MGD Discussion: Meeting the MDGs related to water, sanitation and human
settlements' targets
Finland: Ms. Paula Lehtomäki, Minister for Trade and Development
Madam Chair,
Poverty reduction, achievement of the MDGs and sustainable development are high on
the agenda of the Finnish Development Policy. Water, sanitation and human settlements
play a crucial role within this context.
We believe that for long term effects the policies and programs have to be recipientcountry
owned. There we seem to have a problem: while analysing the PRSPs of our
partner countries and proposals for assistance, we have recognized that environment,
including support to water, sanitation and human settlements, are not considered as
corner-stones of poverty reduction. We consider it extremely important that the PRSPs
will take fully into account environmental issues, and we are ready to give assistance in
this work.
Economic growth that ignores environmental implications is simply not sustainable.
Support to environment is important for achieving the MDGs. It is also important from
growth and competitiveness points of view. I would like to use the experiences of
Finland in this respect:
Finland has got high rank ings both in competitiveness and sustainability surveys.
This provides evidence that solid environmental and social performance is not only
consistent with but, indeed, contributes to overall economic competitiveness.
Competitiveness that is grounded on eco-efficiency, eco-innovation and the development
of environmental technologies makes sound business sense.
Chair,
I would like to draw your attention to the importance of cross-cutting issues in planning
and managin g water and sanitation services and human settlements. Good governance,
sensitiveness to consumption and production patterns, gender sensitiveness and
education are key issues in this respect. Further, in the provision of basic services to the
poor, one has to adopt a rights-based approach. The poor have limited resources to cover
the costs of services. Community participation is thus crucial for planning,
implementation and management of services, because it would facilitate the concerns of
local population to be included into the project design.
Finally, Chair,
Our expectations regarding the outcome of this meeting are:
The conclusions should clearly present key political priorities for action to facilitate the
targets for water supply, sanitation and human settlements to be achieved as anticipated.
The conclusions should also include an effective follow-up and monitoring system;
answer to the question of HOW we proceed in practice and a clear understanding of
interlinkages between water, sanitation and human settlements, the role and importance
of cross-cutting issues as well as links between water, sanitation and human settlements
for achieving the MDGs.
I think that CSD13 should send a clear message to the Millennium Review Summit,
pointing out that environmental sustainability underpins the achievement of all MDGs
and Johannesburg commitments and is crucial to escape the poverty trap.
Thank you.
