Commission on Sustainable Development

Ninth Session

13^th Meeting (AM) and

Round-up

COMMISSION ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONCLUDES SESSION ON 28 APRIL; EMPHASIZES

THAT ONE THIRD OF WORLD’S PEOPLE LACK ACCESS TO ENERGY AND TRANSPORT

As it concluded its ninth session following night-long consultations, early in the morning Saturday, 28 April, the Commission on Sustainable Development approved, without a vote, several texts relating to energy, transport, atmosphere, information and international cooperation -– the main topics of discussion this year.  It also adopted its report for the session.

By the text on energy and sustainable development, the Commission stressed the magnitude of energy needs facing the world today, as well as wide disparities in the levels of energy consumption within and between the developed and developing countries.  It also emphasized that nearly one third of the global population, mostly living in developing countries, continue to lack access to energy and transportation services.  However, energy resources are plentiful, and environmentally sound technological options exist and should be made available and facilitated by developed countries to make energy for sustainable development a reality.

In developing energy policies to achieve sustainable development, governments were invited to combine renewable energy, efficient energy use, advanced technologies, including advanced fossil fuel ones, and sustainable use of traditional energy resources.  The document encourages integration of energy considerations in various programmes, as well as development of appropriate energy services, particularly in rural areas, through the most cost-effective, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly technologies.

Among other key issues identified by the document are accessibility of energy; nuclear energy technologies; rural energy; research and development; capacity building; technology transfer; information sharing and dissemination; mobilization of financial resources; effective use of markets for sustainable development; multilateral-stakeholder approach; public participation; and regional and international cooperation.

Approving a document on transport, the Commission reiterated the relevance of all the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, including the principle of States' common, but differentiated responsibilities in view of different contributions to global environmental degradation.  The document states that decisions concerning transport issues should reflect the fact that economic and social development and environmental protection are interdependent and mutually reinforcing components of sustainable development.

Being affordable, safe and environmentally sound, transport should provide access to all sectors of society on an equitable basis, the draft further states.  The Commission encourages research, development and transfer of cleaner technologies.  International financial institutions and other donors are encouraged to make transport for sustainable development a priority; assist in capacity-building; promote public transportation projects in rural and remote areas; and assist in reducing the levels of sulfur and benzene in fuel and vehicle exhaust. 

The text also contains recommendations on such issues as exchange of best practices; strengthening relevant transboundary agreements; promoting coordinated approaches to integrated land use and infrastructure planning; rationalizing traffic flows and road structures; and designing cleaner vehicles.

Completing its work on atmosphere, the Commission recognized that human activities and natural disasters contribute to the build-up of atmospheric substances, which have implications for climate change and climate variability, depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer and air pollution.  Developed countries have the greatest share in historical accumulation of atmospheric pollutants.  The challenges in addressing atmospheric issues involve unsustainable consumption patterns, rapid urbanization and lack of financial and technological resources. The international community is asked to assist in capacity building, research, education and training, as well as in development of cleaner fuels and air pollution abatement technologies, particularly in developing countries.  The Commission encourages supporting regional agreements for improved air quality and control of transboundary air pollution. 

Acting on a draft decision on information for decision-making and participation, the Commission pointed out the need for technology transfer, capacity building and adequate and predictable financial resources in modernizing and establishing information systems, particularly in developing countries.  To improve functioning, coherence and coordination, the Commission called for strengthened access to information on sustainable development, measures to ensure that commercialization of information did not become a barrier to developing countries, and encouraged greater access to the Internet, including for persons with disabilities.

The Commission also encourages developed countries, in cooperation with relevant international organizations, to assist developing countries in training and capacity-building; creating the infrastructure; and strengthening national information systems and statistical agencies.  The text determines approaches to indicators of sustainable development and provides recommendations for activities at the national level.

