Economic and Social Council: 23rd plenary meeting, 2026 Management Segment

Good morning.
Your Excellency, good morning, dear colleagues.
I call to order this 23rd meeting of the Economic and Social Council.
Dear colleagues, the program of work was circulated in e delegate.
It is also available in today's journal and on the website of the council.
Participants in this meeting are reminded that introductory statements by elected officers or subsidiary bodies and secretarial representatives are limited to 44 minute.
Second, statements for the general discussion of agenda items are 5 minutes for group of state, and 3 minutes for individual delegations.
Third, explanations of vote or position or general statements in connection with draft proposals for considerations under the same sub item.
May be made once before consideration of all draft proposals under a given item or sub item, and once after the adoption of all draft proposals, under the item or sub item and are limited to 5 minutes.
Dear colleagues, the council will begin its consideration of agenda item 18 E, population and development.
I invite His Excesy Zeferin Maanga Maanga excuse me, sir, of Burundi, Chair of the Commission on Population and Development.
To introduce the report E slash 2026 slash 25.
You have the floor, sir.
Thank you very much President President, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates.
I am honored to introduce the report of the 59th session of the Commissioner of Population and Development.
This was held from the 13th to 17th of April 2026.
Theme for this session was population technology and research in the context of sustainable development.
This was a timely choice and particularly relevant because it was the first time that the commission considered in detail the ramifications of technological innovation and scientific research on policy choice for policy and sustainable development related issues.
The discussions highlight the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies for the implementation of the program of action of the International Conference on Population and Development.
And also the goal, the SDGs from the 2030 agenda.
Throughout the session, member states and experts, practitioners, and UN entities, and other stakeholders underscored that technological innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence and megadata digital platforms, and geospatial technology, have the potential to accelerate progress towards the same development.
At the same time, participates insisted on the fact that unequal access to these emerging technologies risks accentuating existing inequalities between countries and within countries, particularly depending on their income, geographical location, age and gender.
We heard a lot of many appeals for human rights based approach to technology as well as one focuses on inclusion and gender equality.
The Commission highlighted the importance of ensuring that innovation remains focused on human beings and so that decisions should be guided by human dignity and equality of opportunity for all throughout the life cycle.
Concerns were also expressed regarding violence that has been facilitated by technology.
Algorithmic bias, and the increasing digital divide, in particular, how that impacts women and girls, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
A recurring topic throughout the session was the importance of investing in national statistical systems, as well as demographic research and population data.
Delegations also understood that reliable, high quality data broken down into different categories is crucial for having a solid databases for policies and to support progress towards the SDGs.
However, they also cautioned against the growing gaps and global inequalities on data and access to the digital services, which could worsen.
The commission's deliberations also showed how it has continued to be relevant and as long as it can adapt as part of EcoSc a technical commission of that.
This is closely linked to intergovernmental processes on a broader level and recent outcomes at the UN, particularly in the Pact of the Future and the Global Digital Pact.
In discussing this, the commission contributed to strengthening consistency within the UN in terms of different policies, and it also consolidated the role of EcoSc as a platform for follow up on existing commitments on sustainable development.
Although the commission wasn't able to reach consensus on a resolution on the theme for the session, the preparatory work and the deliberations were not in vain.
I'm convinced that the Secretary-General reports and the general debate, the round tables, side events also organized during the session as well as negotiations on the draft resolution did provide us with new data and new points of view, which should be useful for EcoSox work as well as work by member states.
Discussions also showed that the commission is following closely the review of technical commissions to ensure that we take into account emerging global issues as well as strengthening collaboration within the UN system and the promotion of dialogue that is more basis based on solid data and work that is action oriented.
In Chapter one of the report on the 59th session, The Commission recommends to the council that they adopt the provisional draft agenda, as well as the documentation at its 60th session.
I also draw attention to Esos decision on the theme for the 61st session, which will be held in 2028.
To conclude, I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my colleagues from the Bureau, to the Secretariat in particular, to Dessa and to DGACM as well as the UNFPA, and thank them for their vital support throughout the session.
I would also like to welcome the new Bureau, the incoming Bureau of the 60th session of the Commission, who will be chaired by His Ecellcy Dubbek permanent representative of Tajikistan to the United Nations.
I wish them every success to ensure a fruitful session in 2027.
Thank you very much.
I thank His Excellcy ephrin Mairana of Burundi, Chair of the Commission on Population and Development.
Dear colleagues, the floor is now open for a general discussion on Item 18 E.
Any ice breaker? We can look to the action.
I understand that the Commission on Population and Development has made a very good job under the leadership of Excellency, the permanent representative of Burundi.
Since there are no request, can I consider that the council has thus concluded the general discussion on item 18 E.
Let's move now to action.
The Commission recommended one draft decision entitled Report of the Commission on Population and Development on its 59th session and provisional agenda of its 60 session as presented by our colleague from Burundi.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with the draft decision? Again, I see no request from the floor.
May I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft decision No objection.
The draft decision is adopted and the council has concluded its consideration of Item 18 E.
Congratulations, Absa.
Thank you.
I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change.
I now invite the council to begin its consideration of Item 19 B.
Social development.
I invite Her Excellency Christina, Haovishn of Ukraine, Chair of the Commission for Social Development at its 64 session to introduce the Commission's report in E slash 2026 slash 26.
You have the floor, Madam.
Thank you, Excellency, Vice President of the Economic and Social Council, Excellency's distinguished delegates.
As chair of the 64th session of the Commission for Social Development, it is my honor to present the report of the session, which took place from second to ten February 2026.
The 64th session convened under the priority theme advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable and inclusive policies.
As the first session following the Second World Summit for Social Development and the adoption of the Doha Political Declaration, it offered a critical moment for member states to begin translating the commitments reaffirmed in Doha into concrete policy discussions and intergovernmental action.
The session saw strong and diverse engagement.
21 ministers and Vice ministers participated in the session alongside senior government officials, representatives of the United Nations system, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
More than 700 non governmental organizations registered and approximately 45 side events, and a civil society forum enriched the discussions.
Five interactive discussions complemented the general debate and enabled member states and stakeholders to exchange experiences, good practices, and policy perspectives on key social development issues.
A key message that emerged is the progress in social development will ultimately be measured by implementation at the national level, requiring stronger policy coherence, adequate financing for social investment, and enhanced international cooperation to close persistent implementation gaps.
