SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION HEARS 31 SPEAKERS IN HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT;ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG ISSUES HIGHLIGHTED

Commission on Sustainable Development

Ninth Session

9^th Meeting (PM)

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION HEARS 31 SPEAKERS IN HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT;

ENERGY DEVELOPMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG ISSUES HIGHLIGHTED

The Commission on Sustainable Development continued its high-level segment this afternoon, beginning with an interactive dialogue on several themes of global importance, including the challenges of sustainable development and expanding private and public investment in energy and transportation.  Following the dialogue, general debate continued, with statements from 31 high-level government officials.

The Minister of Energy of New Zealand told the Commission that national action on climate change was necessary, but it needed to be in the wider context of international measures.  The Kyoto Protocol was, therefore, of vital significance.  His country continued to support that instrument.  Recent announcements by the United States that it did not support the Protocol were a serious development.  He was encouraged by the strong expressions of commitment to the Protocol process.  To his knowledge, not a single country had come out in favour of the United States’ position.  Many, however, had called for the United States to complete its review of the issues and return to negotiations quickly and fully.

The representative of Japan said that although governments had important responsibilities in promoting sustainable development, progress would be enhanced by the participation of businesses and the general public.  Business could play an important role in distributing more sustainable practices nationwide.  Increasing the awareness of the general public and providing consumers with better information was also important.  Technological development offered considerable promise for “de-coupling” economic growth from long-term environmental degradation.

The representative of the United States said that good progress had been made on ozone.  The Montreal Protocol was succeeding, with nearly half of its parties in accelerated compliance with production phase-out agreements signed by the world’s main CFC-producing countries.  Regional and international agreements were addressing the issue of air pollution.  Domestically, the United States was taking measures to reduce emissions and traffic congestion, and mandates for cleaner fuels and more stringent emission standards had been introduced.

The Minister of the Environment of Norway supported several other speakers who said that, while environmental aspects had to be integrated into energy policies, the Commission should not try to make one set of prescriptions to fit all countries.  Rather, a policy menu could be drawn up.  It was also important to agree upon how to make the international arrangements already in place more effective.

The representative of Mongolia stressed that irresponsible exploitation of natural resources, marginalization and impoverishment were undermining the basis of well-being of both present and future generations.  His country attached great importance to the activities of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), as a mechanism for financing global environmental aspects of development.  He also expressed full support for the proposal that the GEF be made a full-fledged financial mechanism of the Convention to combat desertification, which would enable over 100 countries to make use of the Facility in tackling the problems and challenges of desertification.

Also speaking this afternoon were Ministers and Vice-Ministers from Germany, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, Poland, Canada, Kiribati (South Pacific Forum), Egypt, Monaco, Sri Lanka, Spain, Bolivia, Mauritius, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mozambique, as well as representatives of Samoa (on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)), Cyprus, Guatemala, Russian Federation, Indonesia, Nauru, China, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, and Barbados (on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)).

The Commission will continue its high-level segment at 11 a.m. tomorrow,

20 April, when it is scheduled to hold another interactive dialogue on the main themes of its session.

Background

The Commission on Sustainable Development met this afternoon to begin an interactive dialogue and continue the general debate of its high-level segment.  (For background information on this session of the Commission, see Press Release ENV/DEV/563 of 12 April.)

Dialogue

BEDRICH MOLDAN (Czech Republic), the Commission’s Chairman, said that the dialogue would focus on themes of global importance, including challenges of sustainable development, and ways to promote and expand private and public investment in energy and traffic sectors.

The representative of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said that nuclear power should be judged on the merits of its case.  The essence of sustainable development was to expand assets and keep options open.  He had heard proposals to exclude nuclear power from sustainable development strategies.  The Commission had not been established to tell countries what they could and could not do.  Nuclear power broadened the resource base, reduced harmful emissions, and increased the world stock of human and technological capital.  The first task of sustainable development was defined as bringing energy to the one third of the global population without it.  The best promise for the rural poor might be off grid renewables.  For urban poor, the energy mix needed to include large centralized power generation.  Sustainable development was about opening options, not about closing them.

The representative of Belgium said that some 60 per cent of Belgium’s electricity was produced by nuclear power plants.  No one had solved the problem of what to do with nuclear waste.  Belgium, with its experience in nuclear energy, did not know what it would do with that waste.  There was also the risk of accident.  Some 17 per cent of electricity worldwide came from nuclear plants worldwide.  He was not convinced it would be a safer world with more nuclear power plants.  Belgium would be phasing out its nuclear power plants.  That had not been an easy decision.  While it was true that everyone had the right to choose which way to produce energy, he was happy about his Government’s decision to phase out nuclear power plants.

A representative of the Youth Caucus said that time was passing.  The Youth Caucus supported the call to phase out nuclear energy.  They urged all nations to sign and ratify the Kyoto Protocol.  Youth were prepared for the World Summit and had prepared a youth agenda.  They called for implementation at the Summit and not more meetings.

The representative of the International Labour Organization (ILO) said that policy coherence across sustainable development pillars was a major challenge to the multilateral system.  The ILO’s goal was to assure productive labour that was secure, because it contributed to safeguarding the environment.  In that respect it was working on a comprehensive framework for employment.  It was clear that major investments were needed.  An integrated strategy for jobs and environment was feasible.  Comprehensive employment and environmental strategies would lack credibility if they were not linked.  Dialogue was the main mechanism for building a framework for people to grow out of poverty.

A representative of Iceland said that the lack of access to energy resources, and the need to meet energy needs without putting an additional strain on the world’s climate and environment, were the main challenges today.  Renewable energy sources could represent an answer to both problems.  It was important to develop cost-effective technologies and disseminate existing renewable technology.  Her Government was working with leading international companies and the European Union on studying the feasibility of using hydrogen-based fuel.  Technology transfer should involve new technologies and renewable energy sources.  Geothermal energy should be seriously considered as an option, and her country was running a training programme on it.

Together with governments, the business and technology sector was prepared to play a leading role in meeting the goals of sustainable development, a speaker from the business community said.  The community had participated in dialogue, and made contributions about possible ways of action.  For example, energy sustainability could be achieved through accessibility, availability and acceptability in terms of social and environmental goals.  There was agreement about the need for innovation, incentives and integration of all stakeholders in transport.

