CHAIRMAN: This morning we have agenda item 16, and we will first take agenda item 16.1. This consists of two distinct parts. One is the Recent Developments in the United Nations System of Interest to FAO, and the other part is the Review of the International Development Strategy. Mr Regnier will introduce the first subject, and Mr Shah will introduce the second subject.
A. REGNIER (Directeur, Bureau des Affaires interinstitutions): C'est pour moi un privilège d'intro-duire, au nom du Directeur général, le point 16 de l'ordre du jour: "Faits nouveaux survenus dans le système des Nations Unies et intéressant la FAO".
Le Conseil, il y a quelques jours, en a déjà brièvement traité. Je me bornerai donc maintenant à souligner les principaux événements survenus au cours des derniers mois.
Il est en effet trop tôt pour parler de la session en cours de l'Assemblée générale qui traitera évidemment d'un certain nombre de sujets d'intérêt direct pour la FAO. La question ayant été posée il y a deux semaines au Conseil, j'ajouterai toutefois qu'à ce stade il n'est pas encore clair si oui ou non l'Assemblée générale discutera du lancement possible des "négociations globales".
Plusieurs réunions d'importance pour la FAO se sont tenues dans la période sous revue. Je citerai, dans l'ordre, la CNUCED et le Conseil mondial de l'alimentation en juin; l'ECOSOC en juillet.
Il est fait état de la 6ème session de la CNUCED aux paragraphes 30 à 45 du document C 83/19 Sup.l. La Conférence a adopté une série de résolutions dans les domaines des produits, du commerce, des liquidités, des finances et du développement qui constituent un programme de mesures immédiates.
Il intéressera sans doute votre Commission de savoir que la date limite fixée par la CNUCED pour la mise en place du Fonds Commun des produits de base a expiré le 30 septembre sans que le nombre nécessaire de ratifications ait été atteint. Il incombe maintenant à la CNUCED et à ses Etats Membres, en particulier ceux qui ont déjà ratifié le Fonds, de déterminer les mesures et dispositions qu'ils comptent prendre en la matière.
Quoi qu'il en soit, l'appui de la FAO sera sans doute nécessaire pour donner suite à un certain nombre de résolutions de la CNUCED VI. La résolution sur le Fonds Commun laisse entendre que les Etats Membres de plusieurs groupes intergouvernementaux de la FAO voudront peut-être envisager des projets pouvant être financés au titre du deuxième guichet du Fonds Commun. Il est aussi probable que la FAO sera invitée à assister le Secrétariat de la CNUCED en ce qui concerne la préparation de la réunion du Groupe d'experts sur les mesures financières de compensation et pour le suivi de la résolution sur le protectionnisme, les aménagements de structure et les services. La résolution sur la coopération économique entre pays en développement prie d'ailleurs expressément la FAO d'appuyer les efforts déployés par ces pays pour mettre en oeuvre des programmes de coopération économique. entre eux.
La deuxième réunion à laquelle je souhaite me référer est celle du Conseil mondial de l'alimentation. Les conclusions et recommandations de cette session figurent à l'annexe C du document. Le Conseil a réaffirmé la nécessité d'augmenter la production vivrière et, dans ce contrexte, a souligné l'importance de mettre en oeuvre le Programme d'action de la Conférence mondiale sur la réforme agraire et le développement rural.
Il a donné tout son appui au concept élargi de sécurité alimentaire mondiale adopté par le Conseil de la FAO et a demandé aux gouvernements et à toutes les organisations du système d'appliquer ce nouveau concept dans toute la mesure possible.
Le Conseil a également donné son appui à l'étude, entamée par le Comité de la sécurité alimentaire mondiale, des contraintes qui pèsent sur la production alimentaire dans les pays d'Afrique à déficit vivrier et encouragé la FAO dans ses efforts pour lancer une campagne panafricaine de lutte contre la peste bovine et à en assurer la coordination nécessaire.
J'en viens maintenant à la session juillet 1983 du Conseil économique et social dont certaines conclusions intéressent directement la FAO.
Ainsi qu'il est indiqué dans le document C 83/19 Sup. 1, paragraphes 3 à 12, le Conseil a choisi, cette année, les secteurs de l'alimentation et de l'agriculture et de la population pour l'examen intersectoriel,qu'il a décidé de conduire régulièrement, des plans à moyen terme des organisations du système des Nations Unies.
Lors de cette discussion sur l'alimentation et l'agriculture, la FAO a rappelé le rôle majeur qui lui est imparti dans le secteur de l'alimentation et de l'agriculture et présenté brièvement ses activités, ses programmes, ses priorités. La résolution 1983/78, adoptée par l'ECOSOC à la fin de son débat, figure à l'annexe A. Elle réaffirme l'importance et la priorité qui doivent être accordées à l'alimentation et à l'agriculture et souligne l'importance d'une assistance extérieure financière et technique adéquate à ce secteur, notamment par la voie multilatérale. Par ailleurs, l'ECOSOC a, lui aussi, donné son plein appui au concept élargi de sécurité alimentaire mondiale, élaboré par la FAO.
Enfin, dans une autre résolution, concernant les examens interorganisationnels futurs, le Conseil prie le Secrétaire général des Nations Unies de formuler dans les rapports qu'il établira à l'avenir des conclusions et des recommandations spécifiques fondées sur une "évaluation analytique des activités et des programmes des organismes des Nations Unies dans les secteurs retenus". Au cours de la discussion de cette résolution, certaines organisations, dont la FAO, ont souligné que la référence à une "évaluation analytique" des activités pourrait soulever des problèmes, tant pratiques que constitutionnels, dans la mesure où de telles évaluations ne devraient et, en réalité du fait de la complexité des programmes des organisations spécialisées tant au siège que sur le terrain, ne sauraient émaner que de ces organisations elles-mêmes et de leurs organes directeurs.
Le Conseil, il y a deux semaines, a également marqué une certaine inquiétude à ce sujet; ainsi que mentionné dans son rapport, on y a fait valoir que seules les organisations intéressées et leurs organes directeurs pouvaient procéder à des évaluations fiables et faisant autorité.
En ce qui concerne les activités opérationnelles pour le développement auxquelles se réfèrent les paragraphes 17 à 29 du document en considération, il me suffira d'indiquer que le Conseil économique et social n'a pris aucune résolution, mais a transmis à la présente session de l'Assemblée générale le rapport préparé par le Directeur général au développement et à la coopération économique inter‐nationale. Le rapport mentionne, entre autres, le caractère pluraliste du système des Nations Unies et la flexibilité qui en découle. Au cours du débat, les principales questions abordées par l'ECOSOC ont tourné autour de la mobilisation et du mode d'utilisation des ressources consacrées aux activités opérationnelles du système des Nations Unies.
Dans la documentation qui est en votre possession, on se réfère également au renforcement de la capacité du système des Nations Unies de faire face aux situations d'urgence.
L'ECOSOC en juillet a pris acte avec satisfaction du rapport présenté par le Secrétaire général des Nations Unies et a reconnu qu'un système adéquat existait désormais pour promouvoir, faciliter et coordonner les activités de secours des organismes des Nations Unies en coopération, avec les gouvernements intéressés. Le Conseil a demandé au Secrétaire général de soumettre à l'Assemblée générale en 1984, des propositions précises pour donner suite aux conclusions du rapport.
Le document C 83/19-Sup.l. fait également référence à la coopération technique et économique entre pays en développement. Cette question a été examinée au cours de différentes réunions récemment et, tout d'abord, lors de la réunion conjointe du Comité du programme et de la coordination des Nations Unies (CPC) et du Comité administratif de coordination (CAC) les 4 et 5 juillet.
Lors de cette réunion, le Directeur général a expliqué comment la FAO s'employait, depuis plusieurs années, à promouvoir et à appuyer la coopération économique et technique entre pays en développement dans ses domaines de compétence. Cette priorité apparaissait tant dans le programme de travail en cours que pour celui de 1984-1985. Le Directeur général a, notamment, indiqué que la FAO envisageait d'organiser en 1985 une deuxième consultation technique sur la CEPD. A l'issue de cette réunion conjointe, il a été convenu que le CAC aborderait cette question à sa prochaine session et ferait rapport au CPC en 1984.
