Fifty-eighth General Assembly

Second Committee

37^th Meeting (PM)

SECOND COMMITTEE URGES CREATION OF GENDER-SENSITIVE LEGAL

ENVIRONMENT AS IT APPROVES TEXT ON WOMEN IN DEVELOPMENT

Delegates Take Action on 22 Draft Resolutions, 1 Draft Decision

The General Assembly would urge governments to create a non-discriminatory and gender-sensitive legal environment by striving to remove discriminatory legislation as soon as possible, preferably by 2005, according to one of 22 draft resolutions and one draft decision approved by the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) this afternoon.

By other terms of that text, on women in development, the Assembly would urge governments to eliminate discrimination against women in respect of access to bank loans, mortgages and other forms of financial credit, and support their access to legal assistance.  It would also urge States to design and revise laws ensuring that women were accorded equal rights to own land and other property, including through inheritance, and carry out reforms giving women the same right as men to credit, capital, appropriate technologies, and access to markets and information.  The text was approved without a vote.

Acting again without a vote, the Committee approved a draft resolution on preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of funds and assets of illicit origin and returning such funds and assets to the countries of origin.  By that text, the Assembly would encourage States to require financial institutions to implement comprehensive due diligence and vigilance programmes to facilitate transparency and prevent the placement of illicit funds.  By other terms, it would request that the international community provide technical assistance, strengthen human and institutional capacity to prevent corruption and the transfer of illegal funds, and create strategies to mainstream ethics and integrity in the public and private sectors.

By the terms of a text on cybersecurity and the protection of critical information infrastructures, the General Assembly would invite States to consider recommendations that countries should have emergency warning networks on cyber vulnerabilities, threats and incidents; promote partnerships among stakeholders to share and analyse critical infrastructure information to prevent, investigate and respond to damage to or attacks on critical information infrastructures; and ensure they had adequate substantive and procedural laws, and trained personnel to investigate and prosecute such attacks.  That text was also approved without a vote.

In one of only two recorded actions, the Committee approved, by 153 votes in favour, 1 against (United States) with no abstentions, an operative paragraph of a draft resolution on implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa.  (See Annex I for details of voting.)

By a recorded vote of 153 in favour, 1 against (United States) with no abstentions, it also approved an operative paragraph of a text on protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind (Annex II).

Acting without a vote, the Committee approved a draft resolution on implementation of the First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006).  By that text, the General Assembly would stress the importance of following up on the outcome of the International Conference on Financing for Development, and call for implementation of the Monterrey Consensus.  The text was also approved without a vote.

According to another draft, on the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, the Assembly would decide to convene a World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2005, with the aim of identifying specific activities aimed at ensuring implementation of the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development on vulnerability, risk assessment and disaster management.  The Committee approved that text without a vote.

Acting again without a vote, the Committee approved a draft on the promotion of new and renewable energy sources, by which the General Assembly would call on governments, regional and international organizations and other stakeholders to combine the increased use of renewable energy resources, more efficient use of energy, greater reliance on advanced energy technologies, and the sustainable use of traditional energy resources to meet the growing need for energy services in the longer term to achieve sustainable development.

The Committee also approved, without a vote, draft resolutions on human resources development; implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development; the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development; the Almaty Programme of Action:  addressing the special needs of landlocked developing countries with a new global framework for transit transport cooperation for landlocked and transit developing countries; and science and technology for development.

Other texts approved without a vote related to sustainable development in mountain regions; public administration and development; United Nations Institute for Training and Research; implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and the strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT); the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries; economic and technical cooperation among developing countries; and the Programme of Action for the International Year of Microcredit, 2005.

In addition, the Committee approved, without a vote, a draft decision concerning the report of the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme on the activities of the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

Introducing the draft resolutions were the Chairman and Vice-Chairpersons of the Committee, as well as the representative of Morocco (on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China).

Other speakers included representatives of Cuba, United States, Russian Federation, Pakistan, Norway, Italy (on behalf of the European Union), Japan and Morocco.

The Second Committee will meet again Friday, 12 December, to take action on the remaining draft text resolutions.

Background

The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) met this afternoon to take action on draft resolutions related to various agenda items.

Draft Resolutions before the Committee

A draft on preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of funds and assets of illicit origin and returning such funds and assets to the countries of origin (document A/C.2/58/L.2) would encourage Member States to enact laws and promote subregional and regional cooperation to prevent and combat corruption and illicit funds transfer, as well as to return such funds and assets to their country of origin.

