Summary: November 1, 2002: Statement by H.E. Ambassador Ellen Margrethe Løj, Permanent Representative of Denmark to the UN, on behalf of the European Union, on Globalization and interdependence. FIFTY-SEVENTH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY - SECOND COMMITTEE: Item 94 (New York)
Mr. Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe associated with the European Union - Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the associated countries - Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, as well as the EFTA country of the European Economic Area - Iceland, align themselves with this statement.
Mr. Chairman,
The debate on globalisation is forever and wherever present. Globalisation is multidimensional in essence. It raises important issues that must remain at the core of both national and international development agendas, if we are to direct globalisation towards sustainable development and poverty reduction.
At the international level issues in relation to globalisation have been an integral part of the deliberations at all the major UN conferences and summits in recent years - at the Millennium Summit, in Doha, in Monterrey and in Johannesburg to mention some of the most recent ones. These events highlighted the need of a people and environment centred development respectful of cultural diversity in a globalised world, that global response is possible, and that there is a sincere will to
strengthen governance at the international, regional, national and local level in both economic and social fields.
As we have stressed at all these occasions the EU strongly believes that globalisation gives us a great opportunity for stimulating growth and prosperity all over the world. At the same time, we recognise that not all countries, regions or groups of people currently benefit from the gains of an increasingly globalised world. Especially the least developed countries are not yet reaping the full benefits from globalisation.
It is essential that all the developing countries be truly integrated in the global economy if we are to fulfil the commitments in the Millennium Declaration and to reach the Millennium Development Goals. We often tend only to focus on the economic side of globalisation, but just as importantly is the social and environmental dimension of globalisation. Therefore an integrated approach covering social, economic and environmental policies have to be developed at all levels and should be actively
supported by all relevant international organisations and institutions.
Mr. Chairman,
Setting the right conditions for a better integration into world markets and trade starts at home. Good governance at the national and local level is fundamental. It is up to each individual country to create an enabling environment and an appropriate framework for investment and trade supportive of sustainable development. Domestic policies in the area of taxation, income redistribution, decent work rights and the fight against corruption are fundamental, the same are democracy, rule of law,
respect for human rights and a socially and environmentally sustainable development. The building of effective institutions plays a pivotal role in ensuring that globalisation becomes a positive force for all. The international community should lend support to the national efforts in the form of technical assistance and capacity building in relation to key social and economic institutions. In this respect also capacity building of local communities are important and can promote a more equitable
distribution of the benefits from globalisation.
Looking at the economic dimension of globalisation, appropriate policy responses at the international level are essential. Better policy coherence in terms of both objectives and instruments between the UN, the International Financial Institutions and the WTO is vital. Enhanced stability and transparency of the international financial system, including through enhanced crises prevention and resolution, further efforts in order to tackle financial abuse of globalisation such as financing
mechanisms of terrorism, corruption and money laundering, and finally a more inclusive and equitable global economic system with the participation of all countries and the further inclusion of the civil society in the decision making process is called for. The EU will continue to contribute to the debate on how to improve further international governance.
There is no doubt that trade is and always has been at the centre of globalisation and an engine of economic growth and development. The EU is firmly committed to leading the development agenda agreed by all WTO members in Doha. The EU is the main export market for developing countries and offers many trade preferences. We have set the direction with the "everything but arms initiative" which grants duty-free and quota-free market access for all LDC exports to the EU. We underlines the
commitments made in the Doha Ministerial Declaration, notably in terms of market access, in particular for products of export interest to developing countries, especially least developed countries. And we will continue to increase our assistance to strengthen long-term trade capacity, production capacity and measures to reduce supply side constraints, as well as to help countries participate effectively in negotiations in the WTO.
The social dimension of global governance needs to be strengthened. The increased internationalisation of economic activity, flow of information, technology and people calls for universal application of internationally agreed minimum standards and for the promotion of good practice in social policy. The EU strongly calls for the full implementation of the core labour standards as enumerated in the ILO Declaration on Principles and fundamental Rights at Work unanimously adopted by Member states
in 1998. We support ILO determination and effectiveness in monitoring and enforcing, by its appropriate mechanisms, internationally agreed rules and norms. ILO should be made more effective in terms of enforcing rules supporting policy implementation, and WHO in terms of the norms they are advocating.
The EU would like to welcome the recent establishment of the ILO World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation. We look forward to receiving the report from the commission in 2003 containing its conclusions on the analytical work in relation to the implications of globalisation for economic and social progress.
Mr. Chairman,
Globalisation gives us the opportunity to and calls for greater knowledge sharing. New technology makes knowledge potentially available all over the world, but needs to be combined with life long learning and competence development, for the benefits to be shared widely. The EU welcomes the upcoming WSIS where among other things we are to discuss how we through an enhanced partnership can put knowledge and information at the service of all countries and people. In this respect the EU would also
like to express our strong support for the ICT taskforce established by the SG.
There are many global problems that require global solutions, and the increased international co-operation brought about by globalisation can help us tackle them effectively. For example communicable diseases, climate change, loss of biodiversity, depletion of resources and spread of transnational organized crime and terrorism. Addressing these issues - that is providing the world with global public goods should be seen as part of the strategy to maximise the benefits of globalisation and
minimise its negative effects. The Global Fund to fight HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and malaria as well as the GEF are good examples of a global partnership to tackle a global problem. And it is further important in the sense that it is a true partnership between the public sector, the private sector and the civil society at large.
The EU would like to highlight the important work that is being undertaken in many different fora in order to make an international definition of global public goods. The EU strongly supports the establishment of an open, transparent and inclusive participatory process at the global level to look into the definition, identification and effective and adequate provision of Global Public Goods. In this respect we encourage all countries and organisation to take an active part in the work of the
International Task Force on Global Public Goods launched at WSSD in September.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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