General Assembly Session 54 meeting 87

The President

This morning the General Assembly will consider the reports of the Second Committee on agenda items 97 to 105 and 12. I request the Rapporteur of the Second Committee, Mr. Hussam Edin A'Ala of the Syrian Arab Republic, to introduce the reports of the Second Committee in one intervention.

Mr. A'Ala (Syria)

I have the honour to introduce to the General Assembly, at its fifty-fourth session, the reports of the Second Committee.

The Assembly has before it the report of the Second Committee on item 97, entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions", which is contained in document A/54/585 and addenda 1 to 5. Document A/54/585 contains the introduction to the item.

The report on sub-item (a), "High-level international intergovernmental consideration of financing for development", is contained in document A/54/585/Add.l. Paragraph 8 of that document contains one draft resolution recommended by the Committee for adoption by the Assembly.

Under sub-item (b), entitled "Financing of development, including net transfer of resources between developing and developed countries", the Second Committee, in paragraph 10 of document A/54/585/Add.2, recommends the adoption of one draft resolution. The Committee adopted the draft resolution by recorded vote.

The report on sub-item (c), "Trade and development", is contained in document A/54/585/Add.3. Paragraph 19 of that document contains three draft resolutions, and paragraph 20 contains one draft decision recommended by the Committee for adoption by the Assembly. Draft resolution III was adopted by the Committee by recorded vote.

In paragraph 7 of document A/54/585/Add.4, submitted under sub-item (d), entitled "Science and technology for development", the Committee recommends to the Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution. Document A/54/585/Add.5 contains the report of the Committee on sub-item (e), entitled "External debt crisis and development". In paragraph 7 of that document the Committee recommends to the Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution. The fifth preambular paragraph of the draft resolution should be corrected by deleting the comma in the fourth line, after the word "countries".

The General Assembly also has before it the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 98, entitled "Sectoral policy questions", which is contained in document A/54/586. Paragraph 17 of that document contains three draft resolutions under sub-item (a), entitled "Industrial development cooperation", and under sub-item (b), entitled "Business and development", which the Committee recommends for adoption by the General Assembly.

Under agenda item 99, "Sustainable development and international economic cooperation", the Assembly has before it the report of the Second Committee, which is contained in document A/54/587 and addenda 1 to 8. Document A/54/587 contains the introduction to the item and a list of documents before the Committee.

In paragraph 6 of document A/54/587/Add.1, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution under sub-item (a), entitled "Implementation of the commitments and policies agreed upon in the Declaration on International Economic Cooperation, in particular the Revitalization of Economic Growth and Development of the Developing Countries, and implementation of the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade".

Under sub-item (b), entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II)", the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 13 of document A/54/587/Add.2, the adoption of three draft resolutions.

In paragraph 8 of document A/54/587/Add.3, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption, under sub-item (c), "Women in development", of one draft resolution and, in paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft decision.

Under sub-item (d), "Human resources development", in paragraph 6 of document A/54/587/Add.4, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution.

In paragraph 8 of document A/54/587/Add.5, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution under sub-item (e), "International migration and development, including the question of the convening of a United Nations conference on international migration and development to address migration issues".

Document A/54/587/Add.6 contains the report of the Committee on sub-item (f), entitled "Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the 1990s". In paragraph 9 of that document the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution and, in paragraph 10, the adoption of one draft decision.

Document A/54/587/Add.7 contains the report of the Committee on sub-item (g), entitled "Renewal of the dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership". In paragraph 7 of that document the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution and, in paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft decision.

Document A/54/587/Add.8 contains the report of the Committee on sub-item (h), entitled "Implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development". Paragraph 3 of that document recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft decision.

The General Assembly also has before it the report of the Second Committee on item 100, entitled "Environment and sustainable development", which is contained in documents A/54/588 and Addenda 1-7.

Document A/54/588 contains the introduction to the item and a list of documents before the Committee. Under sub-item (a), entitled "Implementation of Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21", the Committee, in paragraph 9 of document A/54/588/Add.1, recommends the adoption of one draft resolution and in paragraph 10 one draft decision.

Under sub-item (b), entitled "International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction", the Committee, in paragraph 10 of document A/54/588/Add.2, recommends the adoption of two draft resolutions.

