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A BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE CSD

At the conclusion of the second session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development it appears as though the CSD is still in search of its identity. While many have said that the CSD must not become another talk show, there is no clear indication that the CSD is a body that can take action, carefully review and comment on national implementation of Agenda 21, or facilitate greater cooperation among governments, international organizations, UN agencies and NGOs/major groups. Yet, at the same time, it cannot be said that the CSD is a failure. The CSD does have its strengths, as well as its many weaknesses, and a reflection on these may help to put the Commission in perspective. One way to evaluate the CSD is through the use of a classic marketing framework -- the SWOT analysis, which identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.