The Commission adopted by consensus two resolutions and one decision.
The first resolution on advancing social development and social justice through coordinated, equitable and inclusive social policies reaffirmed the central role of coordinated and inclusive policies in advancing social development and social justice.
The second resolution addressed the social dimensions of the new partnership for Africa's development.
The commission also adopted a decision establishing the priority team for its 65th session, which is strengthening social development through inter generational approaches for achieving sustainable development and the implementation of the Copenhagen and Doha commitments towards 2030 and beyond.
Crucially, the resolution on the priority theme reaffirmed Commission's primary responsibility for the follow up and review of the outcomes of the World Summit for Social Development, the 24 special session of the General Assembly, the Doha Summit, and other intergovernmental social development commitments.
It also called for this role to be further strengthened.
The Commission remains fully committed to supporting member states in advancing the implementation of the Doha Political Declaration and ensuring sustained follow up to global social development commitments.
The session also reflected the direction encouraged by the 2022 review of Ecosox subsidiary bodies.
Through broad engagement with member states, the United Nations system, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders and through its emphasis on integrated policy approaches and actionable policy recommendations, the commission contributed to strengthening policy dialogue and advancing the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
It also continued to support the work of the council and the high level political forum by providing policy guidance and substantive inputs on social development issues.
Delegations emphasized that ambition must be matched by means of implementation, persistent fiscal constraints, debt burdens, external shocks and extraordinary challenges, including armed conflicts, continue to strain social protection system.
This was accompanied by repeated calls for strengthened international cooperation, predictable financing for social investment, and a more coherent multilateral response.
Civil society played a central role throughout the session.
Their engagement highlighted the social development is lived and experienced in communities and their contributions continue to inform both national and global policy discussions.
The discussions further reaffirmed that fragmented approaches are no longer sufficient and that coordinated and inclusive policies are essential to translate commitments into tangible outcomes.
A shared understanding also emerged that leaving no one behind requires sustained collective action at all levels.
Excellency's distinguished delegates, the Commission for Social Development remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing social development, supporting the broader work of the Economic and Social Council, and promoting inclusive, equitable, and resilient societies for all.
I thank you.
Of the Commission of Social Development for its declaration.
Again, the floor is now open for a general discussion on Item 19 B.
There you have the floor.
Maybe it was a mistake.
Seems to have been a mistake.
It was a mistake.
I think it was a mistake.
I understand there was a mistake.
I see no request from the floor.
May I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft decision excuse me, has thus concluded the general discussion on agenda Item B 19 B.
Before taking any action on the recommendation of the Commission for Social Development, does any delegation wish to make a statement in connection with any of the draft proposals? No request.
Good.
The council will now consider the draft proposals.
Look at Section A where the commission recommended the adoption of two draft resolution.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft resolution one entitled Social Dimensions of the New Partnership for Africa's Development.
No objection.
Draft Resolution one is adopted.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft Resolution two entitled Advancing Social Development and Social Justice through, coordinated, equitable and inclusive social politics.
No objection.
Draft Resolution two is adopted.
In Section B, the Commission recommends the adoption of two draft resolutions.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft resolution one entitled Priority team of the 65th session of the Commission for Social Development.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Last, may I take it that the council wishes to adopt the draft resolution, the draft decision two, entitled Report of the Commission for Social Development on its 66 64th session and also the provisional agenda and documentation of the 65th session.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after the adoption of this resolution and decision No request.
I consider that the council has concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 19 B.
Good.
Can I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change made by our colleagues from Ukraine? I now invite the council to jointly consider agenda Item 12 C.
Mainstreaming a gender perspective into all policies and programs in the United Nations systems, together with item 18 G, women and development and item 19 A, advancement of women.
I invite Mr.
Noah Holl of Lichtenstein, Vice Chair of the Commission on the status of women at its 78th session to introduce under item 19 A, the report E slash 2026 slash 27.
You have the floor, sir.
Mr.
Vice President, distinguished delegates, I'm pleased to present the outcome of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which took place from ninth to 19th of March.
The session was effectively and skillfully led by Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde of Costa Rica in her capacity as chair of the Commission.
Under her able leadership and guided by the commission's methods of work, multi year program of work, and the CSW revitalization resolution, the session delivered strong and substantive outcomes.
It was marked by a high level of engagement from member states, civil society organizations, and youth representatives, fostering rich and inclusive dialogue and reinforcing the commission's role as the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
The session was preceded by a multi stakeholder hearing with the participation of member states, observers, Ecosc accredited NGOs, national human rights institutions, academic institutions, and the private sector, which was convened by the CSW chair in January.
This year's session witnessed a significant number of member states and stakeholder engagement.
The Commission's ministerial segment brought together two heads of state and government, one vice president, five Deputy Prime Ministers, and 75 ministers who participated actively in the general discussion, ministerial roundtables on the priority theme and the focus area on the empowerment of older women, as well as the first high level meeting on violence against women and girls.
Participants once more reaffirmed a strong commitment to advancing gender equality, the rights and empowerment of all women and girls, while sharing national experiences, emerging priorities, and concrete recommendations for accelerating implementation and addressing persistent and emerging challenges.
CSW 70 considered as its priority theme, ensuring and strengthening access to justice for all women and girls, including by promoting inclusive and equitable legal systems, eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices, and addressing structural barriers, on the basis of which it adopted a set of concise, action oriented, and time bound agreed conclusions that laid out key policy recommendations for governments and other stakeholders in line with the CSW revitalization resolution.
I was honored to co facilitate the negotiations with my fellow vice chair of the Commission, miss Flavia Umliza of Rwanda.
The agree conclusions reaffirm member states commitment to review, repeal, and amend discriminatory laws and policies, including those related to child marriage, family law, and property and inheritance rights.
They also call for strengthened efforts to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against women and girls, including through ensuring accountability for perpetrators and providing survivors with timely access to justice, protection, and comprehensive support services.
In addition, the agree conclusions recognized the importance of adequate and sustainable financing for justice systems, as well as strengthened coordination across justice institutions to ensure the effective, timely, and gender responsive delivery of remedies for women and girls.
They further underscored the need to expand women and girls access to digital justice mechanisms and legal aid services, helping to remove barriers to justice and promote equal access to rights and legal protections.
