Commission on Sustainable Development

Ninth Session

11^th Meeting (PM)

ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY KEY TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, COMMISSION TOLD

As the Commission on Sustainable Development concluded its high-level general debate this afternoon, many speakers expressed their views on the main topics of the session and shared their countries’ experiences in achieving sustainable development and ensuring responsible use of energy and natural resources.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Commission, Bedrich Moldan of the Czech Republic, highlighted some of the key points of the discussion, which included tackling globalization, poverty eradication, energy efficiency and wide-scale development of renewable energy technologies.  The main challenge continued to be provision of energy service to the 2 billion people currently without access to energy.  Also high on the agenda were meeting transport needs of the poor and encouraging direct foreign investments.

Nearly every delegation had expressed the strong belief that the Kyoto Protocol should remain the basis of global cooperation on climate change, he continued, despite some expressions of disappointment about the failure to reach a final agreement during the meeting of States parties to the Climate Change Convention held at The Hague in November.  Strong hope was expressed that the next meeting in July would result in a satisfactory outcome, an affirmation of commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and consensus on the way forward for all nations.

Several speakers this afternoon addressed the energy, information and transportation needs of the developing world versus the responsibilities of the industrialized countries.  Stressing the importance of access to better and cheaper energy sources and emphasizing the key role of technology and information transfer, speakers agreed that development of energy sources had to be achieved in a sustainable manner, and take into account the close link between energy and major global environmental issues.

Cuba’s Vice-Minister of Transport drew attention to the growing gap between the rich and the poor, patterns of consumption he described as “almost absurd”, and often irreversible degradation of the environment.  To raise the standard of living in the developing world, developed countries must facilitate access to energy and transfer of modern technologies.  Also among their priorities should be support for policies directed at achieving sustainable development and reducing the gap between the rich and the poor.  It was essential to encourage the spread of advanced technologies to achieve sustainable development without inflicting damage on the environment.

The Minister of Energy of Angola said that the developing world’s energy sector was plagued with problems, including a lack of capital, lack of access to improved technologies, inadequate management and outdated infrastructure.  There was no doubt that the demand for energy would increase dramatically in Angola as its economy grew.  Introduction of non-polluting energy sources would provide access to energy without adversely affecting health or the environment.  It would also promote income-generating activities, which would, in turn, alleviate poverty.

Not surprisingly, the environment was becoming a victim of both prosperity and poverty, the representative of Nepal told the Commission.  The rich did not want to change their ways, and the poor could not afford to.  The collective challenge was to find a way out of that gridlock.  Nepal and other countries that hardly contributed to the greenhouse gas emissions should not be subject to their negative effect, he added, expressing concern over the future of the Kyoto Protocol.  Environmental problems had assumed global proportions, and collective solutions were needed.  Those responsible for creating the problems should pick up the bills.

The Minister of the Environment of Italy said that the international community must be more resolute in shifting to renewable energy sources, while affirming the incompatibility of nuclear energy and sustainability.  In the short term, it was necessary to assure the decommissioning of obsolete power plants and the gradual abandonment of nuclear energy.

Also speaking this afternoon were Ministers and Vice-Ministers from: Slovenia, Kenya, Lithuania, Croatia, Philippines, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco, as well as representatives of Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Nepal, Iraq, Malaysia, Peru, Benin and Venezuela.

In other business this afternoon, the Commission completed its Bureau by electing, by acclamation, Margarida Rosa Da Silva Izata of Angola as its Vice-Chairman from the Group of African States.

On Monday, 23 April, the Commission will begin drafting its outcome document, working in working groups.  Its next formal meeting will be held at a date to be announced.

Background

The Commission on Sustainable Development was expected to conclude its high-level general debate this afternoon.  (For background information on the ninth session of the Commission, see Press Release ENV/DEV/563 of 12 April.)

Statements

LUIS FILIPE DA SILVA, Minister of Energy of Angola, said that it was necessary to address the issue of basic development needs of lower-income populations.  In developing countries, poverty was generally concentrated in rural areas, where energy was predominately provided by firewood and other forms of biomass.  Improving access to better and cheaper energy sources was therefore critical to freeing the poor, especially women, from subsistence tasks.  The energy sector was plagued with a number of problems, including lack of capital, lack of access to improved technologies, inadequate management and outdated infrastructure.  The required development of energy sources had to be achieved in a sustainable manner, taking into account the close links between energy and other major global environmental issues.

