At the annual general debate opening the 61st session of the UN General Assembly in September, participants discussed UN reforms and environmental issues, among other themes.

Several speakers expressed support for continued management reform and an enlarged membership for the Security Council. Sweden underscored the role of the High-level Panel on UN System-wide Coherence in the areas of development, humanitarian affairs and environment to revitalize the support of the United Nations to developing countries. On the increasing importance of environmental issues, Iceland called for more action on ocean issues and renewable and clean energy sources; Pacific nations drew attention to the effects of climate change; and Micronesia and Palau proposed an immediate moratorium on unregulated bottom trawling because of its devastating impact on marine ecosystems. The European Union recalled its proposal to transform the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) into a specialized agency, the UN Environment Organization (UNEO), which would be based in Nairobi and built on existing structures, and stressed that addressing climate change and biodiversity loss are integral parts of achieving sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals.
Links to further information
UN press releases:
27 September 2006
26 September 2006
26 September 2006
22 September 2006
EU statement, 19 September 2006