The Office of the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has released a concept note ahead of the high-level thematic debate on ‘Strengthening Cooperation Between the UN and Regional and Sub-Regional Organizations' convening on 4 May 2015.
The concept note highlights that cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organizations “has remained a cornerstone" of the UN's work, and has intensified over the years.
It also underlines the important contribution that regional and sub-regional organizations can make to the post-2015 development agenda, including its implementation.
24 February 2015: The Office of the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has released a concept note ahead of the high-level thematic debate on ‘Strengthening Cooperation Between the UN and Regional and Sub-Regional Organizations’ convening on 4 May 2015. The concept note highlights that cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organizations “has remained a cornerstone” of the UN’s work, and has intensified over the years. It also underlines the important contribution that regional and sub-regional organizations can make to the post-2015 development agenda, including its implementation.
According to the note, regional and sub-regional organizations can leverage local knowledge, relationships and resources to support conflict prevention, resolution, post-conflict recovery and stabilization efforts. It recalls that the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) outcome document called for regional and sub-regional organizations to play a significant role in promoting a “balanced integration” of the three dimensions of sustainable development in their respective regions.
The concept note outlines the format for the high-level debate, including an opening segment and two consecutive interactive panels, which will discuss: enhancing the strategic relationship between the UN and regional organizations in the areas of peace, stability and human rights; and galvanizing support of regional and sub-regional organizations for the implementation of a transformative post-2015 development agenda.
It will also provide a platform to exchange views on: strengthening mechanisms to promote common understanding and effective coordination across issues such as conflict prevention and mediation; securing human, logistical and financing in a predictable and sustainable manner in regional and sub-regional organizations; galvanizing international support toward building capacities of regional and sub-regional organizations in conflict prevention and resolution, peacemaking, peacebuilding and development; and fostering cooperation and experience-sharing, especially in the areas of mediation and peaceful settlement of disputes.
The debate is one in a series of high-level events organized by UNGA President Sam Kutesa on the post-2015 development agenda, and is expected to result in a negotiated Declaration to be adopted by the UNGA. [Letter and Concept Note] [UNGA President’s Website on Post-2015 Development Agenda and Related Events]