17 October 2012: The General Assembly’s Second Committee (Economic and Financial) met on 17 October 2012, in New York, US, to discuss financial support of countries in special situations. Focusing on Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the discussion included issues of the post-2015 development agenda and follow-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) in these countries.

Representatives emphasized the need to implement Rio+20 outcomes and transition to sustainable development internationally. Morocco said the Rio+20 vision was important for determining a post-2015 sustainable development agenda for all countries, including LDCs and LLDCs. Benin spoke on behalf of the Group of LLDCs, saying countries should be eased onto a sustainable development path smoothly, without hurting their current development plans or programs.

States also prioritized an emphasis on poverty eradication, capacity-building, and financial support for countries in special situations within the post-2015 development agenda. Countries stressed that human concerns of extreme poverty and hunger should be central to this agenda and to the ongoing pursuit of sustainable development. Additionally, the specific vulnerabilities of SIDS were noted, and the Republic of Korea said the 2014 SIDS Conference in Samoa was of timely importance for these countries.

Gyan Chandra Acharya, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Land-Locked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, stated that the resources and support given to this office (OHRLLS) should be expanded in order to fully cover its global efforts and importance. [UN Press Release]