A/70/PV.114 General Assembly

Members will recall that the General Assembly considered agenda items 15 and 116 at its 4th plenary meeting, on 25 September 2015, and adopted resolution 70/1 under those items. Members will also recall that the Assembly considered agenda items 15, 116 and 123 in a joint debate at its 52nd plenary meeting, on 13 November 2015. Members will recall that the Assembly considered agenda items 15 and 116 at its 108th plenary meeting, on 30 June, and adopted resolution 70/290 under those items. Only last week, during the High-level Political Forum, we witnessed a series of examples of how Governments, civil society, the private sector, universities, the United Nations system and others are taking steps to get implementation of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) off to the best possible start. Draft resolution, A/70/L.60, which is before the Assembly today, is another one of those steps. While it is a small contribution as compared to the grand achievements of 2015, I believe it is a critical one. It comes on the back of the Secretary-General’s report (A/70/684) on critical milestones presented in January of this year and includes a series of decisions that will help the follow-up and review processes at the global level, particularly in the High-level Political Forum, to be as effective and engaging as they possibly can. I therefore wish to thank Her Excellency Ms. Lois Michele Young, Permanent Representative of Belize, and His Excellency Ib Petersen, Permanent Representative of Denmark, and their teams for leading the informal consultations in such an inclusive and skilful manner. I also want to thank each and every representative who gave considerable time and effort to the negotiating process and who ultimately summoned the spirit of unity that led to last year’s agreement. As members know, however, those consultations were not without their complications. It is regrettable that technical discussions at times veered towards a renegotiation of issues that had been decided last September. It is my sincere hope that, as we move towards the seventy-first session, delegations will embrace a new mindset that sees the focus here in New York shift towards creating an environment that inspires action from all actors and implementation at all levels. At the same time, I am aware that certain aspects of the draft text present challenges for some delegations. In that regard, allow me to remind representatives that resolution 70/1, together with other resolutions, provides the context for the current draft resolution. Through it, world leaders agreed to a universal agenda to be met for all nations, peoples and all segments of society. They decided that the Goals and targets be integrated and indivisible, balancing the three dimensions of sustainable development, namely, the economic, social and environmental. They also addressed a wide-range of other issues including, in paragraph 35, the issue of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation, and, in paragraph 74, the principles related to follow-up and review processes. In the light of this, I trust that a spirit of consensus will prevail in the Assembly today. Such consensus will help preserve the universal ownership of the 2030 Agenda and, in this critical first year of implementation, help sustain global efforts to transform our world for the better — for the people and the planet alike. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/70/L.60. Before giving the floor to the speaker in explanation of position before its adoption, may I remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico.

In September 2015, all countries welcomed the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) and we committed ourselves to implementing parts of it starting in 2016. Mexico made that commitment its own and acknowledged the fundamental principles of the Sustainable Development Goals in the 2030 Agenda, which, in paragraph 55, emphasize the integrated and indivisible character, the global nature and the universal implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. My delegation therefore wishes to refer to the content of paragraph 5 of draft resolution A/70/L.60, which we are considering in connection with the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level, and express — as we have already on numerous occasions — that although we understand that paragraph 5 is necessary for some delegations, for purely practical reasons, Mexico believes that the paragraph can break with the principle of the indivisibility and integrity of the Agenda because it fragments the follow-up of the Sustainable Development Goals over a period of three years. Mexico is convinced that dividing up the follow-up and review of the Agenda is a bad methodology, as it gives de facto priority to the implementation of some Goals above others. In conclusion, I wish to emphasize the firm desire of my delegation to continue to work to ensure that the segmentation of the follow-up over three years of the Goals does not fragment the Agenda and ensure that the indivisibility and integrity of the Agenda be preserved. I would grateful if my statement were recorded in the record of this meeting.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/70/L.60, entitled “Follow- up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt it?

