SPECIAL ASSEMBLY SESSION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF 1994 BARBADOS PROGRAMME OF ACTION CONCLUDES; FINAL DOCUMENTS ADOPTED

Press Release
GA/9614
ENV/DEV/524

SPECIAL ASSEMBLY SESSION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF 1994 BARBADOS PROGRAMME OF ACTION CONCLUDES; FINAL DOCUMENTS ADOPTED

The General Assembly, following meetings held this afternoon and evening, concluded its twenty-second special session on the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Programme of Action adopted at the 1994 Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, by adopting two related final documents.

By the terms of a Declaration, States called on the international community to provide adequate, predictable, new and additional financial resources -- particularly in tackling complex issues such as poverty -- and support for capacity- and institutional-building programmes and projects in small island developing States (SIDS). They also called for increased efforts to assist SIDS in obtaining the transfer of environmentally sound technology needed for achieving sustainable development and implementing the Programme of Action.

Further, successful implementation of the Programme would require action by all partners in the following areas: to foster an enabling environment for investment and external assistance; resource mobilization and financing; the transfer of environmentally sound technologies as set forth in the Programme; and capacity-building, including education, training, awareness-raising and institutional development.

Among the key actions recommended by the text on further initiatives was the formulation of sustainable development strategies, which set out clear indicators, and benchmarks of progress reflecting individual country circumstances and wider goals. It also called for resource mobilization and finance and for identification of programmes and projects, with particular reference to the areas identified for urgent action. Further by the text, there was a call for the improvement of the effectiveness of bilateral and multilateral development assistance.

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* Meeting numbers from pages 2 to 25 of this release should read 4th & 5th Meetings (PM & Night).

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The international community was called on to provide support to SIDS to improve and strengthen their capabilities in the field of trade policy to assist them in coping with the challenges posed by the globalization of markets. Support and technical assistance was also needed to enhance their effective participation in multilateral trade negotiations, activities and dispute settlement (including the dispute- settlement mechanism of the World Trade Organization) and formulating a positive agenda for future trade negotiations.

The completion of the quantitative and analytic work on a vulnerability index for small island developing States, preferably by the year 2000, was called for in the text, as well as the building of capacity at all levels for the long-term monitoring and evaluation of vulnerability.

By the terms of a draft decision entitled “Letter dated 24 September 1999 from the Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations addressed to the President of the General Assembly”, the Assembly took note of the letter, which transmitted a draft resolution submitted by Guyana (on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China) and Mexico, on the Caribbean Sea as a special area. It decided to transmit the letter and its annex to the Assembly at its fifty-fourth session for further consideration by the Second Committee (Economic and Financial), under the agenda item entitled “Environment and sustainable development”.

In closing remarks, the President of the Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab (Namibia), said that, without funds, resources and the good will of nations and multilateral institutions, sustainable development could not be achieved. Time was running out, and the international community had to act. Agenda 21 and the Barbados Programme of Action remained as urgent and relevant today as when they were articulated. The session was, in part, a reminder to the international community to live up to the promises made and complete the assistance programmes undertaken.

The Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole, John Ashe (Antigua and Barbuda), introduced that body's report.

Also this afternoon, the Assembly adopted the report of its Credentials Committee.

Statements were made this afternoon and evening by the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius and the Foreign Ministers of Thailand, Bahamas, Madagascar, Indonesia, Burkina Faso, United Republic of Tanzania, Bangladesh and Guinea-Bissau.

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The Minister for Environment of the Netherlands, the Minister for Home Affairs, Housing and Environment of the Maldives, and the Minister for Environment and Social Development of Kiribati also addressed the Assembly.

The representatives of Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Lao People's Democratic Republic, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Colombia, Gambia, Israel, Spain, Malaysia, Antigua and Barbuda, Monaco and the Republic of Korea also spoke.

In addition, the Assembly was addressed by the following observer delegations: the European Community; the Holy See; the Sovereign Military Order of Malta; and the Caribbean Community. The Secretary- General of the Commonwealth Secretariat, the Secretary-General of the South Pacific Forum, the Secretary-General of the Association of Caribbean States, and representatives of the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and Anguilla also spoke.

The following non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also made statements: the Caribbean Conservation Association; the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre; and the Pan African Movement.

Statements after the adoption of the texts were made by the representatives of Finland (on behalf of the European Union), United States, Guyana (on behalf of the Group of 77 and China) and Samoa (on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States).

The Assembly will meet at 10 a.m. tomorrow to continue its general debate.

Highlights of Session

Over the two days, many speakers pressed the international community to act with more urgency to address the needs of small island developing States. Addressing the opening day of the two-day session, Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged that community to reaffirm its commitment to the island nations, stressing that they were front-line zones where many of the main problems of environment and development were unfolding in concentrated form. Despite genuine progress and efforts by the international community, it needed to do more in terms of investment, official development assistance, and low-cost technologies.

Similarly, the President of the Assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab (Namibia), noted that the most common hurdle faced by small island States was insufficiency of funds. External support had not been forthcoming on the scale promised, and small island States with highly open economies were being adversely affected by the vagaries of the international

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economy. The most pressing economic issues that needed to be addressed by the session were those that impinged on the economic fragility and vulnerability of island States.

Highlights of Final Documents

By the draft declaration, States called on the international community to provide adequate, predictable, new and additional financial resources, in accordance with Agenda 21 and the Barbados Programme of Action -- particularly in tackling complex issues such as poverty -- and support for capacity- and institutional-building programmes and projects in small island developing States. They also called for increased efforts to assist them in obtaining the transfer of the environmentally sound technology needed for achieving sustainable development and implementing the Programme of Action.

In addition, States called on the Secretary-General to improve existing institutional arrangements in the United Nations to effectively support SIDS in a more proactive way. They welcomed the continued efforts of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS)in promoting the interests and concerns of those countries.

States also endorsed a series of broad initiatives for the further implementation of the Programme of Action. The “State of progress and initiatives for the future implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States” states that the Programme of Action remains a valuable and living framework for the sustainable development efforts being undertaken by SIDS. Among the constraints to the sustainable development of those countries are a narrow resource base, small domestic markets and a heavy dependence on a few external and remote markets, and fragile natural environments.

Further successful implementation of the Programme would require action by all partners in the following areas: to foster an enabling environment for investment and external assistance; resource mobilization and financing; the transfer of environmentally sound technologies, as set forth in the Programme; and capacity-building, including education, training, awareness-raising and institutional development.

Poverty remained a major problem affecting the capacity of many small island developing States to achieve sustainable development. In those countries, poverty had been exacerbated by increasing levels of unemployment. The eradication of poverty was, therefore, a serious issue for those States, and required the integration of economic, environmental and social components of action to achieve sustainable development.

Among other things, the full, effective, and long-term implementation of the Programme required a strong and committed partnership between SIDS and the international community. The

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continuation of strengthened partnership between those States and the private sector was encouraged.

Among the key actions recommended for further implementation of the Programme of Action, small islands and the international community were urged to continue to improve island capacity to respond to climate change. International support was particularly required to identify adaptation options.

Further work was called for to reduce the impact of “El Niño”, and natural disasters emphasis was placed on early warning systems. Partnerships were also urged between small islands and the private sector to implement schemes to spread risks, expand insurance coverage and reduce premiums.

In the area of coastal and marine resources, the text, taking into account the views and concerns of small island developing States that the transboundary movement of hazardous and radioactive wastes is not adequately covered in the existing international legal regimes -- in particular, safety measures, disclosure, liability and compensation in relation to accidents, and remedial measures in relation to contamination from such wastes -- called on States and relevant international organizations to continue to address these concerns in a specific and comprehensive manner and call on the Secretary-General to report to the Assembly no later than its fifty-sixth session on efforts and measures undertaken and progress achieved.

Further, it called for the establishment or strengthening of programmes to assess the impact of development on coastal areas and reduce land-based pollution. It called for policies to address fisheries problems, including illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in small island waters, and strengthening of national capacity for negotiating fishing agreements and promoting commercial investment in sustainable fisheries. Regional coordination was needed in monitoring fishing, including use of computerized vessel tracking systems.

Among other actions called for were improving assessment, planning and integrated management of freshwater resources and the mobilization of resources, including from the private sector, to encourage energy efficiency and develop renewable energy. In addition, regional and national environmental assessment programmes were called for to address the carrying capacity for tourism, community-based initiatives, and mobilization of adequate resources from all sources to assist in sustainable tourism development.

The text called for the formulation of sustainable development strategies through transparent and participatory approaches, and to set out clear indicators and benchmarks of progress which reflect individual country circumstances and wider goals, including regional objectives. It

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also called for the continued development and implementation of sustainable development strategies to strengthen institutional capacity.