We count on the council's leadership to ensure that the conclusions are fully taken into account throughout the UN system and inspire your work and that of the high level political forum.
The Commission also reviewed progress on the agreed conclusions from its 65th session on women's full and effective participation and decision making in public life, as well as the elimination of violence for achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.
Where 12 member states from different regions made voluntary presentations and shared their lessons learned, challenges, and best practices.
An expert panel and an interactive dialogue among youth representatives with the participation of member states, civil society organizations, un entities, and other stakeholders provided valuable opportunities for in depth discussion of the priority theme.
These exchanges enriched the commission's deliberations by bringing diverse perspectives, experiences, and recommendations to the discussion and underscored the importance of inclusive and intergenerational engagement in advancing gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.
The Commission took note of the report of its working group on communications and decided to include it in the present report in its entirety.
Moreover, the commission also adopted the resolution on woman, the girl, child, and HIV AIDS.
Looking ahead to 2027, the 71st session of CSW will consider the priority theme accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Review implementation of agreed conclusions from its 67th session on achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental risk, environmental and disaster risk reduction and policies and programs, and consider poverty and the economic empowerment of women as a critical area of concern and cross cutting issue.
Under the leadership of Ambassador Wellington Cosme of the Dominican Republic as chair of the Commission, the CSW 71 Bureau is committed and stands ready to work with all member states and UN Women, the Commission substantive Secretariat, to ensure that CSW will continue to build synergies for the accelerated realization of gender equality, rights, and the empowerment of all women and girls everywhere.
Thank you.
I thank Mr.
Noah Owieri of Lichtenstein, Vice Chair of the Commission on the status of women at its 78th session for his introduction of the report.
I now open the floor for a joint discussion of agenda items 12 C, 18 G, and 19 A.
No request.
Since there are no requests, the council has concluded the general discussion of agenda item 12 C, 18 G, and 19 A.
I now invite the council to take action on the draft decision contained in the report of the 70th session of the Commission on the status of women.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement before we take action? No request.
May I take it that the council wish to adopt? The draft decision entitled report of the Commission on the status of women on its 70th session and the provisional agenda and documentation for the 71st session.
Good.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Any delegation wish to make the floor to take the floor after the adoption? None.
Dear colleagues, also submitted under agenda item 19 A is the note by the Secretariat transmitting the report of the committee on the elimination of discrimination against women on its 90th and 91st sessions, issued as document E slash 2026 slash 62.
May I take it that the council wish to take note of the report for transmittal to the 83rd session of the General Assembly.
No objection.
It is so decided.
The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 12 C, 18 G, and 19 A.
May I thank you, Mr.
Noah Home, for his presentation and congratulations for the work done.
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
I now invite the council to consider the Chair of the Is he here? He's just coming in.
Hello.
May I invite the Council to consider agenda item 19 narcotic drugs.
I invite His Excellency and running of Hanenisan of Armenia, chair of the Commission on narcotic drugs at its 69 session to introduce the report in E 2025 slash 28 addendum one and E 2026 slash 28.
Welcome to New York.
You have the floor, sir.
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chairman, Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
It's a pleasure to attend this meeting.
The 69th session was attended by over 2000 participants from a diverse range of stakeholders.
172 side events and 23 exhibitions were also organized.
The Commission adopted five resolutions, all of them by a vote.
The topics covered this year are listed on the screen.
In addition, the Commission adopted three decisions on the scope of control of substances under the International Drug Control Conventions as reflected on the screen.
Another important milestone was the establishment of an expert panel pursuant to resolution 68 slash six, adopted at the 68th session of the commission in March 2025.
Through this resolution, the commission established a mit dissciplinary panel mandated to develop recommendations to strengthen the work of the commission and support implementation of international drug policy commitments in preparation for the CND 2029 review of the intergovernmental drug policy commitments.
The resolution provides for a panel of 19 independent experts selected on the basis of equitable geographical representation, gender balance, and a broad range of expertise.
During the 69th session, the remaining experts on the co chairs were elected, enabling the panel to become fully operational.
The panel is expected to submit its final recommendations to the Commission at its 17th session in 2027, thereby contributing substantively to preparations for the 2029 review.
UNODC serves as the panel's Secretariat throughout its mandate.
Allow me now to turn to the CND thematic discussions.
Since 2016, these discussions have provided an important platform for continued engagement between commission sessions, including the exchange of best practices and consideration of emerging challenges.
We also play a key role in preparations for the 2029 review by strengthening understanding of and responses to the developing evolving world drug problems.
The CND is committed to contribute to the work of the Economic and Social Council.
As you may recall, in January of this year, I participated via video message in the Echos coordination segment.
I have forward submitted in my capacity as chair a substantive written input to a 2026 high level political forum on sustainable development.
With regard to the follow up to Assembly Resolution 75 slash 219 A and recommendations arising from the 2022 review, the CND has taken the following actions.
First, the Commission has strengthened cooperation with relevant bodies, including through enhanced collaboration with the Commission on Crime Prevention and criminal justice and continued cooperation with UNADOC, WHO, INCB, and other stakeholders.
Second, To support more focused and action oriented discussions, the commission is using its annual thematic discussions and has organized focused discussions such as the 2025 Regional consultations for Africa on access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.
Third, the commission has broadened stakeholder participation through expanded engagement of a broad range of stakeholders in thematic discussions and side events, regular dialogue with the Yunna NGO Committee on drugs, and continued use of hybrid modalities whenever feasible.
Finally, the commissioner has strengthened outreach through dedicated web pages, thematic portals, social media engagement, and dissemination of concise share summaries and web based materials.
Initiatives such as the pledge for action have also further supported implementation focused discussions and voluntary commitments aimed at translating commitments into concrete actions.
In conclusion, the CND counts on the council to provide visibility to the important work undertaken in Vienna.
Invitations to brief the council, such as the one today are useful opportunities.
The CND is operating with limited resources in an efficient and cost effective manner, and it is hoped that the challenging financial situation of the UN will not jeopardize the valuable work done within the commission.
Thank you for your attention.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
I thank the chair of the Commission on narcotic drugs.
I now invite miss Saville Atasoy president of the International Narcotics Control Board to introduce the board's report in E slash INCB slash 2025 slash one.
You have the floor, Madam.
