Sixty-third General Assembly

Fifth Committee

27^th Meeting (PM)

DRAFT RESOLUTION ON ‘DEVELOPMENT-RELATED ACTIVITIES’ INTRODUCED IN BUDGET COMMITTEE

With no consensus emerging on development-related activities during the Fifth Committee’s (Administrative and Budgetary) informal consultations, the Group of 77 developing countries and China formally presented a draft resolution on the matter on the day the Committee was expected to conclude its work.

Introducing the text, the representative of Antigua and Barbuda said that the Group of 77 was saddened by the situation and, after careful consideration, was presenting the draft for action, in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Prior to the introduction, the representative of Mexico, who coordinated informal consultations on the matter, informed the Committee that delegations had been unable to reach agreement, despite the fact that significant progress had been made and all delegations had shown the utmost flexibility and a constructive approach.  However, the dialogue was continuing with a view to hopefully reaching agreement before the end of the session.

By the terms of the text presented by the Group of 77 (document A/C.5/63/L.9), the Assembly would take note of the reports of the Secretary-General on improving effective and efficient delivery of development-related activities and revised estimates for the 2008-2009 budget and the Development Account.  Reaffirming its commitment to urgent and concrete action to address the special needs and challenges faced by Africa, the least developed countries, landlocked and small island developing countries, the Assembly would decide not to abolish the post of the Special Adviser on Africa and one General Service post.  The Secretary-General would be requested to fill those positions as a matter of urgency.

[According to the report on improving delivery of development-related mandates of the United Nations Secretariat, which was presented to the Committee on 14 October (see Press Release GA/AB/3865), the Secretary-General, to reinforce advocacy and improve clarity and coherence of functions, had undertaken to bring under the leadership of the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, the functions currently entrusted to the Special Adviser on Africa, to support implementation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).  As a result of this initiative, the post of Special Adviser on Africa and a General Service post (other level) would be discontinued, and related resources reprogrammed to strengthen the High Representative’s Office.]

Also by the draft, the Assembly would approve the proposals for a number of posts, including those at the Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, the Division for the Advancement of Women, the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Integration, and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The Secretary-General would be requested to report on the implementation of the resolution and continue to analyse the gaps in the capacity of the Secretariat to implement its mandates in the development field.  He would be asked to present a comprehensive report to the General Assembly at its sixty-fifth session.

The representatives of France (on behalf of the European Union) and Canada (also on behalf of Australia and New Zealand) expressed disappointment that some delegations had chosen to circulate the text and urged Member States to continue to seek consensus in accordance with the practice and traditions of the Committee.

“We are engaged in the long-term effort to build the United Nations and daily actions should not undermine that effort,” France’s representative said.  The European Union would continue to highlight consensus decisions and stood ready to resume negotiations immediately after the adjournment of the meeting.

Canada’s representative said that the introduction of the draft was an unfortunate departure from the Committee’s regular procedure, but consensus was still possible.  He urged all groups and delegations to redouble their efforts to reach a solution.

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For information media • not an official record