A/70/PV.81 General Assembly

Members will recall that, under agenda items 15 and 116, the General Assembly adopted resoltion 70/1, entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, at its 4th plenary meeting, held on 25 September. Members will also recall that the Assembly considered, in a joint debate, agenda items 15, 116 and 123 at its 52nd plenary meeting, held on 13 November. Before proceeding further, I should like to propose an oral revision to draft decision A/70/L.34, to the affect that the words “one-day” in the first line of paragraph 1 of the decision would be deleted. The first paragraph would therefore read as follows. “Decides to convene a high-level meeting of the plenary of the General Assembly, within existing resources, on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants, on 19 September 2016”. We shall now proceed to consider draft decision A/70/L.34, as orally revised. *1544622* 15-44622 (E) The Assembly will take action on draft decision A/70/L.34, entitled “High-level plenary meeting on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants”, as orally revised. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision, as orally revised?

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

The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Second Committee on agenda items 17 to 27, 64, 120 and 135. I request the Vice-Chair of the Second Committee, Mr. Reinhard Krapp, to introduce the reports of the Second Committee in one intervention. Mr. Krapp (Germany), Vice-Chair of the Second Committee: It is a great 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 seventieth session. The reports, contained in documents A/70/469 to A/70/480, A/70/518 and A/70/519, include the texts of draft resolutions and draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee to the General Assembly for adoption. For the convenience of delegations, a checklist of action taken in the Committee has been prepared by the Secretariat and is contained in document A/C.2/70/INF/1. During this main part of the seventieth session of the General Assembly, the Second Committee held 36 plenary meetings and 6 special events, 2 of which were joint formal meetings with the Economic and Social Council. The Second Committee adopted a total of 43 draft resolutions, 4 of which were adopted with a vote, and 5 draft decisions. Under agenda item 17, entitled “Information and communications technologies for development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 11 of document A/70/469, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 18, entitled “Macroeconomic policy questions”, the report of the Committee is issued in five parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/70/470, and the recommendations are contained in the following addendums. Under sub-item (a), entitled “International trade and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 19 of document A/70/470/Add.1, the adoption of three draft resolutions, and, in paragraph 20, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “International financial system and development”, the Second Committee recommends, in parargraph 13 of document A/70/470/Add.2, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item (c), entitled “External debt sustainability and development”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/470/Add.3, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (d), entitled “Commodities”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/470/Add.4, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 19, entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 11 of document A/70/471, 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/70/472, and the recommendations are contained in the chapeau, as well as in the addendums. Under the chapeau of item 20, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 42 of document A/70/472, the adoption of eight draft resolutions, and, in paragaph 43, the adoption of one draft decision. Under sub-item (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 9 of document A/70/472/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway, and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/472/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (c), entitled “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/70/472/Add.3, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item (d), entitled “Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/472/Add.4, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (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 8 of document A/70/472/Add.5, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (f), entitled “Convention on Biological Diversity”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/70/472/Add.6, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (g), entitled “Harmony with Nature”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/472/Add.7, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (h), entitled “United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/472/Add.8, the adoption of one draft resolution. Also under item 20, entitled “Sustainable development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/70/472/Add.9, the adoption of one draft resolution. 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 10 of document A/70/473, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 22, entitled “Globalization and interdependence”, the report of the Committee is issued in five parts.The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/70/474, and the recommendations are contained in the following addendums. Under sub-item (a), entitled “Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/474/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “Science and technology for development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/70/474/Add.2, the adoption of two draft resolutions. Under sub-item (c), entitled “Culture and sustainable development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/70/474/Add.3, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (d), entitled “Development cooperation with middle-income countries”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/474/Add.4, 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/70/475, and the recommendations are contained in the following addendums. Under sub-item (a), entitled “Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/475/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “Follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/70/475/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 four parts. The report under the chapeau is contained in document A/70/476 and the recommendations are contained in the following addendums. Under sub-item (a), entitled “Implementation of the Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008-2017)”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A.70/476/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “Women in development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragaph 8 of document A/70/476/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (c), entitled “Human resources development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/476/Add.3, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (a) of agenda item 25, entitled “Operational activities for development of the United Nations system”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/70/477/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under sub-item (b), entitled “South-South cooperation for development”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/70/477/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 26, entitled “Agriculture, development, food security and nutrition”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 13 of document A/70/478, the adoption of one draft resolution, and, in paragraph 14, the adoption of one draft decision. Under agenda item 27, entitled “Towards global partnerships”, the Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/70/479, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 64, 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/70/480, the adoption of one draft resolution. Under agenda item 120, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”, the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/70/518, the adoption of two draft decisions. Finally, under agenda item 135, entitled “Programme planning”, as indicated in paragraph 2 of document A/70/519, no action was required on the item. Before concluding, I would like to recall the high-level of cooperation that prevails in the Second Committee. Although the work of the Second Committee had to be extended for two weeks to reach a successful conclusion, the Committee was able to fulfil the mandate entrusted to it by the Assembly and to complete its work effectively and constructively. I would 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 negotiations on our draft resolutions. I would also like to thank all delegations for their constructive participation and cooperation in reaching consensus on many draft resolutions and decisions. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to our Chair, Mr. Andrej Logar of Slovenia, as well as to the Vice-Chairs, Mr. Purnomo Ahmad Chandra of Indonesia, Mr. Enrique Carrillo Gómez of Paraguay and Ms. Chantal Uwizera of Rwanda, for their extraordinary collaboration and partnership during this challenging and successful session of the Second Committee. I also thank the secretariat of the Second Committee for its outstanding assistance and support to all the members of the Bureau. Before I conclude, I would like to request delegations that have any queries about corrections to the texts of the draft resolutions that were adopted by the Second Committee, to communicate them, as soon as possible, to the secretariat of the Second Committee, so that any corrections may be made prior to the final issuance of texts as resolutions of the General Assembly. Finally, 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 the opportunity to spend a well-deserved break from our work. Last but not least, I wish everyone here peace and prosperity in the new year.

