27 June 2011
UNCTAD Public Symposium Discusses Transition to Green Economy
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Panelists at the third UNCTAD Public Symposium discussed the challenges of moving towards green growth in a manner that is fair and equitable and stressed the need for: developed countries to help developing countries adapt to and mitigate climate change; a wholesale systemic change approach to the green economy; and removing disincentives to clean energy investments.

UNCTAD23 June 2011: Panelists speaking at the third Public Symposium of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) discussed how the transition towards a green economy can be achieved in a manner that is fair and equitable, and supports efforts to raise living standards in developing countries.

Panelists agreed that the developing world has a fundamental right to better living standards, and efforts to cope with climate change and related environmental problems must contribute to, rather than interfere with, these aspirations. They also stressed the need for: developed countries to help developing countries adapt to and mitigate climate change; a wholesale systemic change approach to the green economy; and removing disincentives to clean energy investments.

Others urged for a strong role of the State in fostering green economic growth, while coordinating policies within and among States to develop a coherent global governance system. One panelist highlighted the need to address workers’ conditions in the informal sectors and high unemployment in the developing world. Echoing discussions from another panel on the impacts of the financial crisis and the risk of a double-dip global recession, one panelist cautioned against moving immediately towards green growth while economic recovery is still weak and might suffer from additional difficult tasks.

The third UNCTAD Public Symposium was held from 22-24 June 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Symposium provides a venue for multistakeholder dialogue on topics likely to dominate the global political agenda in 2011 and 2012. [UNCTAD Public Symposium Press Release Day 1] [UNCTAD Public Symposium Press Release Day 2] [UNCTAD Public Symposium Press Release Day 3] [Public Symposium Website]

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