Finland
1
Commission on Sustainable CHECK
AGAINST DELIVERY
Development (CSD)
Twelfth Session
UNITED NATIONS
New York, 14 - 30 April 2004
STATEMENT AT THE HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT
BY
H.E. MR. JAN-ERIK ENESTAM
MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF FINLAND
New York, 28 April 2004
2
Mr Chairman,
Finland associates herself with the statement made by Ireland on behalf of the European
Union.
Let me start by stating our understanding, that the main elements of an enabling environment
regarding to sustainable water supply, sanitation and human settlements are good
governance, appropriate legislation, integrated planning, sufficient capacity and financing.
Good governance means that all decisions on public services are made at the lowest possible
level. In relation to water supply and sanitation, customers and end -users have to be involved.
In rural areas, user associations and water committees are often central in constructing,
operating and maintaining the services. In urban areas the most important effort should be
building the confidence between water companies and the consumers through transparent
governance and reliable services.
Secondly, I would like to emphasize the importance of Integrated Water Resources
Management Plans. They provide a tool for balancing the demands of different water uses as
well as maintaining the ecosystems and thus promote economic, social and environmental
development. They also provide a forum for participatory approach and thus take into account
the needs of local communities.
It is important that the UN bodies and international financing institutions support countries in
preparation of these plans. Greater use of scientific and educational tools for capacity building
is necessary.
I would like to underline integrated planning and management, especially on land use and
transportation, in developing compact cities. We aim at reasonably dense cities where access
to transportation, job opportunities and services is improved.
I see a close relationship between water and sanitation services and production and
consumption. It is obvious that more efficient use of water and the reduction of pollution will
require sustainable consumption and production policies.
Mr Chairman,
Creating an enabling environment needs sufficient financing and capacity building. Finland is
ready to cooperate with developing country partners in meeting the internationally agreed
time bound targets on water, sanitation and human settlements included in Millennium
Development Goals and Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
These targets thus have an important role in a new Finnish Governmental Policy on
Development Cooperation. We feel that adequate water and sanitation services are crucial in
supporting the development of both rural areas and human settlements. We are committed to
meet these goals also through the European Union Water Initiative.
Finally Mr Chairman,
Let me emphasise, as have so many countries before us, the critical importance of including
water and sanitation in National Poverty Reduction Strategies. This is the only meaningful
path to achieve our common targets and we strongly encourage all countries to adhere to this
call in order to support decent life, sustainable food production and overall well-being.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Commission on Sustainable CHECK
AGAINST DELIVERY
Development (CSD)
Twelfth Session
UNITED NATIONS
New York, 14 - 30 April 2004
STATEMENT AT THE HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT
BY
H.E. MR. JAN-ERIK ENESTAM
MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF FINLAND
New York, 28 April 2004
2
Mr Chairman,
Finland associates herself with the statement made by Ireland on behalf of the European
Union.
Let me start by stating our understanding, that the main elements of an enabling environment
regarding to sustainable water supply, sanitation and human settlements are good
governance, appropriate legislation, integrated planning, sufficient capacity and financing.
Good governance means that all decisions on public services are made at the lowest possible
level. In relation to water supply and sanitation, customers and end -users have to be involved.
In rural areas, user associations and water committees are often central in constructing,
operating and maintaining the services. In urban areas the most important effort should be
building the confidence between water companies and the consumers through transparent
governance and reliable services.
Secondly, I would like to emphasize the importance of Integrated Water Resources
Management Plans. They provide a tool for balancing the demands of different water uses as
well as maintaining the ecosystems and thus promote economic, social and environmental
development. They also provide a forum for participatory approach and thus take into account
the needs of local communities.
It is important that the UN bodies and international financing institutions support countries in
preparation of these plans. Greater use of scientific and educational tools for capacity building
is necessary.
I would like to underline integrated planning and management, especially on land use and
transportation, in developing compact cities. We aim at reasonably dense cities where access
to transportation, job opportunities and services is improved.
I see a close relationship between water and sanitation services and production and
consumption. It is obvious that more efficient use of water and the reduction of pollution will
require sustainable consumption and production policies.
Mr Chairman,
Creating an enabling environment needs sufficient financing and capacity building. Finland is
ready to cooperate with developing country partners in meeting the internationally agreed
time bound targets on water, sanitation and human settlements included in Millennium
Development Goals and Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
These targets thus have an important role in a new Finnish Governmental Policy on
Development Cooperation. We feel that adequate water and sanitation services are crucial in
supporting the development of both rural areas and human settlements. We are committed to
meet these goals also through the European Union Water Initiative.
Finally Mr Chairman,
Let me emphasise, as have so many countries before us, the critical importance of including
water and sanitation in National Poverty Reduction Strategies. This is the only meaningful
path to achieve our common targets and we strongly encourage all countries to adhere to this
call in order to support decent life, sustainable food production and overall well-being.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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