A/72/PV.113 General Assembly

I now give the floor to the representative of Eswatini to introduce draft resolution A/72/L.68.

It is once again an honour to introduce, on behalf of the Group of African States, the draft resolution entitled “Consolidating gains and accelerating efforts to control and eliminate malaria in developing countries, particularly in Africa, by 2030” (A/72/L.68). In recent times, there has been a lull in the gains made in the battle against malaria. After many years of impressive reductions in the global malaria burden, the World Malaria Report of the World Health Organization has noted a worrying trend in the data, and progress has levelled off. Hence the need to redouble our efforts. That highlights the importance of the draft resolution that we are introducing here today, as it speaks first to the need to consolidate the gains made in the fight against malaria and subsequently to accelerate efforts leading to the eventual elimination of the disease by 2030. It is therefore critical that we focus on increasing our efforts in the battle that we are facing. I am therefore pleased to inform the General Assembly that there have been some technical updates in the 2018 draft resolution and some new paragraphs introduced highlighting current developments. Some of the most noteworthy include, first, the decision of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union at its thirty-first ordinary session, which endorsed the “Zero Malaria Starts with Me” campaign in July; secondly, the meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, held in London in April, at which member States committed to halve malaria in the Commonwealth countries by 2023, including the pledge by stakeholders to raise $4 billion in commitments to malaria control and elimination; and, lastly, the recognition that the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a primary multilateral funder for malaria control and elimination, and that continued progress on malaria elimination will rely, inter alia, on the successful replenishment of the Global Fund. The aforementioned speaks to the call by the Group of African States, during the introduction of resolution 71/325 on this topic last year, for funding to be increased so as to enable efforts to continue to progress unhindered. As representatives of a region acutely affected, we are grateful for the new commitments made, as they will address the funding gap that had been previously identified as a source of concern. We renew the call for widening the scope of funding that is available for the fight against malaria and broadening the base for sourcing funds by the Global Fund to ensure continued support of our initiatives. In conclusion, allow me to express our gratitude to the representatives who participated in consultations on the draft resolution for their engagement, constructive contributions and spirit of compromise. Further appreciation goes out to the sponsors of the draft resolution, and we invite other delegations to join in the sponsorship. We look forward to the adoption of the draft resolution by consensus as in previous years.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/72/L.68, entitled “Consolidating gains and accelerating efforts to control and eliminate malaria in developing countries, particularly in Africa, by 2030”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, in addition to those delegations listed in document A/72/L.68, the following countries have become sponsors of the draft resolution: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brazil, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Monaco. Myanmar, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/72/L.68?

I now give the floor to those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of position.on the resolution just adopted.

