CSD Session 16
Wednesday, May
7, 2008
Biofuels
debate begins
Among the various topics
in the agriculture discussion, biofuels is one of the most controversial
and heated. While some call for the sustainable use and production of
biofuels (US) qualified through certification standards ( Italy,  Netherlands),
others have called for a complete halt (Jordan). The EU says they support
the sustainable production and consumption of biofuels; but what does
that really mean?
At an afternoon
side event, the Dutch Ministry of Environment. Following from the Cramer
Commission (i.e., Commission on Sustainable Biomass Production), they
highlighted six criteria:
- GHG emission savings
- Avoid competiton with food and
other local purposes
- Avoid biodiversity loss
- Pressure on local environment
- Economic prosperity
- Local well-being
However, they
agreed these were more principles than measureable criteria -- which remains
an aim. As to measuring the impacts of production, companies were expected
to monitoring themselves -- which Neth Dano (Third World Network) immediately
questionned. The NGO speakers following focused a much stronger critique
of largescale biofuels production -- or rather agrofuels. A debate to
be continued...
Tuesday,
May 6, 2008
Dialogue with Major Groups
At the first Major Groups dialogue
session, the NGOs
noted that the current food crisis is not surprising, given the lack of
support for sustainable agriculture for so many years. They again stressed
the need to focus on the root causes of the crisis. The
Indigneous Peoples stressed the particular vulnerability of indigenous
peoples to the effects of globalization, industrial crops and climate
change.
Trade unions also highlighted impacts, such as from pesticides and
poorly managed chemical use, on small producers, women, and other workers.
They also pointed out that "sustainable production and consumption
patterns are key for addressing the CSD-16 themes."
One controversial production/consumption
topic is biofuels. The science and technology spokesperson called for "a
balanced approach" to this topic, which he said needs "a clear
understanding of the benefits of biofuels to the environment and on the
impact on food production and the economy."
Monday, May 5, 2008
CSD Review Session Begins
The CSD review session opened today, with officials approving the plan of work and pointing out that results will feed into the May 20 ECOSOC special session and FAO conference on Food Security, Climate Change and Bioenergy (3-5 June). Given other related policy fora, such as the World Water Forum, the opening NGO statement urged CSD to be treated as "a platform to draw on lessons learned" while stressing the need to get beyond a "short-term mentality" and find practical solutions addressing the root causes of the food crisis.
The Indigenous Peoples statement, while pointed to the lessons offered by traditional farming and resource managment methods, also highlighted some of big controversies facing the two week session: "Agro-fuels, GMOs and petro-chemical fixes...compounding local poverty, whilst enriching global corporations." The statement from business and industry, pointing out that "agricultural demand is rising faster than output" stressed the need "to increase the overall productivity and efficiency of agriculture." Hopefully, in the trek through the different perspectives and priorities, we will see a productive viewpoint and strategy emerge that will address these problems.
Friday, May 3, 2008
Hightened Focus on CSD Agenda as UN prepares for Opening
As government delegates and lobbyists arrive and check into their hotels andaccommodations, UN staff gear up foranother two weeks of meetings, speeches, and mountains of paper addressing the global food crisis now dominating the mass news media. (See Preliminary Programme of Meetings and Activities). The pressure iscertainly on the UN right now, given discouraging trends of increasing food prices and sinking hopes of ending world hunger in the near future. UN adviser Jeffrey Sach says
it is "the worst crisis of its kind in more than 30 years." TheWorld Food Program has described rising food prices as a "silent tsunami" the biggest challenge in its 45-year history, turning 100 million people toward hunger and poverty. This presents a major blow to the Millennium Development Goals, not to mention millions of peoples lives. What are the causes? What are the solutions? In the next two weeks, international experts will be in New York to debate these questions as well as the question of what commitments governments, industry and citizens are willing to make.
It is hard to say to what degree the mass media will focus public attention on the CSD discussions in these two weeks. Traditionally, CSD has not been high on journalists lists. This year, however, may be a different story.
[picture courtesy of World Food Programme]
Get your views in writing!
The new Online Discussion Forum on Agriculture and Rural Development is now open for business. Make sure your views and priorities are not left behind in the depths of the UN basement conference rooms! Don't be shy! The exchange of views, especially those going on beyond the microphones, is important. Let the rest of the world know what's being said hear beyond the official record.
