New York – October 15, 2014


Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, Chairperson of the Second Committee,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning. I am pleased to address the Second Committee in my capacity as President of the 69th Session of the General Assembly. Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. Chairman, the Vice-Chairs and the Rapporteur, on your election and leadership of this Committee. I also convey my appreciation to the Secretary of the Committee and the staff supporting you.

Excellencies,

The work of the Second Committee continues to be of critical importance and uniquely placed in providing contributions on how to deal with economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. In the coming months, major conferences and related processes will contribute to our common efforts in building a more prosperous future for all. It is important that these processes complement and reinforce each other.

This Committee covers important agenda items that are particularly linked to the theme of the 69th Session: “Delivering on and implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda.”

You will therefore have a busy schedule as many of you will be deeply involved in the forthcoming negotiations.

Looking forward to the work in the 69th session, we are at a critical juncture. We have to accelerate efforts towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and start negotiations to formulate an ambitious, transformative post-2015 development agenda.

We already have key inputs from the outcomes of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals, the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing and the recommendations from the Structured Dialogues on a technology facilitation mechanism. The forthcoming synthesis report of the Secretary-General will also be an important input for the negotiations.

Right now, we need to focus on the finalization of the modalities for the Summit and for the intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda, so that the substantive negotiations commence in January next year. I will be appointing co-facilitators and co-chairs soon.


Distinguished Delegates,

We have to formulate a Post-2015 development agenda that is transformative and produces tangible benefits and improved livelihoods for all. It has to be an agenda that promotes integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development with the overarching objective of eradicating poverty at its core as agreed upon in the Rio+20 Summit. It should encompass a set of goals which are global in nature and applicable to all countries, while taking into account national circumstances of countries, their particular situations and levels of development.

As the Chair of this Committee rightly pointed out in his statement during the General Debate last week, the Ebola outbreak is showing us how any failure in one dimension of development can put at risk the progress achieved, and severely impact national economies.

It is essential to give greater attention to the needs of countries in special situations including, Africa, Least Developed Countries (LDCS) Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDs) in addressing their development challenges. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all delegations and the delegation of Samoa in particular on the successful International Conference on SIDS and on the adoption of the Samoa Pathway. I look forward to the upcoming Second UN Conference on LLDCs to be held in Vienna next month which I am confident will be successful.
Excellencies,

An ambitious post-2015 development agenda must go hand-in-hand with high ambitions for a renewed and strengthened global partnership for development. The success of the post-2015 agenda hinges on the mobilization of adequate means of implementation, including financial resources, technology transfer and capacity building.
Fulfilling of all ODA commitments remains critical for the implementation of the development agenda. While stressing the essential role of public financing, both domestic and international, we must also explore innovative financing mechanisms.

In addition, an enabling domestic, regional and international environment must be created to support the mobilization and efficient use of financial resources.
Harnessing the full potential of international trade will contribute to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in all countries. Consequently, bringing to a successful conclusion the Doha Round will ensure that developing countries, and especially the least-developed among them, will secure a fair share in world trade.

The Third International Conference on Financing for Development to be held in Addis Ababa in July next year is of critical importance with regard to means of the implementation for the Post-2015 development agenda. I am confident that with the support and cooperation of Member States and the dedication of the co-facilitators, we will fulfil our task successfully.

Distinguished delegates,

The adverse effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, land degradation, desertification and changing weather patterns, among others, are negatively impacting the lives of peoples across the globe. We need resolute action, and the Conferences of the Parties (COPs) in Lima and Paris will be decisive in our collective efforts to commit to a global climate agreement.

I will keep the momentum on this important issue during the 69th session by convening a High-level Event on Climate Change in June 2015, the mid-point between the two COPs.

Our efforts to save the Planet cannot be limited only to the fight against climate change. The processes in the context of the other two Rio Conventions, on Biodiversity and Desertification, are also critical. We look forward to the successful conclusion of the ongoing 12th COP of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

I also commend Member States for the entry into force of the Nagoya Protocol, on October 12, which will provide a more effective and transparent legal framework for the implementation of the Convention.

Apart from the broad range of subjects covered by the item on sustainable development that will be discussed today, the scope of development issues covered by the Second Committee is wide and extremely pertinent to our quest for a more prosperous world for all. Globalization, urban settlements, macroeconomic policies, communication and technology, among others, are also key for us to overcome the development challenges facing the world today.

The consultations on the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, on the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and on the review of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society will also require our attention next year.

Furthermore, there is urgent need to enhance and promote North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation and to further explore ways to enhance synergies amongst Member States.

In conclusion, I assure you that I stand ready with my team to support the work of the Second Committee, and I wish you success in your deliberations.

Thank you for your attention.