A/74/PV.62 General Assembly

Before proceeding to the items on our agenda, in keeping with established practice, I would like to draw the attention of the General Assembly to documents A/74/642/Add.6 and A/74/642/Add.7, in which the Secretary-General informs the President of the General Assembly that, since the issuance of his communication contained in document A/74/642/Add.5, the Gambia and the Central African Republic have made the necessary payments to reduce their arrears below the amount specified in Article 19 of the Charter of the United Nations. May I take it that the General Assembly takes note of the information contained in those documents?

Members will recall that, in a letter dated 24 March 2020, I transmitted a draft decision entitled “Procedure for taking decisions of the General Assembly during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic” enabling the Assembly to adopt decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing it under a silence procedure until 27 March 2020 at 12 noon. Members will also recall that, in a subsequent letter dated 27 March 2020, I informed delegations that the silence procedure on the draft decision had concluded without objections and that the draft decision was considered adopted by the General Assembly as decision 74/544 and was in effect from 12:01 p.m. of that day. In the same letter, I also informed delegations that the General Assembly would take note of the decision at its next plenary meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters. I also enclosed in the same letter statements received from some Member States. It is my pleasure to welcome Members back to the General Assembly Hall for the first in-person plenary meeting since March of this year. I thank them for their adherence to social and physical distancing guidelines today and throughout this period. Although we may not have convened in this Hall since March, New York-based delegations have worked tirelessly to uphold the values and principles set out in the Charter of the United Nations, while contending with the COVID-19 pandemic. As the chief deliberative body of the United Nations, the Assembly has continued the work of the Organization throughout the period. It has done so in full partnership with the Secretariat and all other United Nations organs. I commend members for their foresight in adopting decisions 74/544 and 74/555, which have allowed the membership to adopt more than 70 resolutions and elect Chairpersons of the Main Committees for the seventy-fifth session. This has ensured business continuity on critical issues for the Assembly and for the United Nations. I applaud members’ work in the intergovernmental negotiations on the Declaration for the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations. I also thank the Member States that have demonstrated leadership in responding to this global pandemic by adopting two resolutions with wide sponsorship, calling for solidarity and global access to medicines and medical equipment. I thank the Chairpersons of the Committees, the co-coordinators, the co-facilitators and the co-chairpersons for the work they have done this session. I also congratulate the Chairperson of the Fifth Committee for adopting creative methods to successfully conclude the resumed session with more than 20 draft recommendations and authorizing a peacekeeping budget of $6.5 billion for the 2020/2021 fiscal year. This has ensured that the United Nations can continue to operate on the ground and meet the needs of the people we serve, even under extraordinary circumstances. The General Assembly successfully organized socially distanced elections for the General Assembly presidency, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. Furthermore, we employed virtual methods to gather stakeholders from around the world on United Nations Charter Day, and once again at the multi-stakeholder hearing on the occasion of the twentyfifth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. I thank the Secretariat for its continued commitment to ensuring the business continuity of the Assembly, which has made this work possible. Today’s meeting takes place as many people suffer and bear great losses owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. I applaud the World Health Organization for leading the response from the outset. I also acknowledge the leadership of the Secretary-General and the President of the Economic and Social Council. The entire United Nations system has rallied to address the needs of the people we serve. I pay particular thanks to our humanitarian workers in the field and our peacekeepers, who continue to protect communities in the most complex environments around the world. These efforts are critical as we begin the decade of action and delivery to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, or as it is likely to become, the decade of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. I urge members to galvanize multilateral action now and fulfil our financing for development and other commitments. We remain in this together. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of decision 74/544, entitled “Procedure for taking decisions of the General Assembly during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic”? It was so decided (decision 74/570).

The General Assembly will now turn to the resolutions and decisions that were adopted through silence procedure from March till the end of August 2020. Members will recall that, in its decision 74/544 of 27 March, entitled “Procedure for taking decisions of the General Assembly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)”, the General Assembly decided that, “if the silence is not broken, the decision shall be considered adopted, and the General Assembly shall take note of the decision at its first plenary meeting held after the cessation of the precautionary measures as soon as the circumstances allow”. Accordingly, the Assembly will take note of the following resolutions and decisions: Resolution 74/269, of 31 March 2020, entitled “Scope, modalities, format and organization of the summit on biodiversity”; Resolutions 74/261 B, of 31 March 2020, and 74/261 C, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur”; Decision 74/545, of 2 April 2020, entitled “Seventysecond session of the International Law Commission”; Decision 74/546, of 2 April 2020, entitled “Disarmament Commission”; Resolution 74/270, of 2 April 2020, entitled “Global solidarity to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)”, whose additional sponsors are listed in document A/74/L.52/Add.1; Decision 74/547, of 13 April 2020, entitled “Interactive dialogue on Harmony with Nature”; Decision 74/548, of 13 April 2020, entitled “2020 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”; Decision 74/549, of 13 April 2020, entitled “Fourth Conference of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and Mongolia, 2020”; Decision 74/550 A, of 13 April 2020, and 74/550 B, of 12 August 2020, entitled “Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice”; Decision 74/406 B, of 13 April and 5 June 2020, entitled “Appointment of members of the Committee on Contributions”; Decision 74/409 B, of 13 April 2020, entitled “Appointment of members of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee”; Resolution 74/271, of 13 April 2020, entitled “Progress towards an accountability system in the United Nations Secretariat”; Decisions 74/540 B, of 13 April 2020, and 74/540 C, of 13 July 2020, entitled “Questions deferred for future consideration”; Resolution 74/272, of 13 April 2020, entitled “Construction of a new facility for the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, Arusha branch”; Resolution 74/273, of 20 April 2020, entitled “International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda”, whose additional sponsors are listed in document A/74/L.40/Add.1; Resolution 74/274, of 20 April 2020, entitled “International cooperation to ensure global access to medicines, vaccines and medical equipment to face COVID-19”, whose additional sponsors are listed in document A/74/L.56/Add.1; Decision 74/551, of 14 May 2020, entitled “Highlevel dialogue to assess the progress made in the fight against desertification, land degradation and drought and to map the way forward”; Decision 74/552, of 14 May 2020, entitled “Seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects”; Decision 74/553, of 14 May 2020, entitled “Twentieth session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation”; Decision 74/554, of 14 May 2020, entitled “Twentyfirst meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea”; Decision 74/555, of 15 May 2020, entitled “Extension of the procedure for taking decisions of the General Assembly during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic”; Decision 74/556, of 20 May 2020, entitled “The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy”; resolution 74/275, of 28 May 2020, entitled “International Day to Protect Education from Attack”, whose additional co-sponsors are listed in document A/74/L.66/Add.1; decision 74/557, of 29 May 2020, entitled “Procedure for holding elections by secret ballot without a plenary meeting during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic”; resolution 74/276, of 1 June 2020, entitled “Special session of the General Assembly against corruption”; Decision 74/558, of 18 June 2020, entitled “Extension of the procedure for taking decisions of the General Assembly during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic until the end of July 2020; Resolution 74/277, of 18 June 2020, entitled “Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations and all their assets; Decision 74/559, of 23 June 2020, entitled “Postponement of the seventy-second session of the International Law Commission”; Decision 74/420, of 29 June 2020, entitled “Election of the Vice-Presidents of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session”; Resolution 74/249 B, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors”; Resolution 74/260 B, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti”; Resolution 74/278, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Closed peacekeeping missions”; Resolution 74/279, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Triennial review of the rates and standards for reimbursement to Member States for contingentowned equipment”; Resolution 74/280, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Support account for peacekeeping operations”; Resolution 74/281, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda”; Resolution 74/282, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi, Italy”; Resolution 74/283, of 30 June 2020 entitled “Financing of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei”; Resolution 74/284, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic”; Resolution 74/285, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus”; Resolution 74/286, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”; Resolution 74/287, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti”; Resolution 74/288, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo”; Resolution 74/289, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission in Liberia”; Resolution 74/290, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali”; Resolution 74/291, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force”; Resolution 74/292, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon”; Resolution 74/293, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan”; Resolution 74/294, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara”; Resolution 74/295, of 30 June 2020, entitled “Financing of the activities arising from Security Council resolution 1863 (2009)”; Decision 74/560, of 6 July 2020, entitled “Building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal”; Resolution 74/296, of 13 July 2020, entitled “Global service delivery model”; Decision 74/561, of 21 July 2020, entitled “Extension of the procedure for taking decisions of the General Assembly during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic until the end of August 2020”; Decision 74/562, of 22 July 2020, entitled “High-level meetings of the General Assembly in September 2020”; Resolution 74/254 B, of 6 August 2020, entitled “Seconded active-duty military and police personnel”; Resolution 74/232 B, of 11 August 2020, entitled “Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries”; Resolution 74/297, of 11 August 2020, entitled “Progress in the implementation of General Assembly resolution 71/243, on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system”; Decision 74/537 B, of 11 August 2020, entitled “Revitalization of the work of the Second Committee”; Decision 74/563, of 12 August 2020, entitled “Closing date of the seventy-fourth session of the General Assembly”; Resolution 74/298, of 12 August 2020, entitled “Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolution 67/290 on the high-level political forum on sustainable development, resolution 70/299 on the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level and resolution 72/305 on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council”; Decision 74/564, of 12 August 2020, entitled “Review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture”; Decision 74/565, of 12 August 2020, entitled “Informal interactive hearing with indigenous peoples”; Decision 74/566, of 12 August 2020, entitled “Extension of the term of office of the current members of the International Law Commission and other related matters”; Decision 74/567, of 14 August 2020, entitled “Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes”; Resolution 74/299, of 31 August 2020, entitled “Improving global road safety”, whose additional sponsors are listed in document A/74/L.86/Add.1; Decision 74/568, of 31 August 2020, entitled “Special session of the General Assembly against corruption”; Decision 74/402 B, of 31 August 2020, entitled “Appointment of members of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions”; Decision 74/569, of 31 August 2020, entitled “Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council”; Decision 74/503 B, of 31 March 2020, to consider agenda item 163 directly in the plenary; of 2 April 2020, to reopen consideration of agenda items 79 and 100 (b) and to consider them directly in the plenary; of 13 April 2020, to reopen consideration of agenda item 106 and to consider it directly in the plenary, to reopen consideration of agenda item 115 (b) and to consider agenda items 133 and 147 directly in the plenary; of 14 May 2020, to reopen consideration of agenda item 19 (e) and to consider it directly in the plenary and to consider agenda item 23 (b) directly in the plenary; of 11 August 2020, to consider agenda item 21 (a) directly in the plenary and to reopen consideration of agenda item 23 (a) and to consider it directly in the plenary; of 12 August 2020, to reopen consideration of agenda item 67 and to consider it directly in the plenary; of 14 August 2020, to reopen consideration of agenda item 107 and to consider it directly in the plenary; and of 31 August 2020, to reopen consideration of agenda item 115 (a) and to consider it directly in the plenary. I now invite delegations wishing to explain their vote after the voting on any of the resolutions and decisions to do so now in one intervention. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the voting, may I remind representatives that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I give the floor to the representative of Liechtenstein.

