Environment and Security Initiative’s support towards Sustainable Development Goals and green economy in focus of OSCE-organized discussion in Batumi

BATUMI, 9 June 2016 – The Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC) stakeholders discussed today in Batumi how the Initiative can contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and transition to green economy at an ENVSEC side event on the occasion of the Eighth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference.

The Conference has gathered high-level representatives of the 56 member countries to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), NGONGO
non-governmental organization representatives from the region as well as several regional and international organizations.

“Recognizing the close linkages between sustainable development and peace, the 2030 Agenda requires multi-stakeholder and multi-sectorial partnerships for its implementation,” said Dr. Halil Yurdakul Yiğitgüden, 2016 Chair of the ENVSEC Initiative and Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. “Launched in Kiev in 2003 at the Fifth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference, the ENVSEC Initiative enables co-ordinated environmental action in support of the 2030 Agenda.”

The side event titled “From Kiev to Batumi and beyond: The prospects for ENVSEC’s contribution to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” enabled Ministers, other high-level representatives and civil society to share their experience and voice expectations in addressing emerging risks for environment and security.

Deputy Director of the Environment Division at UN Economic Commission for Europe Sergiusz Ludwiczak, said: “ENVSEC contributes in many ways to the transition to a green and inclusive economy in Eastern Europe, South Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia. It aims to foster co-operation among and within countries by addressing the environmental impact of programmes and projects at their early stages of planning, by improving resource efficiency, particularly in case of water, and through empowering civil society and communities.”

Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia, Ekaterine Grigalava, noted that the ENVSEC Initiative has proved itself a valuable and effective tool in the protection of our environment. “The Initiative supports partner countries to make practical steps towards a more secure environment that is a key element for achieving sustainable development – the commitment we all share and adhere to around the world.” 

The ENVSEC high-level Side Event took place in the context of the Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference, organized in Batumi on 8-10 June 2016. The Environment and Security Initiative (ENVSEC) is a partnership of OSCE, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Regional Environment Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) that provides an integrated response to environment and security challenges.