In paragraph 6 of document A/54/588/Add.3, submitted under sub-item (c), entitled "Convention on Biological Diversity", the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution.

Under sub-item (d), entitled "Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind", the Assembly has before it document A/54/588/Add.4. Paragraph 8 should be corrected by replacing, in the second line, the word "decision" with the word "resolution". The same paragraph contains the recommendation of the Committee to adopt one draft resolution.

In paragraph 7 of document A/54/588/Add.5, submitted under sub-item (e), entitled "Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa", the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution.

In paragraph 10 of document A/54/588/Add.6, submitted under sub-item (f), entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States", the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft resolutions.

In paragraph 21 of document A/54/588/Add.7, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of four draft resolutions, which are not related to a specific sub-item.

Under agenda item 101, entitled "Operational activities for development", the Assembly has before it the report of the Second Committee, contained in document A/54/589.

No proposal was submitted or action taken under sub-item (a), "Operational activities for development of the United Nations system". In paragraph 16 of document A/54/589, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft resolutions, and in paragraph 17 one draft decision under sub-item (b), "Economic and technical cooperation among developing countries".

The Assembly also has before it the report of the Second Committee under agenda item 102, entitled "Training and research", which is contained in document A/54/590. Paragraph 14 of that document contains two draft resolutions, which are recommended for adoption by the General Assembly.

The Assembly has before it document A/54/591, which contains the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 103, entitled "Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian People in the occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan over their natural resources". In paragraph 11 of that document, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution, which was adopted by the Committee by a recorded vote.

Under agenda item 104, entitled "Globalization and interdependence", the Assembly has before it the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/54/592. In paragraph 16 of that document, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution.

Under agenda item 105, entitled "Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006), the Assembly has before it the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/54/593. In paragraph 10 of that document, the Committee recommends to the Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution.

Under agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council", the Assembly has before it the report of the Second Committee, contained in document A/54/594. In paragraph 16 of that document, the Second Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of four draft decisions.

With this introduction, I would like to place the reports of the Second Committee before the General Assembly for adoption. But before concluding, I should like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Second Committee for their contribution to the work of the Committee. In particular, I would like to thank the Chairman of the Committee, Ambassador Roble Olhaye of Djibouti, and the three Vice-Chairmen, Mr. Giovanni Brauzzi of Italy, Mr. Alexandru Niculescu of Romania and Mr. Daúl Matute of Peru for their efforts in successfully completing the work of the Committee. My thanks also go to the staff members of the Secretariat for their assistance and endeavours. I would like to extend special thanks to Ms. Margaret Kelley and her colleagues for their great efforts and for the support they gave me in preparing the Committee's report.

The President

I call on the representative of Guyana on a point of order.

Mr. Talbot (Guyana)

It is not my intention to interrupt the flow of discourse on this issue. I would like to raise a point of order in relation to the report just presented by the Rapporteur, whom we thank profoundly for the excellent work he has done in that capacity in the Second Committee.

I just wish to draw the attention of the Assembly to a small correction in document A/54/592. I refer to paragraph 16 of that report, which contains a draft resolution on globalization. In paragraph 10 of that draft resolution, the phrase "needs of the people with efficient" should read as "needs of the people based on efficient". This change reflects the result of the negotiations in the Second Committee, which has not been correctly reflected in the current text. I just thought I would bring this to the attention of the Assembly.

The President

The Assembly takes note of that correction.

I now give the floor to the representative of Suriname on a point of order.

Mr. Kerpens (Suriname)

Let me first thank the Rapporteur for the excellent work that has been done, and take this opportunity to draw the attention of the Assembly to some matters that were previously raised in the Second Committee.

We are a little bit disturbed that although we twice took the floor in the Committee to point out certain agreements that were reached during negotiations and that were supported by the Chairman and the Vice-Chairmen, the Secretariat's editors have not taken note of our request. I just want to place this on the record because this is the third time that my delegation has intervened on this matter. I hope that with this intervention the matter can be concluded satisfactorily.

I would first like to draw the Assembly's attention to the draft resolution I, contained in paragraph 19 of document A/54/585/Add.3. During delicate negotiations we agreed that in paragraph 13 of that draft resolution, the words "small island developing" should be capitalized, so the phrase reads "Small Island Developing States", and that this phrase should be followed by the acronym SIDS, in parentheses. Also, the phrase "Small Island Developing States" is correctly reflected in paragraph 14 of that resolution, but the acronym (SIDS) is missing.

