1.-Good Morning.
? I address the CSD 15 on behalf of the Regional Economic Commissions of
the United Nations. We work in the field of economic analysis and policy
integration of social and environmental issues.
? We have addressed matters related to the cluster energy, industry, air and
climate change, in the 5 regional documents prepared for CSD 14.
? For CSD 15 we have worked in identifying best practices and lessons
learned, as well as some niches of opportunity for furthering regional
coordination on these issues.
? Regional priorities and policies differ along with their varying
circumstances (poverty, industrial development, fossil fuel dependency),
and that underlines the value of having regional approaches and policies.
2.-In developing countries energy access to the poor is central in achieving the
MDG goals, and particularly in Africa. Experience shows that, at the current
prices of technologies, improving access to energy for the poor will require
reduced prices or subsidies, in both urban and rural areas. In rural areas a special
effort has to be placed in enhancing energy efficiency and the use of renewables.
The role of the Regional Commissions should be to support:
? Regulatory changes to create the right incentives to foster public-private
alliances for energy supply, considering differential fees for the poorest
users without undermining economic viability of supply.
? Sustainable development in rural areas through better use of biomass and
other renewables.
3.-The Regional Commissions are concerned of the effects of climate change,
therefore they can contribute:
? In helping to study adaptation measures to vulnerabilities arising on the
primary sector and its effects on regional international trade and fiscal
policy.
? In studying the economic costs of inaction, related to adaptation to climate
change.
? In supporting the elaboration of National Adaptation Strategies.
4.-The CDM is mobilizing resources and could play a more important role if
developed countries signal towards market continuity, fulfillment of their present
commitments and by taking on more significant targets trusting the carbon
markets. Regional Commissions can help countries:
? Through technical assistance, including seminars, not only to better
understand carbon markets dynamics, but also to participate in them.
? Through technical assistance, to explore bigger scale initiatives, such as
sector projects and programs.
? With advocacy on the importance of renewables.
? Through the assessment of the economic implications of renewables, in
particular of biofuels and poverty, mindful of food security and
environmental concerns.
5.-Regional Commissions can contribute to disasters? valuation, where ECLAC
has developed solid experience, and studying prevention/adaptation costs.
6.-For industry, energy efficiency is an important field for economic and
environmental improvement. Cleaner production policies should continue to be
supported, including for SME?s. The Regional Commisions can play a role in:
? Supporting countries in their cooperation at regional level on environmental
standards including labeling policies.
? By developing information such as sustainable development indicators (on
industry, energy, climate change, urban pollution, intensities, etc.) to
evaluate performance in these areas among different countries.
? Supporting transboundary pollution prevention agreements.
? Enhancing cleaner investment, foreign or domestic.
7.-In Asia and Latin America the role of cities and transport as energy consumers
and air polluters is of growing concern, closely linked to poor public transport and
a growing private fleet. We have also seen regional improvements in fuels and in
some mass transit systems. The Regional Commissions should:
? Analyze the economic and environmental externalities of pollution, to
support appropriate incentives and pricing.
? Promote the replication of best practices in mass transit systems in cities.
8.-In the preparations for CSD and from the regional perspective, some
opportunities for change become visible, as stated in our regional document,
which could be taken by groups of countries, but that seem difficult to address at a
global level. ECLAC, as well as the rest of the Regional Commissions will
support by convening the Regional Implementation Meetings, by reporting on
regional perspectives to CSD, and in supporting our respective regions to take
advantage of the collective opportunities identified in these processes.
I thank your attention.
