Azerbaijan
AZERBAIJAN
Minister of EcHol.oEg.y M arn.Sd THA NAuzTaesterEbubyyMrnaaiglEj uaRNnlueTs Bouagrcheisro ovf the Republic
13th Session of thHe Cigohm Lmeviessl iSoeng mone nStu ostfa itnhaeble Development
New UYnoirtke,d 2 N0 aAtipornils 2005
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 560, New York, N.Y. 10017 - Tel.: (212) 371-2559 Fax: (212) 371-2784
Mr. Chairman,
The mentality of mankind has not drastically changed. It is the living standards that
have changed bringing in a simultaneous increase in needs.
At the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Budapest, it
was declared that the existing lifestyle of population should be considered in
developing healthy and sustainable housing policies. Of course, these issues should
be given consideration, but nowadays, on the brink of the drastic global changes we
notice that this lifestyle ceased to meet contemporary needs and cannot universally
respond to the challenge of the time - because the challenge arrived too abruptly.
Therefore, it is necessary to change the lifestyle, established traditions and customs,
and try not to adjust initiatives to existing conditions.
Simply saying, if in the comparatively recent past a man had to draw water from a
well and the amount of efforts and time spent on that determined reasonable limits
of water consumed: that was he consumed strictly as much as he needed, not less or
more - nowadays with the availability of water supply network at homes, easy and
instant access to water has become the cause for its uneconomic use while
increasing pressure on a surrounding environment.
However, people have a right to safe drinking water, sanitation and security tenure
and, accordingly, it is the responsibility of Governments to make it accessible and
affordable. Correspondingly, our Government promotes the policies of enabling
environment, including through measures stimulating partnerships, incentives for
investments and greater involvement of private sector.
We consider promotion of safe water supply and rational utilization of water
resources as essential components of national development strategy to be followed
by the policy measures on stimulating introduction of cleaner technologies, water
purification and water distribution mechanisms. Furthermore, in our view, it is
important to develop an environmental segment of economy, which is both
economically and socially valuable.
In the context of trans-boundary watercourses, we respect the ethics of coexistence
in the shared environment; having said that we underline the importance of
international cooperation, while taking into account the "polluter pays" principle.
Mr. Chairman,
In the area of human settlements, we emphasize the importance of integrated
approach in the planning process, while placing adequate emphasis on sound
regulatory framework and enhanced access of the poor to financial services, land use
efficiency and waste management as well as infrastructure development. Our
delegation also supports the calls for the strengthening of UN-HABITAT.
Furthermore, we underline the importance of regulations in the field of forced
eviction due to the seriousness of its consequences, including those related to influx
of refugees and internally displaced persons. Therefore, we fully concur with the
view of G-77 and China that support to UNHCR and refugee host countries has to
be strengthened.
Many speakers mentioned the necessity of international financial assistance in
tackling environmental problems. Financial support from donors, particularly
technical aid is always appreciated. But we should be honest in admitting that
without a strong will inside environmental challenges could hardly be overcome.
Countries should assume more commitment to addressing the alarming issues at a
national level.
Another aspect of human settlements which requires urgent attention is an issue of
illegal settlements emerging from foreign occupation. Illegal settlements continue to
be a serious cause not only of political problems but also of environmental damage,
including land degradation, water pollution, - biodiversity loss, natural resource
depletion. Sustainable development cannot be pursued if international community
keeps eyes "widely" closed to such problems.
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion, let me stress that we look forward to a successful outcome of this
implementation cycle, which policy decisions will reinvigorate political support and
contribute to the achievement of MDGs.
Thank you.
Minister of EcHol.oEg.y M arn.Sd THA NAuzTaesterEbubyyMrnaaiglEj uaRNnlueTs Bouagrcheisro ovf the Republic
13th Session of thHe Cigohm Lmeviessl iSoeng mone nStu ostfa itnhaeble Development
New UYnoirtke,d 2 N0 aAtipornils 2005
Permanent Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 560, New York, N.Y. 10017 - Tel.: (212) 371-2559 Fax: (212) 371-2784
Mr. Chairman,
The mentality of mankind has not drastically changed. It is the living standards that
have changed bringing in a simultaneous increase in needs.
At the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in Budapest, it
was declared that the existing lifestyle of population should be considered in
developing healthy and sustainable housing policies. Of course, these issues should
be given consideration, but nowadays, on the brink of the drastic global changes we
notice that this lifestyle ceased to meet contemporary needs and cannot universally
respond to the challenge of the time - because the challenge arrived too abruptly.
Therefore, it is necessary to change the lifestyle, established traditions and customs,
and try not to adjust initiatives to existing conditions.
Simply saying, if in the comparatively recent past a man had to draw water from a
well and the amount of efforts and time spent on that determined reasonable limits
of water consumed: that was he consumed strictly as much as he needed, not less or
more - nowadays with the availability of water supply network at homes, easy and
instant access to water has become the cause for its uneconomic use while
increasing pressure on a surrounding environment.
However, people have a right to safe drinking water, sanitation and security tenure
and, accordingly, it is the responsibility of Governments to make it accessible and
affordable. Correspondingly, our Government promotes the policies of enabling
environment, including through measures stimulating partnerships, incentives for
investments and greater involvement of private sector.
We consider promotion of safe water supply and rational utilization of water
resources as essential components of national development strategy to be followed
by the policy measures on stimulating introduction of cleaner technologies, water
purification and water distribution mechanisms. Furthermore, in our view, it is
important to develop an environmental segment of economy, which is both
economically and socially valuable.
In the context of trans-boundary watercourses, we respect the ethics of coexistence
in the shared environment; having said that we underline the importance of
international cooperation, while taking into account the "polluter pays" principle.
Mr. Chairman,
In the area of human settlements, we emphasize the importance of integrated
approach in the planning process, while placing adequate emphasis on sound
regulatory framework and enhanced access of the poor to financial services, land use
efficiency and waste management as well as infrastructure development. Our
delegation also supports the calls for the strengthening of UN-HABITAT.
Furthermore, we underline the importance of regulations in the field of forced
eviction due to the seriousness of its consequences, including those related to influx
of refugees and internally displaced persons. Therefore, we fully concur with the
view of G-77 and China that support to UNHCR and refugee host countries has to
be strengthened.
Many speakers mentioned the necessity of international financial assistance in
tackling environmental problems. Financial support from donors, particularly
technical aid is always appreciated. But we should be honest in admitting that
without a strong will inside environmental challenges could hardly be overcome.
Countries should assume more commitment to addressing the alarming issues at a
national level.
Another aspect of human settlements which requires urgent attention is an issue of
illegal settlements emerging from foreign occupation. Illegal settlements continue to
be a serious cause not only of political problems but also of environmental damage,
including land degradation, water pollution, - biodiversity loss, natural resource
depletion. Sustainable development cannot be pursued if international community
keeps eyes "widely" closed to such problems.
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion, let me stress that we look forward to a successful outcome of this
implementation cycle, which policy decisions will reinvigorate political support and
contribute to the achievement of MDGs.
Thank you.
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