By other terms, the Assembly would mandate financial institutions to implement comprehensive due diligence and vigilance programmes to end illicit funds practices.  Further, it would request that the international community provide technical assistance, strengthen human and institutional capacity to prevent corruption and illegal funds transfer, and create strategies to mainstream ethics and integrity in the public and private sectors.

According to a draft on the Programme of Action for the International Year of Microcredit, 2005 (document A/C.2/58/L.3), the Assembly would emphasize that observance of the year 2005 as the International Year of Microcredit would provide a significant opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of microcredit in eradicating poverty.  It would share good practices and further enhance programmes supporting sustainable pro-poor financial sectors in all countries.

By further terms, the Assembly would invite the Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the United Nations Capital Development Fund to jointly coordinate activities to prepare and observe the Year.  It would also, by other terms, invite States, United Nations bodies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society to collaborate in preparing and observing the Year, and to raise public awareness and knowledge about microcredit, its role in achieving the Millennium Goals, and how it could empower people and contribute to community development.

Another draft, on implementation of the First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006) (document A/C.2/58/L.4), would have the Assembly stress the importance of following up the outcome of the International Conference on Financing for Development, and call for implementation of the Monterrey Consensus.  Also by the text, the Assembly would urge developed countries to meet the agreed target of earmarking 0.7 per cent of Gross National Product for Official Development Assistance (ODA), and 0.15 per cent to 0.2 per cent of Gross National Product for the least developed countries.

Also by that text, the Assembly would call on developed countries to promote capacity-building and facilitate access to and transfer of technologies to the developing world.  By other terms, it would call on developed countries and the United Nations to support the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).  It would also call on governments of the least developed countries and their development partners to implement fully the Brussels Declaration and the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2001-2010.

By a draft resolution on human resources development (document A/C.2/58/L.5), the Assembly would urge all countries, the United Nations, international organizations, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to increase investment in health, nutrition, education, training and capacity-building; create national, regional and international development strategies for human resource development; and provide greater technical assistance and financial support to that end.

The Assembly would also, by other terms, call on the United Nations to harmonize collective human resources development efforts with national policies and priorities.  Also by that text, it would invite international organizations to integrate human resources development strategies into their policies and operations.

According to a draft on implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (document A/C.2/58/L.7), the Assembly would urge the international community to take effective measures to implement the Convention through bilateral and multilateral cooperation programmes.

Further, it would urge United Nations bodies, the Bretton Woods institutions, donor countries and development agencies to integrate the Convention’s provisions into their strategies for achieving the Millennium Development Goals.  By other terms, it would call on governments and invite multilateral financial institutions, regional development banks, regional economic integration organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to contribute generously to the General Fund, the Supplementary Fund and the Special Fund.

A draft resolution on the implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (document A/C.2/58/L.9) would have the Assembly call on governments, United Nations funds, programmes, regional economic commissions and specialized agencies; international financial institutions, the Global Environment Facility, and other intergovernmental organizations; to ensure that the outcomes of the World Summit are implemented.

Also by that text, the Assembly would decide to re-channel resources from the former ad hoc inter-sessional working groups of the Commission on Sustainable Development to support the participation of Commission members in regional meetings during each implementation cycle.  Further by that draft, the Assembly would decide to re-channel resources from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for Development to the 2004-2005 programme budget for the work of the Commission on Sustainable Development, in order to support participation by developing countries’.

According to a text on the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (document A/C.2/58/L.10), the Assembly would recognize the importance of linking disaster-risk management to appropriate regional frameworks, such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), to address issues of poverty eradication and sustainable development.  It would also recognize the importance of early warning as an essential element of disaster reduction and underscore the outcome of the Second International Conference on Early Warning, held in Bonn, Germany, in October.

Also by that draft, the Assembly would decide to convene the Second World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2005 with the aim of concluding the review of the Yokohama Strategy and its Plan of Action; identifying specific activities and means of implementation of provisions of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation governing vulnerability, risk assessment and disaster management; sharing best practices and lessons learned to tackle natural disasters; and increasing awareness of the importance of disaster reduction policies.

The text would also have the Assembly accept Japan’s offer to host the Conference, and decide that it will be held at Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, from 18 to 22 January 2005.  It would also decide to set up an open-ended intergovernmental preparatory committee for the Conference, which would meet in Geneva following the 2004 semi-annual session of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Disaster Reduction, and hold a one-day meeting in Kobe.

