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Prime Minister Rasmussen,
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor to represent the Environmental Integrity Group, comprised of Lichtenstein, Mexico, Monaco, Switzerland and Korea.
The EIG has both Annex 1 and non-Annex 1 countries and this has allowed us to act as a “positive bridge.” Rather than speaking on our positions, we tried to come up with converging solutions. For this reason, EIG has made many workable solutions that touch upon the core issues.
The “Green Fund” proposed by Mexico, the “International tax system” by Switzerland, and the “Registry” mechanism proposed by Korea, all played an important role in bringing together developed and developing countries. These proposals are also realistic and can help us solve our problems.
For example, the Swiss proposal will help us lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. The Mexican proposal will provide an international fund that will finance our mitigation and adaptation efforts. The international “registry” system that Korea proposed will motivate developing countries to take reduction steps that are transparent and internationally recognized.
However, one of the most important principles that the EIG believes in is the importance of having a “Me First” attitude. This is why the members of the EIG set an ambitious target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that meets the highest standard recommended by the international community.
Excellencies and world citizens,
The EIG also believes that this is an opportunity to adopt a new development paradigm that will dramatically change our future for the better. We believe that “Green Growth” is the new economic path that will benefit all of us.
We believe it is possible to have sustainable development while promoting a greener future. We believe we can grow while protecting the environment. In the case of Korea, we have set up the “Low Carbon Green Growth” as a new national vision which will help us achieve these goals. Other members of the EIG have similar visions. And it is our hope to share our knowledge with others so that we can all have a greener, more sustainable future.
This is why Korea will establish the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). This institute will assist countries in formulating their own Green Growth Plans. In the spirit of global partnership, this institute will act as a global think tank leading us to a low carbon society. This is not just a Korean venture. This institute will bring together the best minds from around the world.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
In a few hours, the Copenhagen meeting will come to a closing. But, Excellencies, this is not an end but a new beginning.
Although we may not agree on everything today, this must not be an excuse for No-Action. We will continue to do our very best because there is no alternative to our planet. This is all we have.
Thank you.
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