Le rapport de la réunion commune C/AC/CPC a été soumis à l'ECOSOC qui a adopté une importante résolution dont le texte se trouve en annexe au document C 83/19 Sup.l, demandant aux organisations du système des Nations Unies d'évaluer et de renforcer leurs capacités et leur potentiel de promotion de la coopération économique et technique entre pays en voie de développement. La FAO a également participé à la réunion du Comité intergouvernemental du suivi et de coordination du Groupe des 77 sur la coopération entre les pays en développement qui s'est tenue à Tunis en septembre 1983.
M. le Président, le document C 83/19 Sup.l fait également état du rôle de la FAO tant dans les préparatifs de certaines conférences mondiales organisées dans le cadre des Nations Unies – comme la Conférence sur la population qui aura lieu en 1984 - ou dans le suivi de certaines conférences qui ont déjà eu lieu - telle, par exemple, la Conférence pour combattre le racisme et la discrimination raciale.
Je ne voudrais pas détailler ces mesures : elles sont amplement décrites dans les documents devant vous. Je me permettrai seulement d'attirer votre attention sur les deux points suivants.
D'une part, les préparatifs pour la deuxième Conférence internationale sur l'assistance aux réfugiés en Afrique, ICARA II, qui aura lieu à Genève en mai 1984. Je voudrais rappeler que la FAO apporte son concours à l'équipe technique qui doit se rendre dans chacun des pays affectés pour évaluer, avec le gouvernement, l'incidence sur l'économie de la présence des réfugiés. L'Organisation assiste également les gouvernements dans la détermination de leurs besoins et la formulation de projets spécifiques à soumettre au financement d'ICARA II.
D'autre part, le.document, dans ses paragraphes 79 à 88, détaille les résultats de la Cinquième session du Comité intergouvernemental de la science et de la technique au service du développement. Cette dernière session a permis d'arriver à un accord sur les procédures de prise de décisions au sein du Conseil exécutif du système de financement. Malheureusement, la question du financement elle-même a été laissée en suspens, ce qui fait peser une incertitude sur les activités du système des Nations Unies dans ce secteur.
Le dernier point que je souhaiterais aborder concerne les rapports de la FAO avec la Commission économique et sociale pour l'Asie et le Pacifique. Le document C 83/19-Sup.l, aux paragraphes 107 à 113, indique dans quelles conditions le Comité du Programme et de la coordination des Nations Unies a été conduit à examiner les activités de ladite Commission dans le secteur de l'alimentation et l'agriculture et à faire part de sa préoccupation concernant les chevauchements possibles d'activités avec la FAO, en particulier à propos de la sécurité alimentaire.
A la suite d'un entretien entre le Directeur général de la FAO et le Secrétaire exécutif de la Commission économique et sociale pour l'Asie et le Pacifique, la FAO et la Commission sont convenues de renforcer leurs consultations afin d'assurer l'harmonisation de leurs activités. La déclaration commune du Directeur général de la FAO et du Secrétaire exécutif de la Commission économique régionale représente aussi une étape importante en vue de définir le rôle respectif des deux organisations. Aux termes de celle-ci la Commission concentrera ses activités sur les aspects économiques et sociaux de certaines questions dans le domaine de l'alimentation et l'agriculture. D'une manière générale, elle choisit des questions qui complètent les activités de la FAO.
A sa session de mai 1983, le Comité du Programme et de la coordination des Nations Unies s'estdéclaré satisfait de cette déclaration commune. Il a en outre exprimé qu'il appartenait aux deux Secrétariats intéressés d'informer leurs organes intergouvernementaux de tout chevauchement qui pourrait naître de l'adoption par ces organes denouveaux mandats.
Ces informations sont soumises pour tous commentaires que la Conférence souhaiterait présenter.
J'espère qu'avec ces quelques mots d'introduction, les documents pourront être ouverts à la discussion, et je me tiens bien entendu à votre disposition pour toute information additionnelle que vous souhaiteriez recevoir.
G. BULA HOYOS (Colombia): La declaración clara y completa del Sr. Régnier al presentar este tema indica claramente el lamentable declino de la cooperación multilateral, hecho que por lo demás se ha confirmado en esta Conferencia, que casi está para concluir, a través de actitudes, reservas y hechos que confirman esa tendencia que la legislación de Colombia rechaza.
Para dar algún contenido a esta afirmación inicial que estamos haciendo podríamos citar como ejemplo el diálogo Norte-Sur, las negociaciones globales, el Fondo Común, el PNUD, el Fondo Internacional de Desarrollo Agrícola (FIDA).
Cada vez que en reuniones anteriores del Consejo y de la Conferencia la delegación de Colombia ha intervenido sobre este tema hemos expresado nuestra preocupación por el retardo en cuanto al comienzo de las negociaciones globales relacionadas con la cooperación económica internacional para el desarrollo.
En el primero de los documentos, el C 83/19, se dice que no ha habido ningún progreso sobre esas negociaciones globales, y ese documento tiene fecha de abril de 1983. En el segundo documento, el C 83/19-Sup.l que tiene fecha de septiembre de 1983, o sea seis meses después, ya ni siquiera se habla de esas negociaciones. Quisiéramos preguntar al Sr. Régnier si pudiera, cuando responda a las observaciones que planteen los miembros de esta Comisión, ahondar un poco más en sus informacio‐nes y decirnos qué ha pasado con respecto a esas negociaciones, cuáles son los obstáculos que impi‐den la iniciación de esas negociaciones y si todavía existirá alguna posibilidad de que esas nego‐ciaciones comiencen por lo menos en el año 2000.
No entendemos muy bien, y el Sr. Régnier podrá aclararnos, si la actual Asamblea General en curso se va a ocupar de las negociaciones en las cuales habíamos cifrado tantas esperanzas, o si ya se ha decidido sepultar esta iniciativa.
La delegación de Colombia apoya la declaración que a ese respecto se hizo en Nueva Delhi, consta en el párrafo 3 del documento 19, declaración de Nueva Delhi hecha durante la 7a Conferencia de Jefes de Estado del Movimiento de los Países no Alineados, al cual pertenece Colombia.
Señor Vicepresidente en ejercicio, nos causa gran placer el intervenir bajo su dirección porque nos vincula a usted una gran amistad de muchos años y antes de pasar a referirnos a unos pocos detalles de los dos documentos a nuestra consideración, la delegación de Colombia desea declarar que una rápida lectura de todo lo que está pasando en el sistema de las Naciones Unidas indica que cada vez se hace más perentorio el compromiso y más decidida la voluntad de que se consagre prioritariamente los recursos y las actividades de la Comunidad Internacional en favor de Africa y que a este respec‐to en la parte pertinente de nuestro informe debamos apoyar la acción positiva que el Director General de la FAO viene realizando en favor de la solución de los problemas agrícolas y alimenta‐rios de Africa.
Estamos muy complacidos de que en la parte referente a los exámenes intersectoriales que llevó a cabo el ECOSOC se haya considerado el aspecto de la alimentación y de la agricultura, y es muy satisfactorio registrar el hecho, como se dice en el párrafo 8, que el Director General de la FAO hizo una declaración mediante la cual se presentaron las actividades de nuestra Organización, e igualmente la FAO distribuyó importantes documentos al respecto.
La delegación de Colombia piensa que corresponde a esta Conferencia apoyar el concepto fundamental de la Resolución 37/202 que aparece en el Apéndice A del documento C 83/19, resolución por medio de la cual se insta a la Comunidad Internacional a que otorgue la máxima prioridad a la agricultura y a la alimentación, especialmente por conductos multilaterales.
Creemos que es oportuno que se insista en el concepto multilateral por razones bien conocidas sobre las cuales no vamos a extendernos ahora.
El párrafo 12 del documento C 83/19 hace referencia a la evaluación analítica que se va a realizar en el contexto de las Naciones Unidas sobre algunas de las Agencias Especializadas del sistema.
Nosotros queremos repetir aquí lo que ya dijimos en el Consejo en el sentido de que es cada una de las Agencias de las Naciones Unidas la que está propiamente capacitada, a través de sus órganos rectores, para llevar a cabo esos análisis. Creemos que es conveniente que en cuanto a la FAO destaquemos esto en nuestro informe para que el ECOSOC lo tenga en cuenta y así refrendaríamos la posición que al respecto asumió ya el Consejo.
