On behalf of the U.S. government, I would like to extend our thanks to the facilitator for shepherding this resolution. The United States recognizes that globalization has delivered immense benefits but that an adjustment is now required to cope with dramatic global changes such as widening inequality within and among countries.
We regret we cannot join consensus on this document and would like to highlight several concerns with the text.
The United States cannot join consensus on PP9, which contains reference to “win-win cooperation.” This phrase has been promoted by a single Member State to insert its core political ideology and signature foreign policy agenda into UN documents and does not reflect the views of all Member States. Because this language is included in this paragraph, this agenda item continues to undermine the consensus-based work of the Second Committee.
Similarly, while the United States is a leading supporter of a strong and effective United Nations system, the reference in OP3 to the “multilateral system, with the United Nations at its centre” is a mischaracterization promoted by a single Member State. For example, numerous international legal agreements and organizations govern or influence international behavior and not all are centered around the UN system.
Regarding the reference to “trade-restrictive measures” in PP21, WTO-consistent trade remedy measures and enforcement actions are necessary to deliver on free, fair, open, and reciprocal trade. The UN is not an appropriate venue for this discussion. Additionally, we interpret the reference to protectionism in OP8 as a veiled and inappropriate reference to the use of WTO-consistent trade remedy measures and enforcement actions against unfair and market-distorting trade practices of others.
For additional U.S. positions regarding the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, trade in general, technology transfer, and commentary on the independent institutions that constitute the international financial system, please see our general statement delivered on November 21.
We would also like to reiterate our concerns with the workload of this committee. We believe the committee would improve the ability of Member States to more thoughtfully and effectively
address important issues if we were to biennialize and triennialize a number of resolutions, including this one.
We look forward to working with fellow Member States to address inequality and promote peace, sustainable development, and prosperity globally.
Thank you.
Original source can be found here.