With respect to decision 74/570, of 27 March 2020, Liechtenstein would like to register the following understanding. Nothing in the decision can be interpreted as changing the relevant provisions in the rules of procedure pertaining to the General Assembly and the General Committee, which remain valid and in place. It is Liechtenstein’s clear understanding that the General Assembly continues to be the master of its own procedures, including on matters of decision-making. The term “decision” refers only to decisions that are put forward by the President of the General Assembly. It does not include draft resolutions put forward by Member States. The decision does therefore not, in any way or form, infringe on the sovereign right of Member States to propose resolutions directly to the General Assembly and to seek their consideration by the Assembly in an appropriate and timely manner. In accordance with its established mandate, the General Committee cannot take on the function  — not even temporarily  — of becoming a clearing house for proposals to be submitted to the General Assembly. We therefore wish to state our understanding that consultation with the General Committee can therefore not be interpreted as giving the General Committee any power that goes beyond the competencies it has under the established working conditions, as well as under the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. The draft decision does not restrict, in any way or form, the provisions on the conduct of business, including voting, that are established by the rules of procedure. In particular, it does not prevent the General Assembly from making the necessary technical adjustments to implement the method of voting foreseen by rule 87 of the rules of procedure. Liechtenstein also wishes to reaffirm its explanations of position submitted jointly with other countries on the extensions of decision 74/570 contained in decisions 74/555 of 15 May 2020, 74/558 of 18 June 2020 and 74/561 of 21 July 2020, as communicated to the Office of the President of the General Assembly and circulated to the membership.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

