European Union (EU)
23 November 2016 - version 6
Turkmenistan UN Plenary Speech
Introduction
Mr President, Excellencies,
It is a great pleasure to attend the first Global Sustainable Transport
Conference, hosted by the Government of Turkmenistan. The
European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Buie, sends her best
personal regards to you, Mr President, for a successful event. Thank
you President Berdimuhamedov for this hospitality!
2015 was a defining year for sustainable development worldwide. In
September last year, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development. 2015 also saw the Paris Climate
Agreement {COP21), the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
[The UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development represents a
commitment to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable
development by 2030 worldwide, ensuring that no one is left behind.
All countries, developed and developing alike, have a shared
responsibility to achieve the SDGs.]
In its Communications of last Tuesday, 22 November, the European
Commission set out very clearly how the Commission's actions, in
conjunction with those of EU Member States, contribute to
implementing the UN 2030 Agenda. The Commission shared a vision
1
and framework for development cooperation that aligns with the
2030 Agenda. Among many diverse actions, the EU commits to (1)
support the development of sustainable, interconnected and secure
transport networks, (2) further the promotion of sustainable urban
mobility and (3) facilitate financing through the blending of public
grants and loans for energy, transport and water infrastructure.
I see our meeting today in this wider context. Sustainable transport is
a core element of our common work on sustainable development.
I will briefly describe some of what we are doing at the EU level to
implement the 2030 Agenda on our side.
First, decarbonisation:
Within Europe, the EU has placed significant emphasis on the
decarbonisation of transport. Earlier this year, we published an EU
Low Emission Mobility Strategy. Transport accounts for almost a
quarter of Europe's greenhouse gas emissions and adversely impacts
on air quality.
[We are concentrating on three areas:
• First, higher efficiency of transport systems;
• Second, low-emission alternative energy sources for transport;
• And third, low- and zero-emission vehicles.
Using this Strategy, the European Union aims to cut carbon emissions
from transport across all modes. If we succeed, our approach might
become a model for other parts of the world, facing similar
challenges.]
2
But sustainable development is a global challenge, and developing
sustainable transport is a shared global task. In this context, the
specialised agencies of the United Nations family play a vital role.
Allow me to take a few moments to focus on some specific actions
on different modes of transport:
First, on aviation, the EU welcomes the strong leadership of ICAO -
the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The deal on Global
Market Based Measure is a major step forward to tackle CO2
emissions from aviation. Europe has consistently advocated global
and coordinated action to curb the growth of aviation emissions.
[The Global Market Based Measure is a good outcome because it is
global, it is non-discriminatory, it is fair, and takes into account
differences in the economic and development situations of States,
and finally, it is based on aviation activity, not on geography. States
with little impact on international aviation will be exempted.]
This agreement opens a new chapter in international aviation. It is
also the first global agreement to address CO2 emissions in a specific
sector of the economy.
In maritime transport, the IMO - the International Maritime
Organisation - recently agreed to introduce a mandatory data
collection scheme for international shipping, starting from 2019. Date
on fuel consumption and energy efficiency will be reported to the
flag State and then transferred to IMO, which will produce an annual
report. Data collection is an important first step.
3
[The EU strongly supports the IMO's intention to formulate an initial
strategy to determine the emissions reduction objective of shipping
in 2018. We also welcome IMO's decision to target a sulphur limit for
marine fuel of just 0.5% by 2020.]
The EU remains committed not only to contribute to emissions
reductions but also to financially and technically contribute to
capacity-building across the globe. [For example, the EU is funding a
capacity building project with ICAO for EUR 6.5 Million to facilitate
developing countries in establishing CO2 reduction programmes
related to aviation. The EU is also funding a EUR 10 Million project
with the IMO to establish five Maritime Technology Cooperation
Centres in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Pacific.
The Commission is determined to assist developing countries in
responding to climate change to ensure that no country is left
behind.]
A further element that I would like to mention is Road Safety.
The specific SDG 3.6 aims to halve the number of global deaths and
injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020, and this objective was
endorsed by the 2nd Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety in
Brasilia in 2015.
In Europe, since 2000, we have managed to halve the number of
people killed each year on the roads. Nevertheless, the size of the
problem is staggering. 70 people a day die on our roads, and 370 a
day suffer life-changing injuries. To address the problem,
Commissioner Buie supports a three pillar approach is needed, based
on the three 'E's: Driver EDUCATION, better ENGINEERING, and
better ENFORCEMENT.
