A/78/PV.88 General Assembly

Before we proceed, I would like to inform Members that the Assembly’s consideration of agenda item 17, entitled “Follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development”, has been postponed to Thursday next week. The General Assembly will first proceed to a by-election to elect members of the Economic and Social Council to fill the seats of the members that are relinquishing their seats before the end of their terms, in accordance with rule 140 of the rules of procedure, as well as an election to fill one remaining vacancy for a member from the Group of Eastern European States. The election of 18 members of the Economic and Social Council will take place immediately after that. In connection with the by-election, I would like to draw the attention of Members to a note verbale dated 3 May 2024 from the Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations (A/78/876), in which the Mission, in its capacity as Chair of the Group of Western European and other States for the month of May, announced that New Zealand and Denmark had communicated their decision to relinquish their seats on the Economic and Social Council at the end of 2024 in favour of Australia and Finland respectively, for a term of office expiring on 31 December 2025, and that Germany had communicated its decision to relinquish its seat on the Economic and Social Council at the end of 2024 in favour of Austria, for a term of office expiring on 31 December 2026. The Group has endorsed the candidatures of Australia, Austria and Finland. As a result, three vacancies will occur in the Council and two members must be elected to fill Denmark and New Zealand’s unexpired terms, commencing on 1 January 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2025, and one member must be elected to fill Germany’s unexpired term, commencing on 1 January 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2026. In accordance with paragraph 4 of resolution 2847 (XXVI), of 20 December 1971, and taking into account the fact that the vacancies will occur among the Western European and other States, the new members should be elected from that region. I would like to inform the Assembly that the candidates that receive a two-thirds majority of those present and voting and the greatest number of votes will be declared elected. In accordance with rule 92 of the rules of procedure, the election shall be held by secret ballot. I should like to inform Members that, as of 1 January 2025, the following six States from among the Western European and other States will be represented on the Economic and Social Council: France, Liechtenstein, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The names of those States should therefore not appear on the ballot paper. In addition to the by-election, we will proceed to the election to fill the one remaining vacancy for a member from the Eastern European States. Since no candidates obtained the required two-thirds majority in the previous ballot during the 43rd plenary meeting, on 5 December 2023, one seat still remains to be filled from among the Eastern European States for a term of office beginning on the date of election and expiring on 31 December 2025. Both elections will take place concurrently. We shall therefore proceed to a twelfth unrestricted ballot. In accordance with rule 94 of the rules of procedure, this twenty-fifth round of balloting shall be unrestricted. Any Member State from among the Eastern European States may be a candidate, except those that are current members of the Economic and Social Council. The following members can therefore not be voted for in the present balloting: Croatia, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Before we begin the voting process, I should like to remind representatives that pursuant to rule 88 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order in connection with the actual conduct of the voting. In addition, ballot papers will be given only to the delegate seated directly behind the country’s nameplate. We shall now begin the voting process. Members are requested to remain seated until all ballots have been collected. I would like to remind Members that at this stage they are voting in the by-election for three seats for the Western European and other States and in the election to fill the one remaining vacancy for a Member from the Eastern European States. The election of 18 members of the Council will take place immediately following those elections. Ballot papers will now be distributed, and the voting has therefore begun. In accordance with resolution 71/323 of 8 September 2017, the names of the States that have been communicated to the Secretariat have been printed on the ballot papers. Additional blank lines corresponding to the number of vacant seats to be filled from each regional group have been provided on the ballot paper, for inscribing the names of other States if desired. I request representatives to use only those ballot papers that have been distributed and to put an “X” in the boxes next to the names printed on the ballot paper or to write the names of other eligible States on the blank lines. If the box next to the name of a State is checked, the name of that State does not have to be repeated on the blank line. The total number of checked boxes and handwritten names should not exceed the number of vacant seats to be filled as indicated on the ballot paper. I also wish to draw the attention of representatives to additional guidance pertaining to the respective ballots. In connection with the election of one member of the Council from the Eastern European States for a term starting on the date of election and expiring on 31 December 2025, and the election of one member from the Western European and other States for a term starting on 1 January 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2026, if the ballot paper contains a vote for a Member State that does not belong to the region concerned or that continues to be a member of the Council next year, the ballot paper will be declared invalid. In addition, if the ballot paper for one member of the Council from the Eastern European States contains a vote for a current member of the Council from the Eastern European States, the ballot paper will also be declared invalid. In connection with the election of two members of the Council from the Western European and other States for a term starting on 1 January 2025 and expiring on 31 December 2025, if the ballot paper contains a vote for a Member State that does not belong to the region concerned or that continues to be a member of the Council next year, that ballot paper remains valid, but the vote for the Member State that does not belong to the region concerned or that continues to be a member of the Council next year will not be counted. If a mistake is made in filling out the ballot paper, representatives should request a new ballot paper from the Secretariat. A blank ballot paper will be considered an abstention. Finally, if a ballot paper contains any notation other than a vote in favour of an eligible Member State, those notations will be disregarded.

