ENB:05:62
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CROSS-SECTORAL ISSUES
Co-Chair Amorim said the CSD could adopt the REPUBLIC OF KOREA’s proposal for a feasibility study on publicly owned ESTs. EGYPT called for a study of governments’ role in privately owned technologies and property rights. CANADA said the private sector is increasingly responsible for ESTs and that intellectual and other property rights belong to those who develop them. CHINA called for more proactive government action to foster a favorable international environment for technology transfer, ensure compatibility and avoid dumping. The PHILIPPINES, supported by GHANA, proposed a meeting with the private sector. COLOMBIA called for a UN forum to discuss technology transfer. The BUSINESS COUNCIL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (BCSD) emphasized the need for global solutions rather than the use of national targets.
SWEDEN discussed the “Factor 10" concept and eco-efficiency in regard to sustainable production patterns. COLOMBIA called for measures to compensate countries for the effects of changes in production and consumption patterns. The BCSD said business should not pass judgment on how individuals consume.
The EU reminded delegates that the OECD produces reports on OECD countries’ ODA levels. The CO-CHAIR suggested creating a sustainable development review mechanism to review all countries’ national efforts and their compliance with international commitments. COLOMBIA called for measures to address the speculative trends in private capital flows and a reorientation of FDI. The BCSD rejected the idea of international taxation.
The CO-CHAIR summarized the discussion and, based on delegates’ comments, said the draft agreement should: reaffirm Agenda 21 commitments; indicate targets; propose a forum at which governments, financial institutions, the private sector and NGOs would discuss links between FDI and ODA; propose analyses of technology transfer mechanisms; consider consumption, production and trade-related issues; and address social and economic questions such as poverty and the global macroeconomic environment.