CSD11 Highlights, Wednesday, April 30th

 On Wednesday morning, delegates heard statements by ministers and other high-level representatives on "Visions for the future CSD" and attended an interactive ministerial round table. In the afternoon, delegates participated in three regional implementation forums and Chair Moosa presented his summary of the high-level segment.

Ministerial Statements

On Wednesday morning, ministers and other high-level government officials continued to present their views on the future modalities and work programme of the CSD. MONGOLIA recommended that CSD sessions include the exchange of best practices, information dissemination and capacity building activities. FIJI, on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum Group, proposed that the CSD act as the preparatory process for the 10-year review of the Barbados Programme of Action.
The MARSHALL ISLANDS, on behalf of SIDS, urged that climate change be accorded the highest priority. DENMARK supported addressing each theme through the cross-cutting issues of poverty eradication, gender equality and sustainable consumption and production.A number of speakers called for broader participation by Major Groups and other stakeholders in the CSD process, with KENYA suggesting that educators and scientists be involved in panel discussions, and that multi-stakeholder dialogues be interspersed throughout the CSD session, and not organized as stand-alone segments.

Listen to Mozambique (Francisco Mabjaia, Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs)


Listen to Mongolia (Choisuren Baatar Ambassador)

Mauritania

Marshall Islands

The MILLENNIUM PROJECT emphasized that these goals are achievable, and called for a significant increase in Official Development Assistance (ODA), improved market access and technology transfer. UNDP confirmed the "quantum jump" required in ODA, adding that "we can't pretend the private sector can substitute for that." The US said resources could not come from governments alone, and supported a framework encouraging private sector investment. He also called for an end to trade-distorting subsidies in the agricultural sector.

UNESCO, Director General
Koichiro Matsuura

UK Environment Minister Margaret Beckett

Regional Implementation Forum: Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

This session was chaired by Babacar Ndiaye, African Development Bank (shown in photo on left, below). In his opening remarks, Wiseman Nkhulu, NEPAD, (photo on right, below) noted that NEPAD is Africa's vehicle for implementing the WSSD. Josue Dione, ECA, highlighted programmes addressing integrated water resources management, land-related policies, science and technology for agricultural development, and monitoring of progress on sustainable development. Bakary Kante, UNEP, (far left, top)eported that UNEP is addressing the implementation of the African chapter of the JPOI with regard to institutions, priority issues, and partnerships. Fatou Ndoye, Network for Environment and Sustainable Development in Africa, highlighted the establishment of the Forum for African Civil Society, which aims to support civil society in monitoring the MDGs and WSSD's outcomes.
 

Regional Implementation Forum: Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)


 

Regional Implementation Forum: Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)

This session was chaired by Hisham Khatib (photo on left, below), former Jordanian Minister of Planning and former Chair of the World Energy Council. Hosny Khordagni, ESCWA, (far left in panel, above) outlined steps taken in the region to implement the JPOI, and reported on restructuring within ESCWA, which he said would strengthen its role in supporting implementation. Imad Moustapha (photo on right, below), College of Informatics, Syria, highlighted difficulties in implementing sustainable development, including wars and conflicts that have disrupted the region in recent decades. In particular, he referred to "sub-human conditions" endured by many Palestinians, and to the situation in Iraq. Mohammed Hamel, OPEC (center, below), explained his organization's role in promoting sustainable development in the energy sector.
 

Chair Moosa's Summary

 Chair Moosa presented his summary of CSD-11's high-level segment. He noted delegates' endorsement of CSD's role supporting coordination and implementation of sustainable development objectives, and a commitment to a revitalized CSD with an action-oriented work programme.