It is evident that sustainable development currently faces an imbalance when it comes to its three main pillars – the economic, social and environmental pillars. Here, the latter is the one least taken into account by all actors. There exists a challenge to equilibrate them; searching intensely for ways that have as their goal to reach sustainable development for all and promote this as the main gap that has to be filled for the safety of the world.
The High Level Dialogue on the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development organized by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Rio+20 Secretariat, held in Solo, Indonesia, on 19-21 July, has as its main objective to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, considering remaining gaps in the implementation of agreed commitments and to address new and emerging challenges.
The proposals have revolved around two main themes; green economy and international institutions that play normative, operational and monitoring roles for them to consider reforms and the ways to strengthen the framework for sustainable development.
Sha Zukang, DESA’s Under-Secretary-General and the Secretary-General of Rio+20, underscored that “strong governance structure is critical for advancing sustainable development. A coherent, coordinated institutional framework for sustainable development at local, national, regional and global levels can greatly contribute to reaching development goals and addressing emerging challenges”.
Liana Bratasida from the ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities of Indonesia, highlighted that there is no consensus for a common definition of green economy (GE) and that it is necessary to think towards quality based growth. “GE must be considered at national level and regional level, not only at international level and implementation should be adjusted based on national circumstances and priorities”.
Mr. Sha also emphasized three main goals: to build the necessary synergies for coordinated implementation of sustainable development at national and local levels; to eliminate fragmentation and duplication of functions among sub-regional, regional and international institutions; and to build new arrangements capable of providing strong leadership and direction in tackling major global sustainable development challenges.
The outcome of the high-level dialogue will be summarized in a report prepared by the host Government with the support of the Rio+20 Secretariat, formulating concrete proposals which could be taken up for consideration and possible adoption at Rio+20.