4
But road safety is a concern for all of us - and is an integral part of
our work on achieving the sustainable development goals in view of
its human and economic consequences in general. As such it is an
important part of EU development policy and in our outreach to the
developing world. A road safety component is included in all our
transport infrastructure investments, notably in Africa. Our support
for the UN DECADE project on Road Safety and its Africa Action Plan
is challenged through the African Transport Support Programme,
which we fund to a value €8 million.
Finally, I would like to highlight how the EU reaches out
internationally to advance our common agenda of sustainable
development:
Implementation will require new investments in sustainable
infrastructure sectors like transport, contributing to global efforts
towards economic growth, poverty eradication and combating
climate change.
With a view to boosting investment for sustainable growth and jobs,
in Europe and globally, a new European External Investment Plan
was announced by European Commission President Juncker in
September 2016. This can make a key contribution to the Sustainable
Development Goals, bringing the development of sustainable, safe
and resilient infrastructure networks in transport.
[In particular:
• It aims to boost regional and cross-border transport
investment;
5
• It focuses on road safety and interventions in support of the
Africa Action Plan of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety
2011-2020;
• It will support the provision of access to safe, affordable,
accessible and sustainable transport systems by supporting
sustainable urban mobility solutions in the context of the
Habitat Ill New Urban Agenda and our commitments under
the Paris Agreement on climate change.]
Last year, the European Union and China adopted the "EU-China
Connectivity Platform" which represents the first step towards the
development of a joint vision of future connections between Europe,
Central Asia and China. The main aim is to ensure that transport
markets can rely on free, fair and undistorted competition based on
regulatory convergence, a level playing field and sustainability, as
well as to promote cooperation in transport areas like infrastructure,
equipment, technologies, standards, engineering and construction.
In this regard, the Central Asian region and Turkmenistan as a key
part of the region have an essential part to play in strengthening
cross-border cooperation in our common interest.
Conclusion
In closing, let me underline that the EU is sincere in its efforts to
reduce carbon emissions, and wherever we can, we are willing to
help. All our 28 Member States are committed to the Sustainable
Development Goals. It is in the interest of us all to meet this
challenge, to make sure that our planet can be enjoyed by future
generations. Thank you for your attention.
6
Turkmenistan UN Plenary Speech
Introduction
Mr President, Excellencies,
It is a great pleasure to attend the first Global Sustainable Transport
Conference, hosted by the Government of Turkmenistan. The
European Commissioner for Transport, Violeta Buie, sends her best
personal regards to you, Mr President, for a successful event. Thank
you President Berdimuhamedov for this hospitality!
2015 was a defining year for sustainable development worldwide. In
September last year, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development. 2015 also saw the Paris Climate
Agreement {COP21), the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
[The UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development represents a
commitment to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable
development by 2030 worldwide, ensuring that no one is left behind.
All countries, developed and developing alike, have a shared
responsibility to achieve the SDGs.]
In its Communications of last Tuesday, 22 November, the European
Commission set out very clearly how the Commission's actions, in
conjunction with those of EU Member States, contribute to
implementing the UN 2030 Agenda. The Commission shared a vision
1
and framework for development cooperation that aligns with the
2030 Agenda. Among many diverse actions, the EU commits to (1)
support the development of sustainable, interconnected and secure
transport networks, (2) further the promotion of sustainable urban
mobility and (3) facilitate financing through the blending of public
grants and loans for energy, transport and water infrastructure.
I see our meeting today in this wider context. Sustainable transport is
a core element of our common work on sustainable development.
I will briefly describe some of what we are doing at the EU level to
implement the 2030 Agenda on our side.
First, decarbonisation:
Within Europe, the EU has placed significant emphasis on the
decarbonisation of transport. Earlier this year, we published an EU
Low Emission Mobility Strategy. Transport accounts for almost a
quarter of Europe's greenhouse gas emissions and adversely impacts
on air quality.
[We are concentrating on three areas:
• First, higher efficiency of transport systems;
• Second, low-emission alternative energy sources for transport;
• And third, low- and zero-emission vehicles.
Using this Strategy, the European Union aims to cut carbon emissions
from transport across all modes. If we succeed, our approach might
become a model for other parts of the world, facing similar
challenges.]
2
But sustainable development is a global challenge, and developing
sustainable transport is a shared global task. In this context, the
specialised agencies of the United Nations family play a vital role.
