European Union
1
Statement on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States
By
Istvan TEPLAN
Senior Adviser to the State Secretary for the Environment
Republic of Hungary
Intergovernmental preparatory meeting
of the 19th Commission on Sustainable Development
Session on Inter-linkages and Cross-cutting issues
United Nations
New York
3 March 2011
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
2
3
CSD 19 IPM
Statement on Inter-linkages and Cross-cutting issues
by the European Union and its 27 Member States1
(New York, 3 March 2011)
Mr/Mrs Chairperson,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27
Member States.
As identified by the recent Secretary-General report on policy options
and actions and the Resource Paper of the Bureau, the issues of the
current thematic cluster - transport, chemicals, waste management, mining,
and the 10 Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) on sustainable consumption
and production ? are highly interrelated. They have also strong links to the
cross-cutting issues as identified at CSD-11. Cross-cutting issues and interlinkages,
therefore, should be addressed in a holistic, integrated and
coherent manner, not only as a separate item, but also within the
discussion on the respective issues on the agenda of the current CSD
implementation- cycle.
To foster such an integrated approach, the EU proposes to focus on the
following three priorities, closely linked to the three overarching
objectives of sustainable development.
As a first priority, the EU wants to highlight the need for CSD-19 to
identify and agree on policy options and practical measures that are also
contributing to poverty eradication through the achievement of the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as the creation of green
and decent jobs. A careful consideration of cross-cutting issues such as
gender equality, health and education is instrumental in this regard.
1 Only the text in bold was read out during the plenary session
4
The Millennium Declaration and the MDGs, as well as the Paris
Declaration and the Accra Agenda for Action on aid effectiveness are
among the main international cooperation frameworks and partnership
references of the EU development assistance with regard to the
implementation of the CSD 19 cluster of issues. As the world?s biggest
donor providing more than half of the world's official development assistance
(ODA), the EU is committed to eradicating poverty in support of sustainable
development, including the achievement of the MDGs.
We need to create a favourable environment for the sustainable development of
LDCs in particular. While keeping a focus on the agreed road to the 0.7% GNI by
2015, CSD 19 decisions should contribute to inclusive, equitable and
sustainable economic growth, sustainable employment and income
opportunities and poverty eradication. CSD-19 decisions should focus on
win-win scenarios, avoid the long-term cost of inaction while bringing benefits in
the short-term by maximizing the impact of low-tech measures requiring little
additional resources.
Ensuring predictable and accessible financial resources for sustainable
development is crucial, in particular with regards to the implementation of a
10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production
(10YFP) as well as mobilizing support for scaling up successful initiatives and
programmes that are contributing to the objectives of sustainable development
and the achievement of MDGs.
In this context, we need to look into policies aimed at more efficient use
of existing resources and domestic resource mobilization, as well as into
innovative financial resources and mechanisms -including contributions
made through private sector based solutions and public-private
partnerships. .
A second priority is for all countries to ensure the achievement of
sustainable resource use and to promote resource efficiency, including
by greening industry. Our current global use of resources is
unsustainable with an increasing number of resources being under
5
severe pressure and serious threat of degradation. It is not only
endangering the state of the environment, essential ecosystem services
and biodiversity, but it raises concerns about future economic prosperity,
our present and future health and well-being and the chances for
meeting the basic needs for all.
Faced with this situation, all countries need to take action, with
developed countries taking the lead. In this regard, the EU recently
recognized the need to strive for an absolute decoupling of economic growth
from resource use and the consequent environmental degradation.
A broad interpretation of resource efficiency is needed, extending to all natural
resources including energy and non-energy resources, biotic and abiotic
materials, water, air, soil, living organisms, ecosystems and biodiversity and
aimed both at achieving a higher resource productivity, at managing limited
resource availability, and at decreasing environmental impacts resulting from
resource use. Furthermore, human resources should also be managed in a
sustainable, effective manner.
The EU is fully committed to the transition to a more resource efficient and
greener economy, as can be seen inter alia by the development of the flagship
initiative ?Resource Efficient Europe? under the Europe2020 strategy (one of the
seven flagship initiatives), as well as the recent Council Conclusions on
sustainable materials management and sustainable production and consumption.
This commitment is also reflected in the EU Sustainable Development Strategy
as the overarching policy framework providing guidance for all EU policies and
strategies ? including a global dimension ? as well as a long-term vision up to
2050 on crucial areas such as climate change and clean energy, conservation
and management of resources, health or sustainable consumption and
production.
6
CSD-19 should catch on the opportunity to accelerate the transition to a
more efficient, competitive and greener economy in a way that is
consistent with principles of sustainable development and in full
recognition of the need to tackle its social, economic and environmental
challenges in an integrated manner. In order to achieve such a
transition, we believe it is important for the CSD-19 to provide the
incentives to mainstream resource efficiency and integrate it into
everyday decision-making. A decision on the 10YFP on SCP will be
crucial in this regard.