Turning to the situation in Angola, he said that less than one per cent of its hydropower potential was being exploited.  There was no doubt both need and demand for energy services, and that demand was expected to increase dramatically with economic growth.  The environmental degradation and the financial costs associated with conventional hydro or fossil fuel were strong limiting factors for many rural areas.  Introduction of non-polluting energy sources would provide access to energy services without adverse health or environmental impacts, and would promote income generating activities which would, in turn, alleviate poverty.  Angola firmly believed that energy technologies would improve the standard of living and personal welfare in the country.

The main function of the State was to act as a facilitator, he said.  It should create a favourable environment and encourage equal opportunity, fair play, initiative, cost-control and efficient use of resources.  The main objective of pricing policy for energy products was to secure efficient resource use and a sufficient flow of investment capital into the sector.  Vast investments were needed to rehabilitate Angola’s infrastructure, which had been badly damaged by war.  Besides the Government’s efforts, involvement of, and partnership with, major international agencies and the private sector were needed.  Angola would benefit from international cooperation.

JANEZ KOPAC, Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning of Slovenia, said the need for ever higher levels of energy would inevitably exacerbate environmental degradation, if no measures for substantial improvement of energy efficiency and increasing the use of alternative energy sources were adopted.  The reduction of fossil fuel consumption was the only solution, and the central point of every energy policy.

In Slovenia, renewable energy provided about 10 per cent of energy used, and half of that was derived from hydropower plants.  Effort should be focused on making renewable energy technologies competitive to convention ones.  Slovenia had introduced a carbon dioxide tax on fossil fuels, which made renewable energy more competitive.  The Government had started to support the development of renewable energy sources in the early nineties through public tenders, and had provided soft loans, interest rate subsidies and substantial grants for hundreds of projects, he said.

In order to achieve the goals set in Agenda 21, broad partnerships within countries, on the regional level, and on the global level, were necessary.  Too often, attempts failed due to lack of collaboration among various sectors or stakeholders.  On the other hand, systematic work on various levels -- as was the case within the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development -– could bring considerable results.

Y.F.O. MASAKHALIA, Minister for Energy of Kenya, said that formidable challenges were confronting African countries in their search for energy for sustainable development.  Per capita consumption of commercial energy in African countries was very low.  Access to energy was crucial for the achievement of the economic, social and environmental objectives of sustainable development.  Addressing energy needs required both major macro-economic changes and targeted social policies, to make commercial energy more widely available.  A major challenge for Africa was the development and use of renewable energy technologies on a wide basis.  While some progress had been made, numerous barriers remained.  The achievement of sustainable development required successful development of advanced, clean fossil-fuel technologies. 

Meeting the energy needs of the poor and rural communities was a major challenge, he continued.  Rural energy policies must be formulated as an integral part of rural development strategies.  The African High-Level Regional Meeting on Energy and Sustainable Development, held in Nairobi in January 2001, had developed a programme of action that included the establishment of the African Energy Commission, the promotion of renewable energy technologies for households and industry, and the establishment of revolving funds and other financing mechanisms for the implementation of energy projects.  Also included in the Programme was the creation of regional data bases, the harmonization of energy standards and procedures, and the development of a regulatory framework for privatization.  The role of governments in that process included the creation of an environment conducive to private sector participation.  The international community should provide targetted support for implementing energy policies for sustainable development.

NERIJUS EIDUKEVICIUS, Vice-Minister of Economy of Lithuania, aligned Lithuania with the statement made on behalf of the European Union.  In the process of restructuring its economy and industries, he said, Lithuania was ready to contribute to the attainment of sustainable energy goals.  The necessary investments could only be attracted, however, if all costs related to energy generation, supply and environmental protection were completely and accurately assessed and included in tariffs.  Legal measures to balance increased demand for energy with improved production methods should also be anticipated.

He said that public financing was very limited in Lithuania, so efforts were focused on creating favorable conditions for private sector investment, in order to accelerate the implementation of modern technologies.  The priorities for sustainable energy in Lithuania also included reliability, safety and cost-efficiency.  It was important to reduce environmental harm, ensure nuclear safety and integrate local systems with those of the European Union.  Lithuania was open to all kinds of cooperation and was ready to contribute as much as possible to achieve common goals of sustainable development.  It favored a comprehensive approach, based on national experiences and the varied conditions in different countries and regions.

