Taking Up Multiple Reports on Sustainable Development, Second Committee Delegates Stress Commitment to Combating Climate Change
The Secretary-General’s synthesis report would launch negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda, delegates in the Second Committee (Economics and Finance) heard today as it began its discussion of sustainable development.
“The new agenda should build upon the foundation laid by the Millennium Development Goals and complete the unfinished business in a more sustainable manner,” said the representative of Malawi, who spoke on behalf of the African Group. She added that poverty eradication had to remain the “central and overarching goal” and was a prerequisite to attaining sustainable development.
Tackling the Committee’s most extensive agenda item, with a total of 24 reports under consideration, most delegations stressed their commitment to negotiating the post-2015 agenda. To that end, Costa Rica’s delegate, who spoke on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), underlined the importance of the first meetings of the High Level Political Forum, and noted the Economic and Social Council’s role in achieving balanced integration of all three dimensions of sustainable development.
The Forum had to be a platform for regular dialogue, with an action-oriented agenda, to ensure a focus on new and emerging challenges, he said, urging cooperation between the Forum and other relevant regional entities. Alongside intergovernmental negotiations, regional groups, social movements and civil society also had to contribute to negotiations on the agenda.
Thailand’s representative also called for coherence and synergy in the Forum and looked ahead to the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, which she said would be essential to ensuring a strong and reliable means of implementation, in science, technology and innovation, finance, capacity- building and trade.
A third important process would converge with discussions on the new development agenda and the conference on financing for development. Joining a chorus of States looking forward to the Paris Conference on Climate Change, were representatives of Bolivia (on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China), Barbados (on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)), and Nauru (on behalf of Alliance of Small Island States).
Bolivia’s representative stressed the need for sustainable development to conform to the Rio Principles, while the representative of Barbados underscored the constant threats faced by small island developing States, and Nauru’s representative said the outcome of the process launched under the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action should be a new, legally-binding, universally applicable Protocol to the Convention, to be adopted before the end of 2015.
“We cannot simply wait for a new agreement,” said Norway’s representative, underlining the urgent need for action, “We need action now while we negotiate”. She called for a global shift to low-carbon development, and the representatives of Brazil and Malaysia detailed efforts their countries had made in that regard, with Malaysia’s delegate pointing to a 33 per cent reduction in the emissions intensity of its gross domestic product (GDP), and her aim to increase the share of renewables in Malaysia’s energy mix to 10 per cent by 2020.
Throughout the day, delegates affirmed similar commitments to combating climate change. The representative of Japan described efforts made to support developing countries, which included $16 billion of support over a year and a half and the hosting of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum to share collective wisdom on energy efficient technology innovations. He also looked forward to the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan as an opportunity to share lessons learned in that field.
In a similar vein, Israel’s representative attached great importance to cooperating with partners to tackle the issue of desertification. With 60 per cent of her country a desert, slowing the pace of desertification — which was exacerbated by unsustainable practices and climate change — was a high priority.
Such cooperation was also discussed by the President of the General Assembly who addressed the Second Committee prior to the debate on sustainable development. He underlined his ambition for a renewed and strengthened global partnership for development, backed by financial resources, technology transfer and capacity-building. He also referred to negotiation of the post-2015 development agenda, making clear the need for it to contain the overarching objective of eradication of poverty. The new agenda should be transformative, producing “tangible benefits and improved livelihoods for all,” he said.
Also speaking were representatives of Egypt (on behalf of the Arab Group), Bangladesh (on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries), South Africa, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, India, Sri Lanka, China, Ethiopia, Belarus, Sudan, Canada, Qatar, Syria, Iraq, and Maldives. A representative of the delegation of the European Union also gave a statement.
Presenting reports for the Committee’s consideration were the Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs; Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction; Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification; Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity; Director of the Division of Water Sciences, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; Director-General of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Deputy Regional Director for Arab States, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); New York Liaison Officer of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); a representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All; Senior Regional Advisor, UNDP; and a Programme Officer of the Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The representative of Syria contributed to the question and answer session that followed introduction of the reports.
The Second Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. tomorrow, 16 October, to conclude its debate on sustainable development.
Background
The Second Committee (Economic and Financial) began its discussion of sustainable development this morning. The Committee had before it several reports on sustainable development (documents A/69/76, A/69/257, A/69/309, A/69/313 and A/69/320).
The Committee had before it several other reports, including: “Implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development” (documents A/68/970, A/69/79, A/69/312, A/69/315, A/69/326, A/69/379 and A/69/395); and “Follow-up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States” (documents A/CONF.223/10, A/69/314 and A/69/319).
