Norway
Statement by
Mr. Erik Solheim
Minister of International Development
To the Fourthenth Session of The Commission on Sustainable Development,
New York, 11 May 2006
?The Way Forward?
· Energy is a prerequisite for achieving the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). Energy is directly linked to climate change. Energy is pivotal to
economic growth. Energy is therefor a priority in Norwegian development
cooperation.
· We approach it from the perspective of our comparative advantages and
where we can make a difference. We have responded to increased demand
from our partner countries for the competence and experience we have in
the energy sector.
· Norway is the third largest exporter of oil in the world. Our national
wellfare is largely based on energy ? first on hydro power, and from the
1960s on petroleum. At the same time we are truly committed to the
environmental cause, and need to take a double approach:
- We are investing in environmentally friendly technology and provide
economic incentives to promote solutions to environmental challenges
related to energy services.
- We must acknowledge that fossil fuels will be a main energy source in
the forseeable future. We therefore actively promote transparency in
extractive industries, good governance, sound revenue management and
further development of clean technologies, as well as focusing on
environment and safety in the petroleum industry. We must ensure that
revenue from the petroleum sector is transformed into welfare for the
people and the whole society.
· Last year we launched the initiative ?Oil for Development? through which
we provide support on good governance in resource management, taxation
and financial management, transparency and anti-corruption activities and
environmental protection and sa fety.
· Similarly we are developing an initiative for hydro power. We are scaling
up our financial assistance in this field and investment projects are now
being made in consultation with our partner countries.
· The energy sector is dominated by men. This is a paradox as lack of
energy services affect women more. Improving access to energy services
can make an important contribution to the goal of gender equality and
empowerment of women.
· Lastly, we hope that the shared analysis and many good examples that
have come out from the CSD 14 will enable us to make wise and efficient
recommendations at the CSD 15. Norway is committed to seeing this
trough and work together with all parties to achieve the Millennium
Development Goals.
Mr. Erik Solheim
Minister of International Development
To the Fourthenth Session of The Commission on Sustainable Development,
New York, 11 May 2006
?The Way Forward?
· Energy is a prerequisite for achieving the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs). Energy is directly linked to climate change. Energy is pivotal to
economic growth. Energy is therefor a priority in Norwegian development
cooperation.
· We approach it from the perspective of our comparative advantages and
where we can make a difference. We have responded to increased demand
from our partner countries for the competence and experience we have in
the energy sector.
· Norway is the third largest exporter of oil in the world. Our national
wellfare is largely based on energy ? first on hydro power, and from the
1960s on petroleum. At the same time we are truly committed to the
environmental cause, and need to take a double approach:
- We are investing in environmentally friendly technology and provide
economic incentives to promote solutions to environmental challenges
related to energy services.
- We must acknowledge that fossil fuels will be a main energy source in
the forseeable future. We therefore actively promote transparency in
extractive industries, good governance, sound revenue management and
further development of clean technologies, as well as focusing on
environment and safety in the petroleum industry. We must ensure that
revenue from the petroleum sector is transformed into welfare for the
people and the whole society.
· Last year we launched the initiative ?Oil for Development? through which
we provide support on good governance in resource management, taxation
and financial management, transparency and anti-corruption activities and
environmental protection and sa fety.
· Similarly we are developing an initiative for hydro power. We are scaling
up our financial assistance in this field and investment projects are now
being made in consultation with our partner countries.
· The energy sector is dominated by men. This is a paradox as lack of
energy services affect women more. Improving access to energy services
can make an important contribution to the goal of gender equality and
empowerment of women.
· Lastly, we hope that the shared analysis and many good examples that
have come out from the CSD 14 will enable us to make wise and efficient
recommendations at the CSD 15. Norway is committed to seeing this
trough and work together with all parties to achieve the Millennium
Development Goals.
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