A representative of Japan said that promotion of public and private investment in the energy and transport sectors was of particular importance.  One important element that had not yet been fully discussed, however, was long-term government policy on investment in those areas.  Incentives for investment were of key importance.  Such incentives should come from long-term policies encouraging both domestic and international investments.  That required the need for stability, transparency and adequate legal frameworks.  He went on to say that coherent and consistent policies towards the use of the private sector in energy and transportation were of great importance.  However, the private sector needed guidance and directives from the government regarding the general course of action that a particular country was going to take.  Various proposals were being considered for the traffic system in his country with the participation of both public and private sectors.  Multilateral enterprises needed to be in conformity with the goals of sustainable development, and international guidelines were important.

Poland’s representative supported decentralization and diversification of energy systems and spoke about non-governmental organization participation in decision-making.  Renewable sources of energy should be promoted, as well as replacement of outdated technology with more efficient and environmentally-friendly models.  Pilot projects should be developed prior to their implementation on a commercial scale.  Infrastructures, and limitation of environmental damage through reduction of harmful emissions, were also important.  Poland objected to the construction of new nuclear plants.  International cooperation should be supported, including cooperation to increase the safety of existing nuclear plants.  Special attention should be devoted to the development of renewable resources projects in rural areas. 

A member of the trade union delegation stressed the importance of building public support for innovative energy and transport projects and for general efforts to achieve sustainable development.  At the Commission, the trade unions saw their role as building consensus regarding sustainable solutions and management practices in preparation for the World Summit in 2002.  Building partnerships was important including workplace partnerships.  Workers should not be excluded from the search for solutions.  The Commission, on its part, could contribute to the elaboration of international standards and development of transition programmes.  He also encouraged the use of social impact assessments.

A representative of the United States said that her country was encouraging public-private partnerships.  Among other efforts, lines of credit were being provided to provide financing for private transportation programmes.  Revolving funds capitalized from federal funds were providing loan guarantees.  States and metropolitan areas made decisions regarding the use of Government funds for transportation.  The Government encouraged communities to make transportation choices consistent with the goals of sustainable development.  3-year and 20-year plans were developed in a transparent manner.  It was seeking consensus among officials and with the private sector, while trying to protect the environment.

A minister from Sweden pleaded for common efforts to facilitate the introduction of renewable energy.  Fossil fuels should be discontinued, for environmental and health reasons.  The use of windpower had increased by over

20 per cent annually over several years, and solar technology was becoming less expensive.  It was most important to reduce the large fossil fuel subsidies that existed today.  International institutions should provide assistance to find global solutions.  Environmental and other costs of fossil fuels needed to be internalized.  He added that he did not see nuclear energy as a feasible alternative, however.

A speaker from Saudi Arabia said that only one preparatory process should be envisioned in preparation for the World Summit.  Distortions and discrepancies in approaches to the production and use of energy in developed and developing countries should be removed.  He agreed that nuclear energy should be abolished, for it was unsustainable.  He believed the section on nuclear energy should be removed from international documents being prepared.  Regarding climate change, he said that it was a separate issue, which should be dealt with elsewhere. 

The scientific community was ready to take a commitment to implement some of the proposals made to the Commission, a speaker said.  Research, development and deployment funds were being reduced, and he hoped that they would be more available in the future.  The importance of global observance systems should be emphasized along with the gathering of information for decision making.  It was also very important to enhance the capacity of the scientific community in the developing countries.

A representative of Finland addressed the issue of energy and pollution taxes, saying that they were a very useful and cost-effective tool of controlling emissions.  She went on to share her country’s experience in that regard.  While it had been argued that such taxes could reduce competitiveness, Finland’s experience testified to the contrary.  The tax burden on citizens was not increased, because income taxes had been reduced.  As a result of application of those taxes, emissions levels had begun to fall. 

A non-governmental representative said that it was time to pay for the mess that humankind had created.  She recommended creation of an international sustainable development agency to compensate developing countries for the damage they had suffered as a result of developed countries’ activities.  Such an agency would also focus on access to energy in poor and rural areas and disseminate information on best policies and practices.  She urged all participants to stop financing unsustainable energy.  The needs of women and indigenous peoples also must be addressed.  The goal of poverty eradication should be advanced.

Statements

TUILOMA NERONI SLADE (Samoa), speaking on behalf of Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), said that the 1994 Barbados Plan of Action for the sustainable development of small island developing States (SIDS) had been the first major international initiative to translate the agreements reached at Rio into practical action.  That Plan identified sustainable energy sources as critical and proffered specific initiatives to encourage efficiency and to accelerate the development of environmentally-sound renewable energy resources.  Indeed, the isolated and vulnerable geographic nature of island countries had called for a measure of urgency in focussing on regional strategies to promote sustainable energy options.  While the countries were doing what they could, individually and collectively, working with various United Nations agencies and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), there had really been no substantive change in the energy situation in the region since the Action Plan’s introduction.

He went on to say that island countries continued to depend on imported petroleum products for generating electricity and transportation, and the potential of ocean, solar energy and wind power had not been fully explored.  And while seeking some relief through development of alternative or renewable energy sources was seen as the overall solution to the problem, most island nations face severe constraints to the large-scale use of renewable energy resources.  They did not have the capacity or the means to invest in renewables or even to develop or obtain the appropriate technologies.  He therefore called on relevant financial institutions to support efforts to that end.  He also noted his most serious concern: the consumption of fossil fuels by developed countries and the resultant global warming trend.  To that end, while the Kyoto Protocol was not a definitive instrument for all countries, it was indeed a vital one that laid down clear legally-binding targets to be met within agreed time frames.

He said that regional cooperation and collaboration among small island nations had proved an effective strategy for tackling some issues.  Such cooperation had also demonstrated the advantages and cost-effectiveness of time-sharing and shared capacity development.  At the same time, coordination at the international level among donor countries and United Nations agencies and funds would also be essential, particularly to avoid duplication of efforts.  He also said that while his delegation supported the renewable energy opportunities that had been suggested during the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) discussions under the Kyoto process, it opposed the use and the development of nuclear energy.  Small island communities had been seriously affected by nuclear weapons testing, and remained concerned about the serious risks posed by the transportation of nuclear materials.

MARK HAMBLEY (United States) said that the size of energy investments needed in the developing world was dramatic –- an estimated $15 to $55 trillion in the next 50 years, he continued.  Even though its energy intensity was decreasing, the United States energy consumption was forecast to increase by over 30 per cent in the next 20 years.  In recognition of that sector’s importance, the President of the country had directed an energy policy review.  The discussions in the Commission must recognize the centrality of the market in the energy situation and focus its efforts on attracting private sector energy investment.  It was also important to recognize the individual circumstances of each country.  No one set of policies could be applied equally to all countries.  Rather, governments would need to choose from a menu of policy options.

