DILI, 24 October 2019 (TATOLI) — The Timor Leste-based g7+ group of countries says it remains hopeful of earning a greater say in UN General Assembly (UNGA) deliberations, after formally requesting observer status.
Debate to include the 20-member g7+ as observers at the New York-based UNGA was met with enthusiastic support, according to a statement from the group.
“Having the observer status will allow the g7+ to have the official avenue that the group can provide collective input in the agenda and work of UN, particularly on sustaining peace and security, improving peacekeeping operations and the implementation of 2030 Agenda – global goals to end poverty,” spokeswoman Helche Silvester wrote.
Sierra Leone’s permanent ambassador to the UN, Alie Kabba, introduced the motion during hearings last Friday.
Ms Silvester said a large section of the UNGA assembly voiced support during deliberations, including 54 African nations – through its representative from the Gambia – and China.
The g7+ was set up in 2010 to “share lessons” on peacebuilding and statebuilding. Its website describes the bloc as a “treasured asset and ally to the United Nations to maintain and sustain global peace.” The 20 members include countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.
The UN’s Sixth Commission will publish its recommendations on whether to include the g7+ for consideration by the General Assembly in mid-December 2019.
Originally published in Portuguese as: Requerimento do g7+ para Estatuto de Observador é submetido com êxito nas Nações Unidas
Journalist: Robert Baird
