Dear Colleague, good afternoon.
I call to order the 40th meeting of the Economic and Social Council.
I invite the council to begin its consideration of agenda item 18 F, Public Administration and Development.
The Council has before it the report of the 25th session of the Committee of Expert on public administration issued in document E slash 2026 slash 44.
I now invite Mr.
Rolfe Alter, Chair Chair of the Committee of Expert on Public Administration to introduce the report via prerecorded video.
I see my colleague from Morocco who is asking for a point of order.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, President.
We would like to request the renewal of Agenda item 14 on the implementation of the Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples and institutionalized international organizations of the UN so as to record our position on a document that was adopted this morning under this agenda item.
Do I see the authorization to record my statement? I think the permanent representative of Morocco.
The representative of Morocco is invited to present his contribution somewhat later during this session.
If if you would please wait a moment.
With the authorization of the permanent Representative of Morocco, I now invite Mr.
Rolfe Alter, chair of the committee of Expert on Public Administration to introduce the report via prerecorded video.
Please play the video.
Mr.
Vice President, Excellency' distinguished delegates.
It is my honor to brief you on the 25th session of the Committee of Experts on public administration held 13-17 April 2026 at United Nations headquarters.
We met at a moment of profound economic, social, and environmental strength.
Progress towards the goals remains severely off track.
Challenges extend beyond financing and include, in particular, implementation, institutional capacity, and public trust.
The 2026 HLPF Ministerial Declaration adopted last week recognizes good governance and strong institutions as key enablers of sustainable development.
That recognition goes to the heart of the committee's deliberations on transformative, equitable, innovative, and urgent actions required to rebuild trust, revitalize institution, and realize the SDGs.
Such reforms should include reviewing multi level governance arrangements to empower all levels of government while encouraging meaningful stakeholder participation, especially at the local level.
These efforts must be grounded in evidence.
Our work on the principles of effective governance and the committee's pentagram of action provides a practical compass.
Our findings confirm that the quality of governance remains critical to progress across the goals.
Action oriented diagnostic tools can identify institutional constraints, close implementation gaps, and sequence reforms around high impact priorities.
In support of the CA commitment, we identified urgent priorities for resource mobilization and public financial management.
These include more resilient fiscal frameworks, stronger sub national financial management, better allocation and management of the development finance, and enhanced legal and operational independence of Supreme audit institutions.
Looking ahead, we outlined three pathways towards a future oriented public administration.
One, anticipatory governance, two, evidence informed administration, three, agile and adaptive administration.
We also examined artificial intelligence as both a transformative opportunity and a profound governance challenge.
Its use should expand public value and administrative capability, underpinned by clear governance arrangements for procurement, human oversight, auditability, inclusion, respect for human rights, and protection against bias.
Yet institutions must ultimately be judged by whom they serve and whom they include.
Trust grows when people feel hurt and protected.
This imperative shaped our considerations of youth unemployment.
We called for general, integrated, gender sensitive youth employment frameworks, linking education and labor ministries, local authorities, and the private sector to promote decent jobs, technological skills, and entrepreneurship.
The same institutional lens shaped our work on water, where we stressed that water security depends on strong institutions supported by governance diagnostics to identify constraints and sequence reforms at the national level.
Finally, six voluntary national review countries joined a peer exchange on the institutional aspects of goal 16 and 17, turning experience into shared learning and better practice.
Mr.
Vice President, our message is clear.
Accelerating progress towards the SDGs requires public administration transformation.
This means moving from active policy making to strengthening capable, accountable, and inclusive institutions.
Trust is built when those institutions demonstrate, they can listen, learn, and deliver for everyone today and for generations to come.
I thank you.
I thank the chair of the committee of Expert on public administration.
The floor is open for a general discussion on item 18.
I see no request for the floor.
The council has thus concluded the general discussion of item 18.
The Council will now consider draft resolution E slash 2026 slash L 19, entitled, Report of the Committee of Expert on Public Administration on its 25th session and draft Decision E 2026 L 17, entitled, Date and Provisional Agenda of the 26th session of the Committee of Expert on Public Administration.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with either of the draft proposals? I see no request for the floor.
May I take it that the council wishes to adopt draft resolution E 2026 L 19? I hear no objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the council wish to adopt draft decision E 2026 L 17? I hear no objection.
It is so decided.
Now, does any delegation wish to make statement after the adoption? No request for the floor.
The Council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 18.
Now, I invite the council to begin its consideration of agenda item 18 B, Science and Technology for Development.
The Council has before it the report of the 29th session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, issued in document E slash 2026 slash 31st.
The council has before it The report of the Secretary-General on the progress made in the implementation of and follow up to the World Summit on the Information Society at the regional and international levels, including the 20 years review thereof, issued in document E 2026 48.
I now invite Mr.
Zhang Qiang, Chair of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, to introduce the report of the Commission via prerecorded video.
Please play the video.
Distinguished delegates.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm pleased to introduce the outcomes of Commission's 29th annual session held 8-24, April 2026, with participate from 95 countries.
The session starts with a ministerial round table where ministers and other high level representative shared national experience in leveraging the role of STI in transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 agenda.
In line with this year's HRPF theme, they emphasized that inclusive development focused innovation lies at the heart of sustainable development.
The discussion on priority theme, science, technology and innovation in the age of AI generated significant interest.
Could chairs of the first global dialogue on AI governance join exchanges.
Particularly, participants expressed concern that AI could deepen existing device in STI between and within countries.
The Commission therefore emphasized that AR governance must be closely linked to compive building and equitable access to digital infrastructure.
The Commission met at an important moment for this year's WS review following adoption of the General Assembly's 20 year W review outcomes resolution last December.
It gives special attention to the coherence and synergies between with implementation, the 23 agenda and the Global Digital Compact, and called for the United Nations Group and the Information Society to further develop its joint implementation e maps presented at the session.
It also requested that the WIS action lines facilitators report to its 30th annual session on developing target and result oriented implementation roadmaps for their respective action lines, linking them with relevant SDG targets and GDC commitments, including potential targets, indicators, and metrics to facilitate monitoring and measurements.
Finally, on technical cooperation in the STI field, report on Arctic's Crop Watch Innovation cooperation Program and its project on STI parks for sustainable development, illustrated how targeted exists and international partnerships can strengthen developing countries capacities.
The working group on data governance advances work along four checks governance principles, interoperability, fair benefit sharing, and cross bound data flows.
Its progress report will be reviewed at the 30th session and later submitted to the 81st General Assembly.
The priority theme of STIs 30th session to be hold 19 to 23 April next year is set as data governance for development from assemry to actable stewardship.
Noting, the session streamlined to resolutions.
Most remarkably, the V text to strengthen implementation, coordination, and reporting.
CSDD will conduct biannual visit reviews St 2028 while retaining its annual access of the visit progress.
Thank you.
I thank Mr.
Xhangg Qiang, Chair of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development for his introduction.
The floor is now open for a general discussion on item 18.
B.
No request for the floor.
So the council has thus concluded the general discussion on item 18 B.
The council will now consider the draft proposal contained in E 2026 slash 31.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with any of the draft proposals? I see no request for the floor.
May I take it that the council wish to adopt draft resolution one entitled, Assessment of the progress made in the implementation of and follow up to the outcome of the World Summit on the Information Society.
No objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the council wish to adopt draft decision, draft resolution two entitled Science Technology and Innovation for Development.
I hear no objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wish to adopt the draft decision entitled Report of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development on its 29th session and provisional agenda and documentation for the 30th session of the Commission.
I hear no objection.
It is so decided.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of these three texts? No request for the floor.
The Council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 18 B.
Now, item 19, I invite the council to begin its consideration of agenda item 19 C, crime prevention and criminal justice.