Furthermore, a correction should be made to the eleventh preambular paragraph and operative paragraph 8 of the draft resolution contained in paragraph 16 of document A/54/592 so that the words "small island developing" are also capitalized and the phrase "Small Island Developing States" followed by the acronym (SIDS), as was agreed.

I hope that this time the request of my delegation will be honoured. I apologize for taking the floor.

The President

The request shall be honoured. The Secretariat will ensure that the corrections will be reflected in the draft resolutions.

I call on the representative of Guyana on a point of order.

Mr. Talbot (Guyana)

I regret to take the floor a second time.

I would like to refer the Assembly to the draft resolution contained in paragraph 8 of document A/54/585/Add.1. In paragraph 8 of that draft resolution, the phrase "fifteen representatives of States Members of the United Nations" should read as "fifteen representatives of States Members to the United Nations", to reflect the understanding reached in the negotiations. I bring this to the Assembly's attention so that it may be duly noted and corrected in the official records.

The President

I call on the representative of Mexico, who wishes to speak on a point of order.

Mr. Escanero (Mexico)

My delegation would like to endorse the statement made by the representative of Guyana in respect of document A/54/585/Add.1.

The President

I call on the representative of Morocco, who wishes to speak on a point of order.

Mr. Amaziane (Morocco)

I have the honour to refer to document A/54/585/Add.2, particularly with respect to section II on the consideration of draft resolution A/C.2/54/L.72. I had informed the Secretariat at the appropriate time that if my delegation been present during the voting in the Second Committee, it would have voted in favour of draft resolution A/C.2/54/L.72. I see that despite the assurances given me, that information was not included in paragraph 7 of the report of the Second Committee. I hope that this correction will be made subsequently.

The President

If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Second Committee which are before the Assembly today.

The President

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position.

The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401 the Assembly agreed that

"When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., either in the Committee or in plenary meeting unless that delegation's vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee."

May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Second Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Committee. This means that where a recorded vote was taken, we will do the same, unless the Secretariat has been notified otherwise in advance.

I also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote the recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Second Committee.

The President

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/54/585?

The President

I give the floor to the representative of the United States, who wishes to speak in explanation of position.

Mr. Gallagher (United States)

As an active participant in the ongoing dialogue on financing for development, the United States is pleased to join the consensus in adopting this draft resolution, which helps to carry the dialogue further to what we hope will be a productive and useful outcome for all concerned.

It is noteworthy that Member States have recognized in this draft resolution that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank are key stakeholders in development finance issues. In fact, these institutions and the regional development banks play a pre-eminent role in financing sustainable development. We would therefore encourage their maximum participation in the preparatory process and the final event itself.

We remain concerned about the form and agenda of the final event, however. We believe that the importance of development finance issues merits high-level participation but emphasize that developing countries will be best served if the outcome of the event is not a political document but rather practical guidelines on the effective mobilization, prioritization and utilization of resources in support of national efforts to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development. We would therefore strongly advocate a final event form that favours substance over style. Further, the form of the final event should be such that it does not soak up developing country or donor funds that could be put to more directly beneficial uses.

We are pleased that the Preparatory Committee will have the opportunity to clarify the agenda. We consider the full implementation of the 1990s conferences and summits and the agenda for development to be an important goal. However, the inclusion of this topic in the agenda should not be interpreted as conveying any new or expanded funding obligations.

With regard to the agenda, we also wish to emphasize our view that questions such as governance of the IMF, the World Bank or the regional development banks and issues related to the international financial architecture can be addressed only by the relevant international forums such as the Financial Stability Forum or the Group of 20. We believe that the agenda for the United Nations should focus on the ways in which the United Nations can encourage Member States' own development efforts.

We continue to support the constructive dialogue between the United Nations and the relevant international institutions in an effort to achieve development goals.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 97.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report. The draft resolution is entitled "Towards a stable international financial system, responsive to the challenges of development, especially in the developing countries". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 97?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 19 of its report and on the draft decision recommended in paragraph 20 of the same document.