The Government of the United States remains honoured to be a part of the massive and concerted global effort to end malaria and its devastating impact on individuals and communities. Progress over the past 15 years has indeed been remarkable. Malaria is no longer the leading cause of death in children under five years of age in Africa, and several countries are transitioning their programmes from focusing on controlling the disease to eliminating it. Yet that process is fragile and has not been, and will never be, linear. The United States Government recognizes that sustained support over time is necessary. The United States Government has committed more than $6.8 billion bilaterally for malaria control and elimination through the United States President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). In addition, approximately one third of the United States $15.6 billion total commitments to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria benefits malaria-endemic country programmes. Launched in 2005 in only three countries, the PMI now supports 24 programmes in malaria-endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa and three programmes in the Greater Mekong subregion in Asia, where resistance threatens the efficacy of antimalarial drugs. In joining the consensus on the adoption of resolution 73/209, the United States commends the efforts and commitment of Member States resolved to eliminate malaria and applauds their progress to date, urges Member States to sustain their political commitment and funding, and recognizes the threats posed by resistance to insecticides and anti-malarial drugs. We acknowledge progress made in parts of Africa and Latin America, especially in the following countries, which have most recently been certified malaria-free or are poised to receive certification in the near future: Paraguay, El Salvador and Argentina. The United States Government also acknowledges the progress made by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the South-East Asia region, where eight of the nine malaria-endemic countries are on target to achieve at least a 40 per cent reduction in case incidence by 2020, and India is on track to achieve a reduction in the range of 20 to 40 per cent. The United States shares the view expressed in the resolution recognizing the need to strengthen malaria surveillance and data quality and urges the global malaria community to use data to make evidence-based decisions. Given the influx of data and the advancements in the development of new malaria-control products, the United States Government stands ready to work with the WHO and other institutions to ensure that global technical recommendations evolve at a pace with incoming data and advancements in research and development. Regarding the right-to-health language contained in paragraph 22 of the resolution and in the light of article 2, paragraph 1, of of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the United States interprets references to the obligations of States as applicable only to the extent that they have assumed such obligations. We note that countries have a wide array of policies and actions that may be appropriate in promoting the progressive realization of the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Finally, as we have stated for several consecutive years, it is not appropriate for a United Nations document to speak to ongoing or future work of the WTO, or to undermine the independent mandate and processes of the WTO. The discussion in paragraph 34 of the resolution of the amendment to article 31 of the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights is imbalanced and biased, and it is inappropriate for the United Nations to call on WTO members to take action on that issue. Therefore, as was the case last year, the United States must disassociate itself from paragraph 34, and we insist that the inclusion of that language in the resolution not serve as a basis for future negotiations. We find it unfortunate that so many negotiations have been stalled by the same issues around intellectual property, which unnecessarily inflames the discussion of serious health challenges. This year’s resolution on malaria highlights the way in which some countries have chosen to pursue other agendas, even when they have little or no relevance to the topic at hand. In the case of malaria, we note that for the anti-malaria medicines on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, there is not a single patent in a single country that is still in force. It therefore defies logic to assert that intellectual property can be a barrier to access to those anti-malaria medicines. On the other hand, intellectual property is essential for the development of new medicines, including the new medicines we will need in order to treat malaria when resistance develops to current regimens. The United States is therefore concerned that the threat or use of compulsory licensing will choke off the research and development that will be needed to save lives in the future. We request that this statement be made part of the official record of the proceedings of this meeting.

We have heard the only speaker in explanation of position after the adoption of resolution 72/309. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 13?

I now give the floor to the representative of Egypt to introduce draft resolution A/72/L.57/Rev.1.

