SECRETARY-GENERAL TO CONSULT ON CONVENING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT, BY ONE OF TWO DRAFTS ON AFRICA INTRODUCED IN SECOND COMMITTEE

27 November 1995

Press Release
GA/EF/2712

SECRETARY-GENERAL TO CONSULT ON CONVENING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT, BY ONE OF TWO DRAFTS ON AFRICA INTRODUCED IN SECOND COMMITTEE

19951127 Other Texts Concern Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, Initiative on Opportunity and Participation

By one of four draft resolutions introduced in the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) this morning, the General Assembly would request the Secretary-General to conduct consultations on the convening of a summit meeting on science and technology for development to coincide with the Summit of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).

Such a summit would be convened in the context of next year's mid-term review of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. The draft, concerning support for science and technology in Africa, was introduced by the Philippines, on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China.

In a related draft, also sponsored by the Group of 77, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as the Organization of African Unity (OAU), would be called upon to enhance their assistance for improving the competitiveness of the industrial sector in Africa in the light of the globalization of production and the growth of related trade, investment and technology flows.

Introduced by the representative of Germany, a 24-Power draft resolution on the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction would have the Assembly invite the Secretary-General to facilitate improvements in early- warning capacities by establishing an international multisectoral informal mechanism on early warning. The mechanism would be under the auspices of the United Nations and would be part of the implementation of the International Framework of Action for the Decade and the Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World and Plan of Action.

Second Committee - 1a - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

Under the provisions of a draft resolution introduced by the representative of Papua New Guinea, the Assembly, noting that the United Nations Panel on Opportunity and Participation had met at Headquarters from

15 to 19 May, would welcome its report. It would invite States and organizations to consider its recommendations, particularly those on the commitment to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social development of all peoples. The Commission on Sustainable Development would also be invited to draw upon the work of the Panel.

Also this morning the Committee concluded its consideration of natural disaster reduction and training and research.

Speaking on the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction were the representatives of Spain (on behalf of the European Union), Japan, Marshall Islands, Kazakstan, China and the Russian Federation. The Director of the Office of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, Olavi Elo, made an introductory statement.

Statements during consideration of training and research with particular reference to the work of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) were made by the representatives of Spain (on behalf of the European Union), Japan, Russian Federation, China, Australia and Pakistan. The Director of the Financial Management Office of the Department of Administration and Management, Susan R. Mills, presented an oral report on the subject.

The Committee will meet again on a date to be announced.

Committee Work Programme

The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) met this morning to begin consideration of the International Decade for National Disaster Reduction (1990-2000) as well as training and research with particular reference to the work of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

The Committee was also scheduled to hear introduction of draft resolutions concerning the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa; the United Nations system support for science and technology in Africa; United Nations initiative on opportunity and participation; and the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.

A report of the Secretary-General (document A/50/201) outlines progress made in implementing General Assembly resolution 49/22 A of 2 December 1994 and the recommendations of the mid-term review of the implementation of the International Framework of Action for the Decade.

The progress report, which is submitted biennially to the General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council, also provides information on the financial situation of the Decade, including the functioning and the status of its trust fund. It observes that the trust fund had remained an underfunded facility.

The report draws attention to the practical measures being taken at the regional and sub-regional levels to implement the Decade's programmes. In Africa, there has been a strong impetus to incorporate disaster reduction planning in national development programmes. In Asia and the Pacific, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre in Bangkok continues to provide disaster- management training as well as technical assistance on the development of low- cost indigenous capabilities. Latin American and Caribbean countries, applying lessons learned from previous disasters, have established disaster awareness and preparedness programmes and have also developed related management capabilities.

In the Russian Federation and countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States, several important initiatives in disaster reduction are being implemented, according to the report. Changes in the economic environment have spurred a strong interest in the role that insurance can play in reducing disaster risk. The Western industrialized countries are paying significantly greater attention to detailed damage analysis and post-disaster evaluation, given the high capital costs of reconstruction.

The report states that the various agencies and organizations of the United Nations system are including disaster reduction in their respective development and environmental protection programmes. The Decade secretariat

Second Committee - 4 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

was coordinating the identification and review of existing early-warning systems for various disasters.

The report notes that the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction held in Yokohama, Japan, from 23 to 27 May 1994, had provided impetus for implementing programmes during the second half of the Decade. The Economic and Social Council at its 1995 summer session in Geneva had endorsed proposals on preparations for a second world conference to be held by the year 2000. The Council had called for improved telecommunications and early-warning systems and expressed concern about the lack of financing to implement the Decade's Framework of Action.