In the interest of time, the Assembly will now proceed to consider the other items announced in The Journal of the United Nations while the ballots are being counted. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 113.

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/78/L.73, entitled “Review of the implementation of General Assembly resolution 75/290 A on the strengthening of the Economic and Social Council and resolution 75/290 B on the high-level political forum on sustainable development and the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the global level”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/78/L.73?

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr. Paul Goa Zoumanigui, Permanent Representative of Guinea to the United Nations, and Ms. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations, who ably and patiently conducted the discussions and negotiations in the informal consultations on the resolution. I am sure that the members of the Assembly join me in extending our sincere appreciation to them. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda items 13 and 117.

I now give the floor to the representative of China to introduce draft resolution A/78/L.75.

On behalf of Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam and my own country, China, I have the honour and privilege to introduce draft resolution A/78/L.75, entitled “International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations”. Confronted with multiple intertwined and interlocking crises and challenges, as well as widening deficits in the areas of peace, development, trust and governance, our world today is entering a new era of instability and change, bringing humankind once again to a crossroads in history. The calls for solidarity, dialogue and cooperation have never been louder. Dialogue among civilizations is the only truly effective means for eliminating discrimination and prejudice, enhancing mutual understanding and trust, promoting better relationships among peoples and strengthening solidarity and cooperation. Indeed, there is no real alternative to such dialogue. The United Nations will be holding the Summit of the Future in September with a view to finding systemic solutions to our current challenges. At this pivotal juncture in history, it is particularly relevant for the General Assembly to send a positive message promoting dialogue among civilizations and encouraging and facilitating intercivilizational exchanges and mutual learning. It is in that context that China and the other 14 members of the core group have drafted draft resolution A/78/L.75, on establishing an International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The draft resolution reaffirms that all civilizational achievements constitute the collective heritage of humankind, noting that civilizations take diverse forms across time and space and flourish in contact with others. It emphasizes that dialogue among civilizations helps promote awareness and understanding of the universal values shared by humankind; encourages peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect among different civilizations; contributes to the quest for common ground among civilizations in order to comprehensively address the challenges facing humankind; and advances the cause of world peace, human welfare, development and progress everywhere. The draft resolution proposes that 10 June be declared as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, with a view to raising awareness of the value of the diversity of civilizations and promoting dialogue, mutual respect and global solidarity in that regard. The Chinese delegation, in a spirit of openness and transparency, conducted two rounds of informal consultations, during which we fully engaged with Member States and took on board their constructive proposals. On behalf of the core group, I would like to thank all the countries that showed interest, concern and support for the draft resolution, and I look forward to the Assembly’s adoption of it by consensus. The draft resolution already has a significant number of sponsors, and we welcome other countries interested in sponsoring it before its adoption. I also want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the Alliance of Civilizations and UNESCO for their valuable support. The draft resolution invites all Member States and organizations of the United Nations system, as well as other international and regional organizations and other relevant stakeholders, to commemorate the International Day in an appropriate manner, in addition to inviting UNESCO, the Alliance of Civilizations and other relevant entities of the United Nations system to facilitate activities to commemorate the International Day. China encourages all stakeholders to organize a variety of celebratory activities in observance of the International Day, in line with the provisions of the draft resolution and the Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations and based on their respective contexts, with a focus on the following key aspects. First, we should advocate respect for the diversity of civilizations. Diversity drives human progress. Civilizations may differ geographically or have different characteristics, but no civilization is better than or superior to another. We must uphold a spirit of equality and respect and promote intercivilizational exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations in our quest for common progress and prosperity. Secondly, we should promote universal values shared by all humankind. Those values, which include peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, constitute a spiritual bond that connects all civilizations. It is important to respect the efforts of different civilizations to explore and pursue paths towards realizing those values. Seeking common ground while preserving our differences is key to achieving shared development and progress. Thirdly, we should give due regard to intergenerational transmission and innovation in civilizations, which would do well to assimilate and integrate one another’s strengths through exchanges, dialogue and mutual learning, so that they can stay relevant while passing on the best of their traditions and giving their time-honoured individual heritages a new lease on life. Fourthly, we should actively promote cultural exchanges cooperation. Cultural exchange and the sharing of feelings can build bridges that bring nations and peoples closer together, deepening their mutual understanding and trust. We must break down the artificial barriers to such communication in the interests of achieving better understanding and friendship among all of our peoples.