Before giving the floor to those wishing to speak in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted, I would like to remind delegations that explanations of position are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 (G-77) and China. At the outset, Sir, allow me to congratulate you on the consensus adoption of resolution 70/299, on the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) at the global level. Without any doubt, the resolution underscores the shared vision and aspirations of all States Members with regard to the crucial path set forth to assess progress in the implementation of the ambitious global Agenda and ensure that its overall objectives of poverty eradication and sustainable development are duly achieved. The 134 members of the G-77 and China attach high importance to the robust guidance on how the 2030 Agenda is to be followed up at the national, regional and global levels. We recall that, on 5 February, it was the Group of 77 and China that proposed the way forward to address the issue of coherent, efficient and inclusive follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda at the global level in a more structured and inclusive discussion in the form of a General Assembly resolution to be arrived at through an intergovernmental process. With today’s adoption, I wish to express the Group’s deepest disappointment that one of the Group’s most important historical principles with regard to countries and peoples under colonial and foreign occupation was omitted. We underscore that the resolution first and foremost must be read and implemented consistent with the 2030 Agenda, which starts from the premise that no one will be left behind. We further emphasize that because a full listing of all groupings of countries and peoples who faced specific challenges was not in the end accommodated in the resolution, that omission, in a way, betrays our leaders’ commitment to leaving no one behind and the shared principles that they reaffirmed in the 2030 Agenda. The right to self-determination is a primordial right that anchors the United Nations. For the Group of 77 and China, it has been and continues to be a beacon of hope for all those who struggle under the weight of occupation. While the Group did not break its silence, it could not remain silent on an issue that has long united us and been an thread of solidarity for our Group. It was therefore deeply disappointing that even a benign reference to those rights and the very principles that uphold those rights, which the Group proposed as a way out of the impasse, was rejected. Indeed, it raises the question that if we cannot stand for what the United Nations promises in its very Charter, then what do we stand for? It is therefore incumbent upon the Group to set forth its understanding of the interpretation of the resolution for the record, as follows: that there is no derogation from the commitments enshrined in the 2030 Agenda, especially from the shared principles as set forth in the Agenda; that while countries and peoples under colonial and foreign occupation are not expressly mentioned in the resolution, paragraph 35 of the 2030 Agenda, which refers to the full realization of the right of self-determination of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation, which continues to adversely affect their economic and social development, as well as their development, is nonetheless validated in the resolution’s reaffirmation of the 2030 Agenda itself; and that the process of the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda at the global level, including through the High- level Political Forum, shall therefore be conducted by taking into account paragraph 35, among other relevant paragraphs relating to countries and peoples facing specific challenges. The Group reiterates and reaffirms our strong position that in the implementation and follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda, we must not forget the severe difficulties faced by peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation and strive to remove the obstacles to their full realization of the right to self- determination, which adversely affects their economic and social development and their ability to achieve and implement the Sustainable Development Goals, and to ensure that they will not be left behind. Our members have demonstrated the utmost flexibility in agreeing to the introductory remarks of the President the General Assembly, so that the institutional arrangements for the follow-up and review process for the 2030 Agenda and its related mechanisms set out in the resolution can be implemented. This, we believe, is to the shared benefit of all member States and States Members of the United Nations. However, we wish to caution that our flexibility cannot be used as a precedent or a pretext to adopt a new methodology of negotiation in any future intergovernmental process, especially as it relates to the issue at hand. Due consideration must be given in the negotiation process to the full realization of the self-determination of countries and peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation in relation to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It is our legitimate hope that all member States and States Members of the United Nations will engage in all future negotiations with an open mind in order that no one is left behind.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. We would like to thank you, Mr. President, and your team for having brought this important exercise to successful conclusion. We would like also to thank the co-facilitators, Ambassadors Young and Petersen, and their teams — I have the honour to sit next to one of them — for their tireless work in steering this process and bridging the divergences between the delegations that participated in the consultations. The European Union and its member States have engaged in negotiations in good faith, showing a lot of flexibility in the common interest of reaching consensus. We regret, though, that this has not always been reciprocal. In particular, some of the developments in the last stages of consultations were not conducive to building trust, which is very unfortunate. As we have consistently argued, a strong follow-up and review framework is key to accelerating progress on the implementation of the comprehensive 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1), foster broad ownership and partnership, and promote accountability and inclusivity. Today we have joined the consensus on resolution 70/299. We would like, however, to register our strong reservations on paragraph 9 as it currently stands. We are disappointed that the concerns we expressed on this paragraph during the last informal consultations were not addressed before the text was put on a silence procedure. However, we thank those partners who were willing to show flexibility on the question. This paragraph, and, for that matter, the whole resolution cannot be interpreted as undermining in any way the modalities of the European Union’s full participation in the High-level Political Forum, as specified in paragraph 10 of resolution 67/290. Paragraph 9 of the present resolution must be implemented consistently with operative paragraph 10 of resolution 67/290. The EU therefore retains the right to provide the feedback foreseen in paragraph 9. Moreover, the formulation used in this paragraph does not constitute a precedent in any way. Concerning paragraph 4 and the reference to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 being reviewed annually, I would like to reiterate that for the EU and its member States, every single SDG is of equal importance, in line with the integrated, indivisible and interlinked nature of the Agenda. Moreover, we would like to recall that in the complex institutional architecture that was set up last summer, the financing for development forum is the place where means of implementation, including Goal 17, are to be reviewed on an annual basis. We also regret that we were not able to act in this resolution to resolve the artificial division between the high-level sessions of the High-level Political Forum held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council and the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council itself. This duality adversely affects the credibility of this high-level week. Finally, we would like to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the full and effective participation of all stakeholders in the implementation, follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda. We note that the Agenda itself is quite clear that regard. For the EU and its member States, the relevant provisions of the 2030 Agenda are still valid. They have not been modified by the present resolution. We would kindly request that this statement be reflected in the records of today’s meeting.