Monday,
April 29, 2008
NGO Orientation Meeting this Sunday
Join with your fellow NGOs at the CSD 16 Orientation and Information meeting this Sunday afternoon, 2:30 - 6:15 pm, May 4 at the Tudor Hotel (near the corner of 42nd St and 2nd Ave). Download the meeting agenda for the list of speakers. This is the chance for NGOs to gather and touch base with each other, as well as learn of the logistics and plans for NGOs in the coming weeks.
Monday,
November 19, 2007
First
Draft of NGO Review Paper
We've received
the
first draft of the NGO Review Paper for CSD-16 [Word format], with
encouragements to send comments until 23 November.. Send these to Neth
Dano of Third World Network at nethdano@pacific.net.ph
.
Jan Rademaker
of ANPED reminds everyone that "Individual persons cannot participate
in this process. The entire CSD system is set up as an interactive process
where stakeholders, that is organisations interact with governments and
the intergovernmental system To be able to comment and add to the review
paper, whoever participates must show that he or she works with and for
an organisation, be that at grass root level, national level, regional
or global. Unless proof of organisational belonging is submitted or written
up with the comments, the comments will be ignored."
Friday,
November 9, 2007
About the NGO paper for CSD-16
ANPED announces
the availability of its information
paper on the development of the NGO major group background paper for
CSD 16.
CSD Session 15
Friday,
May 11, 2007
CSD ends on
a question mark
 Not
many government nor NGO delegates were pleased with the end results of
the past two years of discussion. The EU said the text did not address
either the challenges or the expectations. One minister is said to have
referred to the session as "a joke." Some say this is a weakness
of CSD; yet CSD is also a reflection on the political will and global
leadership of the governments making it up. We NGOs, on the other hand,
have the task of pushing those governments to do the right thing. When
they don't, it's our job as watchdogs to point this out and understand
why.
What's your opinion
of this conclusion to the CSD's two-year efforts?
Share your thoughts in Evaluating
CSD-15
US groups call
for greater responsibility by US on energy
Acknowledging
the overly large carbon footprint of the US, groups here called on citizens
to challenge their leaders and the government to develop a National Sustainable
Energy strategy. See statement.
Wednesday,
May 9, 2007
Brundtland reports!
After 20 years
the concept of sustainable development is still going strong, although
not necessarily the way it was envisioned back then. We of course all
owe to Brundtland
one of the most cited definitions of sustainable development. This time
she's focused especially on climate change.
 Tuesday,
May 8, 2007
How many mountains per kilowatt?
Hopefully you
were able to see the press event today outside the UN today , which highlighted
the human and environmental impacts of coal extraction and especially
mountain top removal. This is the second year the Appalachian coalfields
delegation has come to CSD, grassroots organizations highlighting what
they describe as the dirty secrets behind "clean" coal. Position
paper.
Monday,
May 7, 2007
Give me some air!
How is it that
throughout the discussion about Air Pollution there are so few references
to power plants? These are a major source of the world's air pollution,
yet why so little attention? In the US, coal-fired plants are not only
the biggest source of mercury
pollution but also 40%
of CO2 emissions. According to Environmental
Trust they are "the single largest source of air pollutio."
Friday,
May 4, 2007
Week 1 ends -- are we moving ahead?
It is now almost
6 pm and G77 is still behind closed doors on the energy text. Hmm. Small
island states with receding coastlines. Oil producing OPEC countries.
How should CSD describe the "future" of fossil fuels?
 Solar
alternatives
In the meantime,
some of us went outside to enjoy the beautiful spring day and sample the
tasty fare at the Solar Cookers International demonstration. Dinah Chienjo,
from Kondele, Kenya shows us some "Sunny Solutions" to the world's
fossil fuel addiction.
 CSD
not just talk
While CSD is
often described as one big talkfest, today the sound of music came drifting
down the halls. Indeed, if you walked into Dag Hammarskjold Auditorium
you may have had the pleasure of seeing and hearing the sweet voices
of the High School
for Environmental Studies Glee Club, performing "Penguins
on Thin Ice: A Musical Revue about Global Change and Sustainable Energy,"
produced by Sharon Abreu and Michael Hurwicz. And you thought the UN was
just full of stuffed shirts!
Thursday,
May 3, 2007
The debate begins
It is now 10
am and delegates are now moving to discuss the Chair's text, with the
debate on energy and air pollution in Conference Room 1 and on climate
and industrial developments in Room 4. This spatial separation may symbolize
an even bigger gap, given the Chair's downplaying of CSD in the climate
change debate. This is causing a stir for those here to make a difference.
