United Nations, New York Headquarters, 4 April 2014

Key Speakers: Mr. Oliver Zhender, Deputy-Permanent Representative of Switzerland (Moderator); Mr. Heinz Leuenberger, Director, Environmental Management, UNIDO; H.E. Mr. Libran Cabactulan, Permanent Representative, Republic of Philippines; H.E. Mr. Noel Sinclair, Deputy Chief de Cabinet, Office of the President of General Assembly; Mr. Jigar Shah, Executive Director, Institute of Industrial Productivity; Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Professor, Unversidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Mr. Oliver Zhender, Deputy-Permanent Representative of Switzerland, said that his country recognizes that the efficient and sustainable management of natural resources, in particular by global industry, is a key challenge of our time. Knowing the ever increasing demand for raw materials, and the current consumption and production levels, Mr. Zhender said that sustainable consumption and production has to be well integrated in the sustainable development goals.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Noel Sinclair said that the global increase in consumption and production entails growing pressure on the natural resources. The availability of water and other resources has become an immediate concern in many parts of the world. He said that the environmental conditions have continued to deteriorate; both in developed and developing countries. Developed economies and major multinational industries, he said, should take leading actions in promoting sustainable models of economic growth. H.E. Mr. Libran Cabactulan said that industrial development should be linked to sustainable production and sustainable consumption. He said that by encouraging business practices towards adapting sustainability, we will be promoting human rights, labor and environment.

Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said that the new vision is not to take into account resources separately but to link all the resources. She said that if we want to reach the greenhouse gas emission target that is to reduce the current consumption of fossil fuels by 50%, this energy efficiency is not enough. Mr. Heinz Leuenberger said that a Green Industry Platform was launched at Rio. It is a high-level multi stakeholder partnership framework, he said, where companies, governments and international organizations commit, through a statement of support, to be more resource efficient and to close the material loops.

Written by WIT Representative: Shan Cheema