Deferring Action on Texts, Economic and Social Council Extends Session, Adopts 9 Resolutions, 12 Decisions, Including on Indigenous Issues
The Economic and Social Council, extending its three-day coordination and management session until 23 July, deferred action on 3 texts and adopted 9 resolutions and 12 decisions, including several aimed at furthering the work of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Adopting a decision by which it took note of the report of the Permanent Forum on its fourteenth session, held from 20 April to 1 May 2015, the Council heard a number of recommendations for improving the living standards and human rights of indigenous peoples. Those included the full implementation of the outcome of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, held in 2014, the explicit inclusion of indigenous groups in the evolving post-2015 development agenda and urgent measures to address the crisis of suicide and self-harm among indigenous youth.
Briefing the Council on those issues, Megan Davis, Chair of the Permanent Forum’s fourteenth session, said the world’s 370 million indigenous peoples had their own distinct identities, cultures and knowledge systems. The stark realities they faced, however, included health risks that were disproportionately higher than the rest of the population, with little or no access to basic services such as water and sanitation. They also faced discrimination, marginalization, poverty and unemployment and were frequently internally displaced and dispossessed as a result of development taking place on their lands without their involvement, knowledge or consent, she said.
On the devastating issue of self-harm and suicide among indigenous youth — which was traumatizing communities — she reported that the Permanent Forum had recommended that all States substantially increase the human and financial resources made available to indigenous communities and schools to provide holistic treatment based on cultural, spiritual and linguistic revitalization.
In that vein, the Council also adopted a decision authorizing a three-day international expert group meeting on the preservation and revitalization of indigenous languages, an issue considered critical to the survival of indigenous cultures around the world.
A representative of the Indian Law Resource Centre said that, while the last four decades had seen important victories to advance indigenous rights, indigenous groups remained the “poorest of the poor”. Violence against indigenous women remained at epidemic levels, sacred sites were traded away to mining companies and indigenous leaders were threatened, assaulted and even murdered for their work protecting indigenous lands.
He was among those taking part in a discussion about the role of the Permanent Forum — which had also considered its working methods during its recent session — and its potential overlap with the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a subsidiary body of the Human Rights Council.
In that respect, he welcomed proposals, including strengthening and expanding the mandate of the Expert Mechanism as well as establishing a new procedure to guarantee the effective participation of indigenous governments in the work of the United Nations.
Meanwhile, the representative of Mexico, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, acknowledged the ongoing development of a system-wide action plan to ensure a coherent approach to protecting and promoting indigenous rights. He also underlined the need to ensure the participation of indigenous peoples in the review of the mandate of the Expert Mechanism.
Other issues considered by the Council throughout the day ranged from science and technology for development to international cooperation on tax matters to the work of the United Nations Forum on Forests. It also approved a provisional calendar of conferences and meetings for 2016 and 2017.
The Council would meet again at 4 p.m. on Thursday, 23 July, to take action on outstanding draft resolutions and conclude its work.
Science and Technology for Development
Opening the meeting, DONG WU, Chief of the Science and Technology Section of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), introduced the report of the Secretary-General on the progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) at regional and international levels (document A/70/63-E/2015/10). Regarding the key trends in information and communications technology (ICT) development, she said that over 90 per cent of the world’s population was covered by mobile networks. However, digital divides remained. The rapid pace of change in ICT had led to a shift to mobile devices, the move of data and applications to “the cloud”, the use of big data and the enhancement of development opportunities.
Concerns over privacy, data protection and data sovereignty, however, had emerged. As mandated by the Council, the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) secretariat had continued to review public policy issues related to the Internet. Some other major events related to the WSIS outcome included the World Telecommunication Development Conference held in Dubai and a WSIS forum on “innovating together”. Those meetings had provided an opportunity to create a platform for dialogue, she said. In July 2014, the General Assembly had decided to hold a two-day WSIS follow-up meeting in December 2015. In that respect, the secretariat had organized an open consultation online, inviting a wide range of stakeholders to weigh in; 95 written responses were received. Based on those responses as well as on face-to-face consultations, the secretariat had drafted a report that would help the Commission in its WSIS 10-year review.
