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Joint statement
on behalf of the
Regional Commissions of the United Nations
Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting for the nineteenth session of the
Commission on Sustainable Development
Opening session
28 February 2011
Mr. Chair,
Mr. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am honoured to address you on behalf of the five Regional Commissions of the
United Nations: the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Economic
Commission for Europe (ECE), the Economic Commission for Latin America and
the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the
Pacific (ESCAP), and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia
(ESCWA).
The Regional Commissions are responsible for organizing, in collaboration with
relevant partners, the Regional Implementation Meetings for each of the thematic
cycles of the Commission on Sustainable Development. The Regional
Implementation Meetings for the current cycle were held in each region between
October and December 2009, on which occasions the discussions revolved around
progress and achievements, challenges and constraints, and policy options with
regard to all five thematic areas.
Mr. Chair,
Delegates,
Regional realities, priorities, challenges and policy solutions differ substantially.
This is reflected in the approaches of each of our Commissions to the challenges of
sustainability, as mandated by our Member States. It is r eflected in how we
address the established and the new concepts.
Despite these differences, the outcomes of the Regional Implementation Meetings
and the lessons arising out of related work undertaken over the years by the
Regional Commissions reveal a number of common policy directions, many of
which are also ?to our satisfaction? reflected in the Secretary -General?s reports.
The Regional Commissions would like to stress the following policy areas and
measures, for the consideration of delegates during this Intergovernmental
Preparatory Meeting and the upcoming nineteenth session of the Commission on
Sustainable Development.
In transport, there i s a need for integrated transportation strategies which
explore inter - and multimodality and are conceived as part of broader strategies
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for land use and infrastructure investment. Public transport options must be
improved and expanded in both urban and rural areas, as a key factor in ensuring
social inclusion, poverty eradication, access to basic services and emissions
reduction. Improvements are also needed in fuel efficiency and in the development
of fuel alternatives, and in the safety of all modes of transport, particularly road
transport. Countries can benefit from integration efforts to explore the full
potential of multi-country infrastructure in ensuring access to markets and
geographical integration.
In mining, regulation and enforcement mechanisms are needed to put into
practice the polluter-pays principle and the precautionary approach, while taking
into consideration the full life cycle of a mine. This implies environmental, social
and sustainability impact assessments, adequate land use planning, including the
restriction or prohibition of mining in sensitive areas; and legislation ?and its
enforcement? on mine operations, closure and rehabilitation. There is also a need
for mechanisms for ensuring that the benefits generated by mining activity are
distributed equitably within and across generations, for instance through
investments in human capital and appropriate infrastructure development.
Governance systems, too, are needed. These must be rooted in broad participation
by multiple stakeholders and ensure access to and transparency in the handling of
information. Enhanced capacity for accident prevention and preparedness, and
support to enable small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in mining to adopt
commercially viable, sustainable practices, are also critical.
On chemicals, gaps in financing and incentives, infrastructure , institutions,
technical capacity and public awareness must be addressed in order to ensure
adequate implementation of multilateral agreements and of a Strategic Approach
to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). Capacity must be built to
address ac cidents and monitor the long-term environmental effects of chemicals
on human health and the environment, as well as to enforce the polluter-pays
principle and to reduce demand for toxic chemicals by providing alternative
products and processes. Successful conclusion of the ongoing negotiations on an
agreement on mercury is essential.
With regard to waste management, the CSD outcome should point towards the
adoption of integrated waste management strategies that consider prevention,
recycling, energy reco very, and disposal; the development of waste management
as a formal income-generating service sector, including models for better
community engagement; the strengthening of administrative and technical
capacity of local governments; investment in adequate infrastructure; better
enforcement of the laws relating to the Basel Convention, with greater control at
ports and training for customs officials; and, finally, the adoption of measures to
address the particular vulnerability of small island developing states to waste
trafficking.
Regional and interregional cooperation should be considered important
instruments in the implementation of policy measures in all of these areas.
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With regard to the cross-cutting issue of sustainable consumption and
production, the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption
and Production (or 10YFP) should consider the lessons of the Marrakech Process
concerning the importance of regional approaches. The 10YFP is a critical link
between the CSD process and that of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable
Development (or Rio+20) and particularly the discussions on a ?green economy in
the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication?. It should enable
a systemic shift ?rather than incremental changes? through a more effective
focus on sustainability concepts by policies that affect consumption and
production. Commitment to concrete means of implementation will be needed to
support action.
We anticipate that one of the major challenges for the effectiveness of a 10YFP will
be to integrate it into policy areas that are critical to any transformation in
consumption and production, such as fiscal policy; small and medium-sized
enterprise development; innovation, science and technology policies; and
infrastructure development. We invite Member States to consider, in deciding on
the institutional mechanisms for sustainable consumption and production, that the
multidisciplinary capabilities of the Regional Commissions can be instrumental in
this regard.
I thank you for your attention.
