U N I T E D N A T I O N S N A T I O N S U N I E S HEADQUARTERS

U N I T E D N A T I O N S

N A T I O N S U N I E S

HEADQUARTERS · SIEGE NEW YORK, N. Y. 1OO17

TEL.: 1 (212) 963.1234 · FAX: 1 (212) 963.4879

I have the honour to refer to the Secretary-General’s letter of invitation dated 30 April 2002 calling on States to participate in the Treaty Event Focus 2002: Sustainable Development. As you are aware this Treaty Event will be held in conjunction with the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg from 26 August to 4 September 2002 and will provide an outstanding opportunity for States to reaffirm their commitment to the international legal framework and, in particular, to treaties relating to sustainable development.

During Focus 2002, all treaty actions, i.e. signatures, ratifications, or accessions, will take place in New York. However, they will be formally announced at the Summit in Johannesburg.

In the ten years since the Earth Summit in Rio, numerous multilateral treaties have been concluded which further enhance the international legal framework relating to sustainable development. States are invited to pay special attention to these treaties, when deciding to undertake treaty actions, during Focus 2002. A list of the most significant treaties relating to sustainable development is attached.

It is noted that, consistent with the rules of international law and the practice of the Secretary-General, a Head of State or Government or a Foreign Minister does not require Full Powers to execute a treaty action in person. Furthermore, where general Full Powers have been issued to a person and have been deposited with the Secretariat in advance, specific Full Powers are not required for that person.

However, where an action relating to a treaty deposited with the Secretary-General is to be undertaken by a person other than the Head of State or Government or the Foreign Minister, duly executed Full Powers are necessary.

-	Bear the signature of the Head of State or Government or the Foreign Minister;

-	Clearly indicate the title of the signatory;
-	Specify the title of the instrument to be signed;
-	State the full name of the person authorized to sign the instrument concerned.

Full Powers should be submitted for verification to the Treaty Section of the United Nations in advance of the intended date of the treaty action (fax: (212) 963-3693).

Further information on Full Powers can be obtained from the Treaty Handbook and the Summary of Practice of the Secretary-General as Depositary of Multilateral Treaties (ST/LEG/7/Rev.1). These documents are also available on the “United Nations Treaty Collection on the Internet” (UNTC) at http://untreaty.un.org.

Information on the status of treaties deposited with the Secretary-General as at 31 December 2001 can be obtained from the Multilateral Treaties Deposited with the Secretary-General as at 31 December 2001 (ST/LEG/SER.E/20) or from the UNTC which is updated on a daily basis. The UNTC also contains an overview of key terms used in the UNTC and a glossary of terms.

The Secretary-General has requested States to inform him by 1 August 2002 of their intention to sign, ratify or accede to, during the World Summit on Sustainable Development, any of the multilateral treaties deposited with him.

In his letter, the Secretary-General requested advice on the nature of any assistance that may be required by a State in order to sign, ratify or accede to treaties or to give effect internally to the relevant treaty obligations. Such advice would be greatly appreciated as the Secretariat is currently developing a program to make the required assistance available.

Early advice on your Government’s intention to sign and ratify or accede to any of the multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General would be appreciated. It would assist us in making the necessary arrangements, including media coverage. It is requested that appointments be made well in advance of the intended date of the treaty action by contacting the Treaty Section of the Office of Legal Affairs at: telephone: (212) 963-5047; fax: (212) 963-3693 or e-mail: treaty@un.org.