With regard to decision 74/545, entitled “Seventy-second session of the International Law Commission”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of paragraph (a) of decision 74/545, the Assembly would decide that the first part of the seventy-second session of the International Law Commission, scheduled from 27 April to 5 June 2020, shall be postponed to the earliest possible available date, to be decided by the Assembly. The adoption of the draft decision would not entail any budgetary implications with regard to the programme budget. Upon further decision by the Assembly of the date of the first part of the seventy-second session, the Secretary- General would reassess the budgetary implications and advise the Assembly in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the Assembly. Furthermore, in accordance with the established practice, the date of the first part of the seventy-second session would be determined in consultation with the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. With regard to decision 74/546, entitled “Disarmament Commission”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of the third paragraph, the Assembly would decide to postpone the substantive session of the Disarmament Commission to a period in 2021 to be decided by the Assembly, at its seventyfifth session. The adoption of the draft decision would not entail any budgetary implications with regard to the programme budget. Upon further decision by the Assembly on the date of the substantive session of the Disarmament Commission, the Secretary-General would reassess the budgetary implications and advise the Assembly in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedures of the Assembly. Furthermore, in accordance with established practice, the date of the substantive session of the Disarmament Commission would be determined in consultation with the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. With regard to decision 74/550 A, entitled “Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of the third paragraph, the Assembly would decide to postpone the holding of the Fourteenth Congress until further notice and to consider new dates in due course. The adoption of the draft decision would not entail any budgetary implications with regard to the programme budget. Upon further decision by the Assembly on the dates of the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the Secretary-General would reassess the budgetary implications and advise the Assembly, in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedures of the Assembly. Furthermore, in accordance with established practice, the dates of the Fourteenth Congress would be determined in consultation with the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. With regard to resolution 74/273, entitled “International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of paragraph 12 of draft resolution A/74/L.40, the General Assembly would request the Secretary-General to modify the title of the outreach programme to “outreach programme on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the United Nations” and to take measures to mobilize civil society for remembrance and education in the context of the International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide, and to report thereafter on the implementation of the programme at every session of the General Assembly. With regard to paragraph 12 of the draft resolution, the request for documentation would constitute an addition to the documentation workload of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management of one pre-session document with a word count of 8,500 words in all six languages, starting in 2021. An additional resources requirement for documentation would arise in 2021 and annually thereafter in the amount of $27,100. Accordingly, should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution A/74/L.40, the additional resources requirements in the amount of $27,100 would be included in the proposed programme budget for 2021 and annually thereafter under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management. With regard to decision 74/552 entitled “Seventh Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure. Under the terms of the third paragraph of the draft decision A/74/L.62, the General Assembly would postpone the Biennial Meeting of States scheduled from 15 to 19 June 2020 to consider key challenges and opportunities relating to the implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects and the International Tracing Instrument to a period in 2021 to be decided by the Assembly at its seventy-fifth session. The adoption of the draft decision would not entail any budgetary implications with regard to the programme budget. Upon further decision by the Assembly on the dates of the Biennial Meeting of States, the Secretary-General would reassess the budgetary implications and advise the Assembly in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the Assembly. Furthermore, in accordance with established practice, the dates of the Biennial Meeting of States would be determined in consultation with the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. With regard to decision 74/553 entitled “Twentieth session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of the third paragraph of the draft decision A/74/L.64, the General Assembly would postpone the twentieth session of the Highlevel Committee on South-South Cooperation to a later date. The adoption of the draft decision would not entail any budgetary implications with regard to the programme budget. Upon further decision by the Assembly on the date of the twentieth session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation, the Secretary-General would reassess the budgetary implications and advise the Assembly in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure. Furthermore, in accordance with established practice, the dates of the twentieth session would be determined in consultation with the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. With regard to decision 74/554 entitled “Twentyfirst meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of the third paragraph of draft decision A/74/L.63, the General Assembly would postpone the twenty-first meeting of the Informal Consultative Process to 2021, to be held at a date to be decided by the Assembly. The adoption of the draft decision would not entail any budgetary implications with regard to the programme budget. Upon further decision by the Assembly on the modalities, including the date of the twenty-first meeting of the Informal Consultative Process, the Secretary-General would reassess the budgetary implications and advise the Assembly in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure. Furthermore, in accordance with established practice, the dates of the twenty-first meeting would be determined in consultation with the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. With regard to resolution 74/276 entitled “Special session of the General Assembly against corruption”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure. Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 2, 10 and 18 of draft decision A/74/L.58/Rev.2, the General Assembly would decide that the special session of the General Assembly on challenges and measures to prevent and combat corruption and strengthen international cooperation shall be convened for three days, from 26 to 28 April 2021, at United Nations Headquarters, in New York. The Assembly would also decide that the organizational arrangements for the special session shall be as follows: “The special session shall consist of plenary meetings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m.; “The opening of the special session shall include statements by the President of the General Assembly, the Secretary-General, the President of the Economic and Social Council, the President of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; “The plenary meetings shall include statements by Member States, States and regional economic integration organizations parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption, observers to the General Assembly and, time permitting, a limited number of representatives from relevant organizations attending the special session, in line with subparagraphs (d) and (e) below, selected by the President of the General Assembly, in consultation with Member States, with due regard for geographical balance and gender equity; the list of speakers shall be established in accordance with the established practices of the Assembly, and the time limit for the statements will be five minutes for individual delegations and seven minutes for statements made on behalf of a group of States; “Representatives of non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council are invited to participate in the special session in accordance with the established practice of the General Assembly; “Recalling the established practice of the General Assembly, the President of the General Assembly to draw up a list of other relevant representatives of non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions and the private sector who may attend the special session, taking into account the principles of transparency and equitable geographical representation, with due regard for the meaningful participation of women, in accordance with the established practice of the General Assembly, and submit the list to Member States for their consideration on a non-objection basis”. The General Assembly would also request the Conference of the States Parties “to produce, in due time, a concise and action-oriented political declaration agreed upon in advance by consensus through intergovernmental negotiations under the auspices of the Conference for adoption by the General Assembly at its special session”. In addition, the General Assembly would reaffirm its decision in resolution 73/191 to conduct the special session and its preparatory process from within existing resources. With regard to paragraphs 1, 2 and 10 of the draft resolution, it is understood that there will be no prior meetings of the Assembly. It is also expected that two pre-session documents with a total word count of 4,290 words in all six languages will be required in 2020, one which would constitute an addition to the documentation workload of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. Should the Assembly adopt draft resolution A/74/L.58/Rev.2, and in line with operative paragraph 5 of resolution 73/191, the requested services would be provided from within existing resources. With regard to resolution 74/232 B, entitled “Follow-up to the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of paragraphs 1 and 2 of draft resolutions A/74/L.74, the General Assembly would decide to reschedule the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries and to hold it in Doha from 23 to 27 January 2022 at the highest possible level, including Heads of State and Government, in line with the mandate specified in resolutions 73/242 and 74/232; and also decide to reschedule the meeting of the intergovernmental preparatory committee and to hold it in New York in two parts, from 24 to 28 May 2021 and from 26 to 30 July 2021, of no more than five working days each. Pursuant to the request contained in paragraph 1 of the draft resolution, it is envisaged that the five-day meeting for the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Doha in 2022 would consist of 18 meetings with interpretation in all six official languages. This would constitute an addition to the meetings workload of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management in 2022, and additional requirements for meeting services would arise for 2022 in the amount of $78,500. Furthermore, the requirements for documentation arising from operative paragraph 1 of the draft resolution would constitute an addition to the documentation workload of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management in 2022. It is envisaged that, for the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, there would be three in-session documents (5,000 words) and one post-session document (20,000 words) in all six official languages in 2022. The additional requirements for documentation services that would arise in 2022 amount to $80,200. Accordingly, should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution A/74/L.74, additional resource requirements estimated in the total amount of $158,700 would be included in the proposed programme budget for 2022 under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management. With regard to decision 74/550 B, entitled “Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of draft decision A/74/L.80, the General Assembly would recall its resolution 73/184 of 17 December 2018, in which it decided to hold the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Kyoto, Japan, from 20 to 27 April 2020, with pre-Congress consultations to be held on 19 April 2020; recall its decision 74/550 of 13 April 2020, in which it noted with concern the situation concerning the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and decided to postpone the holding of the Fourteenth Congress until further notice; decide to hold the Fourteenth Congress in Kyoto, Japan, from 7 to 12 March 2021, with pre-Congress consultations to be held on 6 March 2021; and request the Secretary- General to ensure proper follow-up to resolution 74/171 of 18 December 2019 and the present decision and to report thereon, through the Commission, to the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session. The activities referred to in the draft decision relate to programme 1, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and programme 13, International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice, and to section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and section 16, International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice, of the approved programme budget for 2020 and the proposed programme budget for 2021, as presented in A/75/6 (Sect.2) and A/75/6 (Sect.16). Pursuant to paragraph 4 of resolution 73/184, the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice was originally scheduled to be held in Kyoto from 20 to 27 April 2020 and full provision in the amount of $2,149,500 was approved in the programme budget for 2020, including an amount of $1,508,300 under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and $641,200 under section 16, International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice, as shown in the statement. While the preparatory activities for the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice have already commenced in 2020 and it is anticipated that expenditures will be incurred in 2020 for the preparatory activities, including under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and under section 16, International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice, no provision has been made for the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in the proposed programme budget for 2021. Accordingly, the adoption of draft resolution A/74/L.80 would give rise to budgetary implications under the proposed programme budget for 2021 to cover the activities of the Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in 2021, pursuant to the proposed change in date to March 2021 as per the draft decision. However, the format of the proposed Fourteenth United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to be held in Kyoto in 2021 may have to be revised as the COVID-19 situation unfolds, which presents, at this point, significant uncertainty as regards estimating the 2021 requirements for travel, virtual meeting interpretation, translation and other conference servicing costs. As a result, the Secretariat is not currently in a position to determine the requirements needed for 2021 and the budget implications for the 2021 proposed programme budget. Should the General Assembly adopt draft decision A/74/L.80, the Secretariat would present a revised estimates report to the main part of the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly detailing the additional requirements needed under the proposed programme budget for 2021. To meet the provisions of the draft decision, the revised estimates report would also propose amendments to the planned deliverables for 2020 and 2021 and highlighted planned result for 2020 under programme 13, International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice, as presented in reports A/74/6 (Sect.16) and A/75/6 (Sect.16). With regard to decision 74/567, entitled “Ad Hoc Committee to Elaborate a Comprehensive International Convention on Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of draft decision A/74/L.84, the General Assembly would decide to postpone the organizational session of the Ad Hoc Committee mandated by operative paragraph 3 of resolution 74/247 to a date as early as conditions permit but not later than 1 March 2021. The activities referred to in the draft decision relate to programme 1, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and programme 13, International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice, and to section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and section 16, International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice, of the approved programme budget for 2020 and the proposed programme budget for 2021, as presented in A/75/6 (Sect.2) and A/75/6 (Sect.16). Pursuant to operative paragraph 3 of General Assembly resolution 74/247, the Ad Hoc Committee was originally scheduled to hold a three-day organizational session in August 2020 and provisions for the related requirements are included under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and section 16, International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice, in the programme budget for the year 2020. While the preparatory activities for the organizational session of the Ad Hoc Committee have already commenced in 2020 and it is anticipated that expenditures will be incurred in 2020 for the preparatory activities, including under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and under section 16, International drug control, crime and terrorism prevention and criminal justice, no provision has been made for the organizational session in the proposed programme budget for 2021. Accordingly, the adoption of draft decision A/74/L.84 would give rise to budgetary implications under the proposed programme budget for 2021 to cover the activities of the organizational session in 2021, pursuant to the proposed change of date to no later than 1 March 2021, per the draft decision. However, the exact date of the organizational session of the Ad Hoc Committee is not yet determined, and its format may have to be revised as the COVID-19 situation unfolds, which presents, at this point, significant uncertainty with regard to estimating the 2021 requirements for travel, virtual meeting interpretation, translation and other conference servicing costs. As a result, the Secretariat is not currently in a position to determine the requirements needed for 2021 or the budget implications for the 2021 proposed programme budget. Should the General Assembly adopt draft decision A/74/L.84, the Secretariat would present a revised estimates report to the main part of the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly detailing the additional requirements needed under the proposed programme budget for 2021. With regard to resolution 74/299, entitled “Improving global road safety”, the present statement, which was made available to Member States prior to the adoption of the proposal, is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of operative paragraph 39 of draft resolution A/74/L.86, the General Assembly would decide to convene a high-level meeting of the General Assembly, no later than the end of 2022, on improving global road safety with a view to addressing gaps and challenges, as well as to mobilizing political leadership and promoting multisectoral and multi-stakeholder collaboration in that regard, and would further decide to define the scope and modalities of such a meeting no later than the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly. The adoption of draft resolution A/74/L.86 would not entail any programme budget implications. In the absence of the date and modalities for the high-level meeting of the General Assembly, it is not possible at the present time to estimate the potential cost implications of the documentation and conference-servicing requirements of the meeting. Upon a further decision on the date and modalities of the high-level meeting of the Assembly, the Secretary-General would assess the budgetary implications and advise the Assembly, in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Furthermore, in accordance with established practice, the date of the meeting will have to be determined in consultation with the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to take note of resolutions 74/232 B, 74/249 B, 74/254 B, 74/260 B, 74/261 B and C, 74/269 to 74/299, and decisions 74/402 B, 74/406 B, 74/409 B, 74/503 B, 74/537 B, 74/420, 74/540 B and C, and 74/545 to 74/569? It was so decided (decision 74/571).

The General Assembly will now turn to taking note of the results of elections held in June. Members will recall that, in its decision 74/557, of 29 May 2020, entitled “Procedure for holding elections by secret ballot without a plenary meeting during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic”, the General Assembly decided to take note of the results of any of the elections mentioned in the decision at its first plenary meeting held after the cessation of the precautionary measures as soon as the circumstances allowed. I first invite members’ attention to the election of the President of the General Assembly. Members will recall that, in a letter dated 17 June 2020, I informed members that the result of the voting for the election of the President of the General Assembly at its seventyfifth session, held in accordance with decision 74/557, of 29 May 2020, and the arrangements set out in the annex to the decision, was as follows: Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 3 Number of valid ballots: 189 Abstentions: 11 Number of members present and voting: 178 Required simple majority: 90 Number of votes obtained: Mr. Volkan Bozkir (Turkey) 178 In the same letter, I also informed members that, having obtained the required majority of the members present and voting and the greatest number of votes, Mr. Volkan Bozkir of Turkey was elected President of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session. On behalf of the Assembly, I congratulate His Excellency Mr. Volkan Bozkir on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session. I would like to remind members that, in accordance with resolution 70/305, of 13 September 2016, the President-elect of the General Assembly will take an oath of office of his own at the moment of handing over the gavel in the final plenary meeting of the seventyfourth session. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of decision 74/417, of 17 June 2020, entitled “Election of the President of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session”? It was so decided (decision 74/572).