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I have the honour to introduce to the General Assembly the draft resolution entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”, as contained in document A/72/L.57/Rev.1. The value of the draft resolution cannot be overstated, because it highlights the progress made by African countries in the implementation of their various development programmes and projects supported by development partners. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) draft resolution provides an insight into how far Africa has come since the previous resolution on the topic was adopted by the General Assembly (resolution 71/320) and places the spotlight firmly on those areas that need support in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. In many ways it provides a record, year-on-year, of what Africa has achieved. The draft resolution also reaffirms the importance of international support in development. Progress in development and support for development are two vital aspects that ensure the implementation of the ambitious objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They are linked to the African Union Agenda 2063 and, we believe, will ultimately empower our continent and its people to eradicate poverty. May I take this opportunity to recall that Agenda 2063 sets out the blueprint for development in Africa until the year 2063, and that it is divided into 10-year implementation plans. NEPAD and this draft resolution speak directly to that development nexus. This year, in the drafting process of the text, we saw greater openness aimed at streamlining the text and at rendering it more focused. However, we believe that there was too much emphasis on shortening the text, which could lead to the result that the substance is not completely addressed. NEPAD is an important reflection of the responsibility accepted by African countries for their own economic and social development. A strengthened and positive balance between the actions by African Governments and the response of the international community should be acknowledged and supported by being reflected in the draft resolution. Herein lies the much-needed stability that is fundamental to addressing the special development needs of the continent. Instead of support for this important balance, we have unfortunately seen what can be regarded only as deliberate attempts to significantly weaken this year’s draft resolution. The Group believes such an approach is contrary to the sentiments outlined in the 2030 Agenda, which perfectly complements the African Union Agenda 2063. This draft resolution seeks to emphasize the coherence and coordinated implementation of both Agendas. They must be seen within a single context. This year’s draft resolution underlines the importance of creating a domestic environment that is conducive to encouraging entrepreneurship and the formalization of informal sector activities. It also calls for investment for the express purpose of promoting a transparent, stable and predictable investment climate. Those aspects are among those required to strengthen good governance on the African continent, leading to what paragraph 4 of the draft resolution refers to as “proper contract enforcement and respect for property rights, embedded in sound macroeconomic policies and institutions”. The fundamental importance of foreign direct investment, which is a major source of financing for development, and the need to broaden and strengthen the voice and participation of developing countries in international platforms are also well outlined in this draft resolution. We note that the draft resolution speaks of official development assistance, calling for developed countries to meet their commitment of 0.7 per cent of their gross national income to official development assistance, with 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of their gross national income going to least developed countries. Furthermore, the draft resolution speaks of international trade as an engine for inclusive economic growth and calls for coherence in trade policies towards African countries. The draft resolution also calls for capacity-building and assistance in meeting the challenges brought on by trade liberalization. I would like to add, however, that we would have liked to have seen more on the concerns relating to official development assistance to Africa, and particularly Africa’s disproportionately low share of the volume of international trade. The draft resolution welcomes the progress made by African countries in fulfilling their commitments in the implementation of NEPAD and towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One area of progress happily highlighted in this draft is that of agriculture. The Group regrets, however, that more was not said of the progress made by African countries in that regard. Another area that has been highlighted includes explicit examples of progress, in particular through collaboration among African countries to promote innovative public-private partnerships for the financing of infrastructure projects. We hope that this aspect will not be watered down in future draft resolutions. The Group hopes to see a strengthening of examples that prove that Africa as a whole is on the right path. As a Group, we are open and willing to work on a continued process aimed at developing forward- thinking concepts and at polishing the specificities of such issues, such as supporting the creation of an inclusive industrial sector; enhancing capacities to strengthen national health systems; augmenting the level of resilience against challenges posed by climate change, drought, land degradation and desertification; and many other matters that impede the achievement of our common goals. In that regard, the Beijing Declaration and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Action Plan (2019-2021), adopted by the African countries and China at the recently held 2018 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, covering fields such as industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, health care and green development, give strong impetus to the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda. The Group of 77 and China’s fundamental objective with this draft resolution and others is to be able to reach consensus. The Group is gravely concerned that a draft resolution aimed at enhancing Africa’s sustainable development and which demonstrates progress being made in Africa is being subjected to a vote in the General Assembly. We call on all Member States to vote in favour of the draft resolution. Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the representatives of Algeria and Angola for their commendable efforts and roles as coordinators on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. I would also like to thank the representative of South Africa for her role in facilitating the consultations on the draft resolution and her outstanding outreach aimed at presenting a well-balanced text to be considered for adoption. Before I conclude, allow me to make an oral revision to the twelfth preambular paragraph, namely, to change the word “recalling” to “welcoming”. This oral revision has been communicated to all Member States. I also wish to express my thanks to all delegations for their efforts aimed at constructive commitment and participation, as well as to the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa for its support throughout the entire consultation process.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United States to introduce the draft amendment contained in document A/72/L.71.

I thank you, Sir, for the opportunity to introduce the draft amendment contained in document A/72/L.71. Since the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, the United States has noted that a certain Member State has consistently sought to insert language promoting win-win cooperation or mutually beneficial cooperation as a model of development cooperation in many draft resolutions across a range of issues that affect development cooperation. In 2015, when the SDGs were developed, that concept did not have a clear meaning beyond its generally accepted colloquial use in English. Over the past three years, however, the United States has become increasingly concerned about the consequences of including such language, particularly as part of an effort to privilege that form of development cooperation over other models. Our concerns are that the practical effect of promoting that mode of development cooperation is to establish a quid pro quo between developing countries and their development partners whereby a development actor expects to gain some tangible benefit from cooperation in exchange for its assistance to the developing country. That type of development cooperation is contrary to best practices, including those set out in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s guidelines on development cooperation. Such conditional assistance is also the antithesis of the kind of effective, sustainable partnerships that the United States, like-minded donors and our development partners, including those in Africa, have worked to build for decades. We are concerned that, rather than supporting truly sustainable development, that so-called win-win model leads to unsustainable debt levels, corruption, poor development outcomes and, in worst cases, the forfeiture of critical national assets that should be available to contribute to the long- term economic health and sustainable development of a developing country. The draft amendment proposed by the United States is a straightforward and small change that would help achieve the goal of restoring balance to the draft resolution and end the effort to privilege a certain form of development assistance over all others. To that end, the United States urges all Member States to vote in favour of the United States draft amendment changing the words “win-win” to the word “international”, and the United States hopes that the amendment will enjoy the support of all Member States that believe that sustainable development should be the goal of the draft resolution (A/72/L.57/Rev.1) on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/72/L.57/Rev.1, entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”, and draft amendment A/72/L.71 to the draft resolution. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I would like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in document A/72/L.57/Rev.1, Turkey has also become a sponsor of draft resolution A/72/L.57/Rev.1.