The council has before it the report of the Commission on crime prevention and criminal justice on its reconvened 34th session issued in document E.
2025 slash S addendum one, and the report of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on its 35th session issued in document E 2026 30.
I now invite Mr.
Rodger Bourne, Chair of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to introduce the reports via prerecorded video.
You have the floor, sir.
Distinguished representatives, ladies and gentlemen, greetings from Vienna.
It is my pleasure to brief the council on the outcomes of the 35th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and to provide an update on preparations for the 15th United Nations Crime Congress.
The 35th session held in Vienna from the first to the 5th of June 2026 reaffirmed the Commission's continued relevance and attracted broad participation.
We welcomed around 1,500 participants representing 126 member states in addition to representatives from the United Nations entities, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society.
The three resolutions adopted by the Commission at its 35th session addressed several important emerging issues.
First, member states adopted a resolution aimed at strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice responses to prevent and combat fraud to be recommended by the Economic and Social Council for adoption by the General Assembly.
The Commission also adopted two resolutions to be brought to the attention of the council, one addressing the prevention and combating of transnational sexual extortion of children, commonly referred to as sex extortion and another focusing on countering trafficking in persons for the purpose of forced criminality.
Allow me now to turn to preparations for the 15th United Nations Crime Congress, for which the CCPCJ acts as preparatory and main follow up body.
Following its postponement in April, the Congress will be held in Ab, Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from the 26th of September to the 1st of October 2026, with pre session consultations taking place on the 25th of September.
The Congress, as largest UN gathering on crime prevention and criminal justice matters, happening every five years, provides a unique platform to advance global action, bringing together governments, international organizations, civil society, and individual experts.
The agenda of the Congress has been designed to address both current and emerging challenges from innovative crime prevention, people centered justice systems, new and evolving forms of crime to strengthening international cooperation and technical assistance.
Complementing these agenda items are four workshops focusing on resilient societies, equal access to justice, better use of data and evidence, and the responsible use of technology in crime prevention and criminal justice.
Let me now turn to one of the key highlights of the Congress.
The high level segment will bring together heads of state and government ministers and other senior representatives to reaffirm the international community's commitment to strengthening crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law.
In addition, the high level segment will feature a series of thematic meetings that will promote dialogue on key priorities.
The central milestone of the Congress will be the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which will provide strategic guidance for international cooperation in the years ahead.
I would also like to encourage all delegations to participate actively in the pledge for Justice Initiative, which offers an opportunity to showcase concrete national and international commitments supporting implementation of the Congress outcomes.
An important strength of the crime Congress is its ability to bring together a truly diverse range of stakeholders.
Youth engagement is a central component.
A youth forum will be held on the 24th till the 25th of September, prepared by the Gen generation Justice Initiative.
The Congress will also introduce fireside chats with the private sector, providing an opportunity to exchange views on innovation, technology, and partnerships in addressing evolving crime challenges.
Participants will also benefit from a rich program of over 200 ancillary events and some 40 exhibitions.
Finally, I would like to highlight the written contribution which I submitted in my chairs capacity to the 2026 high level political forum.
It highlights action taken by the CCBCJ on crimes affecting the environment, trafficking in persons, crime prevention, and prison management, among other areas.
I thank you very much and I wish you fruitful discussions.
I thank Mr.
Rudigerborn, Chair of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for his introduction.
The floor is now open for a general discussion on Item 19 C.
I see no request.
The council has thus concluded the general discussion on item 19 C.
Now action.
The council will now consider the draft proposals contained in E 2025 25 slash 30 addendum one and E 2026 slash 30.
Does any delegation wish to make statement in connection with any of the draft proposals? I see no request for the floor.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the draft decision entitled Report of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on its reconvened 34th session.
No objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft decision entitled Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Response to prevent and combat fraud? No objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft decision one entitled Appointment of one member of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations and Traditional Crime and Justice Research Institute.
No objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft decision two, entitled, Report of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice on its 35th session and the provisional agenda of its 36th session.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Finally, does any delegation wish to make a statement after adoptions? No request from the floor.
The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 19.
Item.
I invite the council to begin its consideration of agenda item 18, United Nations Forum on Forest.
The Council has before it the report of the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forest issued in document E 2026 42.
I now invite Mr.
Ismael Beilan, chair of the Forum on Forest to introduce the report of the forum via prerecorded video.
Please play the video.
In my capacity as the chair of the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forest, I am pleased to brief the council on the outcomes of UNFF 21.
I would like to briefly summarize the omnibus resolution adopted by consensus, which will guide the forms over the next two years.
The forum reaffirmed the urgent need to accelerate implementation of the UN strategic plan for forests and achieve its global forest goals.
It welcomed the TFT report, 2026 and invited members to submit voluntary nation reports for the 2030 final assessments.
The forum highlighted the growing threat of wildfires, encouraged support for initiatives such as the Global Fire Management Hub and called for stronger cooperation on integrated fire management from prevention and preparedness to response and recovery.
The forum recognized the potential of a sustainable forest based economy and encouraged implementation of the Vienna call for action to support sustainable forest management, production, and conception.
The forum welcomed global efforts to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, including the Cp 30 presidency's roadmap initiative.
It also welcomed General Assembly resolution establishing the UN DCT for deforestation and deforestation.
The forum encouraged technological cooperation, innovation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
It called for additional financing, welcomed the tropical forests for E facility, and support from the Global Forest Finance Festation Network, and highlighted the clearing house on forest financing as a key source of forest finance information.
Members agreed to hold regular virtual informal consultations between UNFF 21 and UNFF 23 to prepare for the 2030 final review of the International arrangement on Forest.
The Secretariat was requested to present a plan for decision at UNFF 23.
The resolution also reaffirmed the forum's role as UN's only universal intergovernmental body dedicated solely to forest.
Excellency's, distinguished delegates.
As chair of UNF F 2021, and as a forest engineer, I would like to emphasize that under the guidance of Ecosof the UN Forum of Forests remains fully committed to advancing coherence, synergy, and the implementation of forest related goals across and beyond the UN system.
Thank you.
Hi.
Mr.
Ismail Belen, chair of the Forum on Forest for his introduction.
The floor is now open for a general discussion on Item 18 K.
No request.
The council has concluded the general discussion on Item 18.
Action now.
The council will now consider the draft proposals contained in E 2026 slash 42.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with any of the draft proposals? No request from the floor.
May I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft resolution entitled Outcome of the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forest.
No objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the resolution, the draft decision entitled, Report of the United Nations Forum on Forest on its 21st session and draft provisional agenda and dates in venue of its 22nd session.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption? No request.
The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 19.
Thank you.
I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change.
I invite the council to begin its consideration of agenda item 19, permanent Forum on Indigenous issues.
The council has before it the report of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues on its 25th session issued in document E 2026 43.
I now give the floor to miss Aluki Cook, Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, to introduce the report.
You have the floor, Madam.
Thank you.
Distinguished delegates, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
It is an honor to present the report on the 25th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, held from 20 April to first May 2026 at United Nations headquarters.
The report as contained in document E slash 2026 slash 43, reflects discussions and recommendations that emerged from dialogue among indigenous peoples, member states, and other stakeholders on some of the most pressing issues facing indigenous peoples today.
I would like to thank Indigenous peoples, member states, UN entities, and all other participants whose engagement enriched the forum's deliberations and contributed to a successful session.
The special theme of the 25th session was ensuring indigenous people's health, including in the context of conflict.
Throughout the session, a clear message emerged.
Indigenous people's health cannot be separated from their lands, territories, cultures, languages, and right to self determination.
The forum emphasized that the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples remains fundamental to advancing the health, well being and the rights of indigenous peoples.
Free, prior and informed consent remains a cornerstone of that effort.
The forum also examined the growing impacts of climate change on indigenous peoples.
