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Consultation meeting on WSSD

'Coordination among developing nations a must’

BSS, Dhaka
Experts, environmental activists and donor representatives yesterday said the developing nations must ensure belter coordination among themselves for effective projection of their issues and causes in international forums.
Speaking at a national consultation meeting on World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) to be held in Johannesburg in August this year, they identified lack of coordination among the developing countries as a major obstacle in the way of getting due consideration of their respective issues.
They said the developing countries must fix their strategies in informal meetings for incorporation of their issues in the international summits like the WSSD, a follow-up conference of the landmark Rio Earth Summit in 1992.
State Minister for Environment and Forest Jafrul Islam Chowdhury joined was present as chief guest in the consultation meeting organised by the Forum of Environmental Journalists (FEJB) in collaboration with (he Environment and Forest Ministry, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Danish 92 Group.
Chaired by FEJB Chairman Quamrui Islam Chowdhury, the meeting was also participated by journalists, officials and representatives from development partners including World Health Organisation, DANIDA, British High Commission and the US embassy.
The meeting was held ahead of the fourth meeting of the preparatory committee for WSSD to be held Bali island, Indonesia, later this month to finalise the draft for (he Johannesburg sum-
"We will represent Bangladesh in (he Bali conference and the summit with all firmness highlighting our concerns," (he state minister said.
Referring to (he inherent link between environment and sustainable development, he said. "All of us have to understand the delicate link and exploit the nature with care."
Referring to the energy and gas issue of (he country, Jafrul said Bangladesh was not suffering from any indecision on its exploitation or uses.
"Ihe government will lake a firm decision considering its economic and other aspects and impacts on environment," he said.
The FEJB chairman underlined the need for a thorough discussion on the developing countries' issues in the Bali conference to attain the desired goal in the Johannesburg Summit.
"We hope Bali will be a beacon in (his regard in more concrete terms with renewed energy to implement the Agenda 21. Developing countries should seize this opportunity and make the best uses of remaining time to bring
the process back on the right track," he said.
Peter Hersom of the DANIDA described Bangladesh as a “modest and efficient nation" and appreciated its efforts and role in domestic and international initiative for sustainable development.
"In terms of population, Bangladesh is a big country and therefore it should raise its issues and concerns with a louder voice." he said. "Bangladeshis are too modest," the Danish engineer added.
Bangladesh, he said, is a very strong country with its 135 million populations.
Han Heijen of World Health Organisation (WHO) identified an inter-link between waler quality and poverty but said the issue was missing in (he draft text of (he WSSD.
Contaminated water affects public health and subsequently has an impact on productivity and national economy. Il also raises the number of people below the poverty line, he said.
Heijen also highlighted (he issues of clean energy and primary education as major factors for sustainable development.