With regard to resource mobilization and finance, the text called for identification of programmes and projects, with particular reference to the areas identified for urgent action, which could be financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It also called for improvement of the effectiveness of bilateral and multilateral development assistance, including by streamlining and harmonizing procedures, indicators and reporting methods, and by promoting coordination among donors.

The international community was called on to provide support to small island developing States to improve and strengthen their capabilities in the field of trade policy to assist them in coping with the challenges posed by the globalization of markets. Support and technical assistance were also needed to enhance their effective participation in multilateral trade negotiations, activities and dispute settlement (including the dispute-settlement mechanism of the World Trade Organization) and formulating a positive agenda for future trade negotiations.

The completion of the quantitative and analytic work on a vulnerability index for small island developing States, preferably by the year 2000, was called for in the text, as well as the building of capacity at all levels for the long-term monitoring and evaluation of vulnerability.

Regarding the Small Island Developing States Network (SIDSNET) -- a tangible outcome of the Programme of Action -- the following were among the actions called for: facilitation of the transfer of modern technology and communication systems to promote their use; addressing the constraints to Internet connectivity; improvement of the information packaging in relation to sustainable development; encouragement of private sector opportunities and involvement; and the provision of necessary human resources support and training.

The text also called for strengthening of the existing institutional arrangements through more efficient use of resources in the United Nations to maximize support for SIDS and so that the United Nations, its agencies and regional commissions become more effective in promoting and assisting sustainable development in island States. Further, it calls for facilitation of the development of partnerships among all stakeholders, particularly local communities, NGOs and the private sector.

Assembly Work Programme

The twenty-second special session of the General Assembly this afternoon continued its debate on the review and appraisal of the implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. Nineteen speakers were expected to take the floor.

Statements

SURIN PITSUWAN, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand: Small island developing States (SIDS) present special cases in efforts towardssustainable development. They have fragile ecosystems and are extremely vulnerable. The international community and the small island States must confront all the challenges in partnership, as agreed in the 1994 global conference in Barbados. As climate change and its effects on rising sea levels pose a critical threat to small island States, there is an urgent need for the international community to live up to its commitments to curb emissions of greenhouse gases. Developed countries are obliged to provide small islands with environmentally sound technologies.

For its part, Thailand supports global efforts for greenhouse gas reduction. As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, it implements various programmes in that regard, including energy conservation campaigns. It also assists small island States in dealing with both natural and man-made disasters. It is unfortunate that there has been a steady decline in official development assistance (ODA) from donor countries, for without adequate financial resources the SIDS are hard pressed to face their challenges. What is most needed is access to predictable flows of new and additional financial resources. The donor community is urged to make its best efforts to increase the level of ODA to reach the agreed target of 0.7 per cent of gross national product (GNP).

The drop in external financing is exacerbated by a shortfall in export revenues for island States. Thailand has provided preferential trade treatment to some of those States within the framework of the Generalized System of Trade Preferences (GSTP) among developing countries. It has also decided to offer a voluntary and unilateral tariff reduction for a number of products imported from some small island developing States. Capacity-building remains critical to the long-term efforts of the SIDS to achieve sustainable development. For this reason, Thailand, in collaboration with donor countries and international organizations, grants fellowships to South Pacific island States under its international cooperation programme.

JANET BOSTWICK, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas: This special session comes at a critical time when the concerns articulated in the Barbados Programme of Action are even more pronounced. The very survival of the SIDS is at stake. They are prominent among the countries which have suffered the devastating consequences of climate change. It has been just days since the Bahamas suffered the impact of Hurricane Floyd.

This special session is a time of reckoning. The SIDS have taken the initiative to move the Barbados Programme of Action forward. The Bahamas, for its part, established in 1994 the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology Commission (BEST), which has a leading role in matters relating to sustainable development and protection of the environment.

We will avoid cynicism and charges of abandoned commitments. We prefer to focus and build on examples of results-based partnerships and joint action that have enabled progress to be made in meeting the challenges the SIDS face. But even as we recognize that progress, we are aware that science and technology for sustainable development is one of the areas in which more needs to be done. The Barbados Conference underscored the importance of developing vulnerability indices that reflect the status of the SIDS. We urge the United Nations and other international organizations to produce such an index by the year 2000.

LILA RATSIFANDRIAMANANA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Madagascar: Madagascar is an island in the southwest of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique. Although it is a large island, it experiences daily the problems faced by small island States, including oil spills at sea, the mysterious transport of toxic waste, the plunder of biological resources, and the deterioration of our cultural heritage derived from the aggression of Western cultures. Thus, Madagascar is actively waging a fight for survival, in many international forums.

Turning to recent efforts made by her country at the international level, Madagascar last year ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Regionally, it participates with the Indian Ocean Commission in establishing a regional policy for sustainable development, which includes a waste management project for the small island developing States in the Indian Ocean. In addition, the regional project to combat hydrocarbon spills is now operational. Nationally, my country has established a programme of action, which prioritizes biodiversity and the management of coastal areas.

My country also attaches importance to the issue of trade. Regional integration was a response to globalization, and Madagascar was the first country of the Indian Ocean Commission to notify the Secretary-General of its decision to implement the first stage of an 80 per cent tariff reduction this year for commodities coming from member countries, as a prelude to a free trade zone. Such efforts would be futile without the support of the international community. Implementation of the Action Programme, the goal of these initiatives, is based on a tripartite partnership at the national, regional and international levels. Madagascar reaffirms its commitment to implement the Action Programme and joins others in requesting that the world community provide the effective financial means to do so.

ALI ALATAS, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia: Small island developing States are often exotic and spectacular in their beauty. Their size magnifies their problems, however. They bear the brunt of globalization and suffer from the adverse effects of climate change and the inaccessibility of markets. As a country comprising over 17,000 islands, most of which share the same development challenges as the SIDS, Indonesia fully supports the system- wide implementation of the Programme of Action for Sustainable Development of Small Island States.

The initial momentum of the impementation of the Barbados Programme has been dissipated by the forces of globalization and trade liberalization, and by a development paradigm that favours the unrestrained play of market forces over multilateral cooperation. These have led to a decline in assistance to the SIDS and erosion of their competitiveness in global trade. The Pacific islands, have experienced a sharp reduction of export revenues as the purchasing power of their Asian trade partners has been rolled back by the financial crisis. Thus, a critical challenge is the need to mobilize the financial resources to meet the priorities and responsibilities of the Programme.

The SIDS face challenges made more formidable by the fact that the World Trade Organization has ruled against their entitlement to preferential treatment. This will constrict their already limited external earnings, exposing their vulnerable economies to greater risks. Also, due to their limited national capacity and infrastructure, SIDS urgently need access to low- cost, environmentally sound technology. In this era of globalization, there is no alternative to international cooperation.

YOUSSOUF OUEDRAOGO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso: A few days ago, Hurricane Floyd battered the Bahamas, bringing desolation and untold damage to that country. This disaster has underlined the difficulties that inhabitants of SIDS are facing. My country is particularly happy to participate in the special session, for it well understands the problems of small island States. Five years after the adoption of the Barbados Programme, it is necessary to reiterate its validity and relevance. It is also important to stress that the SIDS have fully shouldered their responsibilities, at both national and regional levels. The international community must support these efforts in a more resolute way.

Climate change, to which the SIDS often fall victims, the question of fresh water, the preservation of coastal and marine resources are all critical areas where rigorous action is needed. The future of the Programme depends on the will of the international community to provide the necessary financial resources for its implementation and reaffirm their commitment to it. I hope that, at the end of the special session, the international community will be able to provide the necessary assistance to small island developing States.

JAN PRONK, Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands: Small island developing States (SIDS) differ from developing countries with direct connections with their neighbours over land. This is due to a peculiar geographical situation. These differences imply limits to the scale of their economies as well as to the diversity of their communications, resulting in a third limitation: an inherently one-sided production structure. Besides being vulnerable economically, SIDS are also vulnerable in ecological terms. They are responsible for areas which are unique in terms of biological diversity. Their biological diversity is among the most threatened in the world. In order to protect these precious assets it is necessary to regulate or even prohibit the import or transboundary movement of hazardous and radioactive waste and materials.