Across all regions, indigenous peoples continue to experience severe impacts on their lands, livelihoods, food systems, cultures, and health despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The forum called for climate action and energy transition policies to fully respect indigenous people's rights and to ensure their effective participation in climate governance and decision making processes.
At the same time, the forum expressed concerned regarding the increasing pressures associated with extractive activities and the growing demand for critical minerals.
The forum stressed that climate action and development initiatives must not come at the expense of indigenous people's rights, lands and territories, and that free, prior, and informed consent must be fully respected.
Particular attention was also given to the impacts of conflict, displacement and environmental degradation on indigenous people's communities, especially indigenous women and girls.
The forum expressed concern over continuing human rights violations, including gender based violence, forced sterilization, and barriers to health services and participation and call for stronger protections and accountability measures.
Across all areas of work, the forum emphasized the importance of meaningful participation.
Indigenous peoples must be recognized as rights holders and decision makers in processes that affect their lives.
In this regard, the forum has proposed an international expert group meeting on the theme of enhanced participation of indigenous peoples.
The forum also considered ongoing United Nations reform efforts, including UN AD initiative.
It underscored that these reforms should strengthen rather than diminish the meaningful participation of indigenous peoples and the distinct roles of the UN mechanisms dedicated to indigenous peoples.
Distinguished delegates.
The report before you contains recommendations for member states, United Nations entities, and other stakeholders that advance human rights, sustainable development, peace, and environmental stewardship, including through the effective implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
In doing so, the foreign contributes directly to advancing sustainable development objectives, including support to the principle of leaving no one behind.
The forums recommendations strengthen the work of EcoSC by bringing indigenous people's perspectives and knowledge systems into discussions on sustainable development, climate action, health, financing, and governance.
The forum has proposed that its 26th session be held 10-20 first, May 2027 at United Nations headquarters.
The session will take place at a particularly significant moment as the international community marks the 20th anniversary of the Declaration.
Recognizing the continued importance of strengthening indigenous people's voices within the United Nations processes, the forum will continue to focus on advancing implementation of the Declaration and promoting the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples in decision making at all levels.
The forum remains committed to its continued engagement with EcoSc and the wider United Nations system to ensure that indigenous people's knowledge, perspectives, priorities, and solutions continue to inform global policy making and advance sustainable, cohesive, and resilient societies.
I thank you for your attention, and I remain at your disposal for any questions you may have, Huan Naming.
Thank you.
I thank miss Aluki Kotier Chair of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous issues.
The floor is now open for a general discussion on Item 19 G.
No request for the floor.
The Council has thus concluded the general discussion on item 19 G.
Now, actions.
The Council will now consider the draft proposals contained On Dou E 2026 43, does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with any of the draft proposals? No request for the floor.
May I take it that the council wishes to adopt draft decision one entitled International Expert Group Meeting on the theme enhanced Participation of Indigenous people? No objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft Decision two entitled venue and dates of the 26th session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous People Issues.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Make I take it that the council wishes to adopt draft decision entitled, Report of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on its 25th session and provisional agenda of its 26th session.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after adoption? Russian Federation, you have the floor.
Mr.
President for the Russian Federation, issues having to do with the situation of indigenous peoples are of particular significance.
Their basic rights have been enshrined in our constitution and the legislation of our country.
To ensure they are effectively upheld on a constant basis, there is work being done constantly to improve and renew our national legal and regulatory basis.
We've improved our law enforcement practice.
We've strengthened prosecutorial oversight for the implementation of laws.
In this regard, we are disturbed to see a dismaying trend toward politicization of the work of the United Nations Permanent Forum on indigenous peoples.
This is one of the main UN platforms for open, constructive, and mutually respectful dialogue between representatives of governments and indigenous peoples.
The latest manifestation of something that's been gathering steam, namely the deleterious practice of using human rights issues for geopolitical purposes is what we've seen, and we roundly reject such an approach.
The same goes for the encroachment of the permanent forum on the remit of other UN system bodies, in particular on issues relating to the maintenance of international peace and security for which the Security Council is responsible.
I'm referring to paragraphs 52 and 60.
There's something that undermines trust in the permanent form and the methods of its work.
I'm referring to the use of unverified information.
That's in paragraph 53, information coming from self proclaimed protectors of indigenous peoples and their destructive activity is carried out outside of Russia and that activity has nothing in common whatever with genuine human rights work.
We recall that Russia, like any other state, has an obligation to stop terrorist and extremist activity, seeking to undermine interethnic peace and amity and to stop activity which poses a threat to the sovereignty of our country.
We note that the permanent forum has departed from the practice of engaging in a serious analysis of the situation on the ground.
In this regard, we would propose that the distinguished members of EcoSc read the report from Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the situation of indigenous peoples in certain countries.
That report is posted on the website of our foreign ministry.
Mr.
President, the use with regard to Russia in paragraph 11 of language such as displacement of populations, the loss of livelihoods, or the erosion of knowledge, stems from an ignorance of the situation in Russia, either that or it's a deliberate distortion.
We have our own unique experience in upholding the rights of small number indigenous peoples.
This allows us in this day and age to maintain their numbers, language, traditional forms of life.
We've set up mechanisms for indigenous small numbered peoples to participate in decision making, to participate in environmental expert reports and public hearings during the planning and implementation of economic activities and industrial projects that are carried out on their traditional lands.
Models of partnership of Russian business and small number indigenous peoples is carried out only within the Russian legal framework.
When disputes arise, they can be resolved in the courts or through arbitration.
The development of recommendations based on incomplete or distorted information coupled with the brazen bias of certain experts of the permanent form who don't want to establish and support dialogue with states is undermining the efficiency of the mandate of the permanent form and the trust in it.
Given the foregoing, our delegation disassociates itself from the consensus on the decision, taking note of the report of the 25th session of the UN permanent Forum on indigenous issues and we ask you to reflect this in the record of the meeting.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of the Russian Federation for his statement.
Any other request for the floor? The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 19.
I briefly paused the meeting for a podium change.
Distinguished colleagues, you will recall that at the beginning of this meeting, the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of Morocco made a request, the request that we would reopen the consideration of agenda item 14 for Morocco to deliver a statement.
On the Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial peoples and countries by the specialized institutions and international institutions associated with the United Nations with your authorization, I shall reopen the file to allow that representative the opportunity to deliver his statement.
I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of Morocco.
You have the floor, sir.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
At the outset, I want to warmly thank you for having agreed to my request to reopen Agenda Item 14 on the implementation of the Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial peoples and countries by the specialized agencies and international institutions associated with the United Nations so that we can record our position on the document on this agenda item.
In this regard, my delegation would like to make some remarks.
The first one is procedural and the second one is substantive.
First on the procedure.
This morning, a document was presented as an advanced version of the addendum to the report.
On the activities in Algeriia that was introduced less than 3 hours before the meeting.
In our understanding, every document submitted for the consideration of the council must be formally published at least 24 hours in advance, or at least this should be done within a reasonable time frame so the delegations can take note of it in accordance with established procedure.
We thus would like to request clarifications of this new practice applied specifically to that addendum.
What's more, no addendum has been submitted under this agenda item in previous practice.
Therefore, this addendum was presented unilaterally without discussing it in the C 24.
And this is at odds with the integrity of the committee, and an explanation should be provided about the logic behind this agenda and its intentions, but no clarification was provided as regards its objective, its status, or procedural objections.
And it's linked to the process of adopting resolutions under this item.
Secondly, in terms of substance, we that the treatment of questions under this item should be handled in accordance with established practice by the specialized bodies in order to ensure the integrity of this agenda item, and there should be no selective interpretations or the pursuit of particular agendas.
The continent of the addendum also contains inaccuracies, which are serious, in particular, the number of refugees in the tentative camps.
