Friday, May 16, 2008

Finally!

By: Ida Bergstrøm, Stakeholder Forum

At the time of writing this it has yet to be confirmed and officially announced through the official election procedure Friday afternoon. But as we understand it, it is pretty much in the box. Not to reduce Minister Verburg to her gender, but it does feel good to not have to write another story lamenting about how the CSD never elects a female chair.

Looking ahead to next year’s policy session then, Outreach Issues caught up with the busy Ms Verburg, who most likely will be heading it all.

According to well placed rumours you will be nominated as the Chair of the next CSD. After the dismal outcome of the CSD 15, does the fact that the Netherlands and you seek to become the Chair of the next Bureau, mean that your government and the EU now give new importance to the CSD process?

Well, we have always seen the CSD as an important platform and network, because of the issues that it raises and places on the agenda. Thinking about the challenges we are facing now, the food crisis, lack of investment in agriculture and so on, I think the CSD can, will and has to play a very important role in finding solutions, and make these solutions work in practice.

As Chair, what will you do to ensure the CSD mandate is fulfilled in a best possible way?

First of all, I feel a strong motivation and dedication. Were I to be elected, then we, my team and I, will work on this together, and with all the other member states. I am motivated by all the challenges we face, in regards for instance to water, sanitation, the food crisis. These challenges can also be seen as a new chance, or as a transformation period in which we can prepare ourselves for a period where sustainable production becomes central.

Will you make sure national reporting is stimulated, as well as interaction with civil society prior to writing these reports?

The Netherlands is experienced in this. We like to involve civil society and NGOs before defining or deciding on new policies. Representatives of civil society organisations, like women and youth, are part of our delegation. They are involved in the preparation and they are a full part of the delegation during the entire session. It is my strong conviction that involving them from the beginning makes it more possible to come up with solutions that will work in practice.

I just called upon the other member states to involve youth, women and other civil society organisations within their delegations and in their side events.

Provided that you are elected, you will be the first female Chair of the CSD Bureau since the CSD process began after Rio in 1992. How significant is this, and what do you bring to the table?

It is a milestone, but it’s not that important. It’s important to involve women at all levels in the CSD. We have to recognize for instance that 60% of all those working in the field are women. They should and must participate in decision-making and develop leadership. Not only on the international level, but also on the local and regional level. Women should not only be heard, but should be involved and get room to participate and co-decide. It would be wonderful if I can be a role model for that, together with other fellow women ministers. I was active in the launch of the women in agriculture network at a side event on Wednesday night, and I would be glad to be an ambassador for this network if they would like me to.

Do you have any thoughts on how to improve the dialogue and involvement of Major Groups?

Well, it’s what I mentioned already, involving them also at the national level. I’m in favour of a permanent dialogue between the government and organisations in society. We have worked in that way in the Netherlands for many years, and it truly improves the decision-making process and implementation of policies.

Is there a way of getting away from stale pre-prepared statements?

This is the UN system, and you have to listen closely. Behind the statements there is a huge period of preparation. What is said is what will and can be our contribution during the session. I hope the preparatory period will strengthen the quality of the results.

All member states I have heard these last days are convinced that the UN is very important, particularly in its coordination role.

Will the coming CSD, which you are likely to be chairing, manage to put its mark on recent developments?

I hope so. I think we have to. The challenges that we face, the different challenges should be brought together. The solutions and what needs to be done to implement them are things I’ve already heard spoken about during these days. But I think we should use the intersessional period to prepare the solutions even better. I believe the CSD is qualified to come up with the complex, combined and integrated solutions that are needed.

So we can expect strong policy statements?

It has to be by common result, but I have very strong motivation.