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group. I would first like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your successful and able leadership of the General Assembly at its sixty-ninth session. The African Group has decided to withdraw its draft decision A/69/L.93, out of the conviction that the President of the General Assembly was mandated to facilitate the process of consultation on Human Rights Council resolution 24/24, on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights, consistent with Assembly resolution 68/144 and decision 68/668. We would like to recall that resolution 60/251 determined the mandate of the Human Rights Council in promoting universal respect for the protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind and in a fair and equal manner, and in making recommendations thereon. Paragraph 1 of that resolution stipulates that the Human Rights Council is a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly. On that basis, the Group is supportive of the Human Rights Council’s work. However, the designation of a United Nations-wide senior focal point to promote the prevention of, protection against and accountability for reprisals and intimidation related to cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms, as recommended in Human Rights Council resolution 24/24, will have a system-wide impact on the United Nations. Out of that conviction, the African Group emphasized, in December 2013, that the draft resolution that became Human Rights Council resolution 24/24 had serious potential ramifications for the mandate of the Human Rights Council vis-à-vis the General Assembly, the Third Committee and other United Nations entities and bodies in addressing this critical procedural issue with regard to the Council’s mandate in relation to taking binding decisions on behalf of other United Nations entities. It is unfortunate that the ambiguity that Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 said should be avoided still persists in Council resolution 24/24. Paragraph 58 (g) of Council resolution 5/1 stipulates that the mandate should be as clear and as specific as possible, which is not the case with Council resolution 24/24. The Group of African States tried to avoid that ambiguity by seeking clarifications regarding the following with reference to Council resolution 24/24: the feasibility of the designation of a United Nations- wide senior focal point to promote the prevention of, protection against and accountability for reprisals and intimidation relating to cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights; the issue of the existence of mechanisms in all of the United Nations bodies, particularly the human rights treaty bodies, that deal with matters of that nature within their respective mandates, experience, challenges and group practices, before the designation of the United Nations-wide senior focal point; the mandate of the Human Rights Council’s 47 members to designate or to create a focal point that binds all United Nations entities; and the serious ramifications for the institution-building package adopted by the General Assembly, particularly with respect to a carefully crafted agenda and its mandate. The Group of African States has engaged actively since the adoption of resolution 68/144, on the report of the Human Rights Council, which sought the above-mentioned clarifications. My Group appointed Mr. Sabri Boukadoum, Permanent Representative of Algeria, as a co-facilitator for the consultations that you, Mr. President, tried to initiate on Human Rights Council resolution 24/24 in order to implement General Assembly resolution 68/144. That appointment was officially communicated to you, Mr. President, in March 2015. In that regard, I greatly appreciate your efforts to begin those consultations during the sixty- ninth session. Unfortunately, however, no other co-facilitator was appointed, which prevented Member States from starting consultations on that issue. Since no consultations have taken place to date, Human Rights Council resolution 24/24 cannot be implemented. At this stage, the African Group would like to reiterate its willingness and readiness to engage constructively in the consultations, and calls upon all Member States to also engage actively during the seventieth session, in line with paragraph 2 of Assembly resolution 68/144. That consultation process should be comprehensive, transparent and inclusive without the exclusion of anyone.

As members have just heard, the sponsors of draft resolution A/69/L.93 have withdrawn their proposal. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 63?

Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 19 September 2014, the Assembly decided to include this item in the agenda of the sixty-ninth session. In connection with that item, I have received a letter dated 10 August 2015 from the representative of Azerbaijan. The representative of Azerbaijan has requested that consideration of that item be deferred to the seventieth session of the General Assembly. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to defer consideration of the item and to include it in the draft agenda of its seventieth session?

May I also take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 38?

Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 19 September 2014, the General Assembly decided to include this item in its agenda on the understanding that there would be no consideration of the item by the Assembly until further notice. In connection with the item, I have received a note verbale dated 21 April 2015 from the Permanent Mission of the Comoros to the United Nations requesting the inclusion of this item in the provisional agenda of the seventieth session. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to include the item entitled “Question of the Comorian island of Mayotte” in the draft agenda of the seventieth session?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 39?

Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 19 September 2014, the Assembly decided to include items 42 to 47 in the agenda of the sixty-ninth session, in accordance with paragraph 4 (b) of the annex to its resolution 58/316, of 1 July 2004. In resolution 58/316 the General Assembly decided that those items shall remain on the agenda for consideration upon notification by a Member State. Accordingly, these items have been included in the draft agenda of the seventieth session. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda items 42 to 47?

Members will recall that, under agenda item 125, the Assembly adopted decision 69/415 at its seventy-sixth plenary meeting, on 23 December 2014. It is my understanding that it would be desirable to defer the consideration of this item to the seventieth session of the General Assembly. May I take it that it is the wish to the General Assembly to defer consideration of agenda item 125 and to include it in the draft agenda of its seventieth session.