In accordance with rule 90 of Assembly’s rules of procedure, the Assembly will first take a decision on the proposed draft amendment circulated in document A/72/L.71.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/72/L.57/Rev.1.

Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, also align themselves with this statement. At the outset, we would like to thank the delegation of South Africa, as the facilitator of the negotiation process on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development; Egypt, the holder of the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China; and Algeria and Angola, which represented the Group of 77 and China in the informal consultations. Allow me to commend the work of the facilitator and colleagues representing the groups and members for reducing the length of resolution 72/310. That is a step forward, and the European Union and its member States engaged constructively on the resolution on that basis. While the European Union and its member States joined the consensus on this resolution today, we also take note that some concerns were not reflected in the final text, which remains declaratory and devoid of the operational dimension that would make a real difference for the lives of people in Africa and their partners. As we have said repeatedly, we have three core documents that we all agreed on in 2015: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; the Addis Ababa Action Agenda on financing for development; and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We must now focus on the implementation of those political commitments. That means transforming the work we do here in New York so as to modernize other resolutions, with a sharp and clear focus on results. Instead, in this resolution we see new, additional and vague concepts imposed on the membership. I refer to paragraph 28. We do not believe that slogans will move us closer to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda or Agenda 2063 of the African Union. The concept of win-win cooperation has changed substantially from the time it was inserted in the 2030 Agenda, becoming a development cooperation tool that calls for mutual economic gains and takes precedence over the sustainable development needs of the receiving countries. We reject that notion and the concept behind it. Furthermore, regarding paragraph 55, our quest for a more coherent and focused agenda on development- related issues in the United Nations is not new. It is part of the need to revitalize an agenda that is growing in size, burden and irrelevance. This resolution is, unfortunately, a clear example of the occasions to make a difference here in the United Nations that we have missed. Over 90 per cent of its content could have easily and more appropriately figured in the preambular paragraphs. In that sense, this year’s resolution is not different from last year’s (resolution 71/320), which in turn was not different from the previous one. While it has been adequately updated, this resolution does not need to be and should not be submitted on an annual basis. That is also why the European Union and its member States will consider whether or not to engage in this negotiation again during the seventy-third session of the General Assembly. Despite the issues I mentioned, the European Union and its member States would like to reiterate their commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 of the African Union, and we look forward to further constructive dialogue and cooperation.

The Chinese delegation aligns itself fully with the statement delivered by the representative of Egypt on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. In 2015, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted at the United Nations summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda. In that document world leaders jointly committed to promote the worthy cause of the sustainable development of humankind. The 2030 Agenda explicitly stipulates that all parties should uphold win-win cooperation so that the benefits of development will be shared by all countries of the world. Upholding win-win cooperation is a solemn pledge made by the entire United Nations membership in the 2030 Agenda, and it is an important building block and basic principle underlying achievement of the Agenda. It is a principle that should be safeguarded and adhered to. It should not be jeopardized or undermined under any pretext. Some parties are benefiting from this important principle while simultaneously jeopardizing or undermining it. China firmly supports the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the adoption of resolution 72/310 by consensus. We deeply regret that some countries requested a recorded vote. China has always supported NEPAD alongside African countries, and we follow the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, as well as the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests. China has long stood with African countries. Together, we have worked in harmony and forged ahead. Recently China and African countries jointly convened the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Chinese and African leaders deliberated on the theme “China and Africa: towards an Even Stronger Community with a Shared Future through Win-win Cooperation”. Through profound exchanges and consultations, they decided on eight initiatives for cooperation, covering such areas as industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, green development, capacity- building, health care, people-to-people exchanges, and peace and development. The leaders agreed to achieve strategic and close alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative, the 2030 Agenda, Agenda 2063 of the African Union, and the national development strategies of African countries, so as to inject new vitality into our common development through win-win cooperation. At the Beijing Summit, President Xi Jinping pointed out that China has all along respected, loved and supported Africa. We follow a five-node approach in our relations with African countries, namely, no interference in the pursuit by African countries of development paths that suit their national conditions; no interference in the internal affairs of African countries; no imposition of our will on African countries; no attachment of political strings to assistance to Africa; and no search for selfish political gains from investment and financing cooperation with Africa. We hope that this five-node approach will be applied by other countries as they deal with matters regarding Africa. China supports African countries in their efforts to achieve their independent and self-reliant development so that African people can have a happy and better life.