Distinguished Vice President, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
I'm honored to present the 2025 Annual Report of the International Narcotics Control Board.
International cooperation through the framework of the three International Drug Control Conventions, safeguards the health and welfare of people globally, and is the focus of the thematic chapter of this year's report.
The global system of estimates and assessments for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is a success story for international cooperation, demonstrated by the very low level of diversion of illicitly produced controlled substances.
However, global progress in improving availability is yet to be reflected in data reported to INCB.
Despite morphine being one of the most affordable opioids for pain treatment and palliative care, 86% of global consumption is concentrated in Europe and North America.
82% of the world population, mainly in low and middle income countries, consumed only 14% of the morphine used globally for pain management in 2024.
Similarly, there are still substantial regional disparities in the consumption of psychotropic substances used in the treatment of neurological and mental health conditions.
Barriers include regulatory requirements, cultural issues, and inadequate training.
Improving availability, including during humanitarian emergencies, requires an integrated approach that also address affordability.
The INCB Learning Program helps governments to implement the Drug Control conventions with the aim of improving availability for medical purposes.
To support governments in preventing illicit drug manufacture and trafficking in highly potent synthetic drugs such as fentanyls and nitazines, the INCB precursor control and GRIDS programs offer training and advanced technological tools.
As of 2025, over 125,000 government intelligence pieces involving over 3 million trafficking signals were exchanged in real time through the INCB Ionics tools.
In March 2025, use of the INCB pen online platform prevented the diversion of three tons of one book four pipdon a fentanyl precursor which could have been used to manufacture up to 1.6 billion potentially fatal doses of fentanyl.
The 2025 precursors report provides an update of the world precursor situation and action taken to implement Articles 12 and 13 of the 1988 Convention on precursors, materials and equipment used in illicit drug manufacture.
Both reports set out recommendations for a balanced approach to international drug control.
While the conventions provide flexibility in the choice of measures, national systems must ensure that the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is limited exclusively to medical and scientific purposes and that implementation measures take into consideration the principle of proportionality, the rule of law, and human rights.
INCB is committed to reinforcing the cooperative efforts of countries to implement the drug Control conventions, address emerging challenges, and ultimately safeguard health and welfare.
However, the impact of the board's efforts is dependent upon the active participation and support of member states and sustained resources.
The continuing regular budget liquidity crisis has resulted in the postponement of critical INCB country missions and staffing shortages in the board Secretariat.
A lack of reliable regular budget resources has the potential to compromise the board's ability to approve and process estimates and assessments for hundreds of tons of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances used in anesthesia, pain management, opioid agonist therapy, and for the treatment of neurological and mental health disorders.
With potentially disastrous consequences for people worldwide.
Similarly, predictable extra budgetary resources are crucial to ensure the continued activities of INCB learning and the precursor control and grids programs.
Thank you.
Thank you, Madam, for this presentation.
The floor is now open for general discussion.
No request.
Excuse me.
May I consider that the council has thus concluded the general discussion on item 19 D.
Now, action.
I now invite the council to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Commission on marketing drugs.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement before the adoption? No request.
We will now consider the draft decision one by one.
May I take it that the council wish to adopt the draft decision entitled Report of the Commission on narcotics drugs on its reconvened 68th session.
No objection.
It is so decided.
In the report of the Commission on its 69 session, one draft resolution and two draft decisions are recommended for adoption.
May I take it that the Council wishes to adopt the draft resolution entitled Appendix to complement the United Nations Guiding Principles on alternative development.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Now, may I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft decision one, entitled Report of the Commission on narcotic drugs on its 69th session and the provisional agenda for its 70th session.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Last, may I take it that the Council wishes to adopt draft decision two, entitled Report of the International Narcotics Control Board.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Does any delegation wish to make the floor to make a statement after adoption? No request for the floor.
The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 19 D.
I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change.
I now invite the council to consider agenda item 18 H, International Cooperation on tax matters.
We will hear a video statement by Mr.
Matthew Gnjbla of Nigeria, co chair of the committee of Expert on international cooperation in tax matters on the reports of the committee's 31st session and 32nd session.
President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
It is my honor as co chair of the United Nations Committee of Experts on international cooperation in tax matters to introduce the committee's reports on its 31st and 32nd sessions to the Economic and Social Council.
Developing countries need tax revenues to fund public services and infrastructure.
Yet, the gap between what they collect and what they need remains wide.
The civilian commitment reaffirmed the role of taxation in sustainable development.
Stronger tax systems are essential not only for collecting revenues, but also for advancing the sustainable development goals.
The UN tax Committee translates these commitments into action.
As a subsidiary body of this council, its 25 members drawn from all regions, shape norms and policies and produce practical guidance and tools that help countries, especially developing ones to build fairer and more effective tax systems and to strengthen international tax cooperation.
The reports before you cover the work of the 2025 2029 membership in setting its course for the years ahead.
Using demand driven approach, coupled with priority setting, the committee established 11 workstreams, including updating the UN model tax Convention and work on indirect taxes, we taxation, tax and gender, and how tax administrations can leverage AI.
Work plans for all the workstreams were adopted by consensus in March 2026.
The committee's strength lies in lies as much in how it works as in what it produces.
Its approach is open and multidisciplinary, expert, past administrations, international organizations, academia, civil society, and business take part in the committee's work.
More than 300 expressions of interest were received to join its subcommittees.
Since 2018, a genuine community of practice devoted to tax for the sustainable development goals and to stronger international cooperation has formed around the committee.
His guidance reaches tax administration through the capacity building work of the UN DSA and its MAC partners.
This council saw that community at work during its last share meeting on international cooperation in tax matters.
Withdrew senior officials from capitals, international organizations, academia, And today, Council's action oriented dialogue.
On behalf of my co chair and fellow members, I would like to express our appreciation to EcoSc members, observers, all stakeholders, and to the donors and partners whose contributions sustain the committee's work.
The report of the 32nd session also contains a draft council decision setting out the dates, venue, and provisional agenda for the committee's next session in which we welcome broad engagement.
President, I respectfully submit the report for the council's consideration.
Thank you.
I thank Mr.
Matthew Bjbola of Nigeria, co chair of the committee of Expert on international cooperation in tax matters.
Now the floor is open for a general discussion.
No request for the floor.
