UNITED
NATIONS
GENERAL
ASSEMBLY
News and Highlights from the President
Today,
the General Assembly discussed social development, in particular volunteering
5 December 2001
Today, the Assembly is discussing social development, in particular volunteering. At noon, the Assembly adjourned for an informal segment to mark the closing of the International Year of Volunteers. During this event, the Acting President, the Ambassador of South Africa, delivered a message on behalf of the President. He said among other things that,
"Today is the close of International Year of Volunteers 2001. In almost every member country of the United Nations the Year has been marked in one way or another. Let us renew our commitment individually and collectively to supporting the volunteer movement because it is people's desire to help one another which makes for the harmonious and peaceful co-existence which is at the heart of the ideals of the United Nations to which we all aspire."
Yesterday afternoon, the Second Committee took action on 13 draft resolutions and decisions. All were approved without a vote except for one on unilateral economic measures as a means of political coercion and one on the sovereignty over natural resources in occupied Palestinian territory and in the Syrian Golan.
In an effort to finish it work before the scheduled recess date, 21 December, the Fifth Committee will have evening meetings from Monday 10 December.