Statement by Atsushi Suginaka
Delegation of Japan
Closing Session
2nd Meeting of the Preparatory Committee
United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
8 March 2011
Expected outcomes and next steps in the preparatory process
Mr. Co-Chair,
Adoption of the outcome document of Rio+20 next year should represent our strong
desire to achieve sustainable development and the spirit of partnership to work together
toward this goal. My delegation would like to express Japan’s willingness to actively
engage in the process of producing such an outcome document, which would be
another milestone in our joint effort toward sustainable development.
Mr. Co-Chair,
In accordance with the General Assembly resolution 64/236, Rio+20 is going to result in
a “focused political” document and Japan believes that the outcome document should
be a concise political declaration focusing on the two themes. With regard to the first
theme of a green economy in the context on sustainable development and poverty
eradication, the outcome document should express the determination of the
international community to make the transition to a green economy. The document
should also include a set of guidance on how individual countries can promote green
economy policies. For the second theme regarding institutional framework on
sustainable development, the outcome document should contain concrete proposals to
improve institutional framework.
Mr. Co-Chair,
Needless to say, the success of the Rio+20 Conference depends on our preparatory
work. Japan welcomes various initiatives which aim to contribute to the preparatory
process of Rio+20. We hope that those initiatives help us to come to a common
understanding on a green economy, including its benefits, risks and challenges, and
agree to concrete proposals to improve the institutional framework on sustainable
development. To promote such an effort, Japan has made a pledge of approximately
USD 90,000 to support the participation of developing countries in the preparatory
process, in cluding regional meetings. Japan sincerely hopes that our joint endeavor
this year leads to constructive negotiations on the outcome document next year.
Thank you, Mr. Co -Chair.