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/78/L.75. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that since the submission of draft resolution A/78/L.75, and in addition to the delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of the draft resolution: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Cyprus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, the Gambia, Greece, Hungary, Iraq, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, the Niger, the Philippines, Qatar, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, the Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, the Sudan, Suriname, the Syrian Arab Republic, Timor-Leste, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Türkiye, the United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/78/L.75, entitled “International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/78/L.75?

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

The United States welcomes calls for international dialogue and intercultural exchange. However, the word “civilizations” has no clearly defined meaning within international law or the United Nations system. In resolution 78/286, just adopted, we understand the word “civilizations” to be synonymous with the idea of “cultures”. Encouraging dialogue among cultures and valuing cultural diversity are concepts the world has embraced. In the process of dialogue, we reaffirm the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the obligations under international human rights law, and we recognize that that human rights and fundamental freedoms derive from the dignity and worth inherent in the human person. Cultural diversity and cultural exchange represent organic processes within a society, among global diasporas and in interactions with other communities at home and abroad. We should be careful not to conflate international dialogue on cultural issues with State decision-making or centralized State control. There is no single arbiter of culture or single inheritor of a nation’s history. No single Government can exercise a monopoly over identity. We must be vigilant about how words such as “civilization” are used. Human rights are universal and belong to all individuals everywhere around the world. The putative characteristics of civilizations can never be used to excuse the repression of individuals or to erase members of ethnic, religious or marginalized groups, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual persons. All Governments have human rights obligations that they must fulfil. Finally, we wish to draw attention to and celebrate the multicultural basis of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which included a team of drafters from different countries with diverse backgrounds and worldviews. The Universal Declaration was a milestone human achievement, reflecting how diplomats and leaders representing different cultures could unite on important universal principles reflecting the human rights of all persons.

Switzerland thanks China and the core group for their work in facilitating resolution 78/286, just adopted. Switzerland was actively involved in the negotiations and appreciates China’s efforts to reach consensus. However, we would like to clarify our position on certain aspects of the text. We welcome the fact that the preambular paragraphs of the resolution reaffirm States’ obligations under international human rights law. However, we regret the absence of any such reference in the resolution’s operative paragraphs. That is a significant omission, especially since the basis for dialogue between cultures requires adherence to universal values such as human rights, equality and fundamental freedoms. Furthermore, Switzerland notes that the resolution recognizes that the defence of cultural diversity implies a commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms, as stated in article 4 of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity. On the other hand, we also recall that the same article 4 stipulates that no one may invoke cultural diversity to infringe upon human rights or limit their scope. We therefore regret that the entirety of that article was not reflected in the resolution. In conclusion, Switzerland joins the Secretary- General in proclaiming that a culture of peace is inseparable from human rights and respect for diversity and contributes to more just societies.

I deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and my own country, Australia. The International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations reaffirms first and foremost the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognize the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. In marking the International Day, we encourage all Member States to recognize and promote tolerance of all cultures and societies and contribute to peaceful coexistence, cooperation and respect for human rights. We value and respect diverse and inclusive societies and the richness that a diversity of cultures brings to peace and security. As the Secretary-General said in February, the path to peace begins with full respect for all human rights, because building a culture of human rights is building a world at peace. The United Nations declared in 2001 the Year of Dialogue among Civilizations, while stressing the need for the universal protection and promotion of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Today, two decades later, we continue to welcome dialogue that places the human rights of all at the centre of and as the basis for peace. Human rights principles are universal across different cultural contexts and recognize individual choices and a life of equality, fairness and diversity that is free from fear, harassment or discrimination. Those principles promote respect and tolerance. Universal human rights are inseparable from a culture of peace, and that is why we advocated for their inclusion in resolution 78/286. While we recognize the efforts of the facilitator and the core group for their constructive engagement and the inclusion of a few of our suggested references to human rights and gender in the resolution, throughout the negotiations we held reservations about that process. From the outset, Canada, New Zealand and Australia raised general concerns about the proliferation of United Nations international days. We also raised particular concerns that the establishment of the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations did not adequately reflect the diversity of the views of United Nations States Members and the importance of placing human rights at the centre of dialogue among civilizations. We maintain our position that the United Nations has missed the opportunity to reinforce that critical message in the operative paragraphs of the resolution. However, we welcome the preambular paragraphs of the resolution that reaffirm that dialogue among communities and societies must respect universal human rights and contribute to gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

Japan joined the consensus on resolution 78/286 because my country acknowledges the significance of dialogue across countries and cultures. At the same time, my delegation has maintained a cautious stance regarding the proliferation of United Nations international days and years in general. Japan recognizes that creating a new International Day on Dialogue among Civilizations could be a duplication of existing or previous initiatives, since there are already existing international days such as the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, as well as previous initiatives such as the United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations. In order to truly build trust and understanding among various civilizations and cultures, it is crucial to enhance human dignity by respecting the diversity of civilizations and cultures, guided by the resolutions and frameworks we have agreed on in the past. Furthermore, in making such efforts, the international community should avoid undermining universal values such as the rule of law and human rights. Japan is committed to promoting dialogue in order to strengthen those universal values, as well as to enhance the dignity of all people through cooperation with other countries.

Norway would like to thank the members of the core group for their work on resolution  78/286. We welcome the fact that a consensus was achieved and appreciate the willingness to compromise. Nevertheless, Norway would have preferred to have more time to make further progress on some important elements in the text, as we still have some concerns, especially about the thirteenth preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 1. We welcome the fact that references to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights law have now been included in the preambular paragraphs, but we still believe that such references to human rights as a fundamental principle should also have been included in the operative paragraphs. Moreover, some of the language of the resolution still remains vague. For instance, there is no definition in the resolution of what dialogue among civilizations entails, and there was no willingness or sufficient time to have substantive discussions on that central issue. In that regard, we would like to refer to article 4 of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, which states, “No one may invoke cultural diversity to infringe upon human rights guaranteed by international law, nor to limit their scope.” We stress the importance of human rights as guarantees of cultural diversity.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of position after adoption. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 14.

I now give the floor to the representative of Ghana to introduce draft resolution A/78/L.70.

