STATEMENT
BY
H.E.Z.D MUBURI-MUITA
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
DURING THE THEMATIC DEBATE
OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON "ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE:
THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE WORLD
AT WORK".
11TH-12TH FEBRUARY 2008
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS
NEW YORK
Mr. President,
I take this opportunity to thank you for convening this thematic debate on the subject “Addressing Climate Change: The United Nations and the World at Work.”
Kenya associates itself with the statements delivered by the Representatives of Antigua and Barbuda and Cameroon on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and the African Group respectively.
We further wish to express our appreciation to the President of the General Assembly for the informative Background Paper on key issues, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations for the report providing an overview of the activities undertaken by the United Nations in relation to climate change.
Mr. President,
My delegation underscores the fact that climate change is one of the main challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. It is a global issue that requires international collective and collaborative action. Notwithstanding the above, I wish to point out that there exists a framework for addressing climate change issues within the United Nations. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and its affiliate bodies and institutions is ably spearheading the efforts to address climate change. Hence, care need to be taken to avoid establishing parallel processes on issues of climate change.
In addition, the focus on climate change should not undermine efforts towards tackling other important issues to developing countries, such as ensuring sustained economic growth, financing for development, implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and poverty eradication. For Kenya and many other developing countries, these are among our priority concerns.
Mr. President,
Climate change is already inflicting serious damage to key economic sectors in Kenya. Kenyans have lately witnessed increased floods, frequent devastating droughts, reduced agricultural productivity and increased prevalence of malaria among other climate-induced manifestations. Our road infrastructure has yet to recover from the damage caused by the El Niño rains of late 90’s. These extreme events are frustrating efforts towards improving the living standards of our populations.
Overall, the projected impact of unmitigated climate change in Kenya is likely to have major implications on livelihoods, health, water resources, agricultural productivity, food security, ecosystems and dependent tourism sector.
The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is very clear on the causes of climate change and the potential environmental hazards likely to affect the global community in the near future as well as the short window of opportunity available to address this issue. We owe it to the future generations to act now if we are to avoid the catastrophes predicted in the report. We, therefore, need to translate decisions reached in various meetings into practical strategies and actions on the ground.
In this regard, all stakeholders should commit themselves to climate change mitigation and adaptation activities in line with the principal of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. In particular, Annex II parties should fully embrace their responsibilities under the convention to mitigate climate change and commit more financial and technological resources to support adaptation, mitigation and capacity building activities in developing countries. We believe the question of climate change should not be confined to the domain of abstract international discourse and negotiations but must be brought down to finding simple, common sense solutions and should further respond to real threats facing millions of people all over the world.
Mr. President,
Kenya has taken a pragmatic approach by initiating supportive policy and legislative frameworks as well as institutional reforms to rejuvenate and support sustainable management of our natural resources, including forests and water resources. Particular focus is being given to increasing forest cover in the country in order to improve hydrological capacity while also serving as important carbon sinks which also helps in providing livelihood support to forest-adjacent communities. We are encouraged by international efforts through the climate change regime to support our efforts in reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. In this regard, we recognize the need for institutional and human capacity support to engage and lead national efforts in addressing climate change issues in developing countries.
Mr. President,
Kenya recognizes the important role the United Nations System can play in assisting countries, particularly developing countries in their efforts to address climate change. The report by the Secretary-General on the UN activities in relation to climate change highlights a number of ongoing and potential avenues through which the UN can support countries effectively tackle climate change.
Overall, and in addition to those areas highlighted in the report, we believe the UN can assist countries to:
Build capacity for adaptation and mitigation particularly in developing countries;
Promote creation of conducive environment for technology development and transfer;
Create awareness on climate change related issues;
Ensure political will, support and commitment by leaders;
Promote resource mobilization;
Promote sharing of best practices and experience amongst countries and stakeholders; and
Spearhead the establishment of internationally-binding norms and standards in the area of climate change.
Whereas we recognize the fact that the UN has the network and the will to undertake a wide range of activities in this area, it is important to make our proposals with due attention to the existing technical, financial and human capacities within the UN system.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, let me state that it is also noteworthy that climate change being a global challenge and cutting across all sectors of society, no one stakeholder can adequately address its effects single-handedly. It requires concerted, collective action at local, national and international levels. Both individuals, civil society and the business community must work together to meaningfully address climate change. It is on this basis that partnerships at all levels are paramount in endeavours to address climate change. We trust that the UN system with its multidimensional and complex networks has what it takes to initiate, develop and promote partnerships in the area of climate change.
My delegation once again reiterates the importance of this debate that provides an opportunity for an exchange of views among member states and partners on climate change. We believe this will not only reinvigorate the UN focus and attention but also galvanize the international efforts towards addressing climate change.
I thank you.
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