The Assembly will turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "International trade and development". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution II is entitled "Specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of landlocked developing countries". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

Draft resolution III is entitled "Unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

We turn now to the draft decision entitled "Documents relating to trade and development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

I shall now give the floor to those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote on the draft resolutions just adopted.

Mr. Kittikhoun (Laos)

As we all know, every two years the General Assembly considers and adopts a draft resolution on specific actions related to the particular needs and problems of the landlocked developing countries. This issue has long been recognized by the General Assembly and the international community. Numbering 30, landlocked developing countries are among the poorest countries and continue to face many different problems and difficulties. The lack of territorial access to the sea, aggravated by the remoteness from world markets and the resulting prohibitive transit transport costs, impose considerable constraints on the external trade and economic development of this group of countries.

In my capacity of chairman of the group, I would like today to express our sincere appreciation to all Member States, especially our transit neighbours, as well as our development partners, for the spirit of cooperation and flexibility which made possible the adoption by consensus of the resolution just adopted. We very much hope that that adoption by consensus will pave to way to the full implementation of the conclusions and recommendations of the fourth Meeting of Governmental Experts from Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries and Representatives of Donor Countries and Financial and Development Institutions, held last August.

The fourth Meeting of Governmental Experts was a success. The General Assembly has just welcomed its conclusions and recommendations. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my appreciation to the Government of Japan for its financial support, which enabled the participation of landlocked developing countries in that meeting. I also wish to thank and congratulate Ambassador Satoh of Japan for his able chairmanship. The meeting was especially important, as it considered that it was necessary to convene a ministerial meeting in 2003 as a further effort to address the problems of landlocked and transit developing countries. We, the landlocked developing countries, are truly looking forward to that big event, and the Office of the Special Coordinator for Least Developed, Landlocked and Island Developing Countries should be strengthened in order to enable it to carry out, effectively and efficiently, its mandate in support of the landlocked developing countries. I would like to urge all Member States to support the proposal before the Fifth Committee in this regard.

We are also pleased that the General Assembly has agreed that the fifth Meeting of Governmental Experts in 2001 would consider convening a ministerial meeting in 2003. This is a very encouraging indication that the international community is seriously seized with the issue facing the landlocked developing countries. We urge the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in particular to effectively prepare for the fifth Meeting, in collaboration with other organizations, including the Regional Commission, bearing in mind the proposed ministerial meeting in 2003.

By way of conclusion, the group of landlocked developing countries once again wishes to express its gratitude to the donor community for its support and to UNCTAD for its overall assistance and cooperation aimed at resolving the particular problems and needs faced by the landlocked developing countries. It is our hope that we will continue to receive more support and financial assistance, and on the most concessional terms possible. The development of an efficient and self-reliant transport system, indeed, requires due and priority consideration on the part of the international community.

Mr. Tchoulkov (Russia)

The Russian delegation wishes to speak in explanation of vote on resolution 54/200 on unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion against developing countries.

Recently, we have witnessed with increasing frequency the use by a number of countries of economic means to exert political pressure. We feel that the resolution that has just been adopted should help the international community to combine its efforts and take urgent and effective steps to stop such actions against all States.

In this connection, the Russian delegation is seriously concerned by the steps taken by the United States and the members of the European Union to impose unilateral sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The use of such economic measures, which are not sanctioned by the Security Council, and the imposition of compliance with them on third States -- which is incompatible with the United Nations Charter and generally recognized principles of international law -- contradict the basic principles of the system of multilateral trade and undermine the processes of settlement. They also seriously destabilize the situation in the Balkan region.

In the light of the events surrounding Yugoslavia, we feel that the resolution has assumed new importance. The conclusions of experts contained in the report of the Secretary-General prepared in compliance with resolution 52/181, reflect the need to oppose the use of unilateral economic measures as a means of political and economic coercion, especially the practice of secondary boycotts against third-party States. The report rightly notes that

"unilateral measures of coercion are increasingly at odds with the evolving principles and rules of international economic and social cooperation that are embodied in the Charter of the United Nations and the constituent treaties of multilateral trade and financial institutions, such as the World Trade Organization, and that seek to provide, inter alia, mechanisms and procedures for collective policy review and dispute settlement". (A/54/486, para. 50)

The Russian delegation, having voted in support of resolution 54/200, stresses its position of principle on the unacceptability of the unilateral use of economic measures aimed at a specific country that harm the economic interests of others.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 97?