I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the Group of Arab States and to convey the Group’s appreciation to all States that participated in the negotiations on resolution 70/299, which we have just adopted, on the follow-up and review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1). I should like to thank in particular the members of the Group of 77 and China. We appreciate their efforts during the negotiations and their determination to take into account the concerns of Member States. The resolution represents an important milestone in the achievement of tangible progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, which underscores issues critical to all, including sustainable development, the combat against poverty, and the creation of societies living in security. The resolution reflects the will of Member States and their determination to implement the 2030 Agenda in an effective way at all levels. We sought to contribute to the consensus on the adoption of the resolution based on our conviction as regards certain important issues that require cooperation among all for their implementation. However, I should like to voice the disappointment of the Arab Group in the context of one of the fundamental principles that the 2030 Agenda underscores, especially in its paragraph 35, concerning the right of countries living under foreign occupation to self-determination. This is a right that we have underscored during meetings of the Main and subsidiary committees of the General Assembly and a principle that is directly linked to sustainable development and human rights. I should like also to stress the fact that failing to mention the right to self-determination does not mean that we are not obliged to uphold it, for this is a procedural resolution on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, which makes reference to this important principle. I should like to reiterate our determination to closely monitor the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and related procedures as regards the right to self- determination, so as to avoid double standards in the application of the principles contained in the 2030 Agenda, so as to ensure that its implementation is holistic and achieved in all of its aspects.

At the outset, we associate ourselves with the statement read out by the Permanent Representative of Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. I wish to express the gratitude of the delegation of Ecuador for your efforts, Mr. President, during the negotiation process on resolution 70/299, entitled “Follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level”. We welcome its consensus adoption. Nevertheless, I must say that Ecuador deeply regrets the fact that, owing to opposition on the part of a few States, paragraph 11 of the resolution omits a reference to countries and peoples under foreign occupation. The Declaration of the 2030 Agenda clearly highlights the fact that “[s]ustainable development cannot be realized without peace and security.” (resolution 70/1, para. 35) In the same paragraph, the Declaration also calls for the removal of “the obstacles to the full realization of the right of self-determination of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation”, for such a situation continues to adversely affect their economic and social development. It is for this reason that, along with other countries facing special challenges — the least developed countries, the small island developing States and the landlocked countries — paragraph 11 of the resolution should have included the peoples and countries under foreign occupation, as proposed by the Group of 77 and China in already compromise wording. That is why Ecuador wishes to state for the record of this meeting that it is our interpretation that paragraph 11 of the resolution implicitly includes countries and peoples under colonial and foreign occupation. I must say that my delegation is concerned about how the few countries that prevented the inclusion of wording referring to colonial and foreign occupation are systematically opposed to using this wording in the resolutions and decisions of the General Assembly and in other United Nations organs and forums, including where such language has been in use for several decades. The promoting the self-determination of all peoples is one of the fundamental purposes defined in the Charter of the United Nations. Its concrete implementation is based on the liberation of peoples under colonial domination and foreign occupation. Therefore, the delegation of Ecuador will be opposed here, and in any other forum, that preferences for such clear and historic references be deleted. Finally, I wish to point out that my delegation would have preferred the General Assembly to have met in its Hall — in the Hall of the General Assembly — particularly on a topic of special importance such as the one that brings us together this morning.