Los párrafos 34 y 35 nos hablan del Fondo Común y ya el Sr. Régnier en su presentación nos indicó que aún no se ha hecho la ratificación del Fondo Común por un número de países y el porcentaje adecuado para que el Fondo Común comience a operar. Creo que esta Comisión debe hacer un llamado a aquellos importantes países desarrollados que aún no han ratificado el Fondo Común; pero igual‐mente, para ser justos, convendría también llamar la atención a algunos países en desarrollo que aún no lo han hecho y que podrían aprovechar las facilidades que ofrecen los generosos países de la OPEP y la Comunidad Económica Europea, organismos que han ofrecido contribuir con algunas faci‐lidades para que los países en desarrollo puedan ratificar el Fondo Común.
Volviendo a la función de la FAO en el Sistema de las Naciones Unidas, la delegación de Colombia atribuye gran importancia a la atención prioritaria que en la FAO se está ofreciendo a la cooperación económica y a la cooperación técnica entre los países en desarrollo.
Nos complace mucho que la FAO se preocupe cada vez más por apoyar el Programa de Acción de Caracas sobre la cooperación económica entre los países en desarrollo que ha estado activando el Grupo de los 77.
Estamos igualmente satisfechos con lo que dice el párrafo 49 del documento 19 en el sentido de que la FAO va a realizar en 1985 otra consulta técnica sobre esa cooperación económica entre países en desarrollo; esto lo consideramos adecuado para revisar lo que se ha hecho hasta ahora y continuar esa acción positiva.
Estamos igualmente complacidos de que la FAO haya participado en septiembre pasado en la reunión que se llevó a cabo en Túnez, reunión del Comité Intergubernamental del Seguimiento y Coordinación del Grupo de los 77. Esperamos que la FAO, como ya lo decidimos en la parte referente al Programa de Labores y Presupuesto, que discutimos, la FAO, repetimos, participe también en febrero del año próximo en la reunión global del Grupo de los 77 sobre cooperación entre países en vías de desarrollo que va a celebrarse en Bucarest, Rumania, en febrero de 1984, repetimos; y que igualmente, desde luego, la FAO prepare también desde ahora el participar en otras reuniones del Comité de Seguimiento y Coordinación que tendrá lugar en Cartagena, Colombia, nuestro país, en otoño de 1984. Bienvenidos a Colombia, distinguidos colegas y amigos.
Vacilamos un poco antes de pasar a la parte final de nuestra intervención; sin embargo, decidimos usar solamente una mínima parte de nuestras notas porque creemos estar dentro del orden de esta Comisión al resgistrar el hecho de que estamos ahora discutiendo las novedades en el Sistema de las Naciones Unidas de interés para la FAO, y por ello vamos a referirnos al Fondo Internacional de Desarrollo Agrícola, FIDA, que es una agencia de las Naciones Unidas y que por sus objetivos trabaja en estrecha cooperación con la FAO y que su difícil situación afecta particularmente las actividades de campo en nuestra Organización. Vamos a dedicar unos pocos minutos al FIDA también por el hecho de que en la Plenaria numerosos ministros se refirieron a este tema. Queremos citar en particular la declaración muy valerosa y muy franca que hizo el señor Eugene Whelan, Ministro de Agricultura del Canadá y Presidente del Consejo Mundial de la Alimentación. El señor Whelan a quienes muchos de nosotros conocemos, es un hombre de larga y prestigiosa tradición política en su país y lleva cerca de quince años en el Ministerio y es una personalidad carismàtica que con su sombrero verde se ha ganado la simpatía de todos los quienes hemos participado con él en numerosas reuniones. El Ministro de Agricultura, del Canadá, hablando en su condición de Presidente del CMA, dijo que el FIDA es como un niño del mundo, sólo tiene ocho años de edad, representa nuestras esperanzas, nues‐tros sueños, nuestras aspiraciones para el futuro; en sus primeros años el FIDA estaba lleno de entusiasmo y energía, era creativo y flexible; ahora, dice el señor Ministro de Agricultura del Canadá, el FIDA es en otro respecto el otro niño del mundo que está muriendo por inanición ante nuestros ojos.
En realidad, señor Presidente y distinguidos colegas, el FIDA está languideciendo en silencio, está consumiéndose, están eliminando al FIDA, muere por falta de recursos y la Comunidad Internacionaldebe saber lo que está pasando en el FIDA y quiénes son los responsables.
El Fondo Internacional de Desarrollo Agrícola que fue creado por recomendación de la Conferencia Mundial de la Alimentación celebrada en 1974 ahora está atravesando crisis profunda. Personalmente nunca podré olvidar el gesto generoso del entonces Secretario de Estado de un importante país al cual Colombia admira y respeta, gesto a través del cual ofreció 200 millones de dólares para crear el FIDA; acti‐tud que fue secundada por los altruistas países de la OPEP en una acertada y sui generis combinación de recursos, y la idea fue aprobada inmediatamente porque los recursos del FIDA estaban dirigidos a los pequeños y medianos agricultores de los países con bajos ingresos y déficits de alimentos.
Ahora el Gobierno de ese mismo generoso país de 1974 se niega sistemáticamente a cumplir el compro‐miso moral y legal que adquirió al acordarse la primera reposición de los recursos del FIDA. Y ha dicho, con tono que despierta alarmante preocupación, que aún no sabe si va a participar en la segunda reposición. Es así como la primera reposición de recursos del FIDA, que debería concluir a fines de este año, deberá prolongarse uno, dos, tres o quién sabe .cuántos años más con los mismos recursos, lo cual significa una debilitación increíble de los fondos del FIDA, peor aún a la luz de los términos reales de los recursos.
La Delegación de Colombia, con la franqueza que nos caracteriza, piensa que es completamente inacep‐table que la decisión unilateral de un solo país elimine, anule, quebrante, destruya la voluntad de más de ciento cuarenta estados soberanos.
Sr. Presidente, unas palabras más sobre el FIDA porque, con base en el documento que suscribieron los países, el FIDA planificó sus trabajos, entró,en contacto con los Gobiernos, envió misiones y a través de esas actividades se han elaborado proyectos que tienen mucha. significación en el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo de Pequeños Países. Algunos de estos proyectos están ya firmados y no puede ejecutarlos el FIDA porque ese país no paga. La Delegación de Colombia piensa que así se ha consu‐mado un atentado, un verdadero crimen contra la cooperación internacional; se ha hecho concebir ilusiones y asignar fondos en su Plan Nacional de Desarrollo a Pequeños Países que ahora se ven considerablemente afectados porque no reciben esos recursos.
Siempre la Delegación de Colombia ha condenado la actitud de aquellos países que niegan recursos para la cooperación multilateral estando en condiciones de hacerlo. Pero este caso del FIDA es el peor de los hechos conocidos, el más aberrante; es la negación a pagar después de haberse comprometi‐do y firmado.
La Delegación de Colombia propone que en nuestro informe se incluya el párrafo del Consejo que hace un llamado a todos los países para que cumplan sus compromisos con el FIDA.
Lo que hemos dicho aquí representa apenas los lincamientos de la declaración que liara la Delegación de Colombia en el Consejo de Gobernadores del FIDA que se iniciará el próximo 6 de diciembre.
Sentimos la necesidad, la obligación imperante de hacer una declaración fuerte y energica, decidida, clara y hasta clamorosa de estos hechos porque la Comunidad Internacional debe conocerlos exactamente.
Para concluir, la Delegación de Colombia desea declarar que el FIDA debe seguir existiendo porque lo necesitan pequeños y medianos campesinos del mundo; pero el FIDA no puede seguir subsistiendo arrodillado; no puede el FIDA continuar postrado a los pies de ningún país por importante que sea. El FIDA debe seguir existiendo pero en pie, erguido, recto, con dignidad como corresponde a la sobe‐ranía de nuestros Estados y al respeto que merecen todos los gobiernos del mundo.
H. TAKASE (Japan): We would like to express our thanks to the Secretariat for having presented to us the informative documents on the Agenda. We welcome the fact that FAO is carefully following and paying due attention to interagency matters of particular relevance to the work of FAO.
We fully support the role of FAO in trying to achieve increased food and agricultural development by effective utilization of its expertize, primarily in the developing countries.
We also appreciate the continuing contribution of FAO to the implementation and review of the IDS.
Concerning the activities of FAO relating to inter-agency matters, we would like to express the view that FAO should try to avoid any duplicated work as much as possible, while paying due consideration to the mandate of other related regional or international organizations. We appreciate the fact that FAO and ICSTD had agreed to coordinate their activities at the Twenty-third session of the CCP in May this year. We wish to stress that coordination and cooperation with other related agencies are very much appreciated from the standpoint of effective use of limited resources.
