Matrix Analysis of Country Positions at PrepCom1. Not a new concept but can be used to realise sustainable development targets.

Transcription

1 Matrix Analysis of Country Positions at PrepCom1 Session 2 - Green Economy Fully supportive Unsure Generally sceptical Argentina & Uruguay In Spanish Not a new concept but can be used to realise sustainable development targets. Need concrete, clear measures to eradicate poverty Green economy measures to be implemented should: Be compatible with WTO rules, Be based on scientific evidence, Ensure collaboration is transparent and inclusive Take into account capabilities & needs of developing countries Make commitments to transfer funds, technology Australia Clearer links need to be made between green economy and sustainable development activities at national and international levels. Not entirely convinced A green economy should feature: Good economic, social and environmental governance at national level Recognition of the values of natural systems, but also that appropriate pricing of natural resources and use of markets can play a role. Flexibility in policy settings, as environmental, social and economic factors are unique to each country. Challenges: Communication/cooperation must be improved at all levels

2 Improving community sustainability education and capacity building Ecosystems must be addressed holistically Barbados The building of a Green Economy in the Barbadian context is rooted in the country s National Strategic Plan and more recently in its medium term planning framework. The Green Economy reflects the vulnerabilities of Barbados as a small island developing state as the basis for strategic investment choice At the global level, there must be policy space for countries to interpret and design their own approach to building green economies. South-South cooperation and the Bali Strategic Plan must not be confined as buzz words, but both must be enabled to truly resonate with peoples in the developing world. Green Economic models must provide viable policy modality for achieving sustainable development in small island developing states. Bolivia Brazil In Spanish Worried that the concept behind green economy is about privatisation and commercialising nature. Bolivia could never accept this. Nature is a system in which we all live, not an object with a market value. In a position of constructive doubt as there is no universally accepted definition of green economy. UNCSD offers opportunity to consolidate a broad-reaching agreement around the evolving paradigm of green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. Translating the concept of green economy into nationally appropriate measures is challenging. There are no universally applicable solutions: several alternatives (reform, regulation, fiscal stimulus, capacity building, prioritisation of sectors) should be analysed. These efforts must result in in-depth dialogue with civil society and the private sector. Financing and technology transfer, both crucial for a green economy,

3 require cooperation at all levels. Business & Industry Efforts to green economies should do so in context of sustainable development There should be more incentives for companies of all sizes and sectors to contribute to sustainable development. A multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral approach that looks to green all sectors is needed, with an entire economy being strengthened. Harnessing globalized markets through trade and other commercial transactions is essential for greening economies, and trade tariffs on green technologies should be reduced. Flexibility is needed to ensure local conditions & priorities are reflected (every green economy will be unique). Evolving labour markets must be recognised and training provided to those needed to create a green economy (engineers, technicians, managers) Rio+20 should encourage stakeholders and governments to work together to promote a better understanding of the role of economic growth in greening economies China Green economy can not only conserve energy and reduce emission, but make more effective use of resources, expand market demand and create new fields of economic growth. Countries should implement green policy measures and put in place operational mechanisms for economic and social development in harmony with resources and the environment. We should cultivate a value of harmony between man and nature, and incorporate a culture of conservation and ethical value of environmental protection into social activities. International community should oppose trade protectionism under the pretext of environmental protection. Developed countries should help developing countries by providing technological transfer, financial assistance and market access.

4 Colombia In Spanish Green economy should be a means of achieving sustainable development Transfer of knowledge and technology to developing countries The green economy should lead us to sustainable development. We have to see it as an opportunity to catch up. The discussion should not be framed in a clash between sustainable development and green economy. An opportunity to lay foundations and rules that allow a respectful use of our resources in line with our needs and focused on improving the quality of life of our people and eradicating poverty Cuba In Spanish Concerned about the lack of clarity in the new concept. Doubts the concept and benefits for developing countries despite the many environmental agreements and commitments existing, implementation has been limited However, understands intent of the green economy and some of the points will help support sustainable development (green taxes, ecolabels etc.) Green economy should: Amend unfair income distribution underlying poverty Guarantee financial resources Promote cooperation & official development assistance Change current patterns of unsustainable production & consumption in developed countries. Ecuador In Spanish More work needed to agree a clear and common concept on the green economy Need to identify, very clearly, the scope of the proposal, mechanisms, resources required, particularly in developing countries, and the relationship and impact of the concept and vision of sustainable