The President

We turn now to the draft resolution recommended for adoption by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report (A/54/585/Add.4).

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 97?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report (A/54/585/Add.5).

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "Enhancing international cooperation towards a durable solution to the external debt problem of developing countries". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 97?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 17 of its report (A/54/586).

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

We next turn to draft resolution II, entitled "Business and development".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We next turn to draft resolution III, entitled "Prevention of corrupt practices and illegal transfer of funds".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 98?

The President

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/54/587?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 99?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 13 of its report.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Preparations for the special session of the General Assembly for an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the Habitat Agenda".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

We turn next to draft resolution II, entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II)".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We turn next to draft resolution III, entitled "Follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II)".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the likewise?

The President

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 99.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of the same report.

We turn first to the draft resolution, entitled "Women in development". The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We now turn to the draft decision, entitled "Documents relating to women in development".

The Second Committee adopted the draft decision. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 99?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "Developing human resources for development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 99?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "International migration and development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 99?

The President

I should like to inform members that the consideration of the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/54/587/Add.6 is postponed to allow time for the Fifth Committee to review the programme budget implications of the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of the same report.

We turn first to the draft resolution entitled "Renewal of the dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership".

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We next turn to the draft decision entitled "Note by the Secretary-General on the themes for the second high-level dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership".

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of sub-item (g) of agenda item 99?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 3 of its report.

The draft decision is entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on the twenty-first special session of the General Assembly for an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development".

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (h) of agenda item 99?

The President

We turn first to the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/54/588.

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/54/588?

The President

We now turn to the four draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 21 of its report, contained in document A/54/588/Add.7.

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Conservation and sustainable development of Central African forest ecosystems". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "World Solar Programme 1996-2005". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled "Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution IV, entitled "Enhancing complementarities among international instruments related to environment and sustainable development". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 100.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of the same report.

We turn first to the draft resolution entitled "Implementation of and follow-up to the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly".

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Assembly will now turn to the draft decision entitled "Documents relating to the implementation of and follow-up to the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly".

May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 100?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction: successor arrangements", which the Second Committee adopted. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We turn now to draft resolution II, entitled "International cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño phenomenon", which the Second Committee adopted. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

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

Mr. Alemán (Ecuador)

The delegation of Ecuador had the honour of coordinating, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, the negotiations on draft resolution A/C.2/54/L.43 on "International cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño phenomenon".

With the adoption of this resolution, the General Assembly has taken one further step towards designing and applying an international multidisciplinary and intersectoral strategy to prevent the catastrophic effects of this cyclical phenomenon. Since the adoption of General Assembly resolution 52/200, the United Nations system and the international community have adopted practical and constructive measures in order better to understand the El Niño phenomenon. The setting up of a task force, the convening in Guayaquil of the first Intergovernmental Meeting of Experts, with the participation of 450 scientists from various regions of the world, and the publication of a technical and scientific document on the impact that this phenomenon had in 1997 and 1998, are clear examples of the positive action taken in the United Nations system.

My delegation would like to express particular gratitude to the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization for publishing that important work, which reflects the valuable contributions made by the international scientific community with regard to the El Niño phenomenon. We also extend our thanks to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Council of Scientific Unions, for their important cooperation in making it possible.

The General Assembly has adopted resolution 54/220, thereby expressing its support for the establishment in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, of an international research centre to investigate the El Niño phenomenon. The centre will make it possible to observe and monitor this phenomenon more closely. Information will be shared with the main regional and international oceanic and atmospheric observation centres. Cooperation with the United Nations system and the international community will make this important project a reality.

I should now like to refer to resolution 54/219, "International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction: successor arrangements", with regard to which the delegation of Ecuador was honoured to serve as coordinator, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the end of the Decade, the United Nations will have as a guide the international strategy for natural disaster reduction, which will continue to be the basic platform in this field. Preventive efforts will be essential in this regard. In January 2000, a task force and an inter-agency secretariat will be set up. My delegation hopes that this process will draw on experience gained, and will benefit from the knowledge of the staff of the Decade's secretariat.

In conclusion, my delegation wishes to express, through you, Mr. President, our thanks to all representatives for their valuable contribution, as well as for their very constructive spirit during the entire negotiating process, which enabled us to arrive at a consensus on both resolutions. Their complete implementation, including in the administrative field, will be essential for ensuring respect for the will of the General Assembly on these important issues -- the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction and international cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño phenomenon.