May I consider that the council has thus concluded the general discussion of agenda item 18 H.
And I now invite the council to take action on the draft decisions contained in the report of the committee of Expert on international cooperation in tax matters.
Does any delegation wish to take the floor before action? No request.
May I then take it that the council wishes to adopt to adopt the draft decision entitled venue, dates, and provisional agenda of the 33rd session of the Committee of Expert on international cooperation in tax matters.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Given that the 32nd session of the committee has already taken place, may I take it that the council wish to take note of the draft decision entitled venue, dates and provisional agenda of the 32nd session of the Committee of Expert on international cooperation in tax matters.
No objection.
It is so decided.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement after adoption? None.
The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 18 H.
Let's move now to the human rights.
I now invite the council to consider agenda item 19 F.
Human rights.
We will hear a video introduction of the report in E 2026 slash 22 by Ambassador Priti Saran of India, chair of the committee on economic, social and cultural rights at its 77th and 78th session.
Your Excellency, you have the Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to present the report of the 2025 sessions of the Committee on Economic, social and cultural rights.
We are pleased that Andorra became a signatory to the covenant in September 2025.
In the report before you, 173 states were parties to the International Covenant, and 31 states ratified this optional protocol on individual communications.
I invite members of this council who have not yet ratified the covenant or its optional protocol to kindly consider doing so.
I would like to highlight the following points of the report for your attention.
First, the committee considered 11 state party reports in 2025.
We thank the states that have complied with the reporting obligations.
Reviewing the progress made by state parties in protection of covenant rights is very rewarding for our committee.
Unfortunately, we also see worrisome retrogression.
We hope our recommendations will help counter this.
One of the committee's main challenges is the low level of reporting, along with the lack of meeting time and staff resources.
The committee still has a backlog of 40 reports pending review.
There are a considerable number of overdue reports as well.
If the committee had more meeting time and staff, we could accelerate the pace at which we can review reports and implement the simplified reporting procedures as other treaty bodies have done.
Secondly, under its optional protocol, the committee considered 66 individual communications.
Our report outlines the adoption of views and cases pending consideration, as well as those declared inadmissible or discontinued or withdrawn.
The committee also considered follow up to views.
Third, in September 2025, the committee adopted a general comment on the environmental dimension of sustainable development and economic, social and cultural rights.
The committee is currently working on its subsequent general comment on economic, social, cultural rights in the context of armed conflicts.
Fourth, During its February 20 26th session, the committee reviewed the initial proposals of the High Commissioner on strengthening our treaty bodies, which is undergoing wider consultations.
We encourage all state parties to also participate in this exercise.
We continue to operate under GA resolution 68268.
The treaty bodies remain underfunded, a situation compounded by repeated rounds of financial and liquidity crisis, the most serious of which are being faced today.
As of now, the committee's 80th session in early November this year has yet to be confirmed due to lack of funding.
To conclude, in the course of its work, the committee has engaged with a wide variety of stakeholders, including state parties, national human rights institutions, and civil society, and we're grateful to all for their engagement.
The committee has also met other treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council with a view to achieving greater efficiency, effectiveness, harmonization of working methods, and to review good practices as encouraged by the General Assembly.
The committee is doing its utmost to operate as effectively as possible under the present constraints.
I invite all state parties to ensure that the committee has the capacity and resources it needs to fulfill its mandate.
I thank you for your attention.
I thank Your Excellency for this presentation.
The floor is open for a general discussion.
Icebreaker, Russian Federation.
You have the floor.
President, I'd like to take the opportunity of the consideration of this agenda item to comment on some separate aspects of the work of the Committee on economic, social and cultural Rights.
First of all, I think it's important to recall that the committee as part of its work, should deal with issues that are directly related to its mandate.
A key work that this body does should be assisting member states in fulfilling their obligations under the International Covenant on economic, social and cultural rights.
This connection, it is regrettable that the committee continues to spend a large amount of its time on non mandate work and stamping through general comments which are then presented as some standards.
Our position on these documents remains unchanged.
General comments are the private views of the committee's experts and cannot give countries any other obligations in addition to what they have already signed up to when they acceded to the covenant.
Chair, present.
I'd like to separately touch on the concluding comments published by the committee following the September 2025 session in Geneva.
This was the 78th session.
And they looked at the seventh periodic report from the Russian Federation on their implementation of the provisions of that covenant.
I also must note the attempts of S to approach their work impartially.
However, through inertia, they significantly followed the template from the UN Secretariat.
Unfortunately, efforts to create a constructive dialogue members of the committee did not lead to the anticipated outcome because the assessments inclusions of Ses clearly show a political bias.
Of some of the experts on the committee, primarily in regarding Russia's special military operation.
We believe that these concluding comments are not objective and they demonstrate a one sided approach of this treaty body when assessing the delegations official information that they provided.
However, any claims put forward by NGOs should not be justified as solid by SSA members because they were taken on the basis of these recommendations.
At the same time, we're concerned by the fact that the committee as upstream seeing these processes as unacceptable and like their own standards, but they should take into account the historic economic, social, and cultural particularities of member states to the international covenant.
Thank you.
Thank you, Russia.
I see no further requests.
May I take that the council wishes to take note.
Take note of the report of the Committee of economic, social, and cultural L in document E 2026 slash 22.
No objection.
It is so decided.
And the council has concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 19 F.
I now invite the council to begin its consideration of agenda item 11.
I repeat.
Agenda item 11.
Implementation of and follow up to major United Nations conferences and summits.
I first invite the chair of the committee on World Food Security, Mr.
Anas Abusi of Jordan, who is participating via video conference to introduce under item 11, the report on the main decisions, outcomes, and policy recommendations of the committees on World Food Security transmitted in document E slash 2026 54.
Your Excellency, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Chair.
Your Excellency, Ambassador Omar, Vice President of the UN Economic and Social Council.
Excellencies, distinguished delegates.
I am honored to present the report of the 53rd plenary session of the Committee of World Food Security, which took place in Rome, Italy 20-20 fourth October 2025.
The committee discussed in depth the state of food security and the nutrition in the world, 2025 report, which confirms that the world remains off a track to achieve the sustainable development goal two.
Between 638,720 million people faced hunger in 2024 and more than 500 million people could still be affected by hunger in 2030.