OMOBOLA JOHNSON (Nigeria), Chair of the eighteenth session of CSTD, made a presentation on the work of that session. She said the Commission had considered two priority themes: strategic foresight for the post-2015 development agenda and digital development. Participants had concluded that strategic foresight was an important policy tool for the implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. Participants observed that a well-planned digital ecosystem was an important part of that agenda’s implementation. During the session, UNCTAD had presented the main findings from its review of Thailand. The ministerial round table on the transition from the Millennium Development Goals to the sustainable development goals had found that science, technology and innovation were critical to achieving the latter.
Another ministerial round table and substantive discussions on the WSIS 10-year review had also been held. Participants had drawn attention to the need to increase access to ICTs and had expressed concern about the affordability of broadband services. They had found that the WSIS outcome continued to guide the global ICT policy environment. New challenges, however, had emerged. A discussion over Internet governance had been held with various views represented. The discussions had also referred to other developments related to the WSIS implementation, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) “CONNECTing the dots: Options for Future Action” event and the “Connect 2020” agenda. Participants had welcomed the report on the session, yet some pointed to the need to focus more on developing countries and to enhance financing mechanisms.
During the ensuing general discussion, the representative of the Russian Federation said it was important to build a new paradigm for the development of an information society. It was, however, unjustified to equate development solely with ICT development, neglecting the development of the individual. It was advisable to focus the future of CSTD to provide clean and environmentally safe technology. His delegation was particularly concerned with such areas as information and telecommunications systems, the rational use of nature, transport systems and counter-terrorism.
The representative of the United States said that the Commission had positioned itself constructively within the United Nations system as it transitioned to a new sustainable development agenda. Information and communications technologies were important enablers within the post-2015 development agenda; they not only enabled science and technology and vocational training but would also help to assist developing countries. The “smart cities and infrastructure” theme was critical within the relevant sustainable development goal cluster, as was the fusion of ICTs in the twenty-first century urban environment. Foresight for digital development was critical, in particular for manufacturing and the challenges facing the world’s workforce.
Taking action on recommendations contained in the report of the Commission’s eighteenth session (document E/2015/31-E/CN.16/2015/4), the Council adopted, without a vote, two draft resolutions contained in Chapter I, Section A of the Commission’s report, on the “Assessment of the progress made in the implementation of and follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society” and on “Science, technology and innovation for development”.
It then adopted, also without a vote, the following five draft decisions contained in Chapter I, Section B: “Extension of the mandate of the Gender Advisory Board of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development”; “Participation of non-governmental organizations and civil society entities in the work of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development”; “Participation of academic and technical entities in the work of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development”; “Participation of business sector entities, including the private sector, in the work of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development”; and “Report of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development on its eighteenth session and provisional agenda and documentation for the nineteenth session of the Commission”. By the latter text, the Council took note of the report of the Commission on Science and Technology.
Public Administration and Development
Presenting the report of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration on its fourteenth session (document E/2015/44), held 20 to 24 April 2015, via video conference from London, MARGARET SANER, Committee Chair, said building trust in government in the post-2015 era would depend primarily on the implementation of sound public policies and improved institutional performance. In order to promote participatory governance and citizen engagement, it was necessary to remove barriers to participation, in particular for marginalized groups, and to ensure equality of opportunity in the consultative process.
Given the increasing complexity of the public agenda, she added, it was also important to strengthen innovation and policy integration. The Committee had noted that “flatter, more participatory structures” and moving from centralized to decentralized arrangements were characteristic of collaborative approaches to governance. Further, national systems of accountability, as enablers of sustainable development, should include ethical values and standards. Corruption remained a significant impediment and, recalling the United Nations Convention against Corruption, the Committee had stressed the need to accelerate the adoption of measures to prevent that practice in the public sector.
The governance aspects of proposed sustainable development goal 16 and the technology and partnerships aspects of goal 17, she added, were areas where the programme on public administration could best support the Committee’s work and the Economic and Social Council in the follow-up to the post-2015 development agenda. Therefore, the Secretariat and United Nations agencies should continue to promote collaboration and coherence of their own activities towards those ends.
