CSD IPM - 1st mars
Statement by the Norwegian Delegation on Interlinkages and Cross Cutting Issues
Thank you Mr. Chairman;
First I would like to echo what has been said by the distinguished representative of the EU
with regard to the need for a review mechanism on energy. Norway is of the opinion that the
energy issue should be on the agendas of the CSD in 2010 and 2014. We also support the idea
of compiling national goals on access to energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Mr. Chairman,
We must set the target of taking an integrated approach to energy, air pollution, climate
change and industrial development. In this connection it will also be necessary to stress the
importance of the cross-cutting issues, with a special focus on good governance, capacitybuilding,
gender equality, health and innovative financial solutions, in order to arrive at
relevant, cohesive policy recommendations.
We would like to use this discussion on inter-linkages and cross-cutting issues to highlight the
role of women and gender equality.
At the CSD 14, we identified that access to affordable, reliable and sustainably sound energy
for cooking and heating is particularly important for women. Ensuring women?s access to
decision-making processes is also crucial in order for us to address our particular needs in
energy budgets and energy programmes. Further, we also need to enforce the legal status for
women, including the right to assets, to joint and individual land titles and to inheritance. It is
important to understand that these elements are all interlinked, and are together crucial means
of improving the role of women.
We have to acknowledge the role of women as a valuable resource and capacity of knowledge
and as important actors for a sustainable future. We would therefore propose the following
policy-recommendations;
? Enhance research and data collection on women?s energy use and needs in connection
with developing energy policies and projects.
? Increase capacity-building and technical training for women as means of
empowerment in order for women to take an active part in decision-making processes.
? Develop energy infrastructure and institutions that directly benefit women and the
poor. Women should be included at all parts of the project, policy and development
planning process both as energy providers and energy users.
? Promote the integration of gender and rights issues into energy projects to involve
women in the choice and use of energy resources and technologies. This leads to a
more flexible approach, with projects responding to the particular needs of women,
and with regard to local priorities and contexts.
Thank you.
