The agenda of the Second committee was ‘the Eradication of Poverty and Other Development Issues.’ The meeting began with a discussion among representatives from a variety of countries and organizations about the implementation of the second United Nations decade for the eradication for poverty. Her Excellency, Ms. Anna Marie Menendez Perez, President of the Trade and Development Board (UNCTAD) and permanent representative of Spain to the United Nations, spoke on the reports of the trade and development board, which focused on tackling inequality through trade and development a post-2015 challenge.

The conclusion of the trade and development board was to decrease inequality among countries, stimulate higher rates of trade, and increase the productivity of least-developing countries. A recommendation from the trade and development board was to catalyze investments in Africa to ensure transformative growth in order to strengthen the managerial capacities of African policymakers and leaders.The board also looked at the evolution of trade and agriculture and its effect on poverty eradication, sustained development, and employment. Throughout the meeting there was a call for a global post-2015 development agenda by several delegates.

Representatives from countries in special situations including least developed countries and landlocked developing countries spoke on the challenges these countries within in special situations face. There was a consistent consensus among delegates for the recommitment of the Instantbul Programme of Action. The representative of Sudan said that the Instanbul Programme of Action’s goals can be met if economies work together in order to create job opportunities, improve health, education, and technology.

Meeting: Economic and Financial Committee (Second Committee), 19th Eradication of Poverty and other development issues
Date: October 23, 2014
Location: Conference Room 2, UNHQ, New York.
Speakers: His Excellency Mr. Sebastiano Cardi of Italy; Excellency, Ms. Anna Marie Menendez Perez, President of the Trade and Development Board (UNCTAD) and permanent representative of Spain to the United Nations; Individuals who spoke on behalf of groups in special situations included representatives of Myanmar (on behalf of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN)), Malawi (on behalf of the African Group), Benin (on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries), European Union, Brazil, Malaysia, United States, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, China, New Zealand, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Morocco, Russian Federation, Togo, Kazakhstan, Japan, Turkey and the Solomon Islands.
Written By WIT Representative: Eman Osagie

Edited by WIT Representative: Aslesha Dhillon