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19 NOVEMBER 1999

Tomorrow is Africa Industrialization Day, proclaimed by the General Assembly, within the framework of the Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa (1993-2003). Observance of the Day is intended to mobilize international support to the industrialization of Africa.

To mark the occasion, Assembly President Theo-Ben Gurirab made a statement in plenary, in which he said that, with the globalization of economic activities, Africa faced a number of challenges. The continent was yet to adequately define workable policies and structures to meet the demands of the changing global business environment. For Africa to become a competitive partner in the global economy, concrete steps needed to be taken to transform the continent’s enormous natural resources into manufactured products that would satisfy the basic needs of its peoples. Copies of his statement are available in room 378.

The Assembly this morning concluded its discussion on assistance in mine action, hearing seven speakers. The President announced that a draft resolution on the item would be submitted at a later date.

The Assembly then turned its attention to agenda item 20, on strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance. When it has heard all 34 speakers, at two meetings today, the Assembly is expected to adopt a resolution on emergency response to disasters (A/54/L.17/Rev.1).

Introduced by Greece and Turkey, the draft would have the Assembly express solidarity with the Governments and peoples of those two countries, as they cope with the consequences of earthquake disasters. It would note with satisfaction the decision taken by the two Governments to establish a joint Standby Disaster Response Unit comprising contingents drawn from governmental and non-governmental organizations and agencies of both countries to reinforce and expand existing standby arrangements of the United Nations system, with no financial implications to the programme budget of the United Nations.

Two other drafts were be introduced -- on Chernobyl and Central America -- but they will not be acted upon today pending further consultations. The first text, on strengthening of international cooperation and coordination of efforts to study, mitigate and minimize the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster (A/54/L.22), was be introduced by Belarus. It would have the Assembly invite States, particularly donor States, relevant multilateral financial institutions and other organizations, to continue to provide support to the ongoing efforts made by Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine to mitigate the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster.

By the second draft, on international assistance to and cooperation with the Alliance for the Sustainable Development of Central America (A/54/L.29), introduced by Nicaragua, the Assembly would emphasize the importance of supporting and strengthening the efforts of the Central American countries to implement the strategic framework to reduce vulnerability to and the impact of natural disasters in the region. It would appeal to the organs of the United Nations and others to continue providing the support needed by Central American Governments to complete mine-clearance activities in the region, and also to attain the objectives of the programme for its sustainable development.

On Monday, the Assembly takes up the item on oceans and the law of the sea. The President of the Law of the Sea Tribunal, Chandrasekhara Rao, and the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, Satya Nandan, will address the Assembly.

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) will complete its work today, after taking action on the remaining draft texts before it on refugees and related questions, the elimination of racial discrimination, human rights questions and situations and the report of the Economic and Social Council.

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) is this morning considering the item on human resources management. Introducing the various reports of the Secretary-General, Assistant Secretary-General Rafiah Salim said the Secretary-General had set forth his vision for a forward-looking human resources management policy in his report entitled "Renewing the United Nations: A Programme for Reform". He had also presented his strategy plan for human resources to the fifty-third Assembly session. That vision and strategy remained valid today. Two other items being taken up for the first time relate to the issue of gratis personnel, and revised estimates arising out of resolutions and decisions adopted by the Economic and Social Council in 1999.

The Sixth Committee (Legal) will conclude its work this morning after taking action on draft texts on and establishment of the International Criminal Court (A/C.6/54/L.8/Rev.1); the convention on jurisdictional immunities of States and their property (A/C.6/54/L.19); the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law (A/C.6/54/L.14); and the report of the International Law Commission on the work of its fifty-first session (A/C.6/54/L.7/Rev.1).

By the end of today, the First, Third, Fourth and Sixth Committees will have completed their work.

As to the appointments of the President, he met, this morning, with the Charge d’Affaires of Yugoslavia before presiding over the plenary meeting. The Fourth Annual World Television Forum concludes this afternoon, after a second day of workshops. Assembly President Gurirab will attend the closing session. The President travels to Chicago tomorrow, where he will deliver the keynote address at the Tenth American Model United Nations International Conference.

Looking ahead to next week: on Wednesday, the Assembly will consider three items: building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal; zone of peace and cooperation of the South Atlantic; and cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity.

The Second and Fifth Committees will be holding informal consultations all week on various agenda items.