According to the last text, a dynamic and enabling international and domestic economic environment supportive of international cooperation is needed, particularly in the fields of finance, technology transfer, debt, trade and environmental and social issues.  Success in that regard depends on good governance at the national and international levels and on transparency in the financial, monetary and trading systems.  This requires an equitable, rule-based, predictable and non-discriminatory multilateral trading and financial system.  It

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is important to reaffirm the central role of the United Nations in promoting international cooperation and policy coherence on development issues in the context of globalization.  The developed countries are encouraged to reverse the downward trend in official development assistance and fulfill their commitments to reach the target of 0.7 per cent of Gross National Product (GNP).

The international community is encouraged to support efforts to further reform and improve multilateral financial institutions and help the developing countries to put in place financial regulatory systems in order to maintain financial stability and reduce the risks of international financial volatility.  It should improve and streamline the functioning of the Global Environment Facility as a mechanism for financing global environmental aspects of sustainable development and support the enhanced heavily indebted poor countries' initiative (HIPC).  It is necessary to improve market access for the developing countries and to ensure effective application of all provisions of the Final Act embodying the results of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations.

The drafts were introduced by Chairpersons of the Commission's three drafting groups: Alison Drayton (Guyana), David Stuart (Australia) and Madina Jarbussynova (Kazakhstan), who are also Vice-Chairpersons of the Commission.

In other action this morning, the Commission took note of all the reports it had before it and of the draft programme budget for 2002-2003 for the Division for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs.  In connection with the provisional agenda for the its tenth session, the Commission was reminded of General Assembly resolution 55/199, by the terms of which it would meet as an open-ended preparatory committee for the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Statements were made this morning by the representatives of Iran (on behalf of the Group of 77 developing countries and China), Saudi Arabia and Sweden (on behalf of the European Union).  The Commission’s Chairman Bedrich Moldan (Czech Republic) also made a short closing statement.

Action on Draft Proposals

ALISON DRAYTON (Guyana) introduced the text on the sectoral theme, energy.

The Commission then approved the draft text.

The Chairman proposed that the Commission take note of two reports, one a Report of the Secretary-General on sustainable production, distribution and use of energy: trends in national implementation (document E/CN.17/2001/12 and Corr.1) and the other a report of the ad hoc open-ended intergovernmental Group of Experts on Energy and Sustainable Development (E/CN.17/2001/15).

Next, DAVID STUART (Australia) introduced the text on the sectoral theme, atmosphere.

The Commission then approved the text.

The Chairman proposed that the Commission take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the protection of the atmosphere (document E/CN.17/2001/2) and the report of the inter-sessional ad hoc working group on Transport and Atmosphere (document E/CN.17/2001/16).  It was so decided.

Mr. STUART then introduced the text on transport, which was approved by the Commission.

The Commission took note of a report of the Secretary-General on transport (document E/CN.17/2001/3), and a note by the Secretary-General on the multi-stakeholder dialogue on sustainable energy and transport (document

E/CN.17/2001/6 and Addenda 1-5).

      Next, the Commission turned to a text on information for decision-making and participation, which was introduced by Ms. DRAYTON.

The Commission then proceeded to approve the text. 

It also took note of several reports, including the Report of the Secretary-General on “information for decision-making and participation” (document E/CN.17/2001/4 and Add.1); a report of the Secretary-General on national reporting  to the Commission on Sustainable Development (document E/CN.17/2001/14) and a report of the ad hoc inter-sessional working group on Information for Decision-making and Participation and on International Cooperation for an enabling environment (document E/CN.17/2001/17).

The Commission then turned to a text on international cooperation for an enabling environment, which was introduced by Ms. DRAYTON.

The Commission approved the text and took note of the Report of the Secretary-General on international cooperation for an enabling environment for sustainable development (document E/CN.17/2001/5).

The Commission then turned to the agenda item entitled "High-level meeting".  The Chairman said that no draft proposals had been submitted under that item.  He proposed that the Commission take note of the two notes by the Secretariat, one on the main issues for consideration at the high-level meeting

(document E/CN.17/2001/CRP.2) and another on the World Summit for Sustainable Development (document E/CN.17/2001/CPR.3).

The Commission decided to take note of the reports.

