Economic and Social Council Takes Action on Haiti, South Sudan; Considers Information and Communications Technology Access, Security
The Economic and Social Council, in one of five texts adopted today, called on the Haitian Government to fully operationalize the External Aid Coordination Framework and its mechanisms in keeping with the road map adopted in 2014.
The consensus resolution on the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti extended that body’s mandate to the end of the Council’s 2015 session. It called on the country’s development partners and on the United Nations system to play an active role in donor coordination mechanisms, with the aim of enhancing aid effectiveness and cooperation.
In a related provision, the Council called on the Haitian authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the regular functioning of public institutions, and on political actors in Haiti to work cooperatively and without further delay to ensure the holding of overdue legislative and local elections to ensure continued constructive interaction with development partners.
Further to the text, the Council asked the United Nations system in Haiti to review its integrated strategic framework. It also called for a smooth transition process to ensure continued assistance by the United Nations system, including in peacebuilding and related areas.
A draft decision on “African countries emerging from conflict” took note of the Secretary-General’s report on implementation of integrated, coherent and coordinated support to South Sudan by the United Nations system and requested that another report on the subject be submitted to the Council next year.
The Council also adopted a text on the “Report of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration on its thirteenth session”, which requested that the Committee of Experts on Public Administration consider emerging issues in public administration related to the themes of its fourteenth and fifteenth sessions.
It requested that the United Nations Secretariat address gaps in research, monitoring, capacity development and implementation in governance and public administration, and in particular, further develop its public administration country studies; promote transformative government and innovation in public governance; assist in the implementation of the Plan of Action adopted by the World Summit on the Information Society; and continue to support reconstruction of governance and public administration in post-conflict countries.
The Council adopted a draft decision on the venue, dates and provisional agenda for the fourteenth session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration, by which it decided that the body’s fourteenth session would be held at United Nations Headquarters from 20 to 24 April 2015. It also approved the provisional agenda for that session.
Under the terms of a draft decision titled “2015 thematic discussion of the Economic and Social Council”, the Council decided that the topic for its 2015 thematic discussion would be “Strengthening and building institutions for policy integration in the post-2015 era” and that it would take place during the Council’s high-level segment from 6 to 10 July 2015.
In the afternoon, the Council held a panel discussion on “Implementing the Post-2015 Development Agenda: Enhancing access to and security of ICTs”. Taking part in the interactive discussion that followed were representatives of Iran, Azerbaijan, Brazil and Germany. A question was posed by a so-called “remote participant”.
Briefing the Council in the morning on “African countries emerging from conflict” was Vladimir Drobnjak, Member of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission, on behalf of the Commission’s Chair.
Toby Lanzer, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, presented highlights from the Secretary-General’s report on “Implementation of integrated, coherent and coordinated support to South Sudan by the United Nations system”.
Participating in that segment were representatives of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Representatives of South Sudan and Ethiopia took part in the general discussion that followed.
On “Long-term programme of support for Haiti”, the Council was briefed by Peter De Clerq, Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Representative. The “Report of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti” was introduced by Michael Grant, the Group’s Chair.
Representatives of Guatemala, Haiti, and Chile took part in the general discussion that followed.
African Countries Emerging from Conflict
The Economic and Social Council took note of the Secretary-General’s report, entitled, “Implementation of integrated, coherent and coordinated support to South Sudan by the United Nations system” (document E/2014/94).
VLADIMIR DROBNJAK (Croatia), Member of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission, highlighted the linkage between peacebuilding and socioeconomic development, as well as the importance of partnership between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. A review of the peacebuilding architecture would take place in 2015 and explore ways to strengthen performance and impact. During the Commission’s session in June, there had been discussion on effective and sustainable systems for resource mobilization.
Mr. Drobnjak also briefed the Council on the status of the Commission’s country-specific engagement in Burundi, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and Sierra Leone, drawing particular attention to coordination efforts by the configurations for Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia on the potential impact of the Ebola outbreak on State institutions, political stability and social cohesion.
TOBY LANZER, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, briefed the Council on the “significant and negative impact” of the current political crisis on prospects for economic recovery and social progress. The United Nations was now faced with “stark dilemmas and major challenges”, including reticence among donors to support Government institutions. Assistance worked best if pursued in partnership with State institutions.
He also described work done and challenges faced by the United Nations system, pointing to the reprogramming of much assistance from development assistance to humanitarian aid. The country team had revised its Development Assistance Framework to support core governance and civil service, reduce food security, restore basic services and improve security and access to the rule of law. The Framework’s total budget was $1.34 billion, and assistance was being conferred in an atmosphere “characterized predominantly by emergency”, but there still remained a commitment to development assistance, for which concrete actions would be taken with the Council’s assistance.
The representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in South Sudan said that the financial target for its operations in that country had reached 71 per cent. That funding had allowed the organisation to implement programmes that had saved the lives of thousands of people. She regretted, however, the unpredictable nature of this financing, which made activities challenging to plan. At the same time, she stressed the importance of stronger cooperation between donors and international intermediaries. Support and investment by the South Sudanese government must complement international efforts.
Outlining several outstanding issues, she highlighted that salaries of teachers remained unpaid, prompting them to look for alternative employment. Turning to health issues, she noted one child out of nine died before the age two and the infant mortality rate was among the highest in the world. She pointed to the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among children and the lack of available treatment. Further, the vaccination campaign against preventable disease could not be carried out as planned. Notwithstanding, UNICEF and the World Health Organization had managed to vaccinate children in conflict zones. The number of children graduating from elementary school remained insufficient, she said, noting that 85 per cent of South Sudanese females were illiterate. Thousands of children had dropped out of school since the conflict began in December 2013, which increased their exposure to forced labour, sexual exploitation and recruitment by armed forces.
The representative of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) spoke of the loss of agricultural production and problems in the food supply chain. The FAO had received 70 per cent of the funds it had requested. The FAO was using a highly precise food safety classification method to coordinate between the groups operating on the ground. He advised for a continued increase in humanitarian access, particularly when the mandate of the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) gets renewed. He warned of risks associated with new conflicts and said it was important to offset the government’s lack of capacity in food security.
In the ensuing general discussion, the representative of South Sudan said that his country’s independence and the “generous and ambitious” assistance programmes from the United Nations and international community had given the country the first glimpse of hope that it was embarking on a “speedy” path towards building prosperity. However, as conveyed in the report, the noteworthy achievements since independence had now been largely wiped away by destruction owing to the internal war. The State-building and peacebuilding activities of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) were on hold, with protection of civilians, human rights monitoring, humanitarian assistance and peace process support at the fore.
The representative of Ethiopia said South Sudan’s friends would be “absolutely justified” if they were deeply frustrated and disappointed in the “turn for the worse” seen in a country on which so much hope had been pinned. South Sudan had the resources to emerge from poverty, provided there was a “rebalancing of budgetary priorities”. Commitment to resolving the political crisis was needed, as that situation posed an “existential challenge” to the country, with potentially “horrendous” implications for peace and stability in the region. The role of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) was critical, and predictable resources were urgently needed to meet humanitarian needs. In that regard, the crisis response plan needed full funding.
The Council then adopted a draft decision titled “African countries emerging from conflict” (document E/2014/L.35), taking note of the report of the Secretary-General on implementation of integrated, coherent and coordinated support to South Sudan by the United Nations system and requesting another report.
Long-term Programme of Support for Haiti
PETER DE CLERCQ, Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), and the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Representative, updated the Council on progress there. There had been continued improvement in the economic and social situation since the earthquake nearly five years ago, but challenges, including political instability related to the postponed elections, remained. A shift was taking place from giving humanitarian assistance to pursuing longer-term development. The so-called “transitional appeal” was different from the humanitarian one because it extended over a two-year period instead of one and because it included a broader range of programmatic interventions that addressed immediate needs, including preventing a future slip into crisis.
MICHAEL GRANT (Canada), Chair of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti, introduced the “Report of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti” (document E/2014/95), which highlighted the main findings of the Group following visits to Haiti and Washington, D.C., and meetings held in New York. He also introduced a draft titled, “Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti” (document E/2014/L.34), which called for a renewal of the Group’s mandate for another year.
In the ensuing general discussion, the representative of Guatemala said that Haiti had an excellent opportunity to embark on the path of economic growth and political development. However, political stability was still threatened by indefinitely deferred elections, which must be held without further delay. Moreover, there must be a continued investment in social programmes focused on reducing inequality and providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations. The situation in Haiti demanded the continued involvement of donors and improved coordination between partners.
The representative of Haiti pointed to significant recent progress made in her country, particularly in institution-building, socio-economic development, health and security. However, the task remained huge and the obstacles were many. She asked the international community to stand with her country in understanding and solidarity, pledging the Government’s continued support to the Advisory Group and to the promotion of human rights, tolerance, respect and other elements essential to building order.
The representative of Chile said the Group had witnessed first-hand Haiti’s efforts to support internally displaced persons and had seen a decrease in cholera year on year. Donors had to meet commitments in humanitarian and development fields, however, while the international community as a whole could do more, including supporting long-run development measures, in areas such as health care, improving sanitation and water, and tackling cholera and other diseases. Chile had given support to reconstruction, education, social development and human capital projects and was exploring new ways to support efforts under way in such fields as the environment, mining, and youth employment. The international community, for its part, must remain engaged in improving police capacity.
Mr. GRANT said the interventions underlined the need for continued engagement by the international community in Haiti, with a focus on challenges in poverty reduction and the provision of basic services, among others.
