Jesse Walter
Adviser for ECOSOC
New York, New York
November 23, 2021
AS DELIVERED
On behalf of the United States, I would like to extend our appreciation to the facilitators—Mexico and Indonesia—for the successful shepherding of this resolution.
While we join consensus on this resolution, we take this opportunity to clarify important points.
The United States views the reference to the Digital Cooperation Organization in PP18 as only one example of multilateral activities outside of the UN system relevant to the paragraph. As there are many organizations doing similar work, the United States does not view this reference as a representative example, nor does it elevate the status of or work done under this organization over other regional organizations. We also consider the reference in OP17 to “other relevant initiatives” to be to voluntary initiatives only.
Regarding our position on the characterization of technology and/or knowledge transfer in several paragraphs, including PP12, PP16, PP31, PP38, OP4, OP5, OP16, OP34, and of trade issues at the WTO in general, including those referenced in OP17, as well as the 2030 Agenda and Addis Ababa Action Agenda, we refer you to our General Statement delivered in the Second Committee on November 18, 2021.
Thank you.
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