EARTH NEGOTIATIONS BULLETIN PUBLISHED BY THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (IISD) WRITTEN AND EDITED BY: Chad Carpenter, LL.M. Peter Doran Kira Schmidt Lynn Wagner Editor Pamela Chasek, Ph.D. Managing Editor Langston James Goree VI "Kimo" Vol. 5 No. 77 Monday, 21 April 1997 CSD-5 HIGHLIGHTS FRIDAY, 18 APRIL 1997 CSD-5 delegates began negotiations on the compilation text during a morning meeting. Informal consultations and G-77/CHINA discussions took place during the afternoon. The dialogue sessions with major groups concluded following a discussion with business and industry and a synthesis session. PLENARY A revised draft text on forests, a draft decision on streamlining of national reporting and a supplement to the compilation text were circulated in the morning. The G-77/CHINA expressed concern that their amendments had not been accurately reflected in the compilation text. IMPLEMENTATION IN AREAS REQUIRING URGENT ACTION: In paragraph 16 (approach to sustainable development), the G-77/CHINA supported referring specifically to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, but the US and NORWAY objected. Delegates agreed to note that, while it is the primary responsibility of national governments, international cooperation is essential, recognizing inter alia the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as stated in Principle 7. Bracketed text remains regarding an effort "particularly on" (G-77/CHINA) or "including" (EU) cross- sectoral matters. Integration of Economic, Social and Environmental Objectives: In 17, delegations accepted Co-Chair Amorim’s suggestion to move references to the need for integration of energy and transport, agriculture and water, and marine resource issues to the Sectors and Issues section. A G-77/CHINA amendment on the mutually reinforcing relationship between economic, social and environmental objectives was agreed. On economic growth, delegates agreed to consider and bracket language from the UN Agenda for Development currently under negotiation, stating that sustained economic growth is essential to the economic and social development of all countries, especially developing countries. The US and CANADA objected to a G-77/CHINA reference to economic growth as a "precondition" for sustainable development. The G-77/CHINA opposed proposals for qualified references, such as "sound" economic growth. On 17bis (a G-77/CHINA proposal on an enabling international economic environment), the EU proposed deleting text stating that globalization has tilted the balance of responsibility for development toward the international level. The US proposed deleting text on an unsupportive international environment thwarting developing country efforts and on the "increasingly widening" gap between developed and developing countries. Regarding social objectives, G-77/CHINA-proposed text on social and environmental considerations of development was accepted. The G-77/CHINA objected to proposals by SWITZERLAND (on the interaction between economic growth, employment creation and environmental standards, protection of basic worker rights and respect for ILO conventions) and the EU (on democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms). A contact group held informal consultations on these proposals in the afternoon. The group agreed that the text begin with G-77/CHINA language, which states that growth can foster development if benefits are fully shared and it is guided by equity, justice, social and environmental considerations, and that development must involve measures to improve the human condition and the quality of life. The group also agreed to include the EU’s text on democracy and human rights, but without a specific reference fundamental labor standards. Although some delegations opposed the inclusion of references to ILO conventions, it was decided to temporarily move the Swiss proposal to the series of subparagraphs yet to be negotiated on strategies to integrate social, economic and environmental objectives. Delegates also added 17quart (integration of environment into all sectors), comprised of: G-77/CHINA language noting that sustainable development strategies are important mechanisms to enhance and link national capacity; US text noting that achievement cannot be made without greater integration at all policy-making levels; and the Co-Chairs’ draft text noting that economic sectors must assume responsibility for the impacts of their activities. The G-77/CHINA added a reference to integration at the "operational level" in the US text. At the close of the meeting, the EU stressed the limited time remaining for negotiations and requested that the Co-Chairs prepare a consolidated draft to replace the compilation text as the basis for negotiations on Monday. The Chair said it would be "a big risk" to redraft the text prior to a full airing of views on the proposed amendments. DIALOGUES WITH MAJOR GROUPS BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY: The dialogue included panelists from a range of industries and discussed: business concepts; company management practices; small- and medium-sized enterprises; new business opportunities; transparency and commitments; awareness- raising in business; and partnerships and cooperation. In discussing future action, participants considered the role of business, government frameworks for change and business strategies. Panelists described: recycling and waste minimization; the chemical industry’s "Responsible Care" initiative; independent verification of environmental management schemes; environmentally-oriented investment funds; and the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development. In the dialogue session participants noted: using targets in addressing eco-efficiency; involving small businesses in environmental practices; taxing environmentally negative practices; developing consistent environmental standards for developed and developing countries; and extending manufacturing responsibility. One participant asked if businesses have the right to "undermine" the FCCC negotiations and characterized some industry activities as "green-washing." Panelists also discussed: capitalizing on the ability of business to adapt rapidly; "command and control" versus "performance-based" regulations; environmentally-damaging subsidies; cost internalization of environmental damage; tax reform; and technology transfer. SYNTHESIS SESSION: The recommendations of business and industry, along with the other major groups, were outlined in a synthesis session. The scientific and technological communities called for: supporting basic science education and research for environment and development issues; assisting developing countries in national scientific capacity-building; coordinating within the scientific community; and raising public awareness of scientific and technological issues. The youth representative