UN's small island meeting unanimously adopts position on climate change, clean energy

The United Nations meeting on small island developing States concluded today with unanimous agreement that such countries were suffering already from the consequences of climate change, with some seeing a threatening rise in sea levels, and a call to promote the use of renewable energy sources and cleaner fossil fuel technologies as a top priority.

"Adaptation to adverse impacts of climate change and sea-level rise remains a major priority," the delegations said in a document on implementing agreements made in Barbados a decade ago.

On the final day of their five-day meeting in Port Louis, Mauritius, they also recognized the "the importance of intensifying (their) efforts to facilitate the full and effective participation…in the deliberations and decision-making process of the World Trade Organization (WTO)."

"Most small island developing States, as a result of their smallness, persistent structural disadvantages and vulnerabilities, face specific difficulties in integrating into the global economy," they said.

The small countries have welcomed international assistance from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and other UN agencies in developing ecotourism as part of their sustainable development policies. In WTO negotiations, they have also requested greater market access for their agricultural products.

On the question of transporting radioactive substances through their national waters, they said, "The international community notes that cessation of transport of radioactive materials through SIDS regions is an ultimate desire of SIDS and some other countries, and recognizes the right of freedom of negotiation in accordance with international law."

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan told a Port Louis news conference, "Here in Mauritius, I have been impressed with the very high level of attendance at the meeting on small island developing States.

"This shows a renewed interest and commitment on the part of the entire international community for the issues of concern to these states - from environmental vulnerabilities to small economies, remoteness from world markets, high energy costs and waste management problems."

He welcomed the enthusiastic support that his call for a global early warning system had received, adding that it should cover not just tsunamis but also other natural threats, such as storm surges and cyclones.

Mr. Annan said he would appoint a special envoy for relief and reconstruction next week to ensure maximum coordination of aid efforts in the wake of the deadly 26 December tsunami.

The appointment would respond to the post-tsunami meeting of world leaders in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Mr. Annan launched an emergency or flash appeal for $977 million.

Video of press conference [23mins]