I am honoured to be the first “writer of the month” on the Norwegian Embassy’s site www.norway.or.id. At this hour, the world has been summoned to Bali to lay the foundations of our common future strategies to combat climate change. Allow me in this regard to express my gratitude to the government and the people of Indonesia for offering to host this historic meeting. Let me also express my appreciation of Indonesia’s commitment to finding a global solution to the challenges we face today.
Norway recognizes its responsibility in tackling climate changes and is determined to meet the following objectives at a national level:
- We will sharpen our Kyoto commitment by 10% as compared to 1990
- We will reduce emissions by 30% in 2020 (as compared to 1990). Between 50 and 67 % – of this will be taken at a national level
- We aim to be carbon neutral by 2050
An important part of the reduction will be taken through investment in Clean Development Mechanism and technology projects in developing countries. By these means can we assist developing countries in adapting to climate change and in sustainable economic growth.
In a global context, Norway is and will remain a modest emitter, although we range in emission per capita among the industrialized nations as a country with a major responsibility to act. This illustrates how dependent we are on setting up a global, binding international agreement. Therefore, a key goal in Bali is to establish a mandate for a negotiation process under the climate convention for a post-Kyoto regime that includes all countries. These negotiations must be finished by COP15, which will take place in Copenhagen in 2009.
We believe a post-Kyoto agreement must include emissions from aviation and maritime transport, as well as from deforestation. A new international agreement should also offer developing countries incentives for other emission commitments than those stipulated in the Kyoto protocol by focusing on particular sectors or intensity objectives, as for example emissions per GDP unit.
Furthermore, the Norwegian government believes that cooperation on concrete commitments regarding adaptation to climate changes and technology development should be a priority. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an example of an area of commitment. In this regard it must be underlined that we need a stronger focus on finance, and that industrial countries must bear the main costs.
I am pleased that Norway and Indonesia not only are close partners on environmental affairs, but in a number of global processes. We stand side by side in the work on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, we are partners in a global initiative on health issues, and on the work on UN reform. I am particularly pleased with my near and good cooperation with my Indonesian colleague Mr. Hasan Wirajuda. We have a thriving dialogue on Human Rights and a Global Media dialogue, attracting 80 senior journalists from more than 50 countries annually.
Norway recognises Indonesia as an important actor on the international arena. The size, geographical position, moderate Muslim population, the acceptance of pluralism in society, as well as the handling of terrorist threats, make Indonesia an exciting partner in many global settings. Finally, your commitment to democracy is nothing less than impressive, and I would like to congratulate the Indonesian nation with receiving a well-deserved democracy prize!
I trust that in the future our cooperation and friendship will continue to flourish. Together, I believe we can make a change on some of the most pressing issues we are facing today internationally, such as climate change. Best of luck with the Bali conference!