Acknowledging the UNFCCC and
Kyoto Protocol
as the "sole multilateral instruments to conduct negotiations with
climate change" appears to disregard the role of CSD in addressing
the "overarching objective" of sustainable development in changing
the unsustainable production and consumption patterns causing climate
change. Once again we see the hot potato of responsibility shifting hands.
Now, who will pick up the gauntlet to make CSD more than an indicator
of global excuses? Stay tuned!
Wednesday,
May 2, 2007
An evening of collective scrutiny
The Chair's
draft report [PDF] is now out and circulating, with special thanks
to WEDO for sending this arround. Some have already expressed disappointment
with weaknesses in the language. Given the stakes, and considering frustrations
with many governments on this issue, emotions will be high tomorrow.
Waiting for
the Chair's text
Today delegates
of all stripes anxiously look forward to release of the draft of the Chair's
report to see whether their inputs were added or ignored. Later NGOs will
pour over the texts and discuss where to focus their next moves. Some
may understandably ask, what difference will it make? A good question.
However, a better question is: What will make it different? Better arguments?
More convincing facts? Better communication and collaboration among the
NGOs/Major Groups?
Energy and climate
views and resources
Check out the
new section of this website, Addressing
the Issues. This is to be a space to collect some of the different
statments, articles, papers and news items addressing the CSD-15's themes
and issues. As you can see, the website overall is going through some
changes (please be patient with us!) If you have or know of an appropriate
paper or resource link for any of these sections, let us know. This is
a work-in-development and we need your knowledge to make it useful.
Tuesday,
May 1, 2007
Targets and timetables?
Today Germany,
speaking for the EU, called for time-bound targets on energy efficiency,
renewables and access to energy, with review and follow-up at later CSD
sessions. Such targets, although with a broader range of commitments,
has been an on-going NGO priority, often curtailed or watered down by
less enthusiastic but influential players. On the other hand, everyone
is for renewables. This is
a low-hanging fruit; the more controversial targets remain to be seen.
Jurgen
Maier, speakng for the NGOs, called on CSD not to trail but to become
the "spearhead" for the energy and climate agenda. Discussion
continues among NGOs and others on the role of CSD in the climate
debate, given the upcoming meeting of the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change in Bonn on May 7-18.
Monday,
April 30, 2007
CSD 15 begins
The 15th Session
of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development opened today with speeches
from different countries. According to the UN
press release, 80 government ministers are expected to attend, with
more than 2,000 governmental and non-governmental delegations here engaged
in the debate about energy, air pollution, climate change and industrial
development.
NGOs are also
concerned about a governmental approach encouraging renewables and efficiency
while subsidizing and rationaliazing even greater growth of fossil fuel
production and consumption. Another concern is that climate change, energy
access for the poor, and other such issues are being used to justify and
subsidize expansion of nuclear
power, agrifuels and
other big industry priorities. Stay tuned!
Sunday,
April 24, 2007
NGOs prepare on Sunday for CSD-15
This Sunday afternoon,
April 29th, at least two NGO meetings will take place in preparation for
the 15th CSD session:
- SDIN will host an NGO/Major Groups orientation to CSD
meeting, taking place at the Tudor Hotel (the old Crowne Plaza), from
2:00-6:00 pm, 304 E. 42nd Street, near 2nd Avenue, New York City. Open
to all. More.
- The Women's Major Group Strategy Session, will take
place 4:30-6:00 pm, at WEDO office, 355 Lexington Avenue, 3rd Floor,
between 40th and 41st Streets. RSVP to rebecca@wedo.org
to be included on building's security list.
March
15, 2007
Don't wait till New York: Exchange your views NOW on policies for CSD-15
We have created
a new online web-based discussion forum to
allow you to share and exchange your views on the CSD-15 policy discussion.
What is your
opinion on: Biofuels? Carbon off-sets? How the UN defines "sustainable
energy?" The role of nuclear power? The call for increasing supply
from ALL sources? Clean fossil fuels? The impacts of access? Who really
benefits from big scale projects?
What countries
do you think are on the right track regarding energy policy in the world
today? What are the opportunities and obstacles in the discussion at CSD-15?
How can NGOs be more effective?
Don't wait until
you get to New York to start talking to each other on these important
issues!
