Group of 77 and China
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA
BY ELIANA SAISSAC, SECOND SECRETARY, MISSION OF ARGENTINA TO
THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION OF THE
SECOND PREPARATORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE UN CONFERENCE
ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(New York, 7 March 2011)
Session 2: Theme 1 of the Conference: Green Economy in the context of
sustainable development and poverty eradication
Mr. Chairman,
1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77
and China.
2. At the first meeting of the preparatory comittee, in May 2010, the G-77
stated that an understanding of the scope and possible benefits, risks and costs
of the “green economy” approach, is necessary to avoid replicating a
discussion on the interrelationship between environment, economy and
society, or on the distinctions between the development challenges faced by
developing countries and the situation of developed countries.
3. Throughout the past 10 months, and in particular at the first
intersessional informal meeting in January, we have shared views on this
theme. In different settings and at the initiative of many countries, we have
seen experiences, both in developed and developing countries, of concrete
actions that have led to benefits for the country involved. Many developing
countries are at the forefront of promoting these activities and are leading the
way towards sustainable development. However, much remains to be done in
the area of a “green economy” in the context of sustainable development and
poverty eradication.
4. For the G-77, the following elements should be considered as the
foundation for our future discussions and as the basis for an outcome at the
Conference on the theme of “green economy” in the context of sustainable
development and poverty eradication:
2
Sustainable development conceptual framework. The “green
economy” in the context of sustainable development and poverty
eradication should be developed in accordance with the principles
contained in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development,
Agenda 21, as well as the instruments further adopted for the
implementation of Agenda 21, in particular the Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation.
Poverty eradication as the overriding priority. Despite progress in
the past decades, poverty remains the most pressing issue in the area of
sustainable development. Our common goal to eradicate poverty should
guide our efforts towards sustainability, while considering the needs of
both present and future generations. The creation of decent jobs, inter
alia, should be an integral part of these considerations, as should the
contribution to the achievement of the MDGs.
Global crises. Countries are facing multi-dimensional economical,
ecological, energetic and food crises that undermine the achievement of
the internationally-agreed development goals. The complex and
multidimensional aspects of these crises should be addressed. A
systemic approach is needed.
Flexibility and no “one-size-fits-all”. An outcome on this theme
should be based on a flexible approach that recognizes the different
levels of economic, social and environmental development of countries,
as well as their particular conditions and priorities. The policy space of
each country to define their own paths towards sustainability in their
economy and society, in accordance with their own circumstances and
priorities, should be reaffirmed, as well as the sovereign right of
countries over their natural resources. A uniform approach to the
concept of "green economy" is not warranted.
Focus on implementation. The central component of the contribution
to sustainable development of this theme is it's potential contribution to
advancing the provision of means of implementation.
An outcome should:
i) advance the development, deployment, and transfer of sustainable,
environmentally-sound technology in developing countries,
3
including by addressing access by developing countries to
technologies and measures to prevent abuse of intellectual property
rights;
ii) unlock the provision of new and additional financial resources to
developing countries;
iii) contribute to the generation of scientific and technical capacity and
knowledge in developing countries;
iv) allow for expanded market access for products from developing
countries while combatting trade-distortive measures, such as
subsidies in developed countries and “green protectionism”.
The approach offered by a "green economy" could prove useful if it
assists in the implementation of policies that promote incentives to
sustainable consumption and production patterns and resilient economic
development, protect and use environmental resources sustainably, and
promote social well-being, in the short and long term.
Fufilment of commitments. In the area of sustainable development, the
main challenge stems not from the absence of rules and commitments,
but from the lack of fulfilment of the obligations that have been
established mostly the past 20 years. The possible implementaiton of
outcomes on this theme cannot substitute the fulfillment of those
commitments.
Mr. Chairman,
5. Further understanding and dialogue is still needed to clarify some of the
implications and possible opportunities and risks of the “green economy”
approach. What are the implications in terms of costs, disruption of production
patterns and job destruction/creation of certain measures? What are the macroeconomic
impacts of transitioning to a “green economy”? How can the risks
associated with conditionalities and green protectionism be mitigated while at
the same time market opportunities for developing countries are expanded?
What are the opportunities and risks in the environmental, social and
economic aspects of sustainable development?
6. The approach taken should respond to the objectives of the Conference,
as spelled out in resolution 64/236, namely, to renew political commitment for
sustainable development, to address new and emerging issues and to assess
4
progress and gaps in implementation. A clear picture of the challenges we
currently face will allow for a better understanding of a “green economy”
approach, rooted on sustainable develompent and directed towards poverty
eradication.
7. We expect that discussions in this meeting will contribute to advance
common understanding and respond to the questions raised.
Thank you.