My delegation wishes to express its full support for the statement delivered by the representative of Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. Today, resolution 70/299, on the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1), has finally been adopted at the global level. It is a document of paramount importance for developing countries and for developed countries alike. As reflected in the preamble of the 2030 Agenda, our countries pledged to ensure that all human beings can fulfil their potential in dignity and equality. Resolution 70/299 as the result of intensive and productive rounds of consultations — an exercise for which we should certainly thank those delegations that did everything possible to maintain the constructive spirit of the process. I take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. President, and the co-facilitators for the work and efforts realized. After adopting this document, and beyond this process, my delegation would like to make some comments on how negotiations are being conducted in different forums of the Organization, which we have witnessed in recent times. On that basis, allow me to express the displeasure of my delegation at the growing trend at the United Nations to favour negotiating processes that either ignore or attempt to impose criteria on Member States. The traditional methods of inclusive, participatory and transparent negotiations without imposition must once again prevail in these forums. The right of every State to have its proposals taken into account should not be overshadowed, much less constricted, by mechanisms or actors established to conduct these processes, nor can we allow their ownership to be breached nor to interpret what Member States really mean to say. The deadlines and time limits, far from constituting straitjackets, should indicate the full satisfaction of our expectations as Member States with full rights. We must not forget that the adoption of a document is not the end in itself. The commitments made in our resolutions will make a difference, so they must be made wisely and unhurriedly. Conflicts will never cease to exist; however, we must show full respect to dialogue and negotiations as the only way to find a solution to them. If I may, I would like to conclude by recalling the burden of responsibility we bear and the commitment of our delegations to the right to development for all our peoples without exceptions.

The delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela wishes to refer to resolution 70/299, entitled “Follow- up and the review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level”, which we have just adopted by consensus. At the outset, we wish to reiterate our support of the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We would like to point out certain aspects in our national capacity. Our country joined the consensus on this resolution as a reflection of its commitment to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1), which was conceived as a way of resolving existing socioeconomic problems while contributing to the continuation of life on the planet and the preservation of the human species. The Agenda is universal; it applies to everyone equally and has as its centre the human being, based on solidarity, justice, social inclusion, equity, the promotion of and respect for human rights and the participation of all citizens. However, in the context of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, it is necessary to guarantee that the concerns and sensitivities of all countries, in particular in the developing world, be incorporated in the decisions to be agreed. In that respect, we endorse the concern expressed by various delegations with regard to the procedure and non-inclusion of sensitive themes for developing countries in such a substantive document meant to follow up the 2030 Agenda, even when these proposals come from two thirds of the Member States. Therefore, we wish to emphasize, as set forth in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, that we insistently call for: “effective measures and actions to be taken, in conformity with international law, to remove the obstacles to the full realization of the right of self- determination of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation, which continue to adversely affect their economic and social development as well as their environment.” (resolution 70/1, para. 35) Only by truly considering the views of everyone can we ensure that no one is left behind.

