The United States has expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Center, despite joining the consensus on a draft resolution at the 58th Plenary Meeting of the UN General Assembly. The U.S. delegation emphasized its opposition to expanding the UN system, citing concerns about potential duplication and overlapping mandates.
The U.S. statement highlighted Kazakhstan's efforts in reaching consensus but suggested that Kazakhstan should focus on making sovereign decisions rather than relying on global governance frameworks. The U.S. underscored the importance of due diligence and due process by Member States when considering new UN entities, stressing high standards for transparency, accountability, integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness.
The United States also addressed specific points within the resolution. It called for an end to repetitive references to prior resolutions in favor of forward-looking approaches. This change could lead to time and cost savings by reducing debates over wording and focusing more on meaningful negotiations.
Furthermore, the U.S. advised against mentioning non-UN organizations in ways that imply they have decision-making roles or responsibilities within the UN system. While cooperation is possible, these organizations remain independent.
Regarding development language, the U.S. proposed using terms like "responsible" and "long-term" development instead of "sustainable," arguing that it better reflects progress beyond developing status.
On human rights, the U.S. reiterated its stance that all individuals possess internationally recognized human rights without gradations or distinctions among different categories of people.
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