NORWAY: Statement on Cross-cutting issues - IPM CSD 19
Although the thematic cluster for the current CSD cycle covers quite different sectors,
none of them operate in a vacuum. We would like to highlight two key cross-cutting
dimensions within the overall framework for sustainable development, namely
governance and gender issues.
Governance
- First, sustainability in the mining and transport sector as well as in chemical and
waste management is dependent on well enforced laws, well functioning local
and national government structures and a public financial management system
that generates revenues and taxes. In short, good governance.
- Good governance is required to ensure the efficiency of incentives for sustainable
transport, as well as for capacity building in waste and chemicals management.
- Transparency and accountability in the management of financial resources and
revenues, in particular from the mining sector, is crucial for economic growth,
social welfare and sustainable development.
- Fighting corruption, tax havens and illegal capital flows are important
prerequisites for sustainable development. If the world's poorest countries were
allowed to keep all the funds that today disappear in corruption and
embezzlement, they would be in a much better position to manage their own
future.
Gender
Second, the gender dimension runs through all the themes of CSD 19.
- Changing unsustainable patterns of production and consumption will not be
possible without the empowerment and active participation of women.
- Unsustainable management of chemicals, waste and mining all have negative
impacts on the health and welfare of women and children. Women's rights and
opportunities must be safeguarded, and they should be empowered to play a
more significant role in management and decision-making processes governing
these sectors. Regarding mining in particular, promoting women?s access to land
and financial resources is essential to their empowerment and to safeguard their
rights.
- In Norwegian experience, active government i ntervention - through laws and
regulations as well as financial incentives - is required to empower women and
ensure their participation in both public and private endeavours in these sectors.