The SIDS are the first affected by the consequences of climate change and extreme weather variability. This means that it is necessary to help these countries deal with the adverse effects of climate change, but also to support them in strengthening their own institutional capacity to prevent such consequences. The SIDS will have access to financial resources to be created under the Kyoto Protocol. This is particularly true for the Clean Development Mechanism, which, it is hoped, will be operational soon. The SIDS should articulate their needs through their National Communications under the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The Netherlands, together with Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles, are committed to the sustainable development of all developing countries, including small islands. Assistance to SIDS is to a great part channeled through multilateral organizations. There is a growing recognition that the preservation of our planet is a common responsibility. This requires good sustainable development policies. They are a first responsibility of national governments. However, they will have to be supported through international and regional cooperation.

T.J.B. JOKONYA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Zimbabwe: The significant progress made at the national and regional by the small island developing States (SIDS) testifies to both their claim of ownership of the Barbados Programme of Action and the acceptance of their primary responsibility for sustainable development. Over the past five years, island states have undertaken domestic reforms in the area of macroeconomic policy to gear themselves for integration in the global economy. At the regional level, they have realized that they can only survive if they act together in exploiting their natural resources.

Regrettably, for lack of the requisite complementary international support the sterling efforts of the island states did not yield maximum benefit. There is a need for renewed partnerships to stimulate investment and job creation, particularly in the sectors of renewable energy, sustainable tourism, agriculture and fisheries, coastal and marine resources, biodiversity resources and freshwater resources.

In the area of the environment, national efforts were, once again, not matched with the requisite international support. Despite funding shortages, most small island nations moved forward on environmental protection in line with the Programme of Action. Island States should not be left alone to deal with their extreme vulnerability to natural and perilous disasters. Furthermore, the international community must realize that the SIDS rely on international trade more than most countries, as their limited land mass and resources require that they import virtually everything, from energy to health supplies and machinery.

IABDUS SAMAD AZAD, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh: The small island developing States (SIDS), like other developing countries, need human development, institutional capacity-building, better healthcare and education, social advancement, an increase in per capita income, eradication of poverty and protection from natural and environmental threats. However, their difficulties have unique aspects that demand a special approach. Many of their problems have a global dimension. No State, or even group of States, can deal with them adequately. In many cases, the small islands suffer from the adverse conditions created by unsustainable activities to which they do not contribute.

Difficulties that SIDS encounter as a result of natural disasters are compounded by economic constraints of smallness and remoteness. In most cases, their circumstances make it difficult for them to benefit from global economic development. Five years have elapsed since a blueprint for meeting the needs of SIDS was drawn up at Barbados, and much remains to be done.

The SIDS themselves have made appreciable progress, forging partnerships for regional collaboration. The international community, however, has not been as forthcoming as envisaged and promised. The aid flow is decreasing, and the preferential trade terms accorded to many small island States are vanishing. The Barbados Programme needs an increasing flow of resources for its implementation. The Global Environmental Facility should be made more responsive to the needs of SIDS. All of us need not only to renew our commitments here, but also actually to come forward with the determination to implement those commitments.

AKMARAL ARYSTANBEKOVA (Kazakhstan): It is obvious that the world needs sustainable economic and social development on the basis of the balanced and rational use of natural and water resources. In our interdependent world, no problem can be addressed solely on the basis of the interests of a single State or region. The world community must come to the assistance of small island developing States.

Despite the attention of the international community to the challenges faced by these nations, a range of factors continue to obstruct their sustainable development. These include small domestic markets, narrow resource bases, high costs of energy carriers, long distances from export markets, great vulnerability to natural disasters and fragile environments. Similarly, Kazakhstan faces serious social and environmental problems from the now dry Aral Sea and the effects of many years of nuclear-weapons testing at the former testing ground near Semipalatinsk, which it inherited. It also shares the problems of access to export markets, owing to its remoteness.

Of particular relevance is the practical implementation of initiatives related to more focused action at all levels. The goal must be to strengthen support from all sources, to facilitate the wider access of small island developing States to environmentally sound technology. Kazakhstan reiterates the call for the world community to recognize the special difficulties of these States and support their efforts towards sustainable development.

JAKAYA M. KIKWETE, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Republic of Tanzania: Tanzania is a Union between the former Republic of Tanganyika and the Peoples Republic of Zanzibar, which is a small island developing State. Like many SIDS, Zanzibar depended on a single commodity trade, until the 1970s when a fall in the price of cloves devastated the economy. As a result, Zanzibar has now embarked on a programme aimed at diversifying in order to expand tourism, attract foreign investment and find solutions to problems related to environment and development. In order for this to succeed, the support of the international community is required.

Tanzania recognizes the Barbados Programme of Action as the blueprint for the sustainable development of the SIDS. However, the SIDS are now facing additional challenges arising from the twin processes of globalization and trade liberalization. Because of the vulnerability of these countries' economies, the SIDS have continued to suffer from persistent marginalization in this new economic order.

As well, the ODA to these small States is on the decline, a trend which has serious impact. Likewise, low levels of technology, inadequate private capital, low income and poor infrastructure are additional factors which have affected the smooth implementation of the Programme of Action. My delegation calls upon the international donor community to reverse their decision and increase the level of ODA contribution to the SIDS. It also urges them to provide the necessary technical assistance and transfer the necessary technology that would enable these countries to address their special socio-economic development constraints more effectively.

ION GORITA (Romania): Sustainable development in SIDS should focus on two main areas. First, globalization is producing significant asymmetries between developed and developing countries and widening the income gap between them. It is also causing marginalization of small countries and those with small economies. As a result, external factors are critical in determining the success or failure of SIDS’ domestic efforts.

To avoid constant marginalization in the areas of trade, investments, commodities and capital markets, SIDS should undertake internal macroeconomic policy reforms to integrate into the global economy. Regional cooperation should yield coordinated regional and subregional approaches in the economic, social and environmental areas, to capitalize on opportunities of globalization.

The second critical issue for the SIDS is poverty, a major constraint on the capacity of developing countries to achieve sustainable development. The persistence of poverty compromises the achievement of basic social services such as education, health care, nutrition and sanitation. The United Nations can support national governments through advocacy, capacity-building and the setting up of internationally agreed targets. Eradication of poverty should be a high priority to the SIDS. The economic, environmental and social components of sustainable development activities should be integrated, assisted by fulfilment of the 0.7 per cent ODA target by all donor countries.

FAWZI A. SOBOKSHI (Saudi Arabia): We have endeavoured to develop the indicators which explain the impact of global warming on small island developing States, as detailed in article 1 of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. We draw attention to article 3 of that agreement, which emphasizes the need for the parties to the Convention to reach a legal formula to strengthen the adherence of the industrial countries to the provisions of Annex 1 of the Convention, which states that no new obligations should be imposed on the developing countries.

The Convention also stipulates that no new ideas should be introduced which are not included in the "Berlin Formula", such as the joint application or exchange of emissions internationally, or other ideas which would burden the developing countries with the task of reducing emissions.

The developing countries, including Saudi Arabia, depend to a great extent on their production and export of fossil fuels. Thus, it is illogical to impose additional taxes on petroleum, which is already over-burdened by high taxes from the industrial countries, whereas coal and nuclear energy receive high subsidies and tax incentives. It will be increasingly difficult to accept the industrial countries’ continuing to encourage increases in fossil fuel production, particularly petroleum, in developing countries, while at the same time taking measures to control its consumption.

ALFONSO ORTEGA URBINA (Nicaragua): My country is particularly interested in the sustainable development of less developed small island States, including those in the Caribbean. Nicaragua therefore co-sponsored the draft resolution which would recognize the Caribbean Sea as a special area within the context of sustainable development. With respect to the Barbados Action Programme, things have not remained at a standstill, but until now, its merits had been shared only by small island States themselves. Now, different agencies of the United Nations system, international financial organizations, as well as the world community in general, are interested in assisting those countries in implementing the complex but attainable aims of the Action Programme.

No one should lose sight of the problems these islands face. Nicaragua, itself, has been a victim of nature's fury and inclemency and thus could not help but express its concern for the various threats faced by the people of island nations. Recently, El Niño has demonstrated greater intensity in different parts of the planet, undoubtedly affecting the small islands. Climate change and sea level rise, and other related dangers, imperil this sector of humankind. Along with natural problems, these island inhabitants face socio- economic difficulties, including high unemployment levels, inadequate industrial and agricultural development, population explosions and inadequate educational programmes and structures. They also face possible adverse effects from economic globalization.

All of these difficulties imprison the inhabitants of island States in a chain of economic impoverishment. In order to sustain development, the overall national ability of all island States to achieve greater independence must be strengthened. It is encouraging that these countries have shown considerable enthusiasm and success in gradually resolving these matters. Their dedication was of particular importance to the donor community in cooperating decisively in this regard. Despite signs of a renewed interest on the part of many donors towards these nations, however, the world community and financial organizations, as well as the United Nations itself, should redouble their efforts.