Members will recall that, at an informal meeting of the plenary held on 22 June 2020, in accordance with the established practice, the Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management, on behalf of the Secretary-General, drew the name of Iceland from a box containing the names of the Member States of the General Assembly. Iceland will therefore occupy the first seat of the General Assembly, and other countries will follow in the English alphabetical order. The same order will be observed in the Main Committees. Next, I invite members’ attention to the election of non-permanent members of the Security Council. Members will recall that, in a letter dated 17 June 2020, I informed members that the results of the voting for the election of non-permanent members of the Security Council, held in accordance with decision 74/557, of 29 May 2020, and the arrangements set out in the annex to the decision, were as follows: Group A — African and Asia-Pacific States (2 seats) Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 192 Abstentions: 0 Number of members present and voting: 192 Required two-thirds majority: 128 Number of votes obtained: India 184 Kenya 113 Djibouti 78 Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 192 Abstentions: 5 Number of members present and voting: 187 Required two-thirds majority: 125 Number of votes obtained: Mexico 187 Group C  — Western European and other States (2 seats) Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 192 Abstentions: 1 Number of members present and voting: 191 Required two-thirds majority: 128 Number of votes obtained: Norway 130 Ireland 128 Canada 108 In the same letter, I also informed that having obtained the required two-thirds majority of members present and voting and the greatest number of votes, India, Ireland, Mexico and Norway are elected members of the Security Council for a two-year term beginning on 1 January 2021. I further indicated that there still remained one seat to be filled among the African and Asia-Pacific States. Members will recall that, in a second letter, dated 18 June 2020, I informed that the results of the voting were as follows: Group A — African and Asia-Pacific States (1 seat) Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 1 Number of valid ballots: 191 Abstentions: 0 Number of members present and voting: 191 Required two-thirds majority: 128 Number of votes obtained: Kenya 129 Djibouti 62 In the same letter, I also informed that having obtained the required two-thirds majority of members present and voting and the greatest number of votes, Kenya is elected a member of the Security Council for a two-year term beginning on 1 January 2021. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of decision 74/418, of 17 and 18 June 2020, entitled “Election of non-permanent members of the Security Council”? It was so decided (decision 74/573).

I congratulate the States that have been elected members of the Security Council. I now invite members’ attention to the election of members of the Economic and Social Council. Members will recall that, in a letter dated 17 June 2020, I informed that the results of the voting for the election of members of the Economic and Social Council, held in accordance with General Assembly decision 74/557, of 29 May 2020, and the arrangements set out in the annex to the decision, were as follows: Group A — African States (5 seats) Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 192 Abstentions: 0 Number of members present and voting: 192 Required two-thirds majority: 128 Number of votes obtained: Nigeria 191 Liberia 190 Madagascar 184 Libya 182 Zimbabwe 181 Djibouti 1 Group B — Asia and Pacific States (3 seats) Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 192 Abstentions: 2 Number of members present and voting: 190 Required two-thirds majority: 127 Number of votes obtained: Solomon Islands 187 Indonesia 186 Japan 185 Group C — Eastern European States (1 seat) Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 192 Abstentions: 6 Number of members present and voting: 186 Required two-thirds majority: 124 Number of votes obtained: Bulgaria 186 (4 seats) Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 192 Abstentions: 5 Number of members present and voting: 187 Required two-thirds majority: 125 Number of votes obtained: Argentina 182 Guatemala 181 Mexico 180 Plurinational State of Bolivia 179 (5 seats) Number of ballot papers: 192 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 192 Abstentions: 10 Number of members present and voting: 182 Required two-thirds majority: 122 Number of votes obtained: Portugal 182 France 179 Austria 178 Germany 176 United Kingdom 172 In the same letter, I also informed that having obtained the required two-thirds majority of members present and voting and the greatest number of votes, the following 18 States are elected members of the Economic and Social Council for a three-year term beginning on 1 January 2021: Argentina, Austria, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Japan, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mexico, Nigeria, Portugal, Solomon Islands, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Zimbabwe. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of decision 74/419, of 17 June 2020, entitled “Election of members of the Economic and Social Council”? It was so decided (decision 74/574).

I congratulate the States that have been elected members of the Economic and Social Council. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 7.

As members are aware, in accordance with the provisions of Article 12, paragraph 2, of the Charter of the United Nations, and with the consent of the Security Council, the Secretary-General is mandated to notify the General Assembly of matters relative to the maintenance of international peace and security that are being dealt with by the Security Council and of matters with which the Council has ceased to deal. May I take it that the Assembly takes note of the note by the Secretary-General contained in document A/74/300? It was so decided (decision 74/575).

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 112?

Members will recall that an informal meeting of the plenary was held on 31 August 2020 to consider the report of the Council. May I take it that the General Assembly takes note of the report of the Security Council, contained in document A/74/2? It was so decided (decision 74/576).

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 27.

I now give the floor to the representative of Georgia to introduce draft resolution A/74/L.89.

I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/74/L.89, entitled “Status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia”, under agenda item 32, “Protracted conflicts in the GUAM area and their implications for international peace, security and development”. This draft resolution is sponsored by Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, the Marshall Islands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and my own country, Georgia. It is additionally sponsored by Albania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Djibouti, Finland, Greece, Haiti, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Solomon Islands and Tonga. I seek the support of all delegations for this draft resolution. The draft before the Assembly emanates from the guiding principles of internal displacement and constitutes a collective call for adherence to three fundamental principles, namely, securing the right of the displaced, including the right to safe and dignified return, as well as property rights; the unacceptability of forced demographic changes; and the need for unimpeded humanitarian access. The draft resolution underlines the importance of and supports the work of the Geneva International Discussions — the negotiation format between Georgia and Russia, mandated by the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement and co-chaired by the United Nations, the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, where progress remains elusive. While the draft resolution before the Assembly refers to the situation in a single country, the issue at stake is an integral part of a global challenge — forced displacement. To address it, we need to be principled and united. Today the world is confronted with challenges that may seriously undermine the success of all of our efforts for people, prosperity, planet and peace that we collectively strive for. These difficult times have revealed and further exacerbated vulnerabilities, injustices and inequalities within and among countries. Sadly, when the world is united in hardship, there are some among us who feel even more left behind, and the internally displaced persons and refugees from Georgia’s two regions, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/ South Ossetia, like millions of others in the world, need the Assembly’s support now more than ever. It is time now for the General Assembly to show firm adherence to these principles and demonstrate our joint commitment to sustainable peace. We need to continue sending a message of hope to the hundreds of thousands of victims of forced displacement. I therefore once again urge the Assembly to reaffirm that internally displaced people and refugees have the right to return home and that those rights have to be respected by voting in favour of draft resolution A/74/L.89.

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/74/L.89. Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote before the voting, may I remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

At the outset, I am pleased to see that my colleagues are well. I wish them, their families and their countries peace and health. We hope, from the bottom of our heart, that the day will come when the world will be pandemic-free and that vaccines and therapeutic treatments will be available everywhere, so that we can revert to our normal lives and regular deliberations and be able to see each other safely in the rooms and halls of the Organization. We all respect science and technology, but virtual meetings cannot be an alternative to direct, face-to-face communication among the people who work within the United Nations for the well-being, safety and prosperity of humankind. The Syrian Arab Republic continues to be convinced that draft resolution A/74/L.89, on the status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, is a unilateral, irresponsible and politicized initiative. Unfortunately, the draft resolution does not try to address the issues confronting the displaced people and refugees, but rather attempts to prevent the normalization of the situation in the region and of relations among the people. We regret this approach, which we have been witnessing year in, year out, as it impedes international efforts to resolve the conflict. The text was prepared to the detriment of the practical measures that could help with the situation and will have negative consequences on the outcome of the Geneva discussions, which are the only forum for direct discussions for Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Together with a large number of countries, Syria hopes that the States concerned will follow a realistic and positive approach for peaceful coexistence in the region on the basis of geopolitical realities. The authors of this draft resolution would have us believe that the goal of the text is to resolve humanitarian issues and meet the needs of the people who had to leave their homeland. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the real objective behind the draft resolution is to deflect the attention of the international community from the underlying causes of this issue and to reflect the will of certain Governments to escalate the situation in the region in order to settle a score with the Russian Federation, even if that is at the expense of international peace and security. We therefore are of the view that the inclusion of the agenda item on the long-standing conflict in Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova, and its consequences for international peace and security, is a politicized and partial approach that will only complicate the situation in the region. It will undermine trust and confidence among parties and will impede humanitarian work. It is high time that we all recognized the dysfunction in some of the working methods of the General Assembly. That, in turn, can undermine the trust that we can work together multilaterally and the confidence in our ability to hold discussions and dialogue and listen to one another without imposing preconceived notions and ideas. In turn, that can undermine confidence in the Organization itself, which is supposed to be a home for everyone, rather than a place where things are polarized and economic, financial, political and military pressures are exerted. In conclusion, let me say that, as a founding Member of the United Nations, Syria will continue striving to keep the work of the General Assembly from being performed in ways that undermine the goals of the Organization. We do not want to end up in a situation where this rostrum becomes a tool for increasing differences. We will vote against the draft resolution and urge other delegations to vote against it as well.

Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, and all representatives and Secretariat on the resumption of the deliberations of the General Assembly. I would also like to thank you personally for your efforts and the effective leadership in these difficult times. Let me say a few words on draft resolution A/74/L.89, introduced by the delegation of Georgia. Under a humanitarian guise and a putative concern for refugees, in this draft resolution we are seeing yet another attempt to undermine the process of normalizing the situation in the region and exert pressure on the sovereign states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We note with regret that the Georgian side, together with a certain group of supporters, is, through this draft resolution, doing harm to the practical steps to resolve the humanitarian problems in the region. This initiative has a nefarious impact on the Geneva discussions and stokes tensions among the representatives of various ethnicities in Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We urge Georgia and its partners to end the practice of making unsubstantiated accusations against Tskhinvali and Sukhumi in international forums and to embark on the path of peaceful coexistence by showing that they have the will to constructively discuss humanitarian issues. The delegation of the Russian Federation is requesting a recorded vote on draft resolution A/74/L.89. We will vote against it, and we call on those delegations that oppose politicizing the work of the General Assembly not to support it either.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/74/L.89, entitled “Status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia, and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I would like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, in addition to those delegations listed in document A/74/L.89, the following countries have become sponsors of the draft resolution: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Djibouti, Finland, Greece, Haiti, Hungary, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, the Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Moldova, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands and Tonga.

