Explanation of Position following the Adoption of the UNGA72 Second Committee Resolution on Education for Sustainable Development

Marji Christian
International Relations Officer
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York City
November 28, 2017

AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Chair.

The United States joins consensus on this “Education for sustainable development” resolution. While we join consensus on the resolution, we would like to take the opportunity to clarify points regarding quality education and education investments.

The United States is firmly committed to providing equal access to quality education. We note that Member States have a wide array of policies and actions that may be appropriate in striving to provide quality education for all girls and boys, and we believe that this non-binding resolution should not try to define the elements of or requirements for a quality education. We understand that when the resolution calls on Member States to strengthen various aspects of education, this is done in terms as appropriate and consistent with our respective federal, state, and local authorities.

With regard to this resolution’s references to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, we addressed our concerns in the general statement delivered on November 17.

Thank you.