Prime Minister calls for greener Commonwealth

10 March 2008

The Prime Minister has called upon the nations of the Commonwealth to work together and ensure that economic development does not cause harm to the environment.

• Read the full statement here

Marking today's celebration of Commonwealth Day, the PM said that members of the Commonwealth family should take "urgent action today to guarantee tomorrow's future".

He said:

"Commonwealth States share the same dilemma. We need to find a way to grow and develop our economies without destabilising the climate and destroying the foundations that underpin our growth, stability and development."

Mr Brown said that environmental issues were a priority for all countries in the Commonwealth, including "poor and vulnerable states, some of whose very survival is directly threatened by climate change". He also welcomed the launch of the Lake Victoria Action Plan on climate change, calling it a "major statement from a quarter of the world".

He continued:

"I look forward to working further with my fellow Commonwealth Heads of Government over the coming months to help deliver our Action Plan and achieve these goals."

Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration which promotes understanding about global issues and international cooperation among the 53 member states. This year's theme, the environment, was a key topic at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda in November last year.

• PM outlines Commonwealth priorities
• Go to our Environment section
• Visit the Commonwealth website (new window)

Image copyright: Reuters