Turning to the atmosphere, he said that good progress had been made on ozone.  The Montreal Protocol was succeeding with nearly half of its parties in accelerated compliance with production phase-out agreements signed by the world’s main chlorofluorocarbon-producing countries.  Regional and international agreements were addressing the issue of air pollution.  Domestically, measures were also being taken to reduce emissions and traffic congestion.  Effectively-planned transport had the potential to shape communities in a positive way.  Efforts were being directed towards more effectively linking transport with growth strategies, land use plans, safety, environmental quality and economic development.  Communities were encouraged to provide better public transit, improve conditions for non-motorized transportation and reduce trips through telecommuting.

On information for decision-making, he said that decision-making must be scientifically based.  The United States was committed to the inclusion of stakeholder and major groups and broad-based public participation in environmental decision-making at the domestic level.  The country also worked with intergovernmental organizations and other countries to promote data sharing.  Regional efforts were particularly important.  He went on to describe his country’s initiatives in the sphere of information and added that, along with global partnerships to bridge the digital gap, the United States continued to support the valuable work on indicators of sustainable development.

Creating an enabling environment for sustainable development was one of the most important items to be discussed in the Commission, he said.  More resources would be needed for sustainable development, and he recognized that official development assistance (ODA) must be part of the equation.  The United States had provided $9.1 billion in ODA in 2000.  Debt relief was important, as well, and his country’s efforts in that respect already totalled over $14 billion in the past decade and could produce an additional $6 billion in years to come.  Trade investment and liberalization would not promote sustainable development if developing country governments were not fully versed in developing, implementing and enforcing environmental regulatory policies, practices and legal frameworks.

JURGEN TRITTIN, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany, said it was high time for the international community to consider taking a new direction in global energy policy-making. Mankind’s current wasteful consumption and production patterns and increasing dependence on such high-risk forms of energy as nuclear power reflected an attitude that was the complete opposite of sustainable energy practices.  The fundamental elements of forward-looking energy systems included energy efficiency and fuel substitution, with the goal of significantly increasing the use of renewable energies.  At the 2002 Summit, world leaders would emphasize the discussion of the ways and means to integrate, at all levels, principles that combined security of supply, economic efficiency and environmental compatibility.

Climate change alone made it more urgent than ever that the international community act quickly, he said.  As problems resulting from global warming continued to mount, it had become clear that the world’s poorest populations were the most seriously affected.  Moreover, the longer governments waited to act, the more expensive correcting those problems would become.  To that end, all governments had a special duty to adhere to the principles elaborated in the Kyoto Protocol.  That was particularly true for countries with high levels of per capita carbon dioxide emissions.  He reminded the Commission that the average United States citizen emitted 22 tons of carbon dioxide a year; a European Union citizen emitted 9 tons; an Indian citizen emitted .09 tons.  By that example, it was clear that developed countries should take a leading role on the issue of climate change.  For its part, Germany was on track to fulfilling its target of a 25 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2005.

He went on to say that delegations at the upcoming Summit should also make action-oriented decisions on sustainable energy, poverty and the environment, and strengthening the field of international governance in the field of environment. The link between poverty and sustainable energy should also be explored.  Indeed, poverty was the most toxic poison on earth for peace, democracy and the environment.  Energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy both had great potential to improve living conditions in cities, as well as remote areas, where decentralized energy supplies were most needed.

MYUNG-JA KIM, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Korea, said that at last year’s Inter-Korea Summit, when the two Koreas had agreed to initiate a project to reconnect the rail link between the North and the South, both governments also agreed that every effort would be made to protect fragile ecosystems in the demilitarized zone. She considered those agreements a promising indication of resolve to build a sustainable future for the peninsula, around conservation of the environment and responsible transportation initiatives. 

Turning next to atmospheric protection, she said her country was in the midst of restructuring its tax system to take into account environmental issues.  One innovative initiative was a tax on private car ownership that was based on distance traveled.  The Republic of Korea had also begun replacing diesel-powered buses with clean natural gas (CNG) vehicles in the 2002 World Cup host cities.  By 2007, all the nation’s roughly 20,000 city buses would be likewise replaced.  She said her country was also promoting cooperation among Asian countries to collectively prepare and implement measures to cope with transboundary air pollution.  At a recent meeting of ministers from Korea, Japan and China, consensus had been reached on several initiatives to tackle a broad array of regional environmental issues, including ecosystem restoration, environmental education and the yellow sand phenomenon.

She said the Republic of Korea considered successfully addressing energy issues to be a key component of achieving truly sustainable development.  In that regard, her Government not only encouraged development of alternative energy sources but also use of market mechanisms such as demand-side pricing.  She added that by 2004, Korea planned to produce electricity for 17,000 households by recovering landfill gases.  That project would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 500,000 tons a year.  In this regard, she noted that it was important for all members of the international community to continue efforts to resolve the differences of opinion surrounding the Kyoto Protocol.  That document was a hard-won international agreement that could only enhance global efforts to mitigate harmful effects of climate change.

M. V. MOOSA, Minister for Environmental Affairs and Tourism of South Africa, said the role of energy in sustainable development was crucial for poverty eradication, fulfilment of basic needs, and sustained economic development.  For the developed world, the key issue was diversifying energy sources and increasing efficiency.  While those issues were important to the developing world, its fundamental concern was to ensure adequate access to energy for millions of urban and rural poor.

An increased commitment was needed to meet the challenge of access to energy for the world’s poor, he continued.  That required a constructive partnership between the North and South, which entailed assistance in the transfer of renewable technologies; capacity-building; skills transfer; research and development; and access to finance through increased private sector investment and development assistance.  At the same time, he was aware of the imperative to protect the global atmosphere.  Developed countries had contributed the greatest share of historical and current atmospheric pollution and, thus, must take the lead in the effort to combat it, based on the principle of common, but differentiated, responsibilities.

He noted the connection between the issues of transport, energy and atmosphere.  Thus, he advocated greater investment in sustainable public transport systems and, in particular, rail as the most energy efficient.  Further, he said, if all the challenges being discussed were to be addressed in a meaningful manner, a more enabling economic environment for sustainable development was needed.  The international financial architecture must be reviewed, so that developing countries could benefit from globalization.  In addition, the current environmental governance regime was fragmented and under-funded.  Further, the developed world had failed to meet the financial commitments made at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (Rio de Janeiro, 1992).  He closed by thanking Member States for their endorsement of South Africa as host for the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.