GERT ROSENTHAL (Guatemala): My country feels solidarity with the small island developing States, in particular our neighbours in the Caribbean area, since we not only share the same sea, but many of the same problems, for example, over-dependence on few basic export commodities.

One of our major concerns is climate change, not only on a global level but on individual countries. Still fresh in our memory is the devastation of Hurricane Mitch, an eloquent example of how 25 years of development efforts can be wiped out in 24 hours. Global warming undoubtedly affects these disasters. Steps in the right direction have been taken, but it is crucial that countries reduce carbon dioxide emissions until we can enhance our ability to fix these emissions. My country is willing to contribute to this goal and we support the clean development mechanism. We must improve our early warning systems as well as emergency services, and work to protect our coastal systems.

Another priority is energy, in particular the over-dependence on hydrocarbons, which present a high vulnerability factor for the SIDS, both environmental and economic. Low oil prices had dampened our sense of urgency in this matter, but recently, higher prices have once again made it a priority. We share with the SIDS concern over polluting nuclear materials and toxic wastes, and we acknowledge the fact that in tackling these matters we need additional resources. We find merit in measuring the levels of vulnerability and recognize the usefulness of something that comes close to a vulnerability index.

ALOUNKEO KITTIKHOUN (Lao People's Democratic Republic): The small island developing States have undertaken domestic reforms in the area of macroeconomic policy to facilitate integration into the global economy. Regional arrangements have also been made in order to maximize the opportunities available to them and minimize the constraints that they face. Nonetheless, the situation has not much improved. The SIDS are concerned that their disadvantaged situation will result in their marginalization in the emerging global economic order in the areas of trade, investment, commodities and capital markets.

While it is up to the SIDS to pursue sustainable development, the international community should take further measures to support this group of countries in creation of an enabling environment for investment, resource mobilization and capacity-building. With such support, the SIDS would be able to build a more secure future.

The land-locked developing countries, on whose behalf I speak, have great sympathy for the SIDS. Our two groups of countries are both vulnerable and

fragile. In order for both groups to succeed in their endeavours, their partnerships with the international community should be strengthened.

NASTE CALOVSKI (The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia): The Republic of Macedonia is a land-locked country with an economy in transition. Situated in the Balkans, the Republic is faced with specific problems, which are affecting our development. For this reason, we have a profound understanding of specific problems of small island developing States. The obligation of the international community, in particular developed countries, is to take effective action to enable island States to have sustainable development and to overcome their specific problems.

The proposals for action contained in the report of the Commission on Sustainable Development acting as a preparatory body for the special session, are interesting and substantive. The focus of the international community should be on their implementation and on investing in their implementation. The implementation should be seen as a profitable undertaking for both gvernments and the private sector. To achieve sustainable development, the small island developing States should be assisted by mobilization of local and foreign resources.

Taking into account the vulnerability of island States, regional and global actions are required to prevent marginalization of those States. The United Nations and the international community have a special responsibility in this respect. Marginalization should be seen as a global problem, which should be resolutely prevented. Other global problems, including climate change, can negatively effect the future of the SIDS, and the international community must take action to prevent that. If there is a will, the problems can be solved.

ALFONSO VALDIVIESO (Colombia): In the five years since the Barbados Programme of Action was introduced, the effects of globalization have brought new challenges for small island developing States. Climate disorders have increased, causing disasters of tremendous proportions, marine pollution has increased, and the pressure on coastal and marine resources has been intensified. Colombia supports the call made by SIDS to put a “human face” on the consequences of globalization. If sustainable development is to be achieved, poverty alleviation must be a priority.

An important part of Colombia’s territory is in the Caribbean region and it has traditionally given high priority to the concerns of its neighbours in that region. Colombia has strengthened dynamic cooperation and collaboration on various fronts, actively participating in the inauguration process initiated five years ago with the introduction of the Association of Caribbean States. One initiative adopted by the Association concerns the creation of a Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Zone. Colombia has also proposed to establish within the Association a “Caribbean Preferential Tariff”, seeking agreements for a progressive harmonization of national tariffs legislation. The Assembly should recognize the Caribbean Sea as a special area in the context of sustainable development.

Further implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action will require appropriate financial resources to fulfil its objectives. Donor countries, United Nations agencies and international financial institutions should contribute decisively to the Programme. Human resources, knowledge and information should be shared. It is essential to concentrate international efforts on training and information-sharing to mitigate or even prevent the

negative impact of natural disasters and atmospheric phenomena. The transfer and use of ecologically rational technologies, as well as the strengthening of institutional capacity, are essential to sustainable development. A vulnerability index for SIDS should be developed.

BABOUCARR-BLAISE ISMAILA JAGNE (Gambia): In each of the priority areas identified in the Barbados Programme of Action, there has been some progress made. Much remains to be done, however, since all efforts geared to sustainable development, whether at the national or regional levels, are constrained by limited resources.

Although one would have thought that foreign investment would increase to support national structural adjustment programmes and economic restructuring, it is an established fact that ODA has declined considerably. So far, no compensatory mechanisms have been envisaged and it appears that the plight of small island developing States is being overlooked.

Small island developing States need the proper financial and human capital to provide the necessary leverage to take advantage of the opportunities created by globalization. Furthermore, market access for the exports of SIDS is a major problem resulting in unfavourable prices and ultimately increasing their dependence on balance-of-payments support.

ISMAIL SHAFEEU, Minister of Home Affairs, Housing and Environment read a text on behalf of the President of Maldives: Expectation often failed worst where it promises most. That was indeed the case with the Barbados Programme of Action. Participants left Barbados with a sense of expectation. The Action Programme was a blueprint for their sustainable development. Its implementation would have addressed many of our challenges, and much faith was placed in the promises that were made. Now, it is impossible to conceal our disappointment. Despite the many efforts made by the small island developing States, themselves, which had lobbied hard to keep international commitments alive, there had been clear regressions on many fronts.

Development assistance to these States has seen a painful decline, and providing for their critical needs in the area of capacity-building has been negative. Further, the transfer of existing technologies and the development of new ones appropriate for small States have been ignored, and the important role assigned to the United Nations system and multilateral agencies has not been fulfilled. Moreover, the donor conference held in February produced no results. Meanwhile, environmental degradation continues unabated. The Kyoto Protocol on climate change still remains without effect, and time is running out. The recent El Niño caused widespread damage to national economies and ecosystems, with the worst ever worldwide coral bleaching recorded in its wake. In some places, entire reef systems died. Cyclones and extreme weather events also wreaked havoc.

In Maldives, there is widespread beach erosion, and salt water intrusion is affecting the viability of settlements on many islands. With an economy based entirely on the well-being of the natural habitat, it is gravely threatened by the effects of environmental deterioration. The country is therefore pursuing sustainable practices in its economic activities, and measures are being taken to conserve the biological diversity of the country. Other small island States are doing the same, but all these efforts are futile without effective international action. As an immediate step, the Kyoto Protocol needs to be rescued. A substantial reduction of greenhouse gas

emissions by all countries must be achieved. New and additional financing for sustainable development must be provided. Yet, the world is becoming less and less responsive. Despite the complacency of the international community, all opportunities for future generations are not yet lost, but no more can be squandered, for the costs of failure are unthinkable.

KATAOTIKA TEKEE, Minister of Environment and Social Development of Kiribati: Small island developing States are diverse in their geophysical environments, but they have a common constraint in options for sustainable development because of their small size and limitations in resources and institutions. Kiribati has made great efforts to create conditions which facilitate development programming along sustainable development paths, including by enacting a framework environmental legislation to regulate the impact of development projects on fragile ecosystems, and to control pollution. Kiribati also participates in regional and global efforts to address problems associated with ozone depletion, climate change, loss of biodiversity and ocean pollution because it sees global environmental problems as a common concern that can be resolved by a cooperative response.

Kiribati’s participation in regional and international programmes makes it recognize its lack of trained manpower, skills, technological know-how, analytical tools and critical data. Options for sustainable development programmes thus pass it by. Since traditional knowledge serves as a basis for a better appreciation of the more complex scientific understanding of the environment, Kiribati is looking for assistance in building its capacity, both in terms of manpower and institutions. It also wants to raise public awareness for participation in decision-making and for implementing programmes.

The areas open to developing capabilities include exploration of options for responding to climate change; waste disposal management; planning for coastal and marine resource management of its atolls; management of ground-water pollution; land use planning; development of alternative energy sources; and assessment of biodiversity and biological resources. Capacity-building is required in all these areas. It can be done through training, public awareness raising, cooperation among stakeholders, and through increased information flow and exchange at the global, regional and national levels. Technical and scientific information would be useful in developing and implementing policies and programmes.