FRANCISCO REYES, Vice-Minister of Transport of Cuba, said that, after several sessions of the Commission, there was little progress in sustainable development in the world.  The growing gap between the rich and the poor, almost absurd patterns of consumption, and often irreversible degradation of the environment were among the problems.  The question of energy was becoming particularly important nowadays.  Inequitable distribution of resources and the lack of access to energy were also important. 

It was necessary to raise the standard of living in the developing world, he continued.  Facilitating access to energy and transfer of modern technologies should be among the priorities of the developed countries, which should also support policies directed at achieving sustainable development and reducing the gap between the rich and the poor.  It was essential to encourage the spread of advanced technologies in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development without inflicting damage on the environment.

He went on to say that, despite the blockade by the United States, his country had not stopped attaching priority to sustainable development.  It was also searching for sound environmental solutions, including renewable sources of energy.  Almost 95 per cent of the country’s population had access to energy, and a programme was in effect to address the needs of the part of rural population that did not yet have such access.  Transition to natural gas and development of rail transport were among other actions undertaken. 

As reduction of emissions was of particular importance, he urged all the countries to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.  Cuba emphatically rejected the decision by the United States to refrain from ratifying that document.  The position of the United States’ Government demonstrated its arrogance and short-sightedness.  It was also in contradiction with the global interests. Agenda 21 was the fundamental basis of international efforts, and he would not accept any effort to change its principles.  The time had come to move forward in the search for solutions, and he expected serious action from the Commission in that respect.

BOZO KOVACEVIC, Minister for Environmental Protection and Physical Planning of Croatia, said that for the past ten years, Croatia’s development had taken place under circumstances of socio-economic transition and an unstable political situation, and influenced by the consequences of the war.  The twin goals of post-war reconstruction and development of the country called for an increase in energy production and consumption.  From 1995 to 2000, energy consumption grew by 3.3 per cent.  Croatia had relatively low greenhouse gases emissions, as 40 to 50 per cent of electricity was provided by hydropower.

Although Croatia’s contribution to greenhouse gases on a global scale was negligible, with its long seacoast and more than 1100 islands and a climate-sensitive agriculture, it shared the common interest regarding variable impacts of global climate change.  In line with Kyoto commitments, it expected to achieve a five per cent reduction of greenhouse gases emission.  Energy sector development was part of Croatia’s overall development strategy.  Increases in energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy resources were basic components of sustainable development, he said.  The following alternative energy sources were to receive special governmental support:  solar, biomass, bio-gas, bio-diesel, small hydro power plants, geothermal energy, co-generation and hydrogen. Croatia had been reducing dependence on many power-consuming and environment polluting technologies by applying advanced fossil fuel technologies, introducing natural gas to households, and building more hydropower plants.

He stressed the role of sound energy policies in combatting the threat of global warming, and reaffirmed Croatia’s commitment to the use of energy sources in ways that respected the atmosphere, human health and the environment as a whole.

RAPHAEL P.M. LOTILLA, Deputy-Director General and Coordinator of the Philippines Council for Sustainable Development, said that it was necessary to know how information for decision-making would be used and how it could be gained.  The decision-making process was political and therefore, difficult.  Multilateral institutions assumed that the market provided solutions to financing problems of developing countries.  Civil society had noted the failure of the market to provide solutions.  In light of varying opinions, he had welcomed the input of the scientific community to add an element of trust to the discussion.  Reform of the energy sector was a process that would take time.  In the late 1980s, the Philippines had suffered from a power crisis.  That crisis had been resolved by the provision of additional generating capacity from the private sector.  Despite liabilities from guarantees on transfer agreements with the private sector, the production of electricity had generated jobs, reduced poverty, offered alternative sources of income and reduced natural resource degradation. 

Reforms must go on, he said.  Privatization would continue to free government resources for social sector activities and would provide energy for isolated communities.  Other difficult reforms would be found down the road, including reforms to eliminate cross subsidies.  As promised at the last session, the Philippines had reviewed its Agenda 21 commitments.  Advances had been made towards meeting those commitments.  However, commitments from multilateral institutions for international trade, investments and official development assistance had been lacking.

MARJAN DODOVSKY, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, said his country’s program for efficient use of energy was based on international documents for energy efficiency, such as the directives, regulations, decisions, resolutions and recommendations of the European Union.  Regarding energy efficiency, the environmental impact on production, distribution and consumption of energy must be considered.  That required government intervention in five fields: strategic, organizational, economic, regulatory and technology.