DAVID SYZ, Director General of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland, said that energy as a commodity ideally embodied both the synergies and the potential conflicts between the three components of sustainable development.  Energy production and consumption contributed to global climate change.  The booming demand for energy would require massive investments, above all in developing countries.  While the Commission was primarily a forum for dialogue, it must also contribute its share to the implementation of concrete measures.  The Commission must signify its willingness to take political action targeting the most fundamental problem areas.  The most important task was to look for innovative ways to supply two billion people with affordable electricity.  Switzerland recommended the development of locally-available renewable energy sources. 

A sustainable energy policy also required the promotion of sustainable forms of mobility, he said.  Implementation of the “polluter pays” principle, which contributed to full cost accounting in transport, was also paramount.  All sectors of the economy must avoid excessive energy consumption and turn to renewable energy sources.  The investments to reach those aims should be provided primarily by the private sector, with governments concentrating on legislative and regulatory tasks, thereby enabling the efficient functioning of energy markets.  In cases where markets failed to function properly, government intervention should make use of economic instruments to avoid distorting effects on competitiveness.  The private sector would not be able to meet all requirements.  Developing countries and countries in transition would need financial and technical assistance to reach their development goals.  On climate protection, from the economic point of view, the reductions aimed for might seem high.  They would only be reached by boosting energy efficiency and modifying the energy mix.  Reducing greenhouse gas emissions would require financial resources.  Switzerland was fully committed to the Kyoto Protocol. 

ANTONI TOKARCZUK, Minister of Environment for Poland, said that considering the global and regional problems created by climate change, ozone layer depletion, acid rain and smog, the international community must actively seek ways to prevent further pollution of the atmosphere.  The real challenge, however, would be to do that while keeping in mind the growing demand for energy, the expansion of transport and the aspirations of people around the world for further economic development.  For its part, Poland had instituted the principles agreed upon at Rio to make substantial progress in both economic development and atmospheric protection.  During the last decade, greenhouse gas emissions per gross domestic product (GDP) unit had been reduced by 40 per cent; sulphur dioxide by 61 per cent, and the consumption of ozone depleting substances by 95 per cent.

He said that Poland considered unsustainable consumption and production patterns major obstacles to achieving real global sustainable development.  In that regard, he said that the upcoming 2002 Summit should focus on ways and means to reverse current negative trends in consumption and production.  Discussions should give priority to, among others, upgrading resource efficiency by promoting recycling and substitution, "de-coupling" economic growth from the pressure on the environment and resources, and enhancing public participation in the decision-making process.

He also drew attention to the issue of information for decision-making and transparency of governmental behaviour, and public participation in environmental issues.  Information for decision-makers should be uniform and based on the same set of relevant sustainability indicators.  While he understood the need to adjust such indicators to specific circumstances, he proposed the adoption of a set of key development indicators that allowed for national variations, while providing the best tools for comprehensive evaluation.  Poland also considered public participation, transparency and democratic rule as necessary factors in achieving sustainable development.  The European region, he added, instituted the Aarhus Convention, which had introduced international guarantees for public participation.  The provisions of that Convention could be extended on a global scale under the auspices of the United Nations.

SOTIRIOS ZACKHEOS (Cyprus) said that the main objective of Cyprus’ comprehensive energy programme was the reduction of the country’s dependence on imported energy, through the rational use of energy and greatest possible exploitation of renewable sources of energy.  The deployment of such sources, especially the use of solar power, was extremely useful.  Since the first production and installation of solar water heaters in the 1960s, a remarkable expansion had taken place.  Over 92 per cent of households and 50 per cent of hotels were currently using this renewable energy method.  Cyprus was currently proceeding with two new programmes for renewable energy –- photovoltaic and wind energy.  Cyprus had ratified the Kyoto Protocol and actively supported all efforts to finalize the negotiations on its implementation. 

The role of globalization in the context of international cooperation for an enabling environment was significant, he said.  Globalization should not only have a human face, but it should also recognize that the problem of the environment was as crucial as the promotion of markets and prosperity.  Actions should not be geared toward the ephemeral pursuit of short-term objectives but, rather, improvements for future generations.  It was ironic that that concept, so prevalent among indigenous people, was lost in greedy self-centred advanced societies.  In the globalized world, dialogue among all stakeholders must be intensified.  States must act both individually and collectively to support the valuable efforts of civil society for managing change for the common good.

KIYOTAKA AKASAKA (Japan) said that Japan recognized the importance of sustainable production and consumption patterns, to sustainable development.  Government, local authorities, business and industry, and non-governmental organizations were all striving to attain those objectives.  A milestone was the enactment last year of the Basic Law for Establishing the Recycling-based Society.  That law, combined with other relevant legislation, was designed to help create a “society with sound material flows” by restraining the consumption of natural resources and recycling materials in activities such as production, distribution, consumption and disposal.  Public-private partnerships in the implementation of sustainable development objectives was also important.  The exchange of information by stakeholders was essential to facilitating partnerships.

Although government had important responsibilities in promoting sustainable development, progress would be enhanced by the active participation of business and the general public, he said.  Business could play an important role in diffusing sustainable practices nationwide.  Increasing the awareness of the general public, and providing consumers with better information, was also important.  It had been widely recognized that technological development offered considerable promise for decoupling economic growth from long-term environmental degradation.  There was clear need to set framework conditions that were conducive to developing innovative technologies that supported sustainable development objectives.  Economic growth in developing countries contributed to sustainable development.  Achieving sustainable development would depend on the quality of the environmental and social governance systems in developing countries.  Many developing countries would only be able to address issues of critical relevance to sustainable development if they received help from developed countries and international organizations with capacity-building.  

He urged the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.  Global cooperation to tackle global warming must be based on the Protocol as it was the only viable framework in existence to combat global warming.  It was time to renew the commitment and make the best effort, no matter how difficult, to make the objectives of the Protocol a reality.

DAVID ANDERSON, Minister of the Environment of Canada, said that on his way to New York, he had learned from an architectural publication that the United Nations building was not energy-efficient.  The path to sustainable development required the integration of economic, social and environmental considerations in decision-making.  Finding constructive ways to balance the real needs for energy and transportation with the imperative of protecting the atmosphere and people’s health must be the objective.  The face of global energy was changing.  Some countries and private organizations were making great strides in the use of renewable energy sources.  Others were implementing cleaner technologies in the use of more traditional energy supplies.  The achievement of a sustainable transportation system was crucial to sustainable development.  Progress would require significant technical innovation in both developed and developing countries. 

