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INSTITUTIONS

The contact group met last night to commence discussions on the Institutions chapter of Agenda 21. The Chair, Ambassador Ismail Razali, had prepared a non-paper that addressed the role, functions and reporting structure of the Sustainable Development Commission as well as the role of the General Assembly in determining the specific modalities of the Commission. The Chair's non-paper proposes two intergovernmental functions for the Commission: (1) the consideration of information provided for by governments (ie, implementation activities, problems regarding financial resources and technology, as well as other environment and development issues); and (2) the progress on implementation of environmental conventions. The non-paper is also noteworthy in its mention of the need for active involvement by NGOs. It also sets a target date of 1993 for its establishment. There appears to be an emerging consensus around this proposal. The contact group meets later this week and will, most likely, move quickly to adopt a decision.