| Date | 20 December 2002 |
|---|---|
| Started | 10:00 |
| Ended | 12:35 |
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Reports of the Second Committee
The President
The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Second Committee on agenda items 84 to 96, 43 and 12. I request the Rapporteur of the Second Committee, Mr. Walid Al-Hadid, of Jordan, to introduce the reports of the Second Committee in one intervention.
Mr. Al-Hadid (Jordan)
I have the honour to introduce for the Assembly's consideration the following reports of the Second Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the General Assembly at its fifty-seventh session.
Under item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/57/543, the adoption of one draft resolution and, in paragraph 13, the adoption of two draft decisions.
Under item 43, entitled "Follow up to the outcome of the special session on children", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/57/542, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under sub-item 84 (a), entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions: international trade and development", the Second Committee recommends in paragraph 7 of document A/57/529/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution. In paragraph 8, it recommends the adoption of one draft decision.
Under sub-item 84 (b) of the agenda, entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions: commodities", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/57/529/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under sub-item 84 (c) of the agenda, entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions: science and technology for development", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/57/529/Add.3, the adoption of three draft resolutions and, in paragraph 17, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under sub-item 84 (d) of the agenda, entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions: external debt crisis and development", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/57/529/Add.4, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under sub-item 84 (e) of the agenda, entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions: international financial system and development", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/57/529/Add.5, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under sub-item 84 (f) of the agenda, entitled "Macroeconomic policy questions: preparations for the International Ministerial Meeting on Transit Transport Cooperation", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/57/529/Add.6, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under agenda item 85, entitled "Sectoral policy questions", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/57/530, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 15, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under sub-item 86 (a) of the agenda, entitled "Sustainable development and international economic cooperation: implementation of 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", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/57/531/Add.1, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under sub-item 86 (b) of the agenda, entitled "Sustainable development and international economic cooperation: integration of the economies in transition into the world economy", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 5 of document A/57/531/Add.2, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under sub-item 86 (c) of the agenda, entitled "Sustainable development and international economic cooperation: culture and development", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/57/531/Add.3, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Under sub-item 86 (d) of the agenda, entitled "Sustainable development and international economic cooperation: high-level dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/57/531/Add.4, the adoption of one draft resolution and, in paragraph 8, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under item 86 of the agenda, entitled "Sustainable development and international economic cooperation", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/57/531/Add.5, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under sub-item 87 (a) of the agenda, entitled "Environment and sustainable development: implementation of Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21", I would like to first correct an omission in paragraph 6 of the report (A/57/532/Add.1). The last sentence should read "Subsequently, Algeria, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malawi, Malta, Mongolia, Namibia, Nigeria, Republic of Korea, Romania, the Russian Federation, Singapore, South Africa, Swaziland, Tunisia, United Republic of Tanzania, Yemen and Zimbabwe joined in sponsoring the draft resolution." The Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/57/532/Add.l, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Under sub-item 87 (b) of the agenda, entitled "Environment and sustainable development: International Strategy for Disaster Reduction", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/57/532/Add.2, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 15, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under sub-item 87 (c) of the agenda, entitled "Environment and sustainable development: protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/57/532/Add.3, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Under sub-item 87 (d) of the agenda, entitled "Environment and sustainable development: implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/57/532/Add.4, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under sub-item 87 (e) of the agenda, entitled "Environment and sustainable development: Convention on Biological Diversity", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 7 of document A/57/532/Add.5, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under sub-item 87 (f) of the agenda, entitled "Environment and sustainable development: further implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/57/532/Add.6, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Under item 88 of the agenda, entitled "Operational activities for development", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 19 of document A/57/533, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 20, the adoption of two draft decisions.