Consequently, the report also states that a number of Decade objectives will have to be fulfilled during the remaining four years, if success is to be ensured. According to the section on programme for the period 1995-2000, the guarantee of safety in the future, the "global culture of prevention", now depends on what the international community can accomplish in the next four years. The objective, targets, strategy, action plan and time-frame for the implementation of the programme are outlined in the report.

The report recommends that the strategic approach and the related action plan for the second half of the Decade be endorsed. The appeal for an adequate provision of resources within the Decade's framework of activities should be reiterated. It recommends that all partners in the Decade support and participate actively in efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the Framework of Action.

It calls for political commitment and resources for the implementation of disaster reduction programmes and activities. It identifies areas for core activities, including development of national capacities; application of knowledge and technology; information management, public information and promotion; and international collaboration.

The Committee had before it a report of the Secretary-General (document A/50/526) containing information about the early-warning capacities within the United Nations system regarding natural and similar disasters which had an adverse impact on the environment. The report reviews the system's current early-warning activities and proposes improvements and ways for a more effective coordination. It also considers the roles of technology and telecommunications in the warning process.

The report proposes a process that could lead to the appropriate transfer of technology, particularly to developing countries, and for improved coordination of early warning internationally. National governments are encouraged to undertake a systematic assessment of the extent to which current international, regional and national warning systems adequately addressed

Second Committee - 5 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

their own requirements to provide ready access to warnings. The assessment should be conducted with the full support of the organizations of the United Nations system, technical institutions and the international development community.

Another report of the Secretary-General (document A/50/521) notes that the financial situation of the secretariat of the Decade, as part of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, remains fragile, and that the General Assembly might wish to consider providing additional regular budget resources to the Department for the remaining period of the Decade.

On the question of training and research, the Second Committee had before it a note by the Secretary-General (document A/50/539) transmitting a summary of UNITAR activities, its cooperation with United Nations funds and programmes as well as its current personnel and administrative situation.

The UNITAR seeks to respond to specific needs expressed by Member States, through training and research in the areas of peace and security, and social and economic development. The report states that UNITAR's training programmes in multilateral diplomacy and economic and social development have been expanding throughout its restructuring process. There was a pressing need to develop appropriate training materials. The Institute has been creating different formats for its programmes, one successful example being the fellowship programmes.

The report says UNITAR continues to engage in a number of research- related activities that enhance the effectiveness and capacity of its training programmes. The activities are essential to obtain funds for the Institute, raise its profile and enhance the relevance of its programmes for the international community at large. The Institute has resumed a past tradition of holding an annual meeting of directors of institutes of the United Nations system, to exchange views and experiences, such as on training in economic and social development.

On personnel and administrative matters, the report states that the Institute has, over the past two years, overcome a period of financial and institutional uncertainty. It now has the possibility to enhance its intellectual relevance and further strengthen the credibility of its training activities. A sound future for the Institute is directly linked to the quality and number of staff whose salary costs are covered by the general fund. The Institute could function as one of the main and most suitable providers of non-partisan training programmes only if a minimum core staff is covered by voluntary, non-earmarked contributions to that fund. The Institute's Board has decided that the Institute should open a liaison office in New York without further delay.

Second Committee - 6 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

The report observes that while incurring no financial deficits, there has indeed been an apparent increase in the quantity and quality of training programmes offered by UNITAR. On the basis of the new situation, the Board would now be able to contemplate the next steps, starting with a period of consolidation, namely on how UNITAR could adhere to the spirit of its original mandate, and participate in the ongoing reflections on multilateral development cooperation.

Statements on Natural Disaster Reduction

OLAVI ELO, Director of the secretariat for the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, introducing the reports on the matter before the Committee, said that despite the progress made during the Decade, natural disasters continued to occur as the vulnerability of the world's population to natural phenomena continued to rise. Among others, he cited environmental degradation, climate change, urbanization and the development of megacities, some patterns of consumption and production, and continuing impoverishment in the developing world as contributing to the disasters. The reports before the Committee provided the proof and justified a continued call for support and active participation of all concerned.

He said the success of the Decade would not be measured by listing the secretariat's daily work and the number of documents it produced and disseminated. Rather, it would be measured by the extent to which a greater safety had been provided for individuals and communities all over the world which were threatened by natural disasters.

