The President of the Republic in his address focused on the problems concerning environmental conservation and sustainable development: "I consider sustainable approach to the environment and sustainable development one of the most significant commitments both for the United Nations Organisation and all countries of the world. Vis-ą-vis the ever-growing population of the world, increasing production and consumption, and also the resulting pollution, the pressure of the human activity on our living environment is continuously adding up. Under the circumstances environment protection and ensuring of the welfare of the mankind and wildlife is becoming an ever more important and difficult task," the Estonian Head of State said.
President Rüütel underscored the importance of international environmental cooperation and contended that Estonia had acceded to all essential environment conventions and wished all other states in the world to do the same. "Estonia in unison with the European Union expresses its clear will to enforce the Kyoto Protocol as soon as possible," the President of the Republic said.
President Rüütel also touched upon the future of the United Nations. The Estonian Head of State expressed his opinion that a reform of the Security Council would allow the UN to participate more efficiently in solving the worlds problems and crises. According to the President of the Republic, only a strong United Nations Organisation having efficient decision-making mechanisms would be capable of ensuring global welfare and balance.
Office of the President
New York, September 24, 2003