March
2, 2007
Chairman's draft lacks leadership, commitment to change
The Chairman's draft negotiating document reflects little of the discussions
that took place this week. Today's wrap-up session provides an opportunity
for comment. Today's Taking Issue offers viewpoints and proposed CSD-15
priorities from several Major Groups including Indigenous Peoples, Youth,
Trade Unions and Science and Technology.
March
1, 2007
Interlinkages and cross-cutting issues
Today's interactive discussions focus on policy options and possible actions.
Topics include enhancing the role of women, addressing the special needs
of Africa and LDCs, enhancing the role of partnerships, among others,
which are discussed in today's Taking Issue.
Yesterday's discussions
on air pollution/atmosphere included statements by the NGO and Trade Union
Major Groups. The NGOs also contributed a statement to the climate change
discussion.
February
28, 2007
Energy is the hot topic
The interactive discussion on Energy for Sustainable Development was exended
into the afternoon due to the number of speakers. The Youth and Children
and Women's Major Groups offered official input into the discussion.
Read about the
discussion in today's Taking Issue.
February
27, 2007
Interactive discussions on Energy and Sustainable Development and Industrial
Development begin
The updated Preliminary Programme of Meetings and Activities and list
of scheduled side events are now available.
Read today's
Taking Issue here.
February
26, 2007
Intergovernmental Preparatory Session Begins
The 15th Intergovernmental Preparatory Session will convene from February
26 through March 2, 2007. The Commission will continue its focus on the
following areas: Energy for Sustainable Development ; Industrial Development
; Air pollution/ Atmosphere ; and Climate Change .
Taking Issue
will also provide daily reports throughout the CSD. Today's copy is available
here.
February
23, 2007
NGO Briefing for CSD-15 Intergovernmental Preparatory Session
SDIN will offer a briefing for all major groups on Sunday, February 25
from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Crown Plaza Hotel in New York. See announcement
for more details.
January
3, 2007
Deadlines for side events
If you are planning to organize any side-events for CSD, please note the
following deadlines:
* January 26
for the Intergovernmental Planning Meeting
* March 30 for CSD-15
You will need
to download request forms and event guidelines.
December
30, 2006
Draft SG discussion papers available
The six draft policy discussion papers from the Secretary-General's office
are now online. There include five papers from the Secretary-General,
looking at "Policy Options and Possible Actions" on CSD-15's
key topics: (1) energy, (2) air pollution/atmosphere, (3) climate change,
(4) industrial development, and (5) cross-cutting issues. Also there is
a single document combining all the of Major Group statements on these
topics.
November
17, 2006
Final NGO Policy Statement paper
Here is the final version of the NGO policy paper for CSD-15. This paper
will be included in the official CSD report and translated into the various
languages of participating regions.
Between now and
the Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting (26 February to 2 March 2007),
we expect to hear from the various regional and national processes to
identify and evaluate key policy priorities, agreements and controversies
among countries and Major Groups.
November
10, 2006
Final draft of NGO paper available
The revised draft of the NGO policy paper [MS Word] is now available for
final comments, to be sent to the CURES group by Monday, November 13 (see
Explanatory Note).
October
17, 2006
Draft NGO paper ready for comments
The long-awaited draft NGO policy priorities paper [pdf] for CSD15 is
now available and open for NGO comment and discussion. Note that this
paper is not to be a review or critique of past and present policies and
practices (which was the focus of CSD-14) but NGOs' recommended policies
and priorities for action, based on the findings from last year's review
session. Deadline for comments is 26 October.
October
11, 2006
Major Groups Guidelines for CSD15
Guidelines for Major Group participation in CSD 15 is now available. These
outline the format for Major Group papers now being prepared by each group.
Deadline for submission to the Bureau is October 30.
August, 17 2006
August 18 is deadline for Major Groups input for SG paper
Major Group inputs
are now being accepted for the
Secretary-General's
reports for the CSD's 15th Session. These inputs should go to:
CSD Major Groups
Programme E-mail
fax: + 1 917 367 2341
CSD Session 14
Friday,
12 May 2006
NGOs call on developed countries to meet their commitments
Citing Agenda 21 in their last statement of CSD14, NGOs called on the
developed countries to "take the lead" by (1) redirecting IFI
funds to sustainble energy projects, (2) phasing out fossil fuel and nuclear
subsidies and redirecting those resources to the poor; and (3) transfering
sustainable energy technology.
The Way Forward...but
to where?