A. EL SARKY (Egypt) (original language Arabic): After studying this document my delegation would like to express to you its regret for not seeing any progress achieved in international economic cooperation for development.
My country has participated in UNCTAD VI and the Egyptian President has delivered a speech in which he has called for the elimination of customs barriers in the face of exports from developing countries and for the alleviation of protectionist policies led by the major countries. The Egyptian delegation, in the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of the International Food Council has supported this special recommend‐ation on assistance to developing countries and the creation of a food reserve in those countries,
Egypt always believes in the importance of continuous reviewing and assessing of development activities in order to achieve the maximum benefit from these activities. This is the reason why a national committee was created to carry out this review and to implement General Assembly Resolution 56/35. Paragraph 19 of this document refers to General Assembly Resolution 236/37 calling for the improvement of the exploitation of the capabilities of developing countries.
My delegation therefore urges FAO and its various bodies including IPF to implement seriously this resolution concerning all the operational activities in its various dimensions, and to give an absolute priority to the capabilities of the developing countries, and to their goods and services.
My delegation wants to express to you its deep concern for the big decrease in the size of grants given to UNDP, and wishes all success to the efforts of the Committee indicated in paragraph 20 of this document, especially that Egypt believes in the complementarity between multilateral and bilateral assistance.
Concerning the subject of developing the UN relief capabilities in responding to cases of disaster, my delegation expresses its gratitude for the fruitful and constructive cooperation between FAO and the sister organizations of the UN system for providing all forms of assistance to Member States in cases of disaster, we.would like to see more flexibility given to FAO so that it can provide relief assistance when needed.
Having studied paragraphs 35 to 36 on the UN General Assembly Resolutions concerning relations between the UN and other regional organizations, my delegation would like to express its satisfaction with the fruitful cooperation between FAO and OAU in facing food, drought and desertification problems.
My delegation would like to congratulate FAO for the effective participation in international conferences and for its success in the follow-up of the various resolutions adopted in the UN Conference on LDC's. We would also like to thank this Organization for the technical assistance provided to the Palestinian farmers.
J.R. SAHA (India): My delegation is thankful to FAO for obtaining the document on the subject regarding the difficulties and problems that are being confronted. In the document it has been mentioned very clearly that there are three matters of current interest which are of particular relevance to the work of FAO: review and appraisal of the development strategy; operational activity for development, and strengthening the capability of the FAO system to respond. In this regard, the contents of the United Nations General Assembly Resolutions concerning relations of the United Nations system with intergovernmental and regional organizations on food and agriculture in Africa has been reviewed very carefully.
The document also reviews the work of the ACC sub-commission on nutrition. In regard to assistance to countries and territories, it gives a review of the special economic and disaster relief assistance provided by the United Nations. The discussion in preparation in relation to a second international Conference on assistance to refugees in Africa and assistance to the Palestinian people are also relevant.
With regard to international development strategy, the Thirty-seventh Session of the United Nations General Assembly called upon the relevant organizations and bodies of the United Nations system to report to the Committee of Universal Membership on the results achieved in their respective sectors in applying the ideas on the policy framework formulation and implementation of the Programme of Work and Medium-Term Plans. However, 1984 is a non-Conference year. Therefore, there will be only the Council session in November 1984 at which the subject will be considered and discussed. On the application of the international strategy for the Third Development Decade and the formulation and implementation of the Programme of Work and Medium-Term Plans of the FAO for consideration in the forthcoming FAO Council and Conference, the views of the Council and Conference thereon could be transmitted to the Committee on Universal Membership.
The Indian delegation is of the view that, based on the views expressed by the Council or Conference, and other information which might be available, the Secretariat might prepare a report for consideration by the Council in 1984.
By implementing the agreement reached with UNDRO in 1976, FAO has demonstrated its readiness to coordinate relief rehabilitation activities and has given evidence of doing so. It has been stated that reaction to an emergency situation falls within the competence of FAO and UNDP. The fielding of specialized missions together with WFP, and other interested donors had been useful in arriving at a detailed assessment of the immediate relief needs. It is to be observed in order to determine the required international emergency support as an integral part of the efforts of the governments of the affected countries. These will be on the basis of the findings of these missions.
These are the main forecasts given. It has to be stated that it appears from the analysis of the other documents that the prospect of obtaining international assistance appears to be rather bleak. As has been rightly pointed out by my colleague of Colombia, global negotiations on the national development fund could not be started in right earnest and hardly any progress has been made in this regard. Our Prime Minister, Indira Ghandi, at the non-aligned Conference in Delhi last March has categorically stated that unless the rich and the poor countries can cooperate to the fullest extent, it will be difficult for all concerned to survive in this world. It is for the interests of all concerned that developed countries should come forward and work hand in hand with the developing countries to enable them to survive and to stand on their own feet. It can be said that unless there is a change in the attitude of the developed countries and unless assistance is forthcoming from those countries, especially in replenishing the funds of the international organizations, particularly IFAD, it is apprehended that the prospects of cooperation between the developed and the developing countries will not be a reality. We can only hope and expect that good sense will prevail in respect of the developed countries which should come forward to assist us.
There is one additional point which I would like to discuss. It is about the functions of FAO vis-a-vis other government and non-governmental organizations. Recently a joint declaration by the Executive Secretary of ESCAP and the Director-General of FAO has amply demonstrated that, given the cooperation between the two organizations, the work can be effectively harmonized. We only hope and expect that the joint declaration will be strictly adhered to and that ESCAP will confine itself within the framework of a regional mandate within the overall framework of the FAO.
M: ZJALIC (Yugoslavia): It is with a mixed feeling that we take up this Agenda item because documents presented in reality reflect a gloomy global political and economic situation, in fact, the crisis of confidence and understanding of international cooperation, particularly in the economic sector.
Let me mention only three elements of this assessment: this first delay in commencement of global negotiations in spite of expressed desire by the majority of the world community and the readiness of this majority to accept any constructive ultimate approach. The second element of this assessment is the very modest result of UNCTAD VI. Third is the crisis of multilateral development, particularly multilateral financial institutions which cause particular concern, the situation of IFAD/UNDP.
Although it is a gloomy situation, there is still room for some pragmatic approaches and remedial action. Firstly I would like to recall the decision the Council made during the debate on the report of the last CCP concerning the role and activity of FAO in the commodity field connected with the UNCTAD VI Resolutions. The Council endorsed the proposal for strengthening FAO commodity work as a technical base for commodity arrangements and for the improvement of the global commodity situation and international cooperation in the commodity field. It was agreed that FAO commodity groups should continue their work, and that FAO monitoring, reviewing and technical work should be pursued. The importance of informal commodity arrangements was underlined, and commodity guidelines were evolved and elaborated within FAO commodity groups. Particular stress was laid on the possible role of FAO and its commodity groups in support of implementation of the commodity fund, particularly the second window of the common fund.
The second point which I would like to mention is the acceptance and endorsement of the new concept of World Food Security as expressed in ECOSOC's World Food Council and the FAO. I hope the delegates in this delegation are aware of their work in Commission I. There is a Resolution proposed for adoption by this Conference on this issue. My delegation sees very positive developments in the field of food security.
The third point is the possible role of FAO in global negotiations. I think that this Conference should reiterate and reaffirm the possible role of FAO in global negotiations in providing technical support to negotiating bodies, and any other form of support if so decided.
My delegation would like to emphasize its support of the positive action of the Director-General towards solving the food problem in Africa.
As for the assessment of the work of the Specialized Agencies of the United Nations, we would like to reiterate our position that each organization has its governing body composed of representatives of the member governments, and if there is any responsibility that responsibility is within member governments. On the question of mutual coordination, there are two levels of coordination. The first level of coordination must be within the member governments, and the second level of coordination must be among secretariats. We think that each organization should assess its own work and, through this assessment, provide for better coordination in the field without overlapping, without interfering in the mandates of other organizations.
Finally, I should like to support FAO activities in promoting economic cooperation among developing countries, and I should like to emphasize the universal approach of FAO which is reflected in the fact that a major part of ECDC supporting activities takes place within regional offices, within regional groupings and within activities through the regular and field programmes of FAO.