HACKUES LOUIS BOISSON (Monaco), speaking on behalf of the Group of French- speaking States: Small island developing States are facing complex and very specific problems. Their resources are generally limited, which forces them into unfortunate economic specialization; they depend on international trade, and their dependence on the rest of the world has increased due to globalization. Account should be taken of the negative effects of trade liberalization, problems of meagre water resources and ecological deterioration. Also, a world partnership to help preserve the Earth for future generations is important.

The coral reefs surrounding many islands are an equivalent of tropical forests in their role in the world ecology. Their preservation should be a concern of the entire international community. Enormous marine spaces surrounding the SIDS include the last stocks of fish, which are not yet over- exploited, and their preservation is of particular importance. Sustainable tourism also plays an important role in the economy of SIDS. Countries of the French-speaking group welcome the progress made by SIDS in the implementation

of sustainable development strategies through national and regional activities. However, they face many global problems beyond their control. As financial, human and natural resources of SIDS are usually very limited, they would benefit from additional resources and more ODA. The rapidly changing economic climate means that values and commitments need to be shared. The SIDS should have access to sufficient resources and reliable information. To meet those needs, the commitments and promises of Barbados need to be reaffirmed.

The next phase of negotiations under the aegis of the WTO should take into account the needs of SIDS, as well as their vulnerability. The SIDS need effective support to increase their capacities in the area of international trade. A vulnerability indicator should be widely used, and preferential treatment should be available. Early warning systems are needed to combat natural disasters. Tougher international action should be taken against dumping of waste and pollution. Regional and international organizations must work in close cooperation with governments on the transshipment of dangerous and radioactive wastes. Appropriate legislation is an urgent matter of great importance. A recent meeting of donors in New York noted that SIDS want to improve their energy efficiency. The related issue of transfer of technology and efficient technologies should get high priority. Management plants for fresh-water resources are also needed.

INNOCENCIO F. ARIAS (Spain): The globalization of the world economy is an irreversible fact. It offers important opportunities for growth, but also poses great challenges for those countries that, due to their small size or geographical location, risk being marginalized and suffering negative consequences. Spain understands the risk faced by many countries which possess a heavy dependence on one or two agricultural exports subject to the vagaries of world markets. It is crucial to adopt the necessary measures to maintain a regular income from the exports that play a key role in the development of so many SIDS.

The temperature increase in the atmosphere and oceans call for a strong response by the international community to prevent the further climate deterioration that seriously threatens the development efforts of SIDS. It is also important to adopt disaster prevention and reduction measures, as well as to allocate the necessary financial resources to palliate their effects. Tourism and associated economic development merits careful consideration as it can have a negative impact in sectors like fresh water availability and energy. Furthermore, the structure of the international tourism industry tends to leave most of the economic benefits in the hands of corporations, too often preventing the SIDS from reaping the benefits so important to their development. Spain favours sustainable tourism that fully respects the environment and is based on a mutually satisfactory and fair economic relationship.

Spain shares full understanding for the worries and reservations expressed by the SIDS concerning the transportation of radioactive waste, and is ready to collaborate in order to find solutions that satisfy all concerned. Only by means of a committed international partnership will we be able to move forward in the implementation of the Barbados Programme.

DORE GOLD (Israel): Israel shares a core principle with small island developing States, namely that the need to meet the demands of development and to harness the ever-limited natural resources transcends borders and binds humanity in a struggle to make the most of our shared ecosystem. The successes

of the SIDS are indeed all of our successes, and their problems and dilemmas are ours, as well. As a similarly small, overwhelmingly coastal State with few natural resources, Israel has had to find imaginative ways to reap the benefits and meet the dangers of an unpredictable seaboard and changes in climate.

Israel has made it a national mission to widen the web of cooperation and worldwide technology-sharing to meet the needs of sustainable development. This is best illustrated in our missions in small islands across the globe, where Israel has taken steps to fulfil the Barbados Programme of Action. Israeli experts have launched information-sharing projects in many SIDS. Indeed, Israel is a world leader in water desalination, making it possible to handle the irrigation needs of the coastal climates of small islands.

Another area of particular importance is disaster relief. For example, Israel sent a special medical team to Papua New Guinea, following the Tsunami in 1998, in which an underwater earthquake unleashed tidal waves raging over the western shore. Along similar lines, Israel sent aid and resource teams to the nations ravaged by Hurricane George. The ties between Israel and the SIDS, however, extend beyond agricultural techniques and disaster relief. The country has launched joint ventures with a number of these States in areas such as medicine, education and management. Still, there remains great untapped potential for further cooperation. The world is entering a new century where the coalitions and considerations of the past have changed.

RAJKESWUR PURRYAG, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Mauritius, was the first speaker of the session’s last meeting: The problems facing SIDS stem from specificities over which they have no control. They are not responsible for climate change of global warming, yet, they suffer from the consequences. We are heavily dependent on trade and, thus, exposed to the terms of trade and income volatility that create vulnerability. It is against such a backdrop that SIDS are expected to adapt and keep pace with globalization and to comply with WTO rules, obligations and disciplines. At this review of the Barbados Programme of Action, we are disappointed. Mauritius has taken a number of measures at the national level, but they are small, compared the challenges and to our needs.

Concrete actions at the international level have not been forthcoming, especially in the area of resource flows and measures to mitigate the effects of activities and developments, both natural and man-made. It is imperative to operationalize the 300 or so projects presented at the donors conference last February. Concrete actions need to be taken by the international community. We strongly believe that in the wake of the unacceptable treatment given to the banana issue in the WTO, the traditional provisions for special and differential treatment for developing countries are no longer sufficient. Rather, a dimension to promote the sustainable development of small island States should be built into the basic rules of the WTO and its various sectoral agreements so as to create a level-playing field.

The difficulty of island States in accessing international financial markets and concessionary loans, because of their relatively high gross domestic product (GDP) per capita is a cause of serious concern. The GDP per capita does not reflect inherent constraints, lack of economic resilience, credit worthiness and high foreign and domestic debts. In Mauritius, domestic debt constitutes a heavy burden on the national budget. The challenge for island States is to make growth more sustainable, to ensure economic development with social justice and to mainstream all segments of the

population in the socio-economic development process. This challenge cannot be easily faced without "props", in the form of preferential market access and eligibility to concessional loans

JOSE PEREIRA BATISTA, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guinea-Bissau: Guinea-Bissau is a small country and largely insular. Like other insular island countries, it must confront enormous difficulties stemming from its geographical characteristics. Precarious economic and social structures and coastal and marine pollution are among the issues to be dealt with. To that fragile structure is added a military and political conflict which lasted from 1988 to 1989, taking a great toll in human life and resulting in the displacement of a large number of people and negative consequences for the environment. The result was a paralysis of the administrative fabric and a large amount of refugees.

I want to underscore the imperative of my country benefiting from the Barbados Programme of Action. The Programme was not only a genuine guide for the sustainable development of small islands, but for all of humankind. Five years after Barbados, we can note that positive steps have been taken. The sustainable development of SIDS must be a priority. We can note the following - - the effect of measures to strengthen government structures to deal with the environment and the institutionalization of regional cooperation mechanisms for SIDS. Guinea-Bissau is among the countries which has carried out such programmes. However, a wide gap still exists between what has been achieved and the objectives of the Programme. The small islands need technical support to consolidate their capacities and to overcome the inherent obstacles in the globalization process. There is a lack of human and financial resources in our countries, which hampers the implementation of the Programme. We appeal to the international community, especially the developed countries, to honour the commitments entered into.

HASAMY AGAM (Malaysia): We all saw the extensive damage wreaked by hurricanes along the eastern sea board of the United States recently, and we can only imagine what the impacts of natural disasters might be on small vulnerable island States. As we meet today, not only are we conscious of SIDS' vulnerability to environmental disasters, but also their vulnerability in the context of globalization and liberalization. The marginalization of SIDS, particularly those in the low per capita income group, will further complicate the sustainability of development in these countries.

Malaysia is proud to be aligned with the concerns of small island States in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol negotiations on climate change. We have called upon the developed countries to take serious domestic action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to lower the risks of sea-level rise and climate change which threaten the survival of small island States. Malaysia will work closely with SIDS to ensure that funds set up under the Kyoto Protocol to assist the adverse impact of climate change and sea-level rise will be administered in the most effective manner.

We support the call of small island States to enhance the research and development of technologies to adapt to and mitigate the adverse impact of climate change. We also support their need for the expansion of a systematic observation network for long-term detection of climate and its changes. Malaysia hopes that when we next review progress in 2004, we will be able to see a more tangible outcome of sustained efforts in this area of international cooperation.