In the morning of the final day ending the two week Review session of
CSD, NGOs and other Major Groups gear up for their concluding statements
at the Multi-stakeholder Dialogue session. With the next "Chair's
Summary" coming out at 3 pm, many worry that "The Way Forward"
will move everything backwards, particularly regarding nuclear, "clean"
fossil fuels, big versus small-scale projects, perverse subsidies, corporate
accountability, and investment in renewables. Nevertheless, hopes are
also strong that the problems and concerns raised will be not simply acknowledged
but addressed in the next session. NGOs are also discussing options for
preparing for the next year and cycle, translating concerns into strategies,
policies and practices.
Thursday,
11 May 2006
Making a Difference or Making It Difficult?
Wednesday morning NGOs raised concerns about the plenary involving energy
ministers and major fossil fuel industry CEOs ("Making a Difference:
Ministerial dialogue with business leaders"). While major fossil
fuel companies were well represented, there were no representatives from
the solar industry. Also, until a complaint was made, there was no intention
to allow any other Major Group input into the dialogue. NGOs/Major Groups
were then allowed one intervention, which among other things criticized
the dominance of the public-private partnership model, which celebrates
voluntary initiatives as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). What's
missing here, they pointed out, is corporate accountability.
Wednesday,
10 May 2006
Were we heard? NGOs discuss Chair's Summary
Tuesday night
NGOs and other Major Groups discussed the Chair's Summary report, released
earlier in the afternoon. In general, enthusiasm was tepid, some referring
to the text as "bland and boring" and not containing many of
the points raised by NGOs over the past week. NGOs complained that the
problems of carbon capture and storage were not covered, that bio fuels
were not stated as a fact; the Principle of Common but Differentiated
Responsibilities still considered as an issue and not an established principle.
In general, the answer to everything is the private sector, with Partnerships
(i.e., government-industry voluntary approaches) -- moving away from government's
responsibility and obligations. NGOs criticized the continuous theme of
"keeping all energy options open," which translates into promotion
of nuclear power, fossil fuels, and big projects. This approach, most
NGOs believe, is not sustainable development but instead undermines the
needs, health and quality of life of future generations forced to live
with the consequences.
Tuesday,
9 May 2006
Are we communicating? Chair's summary at 3 pm
After more than a week of dialogues, monologues, side events, Vienna Cafe
chats and other exchanges, the Chair will now produce a summary, to be
available at 3 pm. Here we will see to what degree NGO and other Major
Group points have been heard and reflected in writing. Will economic growth,
nuclear power, clean coal and big projects dominate along with the mantra
of keeping all doors open (and producing as much energy as possible)?
Or will we see a fair presentation of the competing viewpoints and interests
we have all seen and heard these past days?
He said what?
New NGO statements/interventions page
To keep track of the different statements and key points raised by NGOs
and Major Groups throughout the different sessions, we have created a
brand new page. This will be helpful in charting the evolution of points
made for each group. If you have made an intervention and it is not listed,
please contact us so we can add this to the statements/interventions page.
Common agenda
among NGOs and Major Groups?
Monday night NGOs and other major groups discussed common priorities and
viewpoints on which they clearly agree and want to see reflected in the
outcomes of the Review Session. This could be a measure by which to test
the Chair's Summary....
Monday,
8 May 2006
Defining progress at CSD-14
With the conclusion of the first week of the CSD the question remains
how this session will define "progress" in implementing past
commitments and objectives to achieve sustainable energy, reduce air pollution
and climate change, and to re-orient industrial development around principles
of sustainable development. Following the presentation of the NGO statement
in the Multistakeholder Dialogue on Wednesday, NGOs and Major Groups made
a series of interventions and statements in the various intergovernmental
discussions. Most NGOs expressed disappointment with the Dialogues, especially
commenting on poor attendance by governments. One exception was the business
and industry group who, as rumor has it, have been pleased with the dialogues
and process.
Many NGOs continue
to be concerned with the way "sustainable energy" is being defined,
particularly regarding efforts to include nuclear power, big hydro projects
and continued drilling for coal justified as "clean coal," among
other concerns. One controversy is how the Commission will address the
social and environmental impacts of various energy production strategies.
The Trade Unions are especially concerned about social sustainability
getting less attention and priority in contrast to the economic and industrial
growth priorities.
And so the second
week begins. How "progress" will be defined as the foundation
for next year's recommendations on policy remains to be seen.
Wednesday, 3 May 2006
Multistakeholder Dialogue: Where are the governments?