May I also take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 125?

Members will recall that, under agenda item 126, the Assembly adopted decision 69/416, at its seventy-sixth plenary meeting, on 23 December 2014. It is my understanding that it would be desirable to include agenda item 126 in the draft agenda of the seventieth session of the General Assembly. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to include agenda item 126 in the draft agenda of its seventieth session.

May I also take it that it is also the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 126?

Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 19 September 2014, the Assembly decided to include this item in the agenda of the sixty- ninth session. It is my understanding that it would be desirable to defer consideration of this item to the seventieth session of the General Assembly. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to defer consideration of agenda item 155 and to include it in the draft agenda of its seventieth session?

May I also take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 155?

I should like to remind delegations that the following agenda items, which have been considered at previous meetings, remain open for consideration during the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly: items 9, 10, 13, 13 (a), 13 (b), 14, 16, 17, 17 (c), 18, 19, 19 (a) to (c), 19 (h), 20, 28, 29, 35, 36, 69, 69 (a) to (c), 74, 108, 109, 111, 111 (b), 112, 112 (a), 113, 113 (b), 113 (f), 113 (i), 115, 117, 123, 123 (a), 123 (b), 123 (j), 123 (1), 123 (r), 123 (s), 123 (x), 124, 130 to 154 and 156 to 167. As members are aware, these items have been included in the provisional agenda of the seventieth session of the General Assembly, with the exception of sub-item (a) of agenda item 13, entitled “Integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic, social and related fields”; sub-item (b) of agenda item 13 entitled “Follow-up to the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development”, agenda item 141 entitled “Administrative and budgetary coordination of the United Nations with the specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency”; and agenda item 163 entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan”. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to include agenda items 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 17 (c), 18, 19, 19 (a) to (c), 19 (h), 20, 28, 29, 35, 36, 69, 69 (a) to (c), 74, 108, 109, 111, 111 (b), 112, 112 (a), 113, 113 (b), 113 (f), 113 (i), 115, 117, 124, 130 to 140, 142 to 154, 156 to 162 and 164 to 167 in the draft agenda of the seventieth session?

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda items 9, 10, 13, 13 (a), 13 (b), 14, 16, 17, 17 (c), 18, 19, 19 (a) to (c), 19 (h), 20, 28, 29, 35, 36, 69, 69 (a) to (c), 74, 108, 109, 111, 111 (b), 112, 112 (a), 113, 113 (b), 113 (f), 113 (i), 115, 117, 123, 123 (a), 123 (b), 123 (j), 123 (1), 123 (r), 123 (s), 123 (x), 124, 130 to 154 and 156 to 167 at the present session?

I now give the floor to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon.

I congratulate the General Assembly on the many achievements of the sixty-ninth session. Over the past year, Mr. President, you have guided the Member States through many complex and important processes — resulting in a number of major advances. We have worked very closely and effectively together, and I am grateful for the strong commitment you have showed at all times — across our agenda. I thank you for your service and contributions. The crowning accomplishment of the sixty-ninth session is, of course, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The new agenda is the product of an inspiring sense of solidarity. The design of the 17 goals and 169 targets was not accomplished overnight. Several rounds of intensive consultations closed the gaps and reached common ground. I thank the President of the General Assembly and the facilitators appointed by him — the Permanent Representatives of Ireland and Kenya — for their skilful guidance. The articulation of the new agenda also saw the Assembly open the policymaking process in unprecedented ways to an unprecedented range of voices. That established a new benchmark for global dialogue and inclusiveness under the umbrella of the United Nations. That, too, is a legacy of consequence, and there can be no going back. The 2030 Agenda is a sign of the Organization’s commitment to ease suffering today, while getting it right for succeeding generations. I once more commend Member States for seizing this historic opportunity with such a constructive and committed attitude. We now all look forward to welcoming Heads of State and Government here in the Hall in less than two weeks. The same sense of purpose pervaded the deliberations on financing for development. Formally adopted in Addis Ababa in July, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda provided momentum, complemented the deliberations in New York and now points the way forward toward a stronger global partnership for development. I again commend the President of the General Assembly, as well as the two co-facilitators, the Permanent Representatives of Guyana and Norway. Now I urge all Member States to show the same vision, flexibility and solidarity in reaching a climate agreement in December in Paris and in bringing the new sustainable development goals to life in the years ahead. The rest of the Assembly’s work during the sixty- ninth session was as varied and vital as ever. Last fall, this session’s very first resolution, resolution 69/1, paved the way for bold and effective action to combat Ebola. In less than a year, our first-ever system-wide health-oriented field operation, the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, accomplished its unique mandate, and the international community has worked together in an unprecedented coalition to support Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone in their efforts to respond to, and begin to recover from, the wide-ranging impacts of that deadly disease. Cases of Ebola have declined dramatically as a result of the decisive leadership at all levels, and Liberia has recently been declared free of Ebola. But the outbreak in West Africa is not over. We must continue to exercise heightened vigilance and cannot afford to let up on the response. Looking forward, we must work together to strengthen our collective global health security. This past spring, the Assembly convened an important high-level debate on promoting tolerance and reconciliation and countering violent extremism. I was pleased to work closely with the President of the General Assembly to bring global faith leaders to United Nations Headquarters. We continue to see shocking acts of violence and the systematic enslavement of women and girls. The cultural heritage has also been a victim, with monuments that have stood for millenniums now reduced to rubble. Such acts are being carried out brazenly and with impunity. In November, I will present to the Assembly a comprehensive plan for preventing violent extremism. Last Friday, Member States made progress on the revitalization of the General Assembly itself, including through agreement on a new framework of procedural steps that will guide the selection and appointment process of the next Secretary-General. I commend the efforts of the Permanent Representatives of Croatia and Namibia in bringing about a consensual outcome that reflects the membership’s call for a more transparent and participatory process. The session also saw the Assembly commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War and of the founding of our United Nations. Throughout all of this activity, delegations have shown great skill and welcome collegiality. I am sure we will see more of the same as His Excellency Mr. Mogens Lykketoft takes hold of the gavel. Let us now get off to a good start on implementing the 2030 Agenda.

