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Rio +20 Summit on Sustainable Development
Rio de Janeiro 20-22 June 2012
STATEMENT BY MR FREDRIK REINFELDT, PRIME MINISTER OF
SWEDEN
Check against delivery.
Madame President, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Ladies and
Gentlemen,
The world of today is facinghuge challenges. But also huge possibilities.
Globalization has brought tremendous benefits for many people. Through
increased movement and increased trade. The economic growth during the last
fifteen years has brought 400 million people out of poverty.
Today we see more countries than ever, walking the path towards democracy.
We also see how knowledge and innovationcontribute to solving more and
more of our common problems.
At the same time, many of the countries in the world are being torn by war
and conflicts. Often the same countries which are fighting widespread poverty.
Unsustainable production and consumption patterns are depleting our natural
resources. Climate change is causing more extreme weather conditions, which
affect the poorest people the most.
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The world is not short of challenges if we are to reach a more sustainable
development. The question is – how can we together meet these challenges?
Firstly, a number of fundamental conditions need to be in place.
Among those are first and foremost democratic principles. Openness and
transparency.Free flow of information.Accountability.As well as respect for
human rights and gender equality.
Maybe most important and fundamental in this respect is to ensure human,
economic and social rights for 3.5 billion women and girls around the world.
Thisis not only a question of fairness and gender equality. But also a purely
economic question, since it would lead to significantly higher GDP growth in
many countries. Especially interesting of course in times of economic crisis.
Every day, around 1000 women die from causes related to pregnancy and
childbirth. Addressing women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights is
more urgent than ever.
Market economy and free trade are other important instruments to fight
poverty and bring prosperity to more people around the globe.
Instrumentswhich in times of economic crisis are being questioned, also in
Europe. And which are sometimes being replaced by protectionist policies.
Something we need to take a clear stand against.
Furthermore, we also have to create possibilities for people to strengthen their
power over their own lives. Only when people are free to think and express
themselves, they are able to make demands. Contribute to change. And create
a sustainable development.
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Madame President/ Mr. Secretary General,
I would like to highlight in particular four areas of importance to create a
sustainable development:
Firstly:
In a sustainable society, the prices of natural resources have to be right - in the
sense that the prices also have to reflect the environmental effects.
This can be done for instance through environmental taxes, trade with
emissions and environmental fees. In Sweden, we have made that kind of
economic incentives work. Showing also that it is possible to increase
economic growth and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Crucial of course for developing countries.
If we are serious about meeting the climate threats, we all need to perform
better in this area. That is why we believe that economic instrumentsshould be
key tools for a green and inclusive economy.
Secondly:
In 2030, five billion people are expected to live in cities. A large part of the
energy consumption, the environmentaland social problems -including the
increasing poverty - will be concentrated here. This is the reason why Sweden
is pushing to increase the awareness and need for sustainable urbanization.
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We simply have to rethink and adopt a comprehensive view on urban
planning. Where resource efficiency and energy efficient techniques go hand in
hand with increased recycling.And where increased employment is combined
with increased availability in social services.
Thirdly:
The business community is playing a decisive role to mobilize recourses, create
employment - in particular for young people - and stand up for responsible
innovations - in our endeavor to reach a sustainable development. The
economic and environmental problems of today are to a high degree linked to
the production and consumption patterns.
To better take care of the expertise, the resources and the innovation potential
of the business to reach sustainable development should be a priority.
Fourthly:
Access to and a sustainable use of energy as well as water and sanitation is
crucial. Cost-efficient and healthy energy and water solutions contribute to
improving people’s living conditions, health and environment.
Madame President/Mr. Secretary General,
The Swedish government organized in April this year a Partnership Forum for
Sustainable Development to discuss how governments, businesses,
organizations and individuals could promoteto a more sustainable society. The
four points I made as well as a number of other recommendations are included
in the Call for Action that was issued at this conference.
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Finally Mr. Secretary General,
Sweden believes that the notion of sustainable development needs to become
more concrete and measurable. We therefore very much welcome the
agreement at this meeting to set up Sustainable Development Goals.
Because real change is only possible when we truly understand the challenges
facing us. When we know what actions are needed. And when we can see the
progressmade.
We believe that Sustainable Development Goals can make it a lot easier for all
of us to take action. The action that is urgently needed.
Thank you for your attention!