Allow me to take a few moments to focus on some specific actions
on different modes of transport:
First, on aviation, the EU welcomes the strong leadership of ICAO -
the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The deal on Global
Market Based Measure is a major step forward to tackle CO2
emissions from aviation. Europe has consistently advocated global
and coordinated action to curb the growth of aviation emissions.
[The Global Market Based Measure is a good outcome because it is
global, it is non-discriminatory, it is fair, and takes into account
differences in the economic and development situations of States,
and finally, it is based on aviation activity, not on geography. States
with little impact on international aviation will be exempted.]
This agreement opens a new chapter in international aviation. It is
also the first global agreement to address CO2 emissions in a specific
sector of the economy.
In maritime transport, the IMO - the International Maritime
Organisation - recently agreed to introduce a mandatory data
collection scheme for international shipping, starting from 2019. Date
on fuel consumption and energy efficiency will be reported to the
flag State and then transferred to IMO, which will produce an annual
report. Data collection is an important first step.
3
[The EU strongly supports the IMO's intention to formulate an initial
strategy to determine the emissions reduction objective of shipping
in 2018. We also welcome IMO's decision to target a sulphur limit for
marine fuel of just 0.5% by 2020.]
The EU remains committed not only to contribute to emissions
reductions but also to financially and technically contribute to
capacity-building across the globe. [For example, the EU is funding a
capacity building project with ICAO for EUR 6.5 Million to facilitate
developing countries in establishing CO2 reduction programmes
related to aviation. The EU is also funding a EUR 10 Million project
with the IMO to establish five Maritime Technology Cooperation
Centres in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Pacific.
The Commission is determined to assist developing countries in
responding to climate change to ensure that no country is left
behind.]
A further element that I would like to mention is Road Safety.
The specific SDG 3.6 aims to halve the number of global deaths and
injuries from road traffic accidents by 2020, and this objective was
endorsed by the 2nd Global High-Level Conference on Road Safety in
Brasilia in 2015.
In Europe, since 2000, we have managed to halve the number of
people killed each year on the roads. Nevertheless, the size of the
problem is staggering. 70 people a day die on our roads, and 370 a
day suffer life-changing injuries. To address the problem,
Commissioner Buie supports a three pillar approach is needed, based
on the three 'E's: Driver EDUCATION, better ENGINEERING, and
better ENFORCEMENT.
4
But road safety is a concern for all of us - and is an integral part of
our work on achieving the sustainable development goals in view of
its human and economic consequences in general. As such it is an
important part of EU development policy and in our outreach to the
developing world. A road safety component is included in all our
transport infrastructure investments, notably in Africa. Our support
for the UN DECADE project on Road Safety and its Africa Action Plan
is challenged through the African Transport Support Programme,
which we fund to a value €8 million.
Finally, I would like to highlight how the EU reaches out
internationally to advance our common agenda of sustainable
development:
Implementation will require new investments in sustainable
infrastructure sectors like transport, contributing to global efforts
towards economic growth, poverty eradication and combating
climate change.
With a view to boosting investment for sustainable growth and jobs,
in Europe and globally, a new European External Investment Plan
was announced by European Commission President Juncker in
September 2016. This can make a key contribution to the Sustainable
Development Goals, bringing the development of sustainable, safe
and resilient infrastructure networks in transport.
[In particular:
• It aims to boost regional and cross-border transport
investment;
5
• It focuses on road safety and interventions in support of the
Africa Action Plan of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety
2011-2020;
• It will support the provision of access to safe, affordable,
accessible and sustainable transport systems by supporting
sustainable urban mobility solutions in the context of the
Habitat Ill New Urban Agenda and our commitments under
the Paris Agreement on climate change.]
Last year, the European Union and China adopted the "EU-China
Connectivity Platform" which represents the first step towards the
development of a joint vision of future connections between Europe,
Central Asia and China. The main aim is to ensure that transport
markets can rely on free, fair and undistorted competition based on
regulatory convergence, a level playing field and sustainability, as
well as to promote cooperation in transport areas like infrastructure,
equipment, technologies, standards, engineering and construction.
In this regard, the Central Asian region and Turkmenistan as a key
part of the region have an essential part to play in strengthening
cross-border cooperation in our common interest.
Conclusion
In closing, let me underline that the EU is sincere in its efforts to
reduce carbon emissions, and wherever we can, we are willing to
help. All our 28 Member States are committed to the Sustainable
Development Goals. It is in the interest of us all to meet this
challenge, to make sure that our planet can be enjoyed by future
generations. Thank you for your attention.
6