When we gathered in this Hall a little more than a year ago, we set out on a journey seeking to put humankind on a path towards a more prosperous and sustainable future. The issues we have addressed at this session have covered a wide range of challenges facing people around the globe. Our journey and the work we have accomplished together took us from the valleys of Lima to the architectural embellishments of Vienna, and from the City of Trees in Sendai to the hills of Addis Ababa. As we have said all along, this session presented us with a historic opportunity to change our world for the better. Guided by the overarching principles of cooperation, compromise and solidarity, we should feel heartened by all that we have achieved thanks to our collective efforts. Indeed, our shared vision of putting people at the centre of everything we do has yielded many important outcomes that will improve the everyday lives of men, women and children around the world. After 105 plenary meetings and 327 resolutions adopted during the session, we gather today to take stock of the progress we have made during our journey together and reflect on the important work that remains on the road ahead. The landmark agreement on the outcome document, entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (resolution 69/315), was without question one of the major highlights of the session. It was an unprecedented collective undertaking with Member States and other stakeholders working tirelessly to formulate a universal, inclusive and transformative future development framework. I thank and commend all those involved in the negotiation process for their strong commitment to creating an ambitious agenda. In particular, I would like to extend my appreciation to Ambassador David Donoghue, Permanent Representative of Ireland, and Ambassador Macharia Kamau, Permanent Representative of Kenya, for their steadfast efforts in shepherding the negotiations to a successful conclusion. The new development agenda to be adopted by world leaders next week will guide our development efforts for the next 15 years. Taking into account the needs of all people around the world, including the youth, women, the disabled and the most vulnerable, it will directly impact the livelihoods of people both today and for generations to come. Ensuring that the future development framework is accompanied by adequate resources for implementation was of critical importance from the very outset of the session. In order to encourage dialogue among all stakeholders on that critical issue, I convened a high- level thematic debate on the means of implementation in February. The cornerstone of our renewed global partnership for development is now the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, adopted at the third International Conference on Financing for Development in July, following months of intense negotiations. My thanks and congratulations go to Ambassador George Talbot, Permanent Representative of Guyana, and Ambassador Geir Pedersen, Permanent Representative of Norway, for their hard work as co-chairs of those negotiations. I also wish to convey my sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Ethiopia for hosting that successful conference and for their warm hospitality. Yet, our endeavour to set our world on a sustainable course also requires that we urgently address one of the defining challenges of our time — climate change. Indeed, supporting efforts to reach a new, universally binding, climate change agreement was another important priority during the sixty-ninth session. To keep the momentum moving forward, before the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, I convened a high-level event on climate change in June. As was emphasized time and again, this generation represents our last hope for preserving the well-being of our planet for generations to come. In that context, it will be critical to reach a bold and ambitious agreement in Paris in December that promotes the achievement of sustainable development, while protecting the planet. Beyond those important accomplishments, the Assembly also showed responsiveness in the face of new challenges, including the Ebola outbreak. In its first resolution of the session (resolution 69/1), the Assembly endorsed the establishment of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, a first-of-its- kind public health mission. Such timely action in the face of a serious health emergency demonstrated that, with adequate political will and commitment, decisions by the Assembly could quickly translate into concrete actions on the ground. Over the course of the session we also witnessed a disquieting increase in radicalization and violent extremism around the world, fuelled by identity-based conflicts and cultural and religious tensions. With troubling frequency, violent attacks were carried out against innocent civilians, claiming the lives of men, women and children indiscriminately, as well as the destruction of irreplaceable artefacts of humankind’s shared cultural heritage. In response to this increasing threat, in April we met for a high-level thematic debate on the theme “Promoting tolerance and reconciliation: fostering peaceful, inclusive societies and countering violent extremism”. Together with the Secretary-General and with religious leaders, we explored ways to foster dialogue, inclusiveness and mutual understanding, as many speakers stressed the importance of leaving no one on the margins of society. Indeed, ensuring that everybody is entitled to a life of rights and dignity is the cornerstone of our work within the United Nations. This session afforded us several opportunities to renew our commitment to fight discrimination and promote human rights for all. In December, we launched the International Decade for People of African Descent, and in March we unveiled the Permanent Memorial to Honour the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on the grounds of the United Nations. We marked the twentieth