ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL HOLDS ANNUAL SESSION IN
NEW YORK, 28 JUNE - 23 JULY, 2004

High-Level Segment Focuses on Resource Mobilization for PovertyEradication, Including Promoting Investment in Least Developed Countries

This year, the high-level segment of the Economic and Social Council was held from 28-30 June at the UN headquarters in New York. During the segment, ministers and other high-level representatives from Member States and heads of UN agencies, funds focused on the critical theme: Resources mobilization and enabling environment for poverty eradication in the context of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the decade 2001-2010.

The high-level segment was the culmination of an intensive preparatory process which began in February and March with several round tables involving the Governments, the UN system, civil society and the private sector. The close cooperation of key agencies such as UN/OHRLLS, UNDP, UNCTAD, ILO, UNCDF and others have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for ensuring a successful high-level segment.The high-level segment started on the morning of 28 June with a High-Level Policy Dialogue with the heads of international financial and trade institutions. It addressed current issues in the world economy with a focus this year on Resources mobilization for the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) for the decade 2001-2010 (the theme of the segment). It was an occasion to exchange views on the global economic situation and its impact on development, notably the realization of the Millennium Development Goals in LDCs. The Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette, H.E. Mr. Mathieu Kerekou, President of Benin, Mr. Anwarul K. Chowdhury, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Mr. Rubens Ricupero, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, Mr. Ian Goldin, Vice President, External Affairs, Communications and UN Affairs of the World Bank, and Mr. Agustín Carstens, Deputy Managing Director of IMF were among the high-level participants in the dialogue.

During the segment, an investment promotion forum for poverty reduction in the Least Developed Countries was organized featuring roundtables organized by UN agencies to discuss how to mobilize resources and expertise to address poverty and to pursue sustainable business development in the 50 least developed countries in the world. The high-level segment also featured several Ministerial Roundtable Breakfasts and other special events.

On the opening day, the report of the Secretary-General was introduced on the theme of the high-level segment (Resources mobilization for the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) for the Decade 2001-2010, E/2004/54). It focused on three main considerations: debt, commodities and the special situation of countries at risk of conflict. The report noted that despite a global commitment to address widespread poverty in the least developed countries (LDCs), on the basis of current trends, most LDCs are unlikely to achieve the MDGs. The report addressed three critical areas. Firstly, fostering a people-centred policy framework. Secondly, creating enabling conditions domestically and more so internationally. Thirdly, the role of partnerships, including public-private partnerships at all levels, in exploiting the growing potential of the private sector and civil society for achieving the objectives of the Brussels Programme of Action and the MDGs.

The Council adopted a Ministerial Declaration on resources mobilization and enabling environment for poverty eradication and sustainable development for the least developed countries at the conclusion of the high-level segment, on 30 June. A key message of the declaration calls for a renewed commitment to the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries for the decade 2001-2010.

In a concrete effort to mobilize resources in LDCs, the interagency initiative Turning Assets into Usable Capital was launched during the high-level segment. Its pilot project aims to assist Benin in efforts to give title to land and property in conjunction with improved access to financial services based on ownership.

The level of participation of ministers and other high-level officials was unprecedented. The President of Benin Mr. Mathieu Kerekou; the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Mr. Poul Nielson; the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania Mr. Jakaya M. Kikwete; Ms. Maria Cattaui, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce as well as a large number of other eminent persons and representatives of the business sector participated in the meeting.

The 2004 substantive session continued with a Coordination Segment (1 to 7 July), an Operational Activities Segment (7 to 12 July), a Humanitarian Segment (12 to 14 July), and a General Segment (15 to 22 July).

The Coordination Segment was devoted to two themes: (i) Coordinated and integrated United Nations system approach to promote rural development in developing countries, with due consideration to least developed countries, for poverty eradication and sustainable development. (ii) Review and appraisal of the system-wide implementation of the Council's agreed conclusions 1997/2 on mainstreaming the gender perspective into all policies and programmes in the United Nations system.

The theme of rural development was a continuation of the discussion held at last year's high-level segment. Members were able to review how far the UN system has gone to promote an integrated approach to rural development. The segment placed special emphasis on LDCs.

On 1 July, a panel discussion took place on the theme Working together to promote integrated rural development in developing countries, particularly the least developed countries.

The Operational Activities Segment focused on the operational activities of the United Nations for international development cooperation, and considered the Secretary-General's report on the triennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system.

The Humanitarian Segment was dedicated to special economic, humanitarian and disaster relief assistance, and also included a panel discussion on field-level coordination for the purpose of continuing the presence and operations of United Nations humanitarian assistance missions in higher-risk environments.

Finally, the General Segment addressed implementation of, and follow-up to, major United Nations conferences and summits; economic and environmental questions; social and human rights questions; and regional cooperation.