European Union

Highlights for Thursday, 13 June 2019 L-R: William Ehlers, GEF Secretariat; Co-Chair Carola Van Rijnsoever, the Netherlands; and Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson, join participants in a resounding round of applause at the conclusion of the meeting. On the third and final day of the 56th meeting of the GEF Council, the Council convened as the 26th meeting of the Council for the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund (LDCF/SCCF), and approved the Joint Summary of the Chairs for the joint Council meeting.Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson, acting as Co-Chair of the LDCF/SCCF Council, shared takeaway messages from a recent meeting of the Global Commission on Adaptation. She highlighted the upcoming UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit and the 25th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change as opportunities to accelerate action on the ground. She also thanked Ireland for its EUR 2 million contribution to the LDCF.In a keynote address, Orsalia Kalantzopoulos, CEO, Europa Re Ltd., outlined her Swiss-based catastrophe risk reinsurance company’s efforts to provide climate risk insurance coverage in southeastern Europe, saying its experience can be replicated in other regions.GEF Council Members, convening as the 26th meeting of the LDCF/SCCF Council, adopted a joint LDCF/SCCF work program comprising 12 projects, with resources amounting to USD 103.41 million for the LDCF and SCCF, including project grants and Agency fees. They also welcomed the Fiscal Year 2018 Annual Monitoring Review of the Funds and its finding that 87% and 94% of LDCF and SCCF projects under implementation in FY18, respectively, were rated “moderately satisfactory” or above for their progress towards development objectives.Following approval of the Joint Summary of the Chairs for both the GEF Council and the LDCF/SCCF Council meetings, GEF CEO and Chairperson Naoko Ishii closed the meeting at 12:02 pm. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage, video coverage, and a summary report from the GEF Council Consultation Meeting with CSOs, 56th GEF Council Meeting, and 26th Meeting of the LDCF/SCCF Council. The summary report is now available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Francis Dejon For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page. The Council convenes as the 26th meeting of the LDCF/SCCF Council. Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson Orsalia Kalantzopoulos, CEO, Europe Re Ltd, presents on climate risk insurance efforts in southeastern Europe. Stefan Schwager, Council Member, Switzerland Stephanie Bouziges-Eschmann, Alternate Council Member, France Sydah Naigaga, Regional Focal Point, Eastern Africa, GEF-CSO Network Marjolein Geusebroek, Advisor, the Netherlands Participants hear a presentation on the LDCF Work Program. Gustavo Fonseca and Chizuru Aoki, GEF Secretariat, respond to comments from the floor on the Annual Monitoring Review of the LDCF and SCCF. Juho Uitto and Anna Viggh, IEO, discuss the LDCF/SCCF Annual Evaluation Report. Jozef Buys, Council Member, Belgium Kordula Mehlhart, Council Member, Germany Peter Elder, Council Member, Australia Ludovica Soderini, Advisor, Italy GEF CEO and Chairperson Naoko Ishii closes the meeting at 12:02 pm. Françoise Clottes, GEF Secretariat, says goodbye to Jozef Buys, Council Member, Belgium. L-R: Comlon Awougnon, Alternate Council Member, Togo, consults with Jean-Marc Sinnassamy, GEF Secretariat. L-R: Rachna Ramsurn, Council Member, Mauritius, and Aparna Subramani, Council Member, India, share a moment. L-R: William Ehlers, GEF Secretariat; Praveen Prasad Desabatla, World Bank; and Peter Lallas, GEF Secretariat, consult on the Chairs' Joint Summary of the meetings.

Highlights for Monday, 10 June 2019 L-R: Gabriele Goettsche-Wanli, Director, UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (UNDOALOS); Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Under-Secretary-General, Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS); Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA); Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs; Co-Chair Isabelle Picco, Monaco; Dmitry Gonchar, UNDOALOS; and Charlotte Salpin, UNDOALOS The twentieth meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (ICP-20) opened on 10 June 2019 at the UN Headquarters in New York, under the theme, “Ocean Science and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.”In the morning, delegates adopted the meeting agenda and programme of work for ICP-20, to be co-chaired by Isabelle Picco (Monaco) and Pennelope Althea Beckles (Trinidad and Tobago). They heard opening remarks from: Miguel de Serpa Soares, UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, who said the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development provides an opportunity to recognize the value of ocean science in eradicating poverty and supporting blue economy; Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) who highlighted the 2020 High-Level UN Conference to Support the Implementation of SDG14 (life below water) as an opportunity to scale up ocean action based on science and innovation; and Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu, Under-Secretary-General, Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), who emphasized the important role of traditional knowledge in enhancing the effectiveness of ocean science. During the general exchange of views, delegates highlighted: the importance of addressing data gaps and gender imbalances in ocean science; ensuring long-term partnerships with developing countries; and ensuring science literacy.Delegates then participated in a panel discussion on scope and uses of, and gaps in, ocean science, which included presentations on: the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development; the global status of ocean science; ocean science and human health; deep sea biological processes; and ocean science in support of sustainable fisheries. During the afternoon break, delegates attended a side event on “UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development,” hosted by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). IISD Reporting Services, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) meeting coverage, provided daily web updates from the 20th Meeting of the UN Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea. In addition, IISD Reporting Services, has published a summary and analysis report of the meeting, which is available in HTML and PDF. Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and UN Legal Counsel Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Under-Secretary-General, UN-OHRLLS Liu Zhenmin, Under-Secretary-General, UNDESA Co-Chair Isabelle Picco, Monaco Fred Sarufa, Papua New Guinea Craig McLean, US Andrea White, Canada Kane Amandus, Nauru Milind Wakdikar, India Panel Discussion on “Scope and Uses of, and Gaps in, Ocean Science” Vladimir Ryabinin, Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Oceanic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) A slide from Vladimir Ryabinin’s presentation Panelists during the afternoon session John Agard, St. Augustine Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Trinidad and Tobago Hervé Raps, Monaco Scientific Center, Monaco Francisco Werner, NOAA, US Slide from presentation by Francisco Werner, US Silvana Birchenough, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) John Brincat, EU Delegates from Haiti during discussions in the afternoon Panelists from the side event on “UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.” Delegates at the end of the first day of ICP-20

Highlights for Friday, 31 May 2019 Victor Kisob, Deputy Executive Director, UN-Habitat, UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif, and Martha Delgado Peralta, UNHA 1 President, gavel UNHA 1 to a close. On Friday, the first UN-Habitat Assembly (UNHA 1) concluded its deliberations, adopting a Ministerial Declaration, five resolutions, and one decision to promote sustainable urbanization. The resolutions concern: The Strategic Plan for the period 2020–2023; UN System-Wide Guidelines on Safer Cities and Human Settlements; Enhancing capacity-building for the implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and the urban dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; Achieving gender equality through the work of UN-Habitat to support inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements; and Enhancing urban-rural linkages for sustainable urbanization and human settlement. The decision highlights the arrangements for the transition towards the new governance structure of UN-Habitat, and the Ministerial Declaration portrays the commitment for accelerated implementation of the NUA towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).In the closing plenary, delegates adopted the draft report and the draft proceedings of UNHA 1 as well as the report of the first meeting of the Executive Board. In her closing remarks, Executive Director Sharif announced that “UN-Habitat is back” and lauded the Assembly for successfully completing its work, noting that 21 countries had pledged USD 152 million to support the implementation of the NUA. President Delgado gaveled the meeting to a close at 5.17 pm. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and also produced a summary report from the 1st Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly, which is available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Morning Plenary Delegates gather for the morning plenary. Pamela Charlette, Minister of Habitat, Land, Infrastructure, and Land Transport, Seychelles Ramesh Prasad Singh, Nepal Trust, Ministry of Urban Development, Nepal Yousef Al Nuaimi, International Coordination for Housing, United Arab Emirates Klára Dostálová, Minister of Regional Development, Czech Republic William Bradford Marau, Minister of Lands, Housing, and Survey, Solomon Islands Erik Lundberg, Ambassador of Finland to Kenya Gariballa Khidir Ali Eldaw, Ambassador of Sudan to Kenya Vladimir Lenev, Russian Federation Andrii Pravednyk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Kenya Zaheer Allam, The Port Louis Development Initiative Isaac Muasa and Linda Olango, Youth Advisory Board Amie Figueiredo, UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Erik Berg, Advisory Group on Gender Issues Delegates from Shelter Afrique Events Throughout the Day Martha Delgado Peralta, UNHA 1 President, and UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif, speak at the final UN-Habitat press conference. Delegates share their views during the youth event 'Tide Turners Partners Challenge.' Closing Plenary Delegates gather for the closing plenary. Martín Gómez Bustillo, Ambassador of Argentina to Kenya Jesús Manzanilla, Ambassador of Venezuela to Kenya Fernando Coimbra, Chair of the Drafting Committee Lori Dando, Chair of the Executive Board Waziri Maman, Niger, speaking on behalf of the African Group Julia Pataki, EU UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif Judut Sutoyo, Indonesia Delegates applaud the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration on innovation for better quality of life in cities and communities through accelerated implementation of the NUA towards the achievement of the SDGs. Around the Venue Delegates from Nigeria and Niger. Delegates consult between sessions. UN Security around the venue. Delegates post their hopes for UN-Habitat on a world map made from electronic waste. Delegates pose with their favourite SDGs. An example of urban hydroponics on display around the venue. A prosthetic hand made from a 3-D printer demonstrates how technology is being revolutionized to provide quicker, cheaper, and more accessible products. The same technology can be used for the fabrication of housing in the implementation of the NUA. A wheelchair-friendly "matatu" (public service mini-van) on display around the venue demonstrates how transport systems need to take into account basic human rights. An electric car linked to a solar-powered 'smart home' demonstrates how new designs can help to promote sustainability. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) Earth Negotiations Bulletin + team covering UNHA 1: Asheline Appleton, Kenya; Nancy Williams, US; Tallash Kantai, Kenya/Uganda; Asterios Tsioumanis, Greece; and Kiara Worth, South Africa

