Mr. Chairman,
Iokwe!
I am honored to speak on behalf of my country, the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
My delegation fully supports the statement already delivered on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States, and the statement that will be delivered later this morning on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum group.
Mr. Chairman,
As a Small Island Developing State, the Marshall Islands places the utmost importance on sustainable development issues. Our small islands and low-lying atolls have become increasingly vulnerable to environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change. This issue is a top priority for my country, and was emphasized by President Kessai Note, and many other small island states, at the WSSD. We believe that climate change is a major, cross-cutting issue which should be afforded high priority in the future work programme of the Commission.
Mr. Chairman,
The Marshall Islands government greatly appreciates the commitments made by the international community in the Johannesburg Declaration. We further appreciate the support expressed for SIDS, and the recognition given to the Barbados Program of Action for the sustainable development of SIDS. We hope to see an ongoing focus on the needs of SIDS in the future work program of the Commission, beginning of course with the prepatory process for the upcoming International Meeting in 2004 to review the Barbados Program of Action.
Mr. Chairman,
Another vital issue for my delegation is the need for broader participation in the CSD process, an issue already raised by many speakers. We believe that it is essential to provide funding assistance in order to allow representatives from SIDS and the least developed countries to attend and participate in future sessions of the CSD.
Mr. Chairman,
In the future work of the CSD, we believe that a more appropriate balance must be struck between the focus on actions at the national, regional and international levels. The Marshall Islands has developed Vision 2018, which sets major priorities that will assist our nation in developing sustainable development strategies. Such strategies must also be developed at the regional and international levels. In doing so, priorities should include eliminating duplication of work; and developing more efficient and effective management, communication and coordination systems.
Mr. Chairman,
The Marshall Islands appreciates the current emphasis on partnership initiatives and we anticipate further elaboration and consideration of partnership issues during this session.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairman,
My delegation looks forward to the sessions that will take place in the days to come, including the many side events and partnership opportunities. We anticipate that this session will produce practical, action-oriented outcomes that will initiate the necessary reforms in the CSD. We hope that this will provide the increase in momentum that is needed to successfully implement the goals of sustainable development at the national, regional and international levels.
Thank you.