BY ELIANA SAISSAC, SECOND SECRETARY, MISSION OF ARGENTINA TO
THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION OF THE
SECOND PREPARATORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE UN CONFERENCE
ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(New York, 7 March 2011)
Session 2: Theme 1 of the Conference: Green Economy in the context of
sustainable development and poverty eradication
Mr. Chairman,
1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77
and China.
2. At the first meeting of the preparatory comittee, in May 2010, the G-77
stated that an understanding of the scope and possible benefits, risks and costs
of the “green economy” approach, is necessary to avoid replicating a
discussion on the interrelationship between environment, economy and
society, or on the distinctions between the development challenges faced by
developing countries and the situation of developed countries.
3. Throughout the past 10 months, and in particular at the first
intersessional informal meeting in January, we have shared views on this
theme. In different settings and at the initiative of many countries, we have
seen experiences, both in developed and developing countries, of concrete
actions that have led to benefits for the country involved. Many developing
countries are at the forefront of promoting these activities and are leading the
way towards sustainable development. However, much remains to be done in
the area of a “green economy” in the context of sustainable development and
poverty eradication.
4. For the G-77, the following elements should be considered as the
foundation for our future discussions and as the basis for an outcome at the
Conference on the theme of “green economy” in the context of sustainable
development and poverty eradication:
2
Sustainable development conceptual framework. The “green
economy” in the context of sustainable development and poverty
eradication should be developed in accordance with the principles
contained in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development,
Agenda 21, as well as the instruments further adopted for the
implementation of Agenda 21, in particular the Johannesburg Plan of
Implementation.
Poverty eradication as the overriding priority. Despite progress in
the past decades, poverty remains the most pressing issue in the area of
sustainable development. Our common goal to eradicate poverty should
guide our efforts towards sustainability, while considering the needs of
both present and future generations. The creation of decent jobs, inter
alia, should be an integral part of these considerations, as should the
contribution to the achievement of the MDGs.
Global crises. Countries are facing multi-dimensional economical,
ecological, energetic and food crises that undermine the achievement of
the internationally-agreed development goals. The complex and
multidimensional aspects of these crises should be addressed. A
systemic approach is needed.
Flexibility and no “one-size-fits-all”. An outcome on this theme
should be based on a flexible approach that recognizes the different
levels of economic, social and environmental development of countries,
as well as their particular conditions and priorities. The policy space of
each country to define their own paths towards sustainability in their
economy and society, in accordance with their own circumstances and
priorities, should be reaffirmed, as well as the sovereign right of
countries over their natural resources. A uniform approach to the
concept of "green economy" is not warranted.
Focus on implementation. The central component of the contribution
to sustainable development of this theme is it's potential contribution to
advancing the provision of means of implementation.
An outcome should:
i) advance the development, deployment, and transfer of sustainable,
environmentally-sound technology in developing countries,
3
including by addressing access by developing countries to
technologies and measures to prevent abuse of intellectual property
rights;
ii) unlock the provision of new and additional financial resources to
developing countries;
iii) contribute to the generation of scientific and technical capacity and
knowledge in developing countries;
iv) allow for expanded market access for products from developing
countries while combatting trade-distortive measures, such as
subsidies in developed countries and “green protectionism”.
The approach offered by a "green economy" could prove useful if it
assists in the implementation of policies that promote incentives to
sustainable consumption and production patterns and resilient economic
development, protect and use environmental resources sustainably, and
promote social well-being, in the short and long term.
Fufilment of commitments. In the area of sustainable development, the
main challenge stems not from the absence of rules and commitments,
but from the lack of fulfilment of the obligations that have been
established mostly the past 20 years. The possible implementaiton of
outcomes on this theme cannot substitute the fulfillment of those
commitments.
Mr. Chairman,
5. Further understanding and dialogue is still needed to clarify some of the
implications and possible opportunities and risks of the “green economy”
approach. What are the implications in terms of costs, disruption of production
patterns and job destruction/creation of certain measures? What are the macroeconomic
impacts of transitioning to a “green economy”? How can the risks
associated with conditionalities and green protectionism be mitigated while at
the same time market opportunities for developing countries are expanded?
What are the opportunities and risks in the environmental, social and
economic aspects of sustainable development?
6. The approach taken should respond to the objectives of the Conference,
as spelled out in resolution 64/236, namely, to renew political commitment for
sustainable development, to address new and emerging issues and to assess
4
progress and gaps in implementation. A clear picture of the challenges we
currently face will allow for a better understanding of a “green economy”
approach, rooted on sustainable develompent and directed towards poverty
eradication.
7. We expect that discussions in this meeting will contribute to advance
common understanding and respond to the questions raised.
Thank you.
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