Highlights from Tuesday, 27 March 2012

On Tuesday, 27 March, delegates at the Third Intersessional for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development concluded a second reading of the “Framework for Action and Follow-up” section of the draft outcome document, as well as a third reading of the Preamble/Stage setting section and third reading of part of the Renewing Political Commitment section. At the end of the meeting, the Co-Chairs announced that they would develop proposals for streamlined text, for use during the next round of negotiations. However, the G-77/China noted that the negotiations beginning on 23 April should be on the basis of the compilation text as it stood, as well as with proposals from delegations by 28 March; and between now and 23 April, the door of the G-77/China’s office would be open to the Co-Chairs to discuss how the compilation text might be streamlined or reorganized. In his statement to close the Third Intersessional, UNCSD Secretary-General Sha Zukang said that the past “seven days of hard work have laid the foundation for consensus” and showed his appreciation for delegations’ positive approach to trying to understand the different positions. Co-Chair Ashe said that the Co-Chairs stand ready to assist delegations and asked delegates to be ready for intense negotiations during the informal informal consultations in April. He adjourned the meeting at 7:28 pm.