STATEMENT
by
Mrs. Giedre Mateikaite
Head of Section
Ministry of the Environment
First Preparatory Committee Meeting of UNCSD
A Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication
United Nations
New York
18 May 2010
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Mr. Chairman, dear colleagues,
Sweden associates itself with the statement made by the EU. In this context, there are some specific points we would like to emphasize.
A green economy is a prerequisite for sustainable development. It is about integrating environmental and social concerns into the basic functions of the market. Green economy provides a new framework that can enable sustainable economic and social development, at the same time preventing environmental degradation and climate change.
The required transition to a green economy fosters development. It is therefore important that the conference, including the preparatory process and the outcome, provides a stimulus towards poverty eradication and contributes to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It encompasses water and food security, energy supply and other basic services. Green economy has also a potential to contribute to capacity building, strengthening institutions, increasing agriculture production and sustainable use of natural resources.
In addition, issues that are subject to sustainable development are often closely interrelated and should be addressed in an integrated manner. The transition to a green economy should therefore focus on interrelated policies and a mix of instruments that could be applied on a case by case basis with regard to local or regional conditions.
A good example of economic instruments is the Swedish carbon tax that has proven to be successful. Another example is urban sustainable development. Urbanization is often seen as a problem, but it can also be a solution. Sustainable urban development using integrated urban planning and applied environmental technology provides a platform for efficient infrastructure, energy, SCP, transport and waste solutions. The Swedish concept of SymbioCity is a good example of this. Overall, sustainable cities can contribute to minimizing our ecological footprints, while enabling a faster transition to a green economy.
To address existing, new and emerging challenges we also need to bridge the gap between adopted policies and concrete actions focusing on implementation, enforcement and coherence throughout all the areas of concern that are subject to sustainable development. A transition to a green economy could contribute to bridging this gap.
Dear colleagues,
If we make the right choices and make a strong political commitment at the Rio Conference in 2012, we will take a step forward towards a more sustainable future!
Thank you for your attention.