For 2025.
These were beneficiaries and not refugees and the World Food Program has never validated these numbers as refugees, but only as beneficiaries in accordance with that practice.
In accordance with our procedural and substantive concerns, we formally object to the introduction of this addendum, which is marked by a lack of clarity, transparency, and conformity to established procedure.
And there are also numerous contradictions found therein in terms of the statistics found in that addendum.
We thus request that the Secretariat record this statement in the official record of our meeting.
And, Mr.
President, I reiterate my sincere gratitude to you for affording me the opportunity to record our reservation.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
My I thank the representative of the Kingdom of Morocco for that statement.
Now, I should like to take off my hat as the president of this meeting and I would like to respond as the representative of Algeria.
Algeia which is mainly concerned by this question.
I'd like to clarify for you that the document at issue speaks of a country report of the World Food Program on Algeria.
On Algeria.
It is true that in a previous version of the report, the country report on Algeria was summarized in two sentences two sentences which were specifically focused on the issue of gender and children.
I As soon as we took note last week of this inconsistent report, at least different than the one that the World Food Program typically presented and has presented since 2009, and in 2024 and in 2025, we consulted with the Secretariat and the Algerian delegation, worked with the Secretariat who made a request from the World Food Program in Rome to present a complete report on its activities, which benefited the refugees in the Tinuf region.
And the World Food Program did that and they did that in the context of an addendum, which was presented to you.
I don't want to delve into the details.
I simply would like to state that for 50 years, my country, Algeria, has been hosting on its territory.
More than 170,000 Sakuwari refugees who have been there for more than 50 years.
I don't want to say that the World Food Program Has been extremely generous in caring for a share of the food needs of those refugees and we extend our gratitude to them.
This committee this morning read and understood the content of the contribution by the World Food Program to these Sarari refugees.
I don't want to go any further than that.
Except to say that if the Secretariat is called upon to record the statement of the distinguished representative of Morocco, then I will ask them as the representative of Algeriia to also record the statement of the delegation of Algeriia.
I thank you.
And with your permission, I will put on my hat as the president of the session once more.
And with the authorization of the distinguished representative of Morocco, I will resume the items that remain to be considered during this meeting.
Dissolved by saying that ultimately, the council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 14.
We shall now turn to Agenda item 15, regional cooperation.
I invite the council to begin its consideration of agenda item 15.
Regional cooperation.
The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on regional cooperation in the economic, social, and related fields issued in document E 2026 15 and its addendum issued in document E 2026 15 addendum one.
The council has also before it, the summary of the work of the Economic Commission for Europe, the Economic Commission for Africa, the Economic and Social Commission for Asia, and the Pacific, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia for 2025, 2026, as contained in document E 2026 2016 to E 2026 20.
I now invite miss Tyneza Hussain, Director of the Regional Commission, New York Office to introduce document E 2026 15 and E 2026 15, addendum one via prerecorded video.
Please play the video.
Mr.
Chair, Excellency's, distinguished delegates.
Allow me at the outset to congratulate you, Mr.
Chair, as the incoming president of the Council, and thank the outgoing president.
Today, I have the honor on behalf of the five United Nations Regional Commissions to introduce the Secretary-General report on regional cooperation in the economic, social, and related fields, contained in the document E slash 2026 slash 15, together with its addendum.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
With fewer than four years remaining until 2030, the defining challenge is no longer agreed on ambition, but rather accelerating implementation.
There are reasons for optimism.
Across all regions, countries continue to demonstrate that progress is possible when they cooperate, when evidence guides policy, and when the multilateral institutions help translate global commitments into regional and national action.
That is precisely where regional cooperation proves its value.
The regional commissions ocupy a distinctive place within the United Nations system.
They bring together member states around shared regional priorities, translate global agendas into regional solutions, and provide integrated policy advice and technical support that responds directly to national needs.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
The report begins by assessing progress towards the sustainable development goals across the five regions.
While important advances continue, progress remains uneven across every region, reinforcing the need for regionally tailored scalable solutions.
The report then examines three broad areas of work.
First, It highlights regional approaches to structural transformation and economic integration.
Second, the report shows how regional cooperation is strengthening financing for sustainable development in line with CVA commitment.
Third, it highlights how the regional commissions are strengthening data systems, statistical capacity, and strategic foresight to help governments design evidence based policies, anticipate emerging risks, and better monitor SDG progress.
Beyond these thematic areas, the report underscores the importance of the regional forums on sustainable development and the Regional Commission's intergovernmental platforms.
These continue to serve as essential mechanisms, ensuring that regional perspectives inform the work of the council and the high level political forum.
Importantly, the report demonstrates how regional cooperation translates into tangible country level results.
Mr.
Chair, the addendum before the council brings to your attention the draft resolutions and the decisions adopted by the regional commissions during the reporting period.
These include, among others, proposals relating to reorganization of the Economic Commission for Africa, the establishment of the Asian and the Pacific Digital Solutions Center for Sustainable Development at the ESCA, as well as decisions adopted by ESCAS Executive Committee.
Mr.
Chair, Excellency, distinguished delegates.
At a time when challenges transcend borders, regional cooperation is no longer optional.
It is essential.
Delivering on the 2030 agenda will require leverage in the regional dimension as a key engine of implementation.
In this regard, the UNA initiative offers an opportunity to strengthen the regional architecture, contributing to a United Nations development system that is better aligned with country priorities and equipped to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving world.
On behalf of the regional commissions and the Regional Commission's New York Office, I reaffirm our commitment to supporting member states and the work of this council as we advance together towards the 2030 agenda.
I thank you.
I thank the Regional Director of Regional Commission in New York office.
The floor is now open for a general discussion on Item 15.
No request.
Then the council has concluded the general discussion on item 15.
Now action on draft proposals.
The council will now consider the draft proposals contained in document E 2026 15 addendum one.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with any of the draft proposal? No request from the floor.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft resolution one, ECA, entitled, reorganization of the Work of the Economic Commission for Africa.
I hear no objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wish to adopt draft Resolution two, ECA entitled, D venue and T of the 59th session and theme of the 68th session of the Economic Commission for Africa.
No objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wish to adopt draft resolution one, ECAP entitled, Establishment of the Asian and Pacific Digital Solutions Center for Sustainable Development.
I hear no objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft Resolution two, SCAP, entitled withdrawal of the United Nited State of America from membership in the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific amendment of the terms of reference of the Commission.
No objection.
It is so decided.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft resolution three, ECAP entitled, D venue, and team of the 83rd session of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Now, does any delegation wish to make a statement after adoption? No request for the floor.
Then the Council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 15.
Let's go to Item 19 E, United Nations High Commissioner for refugees.
I invite the Council to resume its consideration of agenda item 19, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The Council has before it the letter dated of the fifth June 2026 from the permanent mission of Iraq to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General issued in document E 2026 slash 72.
The Council will now consider draft decision E 2026 L 14, entitled, Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Program of the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees.
I have been informed that the draft decision has no program budget application.
Please.
I now give the floor to the permanent representative of Iraq.
You have the floor.
Mr.
President, I have the honor on behalf of the Republic of Iraq to introduce draft resolution 2026 slash L 14 entitled, Enlargement of the Executive Committee on the Program of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
The draft decision follows Iraq's request for membership in the Executive Committee as conveyed in the letter dated 5th of June 2026, contained in document E 2026 slash 72.
Its adoption would recommend that the General Assembly at its 81st session, decide to enlarge the membership of the executive committee 110-111 states.
Iraq looks forward to contributing actively to the work of the executive committee and hope that the council will adopt the draft decision by consensus.
And thank you, sir.
I thank the permanent representative of Iraq for his declaration.