I thank the Vice-Chair 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, that is, either in the Committee or in plenary meeting, unless that delegation’s vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee.” May I further remind delegations that, also in accordance with 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 proposal, delegations will have an opportunity to explain their positions before and after the General Assembly takes action on all of the proposals. 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 in English only in document A/C.2/70/INF/1. The note has been distributed desk-to-desk in the Hall as a reference guide for action on draft resolutions and decisions recommended by the Second Committee in its reports. In that connection, members will find, in column 4 of the note, the symbols of the draft resolutions or decisions for action in the plenary, with the corresponding symbols of the reports for action in column 2 of the same note. For reports containing multiple recommendations, the draft resolution or decision number is contained in column 3 of the 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 co-sponsored in the plenary by Member States. Any clarification about co-sponsorship should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee. I would also like to remind members that any corrections in the voting intentions of delegations after the voting has concluded on a proposal should be made directly to the Secretariat. I will seek members’ cooperation in avoiding any interruptions to our proceedings in that regard.

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report. Members will recall that under this item the Assembly held its high-level meeting on the overall review of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society at its 76th to 79th plenary meetings, on 15 and 16 December, and adopted resolution 70/125, at its 79th plenary meeting, on 16 December. 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 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. (a) International trade and development Report of the Second Committee (A/70/470/Add.1)

The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 19 of its report, and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 20 of the same report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to III and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “Unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries”. A recorded vote has been requested.

Draft resolution II is entitled “Consumer protection”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution III is entitled “International trade and development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

We will now turn to paragraph 20 of the report to take action on the draft decision entitled “Venue of the fourteenth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 2016”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

I now give the floor to the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomes the adoption of resolution 70/185, entitled “Unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries”, which was submitted by the Group of 77 and China as part of the work of the Second Committee. Our country voted in favour of this resolution because it believes that unilateral measures run counter to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Declaration on the Principles of International Law with respect to friendly relations and cooperation among States Members of the United Nations. Such measures are a threat to respect for equal rights among States, the self-determination of peoples and non-intervention in the internal affairs of States, as well as the inalienable right of all States to determine their own political, social, economic and cultural system without interference from any other State. Imposing unilateral measures adversely affects the normal political, economic, social and cultural development of the country being subjected to those measures and violates the human rights of its nationals. Unilateral measures have been imposed on our country, and we categorically reject them. Bearing in mind the spirit of the resolution just adopted, we hope that the international community will support the adoption of urgent and effective measures to address, condemn and reject such illegal and illegitimate measures as they are used as a way to exercise political and economic pressure on our country.

