14 May 2010
Thank you, Chair.
On the way forward from CSD 18 to CSD 19, Local Authorities, in their position of level of
government closest to citizens, will continue the many ongoing activities.
Work on CSD 17 themes, including food security and urban-rural issues, is ongoing in
many cities and towns. We do believe that CSD themes deserve a permanent priority in
political agendas and not only be dealt during the two years cycle of this Commission.
With regards to transport, many local governments are continuing improvements in urban
transport including better provisions for efficient and sustainable public transport and
reducing the need of motorized modes of transport by smarter and innovative urban
mobility and integrating transport issues with land planning.
In the transport field cooperation between local, national governments and the private
sector is strongly needed: ICLEI has partnered with businesses, governmental
organisations and experts to form the Global Alliance for EcoMobility. The Alliance
advocates sustainable transportation systems globally.
Waste management is normally a direct responsibility of Local Authorities, that must be
granted proper economical and technological resources to deal with it. Under this
perspective we did appreciate the mention on the necessity of local integrated waste
management just made by the UNEP delegate in her comment.
And we must consider the side effect of waste management in climate change, including
methane emissions from landfills and the fact that the complete cycle of treatment of one
ton of waste produces at least 1.6 ton of CO2.
In the area of sustainable consumption and production, Local Authorities are focusing on
sustainable procurement both for the public and private sector. All around the world many
local authorities are engaged in sustainable procurement and green procurement programs.
We also believe that sustainable production and consumption is closely linked with
environmental education and citizen's involvement and awareness. In this fields the role of
Local Authorities is extremely important.
Local Authorities are ready and willing to continue and scale up work in these areas and
others in cooperation with national governments, UN agencies and other stakeholder and
partners.
Thank you, Chair.