PATRICK ALBERT LEWIS (Antigua and Barbuda): Looking back at the five years since adoption of the Barbados Programme of Action, the overwhelming conclusion is that despite progress at the national level, implementation of the Programme -- particularly at the international level -- has been lacking. Recent events, such as the rulings of the WTO made in the name of trade liberalization, do not bode well. Many SIDS now face the loss of trade concessions that sustained their agricultural economies. We have heard much about opportunities arising from increased global trade and economic integration, but so far the evidence on the ground points to increased risk of economic marginalization for SIDS, due in part to their well-known vulnerabilities.

Against this backdrop, we hope that the provisions of the soon-to-be adopted text, requesting the multilateral trading system to consider special and differential treatment for SIDS, will be fully taken into consideration during the “Millennium round” of trade negotiations. The urgent need for addressing the inherent vulnerabilities of SIDS cannot be overemphasized. In an ultimate irony, the relatively high per capita income of many SIDS is used as a benchmark of their success -- and hence, their exclusion from consideration for assistance. Too frequently overlooked is the fact that most SIDS lack the economic resilience to spring back from one single unfortunate event, such as a natural disaster, which can instantaneously obliterate the physical infrastructure, industrial base and agricultural assets of SIDS. The need for a more reliable set of indicators to gauge SIDS’ development is, therefore, urgently needed.

In our view, use of a single income measure such as GNP to determine the economic well-being of a SIDS is at best unreliable and at worst unjust. That is why we place maximum emphasis on the work currently under way at the United Nations, and jointly by the World Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat on development of a vulnerability index for SIDS. Once that index is developed, we urge its widespread use by all multilateral financial and trade institutions, and bilateral aid agencies to determine special consideration for SIDS.

In light of the recent findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of the influence of human activities on the climate, the spectre of climate change --a global issue, not of our own making -- haunts us and raises questions of equity and ethics. We again urge our larger continental neighbours in the developed world to cut back on their use of fossil fuels that heat the atmosphere. Finally, let me reiterate my country’s deep disappointment in the collective inability of Member States to reach agreement on a resolution designating the Caribbean a special area in the context of sustainable development. We continue to believe in the validity of the original draft resolution’s call for protection of the Caribbean and for the sustainable development of its coastal and marine resources.

LEE SEE-YOUNG (Republic of Korea): Considerable progress has been made in the implementation of the Barbados Plan at both the national and international levels. Those SIDS which have introduced their own new policies, appropriate institutions and legislative and regulatory reforms are worthy of particular commendation. Regional cooperation has been strengthened, and there has been significant development of international norms to address global and environmental degradation, and natural disasters, which particularly threaten most SIDS.

Despite these achievements, SIDS still face significant challenges. Environmental vulnerabilities and natural disasters caused by global warming threaten their very survival. Furthermore, due to their insufficient capacity to capitalize on the opportunities afforded by globalization, these States are particularly prone to marginalization.

To overcome such challenges and to help integrate SIDS into the global economy in a more favourable manner, there are several issues that should be of concern to the international community. First, the declining ODA to SIDS needs to be reversed to help enhance their capability to implement the Barbados Plan. It is also urgent that the negotiations on the Kyoto mechanisms be completed. Second, the transfer of sound technologies is essential for capacity-building.

Small island developing States should participate widely in clean technology initiatives and public-private partnerships. In an effort to promote such transfer of technologies, my country, in cooperation with the United Nations, will host the High-Level Forum on South-South Cooperation in Science and Technology Transfer in February, next year. Third, emphasis should be placed on full compliance by all parties concerned with major environmental conventions in the fields of climate change, biological diversity and hazardous wastes.

LUIGI BOSELLI, Chairman of the observer eelegation of the European Commission, speaking on behalf of the European Community: We acknowledge, with satisfaction, that the Barbados Programme of Action has led to appropriate initiatives in many countries, and that policies and programmes have been introduced or amended to conform to the Barbados principles. For that reason, activities financed by the European Development Fund and the European Development Budget will continue to contribute to the 14 priority areas mentioned in the Barbados Programme of Action in our partner small island development States, as they have done so far.

The European Community is the most important donor to SIDS, and we expect to continue in this position in the future. Between 1995 and 1997, European assistance to SIDS has fluctuated between $700 and $900 million a year. High priority is given to least developed countries. Small island developing States receive, and will continue to receive, a high volume of aid per capita because the aid to them is based on a number of criteria, of which island status is one. In this sense, no major changes in ODA can be expected.

The European Union is negotiating its future relations with the 71-country African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) group. During the negotiations, the special vulnerabilities of the island States continue to be recognized. Consideration is being given to include more island States in the relationship. Five years after the Barbados conference, SIDS’ progress in some areas has been impressive. However, it is also clear that there is still much to be done to ensure that the objectives of the Barbados Programme are implemented, that the rich environment of SIDS is protected, and that the three components of sustainable development are fully integrated.

Archbishop RENATO RAFFAELE MARTINO, Observer for the Holy See: The centrality of human beings in sustainable development concerns must be recognized. Improvement of quality of life for all must be the first purpose now and for future implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action. Programmes must be formulated and implemented not just in theory, but in relation to the actual needs of men, women and children, today and for future generations.

The discussion surrounding SIDS reveals the fact that no person or group lives in isolation. Addressing the obstacles that challenge sustainable development in SIDS calls on those in every corner of the world. Responsible stewardship of the Earth’s environment demands attention to the common good; no single person or group of people can be allowed to determine its relationship to the universe. The universal common good transcends the interests of the individual, national and political agendas, and the limits of time.

Responsible stewardship and genuine human solidary must remain the starting point in discussions of access to basic social services. The effects of climate change, the issue of freshwater resources, protection of the coastal and marine environment, mobilization of energy resources and sustainable tourism must be addressed in the context of health, education, nutrition, shelter and security. Giving aid is laudable, but it is not enough. Nations must work towards creating new, more just and more effective international structures in such spheres as economics, trade, industrial development, finance and technology transfer.

JOSE ANTONIO LINATI-BOSCH, Observer for the Sovereign Military Order of Malta: The Sovereign Military Order of Malta was granted permanent observer status in 1994. This special session is connected with the areas of economic and social development, which affect human rights. We intend to actively contribute to international cooperation regarding the issue of the sustainable development of small island developing States. The international community must take prompt and concerted action to respond to natural disasters, including contributing to reconstruction and job development. It must pay attention to the fact that globalization facilitates interaction between various cultures. At the same time, it must not forget to give due consideration to the different cultures of the world.

The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is conscious of the difficulties facing SIDS. We are ready to support the process so that island States can achieve sustainable development, fight poverty and provide basic social services. International cooperation does not just include peacekeeping operations, but plays a role in the everyday life of people. To promote sustainable development is also to protect the global environment and human rights. The best way to eliminate and prevent conflicts is to provide a healthy way of life for people. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has been linked in the past with the islands of Malta and Rhodes in the Mediterranean, and Saint Kitts in the Caribbean. We are here to offer cooperation to preserve a fragile and vulnerable heritage. We know that there is a long way to go, but are glad to be on the right track.

ROBERT A UNDERWOOD, of Guam: While the words “small” and “size” may not be viewed as advantages, it is, in fact, the small size and micro-scale of small island developing States that makes them important. With their fragile ecosystems and interdependent communities, SIDS may, perhaps, be harbingers of ecological disasters that the world faces in the next millennium. They are the tips of the spear of global issues like climate change and rising sea levels -- the world’s collective success or failure on these issues will register first on their shores. It is, therefore, fitting that the developed nations and international organizations such as the United Nations have taken an active interest in the problems of SIDS.

Climate change is no longer an academic debate. The devastating effects of “El Niño” and “La Niña” have shown that even the best prepared communities can be quickly overwhelmed by the forces of nature. Guam went from the

extremes of typhoon to drought in the span of 12 months. In this regard, Guam has an enormous contribution to make in teaching other communities about disaster preparedness and disaster recovery.

The issue of waste management is central to the well-being of island communities. Development of an integrated waste management plan is only the first step. Creating the political will to implement tough restrictions and encourage recycling through economic incentives and penalties is the bigger challenge. Guam and other SIDS are hungry for the best and newest technologies in waste management. The international community can assist small islands in making the technologies accessible to their governments.

While Guam has made many advances in the area of land resources, it continues to have problems regarding the historical military appropriation of its lands over 50 years ago. Over one third of Guam's land mass is used for military bases. The return of excess military lands on Guam is of the highest priority, and Guam will continue to pursue this issue in every available forum.

