Youth Statement to the 9th Governing Council Special Session of UNEP

February 8th, 2006 – Delivered by Juan Hoffmaister
Ministerial Consultation - Energy

Thank you madame chair. On behalf of the youth, I would like to a make a few remakrs on the issues addressed here over the last day.

We call for action.We must work to improve access to clean technologies not only for industrial but for household use. We MUST overcome our current dependence on fossil fuels, and prioritize energy on national agendas.

However, several countries and international funding institutions continue to subsidize fossil fuels and polluting industries, while sustainable options are already available. Youth believe this is simply unacceptable. Subsidies must be allocated  to the research and development of clean technologies. Similarly, innovation, collaboration and conservation must be at the center of global efforts.

Countries must engage in the development of diverse energy portfolios and avoid a “one size fits all” approach to these issues. We encourage small energy development projects that help address regional issues while  reducing  socioeconomic and ecological impact.

Biofuel has been higlighted as potential alternative fuel several times. We would like to remind to consider environmetnal needs for producing biofuel. We urge you for comprehensive energy plan considering all environmental and social factors avoiding the allocation of all resoruces to one energy source.

Clean Development Mechanisms have been mentioned several times during this consultation.We strongly urge the developed countries to strengthen the CDM by properly funding the administrative expenses of the Executive Board. Furthermore, the CDM process should be provisioned not only with “expert advice” but also with input from civil society and traditional knowledge of affected communities to incorporate transparency, informed consent, and equitable benefit sharing with Indigenous Peoples and other affected stakeholders.

 We also believe that tax incentives must be provided in order to include private sector efforts in research, development and implementation. However, we would like to highlight that we want a just transition to low-impact renewable energy and insist on the removal of fossil fuel subsidies.

Finally, the youth would like to endorse the Global Civil Society Forum outcomes, and we commend the committement of UNEP and many countries to include civil society in the decision making and implementation process.
  

Thank you for considering the youth's voice, and please remember that it’s our future at stake. We need action now.