The Committee also considered reports related to “International Strategy for Disaster Reduction” (document A/69/364); “Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind” (document A/69/317); “Implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification Particularly in Africa” (documents A/69/311 and A/69/317); “Convention on Biological Diversity” (A/69/317); “Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme” (document A/69/25); “Harmony with Nature” (document A/69/322); “Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy” (documents A/69/323 and A/69/395).
Statement by President of General Assembly
SAM K. KUTESA (Uganda), President of the General Assembly, in his address to the Committee said that its work was of critical importance and uniquely placed in providing contributions on how to deal with economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The world was at a critical juncture, and had to focus on finalizing the modalities for the Paris Climate Summit and for the intergovernmental negotiation on the post-2015 development agenda, so that the substantive negotiations could commence in January 2015. He would be appointing co-facilitators and co-Chairs soon.
He called for a transformative post-2015 development agenda that would produce tangible benefits and improved livelihoods for all. It must promote integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development with the overarching objective of eradicating poverty at its core, as agreed upon in the Rio+20 Summit. It should encompass goals which were global in nature and applicable to all countries, while taking into account countries’ national circumstances, particular situations and levels of development. It was essential to give greater attention to the needs of countries in special situations, including Africa, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, in addressing their development challenges.
The post-2015 agenda must go hand-in-hand with high ambitions for a renewed and strengthened global partnership for development, he said. Its success hinged on the mobilization of adequate means of implementation, including financial resources, technology transfer and capacity-building. Fulfilling of all official development assistance (ODA) commitments remained critical for its implementation, but innovative financing mechanisms must also be explored. The adverse effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, land degradation, desertification and changing weather patterns, were negatively impacting the lives of peoples across the globe. There must be a resolute action, and the Conferences of the Parties in Lima and Paris would be decisive in the collective efforts to commit to a global climate agreement.
Introductory Remarks
THOMAS GASS, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Inter-Agency Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, introduced the “Report of the Open Working Group of the General Assembly on Sustainable Development Goals” (document A/69/970), saying the goals proposed encapsulated “a transformative agenda”. The proposal was the “main basis for integrating sustainable development goals into the post-2015 development agenda”, according to the General Assembly. The goals built on and advanced the core agenda of the Millennium Development Goals, while adopting a more universal approach. They broke new ground in several areas; there were standalone goals on climate change, promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies and on revitalizing the global partnership for development. Financing was addressed in depth in the “Report of the Intergovernmental Panel of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing” (document A/69/315). It provided a range of resource mobilization options to support implementation of the post-2015 development agenda. Governments could select from a number of possible measures, choosing the most appropriate combinations for their situations. With those two reports, he said, “the intergovernmental consultations to elaborate the post-2015 development agenda can start on a firm footing.”
He also introduced a “Report of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States” (document A/CONF.223/10) which rekindled the spirit of multilateralism and cooperation for small island developing States, and one on “Follow-up to and implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States” (document A/69/319), which underlined how the International Year of Small Island Developing States had helped draw attention to the special situations of those countries.
The “Overview report on the follow-up to Agenda 21 and Rio+20” (document A/69/312) referred to conclusions of the General Assembly dialogues on technology facilitation, while the report of the Secretary-General on “Mainstreaming of the three dimensions of sustainable development throughout the United Nations system (document A/69/79-E/2014) identified building blocks for that mainstreaming. Rio+20 had provided a strong enabling intergovernmental mandate for that. The report on “sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea for present and future generations” (document A/69/314) described national and regional activities to advance sustainable development of the Caribbean Sea. Furthermore, it considered the possible legal and financial implications of designating the Caribbean Sea a special area within the context of sustainable development. Other reports were on “Promotion of new and renewable sources of energy” (document A/69/323); “Reliable and stable transit of energy and its role in ensuring sustainable development and international cooperation” (document A/69/309); and on “Harmony with nature” (document A/69/322).
MARGARETA WALLSTRÖM, Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action, introduced the Secretary-General’s report on the “Implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction” (document A/69/364). That document provided an overview of the preparatory process towards the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction to be held in Sendai, Japan in 2015. Deliberations for the “pre-zero draft” framework for disaster risk reduction had indicated so far that Member States were conceptualizing three tiers for risk management, she said. Those were the prevention of new risk, the reduction of existing risk, and the proactive building of resilience.
