Kenya
Information Section, Kenya Mission to the United Nations, 866 U .N. Plaza, New York, N .Y. 10017-Tel. 421-4740, Fax (212) 486-1985
STATEMENT BY
HON. DR. NOAH M. WEKESA, MP
MINISTER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
FOR THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
DURING THE
HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE 14TH SESSION OF
THE COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
HELD AT
THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
1 ITH MAY 2006
Mr. Chairman,
Hon. Ministers,
Excellencies
Distinguished delegates,
It gives me great pleasure to address this 14th Session of the Commission on
Sustainable Development. My delegation associates itself with the statement
delivered yesterday by South Africa on behalf of the Group of 77 and China .
At the outset let me reiterate Kenya's commitment to the achievement of the
goals of Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the 2005
World Summit outcome . We are convinced that this Review Session will bring
about improved understanding of the priority concerns towards the
achievement of sustainable development and in particular those related to
energy for development, industrial development, air pollution/atmospheric
problems and climate change .
My delegation takes this opportunity to thank the Secretary General for an
elaborate report on issues that are subject of this particular session of the
CSD. The report highlights ways and means of responding to the many
challenges that face implementation of activities and programmes related to
the thematic cluster . We equally commend the Chairman of CSD 14 for his
excellent summary of the proceedings of the first week of the session .
Mr. Chairman,
Many people in developing countries live without access to modern energy
services relying on traditional forms of energy. Fuel wood remains the main
source of energy supply . Often girls and women trek long distances in search
of fuel wood resulting in loss of schooling, healthier life and productive
employment. It is in this regard that developing countries should be assisted
to develop reliable, affordable and cleaner sources of energy .
Intricately linked with energy is climate change and air pollution . Reducing
greenhouse gases calls for renewed efforts to improve energy efficiency,
promote technological innovation, use advanced fossil fuel technologies, and
expand markets for renewable energy sources . Such efforts along with
adaptation strategies will help strengthen to focus on air pollution and other
atmospheric problems including trans-boundary air pollution .
Industrial development is closely linked with energy, climate change and air
pollution . Promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns and
recycling economy, including through corporate responsibility will help tackle
the environmental dimensions of industry . The close relationship between the
thematic issues under CSD-14 therefore calls for resolve and commitment by
global leaders in government, industry and civil society to work together in
order to collectively address the related challenges .
Mr. Chairman,
We should address the urgent need for fostering economic growth in
developing countries through among others increased investments in
infrastructure, technology transfer, capacity building and broad-based
industrial development that creates employment and generates income,
including through promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises in
developing countries . Some progress has been made towards achieving
Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation goals related to the
thematic cluster under consideration . However, considerable work still needs
to be done .
A number of developing countries have taken significant steps towards
meeting their commitments towards the achievement of sustainable
development. We have adopted a range of domestic measures, including
improved policy formulation and coordination to enhance implementation .
Kenya has undertaken policy, legal and institutional reforms and committed
considerable resources to meet her commitments . However, implementation
of these reforms is still constrained by the inadequacy of resources, high
poverty levels, lack of appropriate technologies and capacity .
Mr. Chairman,
Kenya appreciates the role played by the United Nations system through its
various specialized and intergovernmental agencies and organs, as well as the
various international organizations and partners that support Africa's
initiatives such as NEPAD and the East African Community in achieving
sustainable development . It is necessary that the CSD process takes
deliberate steps to address the special needs of Africa, least and landlocked
developing countries in the areas of energy, industrial development, air
pollution and climate change .
The challenges we face can be addressed through renewed political will,
practical steps and genuine partnerships involving issues currently under
review. We strongly believe that unless deliberate corrective and practicalactions
are taken now, most of the commitments contained in Agenda 21 and
Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the 2005 World Summit will
remain a mirage .
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion, let me reiterate Kenya's commitment to the principles of
common but differentiated responsibility for development and protection of the
environment . We hope the outcome of this session will form a strong basis for
CSD-15 and further implementation of agreements of previous session .
