ENB:05:79
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DRAFTING GROUP II
On 17bis (globalization), the G-77/CHINA and the US agreed to acknowledge that, as a result of globalization, external factors have become critical in determining the success of developing countries’ national efforts.
On 20 (trade and environment), delegates agreed to Agenda 21 language for the heading: making trade and environment mutually supportive. On 20 (macroeconomics), delegates agreed to text on accelerating economic growth, poverty eradication “and environmental protection” (EC) “particularly in developing countries” (G-77/CHINA) and enabling all, “in particular developing countries,”(G- 77/CHINA) to benefit from globalization. On strengthening “international” (G- 77/CHINA) support for capacity-building, the EC added calls for greater responsiveness to sustainable development in the WTO, and the US added national governments. Delegates accepted an EC proposal, amended by the G-77/CHINA, stating that trade obstacles should be removed to contribute to efficient use of natural resources. The G- 77/CHINA accepted a reference to least developed countries in its amendment on special and differential treatment for developing countries, along with a US call for full implementation of other Uruguay Round provisions. On a G-77/CHINA amendment on protectionist practices, the US bracketed a reference to particularly those affecting developing countries and countries with economies in transition.
The G-77/CHINA added Agenda 21 language regarding transparency of trade measures and avoidance of environmental measures that result in trade restrictions and barriers, along with Rio Principles language recognizing costs “in particular” in developing countries (RUSSIA). Delegates added EC text calling for action to maximize the opportunities of developing countries, including net food importers (NAMIBIA), in adjusting to changes introduced by the Uruguay Round. The US, the EC and others objected to a G-77/CHINA proposal calling for removal of all barriers impeding accession to the WTO for applying developing countries. Text calling for facilitation, in a mutually beneficial way, of applications was agreed with a RUSSIAN addition of “countries with economies in transition.” The Chair reformulated a NORWEGIAN proposal regarding consideration of social, economic and environmental effects of further liberalization, to note that sustainable development and trade should be mutually supportive. It was bracketed.
On 20(c) (disguised trade restrictions), CANADA proposed that “implementation of environmental measures should” not result in disguised “barriers” (US) to trade. A new subparagraph states that, within the Agenda 21 framework, trade rules and environmental principles should interact harmoniously (EC). Subparagraph 20(f) (positive measures), with EC text on the general system of preferences, was deleted. On 20(g) (coordination and strengthening of issues), the G-77/CHINA highlighted cooperation between UNCTAD, UNEP and other relevant institutions, including the “WTO” (EC). On 20(g)(i) (multilateral environmental agreements), the EC linked MEAs to “a package of measures, including in certain cases, trade measures.” On (g)(iii) (regional action), the EC added environmental agreements. On (g)(iv) (sustainable development and investment), the EC accepted the Chair’s suggestions for a reference to a possible multilateral framework on investment and for a call for any future multilateral agreement on investment to be consistent with sustainable development, instead of a call directed to the OECD MAI negotiations.
On 21 (population), delegates added G-77/CHINA text noting the relationship between economic growth, poverty, employment, environment and sustainable development and linkages between demographic trends and sustainable development. Delegates agreed to policies that promote “economic development, social development and environmental protection” and “poverty eradication” (G-77/CHINA) and the expansion of basic education with “full and equal” (CANADA) access for girls and women. ARGENTINA and MALTA preferred the original reference to “family and maternal health care” but the US and CANADA called for agreed language from ICPD and FWCW. Delegates bracketed the original language and added “reproductive health care which covers both family planning and sexual health (EU) consistent with the ICPD report” in separate brackets and deleted text identifying priority actions.
On 22 (health), the US added protection for children from “infectious diseases.” The G-77/CHINA and the US agreed to prioritize efforts, “particularly in developing countries,” to eradicate major infectious diseases. The US specified approaches to disease reduction and transmission of diseases including malaria and HIV/AIDS. The G- 77/CHINA bracketed a US amendment on eliminating lead poisoning. CANADA called for “ambient and indoor air pollution” strategies, and the G-77/CHINA bracketed US text on tobacco smoke. Delegates agreed to “emphasize” (US) the linkage between health and environment and to address the lack of information on pollution (G-77/CHINA).