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 two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “International financial system and development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Draft resolution II is entitled “Financial inclusion for 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 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 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 (c) of agenda item 18?

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 General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 18.

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 draft resolution is 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 likewise?

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

The Assembly has before it eight draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 42 of its report, and a draft decision recommended in paragraph 43 of the same report. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolutions I to VIII and on the draft decision, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, 2017”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We now turn to draft resolution II, entitled “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”. A recorded vote has been requested.

Draft resolution III is entitled “Combating sand and dust storms”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution IV is entitled “Sustainable tourism and sustainable development in Central America”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution V is entitled “Towards comprehensive cooperation among all modes of transport for promoting sustainable multimodal transit corridors”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We now turn to draft resolution VI, entitled “Agricultural technology for sustainable development”. A recorded vote has been requested.

Draft resolution VII is entitled “United Nations forest instrument”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution VIII is entitled “Global Code of Ethics for Tourism”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

We will now turn to paragraph 43 of the report to take action on the draft decision entitled “Report of the Secretary-General on the International Day of Forests.” May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft decision, as recommended by the Second Committee?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 20. (a) 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 Report of the Second Committee (A/70/472/Add.1)

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 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 20? (b) Follow-up to and implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States Report of the second Committee (A/70/472/Add.2)

The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The Assembly 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 (b) of agenda item 20?

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “World Tsunami Awareness Day”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to do likewise?

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? (d) Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind Report of the Second Committee (A/70/472/Add.4)

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?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 20. (e) Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa Report of the Second Committee (A/70/472/Add.5)

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 (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 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?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 20. (h) United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development Report of the Second Committee (A/70/472/Add.8)

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, entitled “United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014”. 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 (h) of agenda item 20?

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. The Second Committee adopted it. 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 21.

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

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 22. (a) Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence Report of the Second Committee (A/70/474/Add.1)

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 (a) of agenda item 22?

The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report. We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II, one by one. Draft resolution I is entitled “International Day of Women and Girls in Science”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

Draft resolution II is entitled “Science, technology and innovation for development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to the same?

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?

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 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 22? (d) Development cooperation with middle-income countries Report of the Second Committee (A/70/474/Add.4)

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 likewise?

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

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

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/70/475/Add.1)

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?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 23. (b) Follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries Report of the Second Committee (A/70/475/Add.2)

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?

I now call on the representative of Azerbaijan, who wishes to speak in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted.

I would first like to thank the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Second Committee for their leadership of our efforts and for providing all the necessary support for negotiating our adoption of resolution 70/217 and achieving consensus on it. I would like to reiterate my country’s commitment to the goals outlined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries for the Decade 2014-2024, and our position on the resolution under discussion. In that regard, I would like to emphasize the importance of political will and the role to be played by the relevant stakeholders in mobilizing the input and resources needed to implement the Vienna Programme of Action. We believe that affiliation with the group of landlocked developing countries and the sharing of information on our specific needs and challenges will further encourage us to vigorously pursue a development agenda shaped by our mutual natural interests and political will, which is a fundamental basis for executing the resolution just adopted. Implementing the resolution, strengthening subregional and regional cooperation and promoting partnerships must entail settling regional conflicts, based on Security Council resolutions and the principles of international law, and should be carried out with regard to national policies and priorities. We believe the international community should do its best to support landlocked developing countries in settling their regional disputes, which result in economic and political challenges, by ensuring that the fundamental principles outlined in the Charter of the United Nations and international law are properly followed. In conclusion, I would like to express my delegation’s belief that the adoption today of resolution 70/217 will be a major contribution to the implementation of our shared objectives.

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? (b) Follow-up to the second United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries Report of the Second Committee (A/70/475/Add.2)

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 24. (a) Implementation of the Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008-2017) Report of the Second Committee (A/70/476/Add.1)

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, entitled “Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2008-2017)”. 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 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 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 (b) 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 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 24 and of agenda item 24 as a whole?