At the outset, my delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. On the adoption of the important resolution 70/299, entitled “Follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level”, my delegation wishes to express its deepest concern about the new trend in negotiating and drafting solutions, ministerial statements and other documents that are of paramount importance for the development of our people. Nicaragua regrets that the process used to reach consensus on the resolution was to block negotiations on the subject for months in order to corner the Group of 77 and China at the last minute and pressure it under the pretext of having running out of time to negotiate. These processes, without negotiating word choices and with supposed creative options such as the delivering of a general statement from the President of the General Assembly on sensitive and crucial topics affecting developing countries that were not included, are unsatisfactory for the States and peoples who live, in this case, under colonial and foreign occupation. All States — be they large and powerful or small and developing, like us — enjoy the same rights at the United Nations. We have observed a trend within the United Nations of impositions set by the co-facilitators, which is a practice that does not in any way contribute to multilateralism. We reject that methodology, as that is not how the United Nations should work. We do not want the new precedent to be characterized by the imposition of texts that have not been fully negotiated, nor by the lack of consideration of the sovereign positions of States, particularly when those are the previously agreed-upon rules. Negotiating in good faith means reaching a consensus that reflects the interests of all Member States. We would like to remind the entire international community that we are here to promote the rights and development of our peoples, and that these types of impositions will not eradicate global poverty, much less allow for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The resolution adopted today does not consider the right of peoples living under colonial and foreign occupation to sustainable development. Finally, the fact that we have not objected to the adoption of the resolution does not imply that we agree with the procedures or with the pressure that led to its adoption, and in no way can we accept it as a precedent or methodology to be used in the future.

On the occasion of the unanimous adoption of resolution 70/299, we would like to thank you, Mr. President, and your team, as well as the co-facilitators of the resolution, Ambassador Young and Ambassador Petersen, for their patient and dedicated work and for ensuring a transparent and inclusive process. There was an unfortunate turn of events after general agreement was reached among Member States. Nevertheless, my delegation believes that we gathered here are capable of proceeding with the global implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) together and in unity. Japan joined consensus on the resolution based on the following understanding. First, designating a set of goals to be reviewed in-depth each year should not lead to a narrow, so-called silo approach. The integrated nature of the whole Agenda and the interlinkages between goals are the major features of the agenda that are to be upheld. Secondly, the duplication of effort between the High- level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing for Development should be kept at a minimum. The Forum on Financing for Development was one of the major outcomes of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and is is a venue for following up the Addis Ababa Action Agenda itself, as all of the means of implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Thirdly, we are of the firm view that nothing in this resolution changes what we agreed upon in the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. Let me conclude by emphasizing the urgency of our work. We are already eight months into the implementation stage, and 15 years is not that long. We should accelerate our work in both the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council in order to support its implementation. As the President rightly noted, we have no more time to spend on reopening or renegotiating what we already agreed to.

