14th SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
UK NATIONAL STATEMENT: THE WAY FORWARD
Check against delivery
CSD14 has achieved its purpose. We have built a good understanding of barriers and
opportunities. We have a clearer sense of key issues to be focused on in preparation for
CSD15.
The UK believes that, in particular, action orientated measures are needed in the
following areas:
Firstly, improving access to reliable and affordable energy services sufficient to meet
basic human needs and achieve the Millennium Development Goals. This requires the
inclusion of access in national development strategies and the creation of conducive
investment frameworks; capacity building and financial support from donor countries and
the IFIs, as well as the private sector.
Secondly, urgent global action is needed now to address climate change, which
threatens the achievement of all the MDGs. This demands a range of solutions. It
requires all countries to mainstream mitigation and adaptation of climate change within
national development plans, with particular support being given to the most vulnerable
countries. It also requires enhanced investment in low carbon energy technologies,
improved energy efficiency and increased use of renewable energy. We need to deploy
innovative market mechanisms such as emissions trading and the CDM.
Thirdly, developed countries must take the lead in achieving sustainable consumption
and production. We have a long way to go. There are also huge opportunities for
developing countries to leapfrog to more sustainable solutions. Key actions include:
follow-up to the Marrakech Task Forces, promotion of corporate social and environmental
responsibility and accountability, and reforms in transport including in aviation and
maritime.
Fourthly, we need to reduce indoor air pollution, which disproportionately affects
women and children in developing countries. Efforts should include dissemination of
cleaner technologies and fuels, education and capacity building.
In pursuing such issues we should keep in mind the inter-linking and crosscutting issues
that connect them.
Chair.
Next year CSD15 needs to generate negotiated and non negotiated action orientated
measures. CSD15 also needs to agree arrangements to review progress on our energy
commitments after CSD moves on to the next cluster.
To achieve this, it?s essential that we use the coming year for dialogue to mature our
thinking, so we arrive at CSD15 with a clear idea of the kinds of measures needed to
bring about real change and real progress.
Thank you.
