Agenda item

“That Council:

1.    Acknowledges the importance of the United Nations Summit of the Future held on 22 September 2024, when world leaders adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.

2.    Agrees that, by adopting the Pact, countries demonstrate that they are committed to an international system with the United Nations at its centre where Leaders set out a clear vision of a multilateralism that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the engagement and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.

3.    Commends the Aberdeen Branch of the United Nations Association for organising an event to discuss the Pact in the St Nicholas Room, Town House, on 27March 2025.

4.    Endorses the spirit of the Pact for the Future.

5.    Instructs the Chief Officer - Education and Lifelong Learning to bring a report to a future Council meeting outlining what the Council can do to promote the involvement of our young people in expanding and strengthening youth participation in global decision-making.”

The Council had before it a notice of motion by Councillor Macdonald in the following terms:-

“That Council:

1. Acknowledges the importance of the United Nations Summit of the Future held on 22 September 2024, when world leaders adopted a Pact for the Future that includes a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.
2. Agrees that, by adopting the Pact, countries demonstrate that they are committed to an international system with the United Nations at its centre where Leaders set out a clear vision of a multilateralism that can deliver on its promises, is more representative of today’s world and draws on the engagement and expertise of governments, civil society and other key partners.
3. Commends the Aberdeen Branch of the United Nations Association for organising an event to discuss the Pact in the St Nicholas Room, Town House, on 27March 2025.
4. Endorses the spirit of the Pact for the Future.
5. Instructs the Chief Officer - Education and Lifelong Learning to bring a report to a future Council meeting outlining what the Council can do to promote the involvement of our young people in expanding and strengthening youth participation in global decision-making.”

Councillor Macdonald moved, seconded by Councillor Bonsell:-

          That the Council approve the notice of motion.

Councillor Kusznir moved as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Massey:-

          That the Council -

1.    Considers that the Pact for the Future is not an appropriate issue for a local authority Notice of Motion;

2.    Recognises that foreign affairs is not within the purview of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973; and

3.    Therefore will take no action on Cllr Macdonald’s Notice of Motion and encourages any Councillor to stand for the House of Commons if they want to pontificate on foreign affairs rather than focus on the issues they actually have responsibility for.

Councillor Greig moved as a second amendment, seconded by Councillor Allard:-

          That the Council -

a.    Agree parts 1 to 4 of the notice of motion; and

b.    Agree 5 as follows: Instructs the Chief Officer - Education and Lifelong Learning to bring a report to a future meeting of the Education and Children's Services Committee outlining what the Council can do to promote the involvement of our young people in expanding and strengthening youth participation in global decision-making.

There being a motion and two amendments, the Council first divided between the amendment by Councillor Kusznir and the amendment by Councillor Greig.

On a division, there voted:-

For the amendment by Councillor Kusznir  (5)  -  Councillors Boulton, Farquhar, Kusznir, Massey, and Mrs Stewart.

For the amendment by Councillor Greig  (22)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Alphonse, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Davidson, Fairfull, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Mennie, Radley, van Sweeden and Yuill.

Declined to vote  (13)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Crockett, Graham, Grant, Lawrence, Macdonald, Malik, Nicoll, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

Absent from the division  (1)  -  Councillor Bouse.

The Council then divided between the motion and the amendment by Councillor Greig.

On a division, there voted:-

For the motion  (12)  -  Councillors Ali, Blake, Bonsell, Crockett, Graham, Grant, Lawrence, Macdonald, Malik, Thomson, Tissera and Watson.

For the amendment by Councillor Greig  (22)  -  Lord Provost; Depute Provost; and Councillors Al-Samarai, Allard, Alphonse, Hazel Cameron, Clark, Cooke, Copland, Cormie, Davidson, Fairfull, Greig, Henrickson, Hutchison, MacGregor, McLellan, McRae, Mennie, Radley, van Sweeden and Yuill.

Declined to vote  (6)  -  Councillors Boulton, Farquhar, Kusznir, Massey, Nicoll and Mrs Stewart.

Absent from the division  (1)  -  Councillor Bouse.

The Council resolved:-

to adopt the amendment by Councillor Greig.