Ms. Päivöke (Finland)

The European Union would like to take this opportunity to express its support for the statement made by the delegation of Ecuador on the two resolutions just adopted under sub-item (b) of agenda item 100, in particular on the resolution on the successor arrangements for the International Decade for Natural Diaster Reduction. The European Union shares the interest of Ecuador and attaches great importance to this matter.

We look forward to the full implementation of resolution 54/219, including the administration of the successor arrangements for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. We are assured that these arrangements, and the implementation of the international strategy for disaster reduction, will honour the letter and the spirit of the resolution just adopted and will fully utilize the experience gained and lessons learned during the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 100?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 100?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 8 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 100?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 100?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report (A/54/588/Add.6).

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States".

Draft resolution I was adopted by the Second Committee. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Promoting an integrated management approach to the Caribbean Sea area in the context of sustainable development". May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 100?

The President

The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 100 as a whole.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of its report (A/53/589) and on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 17 of the same report.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Economic and technical cooperation among developing countries".

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

We turn now to the draft decision, entitled "Documents relating to operational activities for development".

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 101.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report (A/54/590).

The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "United Nations Staff College in Turin, Italy". May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution II, entitled "United Nations Institute for Training and Research", was adopted by the Second Committee. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 102?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 of its report (A/54/591).

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 103?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence". May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

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

Mr. Gallagher (United States)

The United States joined the consensus on this resolution because we believe that, on balance, it represents a step forward in a number of areas.

On the issue of good governance, after lengthy debate the Second Committee was able to come to a consensus. We look forward to continuing and broadening this dialogue. Part of the way forward is to strengthen the support of the international community to developing countries so that they can develop the capacities, skills and institutions necessary to confront globalization.

But just as important is a fundamental understanding of the need for Governments to effectively manage their own development. The fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly has helped move the debate forward by recognizing that good governance is governance that is responsible to the needs of the people, based on efficient, participatory, transparent and accountable public service, policy-making processes and administration. This is an excellent working definition that can be strengthened by further developing concepts such as democracy and civil society. Strong democratic institutions and civil society organizations are critical in assuring that Governments are responsive to the needs of the people.

Globalization is having profound implications for the promotion of good governance, as this issue is no longer confined to national borders. On the one hand, globalization is encouraging Governments, in partnership with the private sector and civil society, to adopt policies to promote economic efficiency and growth. On the other hand, we are continuing to learn from the Asian financial crisis and other recent developments that transparency and disclosure are critical for healthy economies in which benefits of growth are widely shared. We must continue to work together to find shared approaches, principles and guidelines.

One thing is for sure: good governance is important for countries at all stages of development. Over the past several years, there has been widespread recognition that good governance is essential for sustainable development. In recent years, the significance of good governance has also become prominent among both the member countries of the international financial institutions and the management of those institutions. Bilaterally, donor partners have in place numerous programmes to help countries overcome governance problems. Nationally, many countries are talking openly about good governance as being critical for economic growth and development. With the support of the international community, many are in front in establishing effective mechanisms to improve governance.

As good governance has become a central pillar of economic growth and poverty alleviation, the United Nations and its agencies should continue progress on this critical issue.

The President

We have heard the only speaker in explanation of position.

I call on the representative of Suriname on a point of order.

Mr. Kerpens (Suriname)

I apologize for taking the floor once more.

I would like to draw the Assembly's attention to the seventh and eleventh preambular paragraphs and to operative 8 of the resolution just adopted on the subject of globalization. In these paragraphs we again see the same mistake, namely, that the phrase "small island developing States" does not appear as it should. I would once more request that this phrase appear as "Small Island Developing States (SIDS), as was agreed.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 104?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report.

The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 105?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the four draft decisions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of its report.

We turn first to draft decision I, entitled "United Nations Guidelines for Consumer Protection (as expanded in 1999)".

May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision I?

The President

The Second Committee adopted draft decision II, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft decision III is entitled "Documents relating to the report of the Economic and Social Council". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision III?

The President

Draft decision IV is entitled "Biennial programme of work of the Second Committee for 2000-2001". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision IV?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of the chapters of the report of the Economic and Social