On Thursday, 8 September, the UNCSD Regional Preparatory Meeting for Latin America and the Caribbean continued, focusing discussions on a green economy and a global institutional framework for sustainable development. In the morning, participants convened in a session on a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. Following a presentation by Lucas Assunção, Head of the Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, UNCTAD, on the implications for trade and sustainable development of green economy, delegates discussed their views on the definition of green economy, and how and whether a green economy contributes to sustainable development and poverty eradication.

In the afternoon, the session on the global institutional framework for sustainable development began with presentations by Elliot Harris, Vice-Chair of the UN High Level Committee on Programmes, and Ana Bianchi, LAC Group Vice-Chair, Bureau of the UNCSD Preparatory Process. Delegates then discussed possible institutional arrangements, the advantages and disadvantages of either using existing institutions or creating a new global umbrella organization, and the role of regional organizations. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm and will reconvene on Friday afternoon to adopt the outcome of the meeting.