ALFONSO TENA (Spain), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said a substantial discussion on the subject took place during the substantive session of the Economic and Social Council and they believed it should not be duplicated. The Union had consistently supported the Decade activities and welcomed the consensus achieved in the Council. It looked forward to further cooperation with all countries and relevant organizations in enhancing prevention, mitigation and preparedness for natural disasters.

The European Union welcomed the Secretary-General's report on the early warning capacities of the United Nations system with regard to natural disasters and similar disasters with an adverse impact on the environment. It supported the proposal to establish an informal mechanism to provide a collective operating framework to continue existing work. The draft resolution on the subject would be co-sponsored by all European Union member States.

KEICHI MURASKA (Japan) stressed his country's strong commitment to the promotion of the Decade and supported the Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World and its Plan of Action adopted by the 1994 World Conference on Natural

Second Committee - 7 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

Disaster Reduction. In order to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the Decade, efforts should be made to pursue the recommendations contained in the Yokohama Strategy and operationalize its Plan of Action at all levels in a coordinated manner. He expressed concern about the financial weakness of the Decade's secretariat as described and called for both developed and developing countries to provide the support necessary to alleviate it.

He said Japan intended to continue to help strengthen the secretariat through contributions to the Decade's trust fund and other measures, including secondment of staff to assist with practical implementation of disaster- reduction measures. Concerning the early warning capacities of the United Nations system, he recalled Assembly resolution 49/22B which stated that early warning and effective dissemination of such information was a key factor in ensuring successful disaster prevention and preparedness. His delegation took note of the conclusions of the Secretary-General's report on the matter.

ESPEN RONNEBERG (Marshall Islands) said his country had been very active in the national implementation of the Decade objectives. It had a system of early warning that had been largely based on the Decade's recommendations. Other efforts had not been completely successful mainly due to a lack of funds. His delegation was interested to hear from others about their efforts, to see where they might be able to cooperate.

He said he supported the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; its predictions were becoming reality. Actions under the Climate Change Convention could go a long way to help prevent climatic disasters. He reiterated earlier statements concerning the possibility of a major nuclear radiation disaster caused by nuclear testing and called for the implementation of the draft resolution on the matter recently approved by the First Committee. His country intended to co-sponsor the draft resolution on the Decade.

AKMARAL Kh. ARYSTANBEKOVA (Kazakstan) said the goals of the Decade were of great importance to all countries since they were aimed at providing security and ensuring protection against natural disasters. International cooperation within the framework of the Decade was of particular importance to her country. A state agency had been given the responsibility of solving the problems arising from natural disasters, including the introduction of early- warning mechanisms.

She said Kazakstan was carrying out bilateral and regional activities. Representatives of her country had been able, with the help of the United Nations, to take part in conferences in China and Italy on natural disaster prevention. Germany had also organized training on civil defence for 20

Second Committee - 8 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

experts from Kazakstan, which also offered assistance to some of its neighbours despite its economic problems.

Coordination within the United Nations system in the area of disaster reduction was of particular importance, she said. There was need for an efficient system to reduce natural disaster occurrences. Kazakstan was prepared to set up an international centre on earthquake disaster prevention in the region.

YANG YANYI (China) said China attached great importance to the integration of natural disaster reduction in its national development plan. Some large-scale projects for disaster reduction were under way. China had always paid great attention to the creation of an early-warning system against natural disasters and had worked hard to improve early-warning and management capabilities at the central and local levels.

China had taken note of the Secretary-General's proposals concerning the transfer of early-warning technology, she said. It hoped to contribute to the strengthening of international cooperation and to exchange relevant experience with a view to adopting the internationally advanced means and technology for disaster reduction.

EDUARD V. KUDRYAVTSEV (Russian Federation) said that according to data available, about 60 natural disasters had occurred affecting millions of people. Nature did not choose its victims, both the developed and the poorest countries were hit. However, developed countries were able to recover relatively quickly. The common task of the international community was to work on prevention of natural disasters. In that regard, the development of a United Nations early-warning system was of great importance. He welcomed the Economic and Social Council resolution on the Decade which referred to such a system.

The goal of current earthquake forecasting projects, including in his own country, aimed at creating a network through, among others, short wave radios, he said. The results of experiments indicated that it was possible to find out about earthquakes a few days before its occurrence. The issue relating to earthquake forecasting should be put on the agenda of the Decade's secretariat and international cooperation promoted.

