Statement by H.E. Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, Hon'ble Foreign Adviser on "Climate Change and Asia Pacific Security" at Hotel Shangri-La, Singapore
31 May 2008

Mr. Chairman,

- Climate Change and its impact on collective security is an issue to focus on which the time has surely come. Today because of the obvious security dimensions of the subject, policy-makers find themselves in the center-stage of the debate, just as it should be. Non-traditional threats to security are often overlooked. These need more underscoring.

- Asia Pacific is home to more than 60% of the global population, with 230 persons residing in every square kilometer, rendering it the world's most densely populated region. This vast population is both a strength and a weakness. Human insecurity, amidst floods, cyclones and Tsunamis, is pervasive in the Continent. Let me highlight three interrelated security concerns: (i) human; (ii) food; and (iii) political.

- First, human security. If the sea-level rises by 1 metre, one fifth of Bangladesh will go under the Bay of Bengal, displacing some 30 million people. The entire Maldives will disappear. We cannot afford to allow this apocalypse to unfold. Closely related is the second concern, food security. In some of our countries, poor households spend as much as 70% of their income on food. Climate change can have adverse impact on food production exacerbating this situation. The third concern, political insecurity, follows closely on the heels. Crises thus engendered the creation of climate refugees and food security can disrupt social cohesion and destabilize governments, a fact that we as policy makers must bear in mind.

- To counter these let me outline five key categorical imperatives.

- First, we must not narrowly focus on mitigation; emission control and stabilization of green-house gases will only resolve part of the problem. Adaptation will remain key, albeit costly. It will require mobilization of resources. In Bali we proposed the establishment of an Adaptation Centre in Bangladesh to examine all related aspects, the setting up of which could be the hall-mark of South-South Cooperation.

- Secondly, we must depoliticize the Climate Change discourse. Developed countries must make unilateral, meaningful and unconditional commitments to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. While it is true in the past they enjoyed a free ride and were polluters and therefore must pay, others can follow that track only to general disadvantage. Those who leave smaller carbon foot prints must be rewarded. The trade-off may be monetized.

- Thirdly, any future climate change agreement must ensure that the poorest countries in the world, particularly the LDCs, have access to eco-friendly and cost-effective technologies. Technology transfer is key to ensuring sustainable development. We propose a Technology Transfer Board in the post-Kyoto Arrangement. The Board should implement a "Compulsory Licensing" mechanism to facilitate transfer of technology to the neediest.

- Fourthly, strong leadership will be needed to lead the Bali Road-Map to fruition. The UN must be in the lead role. We propose the Secretary-General appoint a High Representative for the purpose. He or she through a combination of strong commitment and intense diplomacy must work to bridge the gap between the developed and developing nations to reach an agreement.

- Finally, food security issues must be effectively addressed. As Chair of LDCs at the UNCTAD in Accra I had called upon the United Nations Secretary-General to establish a Task Force on Food Security. I am heartened the Secretary-General has responded positively to this call of LDCs. Thereafter, I have proposed to him the creation of an International Food Fund. It should allow countries to have SDRs to meet immediate shortfalls. No new bureaucracy is envisaged. The existing agencies can meet the requirements.

- I would earnestly request that these proposals be reflected in the Conference outcome. If we have a hill to climb, as indeed we do, waiting will not make it any smaller.