MONIQUE BARBUT, Executive Secretary, United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, introduced a report on Implementation of the United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification (2010-2020) (document A/69/311) that listed several activities carried out by the Convention Secretariat and the United Nations to advocate for the Convention’s key aims. It took stock of discussions of the Second Committee as part of its consultations on the sustainable development goals. She also introduced the report on Implementation of United Nations environmental conventions (document A/69/317). The report took stock of the activities of the Convention’s Secretariat and of the United Nations in connection with the decade and of initiatives taken to raise awareness of desertification, land degradation and drought.
BRAULIO DIAS, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, introduced the Report of the Secretary-General to the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly on the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity (document A/69/317). The report covered the preparations for the twelfth meeting of the Conference of Parties currently being held in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, from 6-17 October 2014.
BLANCA JIMÉNEZ-CISNEROS, Director, Division of Water Sciences, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), introduced the report on the “International Year of water cooperation”, pointing to rising demand for water and increased requirements for work to manage the issue. The report provided an overview of the international year of cooperation and of World Water Day. The document outlined the impact of the campaign, which aimed to raise awareness of water challenges, to foster partnerships and dialogue, to boost capacity and to contribute to the post-2015 development agenda and formulation of the sustainable development goals. It took stock of progress and looked beyond 2013, noting that the Open Working Group had proposed a water-related sustainable development goal.
JAMIL AMAD, Director-General, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), presented the “Report of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations. Environment Programme” (document A/69/25), noting 157 States had participated, with 110 at ministerial level. The Assembly had considered the environmental dimensions of the sustainable development goals, with ministers stressing that transformation was possible as long as scaled-up actions were launched. There was a focus on the need for adequate resources. The challenges of illegal trade in wildlife were discussed, along with the trade’s consequences and governance. Enhanced legal frameworks were needed to ensure implementation of agreements. He also introduced a “Report on the Term of the board of the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production patterns” (document A/69/379).
MOURAD WAHBA, Deputy Regional Director for Arab States, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), introduced the report on the “Oil slick on Lebanese shores”, which provided an update on the progress of implementation of previous General Assembly resolutions on the issue. A study had been commissioned to measure and quantify the environmental damage, concluding that past research gave a solid base for measuring and quantifying damage. Previous cost estimates did not include passive use value of coastal resources and the latest estimates included adjustments for inflation and lost opportunity due to interest rates.
CHANTAL LINE CARPENTIER, New York Liaison Office of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), presented the report on “Entrepreneurship for development” (document A/69/320), which documented recent trends and identified priority areas for entrepreneurship promotion. The Open Working Group had recognized the importance of entrepreneurship and small and medium-sized enterprises to sustainable development. Six steps were detailed in the report: formation of national entrepreneurship strategies; regional environment optimization; education in entrepreneurship and necessary skills; facilitation of technological exchange and innovation; improvements of access to finance; and promotion of awareness and networking. It made several recommendations for the United Nations to help improve the environment for entrepreneurship.
MINORU TAKADA, speaking on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, introduced the Secretary-General’s report on the “United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All” (document A/69/395). The report on the Decade (2014-2024) laid out broad pillars for a global plan of action.
SARAH POOLE, Senior Regional Adviser, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), introduced the Secretary-General’s report on “International cooperation and coordination for the human and ecological rehabilitation and economic development of the Semipalatinsk region of Kazakhstan” (document A/69/257). The report outlined the progress made in accelerating the development of the Semipalatinsk region between 2011 and 2013, through programmes and actions organized by the Government of Kazakhstan and the international community, including United Nations agencies. The Government of Kazakhstan had achieved concrete results, and UNDP, with its partners, would continue to support it in ensuring sustainable livelihoods for people in the region.
FERNANDO CASTELLANOS, Programme Officer, Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), introduced the report of the UNFCCC Executive Secretary on the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Warsaw, 2013 (chapter I of document A/69/317). The report outlined the main outcomes of the Conference, which were the decision on further advancing the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action towards achieving a firm global agreement in 2015; the establishment of the Warsaw international mechanism for loss and damage associated with climate change impacts; and the adoption of the Warsaw Framework for REDD-plus, which provided a comprehensive rulebook for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.
Questions
The representative of Syria, referring to the Secretary-General’s report on the oil slick on Lebanese shores, welcomed the progress made regarding the assessment of the damage sustained in Lebanon. However, he was concerned that the report did not include information on the damage to the environment along the cost of Syria.
In response, Mr. WAHBA said that the report did mention the influence of the oil spill on the Syrian coastline, but it focused more on the effects in Lebanon. He would take the remarks made by Syria’s representative to the report authors and request further information.
