| Date | 22 December 1999 |
|---|
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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?