I have the pleasure to introduce for adoption draft resolution A/78/L.70, entitled “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, 2025.” Next year will coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the development of the methods of quantum mechanics. That historic breakthrough has had a significant and positive impact on contemporary science and technology and our modern way of life. As we reflect on the historic contributions of quantum science and technology in the present age, the proclamation of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology will help in the wider dissemination and appreciation of that critical area and the mobilization of the support of the peoples of our world for its further contribution to addressing the prevailing challenges of our time. The draft resolution we are about to consider recommends that the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology be observed through activities at all levels. It aims first to increase public awareness of the importance of quantum science and applications; secondly, to enhance international, multilateral and interdisciplinary scientific cooperation among research institutions, researchers and innovators in quantum science and technology; and thirdly, to ensure a focus on the application of quantum science and technology for sustainable development. The fact is that despite its pervasive influence, many people today are unaware of the true extent of quantum science and technology’s contributions, including to the ever-more-encompassing information environment. Many still have an inadequate understanding of how the marriage of information and quantum science holds promise beyond the threshold of existing science and technology in quantum information. More importantly, as we forge ahead towards a more sustainable future, quantum science and technology will be critical in the areas of renewable energy, medicine and drug design, financial inclusion and secure communication, among other things. It is therefore hoped that the observance of the International Year will inspire young people across the globe, particularly in Africa and the developing world, to take an interest in such an exciting field of study. As we press forward with quantum computing, quantum simulation and other applications of quantum technologies to help overcome current constraints and go beyond what is possible today, we should underscore how important it is for the skills in quantum science and technology to be diverse and universal, including from Africa and the developing world, and to mainstream the inclusion of women. In conclusion, I would also like to thank all delegations for their active engagement on the draft resolution and for the flexibility they showed in forging a consensus text and enriching the draft resolution. Ghana also thanks UNESCO and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development for all the support provided prior to the negotiation of the draft resolution, as well as all delegations that have co-sponsored it. We look forward to an observance that will make a difference and invite all Member States, members of specialized agencies, observers in the General Assembly, organizations within the United Nations system, other international and regional organizations, academia, civil society, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders to support the implementation of draft resolution A/78/L,70, proclaiming 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/78/L.70. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that since the submission of draft resolution A/78/L.70, and in addition to the delegations listed in the document, the following countries have become sponsors of the draft resolution: Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Austria, the Bahamas, Belarus, Botswana, Cabo Verde, China, the Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czechia, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, Guinea, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Serbia, Slovenia, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Uganda, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Republic of Tanzania, the United States of America, Uruguay and Viet Nam.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/78/L.70, entitled “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, 2025”. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/78/L.70?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 18.

I invite the attention of the General Assembly to draft resolution A/78/L.69, circulated under agenda item 25, entitled “Advancement of women”. Members will recall that, at its 2nd plenary meeting, on 8 September 2023, the Assembly decided to allocate item 25 to the Third Committee. To enable the Assembly to take action expeditiously on the document, may I take it that the Assembly wishes to consider agenda item 25 directly in plenary meeting and proceed immediately to its consideration? It was so decided (decision 78/504 B).

I now give the floor to the representative of the Dominican Republic to introduce draft resolution A/78/L.69.

The Dominican Republic has the honour to introduce draft resolution A/78/L.69, on the twenty- fifth anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. On 25 November 1960, three Dominican women, the Mirabal sisters  — the mariposas  — were killed because of their beliefs, their convictions, their activism and their struggle for freedom. The killing of the mariposas was not the end. As the giant of Dominican and Latin American poetry, Don Pedro Mir, rendered it for us in his poem “Amén de mariposas”, “This death [of the Mirabal sisters]/has a universal meaning/inseparable from the condition/of the human being”. So it was that almost four decades later in 1999, the General Assembly adopted resolution 54/134, designating 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, thereby embracing the collective commitment to raise awareness and promote actions at every level to that end. Globally, according to UN-Women, a staggering 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner, non-partner, or both, at least once in their lives. Those stark statistics underscore the urgent need for concrete measures to safeguard the safety, dignity and rights of women and girls throughout the world. The draft resolution that we will adopt today will bring us together next November, 25 years after the adoption of the resolution that proclaimed the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, so that we can overcome the remaining obstacles and challenges and renew our commitment to eliminating the terrible scourge of violence against women and girls in all its forms. The high-level meeting will galvanize accelerated efforts towards the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women, in line with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as the thirtieth anniversary of their adoption approaches in 2025. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all delegations that participated in the negotiation of draft resolution A/78/L.69 and demonstrated their unwavering commitment to an issue that transcends borders and requires greater attention. I can only urge all Member States to support the draft resolution, which was born from the struggles of the Dominican Republic and has been transformed into a global cause and a giant commitment to eliminating violence against women.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/78/L.69, entitled “Twenty-fifth anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women”. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution A/78/L.69?