5 development, international trade and technology transfer Always open to innovative proposals in sustainable development & sustainable production, consumption needs to be strengthened. Green monetisation must be prevented though. Egypt The green economy can contribute to achieving goals of sustainable development by creating wealth and jobs while conserving and developing natural resources. It should not be an alternative concept to current sustainable development definitions however. Challenges: economic, technological and social costs green protectionism, artificial barriers to trade, conditionality to international support a new dependency on ever evolving modes of production that are generated only in developed countries that keep experimenting new technologies and concepts There needs to be an adequate stimulus package for developing countries that would include new financial resources, transfer of green technology, compensation for environmental damages and for social and economic costs for shift to green economy A study to objectively assess the challenges, risks and benefits of the green economy is needed ESCWA & ECLAC The pursuit of a green economy should reinforce, not redirect, the path towards sustainable development. A green economy approach must do more than just promote lowcarbon and should assess and respond in a balanced manner to the multiple crises impacting food, water, energy, job and national security. Member States must have flexible policy space to incorporate green economy concepts in accordance with specific national interests. EU The EU supports Green Economy as a relevant, timely and politically challenging theme for the UN CSD. A focus on instruments and actions which enable transition to a green

6 economy while taking into account variations in developing countries, emerging economies and developed countries is needed. EU already committed to this through national reform strategies. Promotion of Green Economy initiatives supporting sustainable development and poverty eradication needs to be speeded up. This will allow tackling of global environmental and social challenges. Need to focus on resource efficiency and sustainable management of natural resources in order to green economies. Need for more coordinated action on advancing and implementing the transition; exchange of best practice can support implementation. FAO Green Economy offers a practical mean to pursue economic development, while preserving the very basis on which food systems depend. Achieving this requires: investments in green infrastructure, green technology R&D and policies supporting creation of green jobs. However, need to better explore the trade-offs between the potential achievements and limitations of such an approach in order to ensure equity among different sections of the population. FAO currently conducting cost-benefit evaluation of green economy, and compiling policy options under different scenarios. Farmers As the planet s primary ecosystem managers, farmers are best placed to ensure sustainable development; sustainable agriculture is the core of green economy, and national farmers organizations are key partners. Society and stakeholders have a shared responsibility to help and encourage farmers to face challenges of implementing sustainable agriculture. A green-economy should: put in place training to help farmers adopt sustainable practices have a knowledge-based approach recognise the indigenous knowledge on conservation and resource management that farmers already possess

7 create market rewards for green practices and eco-system services G77 & China No clear consensual definition of green economy A greater understanding of the scope (how green economy relates to 3 pillars of sustainable development), as well as benefits, risks and costs is needed. The green economy should not replace/redefine sustainable development Does an approach based on green economy add value to the paradigm of sustainable development or does it conflict with agreed multilateral frameworks? Green economy definitions and policy would require flexibility and consideration of different levels of economic, social and environmental development in different countries Green Economy should help assist implementation of MDGs, MEAs as these are lagging. Transition should not result in unjust trade/financial barriers and green protectionism There should be no attempt to limit sovereign rights of developing countries over their natural resources Japan Discussion at Rio +20 should be output-oriented and based on existing frameworks e.g. the Green Economy Initiative (GEI) and Global Green New Deal being promoted by UNEP Given the limited time available, it would be best to avoid becoming bogged down in debating what, precisely, a green economy is and in drawing up additional documents analyzing all the many approaches Indigenous Peoples Green Economy should not distract us from addressing root causes of global economic and ecological crises. Already multilateral processes/agreements in place that are not being implemented effectively. Need to address implementation gap.