Turning to other matters, the Commission had before it a document entitled "Draft programme budget for the biennium 2002-2003 for the Division for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs" (document E/CN.17/2001/L.1).

The Commission took note of this document.

The representative of Egypt said that it was his understanding that the document was for information only and would be discussed in the Committee  for Programme Coordination.

The Chairman said that that was the case.

The representative of Nigeria said that the text should read “energy for sustainable development”.  That was very important.

      The Chairman then reminded the Commission that the General Assembly had decided that the Commission on Sustainable Development at its tenth session would meet as an open-ended preparatory committee.  The Assembly also decided to hold a three day meeting of the tenth session of the Commission, so that the Commission could start its work as the preparatory committee for the Summit.

      The Commission then turned to the report of the Commission on the ninth session (document E/CN.17/2001/L.2).

Ms. MADINA JARBUSSYNOVA (Kazakhstan), Vice-Chairperson of the Commission and Rapporteur introduced the draft report.  She said that the organizational part of the report was merely procedural.  The final report would include the Chairman's summary of the multi-stakeholders segment, the Chairman's summary of the high-level segment, the recommendations contained in informal papers in English only, negotiated in the drafting groups, as well as the relevant proceedings of today's meeting.

She drew the Commission's attention to page three of the draft report, on the list of documentation saying that an additional report should be inserted after E/CN.17/2001/CRP.3, entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on energy and sustainable development: options and strategies for action on key issues" (document E/CN.17/ESD/2001/2).

In his concluding remarks, the Chairman thanked the Commission for its excellent spirit of cooperation.  He expressed his extreme happiness that the Commission was able to successfully conclude its difficult deliberations.  As the Preparatory Committee for the World Summit for Social Development was about to meet, it was a critical stage in the Commission’s work.  That had put the Commission in a special situation and he hoped that the Commission had fulfilled all its commitments and gave the Preparatory Committee good signals. 

The representative of Iran, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 developing nations and China, said that the themes and issues contained in the Commission’s agenda for the ninth session from the beginning had attracted much attention and importance.  The ninth session of the Commission was a benchmark session.  He congratulated the Chairman and the Bureau for bringing the Commission through its work so successfully.  He also thanked his negotiating partners for the sincere atmosphere they brought to the session. 

The representative of Saudi Arabia thanked the Chairman for his able leadership.  The session was expected to be a difficult one, but under the Chairman’s skillful leadership, the Commission had been able to carry out its work successfully.  He also thanked the European Union for helping to ensure the success of the session, as well as other partners.  He also thanked the members of the Group of 77.

The representative of Sweden, speaking on behalf of the European Union, expressed his satisfaction concerning the results achieved at the session with its unusually heavy and important agenda, which included the energy issue for the first time.  The session presented many difficult challenges that were all successfully accomplished.  A very exciting period awaited the Commission in the run up to the World Summit next year.  He thanked the Chairman and the Bureau for their tireless work under difficult circumstances.  He thanked his partners from the Group of 77 Developing Nations and China as well. 

The Chairman announced that the Commission would meet again, as the tenth session of the Commission on Social Development, on Monday morning.  He thanked the Secretariat staff for all their work.

Background and Documents before Commission

The Commission on Sustainable Development met early Saturday morning,

28 April, to adopt its report and close its eighth session.  It was expected to take action on several texts.

The draft report of the Commission at its ninth session is contained in document E/CN.17/2001/L.2.  The final report will include the Chairman's summary of the multi-stakeholder and high-level segments, as well as recommendations contained in the papers negotiated in the drafting groups, as well as relevant proceedings of today's meeting.

The text on energy and sustainable development stresses the magnitude of energy needs facing the world today and wide disparities in the levels of energy consumption within and between developed and developing countries.  It also emphasizes that nearly one third of the global population, mostly living in developing countries, continues to lack access to energy and transportation services.  Energy resources are plentiful, and environmentally sound technological options exist and should be made available and facilitated by developed countries to make energy for sustainable development a reality.