By a draft on the Convention on Biological Diversity (document A/C.2/58/L.11), the Assembly would invite parties to the Convention to finalize negotiations for the international regime to promote and safeguard the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits of genetic resource use.

Also by the text, the Assembly would urge developed countries to facilitate the transfer of environmentally sound biotechnology to implement effectively the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.  Further, it would underline the need for financial resources and capacity-building to implement the Protocol, particularly to strengthen national capacities to make required information available to the Biosafety Clearing House, and to make informed decisions on imports of living modified organisms.

Another draft resolution on the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (document A/C.2/568/L.13), would have the Assembly reaffirm the importance of education to biological diversity, atmosphere, water, food, overpopulation, poverty, health, human rights, gender equality, peace-building and cultural diversity in achieving sustainable development.  It would also recognize the importance of promoting education for sustainable development, and invite governments to reinforce cooperation and networking with all relevant stakeholders.

By a draft on protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind (document A/C.2/58/L.14), the Assembly would call on States to work cooperatively in achieving the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.  Also by the text, the Assembly would encourage cooperation among the liaison group of secretariats and officers of relevant subsidiary bodies of the Framework Convention, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification Particularly in Africa, and the Convention on Biological Diversity, as well as joint efforts with the secretariat of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

A draft on the International Year of Deserts and Desertification, 2004 (document A/C.2/58/L.15) would have the Assembly designate the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the focal point for the International Year of Deserts and Desertification, in conjunction with the secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Assembly would, by other terms, invite all countries to set up national committees or focal points, and celebrate the International Year through appropriate activities.  Also by the text, it would call on relevant international organizations and developed countries to support activities related to desertification, including land degradation, particularly in African and the least developed countries.

Another draft was on the Almaty Programme of Action: addressing the special needs of landlocked developing countries with a new global framework for transit transport cooperation for landlocked and transit developing countries (document A/C.2/58/L.16).  By its terms, the Assembly would call for full and effective implementation of the Programme of Action.  Also by the draft, it would request that the Secretary-General submit during the Assembly’s fifty-ninth session a report on the progress made in its implementation.

According to a draft on cybersecurity and the protection of critical information infrastructures (document A/C.2/58/L.19), the Assembly would take note of the value of the elements on protecting critical information infrastructures set out in the annex to the text.  By other terms, it would invite Member States to consider these elements in developing a strategy for reducing risks to critical information infrastructures.  Further, it would stress the need to facilitate the transfer of information technologies and capacity-building to developing countries to help them protect critical information infrastructures.

Elements included in the annex state that countries should have emergency warning networks on cyber vulnerabilities, threats and incidents; promote partnerships among stakeholders to share and analyze critical infrastructure information to prevent, investigate and respond to damage to or attacks on critical information infrastructures; facilitate the tracing of attacks on critical information infrastructures; and ensure they have adequate substantive and procedural laws and trained personnel to investigate and prosecute attacks on critical information infrastructures, and coordinate such investigations with other countries.

By the terms of a text on science and technology for development (document A/C.2/58/L.20), the Assembly would request the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to carry out a feasibility study for setting up an inter-agency body to facilitate policy development, private sector involvement and capacity development in biotechnology.  The Assembly would also request the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, the United Nations Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Task Force and the International Telecommunication Union to jointly publish development indicators on information and communication technologies to track global progress on their use in achieving internationally agreed development goals.

A text on sustainable development in mountain regions (document A/C.2/58/L.22) would have the Assembly support national efforts to develop goals, strategic plans, policies and laws for sustainable mountain development.  By other terms, it would encourage trans-boundary approaches to sustainable development of mountain ranges and information-sharing.

Also by that text, the Assembly would support the development and implementation of global, regional and national communication programmes to build upon the awareness and momentum for change established by the International Year of Mountains.  By further terms, it would call for the strengthening of the rights of mountain women, in terms of their resources and role in their communities, and welcome the recommendations of the Thimpu Declaration, adopted in October 2002 at the Celebrating Mountain Women Conference.

According to a draft resolution on public administration and development (document A/C.2/58/L.23), the Assembly would stress the need to strengthen national public sector administrative and managerial capacity-building, particularly in developing and transition countries.  It would also ask the Secretary-General to organize a special event in 2006 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the resumed fiftieth session of the Assembly on public administration and development.