Under item 89 of the agenda, entitled "Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/57/534, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Under item 90 of the agenda, entitled "Training and research", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 15 of document A/57/535, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Under item 91 of the agenda, 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", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/57/536, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under item 92 of the agenda, entitled "Integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic and social fields", the Second Committee recommends, in paragraph 14 of document A/57/537, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 15, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under agenda item 93, entitled "High-level international intergovernmental consideration of financing for development", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/57/538, paragraph 16, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Under agenda item 94, entitled "Globalization and interdependence", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/57/539, paragraph 11, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under agenda item 95, entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and of the twenty-fifth special session of the General Assembly", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/57/540, paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under agenda item 96, entitled "Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries", the Second Committee recommends, in document A/57/541, paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Before concluding, I would like to take this opportunity sincerely to thank the Chairman of the Second Committee, Mr. Marco Antonio Suazo of Honduras, as well as the Vice-Chairmen, Mr. Abdellah Benmellouk of Morocco, Mr. Jan Kára of the Czech Republic and Mr. Bruno van der Pluijm of Belgium for their extraordinary cooperation and joint action and solidarity during the very successful session of the Second Committee.
I would also thank the Secretariat for its outstanding assistance to me and all the members of the Bureau and for the efficient discharge of their duties.
Finally, I would like to congratulate all representatives of Member States and pay tribute to their outstanding efforts during the meetings of the Second Committee, which this year had one of its most successful sessions.
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. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Second 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 General Assembly agreed that
"When the same draft resolution is considered in the 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 further 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 Second Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. This means that where a recorded vote was taken we will do the same. I should also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those 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/57/529?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 84.
(a) International trade and development
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/529/Add.1)
The President
The Assembly will 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 Committee in paragraph 8 of the same report. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The draft decision is entitled "Reports of the Trade and Development Board". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee?
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 84?
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 (b) of agenda item 84?
(c) Science and technology for development
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/529/Add.3)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 17 of the same report.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Global biotechnology forum: Chile 2003". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "World Summit on the Information Society". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled "Creation of a global culture of cybersecurity". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The draft decision is entitled "Documents relating to science and technology for development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee?
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 84?
(d) External debt crisis and development
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/529/Add.4)
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 "Enhancing international cooperation towards a durable solution to the external debt problem of developing countries". 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 (d) of agenda item 84?
(e) International financial system and development
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/529/Add.5)
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 likewise?
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 84?
(f) Preparations for the International Ministerial Meeting on Transit Transport Cooperation
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/529/Add.6)
The President
The Assembly will 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 entitled "Preparations for the International Ministerial Conference on Transit Transport Cooperation". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 84.
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 and on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 15 of the same report.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Industrial development cooperation". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of funds of illicit origin and returning such funds to the countries of origin". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The draft decision is entitled "Report on business and development".
May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee?
The President
May I take it that the Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 85?
Agenda item 86
Sustainable development and international economic cooperation
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/531 and A/57/531/Add.5)
The President
We turn first to the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/57/531.
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee contained in document A/57/531?
The President
The Assembly will now turn to the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 6 of its report contained in document A/57/531/Add.5.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "International Year of Mountains, 2002". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 86.
(a) Implementation of 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
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/531/Add.1)
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 86?
(b) Integration of the economies in transition into the world economy
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/531/Add.2)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 5 of its report. The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. 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 (b) of agenda item 86?
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Year of Kyrgyz Statehood". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Culture 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 (c) of agenda item 86?
(d) High-level dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/531/Add.4)
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 Committee in paragraph 8 of the same report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "High-level dialogue on strengthening international economic cooperation for development through partnership". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The draft decision is entitled "Report of the Joint Inspection Unit on the involvement of civil society organizations other than non-governmental organizations and the private sector in technical cooperation activities: experiences and prospects of the United Nations system". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee?
The President
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 86.
Agenda item 87
Environment and sustainable development
Reports of the Second Committee (A/57/532 and A/57/532/Add.7)
The President
We turn first to document A/57/532. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to take note of the report of the Second Committee contained in A/57/532?
The President
The Assembly will now turn to the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report contained in document A/57/532/Add.7.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I entitled "Report of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme on its seventh special session". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II entitled "Activities undertaken in preparation for the international Year of Freshwater, 2003". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of is consideration of agenda item 87.
(a) Implementation of Agenda 21 and the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/532/Add.1)
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.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I entitled "World Summit on Sustainable Development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II entitled "United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 87?
(b) International Strategy for Disaster Reduction
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/532/Add.2)
The President
The General Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report, and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 15 of the same report.
I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.
Mr. Chen (Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management)
In operative paragraph 6 of draft resolution II, the General Assembly would request the Secretary-General to allocate adequate financial and administrative resources, within existing resources, for the effective functioning of the inter-agency secretariat.
The activities of the inter-agency secretariat for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction are, by established practice, funded exclusively through extra-budgetary resources. Consequently, the General Assembly is advised that the requirements in respect of the activities of the inter-agency secretariat could not be absorbed within existing resources of the programme budget for the biennium 2002-2003 and that adoption of the draft resolution would not give rise to any additional requirements under the regular budget for the biennium 2002-2003.
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions and on the draft decision.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "International cooperation to reduce the impact of the El Niño phenomenon". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "International Strategy for Disaster Reduction". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted the draft decision entitled "Natural disasters and vulnerability". 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 (b) of agenda item 87?
(c) Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/532/Add.3)
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.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "World Climate Change Conference". 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 87?
(d) Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/532/Add.4)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 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 87?
(e) Convention on Biological Diversity
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/532/Add.5)
The President
I call on the representative of Switzerland.
Mr. Toscano (Switzerland)
I would like to request that a correction be made to paragraph 8 of the draft resolution recommended in paragraph 7 of document A/57/532/Add.5 so as to bring it into line with the draft resolution that was adopted within the framework of the Second Committee.
After the words "of genetic resources", there should be a full stop instead of a comma. The paragraph would then continue unaltered, with the word "And" at the beginning of the sentence being capitalized.
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report, as orally corrected.
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 (e) of agenda item 87?
(f) Further implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/532/Add.6)
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.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Promoting an integrated management approach to the Caribbean Sea area in the context of sustainable development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Further implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (f) of agenda item 87.
Mr. Carpio Govea (Venezuela)
I should like, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, to draw the attention of the Assembly to draft resolution II, entitled "Human Development Report", contained in section 3 of document A/57/533.
Two significant corrections need to be made to the English version of paragraphs 5 and 6 of the draft resolution.
Mr. Carpio Govea (Venezuela)
Paragraph 5 should read "invites the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA". And then, on the second line, it should read "a separate agenda item on the Human Development Report".
Paragraph 6 should be replaced with the following paragraph:
"Requests the Secretary-General to ensure that the implementation of the present resolution is reported to the General Assembly at its fifty-eighth session within the context of the relevant section of the report of the Economic and Social Council on its substantive session in 2003".
The President
Draft resolution I is 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
Draft resolution II is entitled "Human Development Report". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II.
The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution II, as orally corrected. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution?
The President
We turn now to the two draft decisions. Draft decision I is entitled "Pledging mechanisms and resource mobilization for operational activities for development of the United Nations system". The Second Committee adopted draft decision I. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft decision II is entitled "Documents relating to operational activities for development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II recommended by the Second Committee?
The President
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 88?
Agenda item 89
Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/534)
The President
The Assembly will take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Establishment of the World Solidarity Fund". 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 "Implementation of the first United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006)". The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
I now give the floor to delegations wishing to speak in explanation of position.
Mr. Mejdoub (Tunisia)
The Tunisian delegation is very pleased that the General Assembly has adopted the resolution calling for the creation of a World Solidarity Fund. The Assembly's approval confirms the decision made by Heads of State and Government in Johannesburg at the end of the World Summit on Sustainable Development to put this new instrument into action in the fight against poverty. The objective for establishing this Fund is to complement current operations rather than take their place. It will also create synergies through a variety of initiatives and existing programmes and funds.
The Fund's activities should result, among other things, in improved living conditions, in particular in the areas of potable water, education, health services, housing, electricity, the integration of rural areas and the promotion of such income-generating activities as micro-financing and micro-enterprises. Last but not least, those activities will help to reduce gender inequality and promote opportunities for the economic integration of women.
We would like to convey our thanks to all delegations that have supported this initiative since it was launched, in August 1999, by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia. We would like, in particular, to express our gratitude to the Group of 77 and China, as well as to the delegations of the European Union, the United States of America, Japan, Canada and Australia. I would also like to convey my thanks to all other delegations that demonstrated flexibility during the negotiations regarding the Fund. Our thanks also go to Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the United Nations Development Programme and United Nations officials for their cooperation in the drafting of concrete proposals within the Fund's institutional and organizational framework.
Mr. Mejdoub (Tunisia)
Allow me to make my last comment in English in order to appeal to the international community, Governments, the private sector, foundations, international organizations and civil society in general. I call on them to contribute generously to the World Solidarity Fund in order to allow it to become operational in the shortest time possible and to make it possible for it to translate its universal values into reality.
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 89?
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 15 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "United Nations University". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "United Nations Institute for Training and Research". 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 90?
Agenda item 91
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
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/536)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 10 of its report.
| favour |
| against |
| abstain |
| absent |
The draft resolution was adopted by 155 votes to 4, with 4 abstentions (resolution 57/269).
favour=155 against=4 abstain=4 absent=29
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 91?
Agenda item 92
Integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic and social fields
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/537)
The President
The General Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 14 of its report and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 15 of the same report.
I call on the representative of the Secretariat.
Mr. Chen (Under-Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management)
Under the terms of paragraphs 1, 8 and 9 of draft resolution I, entitled "Integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic and social fields", the General Assembly would, inter alia, decide to establish an open-ended ad hoc working group of the General Assembly under the chairmanship of the President of the General Assembly. The Assembly would also decide that the working group will commence its substantive work during the fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly, no later than January 2003, and will submit its report before 27 June 2003, for consideration by the General Assembly and action before the close of the fifty-seventh session. The Assembly would further decide that the working group will consider its work programme at its first meeting, including the issue of periodicity and duration of its meetings within the time boundaries established in paragraph 8.
It is the understanding of the Secretariat that the first meeting of the working group will be held at a date when conference services are available, and that the working group will not meet at the same time as the plenary of the General Assembly or another working group of the Assembly. The periodicity and duration of the meetings of the working group in the future will be determined at its first meeting and, if necessary, at subsequent meetings.
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions and on the draft decision.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I, entitled "Integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the major United Nations conferences and summits in the economic and social fields". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "World Food Summit: five years later". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
The Second Committee further recommends for adoption a draft decision entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on the integrated and coordinated implementation of and follow-up to the outcome of the major United Nations conferences and summits, including the Millennium Summit". 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 92.
Agenda item 93
High-level international intergovernmental consideration of financing for development
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/538)
Report of the Fifth Committee (A/57/661)
The President
The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution II is contained in document A/57/661. The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 16 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution I entitled "High-level international intergovernmental consideration of financing for development". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft resolution II entitled "Ensuring effective secretariat support for sustained follow-up to the outcome of the International Conference on Financing 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 agenda item 93?
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 11 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 take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 94?
Agenda item 95
Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and the twenty-fifth special session of the General Assembly
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/540)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "Special session of the General Assembly for an overall review and appraisal of the implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and the strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)". 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 95?
Agenda item 96
Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/541)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 9 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 agenda item 96?
Agenda item 43
Follow-up to the outcome of the special session on children
Report of the Second Committee (A/57/542)
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 7 of its report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft decision. 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 43?
The President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Second Committee in paragraph 12 of its report, and on the two draft decisions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 13 of the same report.
The Second Committee adopted the draft resolution entitled "Public administration and development". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft decision I 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 I recommended by the Second Committee?
The President
The Second Committee adopted draft decision II entitled "Biennial programme of work of the Second Committee for 2003-2004". May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 12.
The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Second Committee before it.
Agenda items 110, 111, 111 and 112 and 115, 111 and 118, 113, 115, 116, 117, 119, 120, 121 122, 124, 125, 126, 134, 147, and 112
Reports of the Fifth Committee
The President
I now request the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee, Mr. Haile Selassie Getachew of Ethiopia, to introduce the reports of the Fifth Committee in one intervention.
Mr. Getachew (Ethiopia)
I have the honour today to present to the General Assembly the reports of the Fifth Committee containing recommendations on issues that required action during the main part of the fifty-seventh regular session of the General Assembly.
The Fifth Committee met from 25 September to 16 December 2002, and held 38 plenary meetings and 76 informal consultations. The Fifth Committee had held extensive consultations on the issues before it and adopted all its recommendations without a vote. I, therefore, have the honour to present the following brief report on the work of the Fifth Committee.
Under item 110 of the agenda, entitled "Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/57/639. In paragraph 7 of its report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft resolution that was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Under agenda item 111, entitled "Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations", and agenda item 118, entitled "Human resources management", the Committee, in its report contained in document A/57/603, recommends, in paragraph 6, one draft resolution entitled "Gratis personnel provided by Governments and other entities", which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Continuing with agenda item 111, entitled "Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations", the Committee, in paragraphs 14 and 15 of its report contained in document A/57/648, recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of two draft resolutions and three draft decisions -- namely, draft resolution I, on procurement reform; draft resolution II, on the proposed programme budget outline for the biennium 2004-2005; draft decision I, on common services; draft decision II, on the biennial programme of work of the Fifth Committee for 2003-2004; and draft decision III, on action taken on certain items, which were adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Under agenda item 112, the report of the Fifth Committee, entitled "Programme budget for the biennium 2002-2003", is contained in document A/57/649. In paragraph 79 of its report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of draft resolution I, on questions relating to the programme budget for the biennium 2002-2003; draft resolution II A, on advised budget appropriations for the biennium 2002-2003; draft resolution II B, on revised estimates for the biennium 2002-2003; and draft resolution II C, on financing of the appropriations for 2003. In paragraph 80 of the same report, the Committee also recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of the draft decisions I to XXV, which were adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Under agenda item 113, entitled "Programme planning", the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 7 of its report, contained in document A/57/650, the adoption of a draft resolution on programme planning, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Under agenda item 115, entitled "Administrative and budgetary coordination of the United Nations with the specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency", the Committee considered the statistical report of the Chief Executives Board on the budgetary and financial situation of the organizations of the United Nations system. In paragraph 6 of its report, contained in document A/57/602, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Under agenda item 111, entitled "Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations", agenda item 112, entitled "Programme budget for the biennium 2002-2003" and agenda item 115, entitled "Administrative and budgetary coordination of the United Nations with the specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency", the Committee considered the question of the activities of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions during the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly. In paragraph 4 of its report, contained in document A/57/623, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft decision, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Regarding agenda item 116, entitled "Pattern of conferences", the Committee met extensively but was unable to reach consensus on a comprehensive draft resolution. Accordingly, the Committee decided to recommend, in paragraph 7 of its report, contained in document A/57/651, a draft resolution, by which the Assembly would approve the devised calendar of conferences for 2003 and would decide to continue consideration of those agenda items at the first meeting of the resumed fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly. The draft resolution was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Regarding agenda item 117, entitled "Scale of assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations", the report of the Committee is contained in document A/57/429/Add.1. In paragraph 6 of its report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Under agenda item 119, the report of the Committee, entitled "Joint Inspection Unit", is contained is document A/57/640. In paragraph 6, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Regarding agenda item 120, entitled "United Nations common system", the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 7 of its report, contained in document A/57/652, the adoption of one draft resolution, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Under agenda item 121, entitled "United Nations Pension System", the Committee recommends to the General Assembly, in paragraph 7 of its report contained in document A/57/653, the adoption of a draft resolution, which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Regarding agenda item 124, entitled "Financing of the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia since 1991", and agenda item 125, entitled "Financing of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Genocide and Other Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of Rwanda and Rwandan Citizens Responsible for Genocide and Other Such Violations Committed in the Territory of Neighbouring States between 1 January and 31 December 1994", the reports of the Committee are contained in documents A/57/654 and A/57/655, respectively. In paragraph 6 of each report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of one draft resolution. Both were adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Mr. Getachew (Ethiopia)
The report of the Committee on agenda item 126, entitled "Administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations", is contained in document A/57/656. In paragraph 6 of its report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
The report of the Committee on item 134, entitled "Financing of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone" is contained in document A/57/657. In paragraph 6 of its report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft resolution which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
The report of the Committee on agenda item 147, "Financing of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina" is contained in document A/57/643. In paragraph 6 of its report, the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
With regard to agenda item 12, "Report of the Economic and Social Council", in paragraph 4 of its report (A/57/624) the Committee recommends to the General Assembly the adoption of a draft decision which was adopted by the Committee without a vote.