We will now take action on draft resolution A/74/L.89. A recorded vote has been requested.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 32?

I now give the floor to the representative of Guyana to introduce draft resolution A/74/L.68/Rev.1.

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I have the honour to introduce, under sub-item (a) of agenda item 64, draft resolution A/74/L.68/Rev.1, entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”. The Group of 77 and China introduces this draft resolution with technical updates for members’ consideration. We look forward to members’ support.

I now give the floor to the representative of Germany to introduce an oral amendment to draft resolution A/74/L.68/Rev.1.

I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States to introduce this amendment to draft resolution A/74/L.68/Rev.1, entitled the “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”. The EU and its member States would like to call for the current operative paragraph 43 to be deleted and replaced by the language put forward by the EU and its member States. Throughout the negotiations and, in fact, in the past few years the EU and its member States, supported by several other delegations, have consistently voiced their concern about the use of the formulation “win-win cooperation”. “Win-win cooperation” stands for an approach that focuses economic gains, often at the expense of the sustainable development needs of people and local communities. In contrast, the EU and its member States truly believe in the vision outlined in Agenda 2063: the vision of an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law — the vision of an Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and the vision that all citizens of Africa will be actively involved in decision-making in all aspects of development, including social, economic, political and environmental. As was outlined in Agenda 2063, the needs of partner countries should be placed at the heart of development cooperation policy and, as such, we are not in a position to support a model of development cooperation that eschews the universal rules we have all agreed on. We call on all Member States to support the proposed amendment.

Before we proceed to take action on draft resolution A/74/L.68/Rev.1, entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”, in accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure, we shall first take a decision on the oral amendment proposed by the representative of Germany on behalf of the European Union. A recorded vote has been requested.

We shall now proceed to take a decision on draft resolution A/74/L.68/Rev.1. 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 the document, Turkey has also become a sponsor of draft resolution A/74/L.68/Rev.1.

A recorded vote has been requested.

Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the voting, 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 deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States. At the outset, please allow me to commend the work of Mr. Samuel Makwe, of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria, and Mr. Diamane Diome, of the Permanent Mission of Senegal, as coordinators on behalf of the Group of 77 (G-77) and China. I would also like to thank Mr. Mohamed-Esseghir Latrous, of the Permanent Mission of Algeria, and Mr. Adisalem Desta, of the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia, for their role as facilitators. The European Union and its member States have aspired to put African countries at the centre of their development efforts, and we will continue to do so. The EU and its member States provide about half of global official development assistance to Africa. In 2018, that amounted to €25 billion supporting projects and initiatives at the national, regional and continental levels. As regards trade, economic partnership agreements have been designed to promote trade and development. Least-developed African countries benefit from enhanced market access under the Everything but Arms programme. The European External Investment Plan, a mix of innovative financial guarantees of blended finance and support to investment climate improvements, is in full swing and is currently delivering a substantial pipeline of sustainable investments in Africa, in line with its initial objectives, and its capacity has been increased in the context of the current sanitary crisis. We are talking about tens of billions of extra investments and millions of extra jobs. The EU as a whole, in the context of a “Team Europe” global response to the challenges of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, has taken comprehensive and decisive action to help partner countries tackle the destructive impact of the pandemic. In that context, €5.4 billion have been committed to sub-Saharan Africa, and €2.03 billion have already been spent in the region. Furthermore, the EU has committed €1.4 billion of European Fund for Sustainable Development guarantees as part of our support for the region in the COVID-19 context. We have been like-minded allies in our ambition to tackle global sustainability challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, which have dramatic impacts on livelihoods and development opportunities in Africa. All of this testifies to how close the cooperation between Africa and Europe is, a cooperation that is based on principles such as national ownership, transparency, inclusiveness and respect for human rights, as evidenced by the joint Africa-Europe strategy and at the African Union-EU summits. We look forward to holding the sixth EU-African Union summit on 28 and 29 October. In the run-up, the EU and our African partners have been in the process of engaging constructively with a wider range of stakeholders, including Governments, regional organizations, civil society and businesses from across both Africa and Europe, to hear their feedback on the proposal set out in the new EU-Africa strategy of last March, notably in the light of the new context of the COVID-19 crisis and its consequences. It is because of these close ties between our neighbouring continents and the great importance that we attach to sustainable development in Africa that we are deeply disappointed at the unwillingness of the G-77 and China to accommodate our concerns regarding the reference to win-win cooperation and related problematic and undefined language. The reason why we dissociate ourselves from this problematic language and are not in a position to support resolution 74/301 is due purely to the fact that we cannot accept any reference to a concept that ignores internationally agreed principles of development cooperation and undermines the people-centred approach outlined in both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. We have made our position on its inclusion clear from the beginning of the negotiations and proposed alternative language to build on discussions from negotiations over the past two years, as well as in several other resolutions. In 2018 we expressed our disagreement through a clear explanation of position. We joined consensus nonetheless because we trusted in the G-77 and China’s constructive cooperation in future. Unfortunately, our concerns were ignored the following year. In 2019, as a consequence and for the first time in the history of this resolution, we did not join the consensus. We called on the G-77 and China to reconsider their approach and refrain from including “win-win cooperation” in future resolutions, starting with the upcoming session of the Second Committee. We are in 2020, and this year yet again our concerns are not being taken into account, and once more the alternative proposals of the EU have been rejected without constructive engagement. COVID-19 has its grip on the world and on the United Nations as well. The world has gone virtual since mid-March, people have to isolate themselves, with all the associated problems that come with it. The hard-fought achievements towards the Sustainable Development Goals, our common road map, are jeopardized by the economic and social impact of the pandemic, with the Human Development Index dropping for the first time in its thirtieth year — a year when we had hoped that the G-77 and China would propose a text that would allow us to reach consensus. That would have been easy. What is in the way of consensus with the EU is well known, and we have reached out to our African partners to achieve that consensus. The EU and its member States have engaged and will always engage constructively in negotiations because we value consensus. However, consensus should strengthen rather than erode the universal rules on which we have all agreed. Since this has again not been achieved this year, it cannot come as a surprise that the EU can still not support the text as it stands. That will not change in future unless our partners are willing to engage to resolve the issue standing in the way of consensus. We will continue to call on the G-77 and China to reconsider their approach and refrain from including “win-win cooperation” and similar language in future draft resolutions. In closing, let me reassure you, Mr. President, of our ongoing and unwavering support for the Group of African States. The EU and its member States will continue to work towards enhanced and strengthened support to our African partner countries.

Allow me first to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your leadership during these very difficult times, and we are all very happy to be back in the General Assembly Hall today for this meeting. Hungary aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union regarding resolution 74/301, entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”. I would also like to make a few comments in my national capacity. Hungary remains committed to promoting durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. In that regard, we see that mitigating challenges caused by climate change, supporting development and placing emphasis on conflict prevention are critical in areas suffering from recurring conflict in Africa and elsewhere. We support the comprehensive approach to linking development and the rule of law to peace and security. Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to put on the record Hungary’s position concerning the twentieth preambular paragraph of the resolution, which-contains references to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. I would like to recall that Hungary did not adopt the Global Compact and does not participate in its implementation or fulfilment. We can therefore not share the view, presented in the Compact, that migration is the best solution for the labour market and demographic problems of destination countries, nor is it the solution for the countries of origin. Sustainable solutions can be found only in development aims that focus on creating livelihood opportunities for people in their home countries. The Hungarian Government is therefore prioritizing development projects countries of origin, which can contribute to establishing lasting solutions for those in need and improving the living conditions, which, in their current form, often generate migration movements. We emphasize building health-care, agriculture, sanitation, water management and educational infrastructure in African countries. On the other hand, due to the coronavirus disease, Governments have to handle both health and economic challenges, and neither of them can be solved through any form of migration or mobility, especially the current planned or managed forms. For those reasons, Hungary does not support the twentieth preambular paragraph of the resolution.

I would like to start by thanking the co-facilitators and all negotiators for their hard work on resolution 74/301, which was very much appreciated. The United Kingdom is a strong supporter of Africa’s development. We meet our 0.7 per cent overseas development assistance commitment. We are one of the largest Group of Seven investors in Africa. Those partnerships with countries across Africa are supporting African-led efforts to unlock inclusive economic growth, strengthen security and stability, build resilience against the effects of climate change and invest in education, health and job creation. For the past few months, the United Kingdom engaged extensively on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, as well as causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. Let me say that, for the sake of brevity, this explanation of vote also explains the position of the United Kingdom on draft resolution A/74/L.69. We engaged extensively with the aim of ensuring that the draft resolutions could reach consensus, and showed as much flexibility as possible in that regard. We are disappointed that that was not reciprocated, with the Group of 77 and China demonstrating unwillingness to accommodate our concerns regarding the reference to win-win cooperation. The inclusion of that phrase focuses on mutual economic gains, often at the expense of the sustainable developmental needs of people and local communities. While we affirm our support for the Group of African States, we cannot accept any reference to a concept that ignores internationally agreed principles of development cooperation. To do so would be counter to the core aims of these resolutions, undermining the very principles they are built upon. Last year we said that if the Group of 77 and China were unwilling to discuss compromise proposals, we would have no other choice but to consider voting against draft resolutions including this language. This year we made our position clear — from the beginning of negotiations  — that we could not accept that language, but that we would work hard with the Group of 77 and China colleagues and wider partners to find a compromise. That did not happen, so we are following through on our clear position and, with great regret, voted against the resolution this year. We also note that other partners did the same and that we are therefore further from consensus this year than last year. We hope that in future the Group of 77 and China will reconsider their approach so that we can reach consensus on these two important resolutions. Let me conclude as I started — the United Kingdom remains a commitment partner of African countries. We look forward to continuing that partnership in the months to come.

