United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Sustainable Development

Five years ago the nations of the world met in Rio to chart an ambitious course toward global sustainable development -- development that will meet the economic, social and environmental needs of this and future generations.

We have come to this Special Session to renew our Rio commitments. And to keep faith with those whose future depends on the wisdom of our choices, and the results we deliver.

Since Rio, we have made progress in many areas: protecting the ozone layer, conserving straddling fish stocks and curbing pollution.

There is a growing global consensus that the environmental harm caused by some is a threat to all.

Since Rio, we have shown what is possible when the nations of the world work together. But the fact is that some of our Rio goals still elude us.

The forests of the world continue to decline at an alarming rate. Sustainable forest management is a high Canadian priority.

We are convinced that this Special Session presents a unique opportunity to achieve an international forest convention through the creation of an Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee.

Our government believes that a strong, legally-binding agreement - that builds on the forest principles established at Rio - is the best way to ensure the international will needed to reverse the tide of deforestation.

A forest convention will also help Canada achieve our own forest management goals.

Canada, like most other industrialized countries, will not meet the year 2000 targets for stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions.

The structure of our economy poses particular challenges in this regard.

But the potential human and economic costs of unchecked climate change are simply too high for us not to take action now.

In Canada, our experience is that the best way to deal with a large, intractable problem is to work out a practical, step-by-step plan, with realistic interim, medium-term targets. That is how we are eliminating our deficit.

Success builds on success, confidence breeds confidence. And the process moves forward. We believe the same principle should apply with the problem of climate change.

That is why our government supports the establishment of legally-binding medium-term targets for post-2000 greenhouse gas reductions.

We also seek urgent regional and global action to address Persistent Organic Pollutants.

Toxic chemicals do not respect borders. They even travel from distant sources to contaminate Arctic food chains. This kind of threat can only be fought through international cooperation.

Canada will do its part, by strengthening our legislation on toxic chemicals and pollution prevention.

We are working to implement the Biodiversity Convention. We have a biodiversity strategy signed by every one of our provincial and territorial governments as well as the national government. And we will soon pass legislation to safeguard threatened and endangered species and their habitats within federal jurisdiction - legislation re-introduced from our last session of Parliament.

We believe that the new strategic approach to managing pressing freshwater issues is a step forward. We remain committed to improving the state of the oceans.

Creating new national parks and protecting our existing park system remains a high priority for me personally.

Sustainable development is on the agenda of every agency and department of the Government of Canada. Each is required to come up with sustainable development strategies, which will be audited by an independent commissioner.

Mr. President, our work here is not only about making our environment healthier. It is clear that our environmental security is as important as our economic security.

Protecting the global food supply is beyond the power of one nation alone.

Food supplies in Africa, for example, are threatened by the loss of fertile land. The Convention on Desertification marks an important step forward on this issue, and I renew Canada's offer to host the Secretariat in Montreal.

For the least fortunate of the world, sustainable development without economic progress is but a hollow slogan. That is why Canada places poverty alleviation at the forefront of its international assistance efforts.

Others before me have spoken of the tragic humanitarian and environmental damage caused by anti-personnel mines. We agree that this scourge can only be addressed on a global basis, and we are encouraged by the growing support which the Ottawa process has attracted. I urge all countries to join us in December when a treaty banning the stockpiling, transfer, production and use of anti-personnel mines will be open for signature.

We must also advance the international fight against poverty by encouraging more direct investment in developing countries.

All of society must be involved in our efforts. And I am proud that Canada has fostered broad participation in the sustainable development work of the UN.

Mr. President, this Special Session is about realizing our Rio goals.

Now we must go from Rio to results. Through a pragmatic, step-by-step approach. We must aim for measurable results and report on our progress. For it is not just admirable goals that will ensure a better world for our children. It is concrete results.

For our children and grandchildren, for future generations, we have an obligation to create a healthier, cleaner world.

The journey will not be smooth. But it is a journey we must finish... together.