Intervention by India on the
‘Discussion on the structure and format of the zero draft of the outcome
document’
16 December 2011
Thank you, Chair for giving me the floor.
At the outset, let me reiterate that the draft outcome document should
be a balanced text which takes into account the inputs provided by various
stakeholders, in particular the Member States. It should be a forward
looking, action-oriented and focused in approach with clear guidelines on
implementation.
2. We favour a single outcome document; one that renews political
commitment and provides for an action plan in an integrated manner. A
strong political reaffirmation for a renewed Sustainable Development
agenda firmly anchored in the RIO principles must be provided in the
beginning of the document as a chapeau or introductory part. This would
set the stage for an action oriented programme.
3. The Zero draft of the outcome document in its introductory part must
also reflect the progress made so far, including a reference to the major
resolutions of multilateral forums on sustainable development. This may be
followed by a section on existing gaps and emerging or persistent
challenges in sustainable development. Due care must be taken to ensure
that all the three pillars of sustainable development are addressed in a
balanced fashion.
4. Two subsequent sections may be devoted to the themes of GESDPE
and IFSD respectively. It would be useful to begin these sections with
certain basic principles which define the global sustainability agenda, in
particular the principles of ‘common but differentiated responsibilities
(CBDR)’ and equity contained in the Rio Declaration. In addition, ‘what a
green economy is not’ also must be clearly delineated.
5. Means of implementation is integral to GESDPE and IFSD and it is
vital that these implementation tools especially technology and finance are
well integrated into the core issues dealing with the sustainable
development roadmap.
6. How do green economy and the proposed changes in the institutional
framework relate to economic growth, social development including women
empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods in order to address the
overriding concern of poverty eradication in developing countries has to be
clearly brought out.
7. While discussing the various instruments, tools and policy options for
a transition to greener economy, the pros and cons of such mechanisms
have to be elucidated so that individual countries are facilitated to take the
right decisions for an appropriate mix of such options as per their national
circumstances and priorities.
8. Further, while dealing with the IFSD framework, care has to be
observed not to disproportionately elevate any one organization in a
particular domain, otherwise this would upset the balance between the
three pillars of sustainable development. It is equally important that the
international financial and technology mechanisms that support sustainable
development are analysed and a suitable roadmap for their strengthening
is drawn so as to ensure new, additional and predictable funding and
support for developing countries to enable them to eradicate poverty and
meet their development challenges through sustainable choices including a
greener economy.
9. Lastly, proposed international cooperation mechanisms must be
firmly rooted in the spirit of multilateralism taking into account the different
levels of development of countries and spell out clear deliverables. This is
important to ensure global action towards inclusive multilateralism.
Thank you Mr. Chairperson.
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