CSD-19

MGCY OPENING STATEMENT FOR THE HIGH LEVEL SEGMENT

11 May 2011

Thank you Mr Chair. As youth, we are committed to altering unsustainable consumption and production patterns. We advocate for global indicators of development that go beyond GDPs and economic growth. They need to account for human well-being and the maintenance of natural capital. We call for the eradication of all forms of child labor in the mining industry and the banning of mining in environmentally sensitive areas. We also call for sound chemical management based on the four principles: Precautionary, Polluter-Pays, Right-to-Know and Substitution. We urge countries to address the social and poverty issues of the formal and informal waste sectors including health, safety and educational opportunities for waste workers, particularly children. Biofuels and other renewable sources of energy are beneficial. However, it needs to be ensured that their production does not hamper food production and does not infringe upon human rights. We emphasize that civil society has the right to be consulted and our input seriously considered and incorporated in decision making processes. They must remain transparent; decisions must be implemented; and action must be taken -- so we may all have a sustainable future. Thank you