See more coverage of this event on the main IISD ENB website

We have launched a new website to better share our reports of global environmental negotiations.

As well as current coverage of new negotiations, you can find our original reports from this event by clicking here.


   

Updated 7 April 1997

UNGASS ALERT

On Friday, 4 April 1997, General Assembly President Razali Ismail held a briefing on preparations for the nineteenth special session of the General Assembly (UNGASS), which will review the implementation of Agenda 21. The President addressed, inter alia, the organization of the list of speakers for the debate and the participation of major groups, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Chad Carpenter has prepared a summary of this briefing.

Late Breaking News from CSD-5

The Fifth Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development will convene on Tuesday morning, 8 April 1997, at UN Headquarters in New York. The proposed programme of work indicates that the CSD will open with a three-day High-Level Segment. After opening the session, electing officers and hearing introductory statements on Tuesday morning, the High-Level Debate will run from Tuesday afternoon, 8 April, through Thursday, 10 April.

From Friday, 11 April, through Friday, 18 April, there will be dialogue sessions with the major groups according to the following schedule:

  • Children and Youth -- Friday, 11 April (morning)
  • Scientific and Technological Communities -- Friday, 11 April (afternoon)
  • Women -- Monday, 14 April (morning)
  • Workers and Trade Unions -- Monday, 14 April (afternoon)
  • Indigenous Peoples -- Tuesday, 15 April (morning)
  • NGOs -- Tuesday, 15 April (afternoon)
  • Local Authorities -- Wednesday, 16 April (morning)
  • Farmers -- Wednesday, 16 April (afternoon)
  • Business and Industry -- Friday, 18 April (morning)
  • Synthesis session -- Friday, 18 April (afternoon)

Note: Thursday, 17 April, is a Muslim Holiday.

In parallel sessions, delegates will negotiate the text of the draft final document to be adopted at the Special Session of the General Assembly to review the implementation of Agenda 21, which will take place from 23-27 June 1997. Negotiations are expected to get underway on Monday, 14 April.