General Assembly, Stressing Seriousness of Climate Change, Urges Member States

to Approach Copenhagen Conference with ‘Ambition, Optimism and Determination’

Also Adopts Texts on Disaster Relief, Cultural Property, Volunteers, El Salvador,

Malaria, Safety of Humanitarian Workers, Culture of Peace, Intercultural Dialogue

Stressing the seriousness of climate change, the General Assembly today adopted a consensus resolution, by which it called on States to work cooperatively towards achieving the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change through the urgent implementation of its provisions.

With adoption of the text, which was recommended by its Second Committee (Economic and Financial), the Assembly noted its appreciation for the Danish Government’s hosting of the fifteenth session of the Conference of Parties to the Convention and the fifth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol, from 7 to 18 December.  It also encouraged States to approach Copenhagen with “ambition, optimism and determination”, and with a view to making the Conference a success.

Further, the Assembly urged developed countries to take enhanced commitments under the Kyoto Protocol in subsequent commitment periods, including through new, additional and predictable financial resources, capacity-building and access to and transfer of technology.  It also recognized the urgency of providing financial and technical resources, as well as capacity-building and technology transfer, to assist developing countries.

Immediately following that action, the Assembly launched its day-long joint debate on strengthening the United Nations’ coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance, which culminated in the consensus adoption of 8 other resolutions spanning diverse issues, from provision of emergency relief to El Salvador and return of cultural property to countries of origin, to the intensified combat against malaria and importance of fostering a culture of peace.

By a text on humanitarian assistance, emergency relief and rehabilitation for El Salvador, the Assembly expressed deep regret for the loss of life caused by Hurricane Ida on 7 and 8 November.  It appealed to all States and United Nations bodies, as well as international financial institutions and development agencies, to provide speedy support.

El Salvador’s delegate, speaking after action, said Central America had experienced a series of natural disasters in recent years, which had raised concerns about achieving the Millennium Development Goals.  She thanked the United Nations for issuing its urgent appeal and asked those that had not yet done so to join those efforts.

By a text on strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations, the Assembly reaffirmed the principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality and independence in providi