ENB:11:01 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

---

SUMMARY OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (HABITAT II): 11-22 APRIL 1994

The Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), scheduled to be held in Turkey from 3-14 June 1996, held its first substantive session in Geneva from 11-22 April 1994. During the two week session the delegates met in both Plenary and two working groups, Committee I and Committee II. The first Plenary addressed both organizational matters of the PrepCom and engaged in general debate. Committee I was charged with addressing preparations at the natal, regional and global levels. However, it addressed a much broader range of issues that included discussion on the preparations for and organization of the Conference. Committee II was charged with addressing the draft statement of principles and commitments and the draft global plan of action. Both Committees convened small drafting groups.

By the conclusion of the two-week session agreement was reached on broad issues of process. Key substantive issues, including the focus of the Conference, NGO participation and financing, were raised but not resolved. The development and the use of indicators to measure and track the state of human settlements and to assess the performance of policy reform was discussed intensely. There was broad agreement that such indicators should be used on a limited basis in the national reports that each country will prepare. Delegates also reached agreement on the formats for the Global Plan of Action and a draft Statement of Principles.