Highlights for Thursday, 30 May 2019 A delegate tests out a virtual reality headset to explore the 10th World Urban Forum to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. On Thursday, the UN-Habitat Assembly (UNHA 1) elected its Executive Board and hosted its first Board meeting. The Executive Board elected Lori Dando (US) as Chair, and adopted its agenda and rules of procedure.In plenary, delegates heard national statements. A high-level session on innovative mobility for sustainable cities in Africa took place in the afternoon, exploring the policy dimensions of urban mobility. Three youth events engaged in an inter-regional dialogue; shared innovative approaches to Community Centers; and presented the Nairobi Hackathon Award. Seven events were held on the City Stage, on: a city changer game; house for all; a film screening on the sound of waste; the Makerthon Elevator Pitch; the World Environment Day; cutting-edge approaches to housing design; and earth observations and geospatial information technologies in support of sustainable development and urban monitoring. A Women’s event provided a platform for sharing new approaches, key events, and engagement opportunities for grassroots women, women leaders, and organizations.A press conference focused on urban displacement and sustainable development, and two press center events addressed the effectiveness of planning law in sub-Saharan Africa and innovative solid waste management approaches. Fifteen side events were held at lunchtime and in the afternoon, focusing on, inter alia: affordable housing and sustainable solid waste management as drivers of innovation; fostering innovation to accelerate implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and ways to finance it; blue economy and cities; new perspectives and strategic interventions integrating slums and informal settlements as well as implementing the NUA in these settlements; and strengthening urban-rural linkages to reduce spatial inequalities and poverty. In the evening, a reception was organized by Nairobi City County and a Cities4All Concert brought together musicians, actors, and spoken word performers, with live streaming from concurrent concerts in Dandora, Mathare, and Kibera, all informal settlements in Nairobi. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and also produced a summary report from the 1st Session of the UN-Habitat Assembly, which is available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Kiara Worth For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Morning Plenary Martha Delgado Peralta, UNHA 1 President Célia Ramos, Secretary of State for Urban Planning and Conservation of Nature, Portugal Andrii Praveduyk, Ambassador of Ukraine to Kenya Gabriel Ferrero y de Loma-Osorio, Director-General for Sustainable Development Policies, Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation Ministry, Spain Camila Zepeda, Director-General for Global Issues, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico Gaétan Siew, Mauritius Filomeno Martins da Silva, Timor Leste Agrina Mussa, Ambassador of Malawi to Kenya Lisa Stadelbauer, High Commissioner of Canada in Nairobi, speaking on behalf of Canada and Australia Elizabeth Taylor, Permanent Representative of Colombia to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Beng Hong Socheat Khemro, Deputy Director-General, Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction, Cambodia Maurice Bonanet, Minister of Urban Planning and Housing, Burkina Faso Siraj Sait, Global Stakeholder Forum Didier Vancutsem, Habitat Professionals Forum Events Throughout the Day A press conference with UN-Habitat Stakeholders about the Global Stakeholders Forum held before UNHA 1. Participants share ideas during the City Stage Event: House for all, leaving no one behind. Executive Board Meeting Delegates gather for the first meeting of the Executive Board. Fernando Coimbra, Brazil Lori Dando, US, Chair of the Executive Board Marek Garztecki, Poland Tong Guichan, China High-Level Session on Innovative Mobility for Sustainable Cities in Africa Panel speakers for Policy-Making (L-R): Moderator Oliver Lah, Wupperthal Institut, Germany; Jane Akumu, UN Environment Programme (UNEP); Damia Calvet i Valera, Regional Minister of Territory and Sustainability, Catalonia, Spain; James Macharia, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Kenya; Claver Gatete, Minister of Infrastructure, Rwanda; Tazer Gebreegziabher Berha, State Minister, Ministry of Urban Development and Construction, Ethiopia; and Noureddine Selmi, Minister of Equipment, Housing and Territorial Planning, Tunisia Andre Dzikus, Urban Basic Services Branch, UN-Habitat Rafael Tuts, Director of Programme Division, UN-Habitat Maruxa Cardama, Secretary-General, Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport (SLoCaT) Sylvain Haon, Senior Director, Strategy, Union Internationale des Transports Publics (UITP) Zemedkun Girma Tessema, Africa Transport Policy Programme (SSATP), World Bank Panel speakers for Operationalizing Mobility Policies (L-R): Moderator Oliver Lah, Wupperthal Institut, Germany; Susan Goodwilie, Flone Initiative;Amanda Ngabirano, Vice President, World Cycling Alliance; Winnie Mitullah, Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi, Kenya; Chris Kost, Africa Director, Institute for Transporation and Development Policy (ITDP); and Edwins Mukabanah, Chairman, Federation of Public Transport Sector Operators, Kenya Around the Venue Delegates consult between sessions. Delegates meet informally. In the Urban Solutions Exposition, a model of an aluminum mold that helps to increase the speed of construction by up to 85%, is on display. Alternative housing models demonstrate how human settlements could be designed to be more sustainable to meet growing demand in urban areas. Examples of household composters and water harvesting technologies on display. A model of urban design in Kenya.