We strongly support further strengthening of FAO's role in promoting economic cooperation among the developing countries as support to the member governments in exercising their political orientation, and the strengthening universal economic cooperation; and part of this universal economic cooperation is the cooperation among the developing countries themselves.
W.A.F. GRABISCH (Germany, Federal Republic of) (original language German): My delegation would first and foremost like to thank the Secretariat for the documents which have been submitted to us, and we would like to thank the Secretariat for the introduction that we heard.
We can certainly understand some of the concerns which have been expressed by delegates here this morning. But certain positive assessments of international cooperation have been given. However, we cannot agree on the other hand with what was said by the distinguished delegate of Colombia, or at least what I understood him to say, that is, that the documents before us, and the introduction by Mr Regnier, are proof of the fact that international cooperation is bad. Should this Conference come to such an assessment of international cooperation, this would undoubtedly have adverse repercussions on the public opinion with regard to this very important task. But that cannot be the aim of our discussions on our international cooperation. We need the support of our peoples. When my country's Minister spoke in Plenary on 8th November, he gave two reasons for that. First of all, we need to have the approval of our increasingly fruitful cooperation with the developing countries, be this multilaterally or bilaterally. This also calls for the greatest efforts on our part, particularly in times which are economically difficult, and our citizens have to make sacrifices for this.
In addition, as our Minister said on 8th November, the agreement to and willingness of our citizens for increased action in the fight against hunger and poverty are also important, because our assistance is not restricted to public aid, but also comprises broad private initiatives. As efforts were successful, the non-governmental organizations in my country, in 1982, compared with the previous year, enjoyed a volume of donations 13 percent higher, amounting to about DM 950 million. A large share of these donations comes from fellow citizens who, in view of other people's distress were prepared to donate this money rather than spend it on themselves. They were showing solidarity with their brothers and sisters in the developing countries. They did that to try to alleviate their sufferings.
In the light of the breadth of the topic before us, I should like to limit my remarks to a few short comments.
First, the results of UNCTAD VI are generally positively assessed by us. Of course, not all of the problems have been solved, but certainly progress has been made. We should not forget that many of the problems are long-term problems.
Secondly, the north-south dialogue has not been broken off and is still under way. The negotiations have been delayed and not yet started, but I think we all have to check very carefully the reasons for that and we have to weigh them up very carefully indeed.
Thirdly, with regard to the implementation of the international development strategy, I can state that we are making our contribution. In this connexion, I should like to quote what my Minister said in the Plenary of the Conference, namely that official development assistance in 1982 compared with 1981 has increased by about 7 percent to DM 7.7 billion, which is about US$3 billion.
In spite of all the difficulties, our aid has doubled since 1977, and in 1982 it was raised to 0.48 percent of our gross national product. Within the context of our financial and technical aid, about 27 percent of our pledges were accounted for by the promotion of agriculture and rural development.
Fourthly, concerning Africa, there is no doubt that the solution of the food problems of all African countries is a concern to all of us. We have therefore strengthened our cooperation with African countries particularly during the last two years.
V. ISARANKURA (Thailand): Thailand has been honoured by being the site of FAO's Regional Office and also of the Office of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The Royal Thai Government attaches the greatest importance to those two UN Specialized Agencies and lends its full support and cooperation to both Agencies. We would like to see sincere and effective coordination among them in the field of food and agriculture in the region.
At the outset, my delegation is pleased to note the recent developments in close cooperation between those United Nations bodies.
As previous speakers have done, we should like to refer to document C 83/19-Sup.l in paragraphs 107 - 113 of that document there is an indication of certain recent developments in the relationship between FAO and ESCAP. In this context, we are pleased that the Director-General of FAO and the Executive Secretary of ESCAP have discussed this matter and issued a joint statement defining the respective roles of the two organizations. We have noted that in this joint statement ESCAP has agreed that, in designing its programme of work, ESCAP will take note of the global mandate entrusted to FAO as the specialized agency for food and agriculture in the United Nations system. It has also been agreed that ESCAP will concentrate on economic and social aspects of selected issues in the fields of agriculture which complement FAO's activities.
Our delegation welcomes this approach adopted in the joint statement. We hope that ESCAP will duly honour this approach in the future. At the same time we would like to see the FAO regional office activities in some fields more active than in the past.
R. SALLERY (Canada): We too strongly support the comments just made by Dr Grabisch for the Federal Republic of Germany,. particularly the first half of his statement which stresses the importance of the role of the general public in supporting international development activities.
My Government is a strong supporter of the UN system and of multilateral approaches to development assistance. We also support the ECOSOC resolution calling for an analytical assessment of the institutions involved in food and agriculture.
I would thank the Secretariat certainly for documents that they have given to us, and Mr Regnier for his very helpful introduction. As Mr Régnier has pointed out, because of the complexity of the problem, there may indeed be technical and jurisdictional problems; but in our view, these are not insurmountable.
Mr Régnier has also noted that only the organizations concerned and the governing bodies could make trustworthy assessments. This is true in part. I doubt that it is necessary to remind Mr Regnier or others here that the governing body of ECOSOC and the governing bodies of most of the food and agricultural agencies, are composed of representatives from the same sovereign governments.
If Canada supported the resolution ECOSOC, we would certainly not oppose it in the FAO Council or Conference. I assume that most of us would take the same consistent approach in the UN system. Certainly he is correct in saying that perhaps some organizations are more capable, technically capable and competent, to conduct this type of assesment, and we agree with that.
It is well known, and perhaps explains why currently the multilateral systems or multilateral approaches to development assistance are declining somewhat, but some governments are a little frustrated with the UN system, with large bureaucracies, with overlapping mandates, duplications and, perhaps most of all, with a seemingly unsuccessful resolution of the world's problems. They are frustrated, but this does not detract from their general support of the common ideals of the UN system. In our view, all the ECOSOC resolution is attempting to do is to strengthen our common efforts in the UN system to be more effective, to be more successful, in our attempts to solve these global problems. We trust that all the food and agricultural agencies of the UN, all those involved in food and agriculture, will indeed look forward with some enthusiasm to helping implement this ECOSOC resolution. Obviously no-one ever doubts the primary and the central role of FAO in food and agriculture. It is also obvious to us, and to many others, that in some areas FAO must indeed be strengthened, as was just mentioned by our colleague from Thailand. Similarly, with other UN organizations and agencies there are very likely areas of responsibility which should be strengthened.
If, however, other agencies over the course of years have unintentionally usurped the role which is more properly the responsiblity of FAO, then I am sure all of us would want to attempt at least to ensure that FAO assumes, or reassumes, activities which are proper to its mandate. Of course the reverse is true: if we in our enthusiasm over the years at Council and at Conference have unintentionally stepped on roles which are more properly the mandates of others, then I think we would want to look at those to make sure that at least one of us, one of those institutions, is conducting that activity with effectiveness.
We believe that once this is done, the general public, as Mr Grabisch has pointed out, and the governments will be less frustrated, with the UN and will, in turn, renew their support for the UN and agencies such as FAO, and become even more supportive of multilateral approaches to development assistance.
M. MOMBOULI (Congo): Une fois de plus, nous voudrions, avant de commencer, remercier M. Regnier et le Secrétariat de la FAO pour les nombreuses informations mises à notre disposition.
Nous sommes heureux des excellentes relations de coopération que notre Organisation, la FAO, entretient avec les autres organisations des Nations Unies ainsi qu'avec les organisations régionales du Tiers Monde. A ce titre, nous saisissons la présente occasion pour renouveler notre appui à la FAO et la mandatons pour qu'elle use de tous les moyens possibles pour faire aboutir ses heureuses initiatives en ce qui concerne notamment le Fonds commun pour les produits de base, la résolution sur le protectionnisme, la résolution sur la coopération éntre pays en développement, le concept élargi de la sécurité alimentaire mondiale, la Campagne africaine contre la peste et la convocation de la deuxième CPVD en 1985.
A propos du Fonds commun pour les produits de base, nous souhaitons obtenir, au stade actuel, que les gouvernements hésitants ou retardataires procèdent le plus tôt possible à sa ratification pour rendre ce Fonds opérationnel le plus tôt possible.
Concernant le protectionnisme, nous souhaitons une libéralisation des changes pour permettre aux pays producteurs de matières premières alimentaires agricoles de se procurer les ressources financières nécessaires pour l'importation des denrées de base qui leur font cruellement défaut sur place.