The strategic component of government intervention consisted of measures for integrated management of energy production and consumption, he continued. Modernization of existing production processes was the technical component.  The economic aspect consisted of convincing the business sector that imposing costs for use of the environment had a positive impact on energy efficiency on one side, and on the environment on the other side.  For that purpose it was important to develop the polluter pays and user pays principles.  In the regulatory field, the Government had stimulated measures for energy efficiency and environmental protection through fiscal and customs benefits.  Promotion and use of renewable energy sources was one of the main activities in the organizational field.

He emphasized that sustainable energy, transport, atmosphere, information for decision-making and international cooperation for enabling the environment were the key components of sustainable development.  Both developed and developing countries must fully contribute towards their appropriate inclusion.  It was clear that implementation of new sustainable sources of energy and abandoning nuclear and fossil energy sources would diminish the negative impact on the environment.

WILLER BORDON, Minister of the Environment of Italy, said that the international community must be more resolute in shifting to renewable energy sources while, at the same time, affirming the incompatibility of nuclear energy and sustainability.  In the short term, it was necessary to assure the decommissioning of obsolete power plants and the gradual abandonment of nuclear energy.  Italy had, for some time now, stopped using nuclear energy and had increased its use of renewable energy sources.  Important progress had also been made towards energy efficiency. 

In recent years, he said, the Government had begun a significant series of actions aimed at achieving gas emission targets, giving special attention to greenhouse gases.  Action had been taken to: increase the efficiency of thermoelectric plants; lower energy consumption in transportation; produce energy from renewable sources; reduce energy consumption in industrial, household and service areas; reduce emissions in non-energy sectors; and absorb carbons through woods and forests.  The success of policies to reduce the impact of economic activities on the environment was enhanced by a commitment to help poorer countries through poverty reduction initiatives and greater cooperation in the area of sustainable development. 

He said that climate change, air pollution and the fight against poverty had repercussions that extended well beyond national borders.  Addressing those problems required organizations to take a consistent international approach and every country to make a contribution.  That commitment must reflect the fact that legitimate hopes for expansion of industrial production might lead, in the mid-term, to greater pressure on the environment. 

SHAMSHAD AHMAD (Pakistan) said that, during the past nine years, there had been a betrayal of the Rio commitments.  The whole concept of sustainable development was being viewed through the prism of environmental protection, leading to selective implementation of Agenda 21.  Somewhere in the process, the two most important pillars of sustainable development -- economic growth and social development –- had been lost. 

Reliable and secure access to energy accelerated the process of sustainable development, he said.  Like most developing countries, Pakistan relied heavily on imported fuels to meet its energy requirements.  In light of its increasing energy requirements, Pakistan was seeking to enhance the potential of other sectors, such as nuclear and renewable sources of energy.  At the same time, it remained conscious of the need to deal with the problem of greenhouse gas emissions, as a result of heavy use of oil, through the rigorous implementation of the National Environmental Quality Standards.  A National Action Plan for energy conservation had also been adopted to foster energy efficiency programmes and promote research into renewable sources.

He believed there was a strong correlation between the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the International Conference on Financing for Development.  The Summit should renew commitments for the provision of financing for capacity-building and technology transfer, and those commitments should be linked with the financing for development process.

MICHEL KAFANDO (Burkina Faso) said that at present two billion people, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, had no access to commercial energy.  The rate of access to electric power in rural areas was only about 8 per cent.  Poor marginalized populations used mostly firewood and coal as sources of fuel.  National policies must be reviewed and targeted towards low cost access to modern energy.  Burkina Faso had committed to creating a framework which would include rationalizing the operations of electricity sub-sectors, increasing competition, regulating traditional energy subsectors, ensuring security in hydrocarbon supplies, better distribution of petroleum products and the use of solar power.  Burkina Faso was not lacking political will, but lacked financial resources.  International cooperation must help to meet the goal of sustainable development for all.  That goal presupposed a cutback on constraints which pushed up the cost of energy. 

He said that the issues of energy and transport were interconnected.  Partnerships between the public and private sectors were needed, as was sustainable management, for transport planning.  Financial support and capacity-building were also necessary.  National policies must be framed.  Burkina Faso had drafted a transport strategy for the next decade to maintain and develop the competitiveness of national products on foreign markets.  On the issue of pollution, the rapid thinning of the ozone level represented a threat to the future of mankind and required adequate measures.  Burkina Faso reaffirmed its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol. 

