The monthly meeting
between
the Office of the President of the General Assembly
and the Chairpersons of the Regional Groups for the month of September
6 September
2001
The meeting was attended by the Chairpersons of the Regional Groups for
the month of August: Republic
of South Africa (African States), Republic of Viet Nam (Asian States), Czech
Republic (Eastern European States), Guyana (Latin American and Caribbean States)
and Greece (Western European and other States).
UNGASS ON CHILDREN, 19-21 SEPTEMBER
1. Arrangements for Round Tables
It was noted that co-chairs have been endorsed and pairing of co-chairpersons
has been decided.
Participants in the roundtables
The President noted that the lists have been almost completed as far as Member States are concerned, and we are now looking at the allocation of different UN entities.
Representatives of children
According to resolution 55/276 two children may participate in each round table
to give an introductory statement. The President of the General Assembly was
requested to select these child delegates, in consultation with the co-chairpersons
of the round tables and with the Member States, by 31 August.
The President noted that his Office has received all names of candidates only
by 31 August, all together names of 20 children have been put forward. He noted
that there will be a meeting today with the co-chairs to hear their views after
which I will submit a list of 6 children for the consideration of Member States
as soon as possible.
The list will be prepared in accordance with the criteria established by the
resolution and taking into account the criteria that was submitted to regional
chairs of August, i.e.:
- regional representation/languages;
- gender balance;
- under the age of 18 (balance within this age group, e.g. 11-14/15-17);
- nominee should have been actively involved, or participated in the preparatory
process at national and/or regional/international level;
- nominee may have experience or expertise on one of the topics of the special
session;
- it would be an advantage, if a nominee has previously demonstrated some confidence
to address a formal meeting and a large audience.
The President thanked the Chairpersons for their co-operation in all the issues
he has mentioned.
2. Participation of NGOs in the plenary of the special session
In connection with the participation of civil society actors in the debate in
the plenary the paragraph (c) of General Assembly decision 55/459 of 14 February
2001, stated that given availability of time, a limited number of representatives
of non-governmental organisations accredited to the special session may make
statements in the debate of the plenary of the special session.
It was noted that on August 30 a list of selected accredited non-governmental
organisations for participation in the debate of the plenary of the special
session was circulated and in the absence of any comment by 2 p.m. on Friday,
7 September 2001, this list will be considered approved in accordance with paragraph
(c) of decision 55/459.
3. Presentation of the outcome of the Children's Forum at the special session
The Prep.Com recommeded last June that at least two child delegates to the
Children's Forum will present the outcome of the Forum to the special session.
The Children's Forum will take place from 16 to 18 September.
These child delegates will be identified by the children's Forum, in consultation
with the President of the 56th General Assembly, namely the Republic of Korea,
and Member States.
OTHER UPCOMING ISSUES
It was noted that plenary on Friday will take up several pending issues, including
the Resolution 93 on Revitalization of the GA. The President expressed his thanks,
through the Chairpersons, to all Member states for their co-operation in the
reform process.
The President informed the Chairpersons that as part of the reform efforts he
had asked the members of the General Committee to express their views and suggestions
their experiences of the work of the General Committee in order to facilitate
the incoming committee in their work. He noted that his intention is to forward
these suggestions for the consideration of the incoming General Committee as
provided in resolution 51/241, paragraph 34.
On Monday September 10 is the closing session of the 55ths Session of the GA,
all other pending issues will be taken up then. These include the report of
the open ended working group on Security Council Reform.
Finally, the President noted that on Monday, in his closing statement he will
also brief Member States on the responses from the Minister for foreign affairs
that he has received to his letter of May 24 concerning the Security Council
reform.