CARLYLE CORBIN, of the United States Virgin Islands: The concerns of small island developing States have been under review by the United Nations for several decades. As early as 1976, initiatives of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) addressed transportation and comminication issues in SIDS. The subsequent adoption of the Barbados Programme of Action is only the latest in the long-standing recognition on the part of the international community that the unique conditions of SIDS require specific measures of assistance. The time to implement this multifaceted mandate is overdue.

My country has always viewed the Barbados Programme from the perspective of a tool for sustainable development -- not merely one that addresses purely environmental issues. Therefore, while continuing to concentrate on measures to address its susceptibility to climate change and other environmental issues, the Virgin Islands recognizes that its future growth, relative prosperity and very survivability are all influenced by external economic pressures, as well.

The issues of SIDS continue to focus the attention of the international community on the need to carry out the provisions of the Barbados Programme. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), in which the Virgin Islands enjoys observer status, recently convened an important workshop on the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol in the Marshall Islands. This conference stressed the need for special capacity-building initiatives, the transfer of technology and the importance of renewable energy.

EMEKA ANYAOKU, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Commonwealth Secretariat: I would like to suggest six priority areas where action is urgently needed to give impetus to the sustainable development of small States. First, it is vital to avert serious environmental threats like climate change and sea-level rise. The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change must enter into force as soon as possible, and commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emission should be implemented effectively. Second, in light of the recent destruction inflicted on the Bahamas by Hurricane Floyd, it is vital to strengthen international mechanisms for providing assistance to meet pre- and post-disaster requirements of vulnerable countries. Adequate and timely financing is needed both to improve disaster preparedness, as well as to support rehabilitation efforts in the wake of natural disasters.

Third, multilateral, regional and bilateral development organizations should factor vulnerability into the design of their assistance programmes for small States. Criteria broader than GDP per capita, and including explicit vulnerability indicators -- based perhaps on the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Vulnerability Index for developing countries -- should be flexibly applied to determine the requirements of small States. Fourth, there should be a moratorium on decisions to graduate small States out of the status of least developed countries at the United Nations until a sound methodology -- including indicators of vulnerability – is developed to guide such decisions.

Fifth, longer transition periods and financing mechanisms can help small States to integrate their economies into a more open international trading system, to meet transnational costs, and to reap greater benefits from trade. The concerns of vulnerable small States should be given greater recognition in any new round of multilateral trade negotiations launched by the WTO ministerial meeting in Seattle later this year. Finally, institutions involved in supporting capacity-building in small States must develop a coherent and coordinated strategy to support human-resource development and institutional strengthening in countries experiencing constraints in key areas of economic and environmental management and planning. Five years after the Barbados Conference, there remains much to be done. The Commonwealth will continue to do everything possible by itself and in partnership with the United Nations and other international organizations.

W. NOEL LEVI, Secretary-General of the South Pacific Forum: Meeting the challenge of sustainable development across all the facets of the environment and economy is the central concern of Forum island members. However, our individual national capacities to deal alone with these issues are limited. The region is, therefore, fortunate to have a range of regional organizations dealing with issues related to fisheries, the environment, education, and sustainable development. Their work is coordinated through the Council of Regional Organizations of the Pacific. It is vital that international agencies use this network of regional organizations to heighten the effectiveness of their activities as development partners.

The South Pacific Forum believes that work on indexing economic vulnerability has now reached the point where it can be used for policy decision. It urges that any decision to graduate any least developed country be deferred until an acceptable vulnerability index can be taken into account in classification decisions, and for deciding concessional aid and trade treatment. In our region, an environmental vulnerability index is being developed by the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission, which is aimed at establishing an acceptable ranking that can be broadly applied and included among the criteria for establishing least developed country status.

A longer-term issue of critical importance to all Forum members is the risk of sea-level rise caused by global warming. It is, therefore, with a sense of urgency that we watch the international community’s endeavours to arrive at a solution to this global problem. While Forum members have taken on the challenge of meeting the changes that are taking place throughout the world, the small States among them face challenges that cannot be overcome directly through any actions of their own. In addressing these challenges, small island States seek the sympathetic assistance of the developed world and of all international institutions.

TOGIOLA TULAFONO of American Samoa: We must insist and strongly urge the speedy implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action. Every day that passes, our precious natural resources are taken away. Sustainable development will remain elusive unless we implement programmes to achieve the objectives of the Programme. Resource management is critical for small island States because of our small size and relative isolation. Oceania is a significant region on the global scale, and because of this, we are more focused on finding our role in today's world. We have tried to identify questions to help pinpoint that role.

I would like to describe some of our experiences in American Samoa, which might demonstrate how the capabilities of small island States might speed up implementation of the Programme of Action. We have changed from a subsistence to cash economy. Our culture centres around the central role of our traditional chiefs, who are caretakers of our land and waters. Preservation of that system and culture is of extreme importance to our people, and there is strong resistance to change. As government leaders, we made it our policy to integrate traditional policy-making with modern policy-making systems. Nevertheless, transitions are under way. We have taken a proactive approach in dealing with coral reef management.

With the advent of climatic change and rising sea levels, small islands have great challenges ahead of us. As a region, we in the South Pacific are only beginning to experience the environmental challenges faced by industrialized countries. It is imperative that we plan now to reverse the damage already done to the islands.

SIMON MOLINA DUARTE, Secretary-General of the Association of Caribbean States: The principal objectives of the Association as enshrined in its Convention are: to strengthen the process of regional cooperation and integration with a view to creating an enhanced economic space in the region; to preserve the environmental integrity of the Caribbean Sea -- the common heritage of the Caribbean people; and to promote the sustainable development of the greater Caribbean. The Association of Caribbean States functions as a body for consultation, organization and concerted action in the pursuit of sustainable development of the greater Caribbean region. In April, the second Association summit of heads of State and government was held in Santo Domingo. The resultant Plan of Action and Declaration are reflections of the deliberations of the Summit which was held to elaborate a medium- to long-term strategy to attain the objectives contained in the Association’s Convention.

At the Summit, a Declaration establishing a sustainable tourism zone in the Caribbean was adopted. Once implemented, this will be the first such zone in the world. In light of the vulnerability of the Caribbean region to natural disasters, Foreign Ministers also signed an agreement on regional cooperation in natural disasters. The Santo Domingo Declaration, in accordance with objectives of preserving the environment, supported the efforts of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to have the Caribbean Sea designated as special area and recommended that the subject be included in the Caribbean environmental strategy. The resolution presented to this special session on the Caribbean Sea is an integral part of efforts to address sectoral issue pertaining to the management of the Caribbean Sea, and is a holistic approach that transcends the region.

EDWIN CARRINGTON, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM): CARICOM member States are vulnerable to all the problems of small nations. They are located in a geographic region highly susceptible to natural

disasters. Because of their size, the impact of these disasters tend to leave no corner unaffected. The latest information suggests that such disasters are likely to increase in intensity and numbers and cause even greater loss of life, as well as of economic and social facilities and infrastructure. The frequency and intensity of recent hurricanes in the Caribbean would suggest that this projection might be correct. In evaluating the quality of life in these States, those guided by bloated per capita income levels must understand that such income levels need to be deflated by an appropriate vulnerability index in order to arrive at a realistic sustainable quality of life.

Such an index must have relevance and be referred to by the international community. All those who see these territories as paradise must understand that there is a serious downside to paradise. The Caribbean States are open economies, significantly dependent on agricultural exports that are mainly traded under preferential arrangements. These economies are now being adversely affected by globalization, trade and financial liberalization and an all-too- rapid dismantling of preferential trading arrangements. The banana case is only the most dramatic. Today, nine of the 14 CARICOM States are among the 25 most vulnerable States in the world. Caribbean States, however, have been pursuing, with some support from external partners, various measures to protect their environment and enhance sustainability.

Regional actions have addressed living marine resources, sea-level rise, and disaster mitigation and response. Regarding the Caribbean Sea, we have launched a project seeking a United Nations resolution for the international recognition of this Sea as a special area in the context of sustainable development. The aim is to protect and preserve this most valuable asset. We trust that those Member States who continue to harbour doubts will join us in the weeks ahead in taking the first steps to achieve this objective

HUBERT B. HUGHES, of Anguilla: Sustainable development for tiny islands like Anguilla is an intriguing process. We are not only conscious of the threat to our environment, but are also concerned about losing our identity in the process of development. Therefore, while being mindful of the need to create the conditions for the avoidance of poverty by attracting foreign investment, we can only do that safely if aid flows from the major donor agencies assist us in developing not only the social, but also the economic, infrastructure. Without this critical support, our people will be at the mercy of ruthless foreign investors. Therefore, I am concerned when the “G-7” group of industrialized countries make allegations of unfair tax legislation and unfair competition by small island developing States, which depend on the financial services industry as a second plank of income necessary to sustain some degree of development and financial diversification.