DOMINIQUE VOYNET, Minister of Regional Development and Environment of France, said that ten years after Rio, it was time to measure progress made towards creating a model of development that would allow the current generation to meet its needs, without jeopardizing the potential of future generations to meet theirs.  And, while progress had indeed been made, one crucial question remained: how to integrate everyday economic, social and environmental changes with medium and long-term policies to the benefit of all.  Indeed, the true target of long-term policies should be to promote fair growth.  That made it important to think globally when considering, among other things the allocation of resources and protection of the environment.

She said the latest United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on international governance of the environment highlighted serious shortcomings in current policy schemes.  It was quite clear that the interrelation of two factors -- poverty and the environment -- was being ignored.  Other issues, such as the links between trade and the challenges posed by climate change, were also being neglected.  Strengthening existing institutions, particularly UNEP, might one day lead to the birth of a global environmental governance system that would be equal to those for health and labour.  She added that the Kyoto Protocol remained the only effective means to combat international challenges of the greenhouse effect. France had completed internal ratification of the Protocol and stood by its intention to ratify it by the time of the 2002 Summit.  She urged all governments to do the same. “We will not allow ourselves to be distracted by the unilateral position of one State”, she said.

She went on to say that, as the Commission took up the two highly interdependent issues of energy and transport, it would be critical to pay particular attention to city planning needs and patterns of production and consumption.  The main challenge would be to ensure access to energy to provide social and economic advancement for all.  Sadly, at present, some two billion people did not have equal and fair access to energy.  The only way to address that challenge was to build partnerships for sustainable development in the energy sector and find ways to solve the world’s myriad energy needs through socially-acceptable and environmentally-friendly means.  Further, the full potential of new, renewable sources of energy must be tapped.  Partnerships between developed and developing countries must also be sought.  Solutions that could foster energy independence did exist and, those solutions could also create jobs.

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

MOHAMMED KABIR SAI’D, Minister of Environment of Nigeria, said that the issues on the agenda of the Commission were crucial for the sustainable development of all developing countries.  Energy was the engine of development of world economies.  In the Sahara region, per capita consumption of energy was only 3 per cent of all the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.  If the goal of poverty eradication were to be achieved, access to energy for almost 2 billion people currently deprived of such access must be ensured.  The capacity of many developing countries was constrained by extreme poverty and the burden of debt. 

At the national level, Nigeria had established infrastructure for sustainable use of energy, which was central to the survival of the country.  The Government was evaluating its needs to meet the goals of sustainable development.  It had also developed a comprehensive action plan for the transport sector.  He supported efforts to increase the use of the Internet by all, including the developing countries, as access to information was of the utmost importance.  Sustainable development indicators should be further elaborated through appropriate inter-governmental process. 

Cooperation among countries was indispensable, he said.  A new form of assistance on behalf of the industrialized world to developing countries was required.  The Rio+10 review process would allow identification of the constraints to the implementation of Agenda 21 and determination of ways to remove them.

MOHAMED EZZEDDINE KHALFALLAH, Director-General of the National Agency for Renewable Energy of Tunisia, said that sustainable development required efforts from all countries.  In the energy sector, there had been both a stagnation of resources and increased consumption.  Tunisia had adopted an energy policy based on the rational use of energy, the promotion of clean technologies to meet energy needs at least cost, access by rural populations to energy, and environmental protection to enhance living standards.  The development of Tunisia’s economy in the last ten years had led to major growth and increased energy consumption.  Tunisia had implemented measures to reduce pollution by using clean fuels.  In the field of environmental protection, Tunisia had ratified the Montreal Protocol and had established a national committee on climate change.

Regarding information for decision-making, Tunisia had set up numerous institutions to correctly manage the use natural resources, he said.  Since the creation of that body, it had also created a separate body, as part of its institutional framework, for environmental policies.  Tunisia had been working on technical and financial levels and had brought in the assistance of the World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank.  He had asked that developing country debt be recycled for sustainable development projects.  He paid tribute to the United Nations for its promotion of sustainable development issues and urged all developed countries to honour their commitments under Agenda 21.

DOMINIC FOBIH, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology of Ghana, said that problems in achievement of sustainable development included a lack of adequate financial resources and a lack of commitment to transferring technology on concessionary terms.  There was also a tendency to offer market interventions in countries where the private sector can only be attracted when the public investment had already been made.