Statements on Training and Research

SUSAN MILLS, Director of the Financial Management Office, Department of Administration and Management, said the Secretary-General was observing fully the Assembly resolution for the transfer of UNITAR to Geneva. The Institute's Board of Trustees was very committed to the establishment of a liaison office in New York. However, the issue of providing a sound financial basis to the

Second Committee - 9 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

Institute required priority attention before establishing such an office, which would be staffed from UNITAR existing resources. The Institute had considered ways in which it could develop cooperation with other international institutes, including the International Labour Organization International Centre in Turin.

Mr. TENA (Spain) said the European Union welcomed the initiatives taken by UNITAR to improve its finances. The Institute should continue its efforts to develop cooperation and coordination with other agencies. Such cooperation would ensure the effective use of resources. The European Union also called for the early appointment of the new UNITAR Executive Director.

JIRO NISHIMURA (Japan) said his country had been a major contributor to UNITAR. The Institute should continue its efforts to restructure, building on the momentum generated with the opening of its new headquarters in Geneva. In order to strengthen its financial base, UNITAR needed to consider the interests of developed countries, which were potential donors, as well as those of developing countries in formulating its activities. "Were developed countries to believe they could benefit from participating, they would certainly do so, and in the process their understanding of UNITAR would grow." That had happened to his Government which gained deeper understanding of UNITAR activities after it had sent foreign service officers to the programme in international law.

He said UNITAR should further improve the effectiveness of its activities in order to attract sufficient contributions from Member States. He expressed the hope that UNITAR would continue to develop its activities without putting excessive emphasis on certain areas that might result in a reduction of support. In addition, UNITAR should strengthen its cooperative relations with other international organizations; its secretariat should continue to practise sound financial management, remaining vigilant against a return to the lax practices of the past.

YURIY N. ISAKOV (Russian Federation) said his country had seen an improvement in the Institute's work since it moved to Geneva. The curriculum of its programmes had also improved considerably. The Russian Federation considered it a positive sign that UNITAR was organizing programmes for some countries in transition, and would be prepared to provide experts, under contract, to teach in those programmes. Rethinking by UNITAR officials on financing some of its projects was necessary. There was a potential for tripartite cooperation such as between the Russian Federation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNITAR.

He said he shared the concern expressed about the delay in confirming the appointment of the next UNITAR Executive Director, and hoped an appropriate decision would be taken as soon as possible. The Russian

Second Committee - 10 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

Federation supported the proposed establishment of a UNITAR office in New York on the understanding that it would not entail any additional financial costs.

Ms. YANG (China) said UNITAR activities had yielded positive results. She expressed the hope that steps would be taken for the early establishment of its liaison office in New York. That office would contribute to the enhancement of coordination and cooperation with other relevant bodies of the United Nations system and further improve the quality of its programmes.

She called on the international community, particularly the developed countries, to respond positively to the relevant resolutions of the Assembly with more contributions, especially non-earmarked contributions to UNITAR. Her Government had decided to once again contribute $10,000 to UNITAR in 1996.

KATHY WONG (Australia) said Australia supported the work of UNITAR and would encourage it to continue to capitalize on its multi-disciplinary approach. Its work in a number of fields could be used as models for future training programmes, and she cited its fellowships in preventive diplomacy and peace-keeping as examples.

She said the principle of autonomy should be reaffirmed to give UNITAR the necessary administrative and operational flexibility and efficiency to conduct its activities. Member States should contribute to the Institute's general fund to further its long-term continuity and the development of its training function. Australia encouraged collaborative efforts between the United Nations and its funds and programmes and the Institute, and looked forward to the establishment of the liaison office in New York.

SAMIYA WAHEED JUNEJO (Pakistan) said her country had benefited immensely from UNITAR training programmes, adding that its recent training activities in the area of international law, preventive diplomacy and environmental conventions had been most useful. Pakistan was interested in proposals that UNITAR should provide training on issues pertaining to the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations, particularly on the complex modalities of joining the World Trade Organization, on negotiations on anti-dumping regulations and conflict resolution, and on questions relating to trade and the environment.

She commended the Acting Executive Director of UNITAR and the Board of Trustees for the significant improvement in the Institute's functioning as well as the remarkable change in its financial situation. Member States should increase their contributions to the Institute's general fund. The post of Acting Executive Director should be upgraded to Executive Director.