Governments should facilitate an enabling environment that fostered innovation and the implementation of new technologies, he said.  Fossil fuels would continue to dominate the transportation sector for some time to come.  It was important to minimize the impact of their use, particularly through stringent fuel and vehicle emissions standards, the elimination of lead in gasoline, proper vehicle maintenance and operation, energy efficiency initiatives, and improved regional and urban planning.  Efforts to better manage energy and transportation sectors would pay off in terms of cleaner air and healthier and more productive people.  Mechanisms such as the Global Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and the Montreal Protocol could help speed the cause of sustainable development.  Canada urged countries to become parties to the Global Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.  On the issue of information for decision-making, he stressed the importance of collection, analysis, and exchange of data and best practices.  He encouraged the Commission to work on indicators of sustainable development and to build an information capacity in developing countries to develop their own indicators. 

NITIN DESAI, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said that the United Nations building was, in fact, not an energy efficient building.  A capital master plan, however, had been put forward to address that issue.  The plan would finance itself through savings earned in energy conservation.  He took the opportunity to encourage delegates to ask their governments to support the plan.

JARGALSAIKHANY ENKHSAIKHAN (Mongolia) agreed that irresponsible exploitation of natural resources, marginalization and impoverishment were undermining the basis of well-being of both present and future generations.  The Commission was focusing on a number of areas which were of priority importance for reversing those trends.  The issue of access to transport and the efficiency of transportation systems were of great importance for developing countries such as Mongolia.  His country was seeking to develop its transport infrastructure.  For instance, the Millennium Road project envisaged building over 2,500 kilometres of roads, to link the country’s five economic regions and to offer greater opportunities of economic cooperation with Mongolia’s neighbours. 

Special emphasis should be placed on increasing international support to enhance the capacity of land-locked developing countries to effectively participate in the rapidly globalizing world, he continued.  He stressed the importance of international cooperation within the framework of Agenda 21 for creating an enabling environment for sustainable development.  His country attached great importance to the activities of the Global Environment Facility as a mechanism for financing environmental aspects of development.  He also expressed full support for the proposal that the Global Environmental Facility be made a full-fledged financial mechanism of the Convention to Combat Desertification, which would enable over 100 countries to make use of the Facility in tackling the problems and challenges of desertification.

Financial resources and mechanisms were the most crucial means of implementing Agenda 21, he said.  He hoped that the International Conference for Financing for Development, to be held next year, would contribute to the goals of sustainable development, economic growth, poverty eradication and protection of the environment.  He also stressed the political importance of the forthcoming

10-year review of UNCED, which would give a new impetus to the commitment of sustainable development by all countries and stakeholders.  

GERT ROSENTHAL (Guatemala) said that in January this year, the ex-secretariat of the environment, which was an office within his Government, had been upgraded to ministerial rank, for the first time in the country’s history.  The Ministry received support from the General Secretariat of Planning and Programming, which addressed environmental issues with an integrated and sectoral outlook.  Many ministries, including the one charged with energy, had administrative units specializing in environmental issues.

His country was also trying to resist the enormous pressure that demographic growth exerted on the agricultural sector, he continued.  Over 15 per cent of the country’s territory was dedicated to nature reserves.  Together with its neighbours, Guatemala had launched the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, seeking to preserve natural resources.  Due to their ample vegetation mass, Guatemala, and Central America in general, were helping to overcome the effect of carbon gases, thus stabilizing the global climate.  He maintained that the States that were the main sources of contaminants and gases which had a greenhouse effect on the atmosphere should keep their commitments, in accordance with United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol.

Despite the country’s high hydroelectric potential, as a result of high initial capital costs, as well as environmental considerations, Guatemala still employed non-renewable energy resources.  The country also continued to import oil, and the risk of oil spills was always present.  The felling of trees as a source of energy had contributed to deforestation at a much greater rate than forests capacity to renew themselves.  Having identified the problems, however, the country was beginning to address them.  Institutional cooperation was needed to preserve the country’s forests.  The country also recognized the need to develop renewable sources of energy.

Mr. TERIEV, Minister for Work and Energy of Kiribati, speaking on behalf of the Pacific Island Forum Group, said that like many other countries energy was of critical importance to the Forum.  Small island countries in the region were still heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels.  Such products were used mainly in either electricity generation or transport related activities.  Small islands were concerned with the magnitude and growth of emissions and believed that those countries most responsible should take the lead in reducing them.  Advanced fossil fuels and nuclear technologies were considered by many Forum members as inappropriate for small island countries and should be replaced by more appropriate technologies.  Viable and locally available alternative sources of energy were needed that were accessible, reliable and affordable. 

He said the region recognized only too well the interaction among the three components of the global life-support system -- atmosphere, oceans and land.  Renewed and strengthened efforts were required to understand and respond to climate change and variability.  The Kyoto Protocol represented a significant step forward in combating climate change and highlighted the importance of taking early action.

Small island communities faced a fundamental crisis of geographic isolation and, therefore, a high and ever growing cost of transportation between the various islands, he said.  With the rising demand for transportation services, there was potential increase in the risk to the environment and human health.  The Forum was also concerned about shipments of radioactive materials through the region.  It recognized that pursuing sustainable development required an enabling international economic environment.  Small island countries were particularly prone to the vagaries of globalization, due to a narrow resource base, ecological fragility and geographic remoteness.  

SERGEY V. LAVROV (Russian Federation) said that his Government attached utmost importance to the integration of environmental and social parameters in the national development strategy and implementation of the concept of sustainable development.  National guidelines had been developed, based on the principles of sustainable development.  A new energy strategy for the period up to 2020 had also been devised, aimed at ensuring steady development of the energy sector, while substantially reducing the pressure on the environment. 

Despite the serious difficulties of the transition period, Russia was fulfilling its main Rio commitments, he pointed out.  The emissions of greenhouse gases in Russia had been reduced by 25 per cent, compared with 1990.  The area of nature sanctuaries and other protected natural territories had been increased.  The natural resources of the country played an important role in the preservation of global environmental equilibrium.  In that connection, and in the context of the preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, it would be appropriate to seriously consider recognizing the role of States in providing global environmental services.

The Russian Federation considered nuclear energy an economically viable, safe and environmentally clean source of energy and supported its further development, he continued.  International scientific and technological cooperation was needed to develop a new generation of more effective and safer nuclear reactors, as a powerful instrument of further progress in that field.  He added that diversity of national conditions should be taken into account when considering the prospects of sustainable energy development.  Accordingly, a wide range of approaches to energy development was needed.  It would hardly be feasible to elaborate a universal and comprehensive energy strategy.  It would be more practical to agree on a menu of different options, taking into account national priorities.

