United States of America
Remarks by Jonathan Margolis
Special Representative for Sustainable Development
U.S. Department of State
Interactive Discussion with UN Organizations
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I?m not sure the scenario is quite as rosy as you would say, but there are three things that we
have seen here at CSD that give cause for optimism.
First, we just heard the representative from the Global Environment Facility talk about their
Small Grants Program. This program, which UNDP is implementing through their on-theground
network, is supporting local level implementation.
Second, earlier this week, we at the CSD had an opportunity to interact with the winners of the
World Business Awards. This program ? a joint effort of the International Chamber of
Commerce, the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum, and UNDP ? has given
awards to 10 businesses who are working to alleviate poverty and support efforts to reach the
Millennium Development Goals.
Third, just yesterday, we had the opportunity yesterday to meet the winners of the Development
Marketplace. For those of you who don?t know about this program, it is a remarkable showcase
for creative projects, administered by the World Bank with support from the GEF.
Each of these programs are about innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity at the local level to
implement the goals we are establishing at the macro level. These programs support the
businesses, NGOs, and other local level implementers who are taking concrete steps towards
implementation.
I wonder if there isn?t a way to hear more stories like these, not only how much money has been
spent, but what are the lessons learned and success stories so that we can replicate them.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Special Representative for Sustainable Development
U.S. Department of State
Interactive Discussion with UN Organizations
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I?m not sure the scenario is quite as rosy as you would say, but there are three things that we
have seen here at CSD that give cause for optimism.
First, we just heard the representative from the Global Environment Facility talk about their
Small Grants Program. This program, which UNDP is implementing through their on-theground
network, is supporting local level implementation.
Second, earlier this week, we at the CSD had an opportunity to interact with the winners of the
World Business Awards. This program ? a joint effort of the International Chamber of
Commerce, the Prince of Wales International Business Leaders Forum, and UNDP ? has given
awards to 10 businesses who are working to alleviate poverty and support efforts to reach the
Millennium Development Goals.
Third, just yesterday, we had the opportunity yesterday to meet the winners of the Development
Marketplace. For those of you who don?t know about this program, it is a remarkable showcase
for creative projects, administered by the World Bank with support from the GEF.
Each of these programs are about innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity at the local level to
implement the goals we are establishing at the macro level. These programs support the
businesses, NGOs, and other local level implementers who are taking concrete steps towards
implementation.
I wonder if there isn?t a way to hear more stories like these, not only how much money has been
spent, but what are the lessons learned and success stories so that we can replicate them.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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