Enfin, pour terminer, nous sommes solidaires de la déclaration de nos amis de la Colombie en ce qui concerne le FIDA, en qui nous avons placé beaucoup d'espoir mais qui malheureusement se heurte à beaucoup de difficultés pour disposer des fonds nécessaires à son fonctionnement. A cette occasion, nous lançons un nouvel appel aux différents contributaires pour qu'ils s'acquittent de leurs contributions d'une part et qu'ils n'hésitent pas, le cas échéant, à apporter au FIDA des ressources supplémentaires nécessaires, car c'est la seule institution financière qui, à notre avis, est apte à aider les petits paysans qui n'ont pas d'autres ressources que leurs exploitations qui, dans la plupart des cas, sont exposées à des calamités naturelles ou à d'autres graves incidents.
debate, Ambassador Bula Hoyos of Colombia. Both he, and, earlier during the Conference in Plenary, the Canadian Minister of Agriculture, the French Minister of Agriculture and some other Ministers, highlighted very eloquently IFAD's dramatic lack of resources. This young Fund, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, the objectives and projects of which correspond so well with our own objectives and, I dare say, with the development objectives, of most FAO members - this Fund is almost completely running out of money. During the past year it has had to slow down considerably the speed of approval and signing of new projects in spite of the fact that its efficient staff has prepared a substantial basket of good projects to the benefit of the poorest peasants, fishermen and landless workers in the Third World. It is a shame that these poor K. E. NORRMAN (Sweden) : My delegation will come back to the more general aspects of this agenda item somewhat later in this debate in accordance with the disposition suggested to us by you, Mr Chairman, for this debate.
However we would not like to miss the opportunity to express now our strong support of the statement made by the first speaker in this people should have to wait, nobody knows how long, for the adoption and the implementation of already well-prepared projects.
I, therefore, join other speakers in urging all governments, particularly the major donors, to speed up their procedures with a view to fulfilling their commitment to IFAD, and to confirm their willingness to participate constructively in the second replenishment of IFAD.
Whilst I have the floor, I also wish to raise one more specific point from our documentation, namely document 19. In paragraphs 30 to 34 of this document the capacity of the UN system to respond to emergencies is dealt with. I wish here to reiterate Sweden's support to the UN resolutions regarding effectively coordinating international relief activities. At the same time, I wish to express our appreciation of the useful work done by the FAO Office for Special Relief Operations, OSRO, which has made valuable contributions to the alleviation of emergencies and the rehabilitation of agriculture, for instance in several African countries and in Kampuchea.
We are also glad to note that the capacity of the World Food Programme's emergency unit has been somewhat strengthened during the last year, thereby facilitating the heavy task of dealing with increasing numbers of requests for emergency food aid. The joint FAO/WFP assessment commissions to disaster-struck countries constitute, in our view, very important tools in the international efforts to respond adequately to emergency situations.
As I said, Mr Chairman, with your indulgence we reserve our right to come back later on in this agenda.
M. AHMAD (Pakistan): My delegation compliments the Secretariat for giving us such an illuminating overview of international developments which have a bearing on the mandate of FAO. We appreciate and support the dynamic role played by FAO in ensuring that the objectives of this great mandate will continue to be advanced. We share the concern so eloquently expressed by the distinguished Colombian delegate regarding the delays in the start of global negotiations relating to international economic cooperation and development.
We also endorse the concern expressed by the Council in paragraph 12 of the document C 83/19-Sup.l. Analytical assessment of sectoral activities should be the primary and exclusive concern of the specialized agency itself.
Referring to paragraph 49, we support FAO's proposal for holding a second technical consultation on TCDC in 1985. This is a very important area, and all constraints in promoting technical cooperation amongst the developing countries should be removed, and a further review is necessary so that these obstacles can be overcome.
Coming back to paragraph 61, we endorse the appeal of the World Food Council for replenishment of IFAD. Yesterday we were discussing in Commission I the progress of implementation of the plan of action of WCARRD. It was apparent in the discussions that the international community is resolved to see that nothing stands in the way of the implementation. But it seems a little odd that one of the most outstanding in international organizations, which is supposed to assist the countries in the implementation of that plan of action, namely IFAD, should be starved of funds, and its programme is very much at stake because the donor countries have put in some conditions. We do hope that these conditions will be waived, and the flow of funds to this important organization assured.
Finally, we are very happy at the new development in relations between FAO and ESCAP. I attended, as a member of the Pakistan delegation, the Regional Conference meeting held in Jakarta of the Asia and Pacific, and it was quite evident when we were discussing matters relating to the creation of the Regional Commission on Food Security, that some duplication was going on in this field, and that there was no recognition at that time of the specialized competence of FAO in this important matter. Therefore, we welcome the joint statement which has been issued by the Executive Secretary of ESCAP and Director-General of FAO, in which the roles of the two organizations have been properly defined,
and it has been conceded that it is the proper role of FAO to deal with matters relating to food and agriculture, and that ESCAP will concentrate on economic and social aspects of selected issues in this field, which would complement FAO's activities, which has a much broader mandate.
K.B. RAJBHANDARI (Nepal): I would like to confine my comments to the recent developments in the UN system of interest to FAO. I would like to refer to document C 83/19-Sup. 1. Paragraphs 107 and 113 of this document indicate certain recent developments in relations between FAO and ESCAP have taken place. Attempts have been made to avoid duplication of the activities between FAO and ESCAP. In this context the Nepalese delegation is happy to note that the Director-General of FAO, and the Executive Secretary of ESCAP, have discussed this matter, and issued a joint statement defining the respective roles of the two organizations. We have noted that in this joint statement ESCAP has agreed that in designing its Programme of Work ESCAP will take note of the global mandate entrusted to FAO, as the specialized agency for food and agriculture in the United Nations system. It has also been agreed that ESCAP will concentrate on economic and social aspects of selected issues in the field of agriculture, which complements FAO's activities.
It is really gratifying. The Nepalese delegation is pleased to welcome this approach adopted in the joint statement. We hope that ESCAP in future will duly honour this approach, and will take steps to divest itself of technical activities in the sector of food and agriculture. As an economic and social commission ESCAP should make sure its activities do not overlap that of FAO.
R.E. STENSHOLT (Australia): I just want to briefly make a couple of points. One is to stress, like my Minister did in his statement, the need for a continued close cooperation between United Nations bodies, and between international organizations. I see this as particularly the theme of the papers before us at this time. We know the valuable work that has been done in the last couple of years, be it in terms of disaster operations, or more particularly, for example, under ESCAP, or, indeed, under the cross-sectoral review of ECOSOC. There are many examples of this, and we find this quite gratifying, and I can only echo the comments made by others that not only has there to be cooperation, there has to be seen to be cooperation. And this is important, particularly as others have noted that there is a more critical atmosphere abroad these days, as the UN approaches, and FAO itself approaches its 40th year. No doubt many people have been reassessing the work of international organizations over the last few years, and will continue to do. So it is very important that the lie be given to any criticism that may come up regarding lack of coordination, and lack of cooperation. Because Australia has been a strong supporter of the United Nations System, and also particulalry FAO and other bodies associated in the food and agriculture field, and we want to continue this support. I might note that we place importance upon consistency in approach to these bodies, and we will continue to be consistent in our approach to any and all organizations.
I might also mention, just for the sake of my colleague from Colombia, and I mentioned this the other day, we have been increasing our support of multilateral organizations. Maybe it might be against the trend, as he suspects. But also in talking about trends one should also look at a wider field than what we are just looking at here. We tend to focus on United Nations organizations. Perhaps a look at what is happening in international financial institutions would be valuable for us in the future, because so much financing in the food and agriculture sector comes through those organizations, as in many ways it almost dominates the field of international cooperation in agricultural rural development and solving the food problems. This might be looked at.
My final point is also to once again lend my support to the initiative of Ambassador Bula Hoyos of Colombia. He mentioned this the other day. Australia feels that IFAD is an important body, and that the current problems facing IFAD ought to be recognized by the FAO Conference, which has great importance to us all and should, indeed, carry weight in both national and international circles, as is appropriate, and we would endorse the call for urgent action to overcome the specific funding problems of IFAD, so that, indeed, an appropriate programme of assistance for the poor farmers can be carried on in the future.
H. MALTEZ (Panamá): Sean nuestras primeras palabras para manifestar a la Secretaría, tal como lo han hecho otras Delegaciones que nos han precedido, nuestra complacencia por los documentos presentados para nuestra consideración.