In the area of energy, he said that Ghana needed to commercialize and expand renewable sources, mainly solar.  But costs for the initial investment in solar systems were deemed too high for the Government and rural households.  So the private sector had to be an active partner.  Many developing countries like Ghana, committed to responsible governance, were at risk of continuing to suffer over-investment in non-sustainable energy systems and the destruction of rain forests.  For that reason, Ministers of planning, development and finance needed to be involved in the Commission on Sustainable Development process, and current ineffective partnership models had to be superseded.

In transport, he said, Ghana had to move from over-reliance on private vehicles towards mass transit.  Public-private partnerships, with support from international financial institutions and in collaboration with bilateral donors, were critical to that effort.  Regarding the Convention on Climate Change, Ghana, though a minor producer of greenhouse gasses, had prepared its Initial Communications.  To implement the various programmes identified there, financial and technical assistance was required.  The Convention and the associated Kyoto Protocol were not universal answers to problems.  But Ghana saw them as a sound basis for international action.  It called on the United States to reconsider its opposition to the Protocol, and work with the rest of the international community to address its concerns.

KIM CHANG GUK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) said that, in order to achieve economic and social development and eradicate poverty, priority should be given to energy production.  It was important for each government to establish and strengthen national arrangements for promoting energy accessibility within its country, develop locally-available energy resources for greater energy security through diversification, and enhance nationwide research and development capacity, including on renewable and advanced fossil fuel technology and energy efficiency.

His Government had been paying great attention to developing renewable energy, he said.  While constructing a number of hydropower stations throughout the country, parallel efforts were being made, in cooperation with United Nations organizations and non-governmental organizations, to generate electric power by using solar power and wind.  The most reasonable way to resolve the energy problem was to actively develop renewable energy and peaceful nuclear energy.  In that regard, industrialized countries and relevant international organizations should provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries.

The level of emission of greenhouse gases had been constantly growing, threatening the survival of humankind by depleting the ozone layer, he said.  The United States recently decided not to ratify the Kyoto Protocol.  That decision was an indication of arbitrariness in international relations and a challenge to international efforts for environmental protection.  Major industrialized countries should take the necessary measures to protect the ozone layer as soon as possible.

AHMED BOUHAOULI, Secretary-General of the Department of the Environment of Morocco, said that the disastrous impact of the climate on economy had been taking place in his country for more than 20 years.  There had been severe droughts and many rivers had dried up.  Through ratification of the Framework Convention on Climate Change, Morocco intended to take part in limiting the impact of man-made activities on the environment.  Morocco had drawn up a national inventory of emission sources.  Although its emissions were modest, Morocco did its part in ensuring compliance with global standards.  As a party to Convention, Morocco was engaged in implementing measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on climate change.  The fact that scientific proof was missing should not be used as pretext to postpone measures to comply with the Convention.  Regarding energy, Morocco’s national policy was to achieve general electrification by 2010.  Within that framework, Morocco had encouraged initiatives to use renewable energy sources.  Two wind parks had been created, a thermo-solar plant launched and a photovoltaic park established. 

Regarding the transport systems, Morocco today had a functional network, he said.  The transport sector used some 34 per cent of total energy consumption.  Vehicle emissions were the main cause of urban pollution.  Facing the challenge of globalization, developing countries had to better structure their economies.  Aware of the constraints of globalization, Morocco had tried to ensure a favourable macroeconomic environment and had taken steps to support the upgrading of national enterprises.  Numerous obstacles prevented countries from advancing economically, including high debt levels and unemployment rates.  He recommended a concerted approach and solidarity within a framework of global cooperation based on a new system of ethics and changed relationships between States.  Converting foreign debt, opening up markets, increasing North to South financial flow, and public assistance for developing countries should all be encouraged.  Regional groups must take action on the challenge of globalization and sustainable development.  He paid tribute to African countries for facing the challenge of development with limited resources.  As the World Summit approached, the international community must adopt appropriate measures to better coordinate international governance, focused on concrete projects.

MURARI RAJ SHARMA (Nepal) said that the international community must make progress in environmental protection and sustainable development.  Not surprisingly, the environment was becoming a victim of both prosperity and poverty.  People were being unjust to themselves and to future generations.  The rich did not want to change their ways, and the poor could not afford to.  The collective challenge was to find a way out of that gridlock.  In its humble way, Nepal was doing its best to achieve responsible development of energy, while protecting the environment.