I now give the floor to the Secretary regarding co sponsorship.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
If any other delegation wishes to co sponsor draft decision E 2026 L 14, please signify by pressing the microphone button now.
Algeria.
I see no further co sponsors.
Thank you.
Zambia.
That concludes the list.
Thank you.
I would like to announce.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with the draft decision proposed? No request from the floor for the floor.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the draft decision entitled enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Program of the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Congratulations.
Does any delegation wish to make statement after the adoption? Then the council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 19 E.
Let's go to item 18 A, Sustainable Development.
I now invite the council to resume its consideration of agenda Item 18 A, Sustainable Development.
Under this item, a draft decision has been submitted by the delegation of Bangladesh and Nepal in E 2026, L 24.
The Council will now consider draft decision E 2026 24, entitled, Report of the Committee for Development Policy on its 28th session, Bangladesh and Nepal.
I have been informed that the draft decision has no program budget implications and invite the permanent representative of Bangladesh to introduce the draft decision.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Mr.
President, I have the honor to introduce on behalf of the governments of Nepal and my own country, Bangladesh, the draft decision under agenda item 18 A for the consideration of the Economic and Social Council.
We respectfully request the council to adopt this important draft decision that carries profound significance for ensuring a smooth, sustainable, and irreversible graduation of our two countries from the least developed country category.
You are aware Nepal and Bangladesh, together with Lao PDR, were recommended for graduation in 2021 pursuant to General Assembly Resolution 76 slash eight.
As such, we are currently scheduled to graduate on 24th November 2026.
During this transition, both Nepal and Bangladesh have prepared comprehensive smooth transition strategies and undertaken reform measures to strengthen economic resilience and productive capacities.
However, the preparatory period has coincided with a series of crises.
In the midst of persistent conflicts around the world, we experienced climate induced disasters, domestic political transformations, and prolonged global economic uncertainty.
These overlapping shocks have affected our trade, investment, and tourism sectors at a time when our economies remain highly vulnerable.
More recently, geopolitical crisis created additional uncertainty for migrant employment opportunities and remittance inflows.
The readiness assessment commissioned by UN OHR LLS confirms that while Bangladesh and Nepal have met the graduation thresholds, important structural challenges remain.
Strengthening productive capacities, diversifying exports, enhancing competitiveness, and fully implementing our transition strategies require additional time and policy space, particularly in the light of circumstances beyond our control.
It was in that context that the governments of Bangladesh and Nepal have separately requested for a three year extension of the preparatory period until 24 November 2029.
We commend the committee for Development policy for conducting crisis assessment for our countries.
The committee concluded that an extension with a clear and time bound plan would be appropriate.
In this connection, let me reaffirm that our two countries remain firmly committed to graduating in 2029.
We considered this an opportunity to strengthen our preparations and we are determined to make the most out of it.
We also ask for development and trade partners in view of this extension to view this extension not as a delay, but as an investment for the irreversible outcome.
Against this backdrop, Nepal and Bangladesh respectfully seek the support of the distinguished members of the council for adoption of this draft decision by consensus.
Your valuable support and solidarity would reflect a shared understanding that graduation must be meaningful, smooth, and sustainable, not merely a change in classification.
I thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the permanent representative of Bangladesh.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with the draft decision? I see no request for the floor.
May I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft decision entitled Report of the Committee for Development Policy on its 28th session, Nepal and Bangladesh.
I see no objection.
It is so decided.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption? Nepal, followed by Spain and Bangladesh.
Thank you, miss W.
Paul, you have the floor.
Mr.
President, Nepal welcomes the adoption of the decision by the Economic and Social Council under agenda item 18 B.
We express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the members of this council for their positive and expeditious consideration of this decision today.
Your support reflects a shared understanding that graduation to be meaningful must be smooth, sustainable, and irreversible, not merely a change in classification, but a genuine and lasting transformation.
Nepal, together with Bangladesh and Laupida were recommended for graduation in 2021 and were granted an exceptional five year preparatory period in view of unprecedented disruptions caused by COVID 19 pandemic and other external shocks.
We have used that period with commitment, adopting a comprehensive six pillar smooth transition strategy and implementing policy reforms.
This prepared period has witnessed a confluence of cross cutting challenges on domestic and global fronts.
The 2015 earthquake alone caused losses of nearly USD 3.3 billion and its reconstruction burden still weighs heavily on our fiscal space.
The COVID 19 pandemic collapsed tourism and remittance inflows precisely when we could least afford it.
In September 2025, Nepal navigated an unprecedented political transformation.
Escalating Middle East crisis is driving face volatility into the remittance flows and migrant employment that sustained roughly a quarter of our GDP even as global tariff shifts complicate our trade outlook.
These are not excuses.
They reflect the reality of a landlocked mountainous climate vulnerable economy whose exports remain under 5% of GDP and whose revenue base depends heavily on import taxes and exposed to preference erosion.
Nepal continues to meet all three graduation criteria.
Uh, though our income criterion sits only moderately above threshold, the independent readiness assessment commissioned by UNOS or LRS is clear.
Napal has met the formal threshold, but the deeper task of structural transformation, building productive capacity, closing the gap between strategy and implementation remains unfinished, compounded by forces beyond our control.
We commend the committee for development policy for the rigor and genuine partnership it brought to this request.
Its crisis assessment conducted through the enhanced monitoring mechanism, concluded that an extension is appropriate, anchored to a clear time bound plan with measurable targets, defined financing, and extended monitoring.
We therefore respectfully call upon all member states to extend the same solidarity and support when this decision comes before the General Assembly hit.
Joint request by Nepal and Bangladesh enjoy the backing of an independent evidence based CDP assessment.
We ask the wider membership to honor that assessment and ensure the post transition arrangement is endorsed without delay so that our two countries can plan with confidence and certainty.
Mr.
President, Nepal remains firmly committed to graduating in 2029 and to use every month efficiently.
We will strengthen public private coordination and sharpen strategies for our most exposed sectors.
For this, we need continued and tailored support from our development and trading partners, sustained duty free quota free access with manageable rules of origin transitions, continued support under the enhanced Integrated framework and IGAD facility.
Predictable scaled up climate finance, recognizing that our vulnerabilities outlasted our income classification.
Continued consistent financing reflecting the risk we still face.
Nepal's graduation when it comes must be a story of durable transformation, not a fragile statistic.
We thank the CDB, this council, development partners, and the U family for standing with us at this critical juncture.
We look forward to the General Assembly swift and unanimous endorsement of the extension of the prepared period to ensure our graduation becomes a bridge to sustainable development and smooth graduation, not a cliff phase.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Nepal, now, Spain, Vice President of the osc.
President.
Thank you, Mr.
President, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues.
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the EU and its member states.
We thank Bangladesh and Nepal for introducing this important text which the EU and its member states support.
Nevertheless, we regret the deletion in the draft of the reference of AGA 81 for the GA action to be taken.
We would like to put on the record here that we are not in a position to accept a rushed work schedule, which would not provide enough time to reach a transparent, inclusive, and informed outcome.
We would like to stress that such a critical decision should be taken with sufficient time for analysis and preparation that are adequate in nature, and this will be a prerequisite for our engagement and to define our final position.
We therefore count on the constructive approach and the good faith of all parties for negotiations to be held during Aga 81st and concluded by the deadline of 24 November 2026.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of Spain and I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Bangladesh welcomes the adoption of the draft decision, and we thank the members of the council for their positive consideration.
We also express our sincere appreciation to the CDP, the OHR LSS, the United Nations system, and our development and trading partners for their continued engagement with us.
Excellencies, Bangladesh remains firmly committed to the graduation from the LDC category.
We strongly believe that graduation is not a luxury.
It is a national aspiration built on decades of hard work by our people.
But graduation must be smooth, sustainable, and irreversible.
It must not lead to or reversal of development progress.