VALERIA DENISSE VILASECA CHUMACERO (Bolivia), speaking on behalf of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China, said that it was vital for all Member States to promote sustainable development in accordance with the Rio Principles. Reaffirming the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, she went on to welcome a new research centre in Ecuador on the El Niño phenomenon. The third International Conference on Small Island Developing States had been a success, and the Group further attached importance to disaster risk reduction and building resilience among communities and countries.
Environmental degradation, more frequent and intense natural disasters, and the negative impact on nature resulting from human activity were of great concern, she said. Fundamental changes were needed to the ways societies produced and consumed, and new pathways must be found for a transition to a culture of more frugal living. On climate change, she urged that the Green Climate Fund be fully capitalized, and on desertification, she noted that related issues must be highlighted in the development agenda beyond 2015. Biodiversity was also important, and all Member States must engage in finding a coherent approach to the loss of natural ecosystems.
KEREETA WHYTE (Barbados), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and associating herself with the Group of 77 and China, CELAC, and the Alliance of Small Island States, said the post-2015 development agenda must be people-centred and have poverty eradication at its core. The outcome document of the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States constituted foundational input to the agenda. Calling for issues related to small island developing States to be given priority on the High-Level Political Forum agenda, her Group welcomed the Outcome Document of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals.
Noting that a hurricane had recently swept through the eastern Caribbean, she said that should remind everyone of the perpetual threat faced by small islands and low-lying coastal developing States. Calling for the successful agreement in Paris in 2015 on climate change, she noted that additional funding was needed for the Green Climate Fund, so that it could begin operations by 2015. On regional policies, she noted that policies that aimed at transforming the energy sectors strived to ensure that all citizens had access to modern, clean and reliable energy supplies. In that regard, several initiatives and partnerships had been launched, including the International Renewable Energy Agency’s “Lighthouse” initiative.
JUAN CARLOS MENDOZA-GARCÍA (Costa Rica), speaking on behalf of the CELAC, reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to actively engage in the next phase of the post-2015 agenda’s elaboration. Highlighting the importance of the first meetings of the High Level Political Forum, he reaffirmed the Council’s role in achieving a balanced integration of the sustainable development pillars. The Forum must be a platform for regular dialogue, with an action-oriented agenda, to ensure a focus on new and emerging challenges. It should enhance cooperation with other relevant regional entities. While reaffirming the intergovernmental nature of negotiations on the post-2015 agenda, he recognized the contribution of major groups, social movements and civil society.
He went on to welcome the adoption of the Samoa Pathway outcome document, underlining the importance of disaster-risk reduction and building resilience, which should be considered in the context of the post-2015 agenda. The three goals outlined in the Convention on Biological Diversity should be pursued in a balanced, efficient manner, and urgent measures were needed to reduce, halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Further, the UNFCCC was the primary intergovernmental forum for negotiating a global response to climate change. Its principles and provisions should be respected.
AMR ABDELLATIF ABOULATTA (Egypt), speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, stressed the need for the effective implementation of sustainable development, as well as granting the necessary level of importance to the high-level political forum. The post-2015 agenda had to aim for creation of just and sustainable global systems that consolidated developments, with concrete measures for implementation. He welcomed dialogue on a mechanism for the consolidation of clean technology, and its transfer and distribution, and urged that negotiations continue. He underlined the importance of challenges related to climate change, and emphasized the need for the start on the second stage of the Kyoto Protocol. Failure to implement would have adverse dangers for the entire world, and he compared the danger to that of nuclear weapons. Developed countries had to ease the burden and shoulder their responsibilities.
A programme of action on energy within the United Nations framework was needed, he said, particularly on new and renewable sources of energy. Water was vital to socioeconomic growth and equality. Arab countries faced desertification, hampering agriculture, livestock and biodiversity and preventing fulfilment of development objectives. An integrated process was needed to deal with the problem. He welcomed the resolution establishing a framework to deal with sovereign debt problems of States and to assist countries coping with the financial crisis’s negative impacts. It was time for the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and help those under occupation, particularly the Palestinian people.
PORNPRAPAI GANJANARINTR (Thailand), speaking on behalf of the ASEAN countries, and associating herself with the Group of 77 and China, recalled that three important intergovernmental processes would converge in 2015. Those included the post-2015 agenda, the new climate agreement and the new framework for disaster risk reduction. ASEAN was also working on the region’s post-2015 Vision. She urged the Committee to explore ways to enhance national capacities in terms of good governance, accountability, and strong institutions in the effort to achieve the sustainable development goals. She called for greater coherence and synergy with the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, and the broader United Nations system.