Mr. DE CLERQ said the focus was shifting more towards development from humanitarian assistance. Long-term solutions were needed on the issue of settlements located in areas exposed to flooding. The Government was capable of taking on such issues, but needed capacity and resources. Police, justice and corrections also needed work, he said, noting that no partner had come forward to help in the area of corrections.
The Council then took up the draft titled “Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Haiti” (document E/2014/L.34). The Council Secretary outlined resource requirements for consultative missions to Haiti and Washington D.C. in 2015, which were estimated at $28,800, and which had not been provided for in the programme budget for the biennium 2014-2015. Following that, the Council adopted the draft by consensus.
Panel Discussion
A panel discussion was held in the afternoon on, “Implementing the Post-2015 Development Agenda: Enhancing access to and security of ICTs”. It was chaired by Oh Joon (Republic of Korea), the Council’s Vice-President, and moderated by Jānis Kārkliņš (Latvia), in his capacity as Chair of the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group, Internet Governance Forum.
Panellists were Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs; Hamadoun Touré, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU); Lynn St. Amour, President and Chief Executive Officer, Internet Matters; and Rima Qureshi, Chief Strategy Officer, Ericsson Group.
Among the areas of focus were the relationship between information and communications technology and the post-2015 development agenda, the potential impact of that technology on environmental challenges, and the role of the ITU.
In an opening statement, Mr. OH stressed the importance of information and communications technology to achieving the three dimensions of sustainable development, while spotlighting the need to build confidence in security in an atmosphere where people exposed themselves to data risks and privacy insecurity.
Mr. KARKLINS pointed to the increasing complexity of issues related to the vast expansion of the Internet, and noted how United Nations bodies, including the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly had engaged with the issues.
Mr. HONGBO stressed the link between the new development agenda and information and communications technology. Increased access to technology and the Internet was essential, he said, but added that, despite great strides, more work was needed to fulfil the post-2015 agenda. The Open Working Group on the Sustainable Development Goals had made several references to information and communications technology in their proposals, particularly in relation to education, gender, and strengthening global partnerships.
He also described information and communications technology’s application in commercial contexts as well as in humanitarian situations, and underlined the importance of data security as access increased. It was vital to reduce or eliminate the factors inhibiting online interactions, he said, noting that cybercrime cost the United States $400 billion last year.
Ms. QURESHI described Ericsson’s involvement in several technology-enabled projects that benefitted people, business and society. Underscoring ways in which technology contributed to sustainable development, he highlighted a few examples, including a remote school, mobile health care, connected cars, smart meters, a connected dam, and connected waste. She noted that the majority of demographic data showed that mobile subscriptions and mobile traffic would increase significantly in the Asia-Pacific region and in Africa.
She also shared some statistics on the potential impact of technology, with a doubling in broadband speed able to produce a 0.3 per cent growth in gross domestic product (GDP). Moreover, smarter use of information and communications technology could lead to a 16.5 per cent reduction in global carbon emissions.
Ms. ST. AMOUR said that approximately 3 billion people were online today, and multi-stakeholder self-governing networks were transforming the way the international community addressed global problems. While access was improving, there was a long way to go to ensure no one was left behind. Much work was being done in the development area across the Internet technical community, and many organizations were addressing the issue of cybersecurity. Governance had become part of the dialogue on cybersecurity, she noted, urging Governments to balance control of what happened within their borders, as the Internet was “borderless” in nature. Some practical approaches to cybersecurity included seeking a common understanding on the issues at the national and global levels, and boosting capacity to equalize cybersecurity knowledge.
Mr. TOURé focused his comments on what had been done to implement the outcome of the World Summit on the Information Society and on the newly agreed Connect 2020 vision designed by the ITU. Achievements were reviewed during the World Summit, notably efforts to improve online security through the global information society of 2007 and the Child Online Protection initiative of 2008. The focus had been on strengthening policy, he said, noting that the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB) had endorsed a system-wide framework on cyber security and cybercrime. The Connect 2020 Agenda, he explained, set out a shared vision underpinned by goals and targets related to information and communications technology access. The blueprint sought to go beyond the Summit’s goals towards establishment of a “knowledge society” by targeting growth in access; setting targets for bridging the digital divide; minimizing the negative effects of the sector’s growth; and ensuring creation of an environment conducive to innovation.
An interactive discussion followed, in which representatives asked questions about the potential impact of information and communications technology on environmental sustainability and on trust and security online. There were also questions about the private sector’s collection of personal data, as that sector, speakers said, was only accountable to their shareholders. Also considered was the benefit to development of new partnerships and cooperation in that field.
Action on Drafts
The Council then took action on a draft resolution entitled “Report of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration on its thirteenth session” (document E/2014/L.30/Rev.1), adopting it without a vote.
Next, it adopted a draft decision entitled “Venue, dates and provisional agenda for the fourteenth session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration” (document E/2014/L.31), also without a vote.
The Council next turned to a draft decision entitled “2015 thematic discussion of the Economic and Social Council” (document E/2015/L.2), adopting it without a vote.