As the Secretary-General Gutierrez has aptly said, graduation must be a rewarding experience, not a punishment.
Mr.
President, we will use this extension period to strengthen macroeconomic stability, domestic resource mobilization, financial sector reform, productive capacity, export diversification, and implementation of our smooth transition strategy.
The government is working hand in hand with the private sector to ensure that this remains, by all means, a one of request.
We look forward to the General Assembly's timely consideration of this matter before 24 November 2026.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
Than the Bangladesh of Bangladesh for his statement.
I see no other requests for the floor.
The Council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 18 A.
Now, I invite the council to resume its consideration of Agenda item seven, operational Activities of the United Nations for International Development Cooperation.
The Council will now consider draft resolution E slash 2026 slash L 21 entitled, Progress in the implementation of the General Assembly Resolution 79 slash 226 on the Quadrial Comprehensive Policy Review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system.
Submitted by the Vice President of the Council, His Excellency Wellington Van Ks of the Dominican Republic.
I have been informed that the draft resolution has no program budget application.
I invite the Vice President of the EcoSc, Ambassador Den Kos, to introduce the draft resolution.
You have the floor.
President.
Mr.
President Excellency's Distinguished delegates, I have the pleasure of introducing the revised draft resolution E slash 2026 slash L 21 entitled Progress in the implementation of GA Resolution 79 slash 226 on the Quadrannual Comprehensive Policy Review of operational activities for development of the UN system.
I would like to express my gratitude to Switzerland as a facilitator for their able leadership to guide member states to this result, as well as all other delegations for their flexibility and active engagement throughout the process.
From my point of view as VP of EcoSC in charge of the operational activities for Development segment, I considered that the resolution captures the priorities and guidelines that have been borne out out of this segment's productive and after this year's productive and exhaustive segment.
This upholds the QCPR process and reaffirms member states commitment to ensure that our reform efforts translate into enhanced support and better results on a country wide level.
The resolution sends a clear signal of the sustained support coming from member states to the system of resident coordinators and their central role in providing coherent and integrated support for countries.
The resolution also incorporates elements from the UN 80 initiative, which provide continuity to the pending task of reforming the UN development system, which is mandated through the QCPR.
At the same time, it underlines the need to have greater clarity with respect to the results foreseen, their implementation and the added value that ultimately should translate into tangible results in those countries where programs are executed.
This information will allow member states to have a clear and evidence based understanding of the proposals coming out of UN AV, and making sure that we can have strategic guidance for the system in the future.
EcoSc at the operational activities for Development segment should continue to be a forum to provide supervision throughout the system on policy dialogues and to ensure accountability in order to create an effective, coherent and results oriented UNDS.
This resolution constitutes the tangible expression of this responsibility and I urge all member states to provide their full support for this resolution, and I hope that it is adopted by consensus.
I thank you, President.
I thank the Vice President, Ambassador Willington Kosti for the introduction of this draft resolution.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with the draft resolution? I see no request for the floor.
May I take it that the council wishes to adopt draft resolution L 21.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Does wish to make the statement after the adoption? Uruguay, followed by Russian Federation and Palau.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I have the honor to deliver this explanation of position after the adoption of resolution L 21 by consensus on behalf of the group of 77 and China.
The group of 77 and China wishes to thank miss Nadia Benani of Switzerland for her facilitation of the intergovernmental process.
The group reaffirms the role of the General Assembly in providing key system wide strategic policy orientations and operational modalities for the United Nations development system.
The group also reaffirms the mandate and role of ECSC, including through its operational activities for development segment as a platform to ensure and enhance accountability and oversight.
Therefore, while the group joins consensus on the draft, it wishes to convey that preambular paragraph four and operative paragraph 29 should be considered together to maintain the appropriate balance that was contained in Resolution 79 slash 226.
The group reiterates that the priorities of program countries must be placed at the center of potential reforms related to United Nations development system.
Therefore, while appreciating the information received thus far, the group calls for greater transparency, detailed information, sharing, and consultation on all such proposals, including their implications for the implementation of the mandates contained in the QCPR.
The group reiterates that all reform related proposals must remain firmly anchored in general assembly mandates, particularly Resolution 72 slash 279 and subsequent QCPR resolutions.
Any proposal on regional and country level restructuring should demonstrably strengthen the UN capacity to support member states.
Additionally, How these reforms will result in enhanced coordination and effective mandate implementation should be communicated to program countries in a clear, timely, and transparent manner to allow them to conduct internal consultations before any decision on such proposal can be taken.
The group reaffirms that the remaining pieces of the repositioning of the UN development system must remain member state driven with the Secretariat playing an advisory role on technical issues.
A meaningful process requires full respect for distinct roles and mandates and the active trust based engagement of all member states, particularly program countries.
Finally, the group looks forward to continuing the discussion on all relevant matters in the Annual General Assembly resolution on operational activities for development of the United Nations Development System this fall.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank the representative of Uruguay and I now give the floor to the representative of the Russian Federation.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Russia joined the consensus on this resolution.
Furthermore, we thank the facilitators of the negotiations, the delegation of Switzerland, and we extend our gratitude to the Secretariat for their timely support of the process as well.
However, we would like to underscore something.
The fact that any steps toward reforming the operational activities and the development system on the whole should be discussed in advance by member states and coordinated at the intergovernmental level.
Development agencies and the Secretariat are not authorized to take any steps toward their implementation without having an intergovernmental mandate.
Furthermore, even when such a mandate exists, the ultimate decision about setting priorities for development must remain the prerogative of member states and should be decided by them considering national interests.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Of the Russian Federation.
Now, the representative of Palau.
Mr.
President, I have the honor to deliver this explanation of position on behalf of the 39 members of the Alliance of Small Island States, EOCs.
EOsS welcome the adoption of the resolution and thanks the facilitator, miss Nadia Boni of Switzerland, for her tireless efforts in ensuring consensus among various groups and countries.
Mr.
President, during this time of immense uncertainty, AOSS continues to rely on the United Nations as a reliable and trusted partner in our efforts toward development and resilient prosperity.
As such, the full and effective implementation of the QCPR is central to ensuring this.
This is why as small island developing states, we continue to call for the system to respond to our unique circumstances and vulnerabilities and why we've been following discussions on UN country team configurations closely.
The work on the recalibration of the resident coordinator system must result in one that's more responsive, more accessible, and more tailored to serve us who depend on it most.
Mr.
President, all nine multi country officers are serving 28 *** members.
It's for this reason our message has been consistent, whether doing briefings to member states or small group meetings with the Secretariat.
Prior to any decision, greater clarity and a fuller understanding of the potential impacts is needed regarding the UN AD initiative proposals, particularly concerning the structure and functioning of MCOs and the UN CTs.
This regard, AOS looks forward to receiving the clear and detailed information requested regarding the implications of UN AD reforms and the proposed criteria for UN country team configurations, including for multi country office arrangements.
We also welcome the resolution's clear instruction that any potential reconfiguration of the UN country teams on the basis of the proposed criteria will be made in full consultation and agreement with not only host governments, but also with the applicable program countries under the respective MCO.
Mr.
President, *** believes that the legitimacy of any reform process rests not only on its objectives, but also on the manner in which it's pursued.
Our position on these issues was not made lightly or by external influence, but rather derived from genuine concerns and the direct experience of those on the ground.
As such, the future shape of the UN development system cannot be determined through unilateral actions or incremental measures undertaken without the full knowledge and consideration of those who rely on it.
Therefore, reforms must be decided by member states themselves, program countries and donors alike on the basis of complete, timely, and evidence based information provided by the Secretariat in an impartial manner.
Mr.
President, transparency is not a procedural courtesy.
It's a prerequisite for informed intergovernmental decision making by member states and must remain so.