She said the Third International Conference on Financing for Development would be key in assuring strong and reliable means of implementation, in science, technology and innovation, finance, capacity-building and trade. Through an open, rules-based, market-driven economy, ASEAN would be a key stepping stone to inclusive, sustained, and equitable growth in the region. Because addressing climate change and disaster reduction was a priority for the its members, ASEAN would be strengthening resilience through several climate change initiatives and action plans, as well as improving prevention, preparedness, response, relief and recovery through strengthened ASEAN mechanisms and multisectoral actions.
ESTHER M. C. NKHOMA (Malawi), speaking on behalf of the African Group, and associating herself with the Group of 77 and China, looked forward to the Secretary-General’s synthesis report. The Open Working Group’s proposal should be the main basis for integrating sustainable development goals into the post-2015 agenda, which should build upon the Millennium Development Goals and complete the unfinished business in a more sustainable manner. Eradication of poverty remained a central and overarching goal, and was a prerequisite for attaining sustainable development. The allocation of resources for the implementation of the agenda should take into consideration the needs of countries in special situations, and international partners must further support Africa’s development aspirations by meeting commitments in a timely manner.
Africa would work with all partners to ensure a successful adoption of a legally binding climate agreement in Paris in 2015, she said. That agreement should reinforce a multilateral rules-based climate regime that responded to science and fairness provisions of the UNFCCC. Climate change posed a serious threat to her continent, which lacked the means or capacity to effectively adapt to and mitigate its effects. She reiterated the need for developed countries to fulfil their commitment to mobilize $100 billion per year for the Green Climate Fund by 2020. According to UNEP, Africa’s population was set to double to 2 billion by 2050, the majority of whom would depend on agriculture to make a living. With 94 per cent of agriculture dependent on rainfall, the future impacts of climate change might reduce crop yields in some parts of the continent by 15 to 20 per cent.
ABULKALAM ABDUL MOMEN (Bangladesh), speaking on behalf of the Group of Least Developed Countries, and associating himself with the Group of 77 and China, said the Millennium Development Goals experience had demonstrated that efforts to reduce poverty and improve social conditions could not be sustained over the long term without rapid and inclusive economic growth. Building productive capacity, including through infrastructure, energy, quality education, technology and sustainable agriculture, was therefore essential to achieve lasting social progress. It could also enable countries to mobilize more resources domestically, thereby reducing their over-reliance on the external sources of finance. The post-2015 agenda should focus on building productive capacity to create decent poverty-eradicating employment, fund social services and provide a sustainable engine of growth.
On climate change, he said that disasters were occurring with high magnitude and frequency, and had resulted in economic losses exceeding $200 billion. The lack of adaptation capacity made least developed countries more exposed to the shocks. The post-2015 agenda should focus on disaster risk and strengthening resilience. Climate impacts were disproportionately affecting least developed countries; 51 per cent of the deaths caused by climate-related disasters between 1980 and 2013 had occurred in those countries, and during the last three years, that figure had risen to 67 per cent. Moreover, sustainable development remained elusive for many such countries due to extreme poverty, and land degradation and desertification. Thus, the post-2015 agenda must include a target on achieving a land-degradation neutral world.
MARGO REMINISSE DEIYE (Nauru) spoke on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States and associated herself with the Group of 77 and China. She said that the issues and priorities of small island developing States for sustainable development had been articulated at the opening of the Committee’s session. They had to ensure that their voices were heard and no State was left behind. The implementation of Agenda 21 was an important resolution for the group given its genesis in recognizing that small island developing States were a special case in sustainable development given their unique vulnerabilities. She supported the High Level Political Forum as a dedicated platform for the implementation of sustainable development commitments.
She urged the international community to implement the commitments set out in the Samoa Pathway, and to ensure its effective implementation and follow-up. Climate change posed a significant risk to small island developing States and their efforts to achieve sustainable development, and, for many, it represented the gravest of threats to their survival and viability. In that context, the outcome of the process launched under the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action should be a Protocol under the Convention, and must be legally binding and applicable to all parties, to be adopted no later than 2015.
Mr. THIEBAULT (European Union) said the Committee’s discussions should not duplicate or pre-empt the negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda. Many resolutions under that agenda item should thus not focus on substance but rather address relevant operational issues of resolutions dealing with the implementation of and follow-up to Rio+20, as well as with the modalities needing guidance from the Assembly. The Committee should not engage in substantive discussions on disaster risk reduction, renewable energies, biodiversity, desertification and land degradation, all of which were discussed in intergovernmental fora or processes, and were expected to be addressed in the framework of the post-2015 development agenda.