The Council then took action on recommendations contained in the report, adopting, without a vote, a draft resolution by the same name contained in Chapter I, Section A. It also adopted a draft decision on the “Venue, dates and provisional agenda of the fifteenth session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration”.
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Introducing the report of the Secretary-General on the progress made in implementing the outcome document of the high-level plenary meeting of the General Assembly known as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples (document A/70/84–E/2015/76), THOMAS GASS, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, said that the report had been compiled with information received from Member States and indigenous peoples’ organizations and representatives through written questionnaires and face-to-face consultations. Since the Conference was held in 2014, there had been few specific actions taken by Member States in direct follow-up to the outcome document. That was possibly due to the short timeframe and also indicated a need to further disseminate the outcome document.
On the subject of developing a system-wide action plan, he added that in October 2014, Wu Hongbo, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, had been accorded the responsibility for coordinating that. A working group had been established to develop the action plan and a draft version of it had been disseminated for input from the United Nations Inter-Agency Support Group on Indigenous Peoples’ Issues. The report had also noted that the work of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples had been valuable, providing thematic expertise on the subject. The Secretary-General had also recommended that the Expert Mechanism could be mandated to assist Member States in monitoring and evaluating progress and could be enabled to engage in direct communications and constructive dialogue with interested Member States and indigenous peoples.
MEGAN DAVIS, Chair of the fourteenth session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, then briefed the Council. She stressed that indigenous peoples numbered some 370 million around the world and were distinct peoples with their own identities, cultures and knowledge systems. The stark realities they faced included discrimination, marginalization, poverty and unemployment. They faced health risks that were disproportionately higher than the rest of the population, with little or no access to basic services such as water and sanitation. Indigenous peoples were among the internally displaced and dispossessed as a result of development that had often taken place on their lands and territories without their involvement, knowledge or consent.
The United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, established in 2000, had included discussions there were lively and intense and covered a wide range of issues, including a focus on the Pacific region, human rights and the Forum’s work methods. The session had taken place during a review year, with a focus on the Forum’s recommendations with regard to the outcome of the high-level plenary meeting known as the World Conference on Indigenous Issues, the post-2015 development agenda and youth self-harm and suicide. In terms of the World Conference, the Permanent Forum had made recommendations to States, indigenous peoples and United Nations agencies, funds and programmes to immediately engage in a consultative process that focused on the full and effective implementation of the outcome document at local, national, regional and international levels. With regard to the post-2015 development agenda, she said the Forum had taken note of the serious concerns raised by indigenous peoples over the lack of explicit reference to and inclusion of them as distinct groups with collective rights in the development of the goals and targets of the new agenda.
The Forum also made a number of recommendations on youth, self-harm and suicide, issues that were traumatizing indigenous communities. One such recommendation was that all States substantially increase the human and financial resources made available to all indigenous communities and schools to prevent self-harm and suicide among young people and to provide holistic treatment based on cultural, spiritual and linguistic revitalization.
When the floor was opened for a general discussion, the representative of the United States said her delegation supported the creation of a United Nations system-wide action plan to protect and promote the rights of indigenous peoples. Recommendations should be brought to the attention of the respective governing boards, fostering a coherent approach within agencies. At the field level, personnel should maintain contact with indigenous groups. The United Nations Development Group guidelines on indigenous peoples, however, lacked accountability mechanisms, she said, adding that “inaction and inconsistency” currently prevailed in that respect. Her delegation supported modifying the mandate of the Expert Mechanism, which should not take up topics that had already been tackled by the Permanent Forum and could include both Government and indigenous representation. On enhancing indigenous people’s participation at the United Nations, she supported inviting them to interact more closely and directly with bodies such as the Economic and Social Council, which could establish a mechanism to hear their views under the agenda item on the follow-up to the World Conference, a change that could be established before 2016. For its part, her Government supported the representation of federally recognized Native American tribes. The application process, however, should also help to include entities lacking official governmental recognition and a hybrid committee of two key stakeholders — Member States and indigenous peoples — should be in charge of the selection process.