The Secretariat must also refrain from engaging in actions that prejudge intergovernmental decisions, apply administrative pressure or create circumstances that constrain member states' ability to exercise their independent judgment.
In closing, Mr.
President, *** wishes to emphasize a simple but fundamental principle.
The ownership of this reform process lies with member states alone.
Decisions concerning the UN development system are matters for intergovernmental deliberation and agreement.
For SIDS, our circumstances are unique, but our uniqueness should not lead us to being overlooked or at worst forgotten.
We reiterate that decision making on such reforms lies with the universal membership of the General Assembly, where every member state has an equal voice in determining the collective future of the UN development system.
ESA stands ready to engage in frank and open conversations to ensure that the UN development system delivers for all of us, and we look forward to receiving the information requested in the resolution adopted today.
I thank you.
I thank the Representative of Palau.
Now, I give the floor to the representative of the United Kingdom.
Thank you, President.
The United Kingdom welcomes the adoption of this resolution and thanks a facilitator from Switzerland and all delegations for their efforts in securing consensus in a challenging negotiating environment.
We view this outcome as an important signal of continued member state support for reform of the UN development system.
At a time of growing development challenges, fiscal constraints, and increasing demands on the multilateral system, we need a UN that is more coherent, more efficient, and more effective in delivering support to program countries.
For the UK, this resolution should be understood in the wider context of UN 80.
While the text does not go as far as we had hoped in several areas, including on explicit references to key UN 80 work, it nonetheless provides a clear mandate to continue advancing reforms that strengthen coordination, improve effectiveness, and maximize the impact of UN development activities.
We therefore see this resolution as a green light to press ahead with key practical reforms currently under consideration, including efforts to strengthen RC leadership, improve system wide coherence, and ensure a more agile and responsive UN country presence through the UN 80 Cory configuration work package.
At the same time, we're disappointed that the language on the central role of the cooperation framework was not stronger.
The cooperation frameworks remain the most important instrument for planning and implementing UN development activities at country level and we heard clearly during the OAS session last month from a host of RCs, UN leaders, and delegations about the need for country program documents to derive their strategic direction from the cooperation framework.
This is essential if the UN system is operator as one and deliver coherent support behind national priorities.
So it's disappointing not to see this reflected more clearly in the text.
Nonetheless, consensus has been achieved and we welcome that and the task now is implementation.
The UK will continue to work constructively with all member states, the Secretariat, resident coordinators, and UN entities to ensure that the momentum for reform is maintained and that the UN development system is equipped to deliver effectively in the years ahead.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of the United Kingdom.
I now give the floor to the Representative of Canada.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
I'm honored to speak on behalf of Australia, New Zealand, and my own country, Canada.
Firstly, we thank Switzerland for their facilitation of negotiations on the OES resolution.
CAS are committed to the UN sustainable development pillar, and we support a UN development system that is more effective, efficient, coherent, and accountable.
The Secretary-General put forward constructive proposals at the operational Activities for Development segment for member state consideration.
CAS agreed, tailored resident coordinator offices and more modular country team configurations will better reflect unique country contexts and resourcing constraints.
We agreed that strengthening cooperation frameworks, including ensuring that country program documents are derived from them, will enhance UNDS coherence and effectiveness, and we agreed further engagement, including through Fifth committee discussions on financing and governance of the RC system and far better compliance on payment of the 1% levy is necessary to improve the financial sustainability of the UN RC system.
CAS went into OAS resolution negotiations, hopeful member states could agree to actions, including on UNAD reform to strengthen the UN development system.
Whilst we are pleased we were able to make some progress, we are disappointed that too often in the face of divergent views, we were forced to revert to agreed language.
In a time of worsening financial constraints and the need for accelerated action on the SDGs, status quo should not be acceptable.
Doing so hamstrings the UN development system, preserves inefficient and ineffective practices and systems, protects mandates that are not fit for purpose, and undermines the UN development systems capacity to deliver for the most vulnerable.
This does not mean that the EcoSc OS resolution needed to make sweeping policy changes, but it does, in our view, provide member states with both an important opportunity and the responsibility to give clear and timely direction and oversight to the UN development system, including by responding to the recommendations and the proposals set out in the UN Secretary-General report, providing member state direction on the implementation of the QCPR.
CAS remains committed to working with all member states to advance a coherent, effective, sufficiently funded, and accountable development system, one that is fit for the challenges of our time.
This process was a missed opportunity to do more for the benefit of all, especially in developing countries.
We urge all member states to seize the opportunity in forthcoming intergovernmental negotiations, particularly in the Second committee to strengthen and support a well functioning and effective UN development system through ambitious and meaningful reforms.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank the Representative of Canada for the statement.
I now give the floor to the Vice President, Spain.
Thank you, Mr.
President, Excellency's esteemed colleagues.
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the EU and its member states.
We thank miss Nadia Benami of Switzerland as facilitator for her skillful stewardship throughout the negotiations and for tabling a balanced text that managed to get the support of all delegations.
While our initial ambitions were higher and we do regret the loss of previously agreed QCPR language on the humanitarian development and peace nexus as there is no peace without development, nevertheless, we agreed to a compromise that showcases a strong endorsement by member states of reform efforts.
Indeed, this text gives the green light for the implementation of the relevant UNAy working packages.
And for the continuation of the reform of the UN development system with the goal of making it more efficient and impactful on the ground in order to benefit the people we serve.
We look forward to swiftly seeing the next steps, as well as the results of those efforts.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of Spain.
I now give the floor to the last speaker, Maldives.
You have the floor.
Thank you, President.
The males aligns with the explanation of position delivered by Urugoy on behalf of the Center in China and that delivered by Palau on behalf of Foss.
We thank the facilitator, miss Nadia Beni of Switzerland, for the excellent effort in preparing a text that reflects the breadth of views and positions expressed during the negotiations.
We wish to highlight three points.
First, we wish to reiterate the importance of member state oversight and leadership in the monitoring, evaluation, and review of the operational activities of the UN for International Development Cooperation.
The UN development system as a whole must remain fully accountable to member states through the established intergovernmental processes.
In this regard, the operational activities for development segment of this council and the operational activities for development agenda item in the General Assembly provide the space and opportunity for member states to review the performance of exercise oversight over and provide guidance and input to the development system.
So that it can provide better, more efficient development support to program countries.
Second, apologies.
We must ensure that the executive boards of the programs and funds remain empowered and able to discharge their mandates to ensure that the programs and funds are fully accountable to member states and responsive to the needs of the program countries.
The boards remain the primary intergovernmental avenue to monitor the performance of the funds and programs, to approve their programmatic support, to decide on their administrative and financial plans and budgets, and to encourage, examine, and recommend new program initiatives as necessary.
Third, the UN development system and its entities must be guided by the priorities and needs of program countries and the relevant programs of action, including those targeted for countries in special situations in consultation and in agreement with the governments of those countries.
This includes decisions on country team configurations and the type of support provided to the program countries.
The Maldives will begin its tenure as a member of this council in January 2027.
Our work at the council under this agenda item will be guided by these three points.
We look forward to working with the rest of the council to ensure that the UN development system delivers for program countries is guided by the member states.
I thank you.
I thank the representative of Maldives.
The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item seven.
Now item four elections, nominations, confirmation, and appointment.
I now invite the council to resume its consideration of agenda item four.
Election, nomination, confirmations, and appointments.
I would like to draw the council's attention to the list of candidate dated 16 July 2026 as circulated through Eli delegate.
Before proceeding to the election, does any delegation wish to make a statement under item four? No request for the floor.
In accordance with council decision 1995 slash 322,005 slash 213.
I now invite the council to consider outstanding vacancies on the Commission on population and Development.
The Republic of Korea has submitted its candidature for a term of office beginning on the date of election and expiring at the close of the Commission 62nd session of 2029.
