Today’s conflicts were outpacing the ability of the United Nations to address them, Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today, drawing attention to new international momentum for the changes needed to ensure that peace operations were designed, equipped and financed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Taking action on a number of outstanding texts this morning, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) approved three draft resolutions and one draft decision, with the latter — on the appointments of six States to the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space — requiring a recorded vote.
Budgetary constraints could not be an excuse for the lack of complete linguistic parity in the work of the United Nations, speakers emphasized today as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) continued its general debate on questions relating to information.
The United Nations Department of Public Information had a great responsibility to inspire action on the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and other burgeoning multilateral processes, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) heard today, as it began its consideration of questions relating to information.
More research into the effects of atomic radiation on humans, especially at low-dose rates, was urgently needed, speakers in the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) said today as it took up the issue this afternoon, unanimously approving a related draft resolution.
As major cross-cutting issues, outer space security and sustainability must be addressed in a holistic manner within multilateral forums, senior United Nations officials in the field of outer space affairs emphasized today as they addressed a joint ad hoc meeting of the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) and the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security).
Realizing the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the assurance of global security required the sharing of outer space technologies and the adoption of an international code of conduct for their application, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) heard today, as it concluded its general debate on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
Prior to opening its annual debate on outer space issues today, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) unanimously approved a draft resolution on the University for Peace, by which the General Assembly would request the Secretary-General to expand the scope for using that institution’s services as part of his conflict-resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) unanimously approved a draft resolution today, by which the General Assembly would urge all mine-affected States to identify all areas containing mines and other explosive remnants of war, and engage in clearance when possible.
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) concluded its consideration of decolonization questions this morning, forwarding 11 draft resolutions to the General Assembly, five of which it approved by recorded votes.
