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Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting
for the Seventeenth Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development
23 ? 27 February 2009
Dialogue with Major Groups
Statement
on behalf of the European Union
by
Prof. Bedøich Moldan
Senator of the Parliament of the Czech Republic
Director of the Environment Center of the Charles University in Prague
Head of Delegation
New York, February 23, 2009

Madam Chairperson / Mr Chairman, distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Czech Republic has the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its twentyseven
Member States.
The EU recognises the necessity of and fully supports the involvement and participation of
major groups as women, children and youth, indigenous peoples, non-governmental
organisations, local authorities, workers and trade unions, business and industry, scientific and
technological communities and farmers in the activities of the UN Commission on
Sustainable Development, in the implementation of Agenda 21, Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation and also in improving the implementation of the Millennium Development
Goals. The EU appreciates the major groups? active participation in the Partnership for
sustainable development initiatives and related activities. Each group has its specific and
crucial role in promoting sustainable development.
Generally, the common effort of governments, international organisations and major groups
should lead to activities such as establishing long-term partnerships, strengthening local
governance, ensuring equal human and civic rights, and sharing information and
lessons learned.
In relation to the CSD-17 thematic cluster, the CSD-17 policy decisions should reflect, as
appropriate, the roles of all major groups in implementation of necessary measures in as
the following areas:
a) Fostering the access of women and girls from developing countries to education,
training and information, particularly in the agriculture sectors and women?s participation in
decision-making processes at all levels and addressing the needs of women in rural areas;
b) Supporting professional and specialized education which trains experts in organic
farming, spatial planning, environmental technologies, science and research and other
relevant professions in connection with decision-making and management;
c) Respecting and protecting indigenous land and traditional livehoods and contributing to
the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
d) Recognising and supporting the role of local governments;
e) Improving land tenure systems and securing land rights, particularly of indigenous
peoples;
f) Supporting local community food programmes;
g) Enhancing food security in the long-term perspective;
h) Promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, with a special regard to
water management, use of energy sources and use of all natural resources.
The EU would like to express its appreciation for the effort and work done by major groups
while developing their written contribution on ?Major groups? priorities for action in
agriculture, rural development, land, drought, desertification, Africa and cross-cutting
issues?. This document also presents the policy options and possible measures to implement
the above-mentioned documents and initiatives. In this context the document is a valuable
basis for further discussion on promoting implementation activities in relation to the thematic
cluster and the role of major groups, particularly with the representatives of the governments
and also with international organisations.
Thank you.