Ireland
At the outset I would like to state that Ireland is fully aligned with
the statement made on behalf of the EU 27 member states.
There have been many challenges identified here at CSD over the
last week under each of the five themes of this CSD cycle. These
multiple and interlinked challenges encompassing food security,
the global economic and financial crises and climate change
demand an urgent and effective response if we are to address the
plight of the most vulnerable people in society.
The value of CSD is that it provides a unique discussion forum to
highlight these issues and to provide guidance to all
implementation actors. CSD offers a unique structure in tackling
these issues, in setting out policies and a future vision which can
then provide a strong basis for effective implementation at the
global, national, regional and local levels.
We are appreciative of the new measures introduced to
reinvigorate the CSD. Action at both global and local level is
required in order overcome the challenges before us.
At Global level, we need to ensure that all organisations are acting
in an efficient and co-ordinated manner. For this reason we fully
support the UN ? Delivering as One initiative which strives to
provide development assistance in a more coordinated way. It is
essential that the UN system acts in a coherent, effective and
efficient manner in responding to individual country needs. In this
way governments have access to the experience and expertise of
a wider range of United Nations organizations to respond to their
national priorities.
We also look forward to a successful outcome to discussion at the
RIO+20 Conference on an institutional framework for sustainable
development.
While action at a global level is critical, it nevertheless remains true
that global problems need local solutions. Local authorities have
rightly highlighted their role in addressing the various challenges
highlighted under the themes of the current cycle. Their role covers
a very wide range of responsibilities and services which impact on
us all. In Ireland local government is a key institution in planning
and shaping our environment. The decisions made by local
authorities affect the nature of our urban areas and our rural
landscapes. They are key to determining where infrastructure
should be located, to protecting our environment, and to providing
services which are crucial to our quality of life.
2010 will see the direct election by the people of the Dublin region
of a highly visible and accountable mayor who will have the
authority and powers to deliver real leadership for the city and
region. By virtue of the breadth of the mayor?s democratic
mandate, he or she will be an extremely strong political voice in
local, regional and national politics.
Many contributors at CSD have stressed the need for partnership
in addressing the many challenges before us. In Ireland we
established a new Environmental Pillar in the national Social
Partnership process we have had in place for more than 20 years
as an inclusive vehicle for addressing key issues of national
importance. This Pillar is represented by a range of environmental
groups who operate at national level, helping to give a stronger
and clearer voice to environmental considerations, ensuring that
they are more fully reflected in Social Partnership discussions.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman it is vitally important that this review
year of CSD results in an outcome that puts in place a sound
framework for next year?s Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting
and Policy Year session. We need to work together to make
progress in the face of the considerable challenges that lie ahead.
The sharing of information and technology, greater efficiencies,
responsible consumption and production are some of the key
requirements that will allow us to move forward.
Thank you
the statement made on behalf of the EU 27 member states.
There have been many challenges identified here at CSD over the
last week under each of the five themes of this CSD cycle. These
multiple and interlinked challenges encompassing food security,
the global economic and financial crises and climate change
demand an urgent and effective response if we are to address the
plight of the most vulnerable people in society.
The value of CSD is that it provides a unique discussion forum to
highlight these issues and to provide guidance to all
implementation actors. CSD offers a unique structure in tackling
these issues, in setting out policies and a future vision which can
then provide a strong basis for effective implementation at the
global, national, regional and local levels.
We are appreciative of the new measures introduced to
reinvigorate the CSD. Action at both global and local level is
required in order overcome the challenges before us.
At Global level, we need to ensure that all organisations are acting
in an efficient and co-ordinated manner. For this reason we fully
support the UN ? Delivering as One initiative which strives to
provide development assistance in a more coordinated way. It is
essential that the UN system acts in a coherent, effective and
efficient manner in responding to individual country needs. In this
way governments have access to the experience and expertise of
a wider range of United Nations organizations to respond to their
national priorities.
We also look forward to a successful outcome to discussion at the
RIO+20 Conference on an institutional framework for sustainable
development.
While action at a global level is critical, it nevertheless remains true
that global problems need local solutions. Local authorities have
rightly highlighted their role in addressing the various challenges
highlighted under the themes of the current cycle. Their role covers
a very wide range of responsibilities and services which impact on
us all. In Ireland local government is a key institution in planning
and shaping our environment. The decisions made by local
authorities affect the nature of our urban areas and our rural
landscapes. They are key to determining where infrastructure
should be located, to protecting our environment, and to providing
services which are crucial to our quality of life.
2010 will see the direct election by the people of the Dublin region
of a highly visible and accountable mayor who will have the
authority and powers to deliver real leadership for the city and
region. By virtue of the breadth of the mayor?s democratic
mandate, he or she will be an extremely strong political voice in
local, regional and national politics.
Many contributors at CSD have stressed the need for partnership
in addressing the many challenges before us. In Ireland we
established a new Environmental Pillar in the national Social
Partnership process we have had in place for more than 20 years
as an inclusive vehicle for addressing key issues of national
importance. This Pillar is represented by a range of environmental
groups who operate at national level, helping to give a stronger
and clearer voice to environmental considerations, ensuring that
they are more fully reflected in Social Partnership discussions.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman it is vitally important that this review
year of CSD results in an outcome that puts in place a sound
framework for next year?s Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting
and Policy Year session. We need to work together to make
progress in the face of the considerable challenges that lie ahead.
The sharing of information and technology, greater efficiencies,
responsible consumption and production are some of the key
requirements that will allow us to move forward.
Thank you
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