Throughout the negotiations on resolution 72/310, we made our concerns with the text well known. We repeatedly offered alternative formulations during the negotiations, and today we offered a constructive amendment in the spirit of compromise that would ensure that the resolution remained consistent with the principles of the United Nations. We are therefore disappointed that those and other efforts to address the presence of inappropriate language in this text were not successful. As a result, the United States felt compelled to call for a vote today and to vote against this year’s resolution on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: implementation and international support”, owing to the presence of the national policy rhetoric of a single Member State in the text. The United States applauds the efforts of the African Union (AU) to realize the goals and aspirations of NEPAD. We strongly support NEPAD’s overall mission to address the critical challenges of poverty, development and marginalization facing Africa internationally. The United States is a staunch supporter of AU efforts towards our shared goal of a stable and prosperous Africa. As a clear example of our commitment, we are proud to have been one of the non-African countries to establish a separate diplomatic mission to the AU, a reflection of the robust and deep historical relationship between Africa and the United States. Since 2007, the United States has contributed over $1 billion in voluntary and in-kind support to the African Union Mission in Somalia. Since its inception, in 2004, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has provided over $67 billion for Africa, including life-saving treatments to more than 13.3 million men, women and children, and has enabled more than 2.2 million babies to be born HIV-free on the continent. With the AU, we hope to establish the Africa centre for disease control. These are just a few examples of how the United States and the AU continue to collaborate to meet the challenges facing Africa. The United States continues to seek new areas of cooperation and collaboration with our African partners. However, we cannot support draft resolutions on this topic as long as they include references to win-win cooperation, such as appeared in paragraph 28 of today’s resolution. One State Member of the United Nations has been promoting such language and other similar phrases in an effort to promote the domestic policy agenda of its Head of State through United Nations policies, programmes and documents. None of us should support the incorporation of language targeting a domestic political audience into multilateral documents, and we should not support language that undermines the fundamental principles of sustainable development. Short cuts to economic prosperity and social development that set aside the rule of law, human rights, good governance and the participation of civil society, or that would mortgage countries’ economic futures and national patrimonies, can only undermine truly sustainable development, especially for the most vulnerable among us. The United States commitment to international development is enshrined in the President’s National Security Strategy. We remain the largest provider of official development assistance and continue to support countries most in need, while promoting a path to self- reliance and resilience. We are committed to continuing our support for the efforts of the AU and NEPAD to address critical challenges on the ground, where it matters most. At the same time, I must also reiterate our well- known concerns with certain aspects of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, in particular their climate-change language and technology-transfer language. In that connection, I refer the Assembly to our explanation of vote delivered at the adoption of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development Ministerial Declaration in July. In addition, we would have been unable to join a consensus on the attempt in paragraph 33 to prescribe the appropriate characteristics of international systems that are independent of the United Nations. We reject any texts that suggest that the Organization should give direction to other independent multilateral institutions with respect to member countries’ trade policies, including the reference to improved market access in paragraph 44. We are disappointed that we had to call for a vote today on the resolution just adopted, and to cast a vote against it. In no way should that vote be construed as a lessening of our support for our shared goals and our partnership with Africa, and we strongly urge our African friends and partners to work with us going forward to avoid such outcomes in the future.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the voting. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 66?

I now give the floor to the representative of Egypt to introduce draft resolution A/72/L.59/Rev.1.