May I take it that the council wish wishes to elect the Republic of Korea by acclamation to the Commission on Population and Development for the time beginning on the date of election and expiring at the close of the Commission 62nd session in 2029.
No objection.
It is so decided.
One in accordance with General Assembly resolution 46 152.
I now invite the Council to consider outstanding vacancies on the Commission on Crime Prevention and criminal justice.
Ghana and Sierra Leone have submitted their candidature for a three year term beginning on first January 2027.
May I take it that the council wishes to elect Ghana and Sierra Leone by acclamation for the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice for a three year term beginning on first January 2027.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Commission on Science and Technology for Development in accordance with Council Decisions two oh 62006 slash 267, I invite the council to consider outstanding vacancies on the Commission on Science and Technology for Development.
Cuba has submitted its candidature for a four year term beginning on first January 2027.
I take it that the council wishes to elect Cuba by acclamation for the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, for a four year term beginning on first January 2027.
I hear no objection.
It is so decided.
Organizational Committee of the Peace Building Commission in accordance with General Assembly resolution 60 slash 180 and ECS resolution 2015 slash one.
I now invite the council to elect members of the organizational committee of the Peace Building Commission.
The term of office is for two years, beginning on first January 2027 or until a state ceases to be a member of ESC.
May I take it that the Council wishes to elect Australia and the Republic of Korea by acclamation to the organizational committee of the Peace Building Commission for a two year term of office beginning on first January 27 or until Australia or the Republic of Korea cease to be a member of the Economic and Social Council? I hear no objection.
It is so decided.
Now, does any delegation wish to make a statement in relation with the elections just conducted? I give the floor to the representative of the United States.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
The United States disassociates from consensus on the reelection of Cuba to the Commission on Science and Technology for Development.
We did not stay in the way of this election and we did not call a vote.
But we cannot let this moment pass without registering our serious concerns, both about Cuba's fitness to serve on this commission and about the Commission itself.
Fundamentally, Cuba is not a serious partner on the issues within this commission's mandate.
The Cuban government suppresses the free flow of information, controls Internet access, and restricts its own citizens' ability to innovate, communicate, and engage with the digital economy.
A regime that polices its own people's access to information and technology has no credible claim to help shape global science, technology, and innovation policy.
We do not believe Cuba's record reflects the values we hope this commission would represent, and we do not believe its membership will advance the commission's stated purpose.
Our concerns about this election are compounded by our concerns about the commission itself.
As the United States has stated in prior sessions, the resolutions that emerge from this commission have become bloated, unfocused, and increasingly disconnected from the practical work of advancing technology for development.
Rather than a serious forum for Science and Technology cooperation, we have too often seen this body used to relitigate broader ideological debates that belong elsewhere.
These are not new concerns.
They're the same concerns that led the United States to vote against this commission's core resolution in 2025, and they are why the United States did not seek reelection to this commission for the next term.
Our decision not to run reflects our judgment that this body, as currently constituted, is not delivering results proportionate to the resources member states devote to it.
Cuba's re election does not change that judgment, it only reinforces it.
The United States will continue to press for a UN system that is focused, accountable, and effective.
We urge the commission's membership to reflect seriously on what this election says about the state of this body and to recommit to the substantive, merit based engagement that science and technology for development deserves.
Thank you.
I thank the Representative of the United States.
Cuba requested for the floor.
You have the floor.
President.
Thank you very much, President.
At the outset, my delegation would like to express its sincere gratitude to the member States.
Who showed their trust in Cuba because Cuba was elected to the Committee on Science and Technology for the period up to 2027.
We shall assume our responsibility with a firm commitment to promote international cooperation, exchange of knowledge, and to draw on science, technology and innovation as an indispensable tool for sustainable development for the benefit of all populations.
We regret the decision taken by the United States to disassociate itself from this election.
The statement by the United States shows again the political cynicism.
It is paradoxical for this government that is carrying out a genocidal blockade against Cuba.
This blockade is hampering our development inter alea for STI.
The United States has curtailed Cuba's access to these areas.
And we've brought technology to bear for public health inter alea, and we have engaged in international cooperation, which is widely recognized, including medical cooperation, which is subject to a politically motivated smear campaign.
This Despite the six decades of a blockade and energy siege and a restriction of access to science, technology and innovation and international cooperation, Cuba has demonstrated major capacity to find its own solutions by strengthening its highly qualified human resources and engaging in science and innovation for the well being of the Cuban people.
We've also engaged in cooperation with other countries.
The election today in the council recognizes Cuba's trajectory and we will continue to work for STI for development.
Thank you.
I thank the representative of Cuba.
I see no other request for the floor.
May I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft decision entitled.
This The council then has concluded its consideration of agenda item four.
I invite the council to consider agenda item two, adoption of the agenda and other organizational matter.
The Council will now consider draft decision E 2026 slash L 20, entitled Proposed D of the meetings and segments of the Economic and Social Council in 2027, submitted by the president of the Council.
I have been informed that the draft decision has no program budget application.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with the draft decision.
Algeia has the floor.
Dear colleagues.
I'm going to speak as a representative of Algeriia drawing on my experience with regard to the conduct of this segment of the Economic and Social Council.
Here is what I believe I believe we can do better We can be better organized in order to make the meetings of the economic and social council more inclusive so that it can deliver the message for which we were elected to this body.
There is no doubt that all of us have a part to play in the deficit of legitimacy that we note now in terms of the functioning of this body and the wind of reform is blowing on the United Nations, including on the activities of our council.
That wind is an excellent opportunity.
It's an opportunity to put into effects reforms that with the support of all parties, all members of this council, the Secretariat, will enable this council to be made more appealing and more decisive and will make our meetings better organized and at any rate, more succinct.
Last year, this segment was organized in two days.
This year, We were able to comfortably carry out the consideration of our agenda in one day.
It is my deep conviction that with a bit of intelligence, a little bit of audacity as well, we will succeed in reducing this segment of EcoSOC so as to make it more transparent, more decisive, and take place in less time.
For the next session, I hope we can think about organizational matters and about our working methods, in particular, the methods for adopting our decisions.
I thank you.
I now am putting on my hat again as the president of this meeting.
May I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft decision entitled Proposed date of the meetings and segment of the Economic and Social Council in 2027.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after adoption? I see no requests from the floor.
The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item two.
With that, our council has completed the program of work for the management segment and for the 2026 session of the Economic and Social Council.
I would like to thank the Secretariat and the interpreters reminding them that they owe me 35 minutes.
He's adjourned.
ECOSOC
Economic and Social Council
Economic and Social Council: 40th plenary meeting, 2026 Management Segment
The programme of the Management Segment meetings is structured around action that ECOSOC is expected to take on economic, social, environmental, health and related matters, including by recommendation of its subsidiary and related bodies.
Description
Public administration and development - Item 18 (f) (E/2026/44, E/2026/L.19, E/2026/L.17)
Science and technology for development - Item 18 (b) (E/2026/31, E/2026/48)
Crime prevention and criminal justice - Item 19 (c) (E/2025/30/Add.1, E/2026/30)
United Nations Forum on Forests - Item 18 (k) (E/2026/42)
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues - Item 19 (g) (E/2026/43)
Regional cooperation - Item 15 (E/2026/15, E/2026/15/Add.1, E/2026/16, E/2026/17, E/2026/18, E/2026/19, E/2026/20)
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - Item 19 (e) (E/2026/72, E/2026/L.14)
Sustainable development - Item 18 (a) (E/2026/L.24)
Operational activities of the United Nations for international development cooperation - Item 7 (E/2026/L.21)
Elections, nominations, confirmations and appointments - Item 4
Adoption of the agenda and other organizational matters - Item 2 (E/2026/L.20)
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