Thank you Mister / Madame Chairperson:
Within the context of CSD-18, Canada has identified four key inter-linkages and crosscutting
issues:
1) Good Governance:
Canada recognizes the fundamental importance of:
▪ respect for human rights and gender equality;
▪ respect for and enforcement of the rule of law;
▪ accountable, transparent, and inclusive public institutions; and
▪ a commitment to freedom and democracy.
These principles form a basis for eradicating poverty, achieving sustained economic
growth, and promoting sustainable development.
Canada actively promotes international tools and initiatives in support of corporate social
responsibility such as the UN Global Compact, the IFC Performance Standards, the
Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, the Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development?s Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the Global
Reporting Initiative. Canada also participates in the Extractive Industries Transparency
Initiative, a mechanism that fosters accountability and revenue transparency.
As an example of turning concepts into action, Canada?s new CSR Strategy for the
Canadian International Extractive Sector addresses the interests of host governments and
local communities while establishing standards for industry that are intended to reduce
the risks to Canadian operations abroad and enhance the competitiveness of Canadian
companies.
2) Information and the role of science, technology and education
The value of evidence-based policy approach is clear ? robust scientific findings can
point convincingly to the need for immediate action. Scientific and technical knowledge
are also important for the establishment of standards, regulatory systems, and monitoring
methodologies. While technology is an important source of alternatives and solutions for
sustainable development, we cannot presuppose the potential of future innovation to
solve all of our development needs.
A significant issue with respect to sustainable consumption and production has been a
general lack of access to formal and informal education globally. Canada recognizes this
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must be addressed to combat unsustainable patterns of consumption and production. To
that end, it is important to note that education and the goal of learning can be conducted
through formal and informal channels, and through the sharing of traditional practices.
3) Gender Equality
Policies that bring the principle of gender equality into all aspects of social policy will
enable all groups in society - in particular the women in our societies - to participate and
share in economic and social development. The recognition of women as actors provides
women the potential to contribute as active and innovative agents of change within their
families, communities and the workplace.
4) Green Economy
Environmentally and socially sustainable economic growth is a key challenge that all
countries are facing today. The transition to a green economy will require sound national
governance and active involvement of civil society. The Green Economy will be based on
forward-looking government initiatives, partnerships and international cooperation to
advance technology, sound investments as well management practices, and capacitybuilding
activities.