I have the honour to deliver the following statement on behalf of the Group of 77 (G- 77) and China, introducing draft resolution A/72/L.59/ Rev.1, on the implementation of the recommendation contained in the report (A/72/223) of the Secretary- General on the causes of conflict in Africa and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. We believe that the draft resolution continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening Africa’s responsibility and role in securing peace and security on the continent, and entails the need for Africa to strengthen its capacity to address the root causes of conflict and to resolve conflict in a peaceful manner. The G-77 and China acknowledges positive trends and advances in achieving durable peace in Africa. The draft resolution also emphasizes the need to create the conditions required for durable peace as a prerequisite for sustainable development. In that regard, there is an urgent need to continue developing Africa’s human and institutional capacities, particularly in countries emerging from conflict. The Group recalls that African countries have taken numerous steps to address peace and security challenges at the national and regional levels, including in dealing with terrorism and instability, by establishing the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel and the Multinational Joint Task Force, and by deploying the African Union Mission in Somalia. Those commendable efforts serve, despite their limited capacity and resources, to manifest Africa’s determination to find solutions to its own security challenges. Furthermore, African countries have demonstrated growing commitment to the rule of law and good governance. The African Peer Review Mechanism has become a unique and innovative framework for promoting good governance, as well as durable peace and sustainable development, across the continent. In that regard, all efforts should focus on ensuring the necessary means for implementation, including financial resources, technology transfer and capacity- building. The scale must be ambitious enough to meet the aspirations of the Sustainable Development Goals. Developed countries should fulfil their commitments to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, including with regard to official development assistance, as aid remains an important source for development financing for developing countries, particularly in Africa. The G-77 and China is of the view that, in order to complement and strengthen Africa’s efforts to address challenges to the continent’s peace and security, it is critical that partners enhance their support for African peace and security activities, and help build the continent’s own capacity to prevent and resolve conflict through increased assistance. No country or organization can solve such challenges alone. Moreover, the G-77 and China underscores the importance of the long-standing and exemplary partnership between the United Nations and Africa, notably through the support for the establishment and operationalization of the African Union Peace and Security Architecture, which comprises cooperation between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council. This year’s draft resolution brings in new elements to advance Africa’s efforts in that regard. It underlines the importance of a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace and to preventing conflict by addressing its root causes. Promoting sustained economic growth, eradicating poverty and promoting reconciliation and unity at the national level are crucial to addressing the expansion of conflict in the African continent. The draft resolution underlines the need to address the economic, social and environmental impact of climate change, desertification and land degradation in Africa. Initiatives enhancing agricultural resilience in Africa, particularly the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme and other initiatives, such as the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel and the Land Policy Initiative, are not only important but critical to the agricultural security of the African continent and, by extension, to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Group calls upon the international community to enhance support and fulfil its commitments to take further actions in areas to the economic and social development of the African continent. That can be achieved only if a mutually beneficial approach is employed to create a shared future based on the common humanity of all States Members of the United Nations. The Group is therefore gravely concerned that the draft resolution, which is aimed at drastically reducing conflict situations and promoting durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, is being subjected to a vote in the General Assembly. Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the representative of Nigeria for his commendable efforts as coordinator of the Group of 77 and China. I would also like to thank the representative of Morocco for his role in facilitating the consultations on the draft resolution and his outstanding outreach enabling us to present a text that is well-balanced to be considered for adoption. We express our appreciation to all members for their effort and constructive engagement in the negotiation process. The Group of 77 and China would also like to express its appreciation to the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa for its support during the negotiations on this draft resolution. We look forward to working with all partners in mutual trust and in good faith to implement the key deliverables in this draft resolution.

I now give the floor to the representative of Austria to introduce the draft amendment contained in document A/72/L.70.

I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States to introduce the draft amendment to draft resolution A/72/L.59/Rev.1 contained in document A/72/L.70. The EU and its member States would like to call for the deletion of the word “agriculture” before the word “resilience” in paragraph 10 of the draft resolution. Throughout the negotiations, the EU and its member States have voiced their concern that the draft resolution should address all root causes of conflicts, including climate-related threats. The interplay between climate and security is not an abstract theoretical risk, and failing to build resilience to climate change will threaten lives, livelihoods and economies across the world. Paragraph 10, as it has been presented in the draft resolution, focuses too narrowly on agriculture resilience and excludes other climate change-related challenges, such as food insecurity or water insecurity. Despite its relevance, it is also insufficient, and the consequences of climate change will have a negative impact on our progress towards achieving the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We must continue our efforts to build resilience to climate change. By presenting this amendment to strike out “agriculture”, we therefore call on the General Assembly to take into account in this paragraph all risks, including climate-related security risks. I thank the Assembly for its attention and its support.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United States of America to introduce the draft amendment contained in document A/72/L.72.