On behalf of the Indian delegation, I would like to deliver this explanation of vote with regard to resolution 74/301, entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”. India firmly believes in the principles outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. As Africa pursues African-owned and -led development, we are determined to anchor our partnership on the principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. India takes pride in its model of cooperation with Africa, which is demand-driven, consultative and participative. Our model involves local resources, builds local capacity and is based on Africa’s own priorities. We are currently implementing over 200 projects, worth $12 billion, and have committed an additional $10 billion and $600 million in grant aid. Africa’s development cooperation should be based on the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are therefore not in a position to support a phrase that violates those basic principles. We cannot align ourselves with the phrase “win-win” in paragraph 43 of the resolution. We are not sure who is winning here. That phrase has no internationally agreed definition. Our aim through this resolution should be to make Africa win. We therefore voted in favour of the proposed European Union oral amendment, but joined the Group of 77 consensus on the resolution. We disassociate ourselves from paragraph 43 of the resolution. I reassure our friends in Africa of our continuous, unstinting support. India will always be a trusted partner of Africa and will work to uphold the dignity and promote the economic and social empowerment of the people of Africa.

It is good to see everyone here in person in the Hall. I want to offer an explanation of vote. As others have said, at the earliest stages of negotiations — and, indeed, for the past two years — the United States has been candid about our issues regarding this resolution. However, those issues were never discussed in good faith. Therefore, the United States today again voted against resolution 74/301, entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”, due to its repeated elevation of the domestic policy rhetoric of a single Member State, as well as a number of other problematic references in the text. The United States is committed to our partnership with the African Union (AU), and the African continent as a whole, and strongly supports the efforts of the AU to realize the goals and aspirations of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), including the goal of a stable and prosperous Africa. In the African Continental Free Trade Area, in 2019, the United States also launched the Prosper Africa initiative, a whole-of- Government effort to substantially increase twoway trade and investment between the United States and Africa. We are also pushing forward with the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, with the goal of economically empowering at least 50 million women by 2025. We expect more than half of those women to be in Africa. We also stand with Africa in addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, providing over $500 million in support for COVID-19 relief alone since March. However, despite our support for NEPAD and the AU goals for Africa, this text contains multiple redlines for the United States. First and foremost, we cannot support the resolution with a reference to “win-win cooperation”. The United States has made clear that this language is not supported by consensus and has no defined meaning in the United Nations context. It is therefore inappropriate for inclusion in United Nations resolutions. We are disappointed that it continues to be included in this context and elsewhere, despite these clearly communicated concerns, and welcome the fact that more States Members of the United Nations are realizing this and acting accordingly. We must also raise our concerns with regard to the language in paragraph 44 that suggests that the United Nations is giving direction to multilateral institutions with respect to Member States’ trade policies, including reference to the importance of facilitating the accession of developing countries. It is our view that the United Nations must respect the independent mandates of other processes and institutions, including trade negotiations, and must not involve itself in decisions and actions in other forums, including at the World Trade Organization. The United Nations is not the appropriate venue for these discussions, and there should be no expectation or misconception that the United States would heed decisions made by the Economic and Social Council or the General Assembly on these issues. This includes calls that undermine incentives for innovation, such as technology transfer that is not both voluntary and on mutually agreed terms. Next, while the United States acknowledges that the term “illicit financial flows” is increasingly utilized within the United Nations system, we continue to have concerns that this term lacks an agreed-upon international definition. Without an agreed-upon definition, the resolution should be clearer about the specific underlying illegal activities that produce or contribute to the generation and movement of illicit finance, such as corruption, fraud and money laundering, and the need for all States Members of the United Nations to focus more concretely on preventing and combating these crimes at home. Furthermore, the United States did not participate in the negotiation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), objected to its adoption and is not bound by any of the commitments or outcomes stemming from the GCM process or contained in the Global Compact itself. The GCM and the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants contains goals and objectives that are inconsistent and incompatible with United States law, policy and the interests of the American people. We refer the Assembly to the National Statement of the United States of America on the adoption of the GCM, issued on 7 December 2018. Further, with regard to Agenda 2063, while the United States supports the overall goals of this vision and action plan, it contains terminology that the United States cannot support. The United States is the largest bilateral donor of assistance for women’s health and family planning, and we do not support abortion in our foreign reproductive-health assistance. It is the position of the United States that the terms “sexual and reproductive health” and “health-care services” have been used by United Nations bodies in ways that suggest the promotion of abortion or a right to abortion. Further, the inclusion of language calling on development partners to support implementation of the African Health Strategy 2016–2030 is unacceptable to the United States, owing to its implicit endorsement of sexual and reproductive health and rights and abortion. With regard to our concerns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, we addressed our concerns in our Global Explanation of Position delivered in the Second Committee of the General Assembly on 21 November 2019. The United States also does not concur with references to the World Health Organization in this NEPAD resolution. I will just note for time’s sake that we have similar concerns that I will address in my statement when we take action on the draft resolution on the causes of conflict in Africa (A/74/L.69/Rev.1). In conclusion, we regret, once more, that the language of one Member State and a lack of good-faith negotiations have kept us from joining consensus yet again on this text, and we strongly urge our Africa friends and partners to work with us going forward to avoid the same result in future.

At a time when greater cooperation for Africa is called for, Japan attaches great importance to Africa-led initiatives in support of sustainable development of the continent. Japan has been a long-standing partner and supporter of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) since its establishment in 2001. As enshrined in the principles of both NEPAD and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), African ownership and partnerships are in our collective interests. Japan plays its part under the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and NEPAD to deliver on our long-term objectives for Africa’s sustainable growth and development. Japan believes that building stronger multilateral and multisectoral partnerships is key to bolstering the recovery from the coronavirus disease pandemic towards inclusive and sustainable development. We value NEPAD’s unique role in enhancing regional and global collaboration by sharing best practices, fostering innovation and job creation, and helping the continent to keep trade and investment flowing and diversified. In this context, it is with great regret that Japan could not support resolution 74/301 owing to the non-consensus-based language in paragraph 43, “‘win-win’ cooperation which can bring huge gains to all”. We are disappointed with this result and strongly hope that next year the NEPAD resolution will not be undermined by such language, which inevitably triggers voting and hampers consensus. Before concluding, I thank the facilitators and coordinators, the Permanent Missions of Ethiopia, Algeria, Nigeria and Senegal, for their efforts to find a solution on this issue. Japan remains strongly committed to supporting the economic transformation of Africa, including through TICAD, which is an open, transparent and inclusive platform to discuss African development with all partners.

Even though Switzerland is abstaining from the voting this year, we consider resolution 74/301, entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”, and draft resolution A/74/L.69/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”, to be important for the African continent. They include crucial elements that we fully support. We do regret, however, that the alternative language proposed by several delegations was not taken into account. We hope that the process next year will be constructive and transparent and look forward to a balanced outcome.

The Republic of Chile voted in favour of the twentieth preambular paragraph of resolution 74/301, entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”, with reservations, since Chile is in the process of updating its migration legislation. We have proposed a new law to establish a solid foundation for effective management of migration to ensure that migration is safe, orderly and regular.

China wishes to thank the Group of 77 and China’s facilitators of resolution 74/301. We commend their work and dedication throughout these negotiations. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by consensus in 2015, represents the rock-solid commitment of leaders of all countries to multilateralism, to the central status and role of the United Nations and to the promotion of sustainable human development. The 2030 Agenda clearly states that all parties should work together for win-win cooperation so that development gains benefit all countries and the world at large. Pursuing win-win cooperation is a universally accepted and widely popular concept in international cooperation. It is an important consensus and a solemn pledge of all Member States under the 2030 Agenda. It is also a major cornerstone and a cardinal principle guiding international efforts towards bridging the development divide and helping developing countries, especially African countries and countries in special situations, to implement the Sustainable Development Goals and achieve shared development and prosperity. As we speak, unilateralism, protectionism and bullying have taken a heavy toll on international order and cooperation. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has wreaked havoc on global development. Pursuing win-win cooperation and maintaining solidarity and collaboration is the only right choice for the international community. Certain countries, driven by self-interest, distort and vilify the principle and notion of win-win cooperation, provoke political confrontation and resort to political slander, thus deviating from the spirit of international development and cooperation and historical trends. Such barefaced politicization of development issues seriously undermines the spirit of international solidarity and cooperation, disrupts international efforts to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and compromises the shared goal of countries to achieve better economic recovery and growth. China firmly supports the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, as well as the adoption of resolutions by consensus in the General Assembly. However, China deeply regrets the request, from some countries, to put draft resolutions to a vote. We will continue to firmly support African countries developing new partnerships with all parties, guided by the principles of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good faith, and upholding the values of friendship, justice and shared interests. China stands in solidarity with African countries in pursuit of common development. We remain committed to supporting African countries following the path of development tailored to their specific national circumstances and their choices in order to achieve nationally owned development. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, China and African countries have offered mutual support and fought shoulder to shoulder with one another in enjoyment of stronger friendship and mutual trust. At the extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19, held in June, President Xi stressed that China and Africa should stay committed to fighting COVID-19 together, enhancing China-Africa cooperation, upholding multilateralism and taking the China-Africa friendship forward — building together a stronger China-Africa community of shared health and a shared future. China will continue to fully support Africa’s response to COVID-19, help African countries through the provision of supplies, send expert teams and facilitate Africa’s procurement of medical supplies from China. Once the deployment of the COVID-19 vaccine is completed in China, African countries will be among the first to benefit. Under the forum of the China-Africa cooperation framework, China will cancel the debt of relevant African countries in the form of interest-free Government loans that mature by the end of 2020. China will diligently implement the Group of 20 debt-service suspension initiative and, on that basis, push to further extend debt-service suspension for the countries concerned, including those in Africa. As always, China will take concrete actions to inject new impetus into China-Africa cooperation, as well as their common development and prosperity, in a concerted effort to build a community with a shared future for humankind.

