SINGAPORE: Environment and Water Resources Minister
Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore has to ensure that it remains at
the forefront of new developments in sustainable
development.
He said it must also position itself to pursue new
opportunities that will arise in the Green Economy of the
future.
Dr Balakrishnan made these points at the United
Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) Summit, in
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 22 June.
He said the summit has succeeded in setting out a clear agenda for
action to ensure that the world pursues the path of sustainable
development.
He said countries need to build on what has been achieved at Rio+20
and continue working closely together.
Dr Balakrishnan said the United Nations (UN) and its bodies need to
take on the mandate given to them to set clear and visionary
directions to guide countries towards sustainable
development.
On their part, countries should take the opportunity to re-look
their national policies and capabilities to take stock of how they
can work closely with the UN.
Dr Balakrishnan said they also need to share best practices and
experiences in sustainable development.
He said he's happy that the summit generated consensus on the road
ahead for sustainable development.
He said although there was broad agreement on the overall
direction, much work lies ahead.
These include fleshing out the details of the Sustainable
Development Goals to strengthen global governance of the
environment, as well as implementing the Green Economy.
- CNA/ck
