Prime Minister,
Ministers,
Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen

This week the world should be looking to London.

This week Europe puts a practical political focus on vital issues for living conditions of its citizens. By meeting here today we are conveying a message of innovation, resolve and solidarity.

A message of innovation because Europe is leading the way in placing the environment and human health where they both belong – in an interlinked framework for political decision-making.

A message of resolve because ministers of health and the environment will be adopting important decisions which will oblige governments to act on an ambitious agenda.

And a message of solidarity because this meeting brings together Europe at large – acknowledging that Europeans must help and support each other to advance an agenda which is by nature common.

Europe – the cradle of democracy – has a special responsibility. We have learnt that we cannot hope for change towards sustainable development without democracy, freedom of speech and access to information.

The European electorates send a clear message. They expect their governments to deal with key issues for the future of their children and they place health and environment high on their priority lists.

WHO has placed new emphasis on building and disseminating an evidence base for health policy to its Member States. Health indicators can be a measure for environmental performance, and when analysed and publicised can influence decision-making and help counter environmental degradation.

For too long we may have under-estimated how improvements in health and environment yield tangible results. We need new knowledge to document this relationship and WHO sees the gathering of evidence as a priority.

There has been remarkable progress in the European region. The sky is blue again over the Ruhr-gebiet. There are fish in the Thames. Acid rain is declining. Garbage is being recycled. Cars have cleaner engines. It all amounts to leading longer and healthier lives for millions of people.

But environmental hazards are a significant cause of disease burden. Outdoor air pollution accounts for 3-4% of the burden of premature mortality and disability in Eastern Europe and causes at least half a million deaths worldwide each year. Poor water, sanitation and hygiene practices add to this disease burden, causing an estimated 7-8% of all disease and injury in developing countries.

Indoor air pollution is emerging as a major contributor to disease, primarily from respiratory diseases. About half of the world's population still relies on coal and biomass fuels for cooking and heating households, causing 3-4% of burden of disease worldwide. The majority of this hazard occurs in the developing world, but the potential exists for a increase in disease burden from both indoor and outdoor air pollution in Europe. Strict public health vigilance is required.

Measuring environmental risks has led to effective public action. Understanding the hazards of lead, asbestos and mercury, to name just a few examples, lead to public policies to reduce people's exposure and improve health.

We need to learn from experience. Consumers have a right to expect that products on the shelves do not contain substances dangerous to their health. In a number of areas, such as the field of dioxins, there are clear recommendations as to the level of exposure. Then countries must take these recommendations seriously and guarantee that reliable and accurate control mechanisms are put in place. WHO and FAO, through the Codex Alimentarius Commission, are now considering the establishment of specific guidelines for dioxins in foods.

Prime Minister,
Ministers,
ladies and gentlemen,

Children are our common future. Europe's effort to focus on the environments of young children is a wise investment in the future. If in doubt, we should err on the side of future generations. While most children are affected by environmental hazards, children living in poverty are at a far greater risk.

A focus on early childhood has an impact over the lifespan. By giving greater emphasis to early preventive and promotive factors we reduce the burden of disease of populations and contribute to healthy ageing.

The impact of environmental tobacco smoke on children is a striking example. Results from the latest review carried out by WHO strengthens the already strong case for concerted action against tobacco. Here again Europe should be leading, as WHO starts developing the first Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Another priority issue is access to clean water. Today 120 million fellow citizens throughout Europe are deprived of this basic need. The protocol on Water and Health is a crucial outcome of this conference. It will commit countries, once ratified by their parliaments, to put effective mechanisms in place to provide safe water to all.

Transport-related environment and health problems pose another challenge of global dimensions. The Charter that this conference will adopt is an expression of a high-level political commitment to transport policies which give full consideration to their implications for development, the environment, and for health.

A lot is happening also at the local level. WHO's experience of healthy cities, most advanced in Europe where it was initiated over a decade ago, provides tangible proof of the benefits of local authorities, community groups and the private sector working together.

Europe is taking a lead. What was started in Frankfurt in 1989 and pursued in Helsinki in 1994 has borne visible fruits. Almost all Member States in Europe have elaborated national environment and health action plans. This is big progress, not only for Europe, but indeed, for the world. Because Europe clearly will be looking beyond, and taking its share of the responsibility for addressing the global issues.

Take malaria. It is now bouncing back in all of WHO's six Regions. The links to the environment are many. The disease itself is far from the only source of the problem. The occurrence of mosquitoes which carry malaria in higher elevations in Asia and Africa may be a clear indication of global warming processes. And at times when mosquitoes can breed in a footprint, we need renewed efforts to secure safe sanitation for all, especially the poor.

Later this week the leaders of the G8 nations meet in Cologne to address a global agenda. Five of these leaders are European. I have written to all eight and reminded them of what a difference health can make in lifting billions out of poverty. Roll Back Malaria was endorsed by the G8 when they met last year in Birmingham. I urge the leaders to renew their commitment and help WHO and scores of nations to reverse this dangerous epidemic which, together with HIV/AIDS, threatens to undermine the future of entire continents.

By adopting the London Declaration we commit ourselves to action in partnership when improving the environment and health in the twenty-first century. WHO stands ready to take this vital agenda forward. The judgement of future generations will be harsh if we fail. With political will and commitment we can make a tangible difference for the health and environment of Europe and beyond.