Summary of the Interactive Discussion with Major Groups
Monday 30 April, 11:30am -1:00 pm  
Conference Room 4

At its fifteenth session, the Commission on Sustainable Development continued its tradition of including an interactive discussion with major groups as part of its official proceedings. The interactive discussion segment held on 30 April involved representatives of women, youth, indigenous people, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, workers and trade unions, business and industry, scientific and technological communities, and farmers. This segment provided an opportunity for a focused discussion of major groups’ priorities on practical measures and options to further implementation relevant to the four thematic issues. The discussion was organized into three blocks of 30 minutes each, comprised of short presentations from three major groups, followed by interactive discussion among governments and major groups.

All governments and major groups reaffirmed the critical importance of engaging all stakeholders in implementation efforts at the local, national and international level, and many expressed their willingness and commitment to work together through partnerships. Governments expressed appreciation for the contributions of major groups and supported their continued active involvement in the work of the CSD. Many speakers reiterated the calls heard at the IPM for an action-oriented Chair’s text, and emphasized that this policy session has the potential to succeed in producing a strong outcome by including time-bound targets and concrete measures in its policy decisions, especially on energy issues.

Mainstreaming gender issues into energy decision-making processes was high on the list of priorities that enjoyed broad support from governments. Energy poverty disproportionately affects women and is a crucial obstacle not only to development, but also to poverty reduction and social progress. Access to modern energy services and technologies must become an integral part of national sustainable development strategies; decentralized power generation and energy service delivery are the most promising approaches. Particular strategies outlined the need to increase capacity building, technical training, and enterprise development for women; include women in national energy policies and programmes; and invest in energy infrastructure that includes women. Examples of successful major groups’ participation in the development of policies at the national level were called for, so that such success stories might be replicated elsewhere.

A mix of views were presented regarding the diversity of energy solutions, with some calling for a phase-out of fossil fuel energy systems in favor of expanded sustainable energy technologies and creation of renewable energy markets. While several speakers championed the development of biofuels and hydropower, others advised that all options should be considered based on the existing natural resource base, population distribution, and economic status. With action already being taken at local levels to reduce greenhouse gases, provide incentives for renewable energy use, develop alternative fuels, support public transit, set tougher vehicle efficiency standards, and provide access to Kyoto finance mechanisms, it is clear that national level policies do not necessarily need to be in place before changes can occur.

A global energy revolution is also a program for industrial development, and employment is a cornerstone of industrial planning. Workplaces should become the medium of action for implementing changes to production and consumption targets. The Commission could propose ways to encourage sustainable growth of industry and develop new renewable energy markets, while emphasizing creation of decent jobs, the critical role of corporate social responsibility, robust policy and regulatory frameworks, and full corporate accountability for social and environmental impacts. Enabling frameworks for sustainable business and industry should incorporate open markets, trade liberalization and investment protection, strong institutions and good governance, protection of human rights, science- and risk-based regulations that are enforced, protection of intellectual property, and due diligence.

Climate change and energy security are the dominant issues of international politics today. The CSD should identify concrete actions to support broader sustainable development policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, broaden research on regional impacts of climate change, strengthen global observation systems, and integrate sustainable development education into all formal education curricula. The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment was cited as an example worth replicating in other regions that involves participation of indigenous and local communities and takes into account their knowledge systems, culture, and values. The special needs of small-scale farmers could be addressed by creating enabling environments to reduce production costs, minimize risk, and develop cost-efficiency for bio-energy production.

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