Governing for Sustainability - A Hungarian Perspective on Climate Change, Environment and Responsibility for Future Generations
Governing for Sustainability - A Hungarian Perspective on Climate Change, Environment and Responsibility for Future Generations
Mr László Sólyom
23 May 2008
SMU Mochtar Riady Auditorium
Singapore
Along with a complete overhaul of the political, legal and institutional system in Hungary in the late eighties, the concurrent debates on pressing local and international environmental issues also left their mark on the new Constitution: the establishment of the right to a healthy environment. As new investments poured into buildings and roads, civil groups and academics sought to make the rapid development sustainable and to preserve the important ecosystems.
The Hungarian Academy of Sciences had warned about the country's high vulnerability to the consequences of climate change. Taking a long-term perspective, the Hungarian Parliament passed a law establishing the independent position of the "Speaker for Future Generations”. In this lecture, László Sólyom, the President of the Republic of Hungary, discussed the new law and how Hungary was tackling its climate challenges.
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Climate change is a fundamental, far-reaching and omnipresent problem that is already having a significant impact on people and the planet.
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Adaptation to climate change is essential, and it must be a priority for all governments and communities.
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The European Union can offer the world a model for eco-social globalisation, combining economic growth with environmental protection and social justice.
Speaker
Speaker
Mr László Sólyom
President
Republic of Hungary
László Sólyom during his speech at Singapore Management Uinversity