Allow me, at the outset, to express our thanks and appreciation to you, Sir, for having convened this meeting. My delegation welcomes the adoption of resolution 70/299, entitled “Follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level”. I would like to recall resolution 67/290; resolution 69/313, on the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the third International Conference on Financing for Development; and resolution 70/1, which crowned the international consensus on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These resolutions confirm the global commitment to eliminating poverty and hunger and fully reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their three dimensions within the next 15 years. My delegation would like to associate itself with the statements delivered by the representative of Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and by the representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on behalf of the Group of Arab States. We would like to stress the complementary nature of all objectives, which must be approached in a comprehensive and integrated manner. We also stress the need for a comprehensive, transparent, effective and robust mechanism for follow-up and review that will track the global implementation of the SDGs and assist Member States at the national and regional levels to achieve the best results possible by exchanging information and lessons learned, mobilizing support and developing best practices for seizing opportunities and tackling challenges. My delegation would like to stress the voluntary nature of the follow-up and review system at the national level. Countries must be given total liberty to decide their priorities and work on pursuing development in accordance with their national legislation, ethical values, social and cultural traditions and internationally recognized instruments. We would also like to express the importance of regional cooperation. All sectors of society — Government, public and private sectors — must cooperate in reaching objectives and following up with the results. The Agenda for Sustainable Development stresses that no one should be left behind. We want to underscore the need to attach great importance to the challenges faced by countries in special circumstances, particularly least developed countries, African States, countries emerging from conflict and small island developing States. We add to the list countries under colonial and foreign occupation and their people’s right to self- determination and freedom, a category that was left out of the resolution without any justification, although it was established in paragraph 35 of the Agenda. We would like to stress that the right to self-determination is one of the fundamental rights set out in Article 1 of the Charter of the United Nations and that it is a right that cannot be called into question. My delegation would also like to recall paragraph 30 of the Agenda, which strongly urges States to refrain from applying any unilateral economic, financial or trade measures and coercive measures on developing countries. Such measures undoubtedly run counter to the Charter of the United Nations and international law, obstruct efforts to eliminate poverty and ultimately end up affecting the poorest sectors of the population in my country and other countries affected by such measures. They also run counter to the principle of leaving no one behind; unfortunately, such measures deliberately leave some people behind instead. The Agenda for Sustainable Development has placed people at the centre of all sustainable development activities. Human dignity and social justice will not be realized as long as the inequality in our world today persists and those capable of providing assistance continually fail to uphold their obligations. We hope that the United Nations, through its development system, will work in a coordinated and effective manner to assist developing countries. We also affirm the need for all international stakeholders to establish a constructive global partnership to promote economic growth, achieve social welfare and protect the planet in the interest of present and future generations. We ask that this statement be included in the record of this meeting.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Permanent Mission of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. At the outset, we extend our sincere congratulations to you, Mr. President, and to the co-facilitators of this process. The Plurinational State of Bolivia aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Kingdom of Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and wishes to add a few points in its national capacity. We welcome the adoption of resolution 70/299, on follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1) at the global level. The Sustainable Development Goals aim to establish a more just and equal world free from poverty by 2030. Our Heads of State committed to implementing these goals and abiding by the principles set forth in the 2030 Agenda. This resolution highlights the shared vision of Member States and establishes the necessary road map to evaluate progress towards the implementation of the global agenda, as well as to ensure that the overall objectives are truly achieved. However, we believe that leaving no one behind is the only way to achieve genuine universality in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. In order to achieve these goals, we must eliminate the obstacles to the full realization of the right to self-determination of peoples living under colonial domination and foreign occupation, which affects their economic, social and environmental development. We therefore regret that this document does not take into account the principle of the right to development, which is a right of every human being without exception.

My delegation fully aligns itself with the statements delivered by the Permanent Representative of Thailand on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and the by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Jordan on behalf of the Group of Arab States. My delegation welcomes the adoption of resolution 70/299, on the follow-up and review of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1). However, we continue to regret and deplore the fact that there are still voices expressing reservations or opposing a fundamental principle, namely, that of the right to self-determination of peoples under foreign occupation and colonial domination. This is in contravention of the goal that has been highlighted since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, namely, to ensure that no one be left behind. In that regard, my delegation recalls the fact that foreign occupation and colonial domination constitute the worst form of human rights violation and the very denial of those rights. My delegation will continue to recall the fact that the right to self-determination is clearly enshrined in international law, particularly the Charter of the United Nations and the international covenants on human rights. In that context, we stress the fact that the people of the 17 non-self-governing territories legitimately expect to fully exercise their right to self-detrmination, that the responsibility to complete the decolonization process is incumbent upon the United Nations and that, once again, it is deplorable that, in the twenty- first century, we hear voices rising up against this fundamental right, in flagrant breach of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the various relevant resolutions. Such opposition also runs counter to resolution 70/1, solemnly adopted in September 2015, enshrining the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, whose universal and global nature our Heads of State and Government committed to upholding by adopting it by consensus. On the other hand, my delegation particularly emphasizes the fact that the manner in which this resolution was adopted — thanks to the flexibilty shown by the Group of 77 and China — shall by no means constitute grounds to be invoked in the context of future activities, in particular intergovernmental activities within the United Nations system.

I would like to thank the co-facilitators and all those who worked painstakingly for months to achieve this outcome, and in doing so, to offer further clarity on a critical element of the 2030 Agenda. We also want to thank the many countries that came to the table in good faith over the past months to forge forward towards this outcome. However, we would be remiss not to note our disappointment in how the final stages of this process unfolded after we had come to an agreement. Together, we have built a common understanding and respect for the methods and norms of our work together in this organ. Resolution 70/299 did not follow that, resulting in a disturbing erosion of trust. Coming out of a successful and energizing first High-level Political Forum, I hope that, as we move forward, this will not repeat itself, and that instead we can return to an important spirit of collegiality. Too much is on the line in the implementation of our agenda for that not to happen.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda items 15 and 116.