Before giving the floor to those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of position on the resolution just adopted, may I remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

At the outset, I would like to extend my appreciation to the Dominican Republic, the facilitator of resolution 78/288, for its dedication and effort during the negotiations. The Islamic Republic of Iran, guided by the elevated teachings of Islam and inspired by its glorious civilization and flourishing culture, which embodies the dignity and the voice of the human being, strongly condemns all forms of violence, in particular violence against women and girls. Through a combination of legislative and substantial reform, awareness-raising plans and social and economic programmes, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made significant strides in protecting the rights and dignity of its people, in particular of women and girls, and has realized remarkable achievements in the area of combating violence against women and girls. Furthermore, Iran has also strengthened its laws and policies to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, including by supporting the victims of violence and prosecuting those who perpetrate such violations. Accordingly, a bill to promote security and protect women against harm, in which violence against women is defined as a crime, is in the process of final adoption by the Parliament. In addition, a fund will be established for the protection of women who have suffered from, or are exposed to, violence. Our commitment to respecting the dignity of women and girls, protecting their rights and empowering them has also notably led to remarkable accomplishments by women and girls in the areas of education and employment and in the social, economic and political domains. In line with those noble teachings, Iran is working to ensure that its laws, policies and social programmes reflect its commitment to women and girls’ empowerment. However, while Iran is committed to this cause and my delegation joined the consensus on resolution 78/288, we wish to express our strong reservation and objection to the inclusion of certain contentious and non-consensual terms, and the resolution may potentially erode the cultural values of many Member States. Furthermore, we are concerned that such terms are being imposed upon other Member States, despite the many requests to avoid using them. During the negotiation process, we must refrain from taking such an approach, which will serve only to divide and distract us from our common goals. In the light of those concerns, my delegation would like to disassociate itself from any contentious terminology contained in the fourth preambular paragraph of resolution 78/288, which is included in a definition that was drafted more than 30 years ago just for the purpose of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. I would also like to clarify that my delegation reserves its right to interpret the terms, concepts and provisions contained in the resolution consistent with its national policies, laws and regulations, including our cultural and ethical values, as well as religious background.

We have heard the only speaker in explanation of position. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 25.

As indicated in the note by the Secretary-General, the General Assembly, in its resolution 56/206, of 21 December 2001, decided to transform the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements into the secretariat of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). In the same resolution, the Assembly also decided that the UN- Habitat secretariat should be headed by an Executive Director at the level of Under-Secretary-General, to be elected by the Assembly for a term of four years upon nomination by the Secretary-General after consultation with Member States. In the light of those provisions of resolution 56/206, the Secretary-General nominates Anacláudia Marinheiro Centeno Rossbach of Brazil for election by the Assembly as Executive Director of UN-Habitat, at the Under-Secretary-General level, for a term of four years. Accordingly, may I take it that the General Assembly wishes to elect Anacláudia Marinheiro Centeno Rossbach as Executive Director of UN-Habitat for a term of office of four years? It was so decided (decision 78/417).

As stated in the note by the Secretary-General, the effective date of Ms. Rossbach’s appointment will be communicated to the Assembly at a later stage. The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 114.

