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Statement by Kenya on securing the renewed political
commitment for sustainable development during informal
consultations held on March 7 and 8, 2011, New York
Mr. Chairman,
I thank you for this opportunity to make this short intervention on the
objectives of the Rio+ 20 Summit.
Kenya supports the objectives of the conference. We believe that the
objectives are interlinked, timely and relevant given that the
implementation of international commitment on sustainable
development requires strong political will.
Mr. Chairman,
The first objective, securing renewed political commitment for
sustainable development, is very important in ensuring that all
international commitments are adhered to and implemented within
the stipulated period. As has been witnessed in the past, compliance
and enforcement of sustainable development commitments in crucial
sectors has been a major challenge. Little progress in the
implementation of Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, Doha trade
negotiations, little progress in climate change negotiations and the
fatigue in the financing for development must be addressed.
Mr. Chairman
We recognize that over the last 20yrs, there has been some progress
in the implementation of sustainable development. Member states
have been able to achieve some Internationally Agreed Development
Goals including the MDGs. However, many countries remain off-track
in achieving all the MDGs by 2015.We must therefore scale up action–
oriented interventions by honoring all international commitments
including the ODA and food security. The environment pillar has
grown with many Multilateral Environmental Agreements as well as
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environmental legislations in Member States. What needs to be done
is to promote coordination through synergies and streamlining of
mandates.
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion, I wish to observe that there are many new and
emerging challenges that Member States must address urgently to
achieve sustainable development. The adverse effects and impacts of
climate change, volatile food and energy prices as well as water crisis
occasioned by persistent droughts continue to undermine progress
so far achieved. We, member states, continue to suffer from the
burdens of mitigation and adaptation needs and their implications on
national economies. It is time to find long-term solutions to the crises.
I thank you.
