UN Climate Neutral Participation at Rio +20 through South-South Cooperation, UN Conference on Sustainable Development: Rio +20, Emissions Offsetting Ceremony
Statement by Mr. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Secretary-General of the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20)
21 June 2012, Rio de Janeiro
Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser, President of the General Assembly,
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,
UNDP Administrator Miss Clark,
Ambassador Mourad Benmehidi,
Ambassador John Ashe,
Dr. Lin Jian,
Ladies and gentlemen,
As Secretary-General of the Rio +20 Conference, I have the pleasure to close this emissions offsetting ceremony.
I want to extend my warm congratulations to the President of the General Assembly for his leadership in advancing South-South cooperation and in combating climate change.
I want to recognize the Special Unit for South-South Cooperation for launching a system-wide initiative to offset the carbon footprint from the participation of all UN system delegations to Rio+20.
This innovative initiative to offset UN staff participation in Rio +20 indicates that the UN secretariat means business when it comes to combating climate change.
Sustainable development emphasizes a holistic, equitable and long-term approach to decision-making at all levels.
It calls for integration in both public and private decision-making¡ considering social, economic and environmental impacts.
It is very fitting that at this conference devoted to sustainable development, we have the opportunity to witness the launch of this emissions offsetting initiative¡ which is a truly sustainable concept.??
This initiative reflects the creativity and partnership required to advance responsible, inclusive development.
It is through such innovative initiatives that we can help developing countries advance sustainable development on the ground¡ making use of South-South exchange and public-private partnerships.
Thank you for your creativity and leadership on climate change through South-South Cooperation.
I wish you continuing success with your initiatives.
Thank you.