Brazil’s speaker said the Expert Mechanism was a collective body that brought a specific human rights perspective on indigenous issues. Since there was inevitable overlap between its work and that of other institutions, such as the Permanent Forum, it was necessary to make the best use of respective assets and minimize duplication. Brazil welcomed several proposals concerning the mandate of the Expert Mechanism mentioned in paragraph 28 of the report on progress in implementing the outcome document of the World Conference. Further, it was critical to enable the participation of indigenous peoples’ representatives and institutions in meetings of relevant United Nations bodies. In that regard, the report of the Secretary-General provided some valuable ideas on ways to ensure their inclusive and comprehensive representation.
The delegate from Mexico, speaking on behalf of the Group of Friends of the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, acknowledged the ongoing work on the development of a system-wide action plan. As the report was preliminary, he encouraged the Inter-Agency Support Group, Member States and indigenous peoples to continue consultations on the action plan. The Group of Friends also underlined the necessity of maintaining an inclusive process and ensuring the participation of indigenous peoples in deliberations to review the mandate of the Expert Mechanism. Finally, the Group commended the Secretary-General’s proposal that indicated that the General Assembly President may wish to consider appointing co-facilitators or advisers to lead an open-ended consultation process on the steps and criteria for enabling participation of indigenous peoples’ representatives and institutions in meetings of relevant United Nations bodies.
A representative of the Indian Law Resource Centre, speaking for a number of other organizations, said the last four decades had seen important victories to advance indigenous rights. However, indigenous groups remained the poorest of the poor, violence against indigenous women was at epidemic levels, sacred sites were traded away to mining companies and indigenous leaders were threatened, assaulted and even murdered for their work protecting their lands. He welcomed the Secretary-General’s recommendations, including strengthening and expanding the mandate of the Expert Mechanism. That body, whatever form it took, should enable experts to receive information, produce reports and issue guiding interpretations. Concerning participation at the United Nations, he welcomed the Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a consultative process to receive views of indigenous peoples and States and supported the Permanent Forum’s recommendation to establish a new procedure to guarantee the effective participation of indigenous governments in the United Nations. Indigenous peoples must be heard directly in developing that procedure, he said.
Turning to the report of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on its fourteenth session (document E/2015/43), held 20 April to 1 May 2015, the Council adopted, without a vote, three draft decisions, contained in Chapter I, Section A, on the “International expert group meeting on the theme ‘Indigenous languages: preservation and revitalization (articles 13, 14 and 16 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples)’”, “Venue and dates for the fifteenth session of the Permanent Forum”, and on the “Report of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues on its fourteenth session and provisional agenda for its fifteenth session”.
Following the adoptions, the representative of France said her delegation recognized no collective rights for any group within the nation. France remained committed to the fulfilment of all of its citizens’ universal rights.
Regional Cooperation
Introducing the report of the Secretary-General on regional cooperation in the economic, social and related fields and its addenda 1 and 2 (documents (E/2015/15, Add.1 and Add.2), AMR NOUR, Director of the Regional Commissions’ New York Office, said that the multi-stakeholder consultations undertaken in preparation for the Financing for Development Conference were highly effective in identifying and clarifying the key issues for each of the regions and key messages for the global deliberations. Domestic resource mobilization was at the core of financing for development. In an increasingly interdependent world, the constraints for domestic resource mobilization were being accentuated and impacted by global externalities. The need for universal inclusive platforms to address those issues was critical and the United Nations was well-placed to assume that role.
The Regional Commissions could also support Member States, he added, by adapting the sustainable development goals and targets to national contexts and in achieving a balanced integration of the different dimensions of sustainable development. Regional reviews could serve to strengthen countries’ respective capabilities by supporting common solutions to common challenges. Further, the Regional Commissions had been supporting Member States towards climate neutral and resilient development. Concluding, he called on the Council to lends its support to the resolutions on restructuring the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) conference, the establishment of the Asian Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information and Management, the admission of Norway as a member of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the admission of Mauritania as a member of the Economic and Social Council for Western Asia.
