ENB:06:22
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INFORMAL SESSION
The Chair of the PrepCom, Fred Sai (Ghana), opened the afternoon informal session to discuss Chapter XVI (Follow-up to the Conference). He explained that little work had been done on this chapter during PrepCom II. He highlighted the four major issues to be addressed: 1) national level follow-up reporting; 2) the form of follow-up to be undertaken by the Secretariat; 3) the arrangements for coordination to be made by donors, development banks and other institutions; and 4) the possible establishment of an executive body for UNFPA.
Algeria stated that the position of the G-77 and China had been clearly explained in a text distributed earlier this week. The EU referred to its own position that had been tabled as well. Nevertheless, it requested discussion of the specific proposals that had been presented.
Canada noted the burden that countries face in meeting reporting requirements to all the other post-UNCED negotiations. They also referred to the need to make more effective use of resources within the UN agencies and the Bretton Woods institutions and noted the difficulty in addressing follow-up until the draft programme of action is finalized. Senegal and Benin requested a subsection on regional and sub-regional follow-up activities. Colombia suggested that the ICPD provide specific mandates to ECOSOC and the General Assembly to take action to strengthen and coordinate the implementation of the programme of action. The US referred to those elements that it regards as essential in follow-up: public advocacy; reporting and monitoring; coordination of inputs; national and international accountability; and cost sharing.