STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MR. JAMIL AHMAD OF ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN ON INTER-LINKAGES AND CROSS CUTTING ISSUES INCLUDING MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION DURING THE FIFTEENTH SESSION OF COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (CSD-15) (New York, 2 May 2007)

Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I have the honour to make this contribution on behalf of Group of 77 and China to our discussion on ‘Inter-linkages and cross cutting issues including means of implementation’ in the CSD-15.

The themes of CSD-15 are defined by close inter-linkages and cross cutting issues. Among these the Means of Implementation stand out as the most important and critical one to the realization of our common objectives of promoting sustained economic growth and sustainable development.

This Session of CSD is taking place at an important moment when concerns about the issues of Sustainable Development have come to the forefront of global attention. To end hunger and poverty; to enhance prosperity; to ensure continued and balanced economic and social development, the nations and peoples of the world must successfully address the challenges we face in each of the areas on the Agenda for this session: Energy for Sustainable Development; Industrial Development; Air Pollution/Atmosphere; and Climate Change. Both the challenges in these areas, and the responses to them, are closely interlinked with each other and with the realization of sustainable development.

Mr. Chairman,

The world showed tremendous stewardship in outlining a comprehensive global development agenda through the agreements reached and commitments made at major UN Summits and Conferences. Unfortunately, this has not translated into action on the ground. Implementation remains the Achilles Heel of the global development agenda and the biggest challenge for sustainable development. Implementation of the development agenda remains the biggest challenge for sustainable development. We call for full and faithful implementation of agreed commitments be based on the Rio principles particularly the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
In this regard, we have noted the slow progress on the implementation of Bali Strategic Plan for Capacity Building and Technology Transfer. We call for its immediate, full and effective implementation. UNEP must act in cooperation with CSD on this urgently now and without sparing any effort.
  
As we seek ways to build capacities, foster the transfer of knowledge and technology to developing countries, enhance coordination, strengthen scientific knowledge, assessment and cooperation, we also realize the need for a fully supportive and enabling international environment to facilitate and promote the implementation of national development strategies.  

Mr. Chairman,

In addition to the policy recommendations already suggested by the G-77 so far, we may submit our further proposals in the coming days. However, the Group would like to re-submit the following policy options for endorsement by CSD-15, which in our view are important to in order to effectively cope with the challenges we face in the means of implementation:

Firstly, in order to ensure implementation of development commitments in the four thematic areas of Energy for Sustainable Development, Industrial Development, Air Pollution and Climate Change, it is imperative to take the following measures at international level;

Secondly, in order to enhance implementation through financial resource mobilization, it is essential to undertake following measures:

Thirdly, in order to implement the development commitment related to transfer of technology, it is imperative that the agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS), and other intellectual property laws, should be reviewed and, where necessary, revised to enhance their contribution to sustainable development. This should be pursued both in WIPO and the WTO;

 Fourthly, in order to achieve implementation of commitments related to capacity building of developing countries, it is important to take the following steps:

Mr. Chairman,

We reiterate our support for the following policy options, as suggested by G-77 during IPM and now contained in some form in the Chairman’s draft negotiation text:

Mr. Chairman,

We are satisfied at the useful discussions so far in bringing to the fore a number of policy options which will form basis for CSD-15. It is our expectation that deliberations in CSD-15 will address the global sustainable development challenges in an integrated and coordinated manner and so that we can agree to a set of action-based and development oriented policy options with an in-built mechanism allowing for their follow up and implementation and find sustainable solutions to the sustainable development challenges.
  
I thank you.