The Multistakeholder Dialogue (MSD) took place today, with three minute
statements by each of the Major Groups. Unlike many other United Nations
processes, the CSD is probably the most advanced in its efforts to encourage
participation by different sectors of society in the review and policymaking
process. The Multistakeholder Dialogues are one of the mechanisms that
has evolved over past years to encourage productive exchange between government
delegations and these different groups.
However, such
exchanges are much more difficult when the seats of so many governments
are empty.
Monday,
1 May 2006
CSD-14 begins
People and organizations from around the world concerned about energy,
air pollution, climate change and the direction of industrial development
arrived in New York to begin the official 14th session of the CSD today.
Many NGOs began the morning standing in line to register in time to catch
the 9:00 a.m. morning orientation meeting, hosted by SDIN, providing a
place to touch base, share the news about the day's events, opportunities
and other things to watch out for. The morning meetings will take place
every day for the next two weeks of the session.
At 10:00 the
official intergovernmental session opened with general statements by bureau
and government delegations, focusing on the overall progress in implementing
past commitments on sustainable energy, air pollution, climate change
and industry since the Earth Summit. Official sessions continued from
3:00 to 6:00. In addition, throughout the day various groups held side
events, Partnership Fair and Learning Centre activities. Issue and Major
Group caucuses also held their first day of meetings, many discussing
what they would bring to the table at the Multistakeholder Dialogue scheduled
for Wednesday, with many also discussing this together at the evening
NGO Strategy meeting (which will also be held each day at 7:00 pm for
the next two weeks). For the latest info on planned events, see CSD Today
at http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd14/csd_today/csdToday.pdf
For a good daily
summary of governmental discussions during the session, see Earth Negotiations
Bulletin at http://www.iisd.ca/csd/csd14/
Taking Issue
will also provide daily reports throughout the CSD. Today's copy is available
here.
Sunday,
30 April 2006
Orientation meeting
SDIN held its annual pre-CSD orientation meeting for NGOs, introducing
new NGOs to the workings of the CSD and providing initial discussions
on the upcoming agenda and opportunities to influence the outcomes. Among
the speakers, Roque Pedace from Friends of the Earth-Argentina introduced
CURES to the group -- one of the major new international networks promoting
sustainable energy alternatives. Susan Brown, from World Wildlife Fund
highlighted an important process now taking place discussing international
environmental governance and the future of the CSD and other institutions
originally meant to promote sustainable development.
Wednesday,
26 April 2006
Steps to a "Sustainable Energy Future"
Citizens United for Renewable Energies and Sustainability (CURES) is a
civil society network of over 240 organizations promoting renewable energy.
As a contribution to the upcoming CSD, CURES produced the position paper
"Steps Toward a Sustainable Energy Future" (see http://www.cures-network.org/docs/cures_folder_2006.pdf
)
SDIN is helping
circulate this paper, which presents key points in the presentation on
behalf of the NGO major group prepared for the Multi Stakeholder Dialogue
session on Wednesday 3 May. NGOs will have opportunities on Monday and
Tuesday to discuss the content of this presentation.
"Youth Energy
Blast" to kick off CSD-14
All youth participants
of the 14th Session of the U.N. Commission on
Sustainable Development are invited and strongly encouraged to attend
the
YOUTH ENERGY BLAST.
DATE: APRIL 29,
2006
TIME: 12:00PM - 5:30PM [12:00-17:30]
PLACE: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
405 INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUILDING
118th STREET and AMSTERDAM AVENUE
Map: http://www.columbia.edu/about_columbia/map/international_affairs.html
The goals of
the Blast are to provide information and training for youth participants
of the CSD and
provide a space for youth to share best practises for implementing climate
solutions and participating in decision-making at the international level.
For more information see http://www.youthcaucus.net/blast or contact Michael
Gale at michael@sustainus.org. If you plan to come please rsvp before
April 28 at http://www.youthcaucus.net/blast/register
Tuesday,
18 April 2006
Pre-CSD orientation meeting
There will be a preliminary CSD 14 civil society training and information
meeting ("CSD Unravelled") on Sunday afternoon, 30 April, between
2:00 to 6:00 pm in the Knightbridge Room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (304
42nd Street, corner of 2nd Avenue). All CSD participants are welcome.