anniversary of the Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women, and for the first time the Office of the President of the General Assembly hosted the global observance of International Women’s Day. We were proud to do so, jointly with UN-Women. The high-level thematic debate on that in March gave greater focus to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the post- 2015 development agenda. During the session we also considered how young people could fully utilize their talents and energy to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. In doing so, we laid the foundation for a more prosperous future not only for ourselves, but for generations to come. Furthermore, with the bestowing of the inaugural Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize in July, the General Assembly recognized the outstanding achievements of two champions dedicated their lives to the service of humankind. As we mark the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, we should use this occasion to consider how the Organization can transform and evolve to improve its capacity to respond to current and future challenges. Improving its efficiency and effectiveness was one of the priorities I set out for this session. As part of that reflection, we held a high-level thematic debate in May on strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and with regional and subregional organizations. Owing to their knowledge of local dynamics and realities, regional organizations are well placed to work hand-in-hand with the United Nations to effectively address local, national, regional and international challenges. I therefore welcome the recommendation on the need for strong and more operational cooperation in regional partnerships set out in the report of the Secretary-General on the future of United Nations peace operations (S/2015/682) — for example, institutionalizing and expanding the United Nations-African Union partnership. That was also one of the key messages of the political declaration that was the outcome of the high-level thematic debate held in May in New York. In the context of the revitalization of the General Assembly, Member States agreed to give a greater role to this body in the upcoming selection of the Secretary- General. That is an important step towards openness and transparency in the selection process. Ten years ago, our leaders expressed support for an early reform of the Security Council. During this session, I made it one of my priorities in order to move the process forward. I thank the Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations, Ambassador Courtenay Rattray, Permanent Representative of Jamaica, for his steadfast leadership throughout the negotiations. Together we should muster the resolve to reform the Council in a way that reflects the geopolitical realities of our current world. We should build on the work done during this session and ensure that there is continued progress in the reform effort, and that we maintain a constructive, flexible spirit moving forward. I thank all Member States and groups for their commitment on this vital issue and urge everyone here to keep up the momentum. I urge the Assembly to continue to reflect on those important areas during the next session with a view towards identifying ways to better align the Organization with our modern-day geopolitical realities. At the beginning of this session, I likened our work to a journey, one that has taken us around the world and allowed us to consider the Organization’s important role in promoting better lives for all peoples. Along the way, it has been a great pleasure to meet and work with so many people whose resolve and commitment to the values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations is steadfast. My appreciation goes to the Member States, which have worked diligently throughout the session. I am thankful for their hard work and partnership, as well as their high-level of participation at events I organized throughout the session. I am also grateful to the co-facilitators and chairs of the many intergovernmental processes that have been carried out during the session. Their commitment has enabled us to make a lasting, positive impact for many. I also thank the numerous other stakeholders that participated in events during the session, including our partners from civil society, the business sector, youth, religious communities and academia. I am particularly grateful to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his partnership and friendship. I commend him for his commitment and steadfast efforts on behalf of people around the world. I also thank him and all his staff in the Secretariat who have worked behind the scenes, in particular the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management and the Department of Public Information, for their professionalism and unwavering support over the course of these last 12 months. As we bring this session to a close, I am convinced that President-elect Lykketoft will shepherd this body in an efficient and inspirational manner during the seventieth session. In conclusion, I leave everyone here with the words of Mr. Mandela, who said, “I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.” These are indeed important words to recall as we both celebrate our many accomplishments from the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly, while considering the important work that will take place in this Hall throughout the upcoming session and for many years to come.

As we come to the end of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly, I invite representatives to stand and observe a minute of silent prayer or meditation.

Before closing the session, I would like to invite to the rostrum the President-elect of the Assembly at its seventieth session, His Excellency Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, to hand over the gavel to him. I declare closed the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly.