| Date | 20 December 2002 |
|---|
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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?