Sixteen national parks, nature preserves and protected areas were conserving the natural habitat of over 800 species of birds and over 200 species of animals, he said.  Increased use of gas in rural areas and a switch to gas- and electrically operated vehicles in urban centres were making a contribution.  An injection of capital and new marketing arrangements would help the transfer to cleaner energy.  Transportation facilities played a crucial role in protecting the environment, if properly used.  Nepal had undertaken liberalization and decentralization of its economy, with encouraging results.  Measures were also being undertaken to ensure clean air and water, as well as other natural resources.

Nepal and other countries that hardly contributed to greenhouse gases should not be subject to their negative effects, he said, expressing concern over the future of the Kyoto Protocol.  Environmental problems had assumed global proportions, and collective solutions were needed, with those responsible for problems picking up the bills.  He hoped that the concerns of developing countries would receive proper attention.

MOHAMMED ALDOURI (Iraq) said that the ninth session of the Commission was of great importance.  Industrialized States were responsible for most of the world’s pollution, including that which caused climate change.  Two billion people in developing countries did not have access to energy and transport.  There was also a gap in consumption levels.  Production models for energy at present could not remain the same.  Developed countries should assist developing countries in achieving access to new technologies.  Iraq had drawn up medium- and long-term strategies for energy, had allocated the necessary resources, and had achieved considerable success.  Iraq had also been able to set up an electric power grid to cover the entire country.  However, Iraq had been a victim of its own ambitions in the field of development.  Development achieved in the 1970s and 1980s had not

stopped despite the blockade, but as a result of the systematic destruction of its infrastructure.  Iraq now also had a problem with radioactive pollution.

He went on to say that the delay in implementation of electric power contracts and the suspension of contracts by two members of the Security Council had exacerbated an already tragic situation.  In Iraq, the status quo was a result of blockade and daily bombardment.  He referred to a report from the Secretary-General in which he stated that the ration system for electric power had deprived entire regions in the centre and south of the country of power for 18 hours a day.  The Commission had called for an international climate that contributed to economic and social development throughout the world for many years.  Unfortunately, it had not paid attention to the premeditated destruction of the achievements of developing countries.  Certain States continued to destroy the Iraqi electric power and transport networks and were committing environmental crimes in his country.  He asked if it was not time for the Commission to contribute to a better future and condemn any State which sought to destroy gains in development.

HASMY AGAM (Malaysia) said that the issues under discussion should be looked at in a larger context, particularly in the light of the forces of globalization.  To promote sustainable development, it was necessary to strengthen the economic, financial and social resilience of developing countries, so that they could withstand global volatility and risks without being derailed by them.  Malaysia strongly felt that the impact of globalization had to be addressed as a critical cross-cutting issue, not only at the current Commission session, but also in the preparation for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. 

Increases in the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases continued to give cause for widespread concern, he continued.  He was concerned at the negative impact of recent pronouncements pertaining to the Kyoto Protocol, which might well turn out to be a lethal blow to that painstakingly negotiated international instrument which set agreed standards for reductions in greenhouse gases.  He commended those parties to the Protocol who continued to adhere to their commitments, as there was no alternative to that instrument.

True sustainable development could be pursued only on the basis of the global compact forged in Rio and reaffirmation of common but differentiated responsibilities, he said.  Given the cross-cutting nature of the issues at hand, and their impact at national, regional and global levels, it was of crucial importance that the Commission remain one step ahead of developments, both within and outside of the United Nations system.  The stakes were too high to forego action, for any reason whatsoever.  The Commission should not be seen as a mere guardian of Agenda 21 and other Rio decisions.  The tasks ahead were too formidable, but by no means insurmountable, given adequate finances, technological support and political commitment.

MARCO BALAREZO (Peru) said that renewable energy sources were essential for sustainable development.  Peru had carried out a number of decentralized activities.  Initiatives to develop an infrastructure based on renewables faced certain obstacles.  One third of Peru’s population had no access to electricity.  A key focus of its national plan was to decentralize energy sources.  That was important especially for indigenous populations.  Peru hoped to develop rural microbusinesses and increase investments in the public and private sectors.  The geographical dispersion of rural homes imposed high transition costs on the system.  Cleaner energies also meant higher market costs.  Support from the international community was important.  The process of transition from conventional energy sources should be achieved by special financing mechanisms, to compensate for not using fossil fuels. 