However, he believed that two resolutions needed a more proper discussion and guidance from the General Assembly. The small island developing States resolution must discuss the proper Assembly follow-up to and implementation of the recently agreed Samoa Pathway. Relating to the Habitat resolution, discussions on the remaining modalities for Habitat III and its preparatory process should be inclusive, efficient and cost-effective. As in previous years, they would consider sustainable urban development as an integral part of the discussions on poverty eradication and sustainable development, and not under a separate agenda item.
THEMBELA OSMOND NGCULU (South Africa), associating himself with the Group of 77 and China, and African Group, said the post-2015 agenda should build upon existing programmes and agendas. The international community must acknowledge that countries had different starting points, national priorities and regional circumstances, and ensure the inclusion of all three dimensions of sustainable development without prioritizing one over the other. Climate change was a pressing challenge, threatening the development gains made by humanity over the past decades. An agreement must be reached on a global collective response which would balance development and environmental needs, and an equal priority must be given to adaptation and mitigation. Moreover, the Green Climate Fund had a potential to serve as a mechanism to support low-emission and climate-resistant development patterns in developing countries.
GUILHERME DE AGUIAR PATRIOTA (Brazil) associated himself with the Group of 77 and China and CELAC. Noting that as the High Level Political Forum had been created as a universal intergovernmental forum to provide political leadership and review progress in the implementation of the Rio+20 mandate and the post-2015 development agenda, the Assembly should ensure the Forum an effective role when implementing that agenda. Looking forward to numerous conferences, including the twelfth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, he noted that Brazil attached the utmost importance to enhancing cooperation on a response to climate change. His country in 2009 had announced a voluntary commitment to reducing projected emissions by 36 per cent to 39 per cent by 2020. Deforestation had also been reduced.
RONIT BEN DOR (Israel) said the High Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development would be instrumental in putting sustainable development at the core of the United Nations system, and attached great importance to the engagement of all participants. Israel proudly submitted the resolution on entrepreneurship for development, which included the importance of identifying indicators and enhancing data collection. With 60 per cent of its country a desert, slowing the pace of decertification — exacerbated by unsustainable practices and climate change — was a high priority for Israel, and it attached great importance to cooperating with partners to tackle the issue. Israel strongly believed that a sustainable world could not be built without gender equality, an open and inclusive society, and the participation of grassroots organizations.
MAY-ELIN STENER (Norway) said that future sustainable development goals must be manageable for Governments, easily communicated to the public, and measurable for accountability. Since sustainability was not possible without a response to global warming, a new climate agreement applicable to all was needed. However, “we cannot simply wait for a new agreement”, she said, “we need action now while we negotiate”. There was an urgent need for a global shift towards low carbon development, with the private sector playing a crucial role in providing solutions to mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change. Hence, a key priority for her country was to ensure that it used public resources to facilitate and leverage investments from the private sector. Her Government was also committed to solving energy poverty and combating climate change, and was a key supporter of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative.
Mr. SUÁREZ MORENO (Venezuela), associating himself with the Group of 77 and China and CELAC, stressed the importance of political will when establishing strategies for poverty eradication and sustainable development. Responsibilities and burdens were to be shared between States, as per the Rio+20 outcome. He believed that the conclusions of the Open Working Group should be preserved with no renegotiation and the sustainable development goals should be incorporated in the new agenda, as proposed at Rio. The means for implementation like aid and technology access were essential for developing countries to mitigate the unequal and unfair global economic structure. The intergovernmental panel of experts would be vital ahead of the conference on financing for development. He noted continued desertification and land degradation, pointing out climate change as an obstacle to sustainable development, poverty eradication and achievement of development goals. Cooperation was necessary and developed countries should acknowledge their historical responsibility. A meeting before the Lima Summit would be held in Venezuela, establishing a dialogue for joint action.
MATEO ESTREME (Argentina), associating himself with the Group of 77 and China and CELAC, called for balanced, global sustainable development based on the principle of solidarity, and one that aimed for poverty eradication above all. Different levels of development, priorities and capacities had to be accounted for. The proposals of the Open Working Group were balanced and should be the basis for negotiations on the post-2015 agenda. Climate change was a global challenge, threatening the very existence of some countries. It could not be de-coupled from development and poverty eradication efforts. He hoped the Lima Conference would achieve a first draft of elements of a new climate change agreement. The process had to be transparent and consensus-based. Developed countries had to acknowledge their polluting history on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, while the Green Climate Fund needed promotion. He called for risk reduction management of natural disasters, new and discussed renewable energy and energy efficiency, desertification, and biodiversity.