See meeting program. (revised)
Also see the
discussion paper by Jan-Gustav Strandenaes, "Making Sense of CSD14"
Note that official
registration for CSD will take place on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at
the UN at the Visitor's Entrance. See the overall registration schedule
for the two weeks.
Monday,
17 April 2006
Background information for CSD 14
Advance unedited copies of the UN Secretary General reports on CSD-14
thematic clusters: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/docs_csd14.htm
Provisional agenda
of CSD-14 and organization of work document prepared by the CSD secretariat:
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd14/orgOfWorkCSD_14.pdf ),
Major Groups
discussion papers (translated in all 6 UN languages):
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/documents/docs_sdissues_major_groups.htm
The Matrix, an
information tool prepared by the CSD Secretariat to facilitate thematic
discussions during CSD-14, and based on the information submitted by governments,
UN agencies, Major groups and on the Secretary General's reports: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd14/documents/matrixCSD14.pdf
Also see CSD14
main page for other documents and information of interest: http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/review.htm
Friday, 24 February 2006
Time to preregister for CSD 14
The 14th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development is coming
up soon. Covering the two weeks of 1-12 May, this session will focus on
the review of progress on energy, atmosphere, climate change and industrial
development. NGOs and other Major Group representatives planning or interested
in attending this session of the CSD are urged to preregister. If you
have not attended CSD before, check the list of accredited NGOs to see
if your group is included; if not, you may want to join the delegation
of an accredited NGO; or you can contact the NGO Section at the UN.
Thursday,
10 November 2005
Major Groups discussion papers
Each of the Major Groups has been invited to submit Discussion Papers
that summarize their perspective on progress relating to the thematic
areas under consideration - i.e. Energy for Sustainable Development, Industrial
Development, Air pollution/Atmosphere and Climate Change. These papers
are supposed to be compiled through a consultative process organized by
the Major Groups organizing partners and is meant to be used in interactive
discussions.
The deadline for submitting the discussion papers is Nov 15, 2005.
Guidelines for
Major Groups participation in CSD-14
The Division of Sustainable Development has released a paper that explains
the various points at which major groups can intervene and contribute
to the CSD process.
Thursday,
29 September 2005
CSD-14 Bureau meeting
The first meeting of the Bureau of the fourteenth session of the Commission
on Sustainable Development (CSD-14) took place on 29 September 2005. Details
are available here.
Wednesday,
14 September 2005
Call for national reports
The CSD Secretariat has requested countries to provide national reports
that will reflect progress made in the under the areas of atmosphere,
climate change, energy and industry. To facilitate this process, guidelines
for national reporting have been made available.
Upcoming: First
CSD14 bureau meeting
The first meeting of the CSD-14 Bureau will take place on September 29,
2005.
Details
Bureau members
Monday, 12 September
2005
Sustainable Development in action: case studies
The CSD Secretariat has called upon countries to submit case studies relating
to themes that were discussed in the first implementation cycle or that
will be discussed in the second implementation cycle.
Details
Request for case
studies on CSD 14/15 themes
Wednesday, 27
July 2005
Written contributions from Major Groups sought
The CSD Secretariat has called for written contributions from Major Groups
on their "results oriented activities on implementation" on
the themes energy, air pollution/atmosphere, climate change, and industrial
development. The submissions will be considered in preparing the Secretary
General's State of Implementation report and the Secretary General's overview
report. The contributions should reach the CSD Secretariat no later than
September 1st 2005.
Details
CSD-14: Provisional
agenda
The provisional agenda for CSD-14 is available on the CSD-14 website.
Tuesday, 26
July 2005
Schedule for Regional Implementation Meetings
The five regional commissions will be organizing regional implementation
meetings in their respective regions prior to CSD-14. the purpose of these
meetings is to allow "effective consideration of regional and sub-regional
inputs throughout the Commission's new two-year implementation cycles".
The schedule for the Regional Implementation Meetings is available here.
CSD-14: A review
session
In its second implementation cycle, the Commission on Sustainable Development
will consider the themes of Energy for Sustainable Development, Industrial
Development, Air pollution/Atmosphere and Climate Change. The 14th session
(CSD-14) will review progress in the above areas in New York from May
1 to 12 2006.
Online discussion
forum
NGOs can share their thoughts about previous sessions of the CSD, as well
as preparations for CSD-14 on SDIN's new Online Discussion Forum. Here
we have created a special internet electronic discussion forum on "NGO
views and comments on CSD-13" (Note: Remember to register for the
Forum at the upper right corner of the page).
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