ENB:03:04 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

MALAYSIA:

Amb. Razali Ismail noted that the response to the implementation of Agenda 21 has fallen significantly short of expectations and requirements. While the first session of the CSD was positive, there is still a lot of work required to ensure a comprehensive and meaningful implementation of Agenda 21. The most outstanding development at the CSD session was the establishment of the Ad Hoc Working Groups on Finance and Technology and the Malaysian delegation hopes they will be successful and provide positive contributions to the work of the CSD in these areas. The discussion on the financial implications of the meetings of the Ad Hoc Working Groups will be taken up by the Fifth Committee shortly and Malaysia looks forward to their early endorsement. In preparation for the next session of the CSD, Razali underlined the need for the enhanced support of delegations in discharging his duties.

The current world economic order is unequally structured and the ecological crisis that we face today requires equitable global economic adjustment with the North bearing the brunt of the burden since it has been mainly responsible for resource depletion, Razali continued. A key to this equitable adjustment is a reform of the international economic institutions, an improvement in terms of trade, and an increase of ODA. Without this, developing countries may opt to ignore commitments made in Rio. He stressed the importance of restructuring the GEF and commented that the level of resource commitment for the restructured GEF is a serious cause for concern. He also mentioned the importance of the transfer of environmentally sound technology, the reduction and eradication of poverty and the elimination of unsustainable consumption patterns. He stressed that while supportive of the various initiatives being undertaken in the area of sustainable development (Social Summit, Population Conference, Women's Conference), Malaysia wants to be certain that the end results do not marginalize Agenda 21. [Return to start of article]