UNUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Press Releases 1998

[Index]

MESSAGE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL TO THE FOURTH PAN-EUROPEAN CONFERENCE OF ENVIRONMENT MINISTERS, "ENVIRONMENT FOR EUROPE"

23 June 1998

(Delivered on his behalf by Mr. Yves Berthelot,
Executive Secretary, UN Economic Commission for Europe)

Aarhus, Denmark, 23-25 June 1998

It gives me pleasure to greet all who have gathered for this ministerial conference on the environment. I would like to express my appreciation to Prime Minister Poul Rasmussen and the Government of Denmark for their role in making this gathering possible, and in particular for focussing attention on a subject of such central importance.

Environmental threats -- from pollution of our air to overfishing in the seas, and from hazardous wastes to deforestation -- are quintessential "problems without passports", which is how I describe challenges that transcend borders. No nation is immune; no nation can address such issues on its own; and no nation is exempt from the risks of doing without the benefits of international cooperation. In short, if we are to solve the world's environmental problems we need "blueprints without borders".

I am pleased that the "Environment for Europe" process has developed into such an impressive framework for dialogue and collaboration on matters relating to the environment. Indeed, your efforts here in the region of the UN Economic Commission for Europe -- for example in promoting more efficient use of energy and other resources -- are setting important examples for other regions of the world.

I have been especially heartened by the innovative approach you have taken in opening up environmental decision-making to the general public. The new Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters constitutes a milestone in increasing transparency and participatory possibilities in the environmental arena. It will help put an end to environmental secrecy, promote democracy and protect the right of everyone to live in a healthy environment.

The strong involvement of non-governmental organizations in the preparation of the Convention is another noteworthy and commendable feature of the agreement. It is my hope that as many governments as possible in the ECE region and beyond -- since the Convention is open to non-ECE member countries -- will take the necessary steps to accede to and implement this valuable new international legal instrument.

The Convention is one among several signs of progress along the road from the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro six years ago. Major conventions on climate change, biodiversity and desertification have entered into force. The phasing out of CFCs is almost complete in the industrial countries. But we have not yet reached the critical mass needed for long-term impact. The United Nations is working to introduce new ideas and methods into global efforts towards truly sustainable development. But we must go further.

The ECE region has significant responsibility in this regard. It is the region which has most polluted our planet, but it is also the region which has made the greatest efforts to protect the environment through institutional measures, technological progress and other steps. As the "Environment for Europe" process continues to play a key role in these efforts, I wish you every success in your important deliberations.