By the terms of a draft resolution on economic and technical cooperation among developing countries (document A/C.2/58/L.24), the Assembly would urge developing countries and their development partners to intensify South-South and triangular cooperation in the economic, social and development fields.  It would also urge United Nations bodies and multilateral institutions to mainstream South-South cooperation into the design, formulation and implementation of their regular programmes, and increase human, technical and financial resources to South-South cooperation initiatives.

The Assembly would, by further terms, declare 19 December United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation and designate the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation as the coordinator for that Day, as well as for the International Decade on South-South Cooperation, beginning in 2005 and ending in 2015.  Also by the text, the Assembly would call on developing countries, development partners and international organizations to participate actively in the High-level Conference on South-South Cooperation at Marrakech, Morocco, in December 2003.

By a draft on natural disasters and vulnerability (document A/C.2/58/L.25), the Assembly would urge the international community to address ways of reducing the adverse effects of natural disasters, particularly in vulnerable countries, by implementing the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.  It would also encourage the Inter-Agency Task Force for Disaster Reduction to enhance coordination on promoting disaster reduction and make available information on options for reducing natural disasters, including weather-related disasters, hazards and vulnerabilities, to the relevant United Nations secretariats.

Another draft was on the promotion of new and renewable sources of energy, including the implementation of the World Solar Programme, 1996-2005 (document A/C.2/58/L.26).  By that text, the Assembly would encourage countries to promote sustainable patterns of energy consumption and production, with developed countries taking the lead and all countries benefiting.

By other terms, the Assembly would emphasize the need to intensify research and development to support energy for sustainable development, which would require increased commitments by all stakeholders to deploy financial and human resources for research.  By further terms, it would stress that the wider use of available renewable sources of energy require technology transfer and diffusion on a global scale.

Another text on women in development (document A/C.2/58/L.27), would have the Assembly stress the importance of developing national strategies to promote sustainable and productive entrepreneurial activities that would generate income among disadvantaged women and women living in poverty.  Also, the Assembly would urge governments to ensure women’s equal rights with men and their full access to education, training, employment, technology and economic and financial resources, including credit and particularly rural women and those in the informal sector.

By other terms, the Assembly would urge governments to eliminate discrimination against women in access to bank loans, mortgages and other forms of financial credit, and to support women’s access to legal assistance.  Also by the draft, it would urge States to design and revise laws ensuring that women are accorded full and equal rights to own land and other property, including through inheritance, and to carry out reforms giving women the same right as men to credit, capital, appropriate technologies, and access to markets and information.

Further by that text, the Assembly would call on governments to encourage the financial sector to mainstream a gender perspective in its policies and programmes, especially by:  exploring viable options to reach people living in poverty, particularly women, through international public and/or private funds; designing savings schemes that are attractive to the poor, particularly poor women; and carrying out research to learn more about the characteristics, financial needs and performance of businesses owned by women.

According to a draft resolution on the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (document A/C.2/58/L.28), the Assembly would stress that the Institute focus primarily on development issues.  By other terms, it would urge States that have interrupted their voluntary contributions to consider resuming them, in view of the successful restructuring and revitalization of the Institute.

The Assembly would, by further terms, encourage the Board of Trustees to resolve the Institute’s critical financial situation, as well as to consider diversifying the venues of events organized by the Institute.  It would also express the need to take action to resolve expeditiously the Institute’s rent, debt, rental rates and maintenance costs.

Another draft, on implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and the strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) (document A/C.2/58/L.31), would have the Assembly urge governments to promote pro-poor investments in water and sanitation to improve living environments, particularly in slums and informal settlements.  It would also call on the international community and donor countries to support developing countries in achieving human settlements targets by providing assistance with financial resources, technology transfer and capacity-building.

Also by that draft, the Assembly would urge UN-Habitat to strengthen its efforts to make the Cities Alliance initiative an effective means for implementing the Habitat Agenda’s twin goals –- adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements development in an urbanizing world.  By other terms, it would call for continued financial support to UN-Habitat and its Foundation, increased unearmarked voluntary contributions to the Foundation, and the provision of multi-year funding for programme implementation.

A text on the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (document A/C.2/58/L.34) would have the Assembly call on the development partners of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to speedily implement the Conference’s Programme of Action.  By further terms, it would urge developed countries to implement their commitments on official development assistance for LDCs.

The draft would also have the Assembly urge LDCs and their development partners to make the Programme an effective tool for implementing national poverty-reduction strategies.

