GA Second and Third Committees consider issues related to 2030 Agenda

On 12 October the UN DESA Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) updated Major Groups and other Stakeholders via web-x on the work of the General Assembly Second and Third Committees as it relates to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda)

Second Committee

The Second Committee began its work with 90 speakers discussing economic and financial issues mainly on the President of the General Assembly’s theme The First Year Moving Forward on the SDG Agenda. This agenda item was followed by one on operational activities. Later on time will be needed to discuss the report of the Quadralinial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR).

During consideration of Sustainable Development several Member States recognized the importance of agreements from 2015 including the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Some countries reported on their national initiatives that have taken place including follow-ups from the high-level political forum’s (HLPF) voluntary national reviews (VNRs). Sixteen countries have registered to report in 2017. (See: High-level Political Forum 2017) (Note: A further eight countries have also indicated that will report before the deadline of 16 October: Belgium; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Iran; Japan; Peru: Slovenia; and Togo)

Many countries emphasized the challenges faced by the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) particularly those in special situations. There were also calls for the implementation of the revitalized Global Partnership supporting developing countries including through financing, ODA commitments, technology transfer and capacity building and technical co-operation with many underlining the importance of S-S and N-S Cooperation.

The Second Committee will also take up ICT, Global Economic Policies and Financing for Development.

There will be three side events during its sessions including on 19 Oct on youth employment and entrepreneurship and 26 Oct on debt sustainability

Third Committee

The Third Committee has discussed social development including youth and elderly persons and persons with disabilities, as well as literacy for all.

The Chair, H.E. Ms. María Emma Mejía Vélez (Colombia) highlighted the responsibility of all delegations to reach agreement on the social aspects of the SDGs that would positively impact the lives of all people. She also urged the Committee to consolidate progress made in guaranteeing civil and political rights.

The Committee noted the reports submitted by the Secretary-General. They also underlined the importance of the social pillar of the 2030 Agenda, saying that the challenges faced in implementing the 2030 Agenda should not be underestimated and urged enhanced international cooperation in realizing the 2030 Agenda as well as Programme of Action of the World Summit for Social Development (WSSD) in Copenhagen (1995).

Among the areas that should be addressed to ensure that no one is left behind, countries should address the high levels of youth unemployment and underemployment. There should be greater solidarity particularly for older persons, youth, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples. According to Angola, on behalf of the Group of African States, youth development and empowerment were central to achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The AU theme for 2017 is “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in the Youth.”

The Group of Friends of the Family have urged DESA to play an active role in raising awareness of the role of the family in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. In response several delegations pointed out the importance of recognizing various forms of families that exist in different national contexts.

On behalf of the G77 and China, Thailand noted with appreciation the ongoing regional developments to strengthen the cooperation and legal frameworks for the promotion, protection and full enjoyment of the human rights and well-being of older persons. There was support for strengthening the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing by Colombia and Guatemala called for a convention on the human rights of older persons, while Argentina and Slovenia noted that protection of older persons’ rights can be guaranteed by the adoption of a human rights instrument.