SARA LUNA CAMACHO (Mexico) said that her country would work to ensure the post-2015 agenda objectives included in all three dimensions of sustainable development. A broad and integrated institutional vision on the subject and solid institutional structures were needed, and bureaucratic and overlapping structures should be avoided. Synergies must be created between the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council through the High-Level Political Forum. It was essential to establish a new framework for disaster risk reduction, and to join efforts in facing up to climate change challenges. Her country, as a moderate emitter of greenhouse gases, would focus on adaptation measures to climate change, and was committed to conserving the world’s biodiversity.
HUSSEIN HANIFF (Malaysia), associating himself with the Group of 77 and China, and the ASEAN, said that his country’s commitment to promote sustainable development had been articulated through its national development plans, and it was currently on a trajectory to become a developed nation by 2020. On climate change, he hoped for continued calls for Annex I countries to demonstrate stronger political commitment by taking deeper emission cuts. Developed countries should play a more significant role in enhancing action on adaptation, as well as transparent and accessible climate finance to support small developing States. His country had reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by more than 33 per cent, and was on track to hit its target of 40 per cent reduction by 2020. Moreover, it aimed to increase the share of renewable energy in the fuel mix to 10 per cent by 2020.
TOMOKO ONISHI (Japan) affirmed her country’s commitment to meet the threat of climate change. Japan had supported developing countries with funding totaling $16 billion over the course of 18 months. Recently, Japan hosted the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum in Tokyo to share collective wisdom on energy efficiency technology innovation. Since the decision at the ninth Conference of Parties, the country aimed to soon submit its contribution and had been considering a contribution to the Green Climate Fund. Japan would share lessons learned at the upcoming Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Additionally, the UNESCO World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development, which Japan would host in November, would provide an important platform for a Global Action Programme for “changing the way people think and act on this planet”.
AMIT NARANG (India), associating himself with the Group of 77 and China, reiterated his country’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development. The objective should be to focus on the best way to integrate the sustainable development goals into the post-2015 agenda. Developed countries should take the lead in moving their economies towards sustainable consumption and production, and as alternative technologies moved mainstream, developing countries would gain the ecological space to provide basic human development, and eradicate poverty and hunger. Using the link between per capita energy consumption and the rank in human development index, India would have to increase fourfold its access to affordable energy to realize an uptick to the average development index. Independent studies had shown that through several measures, India had reduced its use of oil by an average 791 million tons between 2000 and 2011.
PALITHA KOHONA (Sri Lanka), speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, said it was essential that the twentieth Conference to the Parties would prepare a road map for 2015 Conference with “legally binding” and universal agreements. Developed countries must deliver on their commitment to the developing world by providing financing, technology and capacity-building. Despite Sri Lanka being a negligible contributor to climate change, it had been seriously impacted by its results. Sri Lanka had drawn on the philosophy of Gautama the Buddha that the Earth does not belong to the rulers, who are only temporary custodians. Consistent with that philosophy, his country would be increasing its land mass from 23 to 35 per cent, expanding renewable energy to the national grid, restoring estuaries and other natural habitats, and implementing a Green Transport System, a Fuel Quality Road Map, and watershed management system.
HUA YE (China), associating herself with the Group of 77 and China, said the report on sustainable development goals put eradication of poverty at its centre, and balanced economic, social and environmental pillars. She called for the strengthening of the sustainable development mechanism and partnership, and for an enhanced role of the United Nations. Her country firmly supported the 2015 Paris Conference to reach a new agreement based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”. In that context, developed countries should make greater efforts at reducing emissions, and should assist developing countries with finances, technology transfer and capacity-building. China focused on environmental protection, and on promoting energy efficiency, emissions reductions and eco-awareness. Moreover, it had been proactive in meeting climate change challenges, and it paid attention to disaster reduction and prevention.
