French commitments

"Environmental change: to address the environmental crisis, climatic upheavals and depletion of biodiversity, we have very probably barely a generation in which to react. Ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by Russia would pave the way for its entry into force. I am convinced that Russia will prove capable of choosing to do so. In addition, we must step up discussions on the next steps to combat climate change. We must strengthen global environmental governance organs. The group of States set up at France’s instigation to discuss the creation of a United Nations Environment Organization will submit its proposals in 2005."

  New year greeting to the diplomatic coprs speech by M. Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic (Paris, 8 January 2004)

"In the face of growing ecological hazards, an environmental governance should be urgently established on a world scale. Last autumn, France submitted to her partners proposals for creating a United Nations Environment Organization. In order to advance this project, France has brought together a group of countries determined to make headway in this respect with a view to the forthcoming Session of the General Assembly."

  Opening of the fifty-eighth session of the united nations general assembly speech by M. Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic (New York, 23 September 2003)

"Against the chaos of a world shaken by ecological disaster, let us call for a sharing of responsibility, around a United Nations Environment Organization."

  eleventh ambassadors’ conference speech by M. Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic (Paris, 29 August 2003)

"Finally, given the looming threats, we want globalization to respect the environment. We need a world authority able to carry out a global ecological diagnosis, guarantee compliance with environmental protection principles and treaties and assist the developing countries. This mission should be vested in a United Nations environment agency. France will launch a campaign this autumn to explain this issue and rally those States intent on progressing this idea."

  World summit on sustainable development speech by M. Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic, to the plenary session (Johannesburg, 2 September 2002)

"To better manage the environment and ensure compliance with the Rio Principles, we need a World Environment Organization."