NADIA MAKRAM EBEID, Minister of State for Environmental Affairs of Egypt, said that the sustainable development programme her Government was pursuing featured holistic, results-oriented initiatives.  The challenge was to strike a balance between accelerated economic and social development and protecting the environment.  Discussions should start from the position that the international awareness of the importance of eradicating poverty as expressed by heads of State at the Millennium Summit would be translated into a reality.  Concrete steps should be taken to ensure that the needs of the two billion inhabitants on the planet without access to energy were being addressed. 

It was premature to talk of the elaboration of guiding principles for energy policies worldwide or about the sustainability of a particular source of energy.  Rather, the focus should be on the role of energy in achieving sustainable development goals in countries, and the elaboration of a menu of options from which countries could chose in light of their domestic needs.  It was important for Egypt to ensure a sustainable development path based on domestic priorities and long term needs.  Egypt’s energy policy featured a number of elements, including energy efficiency and a gradual transition from petroleum products to natural gas.  The technological advances that had created a global market could not be ignored.  Yet, an equally compelling need remained to address the fundamental ethical imperatives of sustainable development. 

TUPUK SUTRISNO (Indonesia) said that the crucial issue was the need to ensure that the 2 billion people living in rural areas of the developing countries had adequate access to energy.  The lack of access to adequate and affordable energy services, as well as their uneven distribution, increased poverty, underdevelopment, illiteracy, and environmental degradation, because of the continuing utilization of traditional sources of energy in an unsustainable manner.  Indonesia attached great importance to the need to ensure linkages between each of the key issues on energy and the overarching issues of financial assistance, transfer of technology and capacity building.

An estimated $100 billion to $300 billion was required annually over the next 20 years to support the necessary infrastructure development in developing countries, he said.  Most developing countries did not have institutional structures to adequately deal with the scale of risks associated with major energy investments.  The session should provide practical recommendations for developing countries, so they could mobilize the necessary capital investments to meet their current energy shortfall.  Also, existing mechanisms should be strengthened or new ones proposed that would identify risks and ensure equitable partnership between investors and host countries.  A major challenge was to ensure the availability of modern and affordable transportation facilities, which were a prerequisite for economic growth and development, while at the same time promoting the reduction of emissions. 

SIRI BJERKE, Minister of the Environment of Norway, said that global cooperation to tackle climate change must be based on the Kyoto Protocol.  She fully agreed with the European Union that the challenge now was to make that Protocol work.  Combating poverty was the overriding concern of the majority of Member States.  Within countries, extreme differences in health and living conditions should never be tolerated, and they were equally unacceptable between countries.  The challenge was to reduce poverty, while protecting the environmental resources that formed the basis for future prosperity.  Key elements of the industrialized countries’ experience could be utilized to help the developing countries avoid repeating their mistakes.

She went on to say that developing countries needed assistance to build their infrastructures and make their energy systems, industry and transport more sustainable.  It was important to agree on how to make the international arrangements already in place more effective.  It was also important to address the issue of benefiting the 2 billion people without access to modern energy resources.  The solutions, however, differed as much as did the United Nations Member countries.  While environmental aspects had to be integrated into energy policies, the Commission should not try to make one set of prescriptions to fit all countries.  Rather, a policy menu could be drawn up.

National and international standards for buildings and technological equipment could ensure progress, she said.  On behalf of the 25 member governments of the IAEA, she then introduced a statement on sustainable development, which would be distributed to the delegates.  Norway supported regional conventions to prevent long-range air pollution, and she would like to see an agreement at the global level on taxation of aviation fuel.  Indicators of sustainability were also needed.  As shipwrecks did happen, at a minimum it was also important to set an international standard requiring each transport to be notified in advance of those States whose territory might be affected in case of an accident.  The capacity of UNEP should be further strengthened.  Future problems of environment and development could not be solved by merely introducing new treaties to cover today’s problems.  There was a need for rationalization, while preserving continuity and leadership.  The United Nations must make coordination and integration of those issues a priority.

VINCI N. CLODUMAR (Nauru) said that Nauru was almost entirely dependent on imported fossil fuels and the cost of transporting such products to the region was a heavy burden.  Nauru had a problem with the notion of nuclear power as a renewable and sustainable source of energy.  It was not a clean technology.  Also, given the high development costs of advanced fossil fuels, Nauru did not believe that advanced fossil fuels were a viable option.  Instead, effective and efficient energy sources should be developed, such as wind, solar, geothermal, wave and tidal technologies.  For the nations of the Pacific, that would require regional and international cooperation, private investment, scientific research and capacity building.  That could only happen if the world broke free from the stranglehold of the powerful few; the oil-cartels and the wealthy industrial economies who had private agendas.

Nauru was concerned about the lack of depth of debate on climate change and its impact on sea-level rise, he said.  Nauru found it difficult to comprehend why certain countries felt that it was inappropriate to even mention the Kyoto Protocol in the session.  Unfortunately, the small island States were most seriously affected by climate change.  Documented rises in sea levels were already drowning some of the lowest-lying islands.  Pursuing sustainable development required a proactive and dynamic approach to international cooperation.  Every country had a responsibility to contribute effectively to global sustainable development.

SHEN GUOFANG (China) said that as a result of globalization, external factors were now determining the success or failure of developing countries.  Thus, it was all the more important to create an enabling environment for sustainable development.  The ODA was on the sharp decline, and concrete measures were needed to reverse that trend, providing additional resources to the developing States.  To bring financial flows in line with needs, the international financial mechanisms needed to be reformed.  Donor countries and those receiving assistance should work together, and the private sector needed to participate in sustainable development.

The international community should strive to establish an equitable international trade system, he said.  Technology transfer should not be left to the market.  Those countries with capacity to do so should transfer technology to the developing countries on favourable terms.  It was important to face the reality of the digital divide.  Indicators and statistics for sustainable development were needed, and industrialized countries should share information with the rest of the world, helping the developing countries build their information infrastructure.

Survival of the atmosphere was needed for the survival of mankind, he said.  It was important to redouble international efforts to put the Kyoto Protocol in force as soon as possible.  The announcement that the United States would not ratify that instrument severely undermined the efforts of the international community over the last decade.  Sincere cooperation was needed on all sides.

