In progress at UNHQ

General Assembly

2 June 2011

GA/COL/3221

Discussion in Caribbean Regional Seminar on Decolonization Focuses on Goals, Accomplishments of Non-Self-Governing Territories, United Nations System

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES, 1 June — In their second day of discussion, participants in the Caribbean regional seminar on decolonization today pressed the Special Committee on Decolonization charged with monitoring implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples to take a more active role in unlocking long-standing political stalemates that had bedevilled progress around the world

1 June 2011

GA/COL/3220

Secretary-General, in Message to Caribbean Regional Seminar, Galvanizes Efforts for Successful Third International Decade to Eradicate Colonialism

In a message to participants of the Caribbean regional seminar on decolonization, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encouraged the Special Committee on Decolonization to work towards an action-oriented dialogue at all levels with the Non-Self Governing Territories and administering Powers alike, as he launched the work of the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (2011-2020).

31 May 2011

ENV/DEV/1217-SEA/1950

Countries to Consider Protection, Management Measures for Ocean Biodiversity at United Nations Headquarters 31 May-3 June

A United Nations General Assembly-mandated Working Group to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction will meet in New York from 31 May-3 June.

27 May 2011

Press Conference by President of General Assembly to Provide Update on Sixty-fifth Session’s Agenda

General Assembly President Joseph Deiss (Switzerland) briefed the press at Headquarters today on a wide range of topics, covering his recent travels on behalf of the world body and highlighting his meetings with political groupings and Government officials on matters, such as Security Council reform, global governance and support for the least developed countries.

26 May 2011

GA/COL/3218

Special Committee on Decolonization to Hold Regional Seminar on Eradication of Colonialism, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 31 May - 2 June

The Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, also known as the Special Committee of 24, will hold its annual regional seminar in Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, from 31 May to 2 June.

17 May 2011

Press Conference on Outcome of Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries

The 10-year Programme of Action adopted at the close of the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Development Countries gave new momentum to global efforts to improve the lot of the world’s most vulnerable, impoverished nations, Gyan Chandra Acharya, (Nepal), Chair of the Group of Least Developed Countries, said at a Headquarters press conference today.

13 May 2011

HR/5049-L/T/4423

Disability Convention Receives 100th Ratification

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is the first international human rights treaty of the twenty-first century. On 10 May, Colombia became the 100th country to ratify this Convention. In doing so, it joins the ranks of those countries that now support greater access, backed by their legal systems, for citizens with disabilities to fully participate in the lives of their communities, including the political process and health and education services.

13 May 2011

DEV/2895

New Action Programme Vows to Halve Number of Least Developed Countries by 2020, as United Nations Conference Closes in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, 13 May — Slashing by half the list of 48 States with the most extreme poverty and vulnerability to crises is the goal of a new 10-year action plan agreed by the world’s Governments at the conclusion this evening in Istanbul, Turkey, of the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries.

12 May 2011

DEV/2894

Suffering Will Continue in Least Developed Countries Unless They Unleash Women’s Power to Impact Development, Thematic Debate Hears in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, 12 May — As central managers of families and communities, women held the key to unlocking human development potential, but unless they were equally empowered to access financial, social and health services, and engaged — from the start — in decisions that affected their lives, least developed countries would remain powerless to unleash it, said participants in the last of six high-level thematic debates held during the Fourth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries.

12 May 2011

DEV/2893

‘Here in Istanbul, as Chapter Closes on Brussels, We Have Opportunity to Rewrite Fate of Least Developed Countries,’ Conference Hears

ISTANBUL, 12 May — With negotiators edging towards consensus on the outcome of the United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries, speakers today used the gathering’s penultimate plenary session to press for a 10-year action plan grounded in sound policies that ensured delivery on past pledges for development assistance and brought down the barriers blocking their paths to economic growth.