Mr. President, 

I have the honor to introduce draft resolution A/71/L.77, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum” on behalf of the members of said forum. The draft is an update of General Assembly resolution 69/318 and serves two purposes. First it takes stock of various developments over the last two years and secondly it encourages further cooperation between the two organizations.

Mr. President,

Let me briefly point out a few key elements in this year’s resolution:

• Notably we have welcomed the continued mutually beneficial dialogue between the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders and the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the possibility of a visit by the new Secretary-General to our region, following his assumption of office;
• We have also sought to look at practical solutions to assist in our sustainable development, for example the partnerships between the United Nations system and the Pacific Islands Forum members region have yielded positive results through engagement with the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Tonga,
• we referenced the recently operationalized Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, which would support our region’s efforts in implementing the oceans agenda, including SDG 14;
• We have sought to look at how the UN system can better deliver on the ground in the Forum region and the Forum member’s willingness for enhanced partnership ; and
• We have sought to recognize the importance of the recent declarations of World Tsunami Awareness Day, International Day of the Tropics and World Tuna Day respectively.

Mr. President,

We would like to thank all the delegations who have constructively participated in the negotiations of the draft resolution as well as for the valued support of over 80 delegations who have joined us as sponsors of the draft.

We would welcome and appreciate the General Assembly’s adoption of the said draft resolution by consensus.

I thank you.