I thank you.
STATEMENT BY
HON. DR. NOAH M. WEKESA, MP
MINISTER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
FOR THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
DURING THE
HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT OF THE 14TH SESSION OF
THE COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
HELD AT
THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
1 ITH MAY 2006
Mr. Chairman,
Hon. Ministers,
Excellencies
Distinguished delegates,
It gives me great pleasure to address this 14th Session of the Commission on
Sustainable Development. My delegation associates itself with the statement
delivered yesterday by South Africa on behalf of the Group of 77 and China .
At the outset let me reiterate Kenya's commitment to the achievement of the
goals of Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the 2005
World Summit outcome . We are convinced that this Review Session will bring
about improved understanding of the priority concerns towards the
achievement of sustainable development and in particular those related to
energy for development, industrial development, air pollution/atmospheric
problems and climate change .
My delegation takes this opportunity to thank the Secretary General for an
elaborate report on issues that are subject of this particular session of the
CSD. The report highlights ways and means of responding to the many
challenges that face implementation of activities and programmes related to
the thematic cluster . We equally commend the Chairman of CSD 14 for his
excellent summary of the proceedings of the first week of the session .
Mr. Chairman,
Many people in developing countries live without access to modern energy
services relying on traditional forms of energy. Fuel wood remains the main
source of energy supply . Often girls and women trek long distances in search
of fuel wood resulting in loss of schooling, healthier life and productive
employment. It is in this regard that developing countries should be assisted
to develop reliable, affordable and cleaner sources of energy .
Intricately linked with energy is climate change and air pollution . Reducing
greenhouse gases calls for renewed efforts to improve energy efficiency,
promote technological innovation, use advanced fossil fuel technologies, and
expand markets for renewable energy sources . Such efforts along with
adaptation strategies will help strengthen to focus on air pollution and other
atmospheric problems including trans-boundary air pollution .
Industrial development is closely linked with energy, climate change and air
pollution . Promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns and
recycling economy, including through corporate responsibility will help tackle
the environmental dimensions of industry . The close relationship between the
thematic issues under CSD-14 therefore calls for resolve and commitment by
global leaders in government, industry and civil society to work together in
order to collectively address the related challenges .
Mr. Chairman,
We should address the urgent need for fostering economic growth in
developing countries through among others increased investments in
infrastructure, technology transfer, capacity building and broad-based
industrial development that creates employment and generates income,
including through promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises in
developing countries . Some progress has been made towards achieving
Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation goals related to the
thematic cluster under consideration . However, considerable work still needs
to be done .
A number of developing countries have taken significant steps towards
meeting their commitments towards the achievement of sustainable
development. We have adopted a range of domestic measures, including
improved policy formulation and coordination to enhance implementation .
Kenya has undertaken policy, legal and institutional reforms and committed
considerable resources to meet her commitments . However, implementation
of these reforms is still constrained by the inadequacy of resources, high
poverty levels, lack of appropriate technologies and capacity .
Mr. Chairman,
Kenya appreciates the role played by the United Nations system through its
various specialized and intergovernmental agencies and organs, as well as the
various international organizations and partners that support Africa's
initiatives such as NEPAD and the East African Community in achieving
sustainable development . It is necessary that the CSD process takes
deliberate steps to address the special needs of Africa, least and landlocked
developing countries in the areas of energy, industrial development, air
pollution and climate change .
The challenges we face can be addressed through renewed political will,
practical steps and genuine partnerships involving issues currently under
review. We strongly believe that unless deliberate corrective and practicalactions
are taken now, most of the commitments contained in Agenda 21 and
Johannesburg Plan of Implementation and the 2005 World Summit will
remain a mirage .
Mr. Chairman,
In conclusion, let me reiterate Kenya's commitment to the principles of
common but differentiated responsibility for development and protection of the
environment . We hope the outcome of this session will form a strong basis for
CSD-15 and further implementation of agreements of previous session .
I thank you.
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