Deseamos asimismo agradecer al Sr. Régnier, Director de la Oficina de Asuntos entre Organismos por su magnífica introducción al tema en examen.
La Delegación de Panamá desea también en esta ocasión expresar, tal como lo ha venido haciendo de manera sistemática en casi todas sus intervenciones, su preocupación por la creciente tendencia hacia la disminución de la cooperación multilateral propiciada, como todo parece indicar, por algunos países miembros a juzgar por sus actuaciones.
Nos preocupa de manera particular y coincidiendo con la distinguida Delegación de Colombia, el retraso cada vez más evidente en las negociaciones para la cooperación internacional para el desarrollo.
Manifestamos a tal respecto nuestra completa identificación con la preocupación e interrogantes planteados por el distinguido Embajador de Colombia.
La Delegación de Panamá desea asimismo aprovechar la ocasión para identificarse plenamente y apoyar tan valerosa y franca intervención de Su Excelencia el Embajador Bula Hoyos en relación con la situación del FIDA.
Y para terminar, deseamos manifestar nuestra complacencia por el papel de la FAO y por todo el interés que pone en resolver los problemas de la agricultura y la alimentación y expresar que apoyamos estas actividades.
M.E. BONDANZA de FILIPPO (Argentina): Aunque sea muv brevemente, la Delegación de mi país desea expresar en líneas generales que comparte lo que ha expresado el Embajador Bula Hoyos y otras Delegaciones en cuanto a que los resultados de esas actividades relacionados con la cooperación internacional, son decepcionantes. Así podemos calificar los resultados de la 6a UNCTAD en que los países en desarrollo no tuvieron las demandas mínimas que se habían establecido en la reunión ministerial del Grupo de los 77 que se efectuó en Buenos Aires antes de la 6a UNCTAD.
Nosotros, quiero dejarlo bien claro, comprendemos y valoramos las contribuciones y donaciones que muchos países efectúan para mitigar los sufrimientos de muchos países hermanos, pero consideramos que ello evidentemente no es suficiente y que los países desarrollados deben asumir responsabilidades mucho mayores en la empresa actual, en la cual estamos todos unidos de superar este injusto orden económico internacional.
A. REGNIER (Directeur du Bureau des affaires interinstitutions): Je ne voudrais certainement pas empiéter sur le résumé des débats que vous avez sans doute l'intention de faire, mais je voudrais me borner à remercier toutes les délégations pour les commentaires très pertinents qu'elles ont faits sur ce point de l'ordre du jour et pour l'intérêt qu'elles ont bien voulu manifester vis-à-vis de ces relations entre la FAO et le système des Nations Unies. Très certainement le secrétariat en a pris note avec grand soin.
D'autre part, je voudrais faire un court commentaire. Ce qui m'a peut-être le plus frappé et qui a certainement, je crois, réioui le secrétariat, c'est que la Commission a reconnu de manière unanime l'étendue des relations interapjinces entretenues par la FAO avec l'ensemble du systèmedes Nations Unies. Ceci montre la complexité certainement de ce système qui embrasse la totalité des secteurs, et ceci montre également le sérieux avec lequel la FAO envisage cette coopération. Comme le distingué représentant de l'Australie l'a indiqué il y a quelques instants, il ne faut pas seulement coopérer mais montrer cette coopération. J'espère que les documents qui vous ont été présentés à cet effet ont montré qu'il y avait dans tous les secteurs de la FAO une coopération intensive existant dans l'ensemble du système des Nations Unies, qu'il s'agisse par exemple des questions opérationnelles pour le développement - et comme de nombreux distingués représentants l'ont indiqué, cela pose le problème des ressources -, qu'il s'agisse de l'évolution des ressources du FIDA, qu'il s'agisse des questions de ressources du PNUD.
Un autre exemple de coopération intensive réside dans les questions d'urgence, le renforcement de la capacité du système des Nations Unies à aborder et à faire face aux situations d'urgence. Ainsi que les distingués représentants de l'Inde et de la Suède l'ont mentionné, une collaboration intensive existe, des progrès ont été réalisés au cours des dernières années et je pense que tout le monde reconnaît qu'il y a maintenant une capacité réelle de promouvoir et de coopérer à ces opérations d'urgence et, dans toute la mesure du possible, pour éviter les doubles emplois, de rendre aux organismes spécialisés le rôle qui leur revient en l'occurrence et vraiment chercher à aider au mieux et au plus vite les populations sinistrées.
Un autre exemple, ce sont les commentaires faits par un grand nombre de délégations concernant le développement récent des relations entre la FAO et l'ESCAP. Nous en avons pris note avec grand plaisir.
Je ne pense pas qu'il y ait beaucoup de questions spécifiques auxquelles je doive répondre. Je voudrais seulement faire un commentaire concernant les résolutions de l'ECOSOC. Le distingué représentant du Canada a parlé, après d'autres, de la résolution de l'ECOSOC parlant d'évaluation analytique des activités et des programmes. Il s'est référé à cette résolution comme s'il s'agissait d'une résolution traitant de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation.
Je voudrais lui dire que non, il s'agit d'une résolution qui traite de tous les secteurs, autrement dit, aussi bien les communications que l'industrie. Ce n'est pas une résolution adressée aux secteurs agricole et alimentaire, cela couvre la totalité du système des Nations Unies, avec toutes les implications techniques que cela peut avoir, et j'ai d'ailleurs été satisfait de constater que lui-même reconnaissait que les secrétariats techniques, donc des agences spécialisées, étaient sans doute les mieux à même d'évaluer les activités de leurs propres organisations.
Je crois qu'une question précise cependant a été posée par le distingué représentant de la Colombie. Il m'a demandé quels avaient été, depuis les derniers documents, les progrès dans le lancement des négociations globales. Malheureusement, je ne peux pas en dire plus que ce que j'ai indiqué dans ma déclaration introductive, à savoir que nous n'avons pas d'indications à ce stade, que l'Assemblée générale qui est en cours a New York va aborder ce sujet d'une manière concrète et je suis donc malheureusement dans l'impossibilité de donner des détails actuellement.
Après ces quelques commentaires, je voudrais encore une fois remercier les distingués représentants qui ont bien voulu prendre la parole et surtout les remercier pour les encouragements qu'ils ont donnés à cette coopération au système des Nations Unies auquel la FAO attache une grande importance.
R. SALLERY (Canada): I am a little sensitive about drafting groups which are to follow. I think Mr Régnier's comments about the ECOSOC Resolution were aware that it covers many fields. What I did say about who was competent was that some technical secretariats are perhaps best placed to conduct this assessment. Not all. I think this has yet to be determined. Just so we do not have a problem in the drafting group with what has been said in my statement.
CHAIRMAN: The Commission has before it very complete documentation on the subject supplemented by Mr Regnier's introduction regarding the latest developments in the UN system. Members touched on many of the topics covered in this documentation. I shall not attempt to summarize all the comments made by individual members in their interventions. The synthesis of these will be contained in the Commission's report.
Satisfaction was expressed with the active role FAO was playing in work with other UN organizations as exemplified by a number of cases cited in the documentation. A particular case in point was the agreement that ESCAP embodied in a joint statement by the Director-General of FAO and the Executive Secretary of ESCAP aimed at harmonization of the work programmes of the two organizations.
There was full support also for FAO's role in promoting economic and technical cooperation among developing countries and for the Director-General's prompt and positive action in favour of Africa.
FAO's role in emergencies in other continents was also praised. Serious concern was expressed at the resource situation affecting multilateral agencies, in particular IFAD. It was hoped that the replenishment of IFAD's resources would be speeded up as urgent action was needed to enable IFAD to continue its work.
With that we should now move to the second part which is the International Development Strategy, document C 83/26, and I would like to ask Mr Shah to give his introduction.
V.J. SHAH, (Director, Office of Programme, Budget and Evaluation): It is my privilege to have been instructed by the Director-General to introduce C 83/26 on The Application of the International Development Strategy for the Third UN Development Decade in the Formulation and Implementation of the Programmes of Work and Medium-Term Plans of the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The International Development Strategy, it will be recalled, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its Thirty-Fifth session in December 1980 and was brought to the attention of the FAO Council at its Seventy-Ninth session and to the attention of the Conference at its last Session in November 1981.
