STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MS. ALISON DRAYTON OF THE DELEGATION OF GUYANA, AT THE OPENING OF THE 10^TH SESSION OF THE SUBSIDIARY BODIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Bonn, 1 June 1999

Distinguished Chairmen of the Subsidiary Bodies,
Distinguished Delegates,

I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

I would like first of all to express our gratitude to the City of Bonn for providing us with the facilities for the pre-sessional meetings we held last Saturday and Sunday, and to the Secretariat for making the necessary arrangements. These meetings are invaluable for the Group to exchange information and to consolidate our approach to the important work before us in these next two weeks.

Mr. Chairmen,

In undertaking the forthcoming discussions, the Group reiterates the importance of taking a balanced approach - a balance between the need to continue to implement the Convention effectively and the work needed to prepare an eventual entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol. We view this approach as particularly important with respect to the discharge of Annex I responsibilities, in view of the very low targets reached under the Kyoto Protocol. Scientific assessments show that now and in the future, adverse effects of climate change will continue to be borne, most particularly by developing countries and the most vulnerable among us. Adaptation and capacity-building are among the cross-cutting issues that we will underline in these next two weeks in all agenda items.

We also stress the need for the continuity of the intergovernmental process that we, Parties to this Convention, are undertaking, as a treaty body, and as the supreme body of this Convention. We left Buenos Aires last November with a Buenos Aires Plan of Action. Priority should be accorded to the implementation of this Plan of Action, which contains specific decisions and indicative timeframes. The Group of 77 and China reiterates Decision 1/CP.4 which resolves to demonstrate substantial progress on each of the issues in the Buenos Aires Plan of Action, in accordance with their respective time-frames. We consider national communications as an essential obligation of all Parties to the Convention. We must see to it that their contents, manner of consideration, and timing of submissions conform to the provisions of the Convention and the decisions taken by the Conference of the Parties.

Annex I communications should inform on the implementation of commitments under the Convention, in particular as provided for in Article 12.2 and 12.3 of the Convention, on policies and measures taken to demonstrate that developed countries are taking the lead in modifying longer-term trends in anthropogenic emissions consistent with the objective of the Convention, and details of measures taken in accordance with Article 4, para.3, on the provision of new and additional financial resources; para. 4 on assistance on meeting costs of adaptation, and para. 5 on transfer of technology and enhancement of endogenous capacities, of developing country Parties.

On non-Annex I Parties' national communications, the guidelines as contained in Decision 10/CP.2, shall remain valid for the developing country Parties' national communications, and shall also continue to serve as policy guidance for the operating entity of the financial mechanism, the Global Environment Facility. It is of primary importance to the G-77 and China that the provision of the agreed full costs of the preparation of non-Annex I initial and subsequent national communications be met by the operating entity of the financial mechanism, in particular for the maintenance and enhancement of relevant national capacity, taking into account the guidelines adopted by the Conference of the Parties. We underline the need to move forward in the effective transfer of technology to developing countries, and the implementation of Decision 4/CP.4 which would ensure the full participation of developing countries in the consultative process, and strengthening endogenous capacities and capabilities in developing countries.

The Group reiterates that a common understanding on the mechanisms under Articles 6, 12 and 17 of the Kyoto Protocol must be reached among the Parties, and that the nature and scope of the mechanisms must be defined at the outset. Hence, due effort is required to identify and define the principles for the mechanisms and the other fundamental parameters. This work must commence soon so that the methodological and operational questions pertaining to the mechanisms can be guided accordingly. The G-77 and China wishes to emphasize the importance of following the Work Programme on the Mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol defined in Decision 7/CP.4. These elements must be addressed with priority to be given to the Clean Development Mechanism.

The Group reaffirms its position that domestic action by the developed countries should be their primary means of greenhouse gas limitation and reduction. Not until the Kyoto Protocol has entered into force and domestic compliance measures are undertaken, can these mechanisms be availed of to meet targets of developed countries. The objective of sustainable development for developing countries in the CDM can only be defined by these countries at the national level. These Articles relate to the serious concerns of all developing countries, in particular the least-developed countries, arising from adverse effects of climate change and the impacts of the implementation of response measures 2E The Group underlines the importance of the implementation of the Programme of Work contained in Decision 5/CP.4. The Group abides by Decision 6/CP.4 which decides to continue the pilot phase, to provide all developing countries with the opportunity to enhance their capacity-building, and all Parties to gain further experience with AIJ. We are prepared to begin discussions on the preparations for a review process of the pilot phase at these tenth sessions. The Conference of the Parties, the Subsidiary Bodies, and the Secretariat should function in accordance with the provisions of the Convention regarding their responsibilities and division of labour. Activities should be undertaken in accordance with decisions of the COP, and guided by the intergovernmental process of this treaty body. Resources should be focused on supporting capacity-building in developing countries and their full participation in the Convention process.

Mr. Chairmen,

Capacity-building for developing countries is an essential component in the implementation of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action. The Group of 77 and China stresses that capacity-building must be accomplished for, by and in developing countries. Transfer of and access to technology, including information technology and enhancement of endogenous technologies, and the provision of financial resources, in particular for the full participation of developing countries in the implementation of these decisions, are necessary for developing countries to build their institutional and human capacities.

In closing, Mr. Chairmen, the Group of 77 and China would like to reassure you of their usual full cooperation and support in the accomplishment of the tasks before us in these next two weeks.

Thank you, Mr. Chairmen.