The committee highlighted the multiple interconnected drivers of food insecurity, which includes conflict, climate change, economic shocks, geopolitical tensions, inequality, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and water scarcity, and how food price inflation, disproportionality affect women, children, rural communities, and low income households.
The committee further expressed deep concerns that the vast majority of acutely food insecure people live in conflict and protracted crisis context.
It recalled that the international humanitarian law prohibits starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and strongly condemned the use of food food and water as weapons of war.
The concerns highlighted by the committee in the October 2025 remain highly irrelevant.
Geopolitical tensions have continued to intensify, disrupting food systems, agriculture production, trade, and supply chain, threatening the availability, accessibility and affordability of food, particularly for the most vulnerable.
In this context, the CFS is more important than ever, providing a unity space to build a consensus, promote policy coherence, and advance collective action for food security and nutrition toward the progressive realization of the right to adequate food.
Let me now highlight the key outcomes of the CFS 53rd plenary session.
First, the committee endorsed the policy recommendation on strengthening urban and very urban food systems to achieve food security and nutrition.
They provide governments and stakeholders with a voluntary policy framework to improve food security and nutrition across rural urban continent.
We respectfully invite EcoSc and the General Assembly to promote their wide dissemination and implementation.
Secondly, the committee convened a high level forum in strengthening responsible investment and financing for food security and nutrition, which emphasized the importance of mobilizing adequate financial resources and promoting responsible investments to advance food security and nutrition objectives.
Third, the plenary marked the tenth anniversary of the framework for action for food security and the nutrition and protracted crisis.
CFS stakeholders reaffirmed its continued relevance and called for stronger implementation and coordination to address food security in the fragile and conflicted affected settings.
A more detailed account of our work is available in the four reports submitted to this council, which I encourage you to review.
Excellencies, The 54th session of the committee on Word food security will take place in October 2026 at FAO headquarters.
I warmly invite you all to participate actively in our discussion and continue to strengthen global policy convergence and collective action for food security and nutrition.
In closing, I thank the 130 CFS member states and participants, including FAO, EFAD, WFP, other United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, indigenous people, private sector, philanthropic Foundations, international financial institution, and the high level Panel of experts on food Security and the nutrition for their continued engagement and commitment.
Thank you for your attention.
I thank His Excellency Anas Bolsi, chair of the committee on World Food Program for his introduction.
The Council will now hear introduction by the chair of UN Nutrition, miss Nageet Mortar of the report of UN Nutrition transmitted in document E 2026 slash 52.
Please play the video.
Excellency delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure to address you today as chair of UN nutrition, the UN coordination mechanism that brings together 15 UN entities to act as one, leveraging their collective expertise and strengths to improve nutrition outcomes worldwide.
Let me begin with the reminder of why our work matters.
Today, 2.6 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet, while 673 million people remain undernourished.
At the same time, according to UNICEF, for the first time in 2025, the number of overweight and obese adolescents exceeded the number of undernourished young people.
These are not merely statistics.
They represent lives and future at risk.
Against this backdrop, 2025 was a year of both urgency and action.
Detailed information is provided in the report submitted to this committee.
Today, I would like to highlight four key areas of progress.
First, the UN General Assembly's decision to extend the United Nations decade of action on nutrition to 2030 aligned the global nutrition efforts with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
This reaffirmed the international community's commitment to ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition.
Second, UN nutrition strengthened its effectiveness through a new four pillar action framework focusing on thought leadership, advocacy and influence, knowledge brokering, and country engagement.
This repositioning enhanced our ability to promote policy coherence and support country level action.
Third, we advanced UN system coherence by promoting integrated approaches to nutrition across sectors while strengthening the case for nutrition as a high return investment.
These efforts were reinforced through major global platforms, including the Paris Nutrition for Growth Summit 2025, which mobilized approximately $30 billion in commitment.
Rome Nutrition Week also emerged as one important forum for policy alignment, coordination, and advocacy.
Fourth, country engagement remains central to our work.
UN nutrition supported national capacity for multi sectoral nutrition, governance, advocating government to integrate nutrition into health, agri food system, social protection, education, and sustainable development policies.
Excellencies, while these achievements are encouraging, significant challenges remain.
Millions continue to suffer from malnutrition, progress is uneven, global nutrition targets remain at risk, and shrinking humanitarian and development funding is widening the gap between needs and available resources.
In conclusion, you nutritions achievement in 2025 demonstrate the value of collaboration, evidence based policy making, and sustained political commitment.
Our members remain committed to working together to ensure that every person everywhere has access to safe and affordable, healthy diet.
A healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable world depends on it.
I thank you.
Miss Naget Mortar, Chair of UN Nutrition, for the introduction.
I now open the floor for a general discussion on agenda item 11.
Does any delegation wish to take the floor? Nile, you have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Neale thanks the chair of the committee on Walford security for the comprehensive report on the main decisions, outcomes, and policy recommendations.
We are concerned by the findings of the report that 638 to 720 million people faced hunger in 2024 and over 500 million people are projected to remain in hunger in 2030.
As a country with large rural population, highly dependent on smallholder agriculture, Neapal sees these trends reflected in our own national experience.
Climate induced disasters, floods, landslides, droughts continue to disrupt food production, supply chains, and market stability.
However, With the right link of fertilizers and improved inputs, timely extension services, and climate resilient technologies, Nepal believes that productivity gaps can be narrowed and food system vulnerabilities reduced.
We therefore support the CFS emphasis on integrating the right to adequate food into climate biodiversity and land degradation policies.
We also welcome the endorsement of the CFS policy recommendations on strengthening urban and peri urban food systems.
Nepal also highly values the EcoSox focus and priority on agri food transformation and increased investment, concessional financing, technology transfer and innovation, market access, capacity building, and support for smallholder farmers, youths and SMEs.
Nepal also values the focus on investment and financing, particularly for the smallholder farmers, family farmers, and SMEs.
In Nepal, these actors form the backbone of our food system.
Access to affordable credit, fair prices for agricultural product produce improved inputs, modern farming practices, market access, and clean technologies are essential for enhancing food security, fruit productivity, sustaining livelihoods and reducing rural poverty.
They are vital to ensure the right to food for our people as guaranteed also in our constitution.
We also note with appreciation the upcoming forums such as the high level forum on harnessing artificial intelligence, digitalization, and data governance for food security and nutrition, and the policies, strong potential in digital agriculture, early warning systems, and data driven planning to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerabilities.
