STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY THE DELEGATION OF THE STATE OF QATAR AT THE CLOSING OF THE 12TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (New York, 30 April 2004)

Mr. Chairman,

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I wish to take this opportunity to thank you and other Members of the Bureau.

In these two weeks, your leadership and dedication has directed our proceedings to the real task of implementation.

We thank you very much for your Summary.

In CSD 12, developing countries articulated their concerns and the aspirations of their people. Developing countries informed this session of real steps, actions they are undertaking to implement the JPOI. In water, sanitation and human settlements developing countries are increasing their efforts to improve implementation. At the same time, constraints exist. Paramount among these is means of implementation.

We continue to urge the international community to fulfill its commitments. Commitments that were made at Doha, Monterrey and Johannesburg should be fulfilled.

ODA is critical, but not the only source of financing. Removal of Agriculture subsidies in developed countries would allow developing countries to use trade for sustainable development. This call was made by many during CSD 12.

Technology transfer is also an important element of the means of implementation.

Many Ministers also highlighted the need for enhanced debt relief.

Good governance is important at all levels. This was the context in which it was accepted in Johannesburg.

Implementation of MDGs and goals and targets of the JPOI also requires the creation of an enabling environment at the international level. This dimension needs to be addressed comprehensively.

The key task that faces the international community after Johannesburg is implementation. The WSSD was a Summit for implementation.

The idea of common but differentiated responsibility is well established in the work of the CSD and was reaffirmed in Johannesburg. The idea of shared responsibility used in the Summary is a new idea.

More clarity is also needed regarding public goods. There is no common understanding of this idea. We hope that in the context of the Summary it refers to resources over which countries have sovereignty.

We will also submit to you this statement for inclusion in your final report.

Thank you.