In developing energy policies to achieve sustainable development, governments are invited to combine, as appropriate, the increased use of renewable energy sources, more efficient use of energy, greater reliance on advanced energy technologies, including advanced fossil fuel ones, and the sustainable use of traditional energy resources.  Among other actions, the document also encourages integration of energy considerations in socio-economic programmes and especially in policy-making of major energy consuming sectors; as well as development of appropriate energy services, particularly in rural areas, through the application of the most cost-effective, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly technologies and development of renewable energy resources, including biomass.

Among other key issues identified by the document are accessibility of energy; renewable energy; advanced fossil fuels technologies; nuclear energy technologies; rural energy; research and development; capacity building; technology transfer; information sharing and dissemination; mobilization of financial resources; effective use of markets for sustainable development; multilateral-stakeholder approaches and public participation; and regional and international cooperation.

The draft decision on transport reiterates relevance of all the principles agreed in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, including that regarding States' common, but differentiated responsibilities in view of different contributions to global environmental degradation.  In the context of the implementation of Agenda 21, in general, financing will come from a country's own resources.  For developing countries, official development assistance (ODA) is a main source of external funding.  Substantial new and additional funding will be required, and renewed efforts are essential to ensure that all sources of funding contribute to economic growth, social development and environmental protection.

Emphasizing need for favourable access to and transfer of environmentally sound technologies, technology cooperation and public and private sector involvement, the document states that decisions concerning transport issues should reflect the fact that economic and social development and environmental protection are interdependent and mutually reinforcing components of sustainable development.  Being affordable, safe and environmentally sound, transport should ensure mobility and provide access to all sectors of society on an equitable basis.

The text goes on to describe the main challenges of policy-making in the transport sector.  It notes that there is a strong need for adequate, efficient, economically viable, socially acceptable and environmentally sound transport systems, especially in developing countries where accessibility and affordability are important for the eradication of poverty, improving access to social services and access to employment opportunities.  Progress towards sustainable development can be facilitated by technical innovations and could encourage research, development and transfer of cleaner technologies. 

The draft goes on to recommend actions to promote international cooperation on the transfer of cleaner technologies, promotion of energy efficiency and improvement of transport systems, particularly mass transit.  International financial institutions and other donors are encouraged to make transport for sustainable development a priority; assist in capacity-building; support partnerships between public and private sectors to promote investment in transport; promote efforts to raise public awareness and to improve the safety of transport services; promote public transport and communication infrastructure in rural and remote areas; and assist with the implementation of the recommendations of the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly on the progressive phasing out of the use of lead in gasoline and reduce the levels of sulfur and benzene in fuel, as well as particulates in vehicle exhaust.

International organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), are encouraged to foster affordable transport systems, improve safety and reduce pollution and other negative impacts on the environment.  IMO member States are encouraged to consider ratifying Annex VI to the Marpol Convention on the prevention of pollution from ships.  The text also contains recommendations on regional cooperation and actions at the national level, including the exchange of best practices; strengthening relevant transboundary agreements; coordinated approaches to integrated land use and infrastructure planning; measures to rationalize traffic flows and road structures; and reduce noise; design of cleaner vehicles; promotion of links between different modes of transport; ways to increase reliance on low-cost, readily available modes of transport, including safe non-motorized transport; promotion of public participation in transport decision-making; and the encouragement of planning and provision of safe conditions for cycling transport.

By the draft decision on information and decision-making and participation, the Commission points out that to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the new knowledge economy, it is essential to increase investment in human beings, recognize the value of diverse views and appreciate the power of stakeholder participation.  Also, a more effective role for an independent, objective media in support of sustainable development is to be promoted.  Despite efforts to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of data and information gathering, developing countries with inadequate information systems and segments of population too poor to tap into new information sources, are being left behind.

To improve functioning, coherence and coordination, the Commission encourages international organizations to rationalize their requests for information to avoid duplication and unnecessary burden on countries and to improve compatibility of data collecting methodologies.  Calling for strengthened access to information on sustainable development, the Commission also calls for measures to ensure that commercialization of information does not become a barrier to developing countries, and encourages greater access to the Internet for persons with disabilities. 