The result of the voting is as follows: Western European and other States (1 seat) Number of ballot papers: 190 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 190 Abstentions: 17 Number of members present and voting: 173 Required two-thirds majority: 116 Number of votes obtained: Austria 172 Greece 1 Western European and other States (2 seats) Number of ballot papers: 190 Number of invalid ballots: 1 Number of valid ballots: 189 Abstentions: 16 Number of members present and voting: 173 Required two-thirds majority: 116 Number of votes obtained: Australia 168 Finland 167 Eastern European States (1 seat) Number of ballot papers: 190 Number of invalid ballots: 1 Number of valid ballots: 189 Abstentions: 4 Number of members present and voting: 185 Required two-thirds majority: 124 Number of votes obtained: Russian Federation 108 North Macedonia 77 Having obtained the required two-thirds majority, Australia and Finland were elected members of the Economic and Social Council for a term of office beginning on 1 January 2025 and ending on 31 December 2025. Having obtained the required two-thirds majority, Austria was elected a member of the Economic and Social Council for a term of office beginning on 1 January 2025 and ending on 31 December 2026. (decision 78/418).

I congratulate Australia, Austria and Finland on having been elected members of the Economic and Social Council. One seat remains to be filled from among the Eastern European States. In accordance with rule 94 of the rules of procedure, we should continue with the series of balloting. Further balloting will take place on a date to be announced. The General Assembly will now proceed to the election of 18 members of the Economic and Social Council to replace those members whose term of office expires on 31 December 2024. The 18 outgoing members are: Afghanistan, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Czechia, Eswatini, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Oman, Peru, Tunisia, the United Republic of Tanzania and the United States of America. Pursuant to rule 146 of the rules of procedure, those countries are eligible for immediate re-election. As of 1 January 2025, the following States will be represented on the Economic and Social Council: Australia, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, France, Haiti, Japan, Kenya, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Liechtenstein, Mauritania, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Poland, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Senegal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay and Zambia. The names of those States should therefore not appear on the ballot papers. In accordance with paragraph 4 of resolution 2847 (XXVI), of 20 December 1971, and taking into account the number of States that will remain members of the Council after 1 January 2025, the 18 members should be elected as follows: five from the African States; four from the Asia-Pacific States; two from the Eastern European States; three from the Latin American and Caribbean States; and four from the Western European and other States. The ballot papers reflect that pattern. I should like to inform the Assembly that those candidates not exceeding the number of seats to be filled, receiving the greatest number of votes and a two-thirds majority of those present and voting, will be declared elected. If the number of candidates obtaining a two- thirds majority is less than the number of members to be elected, there shall be additional ballots to fill the remaining places, the voting being restricted to the candidates obtaining the greatest number of votes in the previous ballot to a number not more than twice the places remaining to be filled. Also, consistent with past practice, in the case of a tied vote, and when it becomes necessary to determine the candidates to be elected or the ones to proceed to the next round of restricted balloting, there will be a special restricted ballot limited to those candidates that have obtained an equal number of votes. May I take it that the General Assembly agrees to these procedures?

