Statement by

Mr. Ali Hajilari

First Counselor

Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

On agenda item 17, “Macroeconomic policy questions” and its sub-items (a) to (e),

as well as agenda item 18, “Follow-up to and implementation of the outcomes of the International Conferences on Financing for Development”

New York, 7 October 2020

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation would like to associate itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Guyana, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. I would also like to add some points in my national capacity.

Mr. Chairman,

Dear Colleagues;

We are meeting in an increasingly challenging global environment in which multilateralism is under severe strain and the adoption of inward-looking policies, protectionist approaches and unilateral measures undermine the multilateral financing and trading system. Developing countries continue to suffer from deficiencies and imbalances embedded in global economic, financial and trade systems which have brought about inequality and poverty, exacerbated by continued lack of access to required technologies, capacities and financial resources and at the same time, the adverse devastating effects of COVID 19 have further deteriorated the already critical situation.

Mr. Chairman;

My Delegation would like to stress that financing for development should focus on channeling resources to poverty eradication, which is the overarching goal of the sustainable development agenda. In this context, any resources must be made available to developing countries regardless of political considerations and discriminatory approaches aligned with national priorities and development strategies of the countries taking into consideration different realities and contexts, and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. Unfortunately, Financing for development is more than ever now posed to challenges. The rampant blow to multilateralism has generated huge challenges for both “financing” and “development”. The protectionist and embargo policies by some major players cast doubt on effectiveness of multilateral financing and trading systems. International community should ensure that financing for development in no way becomes hostage to coercive and restrictive agenda of financier countries and organizations.

The concern expressed in Addis Ababa Action Agenda is still the case and Official Development Assistance (ODA) is far from expectation. ODA providers should reach their assigned targets. Failure so far can be attributed to the failure of the developed world in keeping their side of the bargain.

Mr. Chairman,

International trade is an engine for inclusive economic growth. This is the right of every sovereign state to be part of a universal, rules-based, open, transparent, predictable, inclusive, non-discriminatory multilateral trading system. The World Trade Organization, where the Islamic Republic of Iran has been denied membership for more than two decades, is now target of harsh unilateral behavior which puts the whole international trading system at risk. Here I would like to emphasize the importance of facilitating the accession of developing countries to the World Trade Organization. It is evident that the acceleration of the accession process must only be on a technical and legal basis and in an expeditious and transparent manner free from any political consideration.

Dear Colleagues;

We believe that the United Nations provides a unique and key forum for discussing international economic issues and is well positioned to participate in various reform processes aimed at improving and strengthening the effective functioning of the international financial system and architecture. It is evident that the United Nations and the international financial institutions have complementary mandates that make the coordination of their actions crucial.

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, let me reiterate that financing for development is a glorious objective and a beautiful slogan that has faded in the shadow of unilateralism and unilateral coercive measures, and will not be realized unless such illegal and unjust actions are collectively rejected and totally eliminated through the adoption of urgent and effective measures by the international community.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.