Slovenia
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY
National statement of the Republic of Slovenia at the
UN Conference on Sustainable Development
delivered by H.E. Mr Franc Bogovič, Minister of Agriculture and the Environment
Rio de Janeiro, 21 June 2012
Esteemed Madam President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
it is an honour for me to represent Slovenia on this forward-looking occasion of the
global community. For my country, Rio + 20 is an opportunity to confirm and prove its
commitment to agreements concluded 20 years ago. Rio 92 was a very special moment
for us. It was the first UN conference in which an official delegation of Slovenia, the
young, newly independent UN member state, took part.
With the power of pride and the strength that comes with new responsibilities, we felt
capable of reaching all the heights. Looking back today, we can see similarities in the
developments of our and global societies. We have witnessed rises and falls on our
path.
In the past 20 years, Slovenia has implemented the principles of Agenda 21 in both
national and regional contexts. We are proud of our pro-active role in regional
cooperation for the sustainable water management in the Sava and Danube river basins
and the Adriatic Sea. Our local actions have therefore contributed to global endeavours,
as we try to live the phrase “Act locally, think globally.”
We acknowledge significant efforts on the path to sustainability achieved globally, which
have improved the lives of a number of people and strengthened the inclusion of
women, youth and vulnerable groups. Actions have begun to preserve the planet.
However, we have not yet been able to ensure the survival of future generations. The
planet is in no better shape than before. Some environmental boundaries have already
been crossed. We have to listen to scientists and researchers more carefully. The
current trends will lead to a bleak future. To overcome them, we need to define new
development paradigms that are not based on the logic of indefinite growth and profit at
any cost. And we need them now.
Slovenia is committed to upgrading existing sustainable practices which integrate
economic, social and environmental dimensions. We can build on the strength of our
egalitarian society, accessible education system, and highly professional healthcare
system. Our development strategy recognises sustainable development as an
overarching goal.
Building on our rich biodiversity and natural resources, we are ready to share our
expertise in forest, water management, and chemical safety systems. Becoming an
official development donor in 2004, we also took on our share of global responsibility by
integrating sustainable development into our official development aid.
Slovenia firmly believes that a low-carbon, resource efficient and inclusive green
economy can offer solutions to many persistent problems and, at the same time,
provide opportunities for all and ensure economic development, social inclusion and
preserve the environment. This has been proven by existing good practices in business
and industry, including in several Slovenian companies. They are implementing not only
technological development, but also social inclusion and innovation. With the draft
outcome document in front of us there is a positive notion of green economy, as well as
foundation for future concrete actions. However, if we won't act and let those notions
fade away, we have not achieved anything.
Today, admitting that opportunities have been lost, we must take decisive action,
supported by strong, efficient and better coordinated institutions at all levels, whilst also
ensuring the involvement of all stakeholders. Rio + 20 outcome document is providing
guidance for institutional reshape, deciding to establish High Level Political Forum and
to upgrade UNEP. But will this be enough?
The Rio + 20 is seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a choice. Renewing
commitments will not be enough. Future generations should not remember this
conference merely for its good intentions, but for its actions. And to restore the lost
equilibrium of the planet, each one of us must take action. Slovenia remains committed.
Thank you!
National statement of the Republic of Slovenia at the
UN Conference on Sustainable Development
delivered by H.E. Mr Franc Bogovič, Minister of Agriculture and the Environment
Rio de Janeiro, 21 June 2012
Esteemed Madam President,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
it is an honour for me to represent Slovenia on this forward-looking occasion of the
global community. For my country, Rio + 20 is an opportunity to confirm and prove its
commitment to agreements concluded 20 years ago. Rio 92 was a very special moment
for us. It was the first UN conference in which an official delegation of Slovenia, the
young, newly independent UN member state, took part.
With the power of pride and the strength that comes with new responsibilities, we felt
capable of reaching all the heights. Looking back today, we can see similarities in the
developments of our and global societies. We have witnessed rises and falls on our
path.
In the past 20 years, Slovenia has implemented the principles of Agenda 21 in both
national and regional contexts. We are proud of our pro-active role in regional
cooperation for the sustainable water management in the Sava and Danube river basins
and the Adriatic Sea. Our local actions have therefore contributed to global endeavours,
as we try to live the phrase “Act locally, think globally.”
We acknowledge significant efforts on the path to sustainability achieved globally, which
have improved the lives of a number of people and strengthened the inclusion of
women, youth and vulnerable groups. Actions have begun to preserve the planet.
However, we have not yet been able to ensure the survival of future generations. The
planet is in no better shape than before. Some environmental boundaries have already
been crossed. We have to listen to scientists and researchers more carefully. The
current trends will lead to a bleak future. To overcome them, we need to define new
development paradigms that are not based on the logic of indefinite growth and profit at
any cost. And we need them now.
Slovenia is committed to upgrading existing sustainable practices which integrate
economic, social and environmental dimensions. We can build on the strength of our
egalitarian society, accessible education system, and highly professional healthcare
system. Our development strategy recognises sustainable development as an
overarching goal.
Building on our rich biodiversity and natural resources, we are ready to share our
expertise in forest, water management, and chemical safety systems. Becoming an
official development donor in 2004, we also took on our share of global responsibility by
integrating sustainable development into our official development aid.
Slovenia firmly believes that a low-carbon, resource efficient and inclusive green
economy can offer solutions to many persistent problems and, at the same time,
provide opportunities for all and ensure economic development, social inclusion and
preserve the environment. This has been proven by existing good practices in business
and industry, including in several Slovenian companies. They are implementing not only
technological development, but also social inclusion and innovation. With the draft
outcome document in front of us there is a positive notion of green economy, as well as
foundation for future concrete actions. However, if we won't act and let those notions
fade away, we have not achieved anything.
Today, admitting that opportunities have been lost, we must take decisive action,
supported by strong, efficient and better coordinated institutions at all levels, whilst also
ensuring the involvement of all stakeholders. Rio + 20 outcome document is providing
guidance for institutional reshape, deciding to establish High Level Political Forum and
to upgrade UNEP. But will this be enough?
The Rio + 20 is seen as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a choice. Renewing
commitments will not be enough. Future generations should not remember this
conference merely for its good intentions, but for its actions. And to restore the lost
equilibrium of the planet, each one of us must take action. Slovenia remains committed.
Thank you!
Stakeholders