Economic and Social Council Fills Remaining Vice-President Post, Approves Division of Responsibilities for 2020 Session
The Economic and Social Council today approved a draft decision, in addition to electing a Vice-President and agreeing upon the division of responsibilities for its 2020 session.
By the terms of a draft decision titled “Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees” (document E/2020/L.2), and presented by Mali, the Council recommended that the General Assembly would decide on enlarging the membership of the Committee from 105 to 106 States at its seventy-fourth session.
By other terms of the decision, the Council took note of the request to enlarge the membership of the Executive Committee, contained in the note verbale dated 26 July 2019 from Mali addressed to the Secretary-General.
Issa Konfourou (Mali) said that his country has always prioritized cooperation with humanitarian partners on the implementation of various international conventions. At the national level, Mali is dealing with a multidimensional crisis which has led to a massive movement and displacement of its population. In seeking out lasting solutions to this crisis, it has continued to undertake significant actions both to assist and protect its people. Mali’s joining the Executive Committee will allow it to share its experience and shows its commitment to the international community.
The Council also elected Omar Hilale (Morocco), by acclamation, as Vice-President of the Council for the 2020 session.
It also agreed on the division of responsibilities for its 2020 session. The high-level segment, the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development convened under the auspices of the Council, the Forum on Financing for Development follow-up, the Development Cooperation Forum and the special meeting on international cooperation in tax matters, as well as any joint meetings and other special meetings that may be convened, will be the responsibility of Council President Mona Juul (Norway).
The Council also decided that Vice-President Juan Sandoval Mendiolea (Mexico) will be responsible for operational activities for development segment; Vice-President Mher Margaryan (Armenia) will be charged with the integration segment; and Vice-President Maleeha Lodhi (Pakistan) will be tasked with managing meetings, including elections to fill vacancies in the Council’s subsidiary and related bodies.