So we will continue to engage constructively to ensure that these global policy guidance translate into meaningful national action.
I thank you.
Thank you, Nipal.
Any other request for the floor? I see none.
I now invite the council to consider sub item A of agenda item 11, follow up of the International Conference on financing for Development.
The council has before it the report of the Economic and Social Council forum on financing for development follow up on its 2026 session to be issued in document FE FFDF slash 2026 slash three.
A summary by the president of the council on the 2026 forum will be issued in due course.
Does any delegation wish to make a statement in the general discussion on item 11 A? Are there any comments? I see none.
May I take it that the council wish to transmit to transmit I'm sorry.
Thank you.
The council has concluded the general discussion of agenda item A.
Yes, I have to repeat it.
I now invite the council to take action under the recommendation by the Economic and Social Council Forum on financing for development follow up as contained in EFFD 2026 slash three, that the council transmit to the high level political forum on sustainable development convened under the auspices of the council The intergovernmentally agreed conclusion, the intergovernmentally agreed conclusions and recommendation entitled, follow up and review of the financing for development outcomes, and the means of implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Are there any comment? I see none.
May I take it that the council wishes to transmit the intergovernmentally agreed conclusions and recommendations of the forum to the high level political forum on sustainable development convened under the auspices of the council.
No objection.
It is so decided.
And the conclusion is that the council has concluded its recommendation, its consideration of agenda item 11 A.
I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change.
All right.
And Done.
I invite the council to consider agenda item 18 D, Environment.
I invite Mr.
Jamil Ahmed, Director, New York Office of the United Nations Environment Program to introduce the report of the United Nations Environment Assembly on its seventh session contained in document A slash 81 slash 25.
You have the floor, sir.
Thank you very much, Mr.
President.
It's an honor to introduce the report of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly under this agenda item as contained in document A 81 Stroke 25.
United Nations Environment Assembly had its seventh session at UNP headquarters 8-12 December 2025 under the theme advancing Sustainable Solutions for a resilient Planet.
The Assembly brought together representatives of 159 member states alongside UN entities, multilateral environmental agreements, international organizations, civil society, scientific community, youth, indigenous people, and academia and private sector.
UNA seven convened at a critical moment for the international community against the backdrop of environmental crisis of climate change, nature, land, and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
UNA reaffirmed that environmental sustainability is a foundational condition for economic resilience, public health, poverty eradication, and sustainable development.
UNA adopted 11 resolutions and eight decisions, addressing a broad range of emerging and systemic environmental challenges.
Through its ministerial declaration, UNA seven affirmed member states commitment to multilateralism and to advancing sustainable development goals in an equitable, integrated, and sustainable solutions manner.
Unia held three ministerial leadership dialogues.
A clear message emerged.
Sustainable development requires integrated policy approaches that place environmental sustainability at the center of economic and social decision making.
Mr.
President, Unia demonstrated the growing importance of inclusive multilateralism.
A multi stakeholder dialogue under the theme resilience through inclusive partnership was also organized.
This dialogue highlighted the role of cooperation among governments, international organizations, civil society, indigenous people, youth, academia, the private sector in accelerating practical solutions.
The second MEA days was also held, which emerged as an important platform for strengthening coherence across the international environmental governance system.
UNA seven also reaffirmed the importance of a meaningful youth engagement in environmental governance to advancing environmental action and multilateral cooperation.
UP Indigenous peoples major group convened with UNEP support for the first time ever in a special dialogue on indigenous peoples under the theme advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient Pet.
The present report through the General Assembly, through the Economic and Social Council presents an opportunity to further integrate UNAs outcomes into the work of the two bodies.
The General Assembly is expected to consider the report at its 81st session.
In that context, member states may wish to, and I will present the points here.
Welcome the report, the resolutions, and the Ministerial Declaration adopted by UNA seven.
Take note of UNA decision seven stroke six, in which the Assembly approved UNEPs medium term strategy for the period 2020 6-2029 and the program of work and budget for the Bnum 2026 and 2027.
Consider aspects of the various resolution adopted by UNIA seven that are relevant as inputs to the policy recommendations to the EcoSoc, the HLPF and the General Assembly.
Welcome the request made by UNIA to UNIPS Executive Director to enhance the value of MEAAs as a valuable forum for enhancing cooperation.
Recognize the Youth Environment Assembly as the principal youth platform under UNA, and to promote the full, effective, and meaningful, constructive, and inclusive participation of youth in environmental processes.
Note the work of the intergovernmental negotiating committee, INC on plastic pollution in line with Unia resolution five Stroke 14 and reaffirm the shared commitment of member states to continue engaging constructively and actively and with a sense of urgency and solidarity in seeking to develop a fair, effective, balanced, and ambitious internationally, legally binding instrument.
Welcome the establishment of the Intergonmental Science Policy Forum Panel on chemicals, waste and pollution.
The first session of its plenary in February 2026 and invite member states to become members of this panel.
Recognize the importance of harnessing the opportunities and benefits of artificial intelligence systems in support of the environment while minimizing their environmental impact.
Reaffirm the need to ensure the sustainability, predictability and stability of UNIPs funding to enable it to fulfill its mandate.
Include in the provisional agenda of the 83rd session of the General Assembly, under the item entitled Sustainable Development, a sub item entitled Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly to Consider the outcomes of the eighth session of the Environment Assembly.
Welcome the decision to convene UNA eight UN EA eight 6-10 December 2027.
Finally, recommend the participation of the Presidents of the General Assembly and EcoSoc in UNA eight in accordance with the spirit of integration, universality, and universality of the 2030 agenda.
Mr.
President, at a time of increasing environmental pressures and growing socioeconomic vulnerabilities, the United Nations Environment Assembly demonstrated that collective action grounded in science, solidarity and international cooperation remains the remains the pathway towards a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for all.
I thank you.
I thank Mr.
Jamal Ahmed for his introduction.
The floor is now open for general discussion.
No requests from the floor.
The council has concluded its consideration of agenda item 18 D.
I briefly pause the meeting for a podium change.
I invite the council to consider agenda item 18 G.
Human Settlement.
I invite miss Tony Shea Freckleton, Director of the UN Habita New York Liaison Office to make a statement.
You have the floor.
