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Mr Chairman
New Zealand welcomes the introduction of this resolution on the Protection of Global Climate for Present and Future Generations of Mankind and we would like to congratulate all delegations on their efforts to reach consensus on what, has proved in the past, to be a difficult resolution.
New Zealand would like to take this opportunity to welcome the recent ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by the Russian Federation that will pave the way for the Protocol to come into force early next year.
Entry-into-force of the Kyoto Protocol is a small but significant first step in a long and challenging process by the international community to address climate change. More work clearly needs to be done, and New Zealand will make a constructive contribution to discussions on next steps, beginning with the 10th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change next month. The task before us is challenging - but the need for urgent action is clear. We look forward to progressing these discussions with members over the coming months.
New Zealand also notes the upcoming meeting in Mauritius in January 2005 that will review of the Barbados Programme of Action on Small Island Developing States. We look forward to the outcomes of that meeting associated with Small Island States and climate change finding a place in next years resolution.
Thank you Mr Chairman
