Content_paragraphs:  I welcome the signs of revitalization and increased engagement of the technical 
  
  committees that were evident during the reporting period, continuing a trend from 
  
  2019 that I previously reported on (see S/2019/37, para. 23; and S/2019/883, 
  
  paras. 18, 37 and 38). For example, 11 of the 12 technical committees met at least 
  
  once during the reporting period, many members were also directly in communication 
  
  with each other between committee meetings, and concrete initiatives and events were 
  
  carried out. Joint statements that were issued by several technical committees on a 
  
  range of issues during the reporting period, including by the technical committees on 
  
  culture, gender equality, cultural heritage, health and education, were significant in 
  
  their number and scope. The direct engagement by the two leaders with the 
  
  bicommunal technical committees and their presence at their events served as a 
  
  welcome reaffirmation of political support for the committees’ important work, as 
  
  called for by the Security Council, most recently in its resolution 2506 (2020). As 
  
  joint appearances of the two leaders have taken place only sporadically over the past 
  
  three years, they carry particular significance, especially considering the overall 
  
  decline in the political climate on and around the island. Although these developments 
  
  are positive, it should be noted that a number of the technical committees have not 
  
  yet reached their full potential. In this respect, I urge the two leaders to take forward 
  
  the recommendations of the stocktaking exercise shared with both sides.