Among other recommendations are those on information sharing and wider use of innovative technologies by developing countries.  The text also encourages developed countries, with cooperation of relevant international organizations, to assist developing countries in training and capacity-building; creating the infrastructure for sustainable development through transfer of technology, including the necessary hardware and software; and strengthening national information systems and statistical agencies.

Determining approaches to indicators of sustainable development, the decision recognizes that any indicators developed under its work programme are intended only for use by countries at a national level on a voluntary basis, suited to country-specific conditions, and would not lead to any financial, technical and commercial conditionalities.  The Commission reiterates the need to keep under review the full range of indicators with full participation of Member States to avoid duplication and ensure the indicators' transparency, consistency and reliability.  It also emphasizes that the indicators used by the Secretariat should be developed with full participation of all countries and approved by relevant intergovernmental bodies.  It encourages further work on experimental indicators of sustainable development and other indicators and urges developed countries and international organizations to assist the developing countries in developing national indicators for sustainable development.  The Commission also recalls the Economic and Social Council's invitation for the Statistical Commission to serve as an intergovernmental focal point for the review of indicators and the methodologies for their formulation.

Recommendations for activities at the national level concern ensuring access to environmental information; public participation in decision-making and access to judicial and administrative proceedings in environmental matters; providing access to relevant information for decision-making for sustainable development; establishing guidelines to help distinguish between commercialized and freely available information; improving access to the Internet; incorporating data from research and monitoring activities into the decision-making process; developing strategic partnerships with non-governmental organizations and the private sector to stimulate innovative data-generation, collection and analysis; and encouraging application of traditional and community knowledge to sustainable resources and community management.

According to the draft decision on international cooperation for an enabling environment, an enabling international economic environment supportive of international cooperation, particularly in the fields of finance, technology transfer, debt, trade and environmental and social issues, is needed for sustainable development.  An enabling domestic environment is also important for sustainable development.  Success in meeting objectives depends on good governance within countries and at the international level and on transparency in the financial, monetary and trading systems.  This requires a commitment to an open, equitable, rule-based, predictable and non-discriminatory multilateral trading and financial system.  The process of globalization is one of the elements of the international economic environment and presents opportunities as well as challenges and risks for sustainable development.  The international community and governments have a key role to help ensure that globalization supports development.  Technology cooperation involves joint efforts by enterprises and governments, including both suppliers and recipients of technology.

In the text, the Commission emphasizes the importance of international cooperation within the framework of Agenda 21 for promoting an enabling environment for sustainable development.  The Commission encourages the international community to reaffirm that the United Nations has a central role in promoting international cooperation for sustainable development and in promoting policy coherence on global development issues, including in the context of globalization and interdependence.  The international community is also encouraged to support developing countries in their efforts to achieve sustainable development.  They should also take necessary action to reverse the downward trend in ODA, strive to fulfill commitments to reach the target of 0.7 per cent of GNP, improve the coordination of ODA and improve its catalytic role.

Also according to the text, the international community is encouraged to support efforts to improve multilateral financial institutions and support the efforts of developing countries to put in place effective financial regulatory systems.  The functioning of the Global Environment Facility should be improved as a mechanism for financing global environmental aspects of sustainable development.  The full implementation of the enhanced heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative should be supported.  The international community is also encouraged to find lasting solutions to the debt problems of heavily indebted low and middle-income developing countries and other heavily indebted middle-income countries.  Developing countries should be assisted in seeking integration into the world trading system, notably through the World Trade Organization (WTO).  Market access for products from the developing countries should be improved and the effective application of all provisions of the Final Act embodying the results of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations should be ensured. 

Trade liberalization should continue to be pursued, through the elimination of trade distorting policies, protectionist practices and non-tariff barriers to trade as a means to improve market access in sectors of export interest to developing countries.  Mechanisms for mobilizing new financial resources should be developed, including innovative financial mechanisms.  Developing countries should be assisted to have access to environmentally sound technologies and ensure that international assistance for technology transfer is based on national and local needs pursuant to sustainable development objectives.  Developing countries should be assisted in capacity building to support technology development and transfer, institutional strengthening and human resource development. 

