We are entering the final stretch of our Montreal 2005 marathon – and
it’s good to have the energetic new world team of ministers here,
to take us to the finish line.
Welcome to Montreal.
In my opening remarks last week, I characterized the objectives of this
conference as the three “I’s” – implementing the Kyoto Protocol; improving the Protocol and the Convention; and innovating for the future.
From what I have seen and heard so far, it is heartening to see how
these three goals have been fully embraced by the Parties to this Conference.
I have seen the hard work, good will, and active listening that delegates
have shown in advancing these three objectives over the last nine days – continuing
the cooperative efforts that had been ongoing for months, indeed years
before this Conference.
Let us recap what we have achieved so far.
We started well on the first “I,” implementing the Kyoto
Protocol, with the adoption of the decisions in the Marrakech Accord.
Adopting these Marrakech decisions culminates years of effort, and their
approval paves the way for fully implementing the Kyoto Protocol.
Let us celebrate the coming to life of the first binding global agreement
to combat climate change!
But let us not forget that now we need to adopt the compliance procedures
to complete the Marrakech Accord.
We are now making real progress on the second “I,” improving the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. Our accomplishments here in Montreal
will be a milestone.
Think of the crucial issue of adaptation to climate change: here in
Montreal, we are assembling a significant package of initiatives on adaptation,
giving this important issue the attention it demands.
We are also working collectively to strengthen the Clean Development
Mechanism – a unique market-based instrument that will be a source
of investment and technology transfer for developing countries.
To this end, we must provide this Kyoto instrument with the resources
and professional capacity required for it to be effective.
This brings me to the final “I” – innovating for the
future. There is an urgent need to send a signal to the world about the
future.
Under article 3.9 of the Kyoto Protocol, Annex 1 countries have to initiate
meaningful discussions on new commitments for post-2012.
I said this many times, I am repeating it again : Montreal 2005 must
demonstrate a strong commitment to article 3.9.
.
But we know that action under Article 3.9 is only part of the solution.
Many parties told me that to improve our collective action, we also
need an open and innovative process that includes all the parties to
the Convention. By initiating discussions and brainstorming we can narrow
the huge, worrisome gap between what science dictates and what we are
able to accomplish with our good intentions.
I have tabled a draft CoP decision and discussions have been frank and
productive.
Success on the third “I”, will require much work and strong
political leadership.
I appeal to your sense of duty and public dedication. In the end, there
is no victory in winning a negotiation point if we all lose in the fight
to combat climate change.
Yesterday I was honoured to participate in the Arctic Day events. We
need to pay close attention to the knowledge and concerns of those who
are experiencing the current impacts of climate change – for their
dilemma will be our dilemma in the months, years and decades ahead. No
country is immune to the future impacts of climate change.
The world is looking to us for action. I believe we are close to agreement.
So let us finish our marathon.
Let us put together a winning combination that will strengthen the Kyoto
Protocol and the implementation of the Convention; that will start the
process for the second phase of Kyoto on a good footing; and that will
include a decision to continue discussions on long-term cooperative action
to address climate change.
It is our duty to ourselves and to future generations.
