GCI Newsletters

Ingezonden op 20 januari 2010

Green Cross Assembly stresses need for Climate Change Preparedness

Geneva, 15 January 2010

The General Assembly of Green Cross today adopted a statement on Haiti, urging world leaders to speed up preparedness to natural calamites as part of a rapid and strong response to climate change. The statement paid condolences to the victims of the Haiti earthquake and noted that it painfully demonstrates human fragility in front of the forces of nature. “Haiti’s tragedy is a poignant reminder of the unfinished business in Copenhagen,” the assembly affirmed. “The climate change related mitigation and adaptation measures can help us respond not only to the destructive potential of climate change-induced natural catastrophes, but to other national disasters similar to Haiti’s.”
                                                                                             
The biennial General Assembly brought together more than 100 delegates from the global network of Green Cross and was presided by President Gorbachev, the Founding President. Among the keynote opening speakers were Mr. Sergei Ordzhonikidze, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Dr. Hamadoun Touré, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union. Dr. Toure noted that more efficient use of modern technologies could cut global power consumption by 15%. He also emphasized that a big mental shift was needed in the language of climate change – from ‘burden sharing’ to ‘opportunity sharing. ‘
The statement on Haiti was read out by Mr. Alexander Likhotal, President of Green Cross International. President Gorbachev inspired delegates to redouble their efforts at strengthening the Green Cross global network and build on its successes. The Chairman of the GCI Board of Directors, Dr. Jan Kulczyk welcomed Australia and Sri Lanka to the network as full-fledged members and Ghana in the process of becoming a member.
Naturally, Green Cross Netherlands was also present at the General Assembly with five staff members. The vision of GCNL for the next two years was presented by Rabbi Soetendorp. His presentation included also an introduction of a new initiative by Green Cross Netherlands, namely Green Cross World Speakers (www.gcws.eu). Green Cross colleagues from other countries congratulated our director for designing this creative programme.