EU Explanation of Position – United Nations 2nd Committee: International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development

14.11.2019
New York

14 November 2019, New York – Explanation of Position delivered by Peggy Vissers, European Union Delegation, on behalf of the European Union and its Member States at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the International Year of Creative Economy for sustainable development, 2021

Mr. Chair,

I present this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

Over the past few years, the EU has consistently supported efforts to better align the work of the 2nd Committee to the new framework, where business as usual, should not be the international community's response to the game-changing agreement that the 2030 Agenda represents.

While we acknowledge the right of each member state to present a resolution for the consideration of the General Assembly, we believe that the Committee should focus on rationalizing its work and maintaining resolutions that are actually relevant to the 2030 Agenda implementation. In this context, we remain convinced that the proliferation of international years and days should be avoided. Creative Economy, however, is a relevant subject which can substantially contribute to SDGs implementation and sustainable development.

We are happy to join consensus on this resolution today. It respects all four procedural criteria we have outlined in the negotiation process.  The EU and its Member states would like to explicitly thank Indonesia for the excellent manner in proceeding with the creative economy resolution. We particularly appreciate the transparent and inclusive manner in which the consultations were held. We thank the facilitator for the truly cross-regional approach and consultation process prior to tabling the draft, where all delegations had the opportunity to share concrete proposals on the draft resolution.

We believe that the way Indonesia facilitated this resolution is a promising example of what the working methods of the Second Committee could look like. It has demonstrated how an open exchange and joint ownership across regions and groups is important for forging partnerships that will be critical to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The EU and its Member States remain committed to the revitalization of the Second Committee, the reform of its agenda but also the strengthening of its working procedures and working methods. We can all positively contribute to this goal by building on this excellent example.

We would like to once more, thank Indonesia for their inclusive approach. We welcome more of such examples in our future deliberations.

I thank you Mr. Chair.