United Nations General Assembly A/RES/66/217 Distr.: General 27 March 2012 Sixty-sixth session Agenda item 23 (c) Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 22 December 2011 [on the report of the Second Committee (A/66/444/Add.3)] 66/217. Human resources development The General Assembly, Recalling its resolutions 52/196 of 18 December 1997, 54/211 of 22 December 1999, 56/189 of 21 December 2001, 58/207 of 23 December 2003, 60/211 of 22 December 2005, 62/207 of 19 December 2007 and 64/218 of 21 December 2009, Stressing that human resources development lies at the heart of economic, social and environmental development and that health and education are at the core of human resources development, Stressing also that human resources development is key to the efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, and to expand opportunities for people, in particular for the most vulnerable groups of the population, Welcoming the considerable efforts made over the years, yet recognizing that many countries continue to face formidable challenges in developing a sufficient pool of human resources capable of meeting national economic and social needs and that the formulation and implementation of effective human resources strategies often require resources and capacities not always available in developing countries, Stressing that human resources development is even more critical in view of the current global challenges, including the ongoing adverse impacts, particularly on development, of the global financial and economic crisis, in order to tackle the negative effects of the global crisis, and set the basis for sustained, inclusive and equitable growth and recovery, Recognizing that the benefits of human resources development are best realized in national and international environments that support equal opportunity, access to education and non-discrimination and maintain an enabling environment for job creation, Recognizing also that the ongoing adverse impacts, particularly on development, of the global financial and economic crisis continue to diminish the ability of many countries, especially developing countries, to cope with and address human resources development challenges and to formulate and implement effective strategies for poverty eradication and sustainable development, 11-47184 *1147184* Please rec cle ♲