There was a very interesting discussion of the strategy by the Conference which affirmed the crucial importance of the success of the International Development Strategy and expressed its strong support for its objectives and goals. The Conference agreed that the stress given in the strategy to the subject and to the key role of food and agriculture in improving the quality of life and raising the economic growth of developing countries.
The Conference also stressed the vital importance of action.
Indeed, the new decade of the 1980's had got off to a very slow start with gross domestic product in most developing countries rising at rates well below the overall target of 7 percent which has been established as an objective for the decade as a whole. This lag will be difficult to make up and attainment of the overall growth target of 4 percent annual growth in agricultural production will require not only a major effort on the part of developing countries to mobilize internal resources and put them efficiently to use, but also a strong commitment on the part of the international community in support of these efforts.
The developing countries accepted at the Conference that the main responsibility for achieving a faster economic growth and self-reliance fell on them but for success they needed the cooperation of all countries in meeting this responsibility;
At its last session the Conference also recognized that it wished to have the opportunity to consider how FAO would contribute to the review and appraisal of the International Development Strategy.
The strategy for each decade is reviewed at about the mid-term and Member Nations of FAO then noted that since the strategy was a guide for action, it would be appropiate for the Organization to give its views to the United Nations on the successes and the failures of reaching the objectives of the strategy and the reasons for it.
The reasons for the review and appraisal and the implementation of the strategy were decided on by the General Assembly through its Resolution 37/202, the text of which is provided as Appendix A to document C 83/19 which the Commission has just considered. By this Resolution it will be noted that the General Assembly established a Committee of the Whole, that is to say of all Member Nations, a Committee of the General Assembly to carry out the review and appraisal of the implementation of the strategy in 1984. This Committee is expected to meet from the Spring of next year and will report to the General Assembly at its Thirty-ninth session next year through the Economic and Social Council.
In operative paragraph 6 of this Resolution the General Assembly: "Calls upon the relevant
organs, organizations and bodies of the United Nations system to report on the results achieved in their respective sectors in applying the International Development Strategy as the policy framework in the formulation and implementation of their programmes of work and medium-term plans "
and to refer their comments to the Co mittee on Review and Appraisal.
Accordingly, the Director-General submits for the consideration of the Conference the document C 83/26 to illustrate how the International Development Strategy and, more particularly, the policy measures have served as a framework for FAO programmes in the early 1980s and for the immediate term. The main constraints encountered in programme implementation so far are also indicated in as much as they affect the realization of the goals of the strategy. The structure of the document follows closely that of the International Development Strategy itself. For example, there are the main headings which appear under the policy measures of the International Development Strategy. However, for reasons of clarity and brevity consideration is given mainly to those areas or cross-sectoral themes where FAO has a fundamental interest and where significant action and activities have been undertaken
Thus, I would invite your attention, Mr Chairman, not only to the measures dealing with food and agriculture, which of course receive greater coverage and more emphasis then, others, but also to the areas of international trade, financial resources for development, science and technology for development, energy and economic and technical cooperation among developing countries, and others which are relevant to FAO.
This is the context in which, although this item is one of matters arising from development in the UN system, programme budget and evaluation has also got involved, because what is before this Conference in this context is not any request for the Conference to approve the Programme of Work and Budget for the FAO or its medium-term plans, which the Conference has already done. It is to express its views on how FAO programmes are responding to its projects and the development pursued in the International Development Strategy.
I should clarify that the Committee on Review and Appraisal of the General Assembly will, of course, cover two main aspects of the question. Firstly it will consider the economic developments which have taken place in this decade and how they compare with the targets and the strategies given in the Strategy. Secondly, they will examine the views of organizations such as ours on the application of the Strategy for their own programmes.
What the Director-General has in mind, therefore, and proposes to the Conference is that he should convey to the Committee on Review and Appraisal the document which has been submitted to you, and the views of the Conference, as the views of the Organization. He did not wish merely to convey his own views, which are given in the document, but he wanted and he wishes the General Assembly to have the benefit of the Conference itself.
There is one final point. As the Commission realizes there are a number of items which have been considered in Commission I, such as the state of the world food and agriculture, world food security, the progress report on the World'Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development. All of the subjects considered in Comission I are of relevance to the Strategy in terms of substance. Therefore, the Director-General proposes that, together with the views of the Conference on this document as may feature in the Conference Report, he would also include those sections of the Conference Report which deal with the subjects covered by the International Development Strategy, and convey all of these to the Committee on Review and Appraisal.
The thrust of the policy measures represented in the Strategy the Director-General believes are as valid as ever, as is the need for FAO's programmes. These needs have been carefully reflected in the Programme of Work and Budget which the Conference approved yesterday. The Director-General hopes that the Conference will recognise and reaffirm the role of this Organization in implementing programmes to help achieve the goals and objectives of the International Development Strategy.
L.GRUNDBERG (Sweden): I am going to deliver a common statement on behalf of my own delegation and my fellow Nordic delegations. The statement was drafted before we knew that this Agenda point would be divided in the way it actually was divided. Therefore, parts of our statement perhaps would have had a more logical place under the first part of the Agenda point already concluded. But, with your permission, Mr Chairman, I will go ahead with my comments.
Under Agenda point 13 my delegation has already underlined the central role of the United Nations Development Programme, the UNDP, in the development of the whole UN, and urged new donors to contribute to the UNDP.Allow me to repeat that view and to give some broader comments on the Agenda point under consideration, namely, relations and consultations with international organizations.
As I said, I am speaking on behalf of the Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway and my own country, Sweden.
Let me start by underlining our strong support for and commitment to the United Nations system as a whole. As major contributors to the UN, its agencies and various programmes, the Nordic countries always have emphasized the importance of efficiency of the system in the execution of programmes and projects. Our objective has been to increase the proportion of resources available for activities in the developing countries, while at the same time keeping down administrative and other support costs.
The Nordic countries therefore find the costs of the General Assembly Committee of Universal Membership for the review and appraisal of the International Development Strategy extremely important. We find the Report by the Secretariat as just cited by the representative of the Director-General and included in document C 83/26 to be a current comprehensive report on the activities of FAO. We are sure that the report with the comments of the Conference will constitute a major input in the work of the Committee.
I have one more observation: we .have found no reference in that document to the work initiated by the Director-General on a study of agricultural price policies; We are fully aware that this important work is still in its initial stage and that the Council and the next Conference will be informed thereof in due time.
Let me use this opportunity to say some words on coordination between the various elements of the UN system's operational activities. I am now coming to the part of my statement that might have been better placed under the first part of our Agenda item.
The importance of coordination is quite as essential as in any national programme of development assistance. Coordination makes sense also in mere economic terms to donors as well as to recipient countries. With the scarcity of funds at the present time within the UN system it is more than ever necessary to take advantage of every opportunity for meaningful coordination and integration of UN activities.
At the Conference two years ago we welcomed the posting of a senior FAO Representative in the UNDP inter-agency task force in New York. It would be interesting to be informed about the experiences of this measure.
Regarding cooperation in the field, we very much appreciate the joint letter of April 13th 1983 contained in document C 83/INF/18 from the Director-General of FAO and the UNDP Administrator sent to all UNDP Resident Representatives and FAO Representatives underlining the importance of close collaboration between them in promoting activities in the agriculture and food production sector. The ideas behind this letter coincide completely with the thinking of the Nordic countries on coordination and joint efforts at field level.
Another important element in the coordination of operational activities of the UN system is the country programming; the principle of country programming has been generally adopted and its advantages are recognized by all UN members, not least by the developing countries themselves. We would therefore expect full support in the implementation of this principle by all UN Agencies. we hold the view that all specialized agencies should closely cooperate among themselves with the UN bodies concerned, for instance, and also with the joint inspection unit in their process of evaluation, which is a further element of importance.
Finally, I would like to assure this Commission that the Nordic countries are worried about the shortfalls in UNDP resources. We would like to stress the necessity that the UNDP be assured of resources at a sufficient level and on a more continuous basis. This has proved a prerequisite for any effective coordination of operational activities in the entire UN system. It is common knowledge that the Nordic countries are the largest contributors per capita to the UNDP, and we intend to continue . our strong support of the programme. We urge all countries in a position to do so to rapidly increase their contributions to the UNDP, in order to attain what is our common goal.
The meeting rose at 12.30 hours
La séance est levé à 12 h 30
Se levanta la sesión a las 12.30 horas
