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CONFERENCE ON THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES (A/C.2/47/L.47)

The second resolution addressed by the Razali Group establishes a Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, as proposed in Chapter 17 of Agenda 21. Within the G-77, the members of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) drafted the resolution that was first considered by the Razali Group on 7 November. The first draft called on the UNGA to convene this Conference in June 1993. After a number of delegates expressed concern about the timetable, the date was changed to April 1994.

Paragraph 5, the heart of the resolution, addresses the objectives and scope of the Conference. The original draft stated that the Conference will examine strategies for national and international action with a view to arriving at specific agreements and commitments by governments and intergovernmental organizations for defined activities to support environmentally sound development of small island countries, with particular emphasis on combatting poverty and improving the quality of life. The original draft put particular emphasis on development planning and policies that do not introduce new forms of conditionality in aid or in development financing and do not create unjustified trade barriers. The original draft also highlighted the need to address the impacts of climate change, sea-level rise and international economic changes on small island States. The final draft changed considerably from the earlier version, as drafted by AOSIS. The final paragraph removed many of the points listed above, especially those that put a strong emphasis on the policies of industrialized countries and states that the Conference will:

  • Review current trends in the socio-economic development of small island developing States;
  • Examine the nature and magnitude of the specific vulnerabilities of small island developing States;
  • Define a number of specific actions and policies relating to environmental and development planning to be undertaken by these States, with help from the international community;
  • Identify the elements that these States need to include in their medium- and long-term sustainable development plans;
  • Recommend measures for enhancing the endogenous capacity of these States; and
  • Review whether institutional arrangements at the international level enable these States to give effect to the relevant provisions of Agenda 21.
The paragraph that addresses NGO participation in the Conference also led to a long discussion. The original text requested NGOs in and eligible for consultative status with ECOSOC to contribute to the Conference. A number of delegates were not satisfied with this language and made proposals that enhanced the participation of NGOs. The UK, on behalf of the European Community, proposed language that would base NGO participation on UNCED rules. Pakistan, on behalf of the G-77, preferred language that would encourage participation of NGOs from small island States and developing countries that do not have ECOSOC status. The final paragraph: "Invites relevant non-governmental organizations from developed and developing countries, in particular those from small island developing States, including those related to major groups, to contribute, within the areas of their competence and expertise, to the Conference on the basis of procedures for their accreditation used in UNCED as recommended in paragraph 38.44 of Agenda 21;".

The sources of funding for the Conference were also of concern to some delegations. The UK, supported by the US, stated that this Conference should be funded from within existing budgetary resources, without prejudicing other activities, as this is the formula that has been used in other conferences. The final paragraph, which was the last one to be agreed on, reads: "Decides that the funds necessary for the preparatory process and the Conference itself should, subject to the relevant provisions of General Assembly resolution 40/243, 41/213 and 42/211, be made available within the programme budget without adversely affecting other ongoing activities and without prejudice to the provision of extra-budgetary resources." With agreement on this last paragraph on Thursday, 19 November, the Razali Group finished its consideration of this resolution.

The final resolution convenes the first Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States in April 1994 for two weeks in Barbados. To accomplish the objectives stated above, a preparatory committee will be established. The preparatory committee shall hold a two-day organizational session at UN Headquarters not later than April 1993 to elect officers and determine the organization of its work. The preparatory committee shall hold one substantive session for two weeks in August 1993 at UN Headquarters. The resolution also welcomes the candidature of Australian Ambassador Penny Wensley for the chairmanship of the Preparatory Committee.

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