Second Committee, in Consensus Actions, Approves Texts on South-South Cooperation,

Postponement of High-Level Financing for Development Dialogue

The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) approved by consensus today a draft resolution on South-South cooperation for development and an oral decision on postponement of the fourth High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development.

By the terms of the text on South-South cooperation, the General Assembly would decide to hold the sixteenth session of the High-level Committee on South-South Cooperation on 4 February, preceded by an organizational meeting on 21 January to elect the session’s President and Bureau.  The Assembly would also decide to include the sub-item “South-South Cooperation for Development” in the session’s provisional agenda and request that the Secretary-General submit, at that session, a comprehensive report on the state of South-South cooperation.

According to the draft relating to the High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development, the Assembly would decide to postpone the event, originally scheduled for 23 and 24 November, on the understanding that the exact dates for holding it should be determined no later than 11 December.

Following that action, Sweden’s representative, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said she would go along with the decision but not without regret.  Calling for a written explanation, she added that it was unfortunate that Member States found themselves forced to postpone a high-level event on such short notice.  The European Union was ready to engage in consultations on setting new dates for the Dialogue, but it was important to prepare carefully in order to ensure a quality event.

Also during today’s meeting, Sudan’s representative introduced, on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, three draft resolutions, respectively, on international trade and development (document A/C.2/64/L.40); protection of global climate for present and future generations (document A/C.2/64.L.39); and the role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence (document A/C.2/64/L.41).

The Committee will reconvene to take action on outstanding draft resolutions at a time and date to be announced.

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For information media • not an official record