Explanation of Position of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On 2021 conclusions and recommendations of the Economic and Social Council forum on financing for development follow-up

New York, 15 April 2021

In the name of God, The most compassionate, the most merciful

Mr. President,

I have asked for the floor in order to explain my Delegation’s position on the 2021 conclusions and recommendations of the Economic and Social Council forum on financing for development follow-up as contained in document E/FFDF/2021/L.1 under the title of: “Follow-up and review of the financing for development outcomes and the means of implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”.

First and foremost, the Delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran would like to associate itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Guinea to the UN, in its capacity as the Chair of the Group of 77 and China, on the 2021 conclusions and recommendations of the Economic and Social Council forum on financing for development follow-up.

At the same time, my delegation disassociates itself from Para 25 of the 2021 conclusions and recommendations of the ECOSOC forum on FfD due to the reference made to a non-UN initiative that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not a party to, namely the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Regarding a number of other controversial issues concerning the above-mentioned document, including but not limited fossil fuel subsidies, nature-based solutions, climate finance, UNFCCC process and others, Iran’s national laws, regulations, priorities as well as national upper-handed instruments, plans and programs will enjoy total priority and would be considered as the sole and final source of action and reference. 

And last but not least, Mr. President, unlawful and illegitimate unilateral coercive measures, including unjustified and illegal sanctions which are not in accordance with the Charter of the UN and principles of International law, have alarmingly intensified, causing untold human sufferings and depriving many countries from their inalienable rights, including right to development. We believe that the unified and strong opposition to this element should have its proper place in any document regarding the sustainable development as reflected clearly in the sustainable development agenda itself.

Mr. President,

My delegation requests that this Explanation of Position be made part of the official record of the proceedings of this meeting.

I thank you, Mr. President