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INTRODUCTORY STATEMENTS

Under-Secretary-General for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development Nitin Desai opened Friday morning's debate with a summary of UNCED follow-up activities. With regard to the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), Desai commented on the success of its first session, the participation of ministers in the high level segment, and the establishment of two working groups on finance and technology transfer that will meet early in 1994. The CSD expects member States to: keep it informed on activities; adequately consider non-State actors regarding policy implementation; honor commitments made in Rio; and ensure Agenda 21 follow-up in all intergovernmental bodies. He stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation and collaboration. With regard to the Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, Desai noted that great progress has been made in this crucial element to UNCED follow-up. He urged all governments to participate and contribute to the voluntary fund. With regard to the negotiations to elaborate an international Convention to combat desertification and drought, Desai noted that this is the first UNCED-mandated legal instrument to be negotiated. On the Climate Change Convention, Desai said that it is likely that the first Conference of Parties will meet in early 1995 and Germany has offered to host it. Until then, he urged governments to review mechanisms for implementation of the Convention, the need to strengthen the Convention in light of new scientific evidence and financial mechanisms.