– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly
21 December 2020
?
His Excellency Amrit Bahadur Rai, Permanent Representative of Nepal and Chair of the Second Committee,?
Members of the Bureau of the Second Committee,?
Excellencies,?
Distinguished delegates,?
I would like to commend the work of the Second Committee during the Main Session and to recognize the able leadership of H.E. Amrit Bahadur Rai.?
As we know, the work of the Second Committee is at the heart of Agenda 2030, and its efforts can be directly traced to the international mechanisms that drive global sustainable development.??
From the Sustainable Development Goals, to the Paris Agreement, to the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and Sendai Framework, the work of the Second Committee is evident throughout the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ System.??
I congratulate all bureau members for their constructive engagement and for continuing this worthy endeavor, particularly now during the pandemic.??
Excellencies,?
Distinguished delegates,??
I commend the Committee for its continued efforts to strengthen key accelerators of sustainable development, particularly important now as we aim to regain progress against the Decade of Action on the Sustainable Development Goals. This includes deliberations on resolutions towards the New Urban Agenda, water and climate change, which recognize the interconnected relationship between the environment, human health and prosperity.?
Likewise, the call to discuss concrete steps towards a sustainable, inclusive and resilient recovery from COVID-19, particularly as it relates to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the implementation of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, was, and is, relevant to our world today.?
I also welcome the inclusion of the multidimensional vulnerability index in the SIDS resolution, which directly responds to a ¡°more equitable global economy, inclusive societies and sustainable recovery¡±. You are aware that I have established an Advisory Board to tackle issues affecting groups of countries such as least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and Small Island Developing States. I, together with the work of the?second committee, hope to further galvanize efforts to support these countries with the challenges they face.??
As we know, the work of the Second Committee is at the heart of Agenda 2030, and its efforts can be directly traced to the international mechanisms that drive global sustainable development.
Excellencies,?
That the Committee continued negotiations around the QCPR and the strengthening of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Development System is deeply welcomed.??The effort to address COVID-19 and accelerate action on the SDGs requires a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ that is fit for purpose, and the work of the Second Committee has contributed in this regard.??
The deliberations represented a great display of flexibility and solidarity from Member States. I particularly appreciated the mandate to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ System to adopt climate and biodiversity-informed approaches, and to support country efforts to meet commitments under the Paris Agreement.??
Excellencies,
The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ reform’s success will depend on the political will of member states to translate words and commitments into action. The deliberations and resolutions, which will be adopted here today are a true reflection of the potential for leveraging international cooperation to recover better from COVID-19, and to meet the promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for an inclusive, resilient and green recovery.?
I thank you again for your commitment, your vision, and your tireless efforts.?