Deputy Minister, Ministry of International Development , Mr. Olav Kjørven

The Role and Contribution of Major Groups

Commission on Substainable Development, 12th Session, UN, New York, 29 April 2004

Mr. Chairman,

Civil society has been defined as the sphere between goverment, for profit business and the family. That’s a broad and rich sphere, and no wonder then, that civil society has a key role if we are to make progress towards sustainable development.

I would like to point out, first, that providing a sufficently open space for civil society to make its voice heard here, at the UN, is of crucial importance. It’s important in order to give perspective to the issues on the agenda here at the CSD. It’s important in order to enhance the vitality and relevance of the UN. It’s important for us as goverments. Norway therefore welcomes the expanded role for civil socity provided under CSD12 and we urge that this be continued albeit in a different form in the policy stage towards CSD13, and replicated in other UN fora. We look forward to the Cardoso commission’s report and recommendations in this regard.

Norway recognizes the necessity for broad stakeholder particpation if we are going to meet the Millennium Development Goals in water and sanitation. We also recognize the need for lifting water and sanitation on the political agenda and increase coordination between UN agencies. We therefore, support the establishment by the SG of an Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation. Following the Secretary General’s statement at the opening yesterday, where he said that the Board membership is still taking shape, we join the EU in hoping that the membership will be extended to include legitimate water and sanitation actors in civil society.

Secondly, I would like to draw attention to the concerns of indigenous peoples. As we discuss the way forward in terms of meeting our objectives on water, sanitation and human settlements, let’s not forget that we have committed ourselves, specifically, to ensure that indigenous people’s rights and their perspectives and constributions be an integral part of the agenda. Suffice it to mention the commitments as they were expressed first in Rio and then strengthened in Johannesburg. We welcome the continued contributions of indigenous people in the next phases of the CSD.

Finally, I would just like to give due recognition to all those civil society organisations who work day in and day out to advance human dignity. whether they are watchdogs trying to hold politicians such as myself accountable or grassroots movements improving opportunities and services for poor people, they deserve our credit, admiration and support. this does not mean that all NGOs are equally good or representative. But those that are – let’s view them as the true partners for sustainable development that they are. We need them. Norway will certainly continue to view NGOs – highperforming NGOs – as key partners in our development cooperation.

Thank you.