Thank you, Mr.
President.
Your Excellency's distinguished delegates.
The resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly was held at the headquarters of UN Habitat in Nairobubi on 29 and 30 May 2025, following its decision in June 2023 to adjourn its second session and resume in May 2025 in order to align the planning cycle of UN habitat with the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for the development of the United Nations system.
It is my pleasure to introduce the report of the resumed second session of the UN Habitat Assembly, which is contained in document A slash 81 slash eight.
The session was chaired by His Excellency, Mr.
Enrique Javier Ochoa Martinez, on behalf of Mexico as president of the UN Habitat Assembly, with the participation of over 1,500 delegates, including representatives of 116 member states and three observers, as well as UN entities, intergovernmental organizations, governors, mayors, and non governmental organizations, reflecting the rich and universal nature of the UN Habitat Assembly.
Excellencies, the second resumed session featured high level opening statements delivered by the Secretary-General, the president of the 79th session of the General Assembly, the president of the Economic and Social Council of the 2025 session, the Executive Director of UNEP, Mayor of Paris, the Executive Director of UN Habitat, and the Cabinet Secretary for Land, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development of Kenya as host country to UN Habitat.
The core elements of the agenda of the Assembly, as reflected in the report, included the report of the chair of the committee of Permanent Representatives, election of members of the executive board, the strategic plan for the period 2026 to 2029, adoption of outcomes, the provisional agenda and other arrangements for the third session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly in 2029, and the election of Officers of the Bureau of the UN Habitat Assembly.
The report of the resume second session of the UN Habitat Assembly also reflects the rich and high level dialogue convene under the theme adequate housing for all, with a dedicated focus on UN Habitat strategic plan for the period 2026 to 2029.
The dialogue reaffirmed adequate housing as a fundamental human right and emphasized its role in advancing dignity, social inclusion, poverty reduction, and sustainable urban development.
In addition, the dialogue highlighted the urgency of addressing the global housing deficit and underscored the importance of strong political commitment, innovative financing, and multi stakeholder partnerships to scale up impact and ensure inclusive urban development.
A full summary of the dialogue is set out in Annex four of the document.
Excellencies.
The report of the Assembly also refers to the report of the Chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to UN Habitat, Pakistan, with an overview of the work of the committee at its third open ended meeting held in preparation of the resume second session of the Assembly, while also undertaking a midterm review of the work of UN Habitat.
The report of the committee drew attention to the progress in implementation of the New Urban Agenda, the UN Habitat resolutions, and the UN Habitat Strategic Plan for the period 2020 to 2025.
It also highlighted the outcomes of the 12th session of the World Urban Forum held in Cairo in November 2024 and the state of preparations for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, which was recently organized in Baku in May of this year.
The committee's report also contained recommendations to the Assembly on the outcomes of the resume second session, including by recommending the adoption of the draft UN Habitat strategic plan for the period 2026 to 2029 and the need for further informal consultations on the draft guidelines on people centered smart cities.
Document A slash 81 slash eight also refers to a report by the chair of the executive board, France, informing the Assembly that a silence procedure on a draft stakeholder engagement policy had been broken by four member states.
For this reason, the draft policy could not be submitted for consideration and possible adoption by the Assembly at the resumed session.
Mr.
President, Excellencies, I wish to now present the key outcomes of the resume second session of the UN Habitat Assembly as contained in document A slash 81 slash eight, following informal consultations on its draft outcomes chaired by Ghana.
First, the UN Habitat Assembly adopted Decision two slash six through which it approved the UN Habitat strategic plan for 2026 to 2029.
Second, the Assembly adopted decision two slash seven on the dates and provisional agenda for its third session scheduled to take place 25-29 June 2029.
Third, the Assembly took note of the presentation of the draft international guidelines on people centered smart cities, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusive, innovative, and people centered urban governance.
Fourth, the Assembly elected by acclamation 36 members of the executive board for the period 2025 to 2029 based on a balanced geographical representation.
And fifth, the Assembly elected a new bureau with Malaysia serving as president, Ethiopia as vice president, and Mexico as rapporteur.
Two vice president positions remained vacant pending nominations from the Eastern European Group of States and the Western European and other group of states.
The Assembly concluded its resumed session on 30th, May 2025.
I thank you, Mr.
President.
I thank miss Tonic Freon, Director of the UN Habita Office in New York.
I now open the floor for a general discussion on this item.
Nicole, thank you.
Thank you, Mr.
Vice President.
Nepal thanks the President of the UN Habitat Assembly and the Director of UN Habitat for the comprehensive report.
We welcome the opportunity to consider this report in the Ecosot Management segment, given the centrality of urban development in achieving the SDGs and the work of the UN development system.
We commend the inclusive consultative process undertaken by the executive director and the constructive deliberations that led to the adoption of the strategic plan 2026 2029.
The theme of the high level dialogue, adequate housing for all is of particular relevance to Nepal.
As a country undergoing rapid urbanization, Nepal faces the dual challenge of expanding affordable housing, while also strengthening resilience to earthquakes, landslides, and efficient management of informal settlements.
We therefore welcome the strategic plans focus on housing, urban resilience, and integrated territorial development.
Nepal also appreciates the Assembly's request for a results based monitoring framework with concise, specific, time bound, systematic and measurable performance indicators.
For countries like ours where urban governance capacities are evolving, such clarity is essential as we ensure that such global commitments translate into local results.
We also take note of the report's reference to the international guidelines on people centered smart cities where consensus is still being built.
People centered smart cities is also a priority for Nepal as we work into building a nexus between technology, housing, and sustainable urban development.
Nepal supports continued informal consultations.
Finally, Nepal also welcomes the adoption of Decision two slash seven, setting the dates and provisional agenda for the third session of the UN Habitat Assembly in June 2029.
We look forward to continued engagement in the lead up to that session, including through the World Urban Forum in Baku in 2026.
Thank you.
Thank you, Nepal.
Any other request for the floor? I see none.
The council has concluded its consideration of Agenda 818 G.
Dear colleagues, it's 12:00.
We have completed our program of work for this morning an hour ahead of the schedule.
The council will reconvene this afternoon at 3:00 P.M.
Sharp in this chamber to continue with its program of work, and we will try to finish our work an hour ahead of the schedule.
Bona Petit meeting is adjourned.
Good.