Major Group: Business & Industry
13th session of the Commission on sustainable development
Business and Industry Major Group statement
Michael Kelly, Policy Manager, ICC Commission on Environment and Energy
Speaking on behalf of business and industry, we regard this CSD as
an important test of how CSD will focus and add real value to
commitments on international, national and local levels.
Business and industry, as users of water resources and services, as
providers of water related technology, equipment and services and as
a driving force for economic development, have considerable skills
and resources to bring to the table.
We look to governments to provide the necessary enabling
frameworks, as business can only operate effectively in a strong and
stable legal, regulatory and economic context. Business recognizes
that an IWRM approach can reduce business risks and protect
ecosystems and that to achieve the necessary rate of progress
requires the engagement of all sectors of society.
Chair, business does NOT support privatization of water resources.
Public versus private delivery of services is NOT the issue. The
provision of water and sanitation services is recognized as a public
service, whether operated by the public or private sectors.
Governments, donors and civil society should support solutions that
are both effective and acceptable to the local community and
encourage innovative management models and clearly defined
partnerships.
Finally, we encourage CSD and delegations to return to greater and
more meaningful involvement for major groups with substantive input
into further sessions.
Thank you for your attention
Business and Industry Major Group statement
Michael Kelly, Policy Manager, ICC Commission on Environment and Energy
Speaking on behalf of business and industry, we regard this CSD as
an important test of how CSD will focus and add real value to
commitments on international, national and local levels.
Business and industry, as users of water resources and services, as
providers of water related technology, equipment and services and as
a driving force for economic development, have considerable skills
and resources to bring to the table.
We look to governments to provide the necessary enabling
frameworks, as business can only operate effectively in a strong and
stable legal, regulatory and economic context. Business recognizes
that an IWRM approach can reduce business risks and protect
ecosystems and that to achieve the necessary rate of progress
requires the engagement of all sectors of society.
Chair, business does NOT support privatization of water resources.
Public versus private delivery of services is NOT the issue. The
provision of water and sanitation services is recognized as a public
service, whether operated by the public or private sectors.
Governments, donors and civil society should support solutions that
are both effective and acceptable to the local community and
encourage innovative management models and clearly defined
partnerships.
Finally, we encourage CSD and delegations to return to greater and
more meaningful involvement for major groups with substantive input
into further sessions.
Thank you for your attention