Australia: Statement on sustainable development

New York, 25 October 2006: In a statement delivered by Dr Dean Bialek, Australia outlined its views on the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and international environmental governance. In the statement Australia stressed that good governance, commitment at the national level and practical partnerships are fundamental to the achievement of sustainable development, consistent with the principles and commitments articulated in the outcomes of the Rio and Johannesburg Summits.  Bialek said Australia views political stability, effective political and institutional governance and a policy environment that is conducive to growth as essential for attracting the investment necessary for achieving sustainable development. The investments required worldwide for achieving clean development, and in doing so, addressing the challenges presented by climate change, will only flow when these pre-requisites have been fulfilled.  On international environmental governance (IEG), Australia stressed that is was crucial that environment, sustainable development and natural resource management is mainstreamed into the UN’s development-related programs. Bialek welcomed efforts by the United Nations Environment Programme under the Bali Strategic Plan to mainstream environmental concerns and rationalise program delivery in coordination with UNDP.

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Source: Australia’s Mission to the UN, 2006