Having a tourist economy, which for Anguilla came about very rapidly, produced another economic irony, in that my island does not qualify for many United Nations aid programmes due to the island's high per capita income rating wages. While it is true that very high wages are paid out to the best paid expatriate technical and managerial staff in our tourism and now growing financial services industries, the bulk of the local workers are paid very small wages. To disqualify SIDS like Anguilla from these programmes is unfair -- this way of assessing our needs should be revisited.

ATHERTON MARTIN, Executive Director of the Caribbean Conservation Association: We need to further strengthen implementation through greater integration of the Barbados Programme of Action into local and national

development plans and strategies. International donors need to consider the Programme as the framework for cooperation and collaboration on national development strategies, rather than the current narrow sectoral project approach.

We call on all participating in the special session to give their full support to the principles outlined in paragraph 24.c(iii) of the Barbados Programme of Action, which allows small island States to prohibit the transport of hazardous materials through their waters. We call on island States to demand far more equitable returns for our natural resources, in particular the tuna resources of the South Pacific region. In this regard, we call on the distant water fishing nations to assist in the development of the capacities of island States to harvest our resources ourselves.

Within the framework of the Barbados Programme, we call for all stakeholders to accept their responsibilities, exercise greater political will and agree to be held publicly accountable for commitments made. Also, resources must be made available to assist non-governmental organizations (NGOs)to enable them to reach out to an even broader section of the major groups and especially to the many constituencies which still remain unrepresented, or underrepresented such as the unemployed, landless farmers, women, youth, disabled, indigenous and the homeless. Governments can do more by ensuring that, in the spirit of Agenda 21 and the Barbados Programme, every United Nations delegation reflects the diversity of the country by including representatives of NGOs and other major groups, which, through their vast networks and working experience, can bring valuable information to enable our governments to make more informed decisions.

LOSENA TUBANAVAU-SALABULA, for the Pacific Concerns Resource Centre: My organization, the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific Movement, is concerned that paragraph 24.c(iii) of the Barbados Programme of Action is no longer acceptable to the international community. This paragraph states that we “accept the rights of SIDS to regulate, restrict and/or ban the importation of products containing non-biodegradable and/or hazardous substances, and to prohibit the transboundry movement of hazardous and radioactive wastes and materials within their jurisdiction, consistent with international law”. The rejection of this language is symptomatic of the rollback of what little concessions SIDS were able to squeeze out of the Barbados negotiations. Because of this rollback, SIDS -– including small Non-Self-Governing Territories -– must go back to the drawing board to reassert what little right they have. We support the declaration in the Barbados Programme of Action calling for local and indigenous people to benefit directly and equitably from any utilization of their “technology, knowledge and customary and traditional practices”.

The whole world, developing and industrialized countries alike, recognized our vulnerability to the horrifying consequences of climate change. It enshrined this recognition in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Agenda 26. Now, five years after Barbados, and with the Conference a distant memory, we learn that the Programme of Action has not significantly modified the international community’s cooperation with SIDS. But the spirit of Barbados did not evaporate in the donor countries alone. In our own island States, the Programme of Action failed to become a focus for the development of our societies. For our own movement and the other Pacific NGOs, it was staggering to see how much in human and financial resources went into last February’s Donor Conference, into April’s Seventh Commission on

Sustainable Development, and into this special session – and how few concrete results were achieved. If only a fraction of those resources had been used for better coordination and project development in both SIDS and the donor countries, today’s presentation might have been more positive. Only when the fundamental human right of all peoples – especially colonized peoples -- to self-determination is recognized can we really start talking about the sustainable development of SIDS.

OOMAR KARABARY, of the the Pan African Movement: Indian Ocean small islands developing States suffer from problems that are common to other SIDS, but solutions to those problems for them must be tailored to the unique needs of their peoples and environment. Climate change has caused drought. Global warming has caused a rise in sea level to threaten low-lying regions. The drug trade has made the islands part of a major route. Structural adjustment policies have marginalized large segments of the population. Globalization and trade liberalization have had an adverse effect on the culture. And, finally, there is a sore absence of human resource development facilities.

Both developed and developing countries must introduce practices that put a cap on pollution. In addition, the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, currently used as a United States military base, must be demilitarized. For a lasting solution to drug-related problems, African and Asian States must form tripartite cartels with Indian Ocean SIDS to end the trade of illicit drugs. Finally, since Indian Ocean SIDS lack the financial resources to match their problems, countries should assume the moral responsibility of forgiving bilateral debts or making other similar reparations so that governments of the region can invest in solutions to problems in other areas, such as developing human resource facilities.

Action on Final Documents

The Assembly adopted without a vote a draft on the Declaration and state of progress and initiatives for the future implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

The Assembly then took note of a letter from the Permanent Representative of Canada transmitting a draft resolution sponsored by Guyana, on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, and Mexico on: "recognition of the Caribbean Sea as a special area in the context of sustainable development" or "promoting an integrated management approach to the Caribbean Sea in the context of sustainable development". The Assembly decided to transmit that letter to its Second Committee (Economic and Financial) under the item entitled "Environment and sustainable development".

SATU HASSI, Minister for the Environment and Development Cooperation of Finland, on behalf of the European Union: We would like to put on record that we would like to see in the Declaration a more precise reference to the least developed countries among the Small Island Developing States Group. We appreciate, however, that poverty, which was identified as an over-arching theme in Rio and in the “Rio plus 5” process, is clearly reflected in the Declaration in line with the review text itself.

The last chapter of the five-year review document, now in our hands, is focused on partnerships. The European Union is ready and willing to continue to work with SIDS within the framework of our development cooperation policies, both through the European Commission, as well as through the bilateral and multilateral channels available to the Union and its members.

DAVID HALES (United States): We strongly support the principles and objectives spelled out in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) which recognize the special needs of developing countries. We believe that for SIDS to take advantage of globalization, they must be integrated into the world economy, including membership in the WTO. The document just adopted encourages the multilateral trading system to consider, as appropriate, the granting of special and differential treatment to small island developing States. We interpret this language to be consistent with, but not expansive of, United States trade philosophy and market access policies with respect to developing countries.

The language of the document should not be seen as prejudging our position on granting special and differential treatment in any bilateral, regional or multilateral negotiations. Nor should it prejudice United States regional initiatives, which offer substantial additional market access to developing countries through such programmes as our General System of Preferences -- which offers special duty-free access to numerous developing countries -- our Caribbean Basin Initiative, our proposed African Growth and Opportunity Act and negotiations towards the free trade area of the Americas.

Although the language of the document does not provide them with unique special and differential status within the WTO, we believe that those SIDS which are truly disadvantaged by geography and outdated infrastructure can benefit from technical assistance and capacity-building provided by WTO members. This will facilitate their integration into the emerging global trading system.

ALISON DRAYTON (Guyana), on behalf of the Group of 77 and China: The two documents before us represent a sound basis for the second phase of the implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action -- one of the most implementable to be adopted by the United Nations. It contains focused, action- oriented and quantifiable proposals. The demonstrated commitment of the international community is, however, critical.

The Programme not only describes a strategy to address issues that are urgent to small islands, but also offers the flexibility for a targeted approach, tailored to the specific needs of each island. The question of economic vulnerability will increasingly be a challenge to the objectives of island States, which simply seek to participate effectively in the international economic and trade system. The success of that is fundamental to their economic viability and integral to their capacity to achieve sustainable development.

TUILOMA NERONI SLADE (Samoa), on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States (AOSIS): I want to thank all the Member States of the United Nations, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations who have participated in this session. The documents just adopted bring to a close a process which occupied much of this year. This session has been about the implementation and strengthening of partnership.

The President of the Assembly, THEO-BEN GURIRAB (Namibia): Yet another call to duty starts here and the direction is straight forward. We have adopted two important documents, a resolution and decision. The consensus was clear and focused on implementation. It is also recognized that without funds, resources and the good will of nations and multilateral institutions,

sustainable development cannot be achieved. Time is running out and we must do the right thing. We must move away from here and act. That action requires implementation of the resolution and decision.

Agenda 21 and the Barbados Programme of Action have set out priority areas. These development plans remain as urgent and relevant today as when they were articulated in 1992 and 1994. This session was, in part, a reminder to the international community to live up to the promises made and complete the assistance programmes undertaken. The record of what was achieved here will be open to the court of public opinion for scrutiny and final judgement. This was an occasion to ensure that the business of small island developing States is the business of all of humanity.

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