Action on Draft Resolutions

Acting without a vote, the Committee first approved a draft resolution on cybersecurity and the protection of critical information infrastructures (document A/C.2/58/L.74).  It then withdrew a previous draft (document A/C.2/58/L.19) on the same topic.

The representative of Cuba said the text referred minimally to concepts of extreme importance for developing countries, most of which lacked sufficient technological infrastructure to develop information systems.  Countries supporting the draft for their own purposes should not be using the Committee for that end.

IFTEKHAR CHOWDHURY (Bangladesh), Committee Chairman, then submitted a draft on science and technology for development (document A/C.2/58/L.69), replacing the previous text (document A/C.2/58/L.20).  The Committee approved the new draft without a vote.

The Committee then took note of a note by the Secretary-General transmitting his ongoing preparatory report of the International Telecommunications Union on the process for the World Summit on the Information Society (document A/58/74-E/2003/58).

Mr. CHOWDHURY, Committee Chairman, then submitted a text on the Almaty Programme of Action:  addressing the special needs of landlocked developing countries with a new global framework for transit transport cooperation for landlocked and transit developing countries (document A/C.2/58/L.73) in place of a previous draft (document A/C.2/58/L.16) on the same subject.

ULRIKA CRONENBERG-MOSSBERG (Sweden), Committee Vice-Chairperson, then introduced a draft on the Third United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (document A/C.2/58/L.68), which was approved without a vote, in place of the previous draft (document A/C.2/58/L.34) on the same topic.

She then introduced a draft on preventing and combating corrupt practices and transfer of assets of illicit origin and returning such assets to the countries of origin (document A/C.2/58/L.52), which the Committee approved without a vote in place of the previous text (document A/C.2/58/L.2).

Acting again without a vote, the Committee then approved a draft on women in development (document A/C.2/58/L.65), which replaced document A/C.2/58/L.27.

The representative of the United States said the draft was not meant to reaffirm language in the Beijing Platform or in previous documents regarding support or endorsement of abortion or related services.  The United States supported treatment for women who had suffered illnesses caused by illegal abortion, which was not considered to be among abortion-related services.  The draft did not indicate a change in the position of the United States position on treaties it had not ratified.

Ms. CRONENBERG-MOSSSBERG (Sweden), Committee Vice-Chairperson, then introduced a draft on human resources development (document A/C.2/58/L.56), which the Committee approved without a vote in place of the original text (document A/C.2/58/L.5).

IRENA ZUBCEVIC (Croatia), Committee Vice-Chairperson, then introduced a text on the promotion of new and renewable sources of energy, including the implementation of the World Solar Programme, 1996-2005 (document A/C.2/58/L.59), which was approved without a vote following the withdrawal of the original draft (document A/C.2/58/L.26).

The representative of the Russian Federation said his country had joined the consensus on that text, and noted the significance of the upcoming international conference in Bonn on renewable energies.  The conference would contribute greatly to ongoing work on the problem of new and renewable energies.

The representative of Morocco, speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” and China, then introduced a draft on implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (document A/C.2/58/L.7/Rev.1).  The Committee decided to vote on operative paragraph 14 of the text.

Explanation of Position before Vote

The representative of the United States, stressing that treaty bodies could and should collect from their members to finance activities, said her country supported the Convention, and would continue to do so through voluntary contributions.

By a recorded vote of 153 in favour, 1 against (United States) with no abstentions, the Committee then approved paragraph 14.

Explanation of Position after Vote

The representative of Italy, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the Convention was important for poverty eradication and sustainable development, and could only be implemented through a strong link with the United Nations.  The General Assembly had always included the States parties to the Convention in its overall conferences schedule, which was funded by regular budgetary contributions.  The text did not change that.

The representative of Japan said conference costs must be covered following standard procedures.  Any question about costs should be resolved as soon as possible to avoid any negative impact on the Convention’s work.

Ms. ZUBCEVIC (Croatia), Committee Vice-Chairperson, then introduced a draft on the International Year of Deserts and Desertification, 2004 (document A/C.2/58/L.60), which the Committee approved without a vote, replacing the previous text (document A/C.2/58/L.15).

She then introduced a draft on the Convention on Biological Diversity (document A/C.2/58/L.61).

Point of Order

The representative of Morocco said the Committee should not adopt the text as it was and called for action to be deferred until tomorrow.

Mr. CHOWDHURY (Bangladesh), Committee Chairman, agreed to defer action on the text.