ANWARUL KARIM CHOWDHURY (Bangladesh) said that sustainable use of energy would ensure a better world for all.  At the same time, to safeguard the environment from further degradation, maximum use of clean sources of energy should be ensured.  Serious efforts should be made to utilize solar energy.   While the transport sector had a positive role to play in economic and social development, it was also another source of atmospheric emissions.  In the nine years since UNCED, Bangladesh had made efforts to integrate environmental concerns into its developmental decision-making and to adapt existing policies and plans.  Bangladesh supported a holistic approach to attain sustainable development and the timely adherence to the Kyoto Protocol by 2002.

The socio-economic difficulties of the least developed countries were further aggravated by a specific set of environment related problems, such as degradation and erosion of land, he said.  A particularly encouraging development had been that the least developed countries had demonstrated an awareness of the issues related to the environment and sustainable development.  However, the scope, speed and effectiveness of those measures were constrained by inadequate resources and a lack of relevant expertise and institutions.  He strongly urged that developed countries supply financial resources and modern technology, to assist developing countries that had already created the necessary atmosphere for such investment. The response to date had been disappointing.  The implementation of Agenda 21 required an effective global partnership.  Failure to carry out commitments would jeopardize the work of the past.

PETE HODGSON, Minister of Energy of New Zealand, said that his country’s use of energy had been wasteful, polluting and expensive.  It was expected to use

13 per cent more energy in 2012 than it did now.  Energy inefficiency was money down the drain, however, and his Government had launched a national energy efficiency and conservation strategy late last month, which aimed to develop an energy sector, supporting a dynamic economy and improving the quality of life in the country.  The programme proposed a wide range of measures, across all sectors of the economy.

Turning to climate change, he said that it was a global issue, which required a global response. National action was necessary, but it needed to be in the wider context of international action.  Countries could not be effective on their own.  The Kyoto Protocol was, therefore, a negotiation of vital significance.  His country continued to support that instrument and wanted to see it completed, so that developed countries could move to its ratification.  Recent announcements by the United States that it did not support the Protocol were a very serious development.  He was encouraged by the strong expressions of commitment to the Protocol negotiation process.  To his best knowledge, not a single country had come out in favour of the United States’ position.  Many, however, had called for the United States to complete its review of the issues and come back to negotiations quickly and fully. 

On the issue of nuclear power, he said that New Zealand did not want agreed outcomes from other forums to be undercut by decisions of the Commission.  His delegation would work to protect outcomes achieved in the IAEA and the 2000 Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).  His Government had been vigorously pursuing better arrangements for the transport of radioactive materials.  He reiterated that nuclear energy was inappropriate for use in his country.

BERNARD FAUTRIER, Minister of International Cooperation for the Environment and Development of Monaco, said that economic growth would increase energy consumption.  Increasing energy consumption would have a serious impact on both the environment and human health, particularly because of air pollution.  The international community must implement efforts to limit the use of non-renewable energy sources and to shift towards renewable sources.  The international community must also agree to the goal of protecting the planet by protecting the environment.  The atmosphere was increasingly subject to the effects of greater energy consumption, resulting in the phenomenon of climate change.  Monaco was disturbed by the lack of concern by some wealthy countries, which had per capita emissions levels much higher than Monaco’s.  The refusal to entertain the concept of global solidarity would disrupt the planet’s balance.

Regarding international cooperation for sustainable development, he said Monaco had entered into a programme with targeted specific projects in  cooperation with other nations of the Mediterranean region.  Monaco was focussing on cooperation specifically in the Mediterranean region and was working on such issues as the relationship between free trade and the environment, and urban management and sustainable development.  The Mediterranean could be effective in aiding international efforts for sustainable development and would assume an active role in the upcoming Conference.

SERGEI LING (Belarus) drew attention to the issue of great importance to his country -- the Chernobyl disaster.  For his country, which was in a transition to a market economy, it had had devastating effects for all aspects of sustainable development.  It had distorted the demographic structure of the country, with thousands of people being evacuated from the affected areas.  The country was now unable to use a large portion of its agricultural land.  There was also an insufficient level of medical and financial services.  The country was facing the issue of the rehabilitation of the affected areas.  It was hoping to receive support from the international community in rebuilding the infrastructure and receiving clean and advanced technologies.

JAUME MATAS, Minister of the Environment of Spain, said that the need to respond to society’s concern about the environmental impact of an eventual increase in the demand for energy defined the terms of Spain’s energy strategy.  Part of that policy was to diversify sources of energy, improve efficiency, encourage research and develop new technologies.  The need to reduce the impact on the environment had led to the establishment of strategies to comply with international agreements, in particular those related to reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.  At the same time, however, Spain was working to ensure that the reduction in emissions did not burden economic development.

In the past few years, he continued, the development of transport systems had been key to attaining greater economic prosperity and more equitable social development.  The increase in mobility also posed new challenges.  It was most urgent to address the demands for mobility with a sustainable transport system.

He said that it was necessary to intensify the search for alternatives to the existing models of urban planning in the industrialized countries.  In the past, economic development was inevitably associated with deteriorating air quality, but air quality was one of the basic needs for life.  It was of paramount importance to continue to protect the ozone layer in the context of the Montreal Protocol.  Regarding information for decision-making and participation, it was essential to work to ensure transparency and full public participation.  Governments needed to support the free and responsible role of the media as conveyors of environmental information to the public.  In addition, the use of indicators was basic to the decision-making process. 

MAHINDA WIJESEKARA, Minister of Forestry and Environment of Sri Lanka, said that the term sustainable development could mean many things to many people, but it was not a new concept in his country.  His ancestors used to live in harmony with nature.  However, that balance had been broken.  The global programme of action for sustainable development needed to be reassessed at this point, and he wanted to inform the Commission about his country’s actions in that regard.

The ministries in Sri Lanka were incorporating the principles of Agenda

21 into their work, he continued, selecting environmentally and socially acceptable options for the people of the country.  National strategy had been developed for sustainable development.  Carbon dioxide emissions in his country were small, compared to the industrialized countries.  A major problem was the issue of poverty, which was connected to the problems of overpopulation, water pollution and deforestation.  Civil society participation was needed to address those problems.

About 50 per cent of the households in the country did not have electricity, and water supply was not adequate.  The Government was trying to provide those people with energy services, without inflicting harm on the environment.  The needs for equitable access to energy and water were particularly acute in the rural areas.  Transportation needs should also be taken into consideration.  The main constraints were the inadequacy of financial and human resources.  He hoped the Commission could help find solutions to those constraints.

