By Aryeh Savir/TPS • 27 November, 2019
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution proposed by Israel on “Agricultural Technologies for Development” that advances the UN Secretary-General’s Sustainable Development Goals to eradicate global poverty and hunger.
A majority of 147 countries voted in favor of the motion, and the Arab League chose to abstain from voting rather than voting against it, a rare diplomatic occurrence.
The Israeli resolution is intended to help developing countries access agricultural technology, helping fulfill Secretary-General António Guterres’ goal of promoting sustainable development.
The resolution speaks to Israel’s strong capabilities in agriculture, irrigation and water management practices, youth job creation in agriculture, and is consistent with Israel’s longstanding cooperation with other countries, especially in Africa and India.
“The overwhelming support the resolution received indicates its importance for many nations around the world, especially developing countries,” Israel’s mission to the UN stated.
In accordance with a 2015 resolution, UN member states must act to implement the UN’s 2030 Agenda of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include in the areas of improving water, agriculture, health, eradication of poverty and hunger, and gender equality.
Israel is among the few countries to submit a national report on the progress it made this year. The report includes comprehensive information on the activities of the various government ministries and shows that the State of Israel has achieved several achievements and goals. These include achievements in the fields of water, agriculture, and health.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon thanked the countries that supported the resolution, saying that “Israeli technologies have made the State of Israel a global power of knowledge and innovation that contributes to the global development effort.”
He further noted that “the countries that chose not to support us are the very ones that need to implement this resolution the most. Their decision to stick to their political biases only ends up harming their citizens, who are thirsty for the technology and advancement opportunities outlined in the resolution.”