CSD-19

MGCY 10YFP SCP STATEMENT

3 May 2011

Thank you Mr. Chair for allowing us to contribute. We, Children and Youth, want to build a just and sustainable future, and believe that the 10 Year Framework needs to provide a concrete roadmap for a fair shift from unsustainable to sustainable production and consumption patterns. Therefore, we see the following as necessary: Decisiveness: We want to hear commitments, and therefore would like to see more decisive language, with fewer 'shoulds' and more 'wills', as some States have mentioned. Principles: The 10YFP needs to have central guiding principles, including the polluter pays principle, SCP mainstreaming, intergenerational equity and the notion of cradle-to-cradle. Clear objectives and targets: We hope to see a 10YFP with clear objectives and targets so that by 2021, all of us -- governments, business and stakeholders at all levels -- will use natural resources within safe ecological limits. Measurements and periodic evaluation of the objectives and targets are crucial. Organizational structure: Including a functional institutional framework with a multi-stakeholder review process, explicit means of implementation, and an explicit, transparent and adequate financial mechanism. Without these, the 10-year framework risks becoming an empty set of goals. Strong and meaningful civil society participation in governance at all levels. Programmes: A Framework without programmes is only an empty shell, therefore we see some programs as essential. These include: First, a program on 'education for sustainable development', including both formal and non- formal education. As the EU has correctly noted, youth can really contribute to this program. And secondly, a program on the use of indicators of economic development that truly accounts for social well-being and the maintenance of natural capital.

 We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this process and we welcome further opportunities to collaborate in producing a 10 year framework that aims to help our generation survive within ecological limits and fuel much needed social change. Thank you Mr Chair.