Governments are encouraged to create an enabling domestic environment for sustainable development through an equitable and predictable legal framework, capacity building and the implementation of appropriate macro-economic, social and environmental policies.  They should implement national sustainable development programmes and improve opportunities for the private sector, non-governmental organizations to contribute to sustainable development.  They should also develop policies and incentives that integrate economic development, social development and environmental protection.

According to the text on protection of the atmosphere, the Commission reiterates the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.  Decisions should reflect the fact that economic development, social development and environmental protection are interdependent and mutually reinforcing components of sustainable development.  The Earth's atmosphere must be considered, with oceans and land surface as one of the three interacting domains that comprise the global life-support system.  Human activities and natural disasters contribute to the build-up of atmospheric substances, which has implications for climate change and climate variability, for the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer and for air pollution.  Air pollution has negative impacts on human health, socio-economic development, ecosystems and cultural heritage.  Developed countries have the greatest share in historical accumulation of atmospheric pollutants.  Addressing atmospheric issues involves many problems, such as sustainability of patterns of consumption, rapid growth of urbanization and lack of financial and technological resources. 

The text also includes recommendations on international, regional and national level cooperation.  The international community is asked to assist in capacity building, research, education and training.  It is also asked to assist with the development of cleaner fuels and air pollution abatement technologies, particularly in developing countries.  The international community should promote

the transfer of technologies on favorable terms, including concessional and preferential terms, as mutually agreed, for cleaner fuels, including advanced fossil fuels, alternative fuels including renewable fuels through the involvement of the private sector.  Sustainable consumption and production patterns, particularly in developed countries, should be promoted.  Adequate financing should be encouraged for the promotion of the transfer of environmentally sound technologies to developing countries.  

At the regional level, the Commission also encourages supporting regional agreements for improved air quality and control of transboundary air pollution.  Methods to quantify and assess air pollution should also be improved.  Governments are encouraged to improve data compilation and monitoring of air quality, address the adverse effects on air pollution on human health, socio-economic development and ecosystems.  Nations should also give incentives to the dissemination of best available techniques to improve air quality and enhance capacity building, institutional strengthening and involvement of all relevant stakeholders. 

Highlights of Session

The Commission’s ninth session focused on the issues of: energy, atmosphere, transport, information for decision-making and participation; and international cooperation for an enabling environment.  Its two-week programme of work included general debate and interactive thematic dialogues involving major stakeholders in assessing progress, building consensus on possible future actions and generating new partnerships for sustainable development.  The high-level segment of the session brought together high-level government officials and representatives of international organizations to address the substantive issues before the Commission and provide political impetus to the implementation of decisions.   

Consisting of fifty-three Member States elected for three-year terms, the Commission is charged with monitoring the implementation of Agenda 21 -– the action programme adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (Rio de Janeiro, 1992).  It was established in 1993 as a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council, meeting annually at Headquarters.  The Commission ensures the follow-up to UNCED and enhances international cooperation for the integration of environment and development issues.

Summing up the work at the closing of the high-level segment last week, the Commission’s Chairman, Bedrich Moldan of the Czech Republic, said that the main challenge remained the provision of energy service to the 2 billion people currently without such access.  Among the key points of discussion, he highlighted energy efficiency, globalization, poverty eradication and wide-scale development of renewable energy technologies.  Meeting transport needs of the poor and encouraging direct foreign investments were also high on the agenda. 

He added that nearly every delegation had expressed a strong belief the Kyoto Protocol should remain the basis of global cooperation on climate change, despite some expressions of disappointment about the failure to reach a final agreement during the meeting of States parties to the Climate Change Convention held at the Hague in November.  Strong hope was expressed that the next meeting in July would result in a satisfactory outcome –- an affirmation of commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and consensus on the way forward for all nations.