CSD19 Local Authority Major Group Opening statement
Delivered by Mr Felix Dodds, Executive Director, Stakeholder Forum
The Local Authority Major Group welcomes the Chairperson?s Draft Negotiating Document.
On the issue of transport, Local Authorities appreciate the recognition of urban transport issues
and priorities for action, especially in paragraph 10.
Concerning waste, the Local Authority Major Group believes that the text should more clearly
recognize that in many countries around the world governments at the local level are responsible
for waste management. Section 37 c) on capacity building in local governments is a step in this
direction, but needs to be further emphasized.
Moreover, we would encourage making the linkages between waste and SCP more explicit in
this section. We believe that producer responsibility schemes should be given a role, since they
can give producers an incentive to design products which use less hazardous resources, increase
recyclate use in manufacture, reduce wastage, and facilitate more recycling at the end of the
products life-cycle.
Regarding SCP, the Local Authority Major Group supports the establishment of a 10-year
framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production. Within this framework,
we strongly support the inclusion of a Sustainable Urban Development Programme to be lead by
UN-Habitat with the involvement of other relevant UN agencies, local government associations
and other relevant partners. Such a Programme will support local authorities as key actors in SCP
practices and promote learning and sharing among cities.. The 10YFP Sustainable Urban
Development Programme should help to integrate local, national, regional and international
efforts for SCP as well as enabling Local Governments to solidify and expand their SCP actions.
In closing I would like to comment on cross-cutting issues and implementation. At the local level,
sustainable development issues are inextricably linked and often taken care of by the same
person or team. Much implementation is finally done at the local level. These two facts should be
included in the text on cross-cutting issues and implementation.
Thank you for your attention.
