NGO Statement on Cross-cutting issues and inter-linkages
March 3rd, 2011
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The cluster of themes for CSD 19 are intrinsically inter-related and relevant to the welfare of
current and future generations. The NGO Major Group recognizes that addressing crosscutting
issues and inter -linkages is critical for reaching long -term solutions. Humans have a
stewardship role in the respectful management of the world?s natural resources, including
marine ecology, animal and plant life. A consensus on such a shared-responsibility is essential
and should be a driving source of unity at this stage of CSD 19.
We would like to share key catalyzing guidelines, some of which have been acknowledged by
others today, to ensure a holistic and multi-stakeholder approach is utilized to address crosscutting
and inter-linkages policies:
1) Ensure coherence in the implementation of multilateral environmental and human
rights policies and processes; as mentioned earlier in the panel presentation on
governance.
2) Ensure that financial mechanisms are available at the community and househol d level
and accessible to women, indigenous populations and other key vulnerable
stakeholders;
3) Facilitate and encourage not only the protection of vulnerable groups, but also their
valuable input into relevant decision-making processes to which they can contribute;
4) In line with international agreements such as the Aarhus Convention, promote access
to information and justice for all stakeholders;
5) Engage with the private sector to promote increased corporate social and
environmental responsibility and the adoption of appropriate technology;
6) Tailor policies according to local, regional, and global needs;
7) Promote educational policy that embraces full development of the human being,
encourages behavioral adaptation to more sustainable lifestyles, is useful in daily life,
and fosters critical thinking and creative solutions to emerging global challenges;
8) Maximize incentives for local sustainable development, thereby promoting the power
inherent in each individual to protect and enhance their communities and engage in
meaningful livelihoods;
9) Shift economic policy to encourage environmental resilience and human well-being.
Implement pollution taxes and resource-use fees to finance environmental restoration
and poverty alleviation.
Thank you.
