Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I have the honour to make this contribution on behalf of Group of 77 and China to our discussion on ‘Access by affected country Parties, particularly affected developing country Parties, to appropriate technology, knowledge and know-how’. We thank the Panelists for their important presentations.

All the thematic topics for review of CRIC-5 are defined by close inter-linkages and cross cutting issues. Among these ‘access to appropriate technology knowledge and know how’ stand out as an important means to the realization of our common objectives of combating desertification.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China believes that urgent and full implementation of the international commitments relating to the means of implementation to combat desertification must be based on the Rio principle 7 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.

International cooperation and networking is imperative for an efficient pooling of resources and accomplish the objective of UNCCD. We have noted that reports from different regions indicate that there are fragmented efforts in addressing technology transfer.

Mr. Chairman,

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 including National Action Plans (NAPs).  

Mr. Chairman,

In order to effectively cope with the challenges we face in the thematic area of “Access by affected country Parties, particularly affected developing country Parties, to appropriate technology, knowledge and know-how” Group of 77 and China suggest the following policy options to be endorsed by CRIC-5:

• Scale up efforts to effectively implement the global partnership for development as set out in the Millennium Declaration, the Monterrey and the JPOI and to effectively operationalize the World Solidarity Fund for Poverty;
• Immediate, effective and full implementation of the Bali Strategic Plan for Capacity Building and Technology Transfer;
• Creating a dynamic and enabling international environment supportive of international cooperation in the areas of technology transfer processes to promote know-how, experience sharing and information exchange;
• Narrowing the digital divide between developing and developed countries to harness the potential of information and communication technologies for development through provision and transfer of technology on affordable and mutually agreed terms;
• Develop and strengthen local, national, sub-regional and regional research capacities in developing countries affected by desertification;
• The establishment of information-exchange networks that include all role-players such as government and intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, local communities and scientific institutions;
• Establish innovative options for financing the piloting and large-scale implementation of advanced technologies in developing countries, including addressing the role of international financing institutions in leveraging private investment;
• Providing support to developing countries for research and development in new technologies, as well as in the adaptation or evaluation of existing technologies for country specific conditions;
• World class Centers of Excellence in areas relevant to combating desertification should be established in the developing countries through international cooperation;
• High quality “virtual universities” and virtual means of research could be created to spread knowledge, innovation and technological application;
• There is need for protection, application, development of traditional knowledge and know-how and sharing of benefits arising from it;
• A pro-active role of Committee on Science and Technology (CST) as well Thematic Programmes Networks (TPNs) is imperative for dissemination of technology, knowledge and know how from international and regional levels to the national and local levels;
• The renewed commitment of the international community, especially financial institutions, is essential to support national efforts of developing countries for capacity building. In this context, a global campaign should be initiated for human resource training particularly in the area of sustainable development;
• More direct endeavours should be made to utilize global scientific and R&D capabilities for combating desertification. In this regard research and developmental needs and priorities of developing countries should be identified together with possible niche opportunities for specific countries and regions such as; agricultural research has been identified crucial to the success of NAPs in most of the developing countries;
• Strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation in investment, trade, technology, research and development;
• Enhance regional cooperation, through: establishment of regional/sub-regional arrangements, strengthening cooperation between national and regional institutions, strengthening and facilitating as appropriate, regional cooperation arrangements;

Mr. Chairman,

Our discussions this week has been useful in bringing to the fore a number of policy options which will form basis for COP-8 to agree to a set of action-based and development oriented policy options with an in-built mechanism for implementation.

I thank you.