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

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 25. (a) Operational activities for development of the United Nations system Report of the Second Committee (A/70/477/Add.1)

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 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 25?

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, entitled “South-South cooperation”. 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 (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, and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 14 of the same report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Agriculture development, food security and nutrition”. 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 transmitting the report of the main decisions and policy recommendations of the Committee on World Food Security”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision, as recommended by the Second Committee?

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 10 of its report. We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, entitled “Towards global partnerships: a principle-based approach to enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and all relevant partners”. 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 27?

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. [Subsequently, the delegation of Somalia informed the Secretariat that it had intended to vote in favour.]

I call on the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela would like to commend today’s adoption of resolution 70/225, 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”, which was introduced by the speaker on behalf of the Group of 77 and China within the framework of the work of the Second Committee. My country voted in favour of the resolution in accordance with its traditional support to Palestine. We once again reject the State of Israel’s repressive policies towards the State of Palestine, which have an effect on Palestine’s economic and commercial activities that damages the country’s economy. We reiterate our call for the State of Palestine to have responsibility for the management and exploitation of its own natural resources. Israel’s interference in those areas denies Palestinians the right to develop their infrastructure and capacities with a view to reestablishing themselves on a path to economic growth. Venezuela would like to call on the international community to make every effort to ensure the clear and definitive implementation of resolution 70/225 and related resolutions, which can help to protect the Palestinian people from Israel’s continuing aggression. We also demand that Israel cease its violations of international law.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 64?

The Assembly has before it two draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. We will first take action on draft decision I, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the Second Committee”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision, as recommended by the Second Committee?

The Assembly will now take action on draft decision II, entitled “Draft programme of work of the Second Committee for the seventy-first session of the General Assembly”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II, as recommended by the Second Committee?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 120.

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

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 135.

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, entitled “United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and Sustainably Use the Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources for Sustainable Development”. The Second Committee adopted it. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

I now give the floor to the representative of Argentina, who wishes to speak in explanation of position.

Argentina has joined the consensus on the adoption of resolution 70/226 owing to the importance it attaches to the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and seas and their resources. We also value the constructive spirit with which the negotiations were on the resolution were carried out. However, we would like to put on record our position. Argentina is a country that attaches top priority to the oceans and their resources. Along with other countries of Latin America, we were pioneers in the development of the new law of the sea and concepts that were later recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Following the adoption of the Argentina’s interest in the oceans and the law of the sea has not changed since the adoption of the Convention — it remains a priority. Argentina shares the intention of the initiative presented by Fiji and Sweden to provide for the follow-up of the implementation of Goal 14 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1). However, we do not share the proposed method. In the process undertaken in the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, an understanding was reached that the follow-up to the implementation of the 16 Goals would be carried out on the basis of existing structures and would avoid duplication and the creation of new structures. Argentina does not agree that a high-level conference of the United Nations is the way to achieve that, because the implementation of the Goals related to the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and seas and their resources requires the involvement of bodies in which technical experts responsible for implementation at the national level also participate. Argentina will be actively involved in negotiating the modalities for the conference provided for in the resolution, in order to ensure that there will be no overlaps with competent forums on the oceans and law of the sea, including the United Nations Open- ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (UNICPOLOS), which was established by the General Assembly. In that connection, Argentina joined the consensus for the convening of the conference to be organized by Fiji and Sweden, on the understanding that its purpose is only to provide political momentum for the follow-up to Goal 14, and not to negotiate outcomes or recommendations, and also with the understanding that no further conferences of that kind would result from it, which would only generate parallel and overlapping structures to the existing forums. My delegation believes that there is a natural forum for Goal 14, which was created after the World Summit on Sustainable Development precisely to address oceans issues from the perspective of sustainable development and which falls under the authority of the General Assembly, namely, the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea. UNICPOLOS will undertake its review at its next session, in 2016. At that time, recommendations could be made to the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, to the Economic and Social Council and to the General Assembly on the modalities for such a follow-up.

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 20 and of sub-item (a) of agenda item 79. On behalf of the General Assembly, I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Andrej Logar, Permanent Representative of Slovenia and Chair of the Second Committee, the members of the Bureau, the Secretary of the Committee, as well as representatives, for a job well done. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Second Committee before it for this meeting.