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Remarks for CoP President Ambrose
at Opening of the Discussions of Future International Cooperation on Climate Change
Bonn, Germany
May 15, 2006
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Speech delivered by the
Honourable Rona Ambrose, P.C., M.P., Minister of the Environment
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Check against delivery
Introduction
- Distinguished delegates, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen,
it is my great privilege as President of the Conference of Parties to welcome
all of you to the sessions of the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change subsidiary body sessions and related meetings for 2006.
- May I begin by thanking His Excellency Mr. Sigmar Gabriel, Federal Minister
for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety of Germany for
joining us here today.
- I would also like to offer my sincere good wishes on behalf of all of us
to His Excellency Mr. Kivutha Kibwana, the Minister for Environment and Natural
Resources of Kenya, whose country will be hosting the upcoming sessions of
the COP and the COP/MOP in Nairobi in November.
- I hosted a dinner last night for our Bureau and Secretariat and had the opportunity
to visit with Minister Kibwana. He shared with me the challenges he faces
as Environment Minister in Kenya and I shared with him the challenges I face
in Canada.
- In Canada’s Artic region, the changes noted by the Inuit community—such
as melting permafrost, changes in sea ice and the arrival of new migratory
animal species has raised the need to address adaptation measures.
- I had the unique opportunity to host a UNFCCC workshop in my hometown of
Edmonton for adaptation where we had 70 countries represented.
- It became clear to me in my conversation with Minister Kibwana that while
all of us face unique issues in our own countries we also have incredible
opportunities to work together and share similar commitments. Kenya and Canada
share a commitment to the conservation of our wildlife and our national parks.
- We are all particularly thankful for the generosity of Kenya in hosting our
next meeting and sincerely want to thank Minister Kibwana for being here
with us to show the commitment of his government to hosting the next COP
meeting in Nairobi.
- I am pleased to be here today to open the first session of the Open dialogue
and the Ad Hoc working Group sessions.
- This is the beginning of an important step to shaping the future dialogue
in the international effort to address climate change.
- We all recognize that if we are to find truly global solutions to address
climate change we must develop long-term approaches and recognize that all
of us have a part to play in the solution.
- This is the opportunity before you – and I encourage you to seize this
opportunity to create an inclusive dialogue that will bring together all
countries – in a way that will allow a sharing of information and best
practices between all global approaches.
- All of the countries represented here face their own unique challenges.
- All of you are equally aware of these challenges. Nevertheless, the issue
of climate change cannot be addressed without effective international cooperation.
- We need to start discussing here today how we can best work together to enhance
our future efforts.
- There are many options, considerations and view points about how the international
community should move forward.
- The situation that each country faces is unique. Each country’s stage
of development, levels and sources of emissions, vulnerabilities, adaptation
needs and the make up of their economies all differ.
- But future international cooperation has the potential to do more
than reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- If we are innovative, we can do it in a way that also delivers significant
co-benefits such as cleaner air and improved health.
- With an emphasis on new and emerging technologies, international cooperation
on climate change can be a key driver of sustainable economic development.
For all of the delegates here today, our task is clear
- Under the Convention Dialogue, we are to find new ways to work together that
can stimulate sustainable development, effectively address the issue of adaptation,
realize the full potential of technology, and fully utilize all of the policy
tools available to us.
- We must find new ways to accomplish all of these goals so we can effectively
tap all of the opportunities that exist, given the diversity of circumstances.
- This will be a huge challenge.
- This task will not be easy or accomplished quickly.
- A full discussion amongst Parties will be necessary. Every country must be
heard. New ideas that are emerging around the world must be brought into
these discussions.
- Fortunately this Dialogue provides us with the forum that we weed to undertake
this challenge.
- The Ad Hoc Working Group is tasked with looking forward within the context
of the Kyoto Protocol.
- It is time to take stock of our experience to date, and to explore new options
with open minds.
- This kind of review and assessment can inform our discussions about the future.
- All Parties will need to engage constructively in this process.
- Let me leave you with this …
- The work you are doing here provides an important opportunity to shape the
future.
- It is my sincere hope that delegates will take full advantage of this opportunity
to have the open discussions that will be needed if we are to continue to
make progress towards achieving the ultimate objective of the convention.
- I look forward to the results of your deliberations when they are reported
in Nairobi next fall.
- Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, again, may I thank you and
wish you well in coming weeks.
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