In the ensuing discussion, the representative of Morocco called on the Council and the international community to support the project for a Europe-Africa fixed link through the Strait of Gibraltar, as contained in one of the documents before the Council in an oral decision. The fixed link project would have a positive effect on the economies and political, social and cultural lives of all countries in the region. Despite scepticism about the possibility of developing such an ambitious project, cooperation between Member States and partners, both public and private, would contribute to its implementation.
Turning to a raft of reports related to regional cooperation, the Council adopted, without a vote, draft resolutions contained in Addendums 1 and 2 of the Report of the Secretary-General on regional cooperation in the economic, social and related fields. It first adopted a resolution on the “Admission of Norway as a member of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean”, contained in Chapter I of document E/2015/15/Add.1.
The three following resolutions were contained in Chapter I of document E/2015/Add.2. The Council first turned to draft resolution I on “Restructuring the conference structure of the Commission to be fit for the evolving post-2015 development agenda”, contained in Section A.
Making a statement before adoption, the speaker from Pakistan stated that the resolution was timely as countries should be able to define their own priorities and methodologies. Energy was an important factor in the development of the Asia-Pacific region and cooperation in energy sector needed to be holistic with the establishment of cross-boundary energy networks. Therefore, Pakistan welcomed the proposal for the establishment of a new committee on energy in the ESCAP. The consideration of issues relating to financing for development would be important for the committee’s work. Pakistan recommended that the resolution should be endorsed by the Council and the decisions regarding programme budget implication considerations were the mandate of the Fifth Committee.
Also making a statement before adoption, the representative of Bangladesh stated that the Organization’s Regional Commissions had played a catalytic role in development, with ESCAP actively involved in promoting social and economic cooperation in his own region. The role of the Commissions had been underlined in various international forums and outcome documents. Bangladesh supported this timely resolution, which included the conference restructuring initiative and the establishment of a new committee on energy.
The Council then adopted, as orally revised, that draft.
A number of representatives delivered statements after the adoption. The delegate of the United States supported efforts to restructure conferences with the aim of ensuring transparency, efficiency and effectiveness. However, given the financial constraints facing many countries, he was dismayed by the significant budgetary implications associated with the resolution. Further, he was disappointed that more efforts had not been made to offset those implications. There should be a way to implement reform without incurring such costs. He therefore disassociated himself with the adoption of the resolution.
The representative of the European Union said the budgetary implications associated with the draft resolution were only estimates. She stressed that those estimates did not prejudge the Secretary-General’s submission to the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) and the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), which should first consider the redeployment of existing resources. The adoption of the resolution should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the estimated programme budget implications by Member States. Further, changes to ESCAP were premature, as the post-2015 development agenda had not yet been finalized. There was no need for the establishment of new posts, as those areas were already functional. Oral statements on budgetary implications should be provided to Member States well in advance, she concluded.
Japan’s speaker said her country was committed to engaging constructively in the restructuring of ESCAP. She hoped that any reform could be conducted in the most efficient, inclusive and cost-effective way possible. That did not mean simply increasing the resources ESCAP received from the regular budget. The programme budgetary implication statement should not be construed as an endorsement by Member States and attempts should be made to reduce that programme budget implication.
The delegate from Australia, speaking also for Canada and New Zealand, expressed disappointment about the significant budget implications. Such issues could be the result of a misunderstanding on the purpose of the language intended to enhance budget discipline. Those sorts of problems must be avoided in the future.
Indonesia’s representative expressed support for restructuring the conference in accordance with the needs of ESCAP members. The current structure needed to be aligned with the implementation of sustainable development goals. Indonesia encouraged ESCAP to conduct regular communication and support South-South cooperation. It was also necessary to use existing mechanisms and centres of excellence in the region.
The Council then took up draft resolution II on the “Establishment of the Asian and Pacific centre for the development of disaster information management”.
The Council adopted, as orally revised, that resolution.
Under Chapter I, Section B of the report, the Council adopted a draft resolution on the “Admission of Mauritania as a member of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia”.
