Statement of the
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
and the
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)
Delivered by:
Ms. Carol Chouchani Cherfane, Chief, Water Resources Section,
Sustainable Development and Productivity Division, ESCWA
18 May 2010
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for this opportunity to address the Session.
In view the questions posted by the Secretariat on how we might address green economy approaches at UNCSD, the following three points are proposed for consideration.
First, green economy concepts should not be construed as an alternative to sustainable development, but rather a component that can highlight opportunities and offer new avenues for pursuing the integration of the social, economic and environmental pillars of sustainable development. The pursuit of a green economy – or a greener economy – should thus reinforce, not redirect the path towards sustainable development.
Second, restricting green economy approaches to those that promote a low-carbon economy – as referenced at times during the deliberations – should be avoided. As green economy instruments present opportunities for advancing sustainable development, so do low-carbon solutions contribute to the development of a green economy portfolio. However, green economy approaches must be more comprehensive than those focused on reducing carbon emissions if progress towards sustainable development and poverty eradication are to be achieved. This calls for facilitating financing, investment, trade and transfer of appropriate and sound environmental technologies that can reduce pollution, improve natural resource management as well as increase access to environmental goods and services – such as access to safe and reliable water supply and sanitation. Green economy interventions should thus seek to assess and respond in a balanced manner to the multiple crises that are impacting food security, water security, energy security, job security and indeed national security as we seek to reactivate political commitment and progress towards sustainable development.
Governments and civil society are demanding action and assistance to support the achievement of sustainable development goals. Green economy concepts can thus assist to engage key stakeholders in the process – such as economic, finance and planning ministries as well as the private sector – which still tend to view sustainable development as an environmental issue. By incorporating green economy approaches in sustainable development policies, a suite of new actors can feel ownership and accountability for assisting member countries to meet sustainable development goals. This would additionally contribute in a complementary manner to strengthening institutions for sustainable development at the national, regional and global levels through more inclusive and participatory governance structures.
Finally, Member States must retain the flexibility to set their own path towards sustainable development and be afforded the policy space to incorporate green economy concepts in their development plans in accordance with their national interests. At the global level, the concept should be elaborated with a view towards the principle of common, but differentiated responsibilities.
On behalf of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the other three Regional Commissions that serve the United Nations System and Member States, we stand ready to ensure inclusive consultations and regional coordination in a manner that recognizes the importance of regional specificities and cross-sectoral linkages in support of this preparatory process.
Thank you.
