Madam Chair - Regarding Sustainable Consumption and Production, Sweden would like to highlight two issues, the issue of sustainable consumption and the issue of using the environment as a lever for economic growth.
In order to achieve sustainable development for all and to reduce climate change, we must change the way we produce, use, transport and get rid of products. It is to a large extent a matter of lifestyles and behaviour. We must find the right means to change unsustainable lifestyles and consumption ? the government should facilitate for households but also for business and the public sector, to make the right choices. This can be done by promoting sustainable products on the market, information and education, and develop an efficient infrastructure, but also the internalisation of external costs etc. For this, close cooperation needs with different stakeholders such as business, retailers, media and NGOs etc. is necessary.
Sustainable consumption also includes providing the basic needs. In some countries consumption needs to be increased but in a sustainable way.
We must also consider the differences in men and women consumption patterns. We know that men and women choose different kind of products and services. Men and women also use the same products in different ways. Some example are, the usage of cars and buying organic products. This means we need different tools and measures in order to change behaviour.
Sustainable Consumption is of course most relevant when addressing agriculture, the consumption of food, for example how the consumption in the developed countries effects social and environmental conditions in developing countries.
Environment should be used as a lever for economic growth and business development. The role of the governments here is:
- to create incentives. It must be profitable for business to promote sustainability.
- to promote vital tools such as Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility, Environmental Management Systems, Eco-design, Supply Chain Management, to mention a few.
Finally, Sweden would like to support the interventions made by Canada and US on the need for gender equality and the empowerment of women. Thank you madam Chair.