Ms. ZUBCEVIC (Croatia), Committee Vice-Chairperson, then introduced a draft on International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (document A/C.2/58/L.72), which the Committee approved without a vote, as it withdrew a previous text (document A/C.2/58/L.10).

The representative of Pakistan said his delegation would have voted in favour of the text on desertification if he had been present during the vote.

Ms. ZUBCEVIC (Croatia), Committee Vice-Chairperson, then introduced a draft on natural disasters and vulnerability (document A/C.2/58/L.67), which was approved without a vote in place of a previous draft (document A/C.2/58/L.25).

Next, the representative of Morocco introduced a text on protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind (document A/C.2/58/L.14/Rev.1*).  The Committee decided to vote on operative paragraph 5 of the draft.

Explanation of Position before Vote

The representative of the United States expressed disappointment over the diversion of funds from the United Nations regular budget to treaty bodies, saying that such bodies as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change should finance activities through membership and voluntary contributions.

By a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 1 against (United States) with no abstentions, the Committee approved the text.

Explanation of Position after Vote

The representative of Italy, on behalf of the European Union, stressed the importance of close links between the United Nations and subsidiary bodies to address global climate change, saying it was standard procedure for the United Nations to cover the costs of conventions through its regular budget.

The representative of Japan said it was important that the costs of the climate change conference be covered as they had been in the past so as not to disrupt its work.

The representative of Morocco also made a statement supporting his vote in favour of the text.

The Committee then withdrew a previous draft (document A/C.2/58/L.14) on the same subject.

Ms. ZUBCEVIC (Croatia), Committee Vice-Chairperson, then introduced a draft on sustainable development in mountain regions (document A/C.2/58/L.58), which was approved without a vote in place of a previous text (document A/C.2/58/L.22).

She then introduced a draft on implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (document A/C.2/58/L.63), which the Committee approved without a vote, withdrawing a previous draft (document A/C.2/58/L.9).

The representative of the United States said that sessions of the Commission on Sustainable Development should not be funded by the United Nations regular budget.

The representative of Norway said her country had donated $600,000 to the Commission’s trust fund to support participation by developing countries in the Commission’s upcoming session.

Ms. ZUBCEVIC (Croatia), Committee Vice-Chairperson, then introduced a draft on the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (document A/C.2/568/L.70), which the Committee approved without a vote, as orally revised, withdrawing a previous text (document A/C.2/568/L.13).

The representative of Japan said his Government would work closely with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to launch the Decade and that Japan had donated $100,000 to UNESCO to enhance national implementation of the Decade in a timely manner.

The Committee then approved, without a vote, a draft decision by which the General Assembly would take note of the report of the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme on the Activities of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (document A/58/168), which the Committee adopted.

Ms. CRONENBERG-MOSSBERG (Sweden), Committee Vice-Chairperson, then introduced a draft on economic and technical cooperation among developing countries (document A/C.2/58/L.71), which the Committee approved without a vote, as orally revised, withdrawing a previous text (document A/C.2/58/L.24).

She then introduced a draft on the Programme of Action for the International Year of Microcredit, 2005 (document A/C.2/58/L.57), which was approved without a vote, as orally revised, on withdrawal of a previous text (document A/C.2/58/L.3).

Next, she introduced a draft on implementation of the First United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (1997-2006) (document A/C.2/58/L.66), which was approved without a vote, as orally revised, on withdrawal of a previous text (document A/C.2/58/L.4).

She then introduced a draft on the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (document A/C.2/58/L.53), which was approved without a vote as the Committee withdrew a previous text (document A/C.2/58/L.28).

Finally, she introduced a draft on public administration and development (document A/C.2/58/L.62), which the Committee also approved without a vote, withdrawing a previous draft (document A/c.2/58/L.23).

ANNEX I

Vote on UN Convention to Combat Desertification

The draft resolution on the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa (document A/C.2/58/L.7/Rev.1) was approved by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 1 against with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  United States.

Abstain:  None.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Monaco, Nauru, Pakistan, Palau, Republic of Moldova, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

ANNEX II

Vote on Protection of Global Climate

The draft resolution on protection of global climate for present and future generations of mankind (document A/C.2/58/L.14) was approved by a recorded vote of 153 in favour to 1 against, with no abstentions, as follows:

In favour:  Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United Republic of Tanzania, Uruguay, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Against:  United States.

Abstain:  None.

Absent:  Afghanistan, Albania, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Iraq, Kiribati, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Monaco, Nauru, Palau, Republic of Moldova, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu.

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