Canada
Mr/Madame Chairperson,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the bureau for your innovative
efforts in establishing the Thematic Seminar Series in advance of this meeting, and for
the organization of work for the eighteenth session of the Commission on Sustainable
Development (CSD).
Canada supports the CSD and its agreed program of work, which provides multiple
opportunities for stakeholder participation. Canada recognizes that a key strength of the
Commission lies in its power as an inclusive convening forum.
Over the next two weeks, representatives from governments, intergovernmental
organizations, major groups, and civil society will have interactive discussions focused
on best practices and lessons learned in relation to Transport, Waste Management,
Chemicals, Mining, and Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns.
Noting the contribution of national reporting, partnerships, learning centres, side-events,
and other non-negotiated outcomes, Canada appreciates the unique opportunity that the
CSD provides to examine these themes within the context of the three pillars of
sustainable development, and through an action-oriented approach that allows for
practical exchanges of information.
Canada recognizes that stakeholders have a crucial role to play in the implementation of
Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), both in terms of policy
discussions and on the ground activities and partnerships that produce measurable results.
Canada once again welcomes the participation of a youth representative as well as
representatives from non-governmental organizations on Canada?s delegation. These
groups are also accompanied by provincial government and aboriginal representatives.
The CSD plays an important role in monitoring progress on Agenda 21 and the JPOI. In
support of this, Canada comprehensively reports to the Commission. Thematic profiles
and case studies provide an important opportunity to highlight policy and program
contributions, as well as relevant trends and emerging challenges. These reporting
mechanisms allow the sharing of specific information on concrete actions taken by
governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, and Major Groups in
achieving progress on sustainable development.
Over the past two years, Canada has undertaken significant efforts to promote more
effective and efficient reporting to the CSD. In addition to Side-Events and an
international workshop on national reporting, Canada is pleased to have supported the
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) to develop an e-communication
platform for National Focal Points of the CSD. The platform, which is hosted by
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Statement Delivered by: Philippe Charest
National Focal Point to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development
Senior Policy Advisor, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
DESA?s Sustainable Development Division, will facilitate learning and streamline the
sharing of experiences among National Focal Points as they prepare reports and other
inputs for CSD work.
Mr/Madame Chairperson, this fourth implementation cycle of the CSD?s multi-year
program of work provides an important opportunity to build on previous experience in
order to ensure a practical and results-oriented outcome. Canada hopes that the CSD, as
a key global forum on sustainable development, will continue to play a vital role in
convening practitioners, experts, decision makers, and Major Groups to work together in
advancing sustainable development around the world.
Canada looks forward to continuing to play an active and constructive role within the
Commission.
Thank you.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the bureau for your innovative
efforts in establishing the Thematic Seminar Series in advance of this meeting, and for
the organization of work for the eighteenth session of the Commission on Sustainable
Development (CSD).
Canada supports the CSD and its agreed program of work, which provides multiple
opportunities for stakeholder participation. Canada recognizes that a key strength of the
Commission lies in its power as an inclusive convening forum.
Over the next two weeks, representatives from governments, intergovernmental
organizations, major groups, and civil society will have interactive discussions focused
on best practices and lessons learned in relation to Transport, Waste Management,
Chemicals, Mining, and Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns.
Noting the contribution of national reporting, partnerships, learning centres, side-events,
and other non-negotiated outcomes, Canada appreciates the unique opportunity that the
CSD provides to examine these themes within the context of the three pillars of
sustainable development, and through an action-oriented approach that allows for
practical exchanges of information.
Canada recognizes that stakeholders have a crucial role to play in the implementation of
Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), both in terms of policy
discussions and on the ground activities and partnerships that produce measurable results.
Canada once again welcomes the participation of a youth representative as well as
representatives from non-governmental organizations on Canada?s delegation. These
groups are also accompanied by provincial government and aboriginal representatives.
The CSD plays an important role in monitoring progress on Agenda 21 and the JPOI. In
support of this, Canada comprehensively reports to the Commission. Thematic profiles
and case studies provide an important opportunity to highlight policy and program
contributions, as well as relevant trends and emerging challenges. These reporting
mechanisms allow the sharing of specific information on concrete actions taken by
governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, and Major Groups in
achieving progress on sustainable development.
Over the past two years, Canada has undertaken significant efforts to promote more
effective and efficient reporting to the CSD. In addition to Side-Events and an
international workshop on national reporting, Canada is pleased to have supported the
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) to develop an e-communication
platform for National Focal Points of the CSD. The platform, which is hosted by
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
Statement Delivered by: Philippe Charest
National Focal Point to the UN Commission on Sustainable Development
Senior Policy Advisor, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
DESA?s Sustainable Development Division, will facilitate learning and streamline the
sharing of experiences among National Focal Points as they prepare reports and other
inputs for CSD work.
Mr/Madame Chairperson, this fourth implementation cycle of the CSD?s multi-year
program of work provides an important opportunity to build on previous experience in
order to ensure a practical and results-oriented outcome. Canada hopes that the CSD, as
a key global forum on sustainable development, will continue to play a vital role in
convening practitioners, experts, decision makers, and Major Groups to work together in
advancing sustainable development around the world.
Canada looks forward to continuing to play an active and constructive role within the
Commission.
Thank you.
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