Second Committee - 11 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

Introduction of Draft Resolutions

LIBRAN N. CABACTULAN (Philippines), on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, introduced a draft resolution (document A/C.2/50/L.40) by which the Assembly would take note of the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the programme for the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa (1993-2002). By that draft, the Assembly would call upon African countries to enhance cooperation among themselves in the areas of industrial policy, institutional development, human resources development, technology and investment. The United Nations system, particularly the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as the Organization of African Unity (OAU), would be requested to continue to play an active role in the implementation of the programme for the Second Decade, bearing in mind the undertakings made in that regard in the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s.

In addition, UNIDO would be requested to facilitate the exchange of information among African governments on activities carried out nationally and in collaboration with development partners on the implementation of the programme for the Second Decade. In addition, UNIDO, the ECA and the OAU would be called upon to enhance their assistance for improving the competitiveness of the industrial sector in Africa in the light of the globalization of production and the growth of related trade, investment and technology flows. The Secretary-General would be requested to submit a report on the implementation of the Decade programme as a contribution to the mid-term review, in 1996, of the New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s. He would also be requested to submit to the Assembly's fifty- second session a report on the implementation of the draft resolution.

Mr. CABACTULAN (Philippines), on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, also introduced a draft concerning United Nations system's support for science and technology in Africa (document A/C.2/50/L.38).

Under its provisions, the Assembly would note with appreciation the report of the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) addressing such support (document A/50/125-E/1995/19 and Add.1). The Secretary-General, in liaison with the relevant bodies of the United Nations system, would be requested to recommend and implement policy reforms to further the progress of science and technology in Africa, indicating the estimated costs of such an undertaking and the possible sources of funding. African governments would be requested to continue to implement political and economic policy reforms aimed at creating a favourable domestic environment for enterprise and innovations without which rapid development is not possible.

Second Committee - 12 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

In addition, the Secretary-General would be further requested to ensure that organizations of the United Nations system refine and adopt recommendations contained in the JIU report concerning institution-building functions, sustainability, the programme approach, technical back-stopping and chief technical advisers, taking into account the outcome of the 1995 triennial policy review of operational activities for development within the United Nations system. The Secretary-General would also be requested, within the context of the United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa and its upcoming mid-term global review in 1996, to consider the feasibility and the timeliness of establishing a few pilot science and technology strategic institutions of national or subregional scope; and undertake consultations on the possibility of convening a summit meeting on science and technology for development, to coincide with the Summit of the Organization of African Unity and with the participation of the donor community.

ADAM VAI DELANEY (Papua New Guinea) introduced a draft resolution (document A/C.2/50/L.36) by which the Assembly, noting that the United Nations Panel on Opportunity and Participation had met at Headquarters from 15 to 19 May, would welcome its report and take note of its contribution to the finalization of an agenda for development and the follow-up arrangements for the Copenhagen World Summit for Social Development. States and organizations would be invited to consider the recommendations of the Panel, particularly those on the commitment to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social development of all peoples. The Commission on Sustainable Development would also be invited to draw upon the work of the Panel.

The Assembly would request the Committee for Development Planning, as a consultative body of experts on evaluation of United Nations programmes relating to economic planning, to further consider the report of the Panel, at its 1996 session, within the context of the International Development Strategy for the Fourth United Nations Development Decade. The United Nations system would be encouraged to increase efforts in promoting opportunity and participation and to develop those concepts and incorporate them in their programmes. States and organizations would be invited to make special voluntary contributions to those efforts.

The draft resolution is sponsored by Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Benin, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands and Trinidad and Tobago.

WOLFGANG RUNGE (Germany) introduced a draft resolution on the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (document A/C.2/50/L.35) by which the Assembly would commend the constructive inter-agency approach applied by the Decade's secretariat, which had led to the initial overview and

Second Committee - 13 - Press Release GA/EF/2712 39th Meeting (AM) 27 November 1995

analysis of early-warning concepts, capacities and gaps and to proposals to improve coordination and capacity-building concerning such disasters. It would take note of the conclusions and proposals by the Secretary-General on the improvement of early-warning capabilities, better international coordination in their use, and more effective and beneficial exchange of knowledge and technology. He would be invited to facilitate the establishment of an international multisectoral informal mechanism on early warning, under the auspices of the United Nations and as part of the implementation of the Framework and the Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action.

The secretariat of the Decade would be called upon to continue to facilitate a concerted international approach for improving early-warning capacities for natural disasters and similar disasters with an adverse impact on the environment, within the process leading towards the closing event of the Decade. The utilization of the trust fund for the Decade to further improve such early-warning capacities at all levels would be encouraged.

The draft is sponsored by Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

* *** *