NEISA ROCA HURTADO, Vice Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Forests of Bolivia, said that the session was taking place at a time of particular importance.  At home, Bolivia was preparing to make new opportunities available on the issue of sustainable development.  The challenge was how to relate to the environment in a holistic way.  Another challenge was globalization, and the danger that the poorer countries would be further marginalized.  Bolivia was striving to improve the well being of society and had defined a specific strategy for fighting poverty.  Bolivia also had a vast resource potential and was pursuing strategies for becoming a resource centre in the southern cone.

She said the Commission must make recommendations to ensure the development of energy resources and transport services, as part of international policies designed to facilitate the flow of clean technologies.  She added that it was essential for developing countries to reinforce local capabilities, to achieve a better understanding of sustainable development.  Development partners would have to increase their efforts worldwide.  She hoped that the 2002 Johannesburg conference would be successful and would move the world closer to sustainable development goals.

GELSON FONSECA (Brazil) stressed the importance of the Kyoto Protocol.  He said that energy, transport and atmosphere, as well as the cross-sectoral themes of information and creating an enabling environment for sustainable development, must be dealt with in an integrated manner, aiming to protect the environment.  He went on to describe his Government’s efforts into promoting the objectives of sustainable development.  The use of indigenous resources was more likely to provide energy services with zero emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases. 

He said that the country relied on a clean and sustainable basis for energy production, with 57 per cent of its energy produced from renewable resources

(39 per cent hydro and 18 per cent biomass).  New policies and programmes were allowing Brazil to make steady progress towards sustainable patterns of energy production, distribution and use.  A natural gas programme was also being developed.  The restructuring of the energy sector in the country was aimed at breaking the monopoly in energy generation, privatizing energy distribution and increasing competition.

Energy was critical to economic growth and human development, he continued.  There were still great disparities in the access to energy among and within countries.  The focus of the Commission’s endeavours should be on ensuring wide distribution and equitable access to energy around the world.  International cooperation was important in that respect, as well as in poverty eradication.

RAJESH ANAND BHAGWAN, Minister of Environment of Mauritius, said that the current session would remain a landmark in the history of the Commission, as it provided the opportunity for stakeholders to address vital issues.  Energy was one of the main elements that supported life on earth.  Paradoxically, in the quest for development, energy production had put human lives at risk.  The development of renewable energy needed to be achieved in an integrated manner.  The current growth in energy demand in Mauritius was over 8 per cent per year.  To cope with that challenge, it had made considerable investment in renewable sources of energy.  Production of hydropower was over 12 per cent of total capacity.  Projects for the provision of electricity through photovoltaic cells was also envisaged.

Despite such efforts, however, Mauritius would still be dependent on fossil fuel for some time to cope with increasing demand of energy in industry and tourism, he said.  As in other countries, the unorganized transport system took a toll on the environment and health of the population.  Transportation primarily used fossil fuel.  Diesel, with only .25 per cent sulfur content instead of .5 per cent, was being introduced.  By 2002, Mauritius would go lead free.  The Government would soon decide on the best option for public transport along the main corridor, to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.  The tasks before the Commission were enormous, but not insurmountable.

The Commission was then informed that the Minister of the Environment for Cameroon was unable to attend the meeting, but copies of his statement would be placed in the back of the room.

JUNE CLARKE (Barbados), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said that success stories of some small island developing States to further the Barbados programme of action and Agenda 21 demonstrated that with commitment and political will, as well as community involvement and partnership with the private sector, development could be achieved in a sustainable way.  International assistance and technology were also important in that respect. Widespread introduction of solar technology in Barbados, for example, had led to significant savings in consumer energy costs.  Effective application of renewable energy could lead to increased sustainability and long-term benefits.  It could also have a beneficial effect on the environment.

It was important to introduce profound changes in global energy policy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote alternative sources of energy, she said.  She did not consider advanced fossil technologies or nuclear energy as viable choices.  She also reminded the Commission about the dangers of transboundary shipments of nuclear and other waste for the economies of small island States.  Natural disasters also had devastating consequences. 

The Kyoto Protocol still remained one of the key vehicles for reducing greenhouse emissions.  She looked forward to the discussions on an enabling environment, which was very important for CARICOM countries.  Structural weaknesses, limited market access and limited resources restricted the development capacity of CARICOM members.  For that reason, the issue of financing for development was very important to CARICOM.

GILBERT BLEU-LAINE, Minister for Environment of Côte d’Ivoire, said that energy was the driving force behind development, and African countries were vulnerable, especially given the hike in oil prices.  Energy policies in African cities and in rural areas had made very little progress.  The Continent was going through the first phase of an energy transition, marked by a drain in energy sources.  Energy policies must not confine themselves to economic issues nor meet only household needs.  In light of precarious resources, there was need to adopt an across the board approach to guide development issues, taking into account sustainable development.  The Government had also stressed the need for preserving water resources.

An energy savings programme was in place in his country, he added.  The Government had been able to reduce the kilowatt price of electrify by some

17.2 per cent and further savings was possible.  The energy savings programme under way was being done in cooperation with other French-speaking countries in the region.  Shared projects had made it possible to set up computers to carry out energy audits on high rise buildings, for example.  On the issue of transport,

60 per cent of the vehicles in Africa came from Europe.  African countries had taken no steps to move towards more efficient vehicles.  A programme was needed to strengthen the ability of countries to meet energy efficiency standards.  Global energy policies must be profoundly revised.

FRANCISCO MABJAIA, Vice-Minister of Environmental Affairs of Mozambique, said that the current session of the Commission should evaluate the successes and challenges before the international community.  The greatest challenges were represented by poverty, globalization and deterioration of the environment.  Great

inequalities were contributing to the problem.  A large percentage of the rural population did not have access to energy networks, which made it harder to eliminate poverty and ensure their survival.

An increased demand on energy resulting from population growth should be taken into account, he said.  The risk of climate change was high, and its impact on the environment and human health would be even greater if current patterns of energy production and use were maintained.  The Kyoto Protocol remained one of the main instruments against climate change, and he regretted the decision of one of the main participants to step away from it.

The World Summit in 2002 provided an opportunity to advance the sustainable development agenda in the new century.  For that purpose, international cooperation, enhanced financial assistance and solidarity were fundamental.  The cost burdens, benefits and responsibilities should be distributed equally.  The national plan of action for the reduction of absolute poverty in his country was part of the programme for sustainable human development, in which due consideration was given to the environment issues.  However, the Government’s action was seriously hampered by lack of the necessary resources, as well as the effects of natural disasters.  Only with international support would Mozambique be able to join the train of sustainable development and ensure a better environment for future generations.

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