The United States cannot support the references to the “spirit of win-win cooperation” and the creation of “a shared future, based upon our common humanity”, which currently appear in paragraph 17. Those phrases represent an unprecedented and inappropriate effort by a single Member State to insert the political rhetoric and domestic political agenda of its Head of State into United Nations policy documents. We have therefore proposed the following change. In paragraph 17, the words “in the spirit of win-win cooperation and to create a shared future, based upon on our common humanity” should be deleted. This draft amendment would in no way weaken or undermine the text; rather, it would remove this awkward and unnecessary rhetoric that serves only to privilege the domestic political agenda of a certain Head of State over the accepted principles of the United Nations and the stated purpose of the draft resolution. We therefore urge all Member States to support the draft amendment contained in document A/72/L.72.

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/72/L.59/Rev.1 and draft amendments A/72/L.70 and A/72/L.72. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote before the voting, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

It is unfortunate that we must take the floor again to call for a vote on the draft resolution contained in document A/72/L.59/Rev.1. The United States supports the majority of the ideas underlying the draft resolution regarding the causes of conflict in Africa. We join with others here today in welcoming the progress made by African countries, the African Union and subregional organizations in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and development, and urge continuing close collaboration among those actors and the United Nations system in pursuit of those goals. The United States echoes the concerns expressed in the draft resolution about the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in Africa and supports the call to enhance the role of women in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. We also commend the African-led initiatives to strengthen political and economic governance and strive towards creating enabling environments for inclusive economic growth. However, as noted in our draft amendment (A/72/L.72), the United States objects to language in paragraph 17 that incorporates certain political catchphrases associated with a particular Member State into a draft resolution on the causes of conflict in Africa. This ideologically driven language is contrary to the very object and purpose of the draft resolution and, if fully embraced, is likely to increase conflict, rather than ameliorate it. The type of development and political cooperation represented by the so-called win-win model is in sharp contrast to well-established development best practices, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected States. The United States has consistently supported many important goals of the African Union Agenda 2063, most recently at the United States-African Union High- level Dialogue held in November 2017 in Washington, D.C., and notes that the Agenda includes such goals as improving access to, and the quality of, education, investing in infrastructure, protecting the environment, strengthening democracy and the rule of law, and many other worthy initiatives shared by African countries and the United States. There should be no question about our unparalleled commitment to peace and prosperity in Africa. Given our intense and long-time partnerships in Africa, we were therefore frustrated that negotiations on areas of concern were unable to get the draft text into a place we could support it. In particular, in addition to our previously noted concerns, we are concerned by language committing to reducing food imports that could have a negative impact on food security, and we hope to hold further discussions with the African Union on this issue. We also have well-known concerns with certain elements of the language on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the Paris Agreement, climate change, market access and technology transfer, as stated in our explanation of vote delivered at the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Throughout negotiations, we have made our issues with this draft text well known. We have offered constructive amendments in the spirit of compromise, but we simply cannot join consensus on a draft resolution that validates the efforts of a single Member State to incorporate its unrelated, and frankly inappropriate, domestic political agenda into this draft resolution on the causes of conflict in Africa. The United States will therefore call for a vote on the draft resolution and will vote no on the draft text if it remains unchanged. We cannot join consensus on the endorsement of a pernicious effort to promote the domestic political agenda of a single Member State at the expense of the basic framework of international human rights, and we will continue to use our voice and stand up for the principles of sovereignty, human rights and truly sustainable development.

We have heard the only speaker in explanation of vote before the voting. The General Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/72/L.59/Rev.1, entitled “Implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to those delegations listed in document A/72/L.59/Rev.1, Turkey has also become a sponsor of the draft resolution.

In accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, before we proceed to take action on draft resolution A/72/L.59/Rev.1, the Assembly shall first take decisions on the draft amendments issued as documents A/72/L.70 and A/72/L.72, one by one. We will first take action on the draft amendment contained in document A/72/L.70. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft amendment A/72/L.70?

We will next take action on the draft amendment contained in document A/72/L.72.