The Council also took note of the following documents: the report of the Secretary-General on regional cooperation in the economic, social and related fields (document E/2015/15 and its addenda 1 and 2); “Economic situation in the Economic Commission for Europe region (Europe, North America and the Commonwealth of Independent States) 2014-2015” (document E/2015/16); “Overview of economic and social conditions in Africa, 2014-2015” (document E/2015/17); “Summary of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2014-2015” (document E/2015/18); “Latin America and the Caribbean: economic situation and outlook 2014-2015” (document E/2015/19); “Summary of the survey of economic and social developments in the Economic and Social Commission of Western Asia region, 2014-2015” (document E/2015/20); and “Project for a Europe-Africa fixed link through the Strait of Gibraltar” (document E/2015/21).
Economic and Environmental Questions
In the afternoon, the Council took up the report of the Commission on Population and Development on its forty-eighth session, held 11 April 2014 and 13 to 17 April 2015 (document E/2015/25-E/CN.9/2015/7), which showed that the greatest and most fundamental challenge was to adjust to a world population of 8.4 billion people who were eager to achieve higher standards of living while minimizing the negative impact of human activity on the environment. With the exception of Europe, where the total population was projected to decrease slightly, all other major regions were projected to grow by at least 10 per cent over the next 15 years. The Commission projected that the fastest population growth would occur in low- and lower-income countries, making it more difficult for Governments in those countries to eradicate poverty and inequality, combat hunger and malnutrition, strengthen the coverage and quality of education and health systems and improve access to basic services.
The Chair of the Commission’s forty-eighth session, BENEDICTE FRANKINET (Belgium), introduced the report, saying it presented an important opportunity for Member States to exchange views on the population patterns and trends essential for implementing the post-2015 development agenda. Since people were at the centre of sustainable development, it was essential to examine the demographics of the world population over the next 15 years. The Commission recommended the adoption of the draft decisions, which would allow it to review the function of its work. Those decisions would also afford an opportunity for it to discuss ways and means to improve coordination between the various commissions, which could contribute to a stronger Economic and Social Council.
The representative of Brazil said that for the first time ever the Commission had not produced a resolution of substance on the report. In the face of a deadlock, Member States should reflect on ways to improve the Commission’s work to increase the margin for productive, substantive outcomes that captured clear, majority views of critical issues.
The representative of Zambia said the Commission had benefited from the breadth of the Council’s experience to make it more effective and relevant in the coming years.
The Council then adopted, without a vote, two draft decisions, contained in document E/2015/25, on the “Report of the Commission on Population and Development on its forty-eighth session and provisional agenda for its forty-ninth session” and on the “Future organization and its method of work of the Commission on Population and Development”.
The Council then turned to its agenda item on international cooperation in tax matters.
The representative of South Africa, making a statement on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, proposed to postpone action on the related draft resolution on “Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters” (document E/2015/L.9).
Council President OH JOON proposed to convene a meeting on Thursday, 23 July, to take action on that text.
Turning to its agenda item on cartography, STEFAN SCHWEINFEST, the Director of the United Nations Statistical Division, said the Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information had worked on the connection between data and policy so the international community could benefit from the same data available on a simple mobile phone. All agencies and committees had asked for that type of information as it tracked items from the distribution of vulnerable population groups to the delivery of United Nations services and humanitarian assistance. That information was indispensable, he said, adding that the Committee had worked on a standard set of measurements and norms to ensure global operability, national capacities to contribute to the data and ways to streamline the machinery. At the next Committee session, taking place 5 to 7 August, it would address management questions and resource implications.
United Nations Forum on Forests
The Council turned to a report of the United Nations Forum on Forests on its eleventh session (document E/2015/42-E/CN.18/2015/14), held 19 April 2013 and 4 to 15 May 2015, which included a draft resolution and a draft decision.
Making a general statement, the speaker from the United States expressed his delegation’s strong disagreement with the draft proposal. Noting that the Secretariat had failed in releasing the proposal in time, he said his delegation was disturbed by the negotiation process. Accordingly, he called for immediate changes on the document.
