Expert opinion

	03.12.06 Victoria Panova G8 research group, University of Toronto, Director for Russia
	03.12.06 Mona Bricke German NGO Forum Environment and Development
	03.12.06 Nigel Martin Montreal International Rorum (FIM)
	02.12.06 John Kirton Head of G8 Research Group, University of Toronto
	02.12.06 Regina Gunter Head of the WWF Germany

NGOs' Initiatives

Proposals of the Round Table of the Russian Public Chamber ENERGY SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (for the St. Petersburg Summit in July 2006)

The Round Table, which took place on June 2, 2006, was represented by the Russian Public Chamber, public chambers and public councils from 17 Russian constituents, and experts. Following a discussion, the participants in the Round Table put forward proposals to the Social Forum for the Summit’2006 as follows.

We consider that ensuring energy security is an essential, urgent issue and fully support the decision to make this topic a priority at the forthcoming Summit’2006 in St. Petersburg.
With the energy crisis growing, it is necessary to develop an energy policy, and the Summit should determine its principles. We think it necessary to emphasize that a long-term solution of the problem primarily implies a comprehensive expansion of research developments to improve energy efficiency and to search for new energy sources.
We consider it important to promote international cooperation aimed to enhance energy efficiency, in which the implementation of the Kyoto mechanisms is a top goal.
It is critical that the choice of the main ways for addressing long-term energy security issues in the interests of society should be based on the principles of sustainable development that imply assurance of environmental safety. This is necessary for expanding a sound economy, tackling social problems, promoting public health, and ensuring a favorable environment. To implement these aspects, a legal support is needed to encourage the promotion of energy efficiency and an ever wider use of renewable energy sources as well as an appeal of the heads of states, with civil society’s powerful backing, to industrialists that they undertake voluntary commitments in the interests of sustainability.
For a practical step to demonstrate Russia’s political will and call upon the world community to tackle issues of energy security in the interests of sustainable development, we think it expedient to suggest the Russian president that he considers a possibility to address the Summit with an initiative to hold a World Conference on Global Security and Sustainable Development in Moscow at the end of 2006.
From our part, we are prepared to assist through ensuring an active participation of civil society in the implementation of this initiative.


Co-chairs of the Round Table:
E.P. Velikhov
and
V.M. Zakharov

Expert opinion

	02.12.06 Halter Marek Le College de France
	02.12.06 Olivier Giscard d’Estaing COPAM, France
	02.12.06 Mika Ohbayashi Institute for Sustainable Energy Poliсy
	02.12.06 Bill Pace World Federalist Movement - Institute for Global Policy
	01.12.06 Peter I. Hajnal Toronto University, G8 Research Group