It is good to be back in the Hall once again. My delegation congratulates you, Mr. President, on your leadership during this time of the coronavirus disease. Brazil reiterates its support for resolution 74/301, on the follow-up to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, as we have done every year since the resolution was first presented, in 2002. Brazil is a longstanding partner of African countries in the pursuit of their development. In the past 20 years, we have established more than 6,700 technical cooperation projects with a wide-range of African partners. Our relations with African partners and our commitment to African development constitute a long-standing priority of Brazilian foreign policy. It also speaks to how Brazilian society perceives its national identity and its place in the world. Brazil regrets, however, the addition of language on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, an initiative that is not directly related to the resolution and does not enjoy the consensual support of all States Members of the United Nations. Brazil does not adhere to the Global Compact and reiterates its position that migration issues should be addressed by individual Member States under their sovereign prerogatives to adopt policies that speak to their unique national realities and priorities.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 64?

I now give the floor to the representative of Germany, who will be speaking on behalf of the European Union to introduce an oral amendment to draft resolution A/74/L.69/Rev.1.

I have the honour to take the floor on behalf of the European Union (EU) and its member States to introduce this amendment to draft resolution A/74/L.69/Rev.1, on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Secretary-General on the causes of conflict (A/74/301) and the promotion of durable and sustainable development in Africa. The European Union and its member States would like to call for the deletion of operative paragraph 8, to be replaced by the language put forward by the EU and its member States. Throughout the negotiations and, in fact, in the past few years, the EU and its member States, supported by several other delegations, have consistently voiced their concern about the use of the formulation “win-win cooperation”, which flows from an approach that focuses on economic gains, often at the expense of the sustainable development needs of people and local communities. In contrast, the EU and its members States truly believe in the vision in the African Union’s Agenda 2063  — the vision of an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law. The vision of an Africa with people-driven development that relies on the potential of the African people, especially its women and young people, and the vision that all citizens of Africa will be actively involved in decision-making in all aspects of development, including social, economic, political and environmental. As was outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the needs of partner countries should be placed at the heart of development cooperation policy. As such, we are not in a position to support a model of development cooperation that eschews the universal rules we have all agreed on. We call on all Member States to support the proposed amendment.

Before we proceed to take action on draft resolution A/74/L.69/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”, we shall, in accordance with rule 90 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, first take a decision on the oral amendment proposed by the representative of Germany on behalf of the European Union. A recorded vote has been requested.

We will now take action on draft resolution A/74/L.69/Rev.1. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I would like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution, in addition to those delegations listed in document A/74/L.69/Rev.1, Turkey has become a sponsor of the draft resolution.

We will now take action on draft resolution A/74/L.69/Rev.1. A recorded vote has been requested.

Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of vote after the voting on resolution 74/302, may I remind delegations that explanations 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. At the outset, let me express the EU’s gratitude to Eritrea for facilitating the negotiation process on the resolution on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa (resolution 74/302), Guyana as Chair of the Group of 77 and China, and colleagues representing groups and States Members of the United Nations that participated in the informal consultations on the resolution. The EU and its member States engaged constructively throughout the negotiations on the resolution. The European Union and its member States have aspired to put African countries at the centre of their development efforts, and we will continue to do so. The EU and its member States provide about half of the global official development assistance to Africa. In 2018, the EU and its member States invested €25 billion in official development assistance on the continent, in support of projects and initiatives at the national, regional and continental levels. With regard to trade, economic partnership agreements have been designed to promote trade and development. Least developed African countries benefit from enhanced market access under the Everything but Arms programme. The European External Investment Plan, adopted in September 2017, is also a testament to this. The EU as a whole, in the context of the Team Europe global response to the challenges of the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, has taken comprehensive and decisive action to help tackle the destructive impact of the pandemic, notably in Africa. The overall figure of this package is almost €36 billion. Of this sum, €5.4 billion has been committed to sub-Saharan Africa alone, and €2.03 billion has already been spent in the region. The EU has further committed €1.4 billion of European Fund for Sustainable Development guarantees as part of our support for the region in coping with the challenges COVID-19 has presented. We have been likeminded allies in our ambitions to tackle global sustainability challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, both of which are root causes of conflict. All this demonstrates how close the cooperation between Africa and Europe is — cooperation based on such principles as national ownership, transparency, inclusiveness and respect for human rights, as evidenced by the Joint Africa-Europe Strategy and the summits between the African Union (AU) and the European Union. We look forward to holding the sixth AU-EU summit on 28 and 29 October 2020. It is because of these close ties between our neighbouring continents and the great importance we attach to sustainable development in Africa that we are deeply disappointed at the unwillingness of the Group of 77 and China to accommodate our concerns with regard to the reference to “win-win cooperation” and related problematic and undefined language. The reason that we dissociate ourselves from this problematic language and are not in a position to support this resolution is purely due to the fact that we cannot accept any reference to a concept that ignores internationally agreed principles of development cooperation and undermines the people-centred approach outlined in both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. We made our position on its inclusion clear from the very beginning of the negotiations and proposed alternative language to build on the discussions from the negotiations over the past two years, as well as on several other resolutions. In 2018, we expressed our disagreement through a clear explanation of position. We nevertheless joined the consensus because we trusted in the Group of 77 and China’s constructive cooperation in future. Unfortunately, our concerns were ignored the following year. As a consequence, in 2019, for the first time in the history of this resolution, we did not join the consensus. We call on the Group of 77 and China to reconsider its approach and refrain from including “win-win cooperation” in future draft resolutions, starting with the upcoming session of the Second Committee. We are in 2020. This year, our concerns have yet again not been taken into account. Once more, alternative proposals of the EU have been rejected without constructive engagements. COVID-19 has its grip on the world, as well as on the United Nations. The world has been virtual since mid-March, with the hard-fought achievements towards the Sustainable Development Goals, our common road map, jeopardized by the economic and social impact of the pandemic and the Human Development Index dropping for the first time in its 30 years. In a year when we hoped that the Group of 77 and China would propose a text that would allow us to reach consensus, that would have been easy. What is in the way of consensus for the EU is well known, and we have reached out to our African partners to find that consensus. The EU and its member States will always engage constructively in negotiations because we value consensus. However, consensus should strengthen, rather than erode, the universal rules on which we have all agreed. Since this has not been achieved again this year, it does not come as a surprise that the EU still cannot support the text as it stands. That will not change in the future unless our partners are willing to engage to resolve the issue standing in the way of consensus. We will continue to call on the Group of 77 and China to reconsider their approach and refrain from including “win-win cooperation” and similar language in future draft resolutions. In conclusion, let me reassure the Assembly of our ongoing and unwavering support for the Group of African States. The EU and its member States will continue to work towards enhanced and strengthened support to our African partner countries.

Hungary aligns itself with the explanation of vote made by the representative of Germany, on behalf of the European Union and its member States, with regard to resolution 74/302, 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”. We also wish to make a few observations in our national capacity. As I have said previously, Hungary remains committed to promoting durable peace and sustainable development in Africa. We support a comprehensive approach to the linkages among development, the rule of law and peace and security. However, we would like to take this opportunity to put on record Hungary’s position in relation to paragraph 17 of the resolution, which contains references to the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. I would like to recall that Hungary did not adopt the Global Compact and does not participate in its implementation or its fulfilment. I again stress the fact that Hungary therefore prioritizes development projects in the countries of origin that contribute to establishing lasting solutions for those in need and to improving the living conditions, which in their current form often generate mass migration movements. We place an emphasis on strengthening health care, agriculture, sanitation, water management and education infrastructure in African countries. However, due to the coronavirus disease, Governments have to handle both the health and the economic challenges, none of which can be resolved by any form of migration mobility. For the reasons mentioned above, Hungary cannot endorse paragraph 17 of the resolution.

The Republic of Chile voted in favour of resolution 74/302, 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”, with reservations on the text of paragraph 19. Chile is currently updating its migration legislation in order to establish the basis for a safe, orderly and regular migration framework.

The United States would like to refer delegations to our explanation of vote delivered under agenda item 7, which covers similar concerns over resolution 74/302 that left us no other choice but to vote against it today.