CSD-19 should also make further progress with regards to:
§ The application of life cycle analysis (looking at extraction, production,
consumption, waste and possible re-use and recycling), as an essential
instrument for decision-making taking into account the environmental, social
and economic impacts (positive and negative) of products along the entire
value chain from the extraction of the natural resources to the final disposal.
§ The development and utilization of monitoring frameworks, in
particular in relation to the evaluation of biodiversity and ecosystem services,
as essential in ensuring accountability of all partners and in supporting policy
decisions to prevent further loss of biodiversity and degradation of
ecosystems.
§ The development, dissemination and transfer of appropriate,
affordable and sustainable technologies as well as knowledge and
competence to integrate relevant technologies in planning for sustainable
urban development.
The third priority relates to the need for further governance and policy
coherence for sustainable development. We should continue to enhance
policy coherence between and within processes and institutions at
global, regional, national and sub-national levels having impact on the
CSD 19 cluster of issues.
7
Actions remained too fragmented, resulting in lack of coherence in policy
instruments, targeting the same sector or areas and missing opportunities to
realize synergies or partnerships. CSD 19 should take the opportunity to address
this challenge including through an agreement on a 10 YFP on SCP at CSD-19.
This agreement will be a major break-through in terms of policy coherence and
accelerated implementation of sustainable development.
Furthermore, policy options and practical measures agreed upon at CSD-19
should be integrated into countries? overarching sustainable development
strategies, poverty reduction strategies or country assistance strategies.
We also recognize the essential role played by the different
stakeholders ? including multilateral organisations, private sector,
social partners and civil-society organisations at all levels. Strong
partnerships between the various stakeholders can leverage mutual learning,
promote lessons learned from best practices, facilitate the adoption of new
technologies, encourage cost-effective methods and enable broad stakeholder
participation. Such partnerships should be recognized as essential instruments
for facilitating the implementation of CSD-19 decisions at national as well as
sub-national levels.
Increasing public awareness and understanding about sustainable development
is essential, in order to strengthen the capacity of the stakeholders to cope with
imminent unpredictable problems and to find long-term solutions. The EU
recognizes the essential role that capacity building and education for
sustainable development plays in a lifelong learning perspective. For the
achievement of a sustainable society we need knowledge, skills and attitudes
that are required to make conscious choices to preserve the world both for
present and future generations.
8
CSD-19 decisions should make further progress towards implementing
effective targeted educational programmes and awareness raising
initiatives to promote behavioural changes of governments, market
participants and other relevant stakeholders.
CSD-19 decisions should also generate efficient knowledge management
and create coherent policy frameworks and mechanisms to promote the
transfer of skills, knowledge and technology.
Thank you
Statement on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States
By
Istvan TEPLAN
Senior Adviser to the State Secretary for the Environment
Republic of Hungary
Intergovernmental preparatory meeting
of the 19th Commission on Sustainable Development
Session on Inter-linkages and Cross-cutting issues
United Nations
New York
3 March 2011
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
2
3
CSD 19 IPM
Statement on Inter-linkages and Cross-cutting issues
by the European Union and its 27 Member States1
(New York, 3 March 2011)
Mr/Mrs Chairperson,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27
Member States.
As identified by the recent Secretary-General report on policy options
and actions and the Resource Paper of the Bureau, the issues of the
current thematic cluster - transport, chemicals, waste management, mining,
and the 10 Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) on sustainable consumption
and production ? are highly interrelated. They have also strong links to the
cross-cutting issues as identified at CSD-11. Cross-cutting issues and interlinkages,
therefore, should be addressed in a holistic, integrated and
coherent manner, not only as a separate item, but also within the
discussion on the respective issues on the agenda of the current CSD
implementation- cycle.
To foster such an integrated approach, the EU proposes to focus on the
following three priorities, closely linked to the three overarching
objectives of sustainable development.
As a first priority, the EU wants to highlight the need for CSD-19 to
identify and agree on policy options and practical measures that are also
contributing to poverty eradication through the achievement of the
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as the creation of green
and decent jobs. A careful consideration of cross-cutting issues such as
gender equality, health and education is instrumental in this regard.
1 Only the text in bold was read out during the plenary session
4
The Millennium Declaration and the MDGs, as well as the Paris
Declaration and the Accra Agenda for Action on aid effectiveness are
among the main international cooperation frameworks and partnership
references of the EU development assistance with regard to the
implementation of the CSD 19 cluster of issues. As the world?s biggest
donor providing more than half of the world's official development assistance
(ODA), the EU is committed to eradicating poverty in support of sustainable
development, including the achievement of the MDGs.
We need to create a favourable environment for the sustainable development of
LDCs in particular. While keeping a focus on the agreed road to the 0.7% GNI by
2015, CSD 19 decisions should contribute to inclusive, equitable and
sustainable economic growth, sustainable employment and income
opportunities and poverty eradication. CSD-19 decisions should focus on
win-win scenarios, avoid the long-term cost of inaction while bringing benefits in
the short-term by maximizing the impact of low-tech measures requiring little
additional resources.
