STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY M.W. MANGACHI, MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY IN THE PERMANENT MISSION OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE INTERSESSIONAL AD HOC OPEN-ENDED WORKING GROUP OF THE COMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES

New York, 28 February 1997

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China has reflected carefully on the proposals put forward in UN Secretary-General’s report contained in Document E/CN.17/1997/2 on the institutional framework and the future role of the Commission on Sustainable Development.

It is the view of the Group of 77 that CSD has done a commendable job since its creation principally in the coordination of policies relating to sustainable development in context of implementing Agenda 21. The G-77 therefore reaffirms that in the post UNGASS period, the CSD should continue providing the forum for policy coordination in all issues concerning environment and development.

Concerning the work programme, as proposed in the Secretary-General’s report above, Add.28, we support an approach that makes it possible to cover all the important sectoral and cross-cutting issues. This approach will be effective in the implementation of Agenda 21, at all levels, if the themes chosen for consideration by CSD takes into consideration the interests of all countries, in particular the developing countries. In this regard, the G-77 attaches special importance to the implementation of the agreements on cross-cutting issues of resource transfer, technology transfer, trade and investment and poverty eradication.

As regards to the review process as a whole, the G-77 is of the view that, this exercise should be balanced; the review should focus equally on the implementation of the commitments made at international and national levels. At present the trends show that much more emphasis on the work of CSD is placed on the review of national implementation in the developing countries than on the fulfillment of the commitments by the developed countries at UNCED, especially in the provision of new and additional resources for the implementation of Agenda 21.

Mr. Chairman,

Regarding the institutional structure, the G-77 would like to stress that the existing complementarity between CSD and other environmental bodies, should be maintained and strengthened, with respect to the implementation and follow-up of Agenda 21. In particular the mandates and decisions taken by other intergovernmental bodies in the field of environment, should be duly respected. Furthermore, the G-77 would like to emphasize that any proposal for review and reform of the institutional structure of any body in this area should be undertaken in the appropriate forum such as ECOSOC or General Assembly.

Mr. Chairman,

The G-77 and China further suggest that the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) should also be reviewed with a view to expanding its mandate beyond the specific areas of international waters, ozone layer, biological diversity and climate change. This implies an increase in the current GEF funding levels and the creation of additional funding mechanisms for each environmental convention.

Mr. Chairman,

The forest debate has received much focus and attention, especially during the IPF-4 process. The IPF report has been forwarded to CSD-V for consideration. The G-77 supports the approach taken at the just-ended intergovernmental panel on forests, of submitting to CSD, a menu of options reflecting the concerns of both developed and developing countries. It is the hope of the G-77 that CSD will consider this matter very carefully before recommending appropriate action to the UNGASS.

Mr. Chairman,

The UNGASS will be faced with the critical challenge of renewing the compact for international cooperation in the field of environment and development. It is thus important that that the preparation for UNGASS is done in the most thorough fashion, giving due attention to all the important suggestions made at the intersessional ad hoc working group.

Thank you.