I would like to deliver India’s explanation of vote on resolution 74/302, 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”. Preserving peace and security, countering terrorism and extremism, is an important element of India’s engagement with our African partners. We are one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions and have participated in all peacekeeping missions in Africa. Today, more than 5,000 Indians serve in five peacekeeping missions in Africa. India was also the first country to deploy an all-women police contingent in Liberia. Through its presence, it contributed, and helped societies there, in bringing about the security and confidence of the many children through its presence. Paragraph 8 of the resolution refers to “win-win cooperation and to create a shared future, based upon our common humanity”. This phrase and the political ideology is germane to a particular Member State and its political leadership. Such phrases in no way contribute to peace. Again, there is the question of who wins — does someone win twice? If it is a shared future, what is that shared future? Did we discuss that future together? India firmly believes in the principles outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. As Africa pursues Africa-owned and Africaled development, we are determined to anchor our partnership on the principles of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. We therefore voted in favour of the amendment to paragraph 8 proposed by the European Union but joined the Group of 77 consensus on the resolution. I would like to reiterate that we disassociate ourselves from paragraph 8 of the resolution. Let me reassure our African friends and partners of India’s continuous and unstinted support to maintaining peace and stability on the continent. India will always work towards Africa winning.

Australia notes its concern with the phrase “win-win cooperation” and is disappointed that the sponsors were unwilling to remove unacceptable language in paragraph 8 of resolution 74/302, on the causes of conflict, and in paragraph 43 in resolution 74/301, on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. We encourage Member States to refrain from including national concepts in General Assembly resolutions. Australia’s preference is to ensure an accurate and holistic reference to the 2030 Agenda and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and to refer to those concepts by their proper and full titles.

It is a pleasure to see everyone again and everyone in such good health. We voted in favour of resolution 74/302, but we would like to express our reservations with regard to operative paragraphs 17 and 19.

For brevity, this explanation of vote can be read as covering both resolutions 74/301 and 74/302, which are being considered at this meeting today under agenda item 64. New Zealand supports these resolutions in principle and again underscores its strong support for sustainable development in Africa, including in the words of Agenda 2063 of the African Union, “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena”. New Zealand would have been pleased to support the resolutions, but the failure to adopt the amendments of the European Union with regard to win-win cooperation means that it could not. New Zealand shares concerns that the language in operative paragraph 43 in resolution 74/301, on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, and operative paragraph 8 in resolution 74/302, on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, stands for an approach to development that privileges a certain type of economic gain at the expense of the wider spectrum of sustainable development needs and rights of people and local communities. Let me conclude by saying that New Zealand remains strongly committed to being an engaged and enduring partner for African development and peace.

Japan has long advocated the importance of institution-building and human development as a means of realizing human security, peace and stability in Africa. Strengthening stable and reliable institutions and good governance have always been the key priorities of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has brought into sharp relief the vulnerability of institutions, both at the national and local levels, in Africa. The daunting tasks ahead faced by African countries in dealing with the spread of the virus have made all the more relevant the need to address the root causes of conflicts and terrorism, with Africa in the driver’s seat. Japan will continue to support firmly African-led conflict prevention efforts under the banner of the New Approach for Peace and Stability in Africa, announced by Prime Minister Abe at the seventh TICAD, held in Yokohama in August last year. Japan appreciates the efforts made by Eritrea, Egypt and the Gambia, as facilitator and coordinators, as well as the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, to address our concerns on resolution 74/302. However, it is with great regret that Japan could not support the resolution owing to non-consensus-based language in operative paragraph 8 — “in the spirit of win-win cooperation and to create a shared future, based on our common humanity”. We reiterate the importance of genuine multilateral and multisectoral partnerships for Africa to turn the current human security crisis caused by COVID-19 into opportunities to build back better a more resilient and inclusive society.

Canada’s explanation of vote concerning resolution 74/302, on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, also explains its vote on resolution 74/301, entitled “New Partnership for Africa’s Development: progress in implementation and international support”. Canada, like other countries, is deeply disappointed to see these important resolutions pertaining to peace and sustainable development in Africa — resolutions that had a long history of being adopted by consensus — once again be put to a vote. We regret the unwillingness of the Group of 77 and China to accommodate the concerns expressed by many delegations regarding the reference to “win-win cooperation”. It is because of the great importance that we attach to sustainable development and peace and security in Africa that we would like to see the language in the text aligned with internationally agreed principles of development cooperation, as outlined in both the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the vision set out in Agenda 2063 of the African Union of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa in which all of the citizens of Africa will be actively involved in decision-making in all aspects of development, including social, economic, political and environmental ones. We welcome the updated language on the Peacebuilding Commission in operative paragraph 37 of resolution 74/302. These elements only underscore the missed opportunities in the text that could have made these resolutions more relevant, current and supported by all Member States.

China commends and thanks the facilitators of the Group of 77 and China and the President of the General Assembly for their efforts in facilitating the consensus on resolution 74/302. Regrettably, however, this is the third time since 2018 that the General Assembly has adopted by a vote the resolution on the causes of conflict in Africa. This year marks the seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, the fifth anniversary of the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the first year in the Decade of Action and Delivery for Sustainable Development. At present, owing to the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, nearly 100 million people around the world will again be stricken by poverty. In particular, those living in Africa, and especially in sub-Saharan Africa, are the hardest hit. COVID-19 has made it clear that humankind indeed lives in a community with a shared future. At this critical moment more than ever, all parties should support multilateralism, a stronger role played by the United Nations and the advancement sustainable development causes for humankind, so that the fruits of development can benefit all countries and all peoples. Win-win cooperation and building a community of a shared future for humankind is an inevitable requirement for achieving common development. The 2030 Agenda, as a guiding document in the development arena, is essentially about leaving no one behind and achieving people-centred development. Only by embracing the concept of win-win cooperation and actively providing development resources and the means of implementation can we assist developing countries, especially African countries and those in special situations, in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and shared development and prosperity. Win-win cooperation and building a community with a shared future are important means of advancing multilateralism. As we speak, COVID-19 is spreading globally, the digital divide continues to widen, the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is not progressing smoothly and the response to challenges posed by climate change has not been effective. One reason behind all this is that some countries are unwilling to engage in win-win cooperation, seeking instead to put their own interests first and create selfish cliques. This “with me you prosper, against me you perish” approach has led to the rise of unilateralism, protectionism and bullying. Development issues have been politicized and international development cooperation has been seriously jeopardized, which has been a drag on global economic recovery and growth. Peace and security in Africa have an important bearing on the stability and development of the world. China and Africa are good brothers and good partners. When it comes to helping Africa safeguard peace and security, China has never been absent. My country firmly stands for seeking African solutions to African problems. The international community should collectively uphold the leadership and ownership of African countries in their peace and security affairs, practice multilateralism, engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and work to address both the symptoms and the root causes of problems in order to better promote long-term peace and stability in Africa. China is committed to helping Africa achieve peace and security. Under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China has been increasing its investment in Africa’s peace and security affairs. We have established a China-Africa Peace and Security Fund and have been actively engaged in the United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa. We have vigorously supported countries in the Sahel, the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Guinea regions, among others, in their efforts to safeguard security and counter terrorism. In addition, enormous support and assistance have been made available in view of the needs of African countries to help with the build-up of the African Standby Force, the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises, and the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel. Following the principles of amity, real results, sincerity, good faith and the pursuit of the greater good and shared interests, we will support African countries in pursuing their own development paths suited to their own national conditions, so as to achieve independent and sustainable development. Moreover, China will continue to take active steps to battle pandemics, finance development and assist African countries in accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, thus ensuring that no one is left behind. Together, let us work to build a community with a shared future for humankind.

I take the floor simply to confirm that the United Kingdom’s explanation of vote on resolution 74/301, on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, also covers our position on this item. I would also note that after my explanation of vote under the previous item, the representative of China described win-win cooperation as a “universally accepted” concept. I think that if over one-quarter of the United Nations membership votes against it in an amendment, then it is probably not universal.

Once again, Brazil expresses its support for resolution 74/302, on the causes of conflict and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa, as it has done since the very first time the annual resolution was presented in 1998. We strongly encourage all Member States and all relevant United Nations agencies to redouble their efforts in assisting African countries in implementing their own priorities in terms of peace and development. Brazil regrets, however, the addition of language on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration  — an initiative that is not directly related to the resolution and does not enjoy the consensual support of all Member States. Brazil does not adhere to the Global Compact and reiterates its position that migration should be addressed by individual Member States under their sovereign prerogatives to adopt policies that speak for their unique national realities and priorities.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote after the voting. The representative of China has asked to make a statement in right of reply.

I am very sorry that I must take the floor anew. (spoke in English) With regard to the statement made by our colleague from the United Kingdom, Ambassador Allen, on the status of win-win cooperation, I would like to ask all delegations to refer to resolution 70/1, adopted in this Hall in 2015, and its paragraph 18, under the subtitle “The new Agenda”: “We are announcing today 17 Sustainable Development Goals with 169 associated targets which are integrated and indivisible. Never before have world leaders pledged common action and endeavour across such a broad and universal policy agenda. We are setting out together on the path towards sustainable development, devoting ourselves collectively to the pursuit of global development and of ‘win-win’ cooperation which can bring huge gains to all countries and all parts of the world.” Given time constraints, I will not quote further, but I do ask delegations to take a look at this document as evidence that this is universally adopted.

I now give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom, who wishes to speak in the exercise of the right of reply.

I apologize for keeping colleagues from their lunch. I would simply say that as some of these concepts have, indeed, been more fully explained by the Government of China in some of its speeches and papers, a number of us have become increasingly alarmed at what those words mean. That is why a number of us have consistently and for some time taken action to prevent their being a universal endorsement of such concepts by the Assembly, which I think the Chinese representative is fully aware of.

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 64 and agenda item 64, as a whole?

The President of the General Assembly cannot return to continue with draft resolution A/74/L.90, under agenda item 121, “The revitalization of the work of the General Assembly”. That item will therefore be dealt with tomorrow at 10 a.m. because the President has to make a statement.