The Secretary later briefed the Council on the revised oral statement in connection with the draft resolution entitled “International arrangement on forests beyond 2015” as contained in the report.
In the ensuing discussion, the representative of the European Union stressed the vital role of all types of forests in achieving sustainable development. However, the Bloc believed that the budgetary implications of the oral statement should be reconsidered. In order to achieve full transparency, he called upon the Secretariat to provide relevant documents in advance.
Making a similar statement, Japan’s delegate said his country had actively engaged in the discussion on the international arrangement of the forests. It was unacceptable that the oral statement was not in line with the negotiations and the Member States had been informed about it “very late”. Additionally, his delegation was not convinced by the need of allocating an additional four staff members.
The representative of South Africa, making a statement on behalf of the “Group of 77”, said strengthening the international arrangements on forests could not be achieved within existing resources. Accordingly, he did not support the revision of the resolution.
Switzerland’s speaker said the Forum must act in accordance with its programme budget. Her delegation was surprised by the additional financial requirements, which had not been reflected in the actual decision. Her delegation would accept the document only if the financial implications were modified.
The delegate from Australia, speaking also for Canada and New Zealand, said they continued to support the important work of the United Nations Forum on Forests. To prevent any misunderstanding related to programme budget, he called on the Secretariat to ensure transparency.
Brazil’s representative said it was not the responsibility of the Council to discuss budgetary matters. In order to support the Forum, his delegation expected the mobilization of all necessary human and financial resources. Fully supporting the statement delivered by South Africa’s delegate, he noted that his delegation could not accept the deferment of the draft resolution.
Addressing those questions, the Economic and Social Council Secretary said the adoption of draft resolution would have $4.5 million in budgetary implications. The Secretariat did not have an obligation to provide the oral statement in advance.
Iran’s speaker reminded all that the budgetary discussion should be done in the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary). To implement the resolution, he said, it was important to have sustainable and reliable resources.
The delegate from Gabon said the Forum on Forests was an important step in managing and addressing related issues. She appealed the questioning of the draft resolution, and highlighted that budgetary issues were always a concern for the United Nations.
The representative of Sudan welcomed the outcomes of the Forum on Forests and highlighted the important role of forests in the lives of millions of people. His delegation always supported the inclusion of the promotion and the protection of forests in the post-2015 agenda.
South Africa’s representative said his delegation would not support the postponement of the decision.
Brazil’s delegate was deeply concerned about the idea of waiting until the following day to adopt the draft resolution.
The Chair noted that he had never discussed the possibility of a “deferment”.
The delegate of Switzerland said oral statements should be made available to Member States at least six weeks before the meetings.
Colombia’s representative, joining other Member States, said there was no need to allocate additional time to have an informal meeting.
The Council then, without a vote, adopted a draft decision on “The forest we want: beyond 2015” and a draft resolution on the “International arrangement on forests beyond 2015”.
Coordination, Programme and Other Questions
The Council then considered a letter from the Chair of the Committee on Conferences with regard to the “Provisional calendar of conferences and meetings in the economic, social and related fields” (document E/2015/85) and a related note. In introducing the calendar, the letter stated that it had been decided that United Nations bodies should avoid holding meetings on certain religious holidays, including, for the first time, the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur.
The Council then approved the “Provisional calendar of conferences and meetings in the economic, social and related fields” contained in document E/2015/L.8.
Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries
Resuming consideration of its agenda item on the “Review and coordination of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the Decade 2011-2020” (documents E/2015/L.23), the Council decided to hold one more session before taking action on that draft resolution.
Economic and Environmental Questions
The Council next took action on a draft resolution on “Human settlements” (document E/2015/L.17). The representative of South Africa introduced several modifications to the resolution’s language, which would encourage the active participation of local communities in the discussions of the post-2015 development agenda and invite Member States and observers to, where appropriate, promote the coordination in the agenda’s implementation to minimize the replication of efforts. The resolution also encouraged Member States to continue to give appropriate consideration to the role of urbanization in sustainable development and to strengthen national policies for coordinated development of urban settlements of all sizes.
The Council then adopted that text as orally revised.