Position Paper for the United Nations Development Program

The issues before the United Nations Development Program are Energy as a Means to Achieving Sustainable Development; Decreasing Disparity between Developed and Developing Countries and Their Ability to Access Information and Communication Technology; and Financing for Development.

I.             Energy as a Means to Achieving Sustainable Development

The State of Finland believes that broad cooperation and partnership with needy developing countries and with poor population groups is essential. Affordable energy stands to benefit people in all sectors and countries-whether industrialized or developing. Existing traditional systems do not provide the energy sources that are needed, and they can create severe environmental problems.  Finland views the UNDP programs for Sustainable Development as an integral component in solving the energy problem and supports the UNDP positions in the global energy dialogue.

Finland strongly emphasizes the importance of environmental matters, particularly the comprehensive nature of sustainable development, in addressing the lack of affordable energy in developing countries. Developing countries should be supported in preventing global environmental problems and in reaching common environmental objectives.  As acknowledged at the 1992 Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, there is a close relationship between the environment and socio/economic development and a commitment to work to achieve sustainable development is necessary.

Finland believes that obtaining sustainable development requires adjusting economic and social development to ecological conditions. One of Finland’s main concerns is the integration of environmental considerations into sectoral policy, in particular, the fulfillment of the commitments of the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. The targets to curb emissions to a sustainable level, to minimize risks and to utilize renewable resources in a sustainable manner are important considerations when implementing energy policies for developing countries.

Finland firmly supports engaging the international community in efforts to achieve sustainable development through sound energy policies. An approach to sustainable development that views it as a continuous, guided process of societal change at the global, regional and local levels, aimed at providing every opportunity to present and future generations to lead a good life serves to enhance the prospects for a reality with affordable energy.

II.                Decreasing Disparity between Developed and Developing Countries and Their Ability to Access Information and Communication Technology

The disproportionate distribution of technology is a disadvantage in the elimination of large-scale poverty. Finland places a high priority in aiding the battle against poverty, ignorance and disease all of which information and technology promises some improvements to the current situation. Technology provides a means to improve international human rights mechanisms and respect for human rights norms strengthened. The State of Finland views the development of information and communications technology as a means to implement the furtherance of respect for human rights, the rights of women, children, minorities and indigenous people. For example, improvements in technology allows for the realization of the right to accessible education at all levels, guaranteed under the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Finland has made strides in information and communication technology and continues to be a global leader in this field. It supports both on-the-ground efforts such as initiatives that work to provide technology for use in underserved populations, as well as policy reform at the State level. Finland believes that cooperation is essential at the State and global level to successfully implement positive long-term growth and sustainable development.

III.                 Financing for Development

A central objective of the State of Finland is the elimination of large-scale poverty. Finland emphasizes that trade can be an important vehicle for sustainable development and eradication of poverty. This requires, however, that market access for developing countries is substantially improved. Also, Finland believes that domestic sources of financing for development such as government expenditure, national savings and internal revenues are key to the achievement of development. However, Finland also sees the importance of pursuing innovative sources of financing to augment the private sector’s involvement in the development process.

Finland realizes that the debt situation in many developing countries is still a grave concern and calls for strong-minded action. Finland supports the HIPC debt initiative and forgives its bilateral development credits to countries accepted to receive HIPC relief. However, special attention should be paid to ensure that lending and future lending will not lead to an intolerable debt burden to the countries later on. It is Finland’s belief that policy toward developing countries should support good administration and mutual cultural knowledge and understanding as a part of sustainable development. Financial backing is a part of this understanding. Finland supports countries that are ready for cooperation and committed to common objectives in the field of economic change, but also with regard to democracy, respect for human rights, equality and building a civil society. Finland encourages all States, international organizations and non-governmental organizations to increase their efforts in combating poverty its resulting dilemmas and to provide assistance to those affected.  Developing countries need assistance in making economic decisions; the international community needs to ensure that the situation surrounding a country’s aid is appropriate.

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