Before concluding, I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to the Group of African States for demonstrating their confidence in me by asking me to serve as the Rapporteur of the Fifth Committee at the fifty-seventh session of the General Assembly. I would also like to convey my deepest appreciation to the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Murari Raj Sharma, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Nepal, for his outstanding leadership and to all other members of the Bureau for their professionalism.
I would be remiss if I failed to express my appreciation to all Member States for their high degree of cooperation, to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of the Committee for their dedication and hard work and to the other members of the Secretariat staff for their invaluable assistance, which enabled the Committee to complete its heavy workload at an earlier date than in previous years.
The Acting 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 Fifth Committee which are before the Assembly today.
The Acting President
Statements, if any, will therefore be limited to explanations of vote.
The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Fifth 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 General 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 further 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 Fifth 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 Fifth Committee, unless notified otherwise in advance. I therefore hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Fifth Committee.
Agenda item 110 (continued)
Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors
Report of the Fifth Committee (A/57/639)
The Acting President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
We have thus concluded this stage of our consideration of agenda item 110.
Agenda item 111
Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of United Nations
Report of the Fifth Committee (A/57/648)
The Acting President
The Assembly will take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 14 of its report and on the three draft decisions recommended by the Committee in paragraph 15 of the same report.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Procurement reform". The Fifth Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Proposed programme budget outline for the biennium 2004-2005". The Fifth Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
We turn now to draft decision I, entitled "Common services". The Fifth Committee adopted draft decision I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft decision II is entitled "Biennial programme of work of the Fifth Committee for 2003-2004". The Fifth Committee adopted draft decision II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft decision III is entitled "Action taken on certain items". The Fifth Committee adopted draft decision III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 111.
Agenda items 111 (continued), 112 and 115
Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations
Programme budget for the biennium 2002-2003
Administrative and budgetary coordination of the United Nations with the specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency
Report of the Fifth Committee (A/57/623)
The Acting President
The Assembly will take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 4 of its report. The draft decision is entitled "Activities of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions during the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly". May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt the draft decision?
The Acting President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda items 111, 112 and 115.
Agenda items 111 (continued) and 118
Review of the efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations
Human resources management
Report of the Fifth Committee (A/57/603)
The Acting President
The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The draft resolution is entitled "Gratis personnel provided by Governments and other entities". The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda items 111 and 118.
The Acting President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 113.
Agenda item 115 (continued)
Administrative and budgetary coordination of the United Nations with the specialized agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency
Report of the Fifth Committee (A/57/602)
The Acting President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 6 of its report. The draft decision is entitled "Statistical report of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination on the budgetary and financial situation of the organizations of the United Nations system". The Fifth Committee adopted the draft decision without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 115.
The Acting President
The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Fifth Committee in paragraph 7 of its report. The Fifth Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideratio