Satement by HE Gary Quinlan, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations 18th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development regarding SIDS Day on 10 May 2010.
(as delivered)
Thank you Mr Chairman.
First I would like to welcome the participation of the Ministers present today.
This review comes at a critical point in the global debate on sustainable development. Between now and September, we have the opportunity to renew political commitment to the vision conceived in Rio, consolidated in Barbados, and reaffirmed in Mauritius. Now is definitely the time to assess what progress has been made and what barriers remain.
Australia has a longstanding and expanding commitment to partnership with the SIDS. We are working closely with them to implement the Mauritius Strategy, and we are providing $350,000 to support the 5 year review of the MSI. Of course, many of Australia’s Pacific friends and neighbours are SIDS members – and we welcome the statement made this morning by the Tuvalu Minister for Finance on the perspectives of the Pacific SIDS.
The SIDS face a range of decisive challenges in pursuing their own sustainable development. Increasing temperatures and sea level rise and the growing threat from extreme natural events are a reality. Food scarcity is a reality. Declining fish stocks, limited availability of freshwater, the high cost of food imports, restricted access to transport, communication and fuel – these are just some of the decisive challenges that SIDS face daily.
Many of these vulnerabilities differ from those of other developing states. And it is essential that this is recognised and understood. And that the SIDs have a voice in determining their own priorities for action.
Australia will continue to work with the SIDS to develop flexible, innovative and practical actions to meet their sustainable development goals. And ensure their voice is heard in international forums.
Mr Chairman - A critical threat to the SIDS is that from climate change - a threat that could be existential to many of them. This is a threat today, already damaging some SIDS, perhaps irreversibly. It is not a threat posed at sometime in the future. Australia understands the imperative for climate change action – so clearly articulated this morning by Ambassador Williams on behalf of AOSIS. Ensuring that fast-start funding is in place is a major priority for us this year. We have already invested $150 million to help countries in our immediate Pacific region to adapt, and we are now starting to work with countries in the Caribbean to also respond to these threats.
For Australia, building greater links between the SIDS is especially important. Through our new program with the Caribbean, we will aim to build stronger linkages between the Pacific – where Australia has a long-established and major role - and the Caribbean. Of course, to do this, we need the SIDS themselves to define how they see their sustainable future.
Today’s meeting is the SIDS’ own forum. Australia is here to listen so that we can best contribute to the High Level review and support the action necessary to guarantee the actual development needs and future of the SIDS.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.