noted the priorities of funding and education, both formal training and peer education. The priorities for women included: developing mechanisms that promote representation of women in government; improving access to credit; supporting women to run for and be elected for government offices; and giving attention to the role of advertising in furthering gender stereotypes and unsustainable production and consumption. The indigenous peoples’ group requested that the CSD: promote the immediate adoption of the Draft Declaration of the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples in its current form; examine impacts of globalization, the WTO and regional IPR agreements on indigenous communities; review the activities and effects of transnational corporations; promote dialogue between indigenous and non- indigenous groups and governments. The trade unions focused on increased recognition of the linkages between sustainable development and the workplace, as well as greater worker and trade union participation in decision-making bodies. They recommended putting the workplace at the top of the sustainable development agenda, especially for changes to production and consumption. NGOs requested that the CSD: encourage dialogue at the local and national levels; incorporate trade, environment and development into its future work; and establish a panel on trade and sustainable development. Farmers recommended: a more comprehensive approach to food security by the international community involving representatives from all sectors of society; increased interaction between the UN and WTO; and facilitation by the CSD of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources as a protocol to the CBD. Local authorities aimed to strengthen partnerships between local, sub-national and national levels, examining obstacles and promoting decentralization. They called for active encouragement in each country for Local Agenda 21s. INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS Delegates finished reading their amendments to the text on international institutional arrangements. A new proposal on the role of major groups, including a call for an Advisory Board on the Promotion and Implementation of Sustainable Development composed of major group representatives, generated some debate. Additional amendments to the text on CSD methods of work included: "making concerted efforts to" attract ministers from economic "and social" sectors; Bureau consultations to improve the organization of high-level segments; continued work concerning national reports; review of national efforts to incorporate UN conference recommendations; continued interaction with representatives of major groups, including the business community; focusing the work of the ad hoc intersessional working groups; limiting CSD sessions to two weeks; review of the need for the High-level Advisory Board on Sustainable Development or more direct interaction with it; encouragement of government-hosted and -funded expert meetings; and consideration of incorporating the functions of the Committee on New and Renewable Sources of Energy and on Energy for Development and the Committee on Natural Resources as a part of the CSD’s work. A redraft of the section is expected and the group will meet again Monday afternoon. IN THE CORRIDORS I A first draft of the political declaration is unlikely to be circulated before Tuesday. The Bureau reportedly considered an early version Friday and is taking preliminary soundings. Observers note that the tenor of the declaration must reflect the strength and quality of commitment reflected in the negotiations and that the jury is still out on such a judgement. Chair Tolba suggested earlier that the draft not exceed three pages and contain no specific targets. Delegations are still exchanging views on the inclusion of targets. IN THE CORRIDORS II After months of speculation about the modalities for their participation in UNGASS, NGOs learned Friday that the General Assembly had acted on Resolution 51/181 of December 1996, inviting President Razali to formulate proposals. The GA decided that representatives of major groups identified in Agenda 21 will be invited to participate in the UNGASS Plenary, and those who cannot be accommodated may be invited to address the Ad Hoc Committee of the Whole. The resolution also stipulates that the decision on major group participation will in no way set a precedent for other special sessions of the General Assembly. At an NGO briefing Thursday, Ambassador Richardson (US) reportedly signaled US support for the new GA resolution, and even suggested that, without civil society participation and broad public support, the UN could ultimately share the fate of the League of Nations. He also announced the appointment of a full-time NGO liaison officer at the US mission. Observers note that such a position has not existed since the Kennedy administration. Richardson also is reportedly establishing a liaison committee of NGO representatives. THINGS TO LOOK FOR TODAY PLENARY: Delegates are expected to continue negotiating the draft outcome of UNGASS, beginning with section C.1 (Integration of Economic, Social and Environmental Objectives) during morning, afternoon and a possible evening meeting. INFORMAL CONSULTATIONS: Informal consultations are expected on institutional arrangements during the afternoon. Additional consultations, including forests and the CSD programme of work, may also take place. See CSD Today for times and rooms. This issue of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin is written and edited by Chad Carpenter, LL.M. , Peter Doran , Kira Schmidt and Lynn Wagner . The Editor is Pamela Chasek, Ph.D. and the Managing Editor is Langston James "Kimo" Goree VI . French translation by Mongi Gadhoum . The sustaining donors of the Bulletin are the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Netherlands Ministry for Development Cooperation. General support for the Bulletin during 1997 is provided by the Overseas Development Administration (ODA) of the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Ministry of Environment of Sweden and the Swiss Federal Office of the Environment. Specific funding for coverage of this meeting has been provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. Funding for the French version has been provided by ACCT/IEPF with support from the French Ministry of Cooperation and the Department of Environment of Quebec. The ENB can be contacted at tel: +1-212-644-0204; fax: +1-212-644-0206. IISD can be contacted at 161 Portage Avenue East, 6th Floor, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0Y4, Canada; tel: +1-204-958-7700; fax: +1-204-958-7710. The opinions expressed in Earth Negotiations Bulletin are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of IISD and other funders. 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