Ensuring predictable and accessible financial resources for sustainable
development is crucial, in particular with regards to the implementation of a
10 Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production
(10YFP) as well as mobilizing support for scaling up successful initiatives and
programmes that are contributing to the objectives of sustainable development
and the achievement of MDGs.
In this context, we need to look into policies aimed at more efficient use
of existing resources and domestic resource mobilization, as well as into
innovative financial resources and mechanisms -including contributions
made through private sector based solutions and public-private
partnerships. .
A second priority is for all countries to ensure the achievement of
sustainable resource use and to promote resource efficiency, including
by greening industry. Our current global use of resources is
unsustainable with an increasing number of resources being under
5
severe pressure and serious threat of degradation. It is not only
endangering the state of the environment, essential ecosystem services
and biodiversity, but it raises concerns about future economic prosperity,
our present and future health and well-being and the chances for
meeting the basic needs for all.
Faced with this situation, all countries need to take action, with
developed countries taking the lead. In this regard, the EU recently
recognized the need to strive for an absolute decoupling of economic growth
from resource use and the consequent environmental degradation.
A broad interpretation of resource efficiency is needed, extending to all natural
resources including energy and non-energy resources, biotic and abiotic
materials, water, air, soil, living organisms, ecosystems and biodiversity and
aimed both at achieving a higher resource productivity, at managing limited
resource availability, and at decreasing environmental impacts resulting from
resource use. Furthermore, human resources should also be managed in a
sustainable, effective manner.
The EU is fully committed to the transition to a more resource efficient and
greener economy, as can be seen inter alia by the development of the flagship
initiative ?Resource Efficient Europe? under the Europe2020 strategy (one of the
seven flagship initiatives), as well as the recent Council Conclusions on
sustainable materials management and sustainable production and consumption.
This commitment is also reflected in the EU Sustainable Development Strategy
as the overarching policy framework providing guidance for all EU policies and
strategies ? including a global dimension ? as well as a long-term vision up to
2050 on crucial areas such as climate change and clean energy, conservation
and management of resources, health or sustainable consumption and
production.
6
CSD-19 should catch on the opportunity to accelerate the transition to a
more efficient, competitive and greener economy in a way that is
consistent with principles of sustainable development and in full
recognition of the need to tackle its social, economic and environmental
challenges in an integrated manner. In order to achieve such a
transition, we believe it is important for the CSD-19 to provide the
incentives to mainstream resource efficiency and integrate it into
everyday decision-making. A decision on the 10YFP on SCP will be
crucial in this regard.
CSD-19 should also make further progress with regards to:
§ The application of life cycle analysis (looking at extraction, production,
consumption, waste and possible re-use and recycling), as an essential
instrument for decision-making taking into account the environmental, social
and economic impacts (positive and negative) of products along the entire
value chain from the extraction of the natural resources to the final disposal.
§ The development and utilization of monitoring frameworks, in
particular in relation to the evaluation of biodiversity and ecosystem services,
as essential in ensuring accountability of all partners and in supporting policy
decisions to prevent further loss of biodiversity and degradation of
ecosystems.
§ The development, dissemination and transfer of appropriate,
affordable and sustainable technologies as well as knowledge and
competence to integrate relevant technologies in planning for sustainable
urban development.
The third priority relates to the need for further governance and policy
coherence for sustainable development. We should continue to enhance
policy coherence between and within processes and institutions at
global, regional, national and sub-national levels having impact on the
CSD 19 cluster of issues.
7
Actions remained too fragmented, resulting in lack of coherence in policy
instruments, targeting the same sector or areas and missing opportunities to
realize synergies or partnerships. CSD 19 should take the opportunity to address
this challenge including through an agreement on a 10 YFP on SCP at CSD-19.
This agreement will be a major break-through in terms of policy coherence and
accelerated implementation of sustainable development.
Furthermore, policy options and practical measures agreed upon at CSD-19
should be integrated into countries? overarching sustainable development
strategies, poverty reduction strategies or country assistance strategies.
We also recognize the essential role played by the different
stakeholders ? including multilateral organisations, private sector,
social partners and civil-society organisations at all levels. Strong
partnerships between the various stakeholders can leverage mutual learning,
promote lessons learned from best practices, facilitate the adoption of new
technologies, encourage cost-effective methods and enable broad stakeholder
participation. Such partnerships should be recognized as essential instruments
for facilitating the implementation of CSD-19 decisions at national as well as
sub-national levels.
Increasing public awareness and understanding about sustainable development
is essential, in order to strengthen the capacity of the stakeholders to cope with
imminent unpredictable problems and to find long-term solutions. The EU
recognizes the essential role that capacity building and education for
sustainable development plays in a lifelong learning perspective. For the
achievement of a sustainable society we need knowledge, skills and attitudes
that are required to make conscious choices to preserve the world both for
present and future generations.
8
CSD-19 decisions should make further progress towards implementing
effective targeted educational programmes and awareness raising
initiatives to promote behavioural changes of governments, market
participants and other relevant stakeholders.
CSD-19 decisions should also generate efficient knowledge management
and create coherent policy frameworks and mechanisms to promote the
transfer of skills, knowledge and technology.
Thank you