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1st Implementation Cycle - Review Session
14-30 Apr 2004
New York

CSD-12

Second Bureau Meeting
3 Oct 2003
New York
Note of the Meeting

  1. The second meeting of the Bureau of the twelfth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) took place in New York on 3 October 2003. Minister Børge Brende (Norway), Chairperson of CSD-12, chaired the meeting. The following Vice-Chairs participated in the meeting: Mr. Bruno Stagno Ugarte (Costa Rica); Mr. Toru Shimuzu (Japan); Mr. Bolus Paul Zom Lolo (Nigeria); and Ms. Eva Tomic (Slovenia). The meeting was also attended by Ms. JoAnne DiSano, Director of the Division for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DSD/DESA), staff from DSD/DESA and officials from the Norwegian Ministries of Environment and Foreign Affairs.
  2. In welcoming Bureau members and other participants to the meeting, the CSD Chairperson expressed his appreciation to colleagues for their continuing efforts in preparing for CSD-12 and reaffirmed the importance of CSD-12 as the litmus test for a successful implementation of the agreed goals and targets.
  3. The following are the main highlights of the discussion that took place during the meeting.

Activities of the Bureau since its first meeting

  1. The Bureau members briefed participants on their activities since their first meeting. The Chairperson had attended international events and had invited ministers to contribute to the preparations of CSD-12. There was strong support for CSD-12, as well as high expectations. Vice-Chairs reported on their respective meetings and contacts with regional groups and conveyed the appreciation of member States for the Bureau’s work. 

Update on regional meetings

  1. The Secretariat provided an update on the preparation of the five regional meetings that would feed into the work of CSD-12. These had been previously scheduled in the Regional Commissions’ calendars but have been adjusted to take on an added focus on the review of the thematic cluster of water, sanitation and human settlements, following the decision of CSD-11. As such, these meetings would benefit from broader participation of member Governments and other stakeholders. The outcomes of these regional meetings will be submitted to CSD-12 as an integral part of the official documentation in the form of a note by the Secretary-General transmitting the relevant conclusions and recommendations.
  2. The issue of the participation of CSD member States in their respective regional meetings was raised. It was emphasized that the General Assembly at its current session would be expected to make a decision on the resource aspect of this issue. 

Proposed framework for the organization of work at CSD-12

  1. The Chairperson shared with the Bureau his further consideration of the organization of work at CSD-12. It was pointed out that the proposed framework provides a sound, logical structure for the organization of work, taking into account a number of “givens”, including regional presentations, the High-Level Segment and interactive discussions with Major Groups.
  2. In the proposed framework, the three themes of water, sanitation and human settlements would be accorded equal priority and would be addressed in an integrated manner, taking into account cross-cutting issues. Major Groups will be given the opportunity to participate in all aspects of CSD-12, including the High-level Segment and a focused half-day event. Furthermore, two half-days would be set aside in the second week to examine the relationship among the three themes of water, sanitation and human settlements.
  3. The Bureau stressed that the High-Level Segment should reflect on the progress discussed in the previous 7 days and pave the way for effective policy discussions in the lead-up to the Policy Year. The Bureau also stressed that the High-level Segment should be oriented toward interactive discussions rather than prepared statements. Time limits set for prepared statements throughout CSD-12 would be strictly adhered to.
  4. It was agreed that the Bureau would share with member States the agreed framework for the organization of work at CSD-12 and a flow chart outlining the outcomes of CSD-12. The Bureau also agreed to make them available to the general public through the CSD website.
  5. The Bureau reaffirmed the importance of involving the Regional Development Banks and other regional institutions in both regional meetings and CSD-12.
  6. The Bureau agreed to continue its consultations with members of their regional groupings and would seek suggestions for possible names of experts that could be considered as resource persons, panelists and speakers in the various activities planned throughout the CSD-12 session.

Update on documentation

  1. The Secretariat briefed the Bureau on progress in the preparation of Secretary-General’s reports as requested in the decision of CSD11. It was pointed out that while the preparation of Secretary-General’s reports involved the active participation and contribution of many UN agencies, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring balanced and high-quality documentation for CSD-12 rests with the Secretary-General. 
  2. The Secretariat also briefed the Bureau on its efforts to streamline national reporting, in close collaboration with relevant UN agencies, and in accordance with the decision of CSD-11. A communication would be sent out to national Governments in the near future requesting only for information previously not addressed.

Next meeting of the Bureau

  1. The next meeting will be held in New York on November 18, 2003. 
  2. The Bureau agreed that at its November meeting in New York, it would meet with Major Groups representatives.