Honorable ministers, dear colleagues,
I am pleased to take part in this round table discussion, as sustainable consumption
and production patterns is a priority theme for Finland.
We need to considerably intensify our joint efforts so that in the long term
everybody is able to meet their basic needs and have a decent quality of life within
the carrying capacity of the ecosystems.
This means that we have to rethink the concept of economic growth by decoupling
it from environmental degradation.
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At the moment we are lacking a common vision on how to use natural resources in a
more sustainable way and at the same time create welfare for all.
The CSD 19 in 2011 will provide an excellent opportunity for Governments to agree on
a 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production. It
should outline a common vision on SCP shared by all countries. It should identify key
elements of the programmes such as concrete targets, main actors and means of
implementation as well as mechanisms for follow- up. We must continue our work on
the framework of programmes right after this session so that we can have an
agreement on this issue next year.
To be effective, the 10 year Framework of Programmes needs to be better
embedded within the UN system.
The International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management should be given a
role in supporting governments and different stakeholders in their actions towards
more sustainable consumption and production.

In 2006 Finland developed a national strategy on SCP together with all relevant
stakeholders. This process has led to a number of concrete measures.
As one of the outcomes, a major study was conducted on the environmental and
economic footprint of our economy. The study revealed interesting facts. For
example, most of the environmental impacts of domestic consumption are caused
by housing, food and private transportation. Women are in the key role, as they
make the majority of the purchasing decisions of the households.

The study also showed that half of the Finnish economy's environmental impacts
are due to exports. Our economy uses natural resources abroad as much it uses at
home.
To point-out one of the most resource intensive sectors, buildings and urban
infrastructure hold enormous potential for emissions reductions. As we have just
heard, to encourage energy efficiency in the built environment, Finland chairs the
Marrakech Task Force on Sustainable Buildings and Construction. Also the work of
this task force provides elements for developing the 10 year framework of
programmes. For those of you who would like to learn more about this specific
topic, please join the side-event hosted by the Task Force tomorrow at 6.15 p.m.
Thank you, madame/mister Chairman