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AAUUSSTTRRAALLIIAA
Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting for the 17th Session of
the Commission on Sustainable Development
27 February 2009
Cross-cutting Themes and Interlinkages Session
Statement by the Australian Delegation
Madam Chair and distinguished delegates.
The cluster of themes we have all been discussing are all inter-related and progress on
all these themes is essential to address the priority issue before us of food security.
As we discuss cross cutting issues and how improve to improve on-ground operation of
the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), Australia would like to highlight four
key areas as cross-cutting issues:
Firstly, the importance of pursuing sustainable development through practical policy
options and outcomes based on nationally identified solutions, that are consistent with
international obligations, and that allow countries the flexibility to pursue policies
according to their national settings. Good governance, action at the national level and
effective partnerships are all critical to improving practical implementation of sustainable
development.
Secondly, Australia considers that improving market efficiency will contribute to both global
food security and sustainable development. Farmers need clear and unimpeded access to
global markets over the long term, to see price signals and maximise global food supplies at
stable prices and within the productive capacity of the natural resource base. Australia
encourages the international community to take strong steps towards achieving this by
liberalising international agricultural trade and reforming markets.
Thirdly, as we strive to improve food security, a related priority is to maintain
environmental sustainability over the long term. Changes in climate will make this even
more of a challenge. Integrating adaptation responses into agricultural and natural
resource management policies and programs will be important in responding to climate
risks and pressures.
Australia?s fourth and last point on cross cutting is that holistic and integrated
approaches on food security and sustainable development requires information for
decision makers derived from continued investment in education, research and
development, and innovation and technology transfer systems.
Thank you.