We will now take action on draft resolution A/72/L.59/Rev.1.

Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote after the voting on resolution 72/311, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. The candidate countries the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania; the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia, align themselves with this statement. At the outset, let me express the group’s gratitude to Morocco, in its capacity as the facilitator of the process of negotiations on resolution 72/311, on the causes of conflicts and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, and Egypt, in its capacity as President of the Group of 77, as well as colleagues representing groups and Member States that participated informal consultations. The EU and its member States engaged constructively throughout the negotiation of this text in order for the resolution to accurately reflect all root causes of conflict, including climate-related threats. The interplay between climate and security is not an abstract theoretical risk. Failing to build resilience to climate change will threaten lives, livelihoods and economies across the world. There is a moral imperative to help those who will lose most from the consequences of climate change. The EU and its member States have been clear about their support for the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the importance of climate action for security and prosperity. Without such efforts, the effects of extreme and shifting weather patterns will undermine livelihoods, make investments riskier and disrupt global trade. Progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will be severely compromised. That challenge needs concerted action. All development must work to build resilience to climate change. We are therefore pleased that our amendment to paragraph 10 of resolution 72/311 was accepted in order to accurately reflect climate-related challenges in Africa, including food and water insecurity. Those are root causes of conflict and must be recognized by this organ as such. The General Assembly should take into account all risks, including climate-related security risks, particularly if we are to build resilience. We commend the Secretary-General on his efforts to address climate change and are committed to supporting him. That includes the convening of his climate summit in September 2019, where there will be a particular focus on building resilience. The EU is disappointed that the resolution contains outdated language in the twenty-first preambular paragraph that fails to reflect the important role of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) in conflict prevention. That was underlined by the sustaining peace resolutions in 2016, namely, General Assembly resolution 70/262 and Security Council resolution 2282 (2016); is reflected in the mandate of the PBC; and was affirmed at the high-level meeting on peacebuilding and sustaining peace in April (see A/72/PV.83 et seq.). It is clear that the Peacebuilding Commission, in its considerations of country-specific and regional situations, is a body that contributes to sustaining peace. It is important that it does so, considering that it is the only body of the United Nations that brings together the affected countries themselves and States Members of the United Nations, inter alia Security Council members, major donors, as well as international financial institutions and others, in that way. The paragraph as it stands does not contain agreed current language and does not accurately reflect the mandate of the PBC, which is inexplicable and regrettable. The European Union and its member States also take issue with the mention of win-win cooperation in the resolution. We do not believe that slogan will move us closer to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development or the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The concept of win-win cooperation has changed substantially from the time it was inserted in the 2030 Agenda to become a development cooperation tool that calls for mutual economic gains to take precedence over the sustainable development needs of the receiving countries. We reject that notion and the concept behind it. Finally, allow me to make a general point. Despite the reservations we have on the text of the resolution, the European Union and its member States remain fully committed to engaging in constructive discussions with a view to advancing the implementation of peace and security priorities contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063 of the African Union.

Hungary remains committed to promoting durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. In that regard, we believe that mitigating challenges caused by climate change, supporting development and placing emphasis on conflict prevention are highly indispensable in areas suffering from recurring conflicts in Africa and elsewhere. We support the comprehensive approach to the causes of conflict that realizes the linkages between development, climate change, the rule of law, and peace and security. Accordingly, Hungary voted in favour of the resolution 72/311. Hungary aligns itself with the explanation of vote of the European Union and its member States, which was delivered by the representative of Austria, with regard to the resolution as a whole. With regard to paragraph 9, we would like to put on record the following statement in our national capacity. Events in recent years prove that migration and its consequences pose serious security challenges and cause major difficulties for countries of origin, transit and destination. International efforts should be aimed at halting migration flows by prioritizing security considerations and reducing risks that induce that phenomenon. Every human being has the right to live in peace and safety in his or her homeland. However, in our view, migration cannot be considered a basic human right. The Hungarian Government does not support any endeavour that could encourage migration. Therefore, given the decision of the Hungarian Government of 18 July to withdraw from the global compact for migration, Hungary interprets paragraph 9 in line with its national position laid down in the 12 points regarding migration.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the voting. May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 66 and agenda item 66 as a whole?