Israeli sustainable development resolution adopted at UN

Israeli resolution promotes making agricultural technology more accessible in areas stricken by poverty, drought and hunger.

By DANIELLE ZIRI
Updated: DECEMBER 6, 2015 04:28
A drip irrigation farm. (photo credit: REUTERS)
A drip irrigation farm.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
NEW YORK – The United Nations has adopted an Israeli resolution to utilize agricultural technology for sustainable development.
The resolution was passed on Friday in the UN Second Committee, which deals with economic, financial and development issues. One hundred and twenty-four countries voted in favor of Israel’s proposal and 37 abstained.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon called the achievement “a victory for Israeli innovation”.
“Today’s resolution is not only about agricultural technology,” Danon said. “It is about improving the lives and livelihoods of millions of people across the developing world.”
The Israeli Mission to the United Nations said the resolution was adopted after “complex diplomatic efforts” made over several months, and that the resolution marks a “diplomatic achievement for Israel” in light of the efforts made by Arab countries to prevent it from passing.
“Israeli innovation beats the UN’s hypocrisy,” Danon added. “It is quite ironic that the group of nations blocking a consensus on this resolution is the same group who would benefit from it most – the Arab group.”
“The need for agricultural technology in the Middle East is undeniable,” he said. “Yet, as we are all painfully aware, these governments continuously put politics before people and pride before progress.”
Sustainable development is a major priority for the UN 70th General Assembly. In September it adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which includes 17 goals to be achieved in the next 15 years such as eradicating poverty and promoting gender equality.
The Israeli resolution promotes making agricultural technology more accessible in areas stricken by poverty, drought and hunger.