AMAN HASSEN (Ethiopia) associating himself with the Group of 77 and China, welcomed the consensus that the post-2015 development agenda should complete the Millennium Development Goals while it simultaneously addressed new challenges. Implementing the three dimensions of sustainable development hinged on reaching a legally binding climate agreement. He called for the immediate and substantial capitalization of the Green Climate Fund. Ethiopia had begun implementing its climate change strategies with the goal of reducing carbon emissions from 1.8 tons per capita in 2010, to 1.1 tons per capita in 2030. Its success story in large-scale restoration and transformation of degraded highland areas through management interventions were indicated in the Secretary General’s report on the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Ethiopia’s disaster-risk management policy had been endorsed nationally and was now being finalized prior to implementation.
DENIS ZDOROV (Belarus) said that the new post-2015 development agenda should include the sustainable development goals, noting that sanctions were obstacles to the most vital issues. All States agreed that a far-reaching agreement should be met in Paris in 2015 on the topic of climate change. To reach that goal, the basis for negotiations must be put into place now. Belarus was prepared to participate in negotiations, and assist in their success, suggesting that a system in the environmental agreement could contain rewards for responsible States to develop climate-based technology as well as industrial infrastructure. There was a need to create mechanisms to transfer technology in order to support sustainable development. Belarus envisaged a comprehensive agenda based on the interests of all member states.
Mr. ALI (Sudan) associated himself with the Group of 77 and China, the Group of Least Developed Countries, and the African Group. His country had made serious efforts towards facing climate change, with a national plan in place that had many adaptation and mitigation projects integrated in development plans. It was incumbent upon countries with historical responsibilities to meet commitments and create necessary policies that would reduce their emissions, and provide technological support. Developing countries would be exposed to food insecurity from climate change; policies and programmes to face climate change should complement the other programmes aiming at providing sustainable food security. Climate change was the main reason for a scarcity of water and food insecurity, and the reason for conflicts between farmers and shepherds.
MICHAEL GRANT (Canada) reminded that to complete the Millennium Development Goals, economic, social and environmental issues must be tackled in a holistic manner. There remained much work to be done on three of the unfinished goals, starting with maternal, new born and child health. The empowerment of women and girls was a prerequisite for poverty reduction, peace and sustainable development. Furthermore, private sector-led sustained economic growth and job creation were key forces behind poverty reduction. The necessity of integrating economic, social and environmental considerations into the approach had never been more apparent or urgent.
SHEIKH AHMAD MOHAMED AL-THANI (Qatar), associating himself with the Group of 77 and China, and the Arab Group, said the preservation of the environment was the cornerstone of his country’s plans that maintained a balance between economic growth, social development and environmental management. Qatar was committed to implementing the Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan and Rio+20. As well, it had, together with the Dominican Republic and Turkey, come up with an initiative to use civil and military defence to respond to natural disasters effectively. Moreover, to protect climate and biological diversity, it had signed numerous treaties on environmental sustainability. He also highlighted the power of sustainable energy to eliminate poverty, and improve and save lives, while reducing environmental risks.
RABEE JAWHARA (Syria) emphasized the role of the high-level political forum in directing international efforts towards sustainable development. Over the years, his country had achieved much in the area of development, but the current situation targeted the security of the Syrian people, as well as the environment and natural resources. He said that he wondered how Syria could appreciate the efforts of donor countries that set conditions and raised impediments to the financing by United Nations programmes providing aid for his country’s people. An instance of that was the World Food Programme (WFP) which had announced a reduction in aid to Syria due to inadequate financing. Concerning the oil slick on Lebanese shores, his country had made immense efforts to clean the Syrian coastline also affected by it, but had not received any international help in that regard.
KHABAT AHMED NAJIB AL-BARWARI (Iraq), associating herself with the Group of 77 and China, said the adoption of the strategy for disaster prevention would help countries move from relief to climate change adaptation. It contributed to the reinforcing of disaster management programmes at the level of local communities, and helped developing countries to build their capabilities to adapt to disasters. Iraq had adopted several measures, including the enactment of the civil defence law, the drafting of a project for disaster reduction in the country, and the establishment of a legal machinery to face disasters. It had also established new buildings for civil defence, as well as search-and-save groups providing help to civil defence centres.
AHMED SAREER (Maldives) associating himself with the Group of 77 and China, and with Alliance of Small Island States, said that sustainable development was inherently linked with combating climate change, the consequences of which endangered the development gains his country had made so far. While numerous initiatives had been taken nationally, such as declaring one atoll a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) biosphere reserve, he questioned how much his nation could contribute on its own towards creating a more sustainable world. The international community had to take prudent policy measures based on science. In designing the post-2015 development agenda, lessons needed to be learned from the Millennium Development Goals. As a large ocean State, Maldives welcomed the creation of a stand-alone goal within the new sustainable development goals focused on the protection of oceans.