Change over in the Presidency of the UN General Assembly

John AsheThe UN General Assembly (UNGA) has concluded its 68th Session with a plenary session reflecting on its achievements toward formulating the post-2015 development agenda and future priorities, including continued efforts to revitalize and reform the UN.

Among its achievements the 68the Session completed the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) (see: Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States adopts its outcome document the “S.A.M.O.A. Pathway”); produced a High Level Declaration on migration and development; and established the UN Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize. In its final session, It also adopted a resolution on ‘Four one-day structured dialogues on possible arrangements for a facilitation mechanism to promote the development, transfer and dissemination of clean and environmentally sound technologies” (A/68/L.62).

As reported by the iisd, the outgoing President, John W Ashe, thanked delegates for helping to ‘set the stage' for the post-2015 agenda. He said the “SDGs you have developed will form the main basis for whatever set of concise goals you agree to for the post-2015 development agenda.” Ashe said he had aimed to make progress on revitalizing and reforming the UNGA but noted much remains to be done, particularly on Security Council reform. “While it would be foolhardy to underestimate the challenges inherent in getting to a round of real negotiations on Security Council reform, it must not be a course of action from which we shy away,” he said.

John Ashe was commended by the Secretary-General leadership, vision and commitment and role in setting the stage for the success of the post-2015 development agenda, including through a number of important thematic debates and valuable high-level events.

The draft resolution, ‘Organization of the UN Summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda' was forwarded to the incoming President.

Read more: http://sd.iisd.org/news/unga-68-closes-reflects-on-progress-towards-post-2015-agenda/

Sam KutesaOn 16 September 2014, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) was opened by the President for the 69th Session, Sam Kutesa of Uganda, under the theme ‘Delivering on and Implementing a Transformative Post-2015 Development Agenda.' He recognized that it was an “historic opportunity” to formulate a transformative post-2015 development agenda, saying that it is “our responsibility to ensure that adequate means for implementing the agenda, in terms of finances, technology development and transfer and capacity building are mobilized.”

It should be noted that President Kutesa will convene three high-level thematic debates on the post-2015 agenda, to address: means of implementation (MOI); gender equality and the empowerment of women; and strengthened cooperation between the UN and regional organizations and the peaceful settlement of disputes and strengthening. In addition he will also convene a high-level event on combating climate change to add momentum to efforts to reach a global agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2015.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his remarks urged delegates to accelerate progress on achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); establish a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and an agenda to eradicate extreme poverty; commit to tackling climate change and leave a greener, cleaner planet; prioritize human rights; and promote peace and security for all.

To read more: http://sd.iisd.org/news/unga-69-opening-highlights-climate-summit-responsibility-for-post-2015-agenda/