Regarding candidatures, I have been informed of the following. For the five vacant seats for the African States, five endorsed candidates have been communicated, namely Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania. For the four vacant seats for the Asia-Pacific States, four candidates have been communicated, namely Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. For the two vacant seats for the Eastern European States, three candidates have been communicated, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina. For the three vacant seats for the Latin American and Caribbean States, three candidates have been communicated, namely, Antigua and Barbuda, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The Dominican Republic and Mexico have been endorsed by the Group. For the four vacant seats for the Western European and other States, four endorsed candidates have been communicated, namely, Canada, Italy, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Switzerland. In accordance with rule 92 of the rules of procedure, we shall now proceed to the election by secret ballot. Before we begin the voting process, I should like to remind representatives that pursuant to rule 88 of the rules of procedure, no representative shall interrupt the voting except on a point of order on the actual conduct of the voting. In addition, ballot papers will be given only to the delegate seated directly behind the country’s nameplate. We shall now begin the voting process. Members are requested to remain seated until all ballots have been collected. Ballot papers marked “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and “E” will now be distributed, and the voting has thus begun. In accordance with resolution 71/323 of 8 September 2017, the names of the States that have been communicated to the Secretariat, at least 48 hours prior to the election today, have been printed on the ballot papers for each of the regional groups. Additional blank lines corresponding to the number of vacant seats to be filled from each of the regional groups have been provided on the ballot papers for inscribing other names if desired. I request representatives to use only those ballot papers that have been distributed and to put an “X” in the boxes next to the names of the Member States from the relevant region whom they wish to vote for, or to write other eligible names on the blank lines. If the box next to the name printed on the ballot paper is checked, the name of that State does not need to be repeated on the blank line. The total number of checked boxes and handwritten names should not exceed the number of vacant seats to be filled, as indicated on the ballot paper. A ballot paper will be declared invalid if it contains more names of States from the relevant region than the number of seats allocated to it. Accordingly, for the ballot papers marked “A”, for the African States, the total number of checked boxes and handwritten names should not exceed five; for the ballot papers marked “B”, for the Asia-Pacific States, the total number of checked boxes and handwritten names should not exceed four; for the ballot papers marked “C”, for the Eastern European States, the total number of checked boxes and handwritten names should not exceed two; for the ballot papers marked “D”, for the Latin American and Caribbean States, the total number of checked boxes and handwritten names should not exceed three; and for the ballot papers marked “E”, for the Western European and other States, the total number of checked boxes and handwritten names should not exceed four. A ballot paper will be declared invalid if none of the names of the States on that ballot for which votes were cast belong to the relevant region. If a ballot paper for a region contains one of the following, the ballot remains valid but the vote for these States will not be counted: names of Member States that do not belong to the region concerned or Member States that will continue to be members of the Council. If a ballot paper contains any notation other than votes in favour of specific eligible candidates, those notations will be disregarded.

The result of the voting is as follows: Group A — African States (5 Seats) Number of ballot papers: 190 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 190 Abstentions: 0 Number of members present and voting: 190 Required two-thirds majority: 127 Number of votes obtained: United Republic of Tanzania: 187 South Africa: 186 Algeria: 185 Côte d’Ivoire: 183 Djibouti: 182 Group B — Asia-Pacific States (4 Seats) Number of ballot papers: 190 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 190 Abstentions: 1 Number of members present and voting: 189 Required two-thirds majority: 126 Number of votes obtained: Uzbekistan: 185 Sri Lanka: 182 Bangladesh: 181 Saudi Arabia: 179 Group C — Eastern European States (2 Seats) Number of ballot papers: 190 Number of invalid ballots: 3 Number of valid ballots: 187 Abstentions: 0 Number of members present and voting: 187 Required two-thirds majority: 125 Number of votes obtained: Armenia: 148 Azerbaijan: 148 Bosnia and Herzegovina: 76 Group D  — Latin American and Caribbean States (3 Seats) Number of ballot papers: 190 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 190 Abstentions: 2 Number of members present and voting: 188 Required two-thirds majority: 126 Number of votes obtained: Antigua and Barbuda: 183 Dominican Republic: 183 Mexico: 176 Argentina: 1 Group E  — Western European and other States (4 Seats) Number of ballot papers: 190 Number of invalid ballots: 0 Number of valid ballots: 190 Abstentions: 6 Number of members present and voting: 184 Required two-thirds majority: 123 Number of votes obtained: Italy: 183 Kingdom of the Netherlands: 167 Switzerland: 167 Canada: 162 Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Switzerland, the United Republic of Tanzania and Uzbekistan (decision 78/418).

I congratulate the States that have just been elected members of the Economic and Social Council, and I thank the tellers for their assistance in the election. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 113. Announcement regarding the results of the election of the Chairpersons of the Main Committees

Before adjourning, I wish to inform members that the following representatives have been elected Chairpersons of the Main Committees of the I congratulate the Chairpersons of the Main Committees of the General Assembly at its seventy- ninth session on their election.