Courtney R. Nemroff
Acting U.S. Representative to the Economic and Social Council
U.S. Mission to the United Nations
New York, New York
November 18, 2020
AS DELIVERED
The United States was pleased to vote in favor of the Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development resolution. We believe it recognizes the critical role that entrepreneurship can play in achieving sustainable development. We would also like to recognize Israel’s leadership in again putting forward this very important resolution. It is clear this resolution continues to gain support from UN Member States. As we look to recover from the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurship is more important than even and will be essential to a swift and resilient recovery.
We would like to clarify several points regarding the resolution. First, regarding PP9, we remain committed to the commitments laid out in the Beijing Declaration and ICPD Program of Action. However, we do not recognize references to non-UN negotiated conferences, summits, or their respective outcome documents, as are implied with the phrase “and the outcomes documents of their review conferences.” We believe that the General Assembly should only include references to conferences and summits that were clearly mandated through UN modalities resolutions, such as this year’s Beijing+25. Other ones, such as the Nairobi summit, have no direct or indirect place in any UN resolutions. Consistent with the Geneva Consensus Declaration, and reiterated clearly over many years, there was international consensus that these documents do not create new international rights.
With regard to science and technology education policies, we strongly support quality STEM education, but we note that in the United States, curricular and other education policies, decisions, and actions are taken as appropriate and consistent with our respective federal, state, or local authorities.
Finally, we refer you to our national statement delivered on November 18, which addresses our concerns regarding the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the Paris Agreement, climate change, Sendai Framework, illicit financial flows, trade, women’s equality and empowerment, circular economy, and characterizations of inclusive economic growth and technology transfer.
Thank you.
###
