Although more than 95 per cent of the world’s population were now covered by mobile networks, it was necessary to bridge the digital divide between and within countries, said Thailand’s representative today as the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) debated “Information and communications technologies (ICTs) for development”.
Amid rising terrorist threats and rapid technological advances, the potential “catastrophic” impact of nuclear terrorism required the international community to urgently band together to prevent nuclear and other toxic materials from falling into the wrong hands, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) heard during a thematic discussion and debate.
Delegates at the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) voiced their concerns with the financial shortfall facing the Organization’s regular budget before sending the General Assembly a draft resolution on programme planning that laid out priorities for the 2018-2019 biennium.
Harnessing the benefits of space science and technology was crucial for the global effort to eradicate poverty and realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 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.
On the heels of what had been hailed as a historically transparent and inclusive selection process, the General Assembly this morning, for the ninth time since 1946, chose its next Secretary-General, appointing by acclamation António Guterres of Portugal for a five-year term starting 1 January 2017.
Urgent action would be required of Member States, the United Nations system and all stakeholders in order to avoid losing future generations and to address the devastating impact of conflict and other crises on children, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) today.
The First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) concluded its general debate today after hearing an appeal for a treaty to prohibit nuclear weapons and a halt to the provision of weapons to parties to armed conflict in violation of international humanitarian law.
The Third Committee continued its discussion on the advancement of women today, with delegates sharing national action plans and legislation adopted to promote gender equality, in accordance with their commitments under Goal 5 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Delegates mixed respect for the principle of universal jurisdiction with concern about its scope and application today, as the Sixth Committee (Legal) began its consideration of that subject.
Among the gravest threats today, the widespread circulation of conventional weapons, including shipments reaching terrorist groups operating in vulnerable regions, was killing thousands of people and affecting millions more, the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) heard today as it continued its general debate.