The Andes mountain region in Peru made it dependent on hydro-electric power, he continued.  Privatization had improved the system.  In 1998, some 70 per cent of electricity distribution was already in the hands of the private sector.  The State would maintain its focus on achieving general electrification, especially for the rural poor.  Peru had also been involved in conversion to cleaner energy sources.  Natural gas was a small component of its national energy resources, and its use would continue.  After Peru created a programme to improve consumption patterns and promote the use of efficient equipment, average consumption had dropped by more than 15 per cent.  The Kyoto Protocol was the appropriate framework to face climate change.

JOEL W. ADECHI (Benin) said that management of waste, air pollution and water pollution, and the loss of biodiversity were among the challenges that the mankind needed to meet.  Many of the problems in Benin continued to be caused by the poverty of its population.  Benin needed to achieve greater growth, promote social development and provide better distribution of goods.  To that end, useful institutions had been set up, and legislative measures had been adopted. 

He went on to say that environment days were held once a month to remind people about their responsibility for a sound environment.  Air pollution had reached a critical threshold in many Benin cities, and it was important to encourage the population to adopt responsible patterns of behaviour.  Electrification efforts were being undertaken upon evaluation of the needs of particular regions.  As the country had limited resources, he hoped that it could count on international assistance to meet its electricity needs.  Benin was on the list of least developed countries and it needed support to implement various international instruments it had adopted.

MILOS ALCALAY (Venezuela) said that last year Venezuela had adopted a new constitution, with the support of more than 90 per cent of its population, which enshrined sustainable development as a fundamental right and guaranteed the right to develop in a pollution-free environment.  In addition, it provided for mandatory impact studies for any activity that might damage the delicate ecosystem.  Energy was a key dynamic factor not incompatible with sustainable development.  Venezuela had made considerable human and financial effort to mitigate environmental impacts from oil production.  It had also sought to secure access to energy and transport for its populations.  Energy must be used as a factor for change.  The establishment of fair prices for crude oil could prevent energy waste and promote its use in favour of sustainable development.

Fossil fuels provided for some 80 per cent of global energy needs, he said.  It was important to use energy as a mechanism for social transformation -- to promote development through clean technologies.  New energy products had been developed.  Presently, Venezuela was covering more than 70 per cent of its energy needs through hydropower.  It had devised environmental protection policies, such as natural gas programmes for vehicle use.  There was also a national programme to replant forests and to restore areas deteriorated by changes in land use.  He appealed to the

international community to strengthen the values of the Rio Conference.  Environmental equilibrium was a challenge for all.  Energy must be a factor in the eradication of poverty.

In his closing statement, Chairman of the Commission BEDRICH MOLDAN (Czech Republic) thanked the participants of the high-level segment and the informal ministerial meetings, saying that a great dialogue with a spirit of mutual cooperation had taken place.  The segment had opened with the special panel on financing energy and transportation for sustainable development, which addressed a number of important issues, including financing from financial institutions, new mechanisms for direct financing, alternatives to direct financing, and arrangements offered by the private sector.  The Panel stressed the essential role of sourcing funding from both the private and the public sectors.

He then highlighted some of the key points of the high-level segment, which included the need to address globalization, poverty eradication, energy efficiency and wide-scale development of renewable energy technologies.

The main challenge continued to be provision of commercial energy to the

2 billion people currently without access, he continued.  Nearly every delegation had expressed its strong belief that the Kyoto Protocol should remain the basis of global cooperation on climate change, despite some expressions of disappointment about the failure to reach a final agreement at the meeting of States parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change held last November.  Strong hope was expressed that the meeting in July would result in a satisfactory outcome, with an affirmation of commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and a consensus on the way forward for all nations.

Meeting transport needs of the poor was of particular importance, he added.  Direct foreign investment should be encouraged to that effect.  Effective land-use planning could achieve significant goals in transport.  Information for decision-making must be scientifically based, and all stakeholders and major groups should be included in the decision-making process.  It was necessary to continue work with the private sector to promote disclosure and dissemination of commercialized information, as appropriate.

Capacity-building efforts were needed to overcome the digital divide and to assess information about sustainable development, he said.  Several countries also emphasized the importance of standard indicators of sustainable development.  Some had requested further assistance in developing their own national programmes linked to their national priorities and goals.  Focusing on the preparations for the forthcoming World Summit, participants had emphasized that the decisions of the Commission’s session would provide an important input into that process.  The need to operationalize sustainable development in all its dimensions and to sharpen the focus on the delivery of Agenda 21 commitments were frequently highlighted, as well as the importance of participation of all important stakeholders in the implementation of Agenda 21.

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