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An effective, integrated and co-ordinated approach to the implementation
and follow-up of the major United Nations Conferences and Summits continues to
be a priority for the European Union.
Global change continues to accelerate and sustainability still remains a
distant target, with a widening gap of the rich and the poor and increasing degradation of the natural
environment with consequent \ resource pressures. There is a need to revitalise
the sustainability debate, to bring new partners into the process and develop
new and innovative approaches, while at the same time recognising that Agenda 21
and the other Rio agreements provide a foundation on which to build.
The CSD7, in 1999, taking into account the EU initiative, requested the
Secretary-General to present a preliminary report for initial discussion at the
CSD8, containing, inter alia, suggestions for the form, scope and nature of the
preparatory process for the next comprehensive review of the implementation of
Agenda 21, \1Iith a view to providing guidance to the Secretary-General in
preparations for his report to the GA at its 55th session, where the final
decision will be taken.
In the meantime ECOSOC in July 2000 will address the follow-up of the Global
Agenda under the agenda item 'Follow-up of the UN conferences', which will also
contribute to the General Assembly decision on this matter.
At UNGASS in 1997, all countries agreed to elaborate by 2002 national strategies
for sustainable development, which are a key issue to achieve sustainable development.
The
European Union will prepare, by 2001, a long-term strategy for sustainable
development, that integrates the economic, social and environmental dimensions.
The European Union is of the opinion that the following main points should be
considered in relation to the CSD10 and a UN Conference in 2002, the latter
which we propose to call "World Summit on Sustainable Development":
I. PROCESS AND MODALIT1ES:
There should be a link between the l0-year review of Agenda 21 and the Rio
process and the follow-up of other United Nations Conferences and also the final
event on Financing for Development in 200 1, that should be taken into
consideration to avoid overlapping and enhance
coherence on the several agendas.
The EU proposes that CSD 10, in April 2002, should concentrate on stocktaking in
the implementation of Agenda 21 at the national, regional and global levels. It
should also serve as the PREPCOM to the Summit.
An adequate and timely preparation of the Summit is important and United nations
Institutions should be encouraged to start preparing their contributions as soon
as possible, taking into account the inputs from regional processes, which might
take place in 2001.
It is important to stress the role of different partners and to ensure an
interactive dialogue, building on the modalities that have successfully evolved
in CSD. The Summit has the potential of increasing the level of commitment of
civil society partners. A constructive participation of the civil society and
the NGOs and special groups, especially the business sect~ is crucial and should
be supported, not only in the Summit but also in the preparatory process. )
2. VENUE, TIMING AND ATTENDANCE
The venue, format,
modalities and scope of the Summit are closely linked together and also have an
effect to the level of attendance; therefore these issues should be addressed in
parallel.
The Summit should be held either in Africa or in Asia. This would increase the
involvement of the civil society and businesses, as well as raise general
awareness and media attention.
Adequate
participation by Least Developed Countries, in the preparation of and the Summit
itself should be a concern of the entire international community.
The
World Summit should have a focused agenda in order to attract attendance at the
highest political level.
3. SCOPE AND PURPOSE
Building
on the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21 and considering the comprehensive review,
the Summit should assess major future challenges and provide guidance for
addressing them.
One of
the major purposes of the Summit should be to bring renewed high level political
commitment to achieve sustainable development. It is also important to stress
that the Summit should not renegotiate what is agreed in Agenda 21 and
the Rio Declaration.
As a
further integration of all dimensions of sustainable development has to be
achieved. the Summit should look for an integrated effective and co-ordinated
approach to future challenges, such as:
poverty and environment, including the social dimension of sustainable
development;
reverse the decline of natural resources through a more efficient use;
links between the
environment and security;
national and local
sustainable development strategies;
strengthening of the
institutional framework for sustainable development;
follow-up and further review, including the further programme of work for the
CSD.
The
European Union wishes that the Kyoto Protocol in to 2002 will have entered into
force. The European Union looks forward to continuing the dialogue with others
regarding these issues.
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