(KUNA) -- Presiding the Arab Group at the United Nations this month, the State of Kuwait sounded the alarm on the effects of climate change on the Arab region but considered discussion of this and related issues beyond the prerogatives of the UN Security Council (UNSC).Addressing the UNSC upon discussion of ramifications of climate change on international peace and stability, Kuwait's representative Ambassador Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi stressed the effect of climate change on the region would be "grave, in view of the fact that this is a region of arid and semi-arid zones.
" Developing nations, he added, are most vulnerable and so are least developed nations, African nations, and non-coastal developing nations, as well as island nations.
Al-Otaibi pointed out that climate change considerations could not be ignored within the overall development triangle; economic development, social development, and environment protection.
The Arab Group, the diplomat said, considers it vital that all members encourage sustained development through minding the Rio provisions and recommendations, and most specifically honor the shared responsibility principle and obligations in view of the UN conferences in Rio, Johannesburg, and others.
The group views the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as the main venue for considering dangers related to climate change. The ambassador urged developed countries to take expedient measures to honor their commitments to reduce green house gas emissions according to the Kyoto Protocol. He also urged developed non-signatories to sign the protocol.
The ambassador also pointed out it is urgent to declare a second commitment time-frame, as the current commitments to the protocol expire next year.
The Arab Group also called for avoiding all that could counter or render ineffective institutions, missions, and commitments and conventions related to climate change issues in any way. The ambassador noted the collaboration ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change due in December in South Africa is one important effort that should not be compromised.
Climate Change factors are key to sustainable development and the responsibility in this regard lies with the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council, and the subsidiary bodies of the two platforms, such as the Commission on Sustainable Development, the UN Environment Program, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and many protocols. "The Security Council," noted the ambassador, "is not party to any of the efforts along these lines." The ambassador remarked that while the Security Council is tasked with keeping international peace and stability, conjunction of duties with those of other UN and international bodies does not sit harmoniously with the overall objectives, and even threatens the very rights of UN member states, hinder performance of UN bodies, and challenge UN bodies' prerogatives.