8 Green development must be holistic and should integrate culture & identity of indigenous peoples Corporate accountability and regulation of the market are crucial for a new paradigm Human rights-based approach and ecosystems approach to development should underpin the green economy Indonesia Green economy is a vehicle towards attaining sustainable development and a timely and fitting theme for Rio+20 Green economy must be implemented in a comprehensive manner and in a bottom up approach (policies/strategies at national level not multilateral) However international financial and trading systems are vital for transition. Green investment must be encouraged, with reduced tariffs on green products and elimination of subsidies to non-green farming. No green protectionism MRAs on green products and services should be established between developed and developing countries developing countries will require considerable assistance (financial, technological, capacity building) to move towards green economy Local Authority Needs to be agreement on the concept of a green economy within the framework of sustainable development at the international level. It needs to allow enough flexibility to the application and implementation of green economy at the national and local level. Sustainable cities could accelerate the transition to a green economy (very little mention of this). Many issues central to the green economy are being tested and implemented in urban areas (waste management, water management, transport, food security) Mauritius Transition towards a green economy needs to be undertaken under the framework of sustainable development Need policy space to design nationally appropriate policy options and

9 initiatives. However, multilateral cooperation would help catalyse shift. All non-state actors at international and national level and definitely private sector must be involved in development and implementation. Green economy goes beyond low-carbon and should have ecosystem approach and improve quality of life in short and long term Mexico In Spanish, Adoption of a new paradigm should not lead to a dramatic change in the agenda, approaches in sustainable development Greater understanding needed of the linkages between economy and environment. Transition will not be achieved as long as basic market failures exist. Environmental taxes should be implemented. The green economy concept strengthens movement towards a development paradigm More definition by international community is needed NGO Concept of green economy must be built within the framework of sustainable development and Agenda 21. Distinction between greening the economy (investing in green technology, jobs etc.) and a Green Economy (a distinct paradigm shift towards a new sustainable economic model, where prosperity is not measured in GDP). We need to identify flaws of existing economy before defining the green economy Need to realise value of natural resources Environmental and social costs of production/growth must be internalised. The precautionary principle and polluters must pay principle must be implemented.

10 Norway Green economy is a forward-looking theme that encompasses many of the key challenges the global community is faced with today A green global economy is created by different national paths rather than any one path Rio+20 should enhance understanding of the economic nature of ecological services, and the cost of their disappearance. Capacity and knowledge are key, as well as finance and technology. Need to understand and communicate key building blocks and benefits of a green economy. Republic of Korea Need to explore the concept of green economy in depth and with sincerity Sustainable development should be the overarching goal but a green economy could catalyse implementation of this, as it can address the 3 pillars. The social development aspect of green economy in particular needs to be further explored in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. Senegal In French Cannot stress enough the importance of this issue and the need to give it much attention of the Preparatory Process Need to find an institutional framework that ensures growing convergence between the 3 pillars of sustainable development Sweden Green economy is a prerequisite for sustainable development and provides a new framework that can address 3 pillars Green economy should contribute to food, water and energy security as well as capacity building, strengthening institutions, increasing agriculture production and sustainable use of natural resources. Transition should focus on interrelated policies and a mix of instruments that could be applied on case by case basis with regard to

11 local/regional conditions. Sustainable cities must be a focus can enable a faster transition. Green economy can help bridge implementation gap. Switzerland Green Economy does not replace Sustainable Development Green Economy has to be a concrete way forward and simply is a must if we want to achieve sustainability Rio+20 will have to provide specific international guidance on the concept including: concrete measures for decoupling economic growth and environmental impacts, for ensuring food security and eradicating poverty and for internalising externalities A green economy roadmap is needed A good coordination with other international processes e.g. UNEP s Green Economy Initiative and the OECD Green Growth Strategy Trade Unions A green economy should recognise the fact that natural resources are limited and ensure equitable sharing between and within countries It should reduce the gap between the developed and the developing world by ensuring financing and fairer trade rules. Economic policies must stop squeezing workers and make more efficient use of natural resources. There must be a just transition for workers and communities. UNEP green economy was born out of multiple crises and doesn t replace sustainable development but adds to urgency It must address: the social dimension (enhancing human well-being) Equity (within generations and between countries) Jobs (new green opportunities) Greater global investments in green sector

12 More than just energy/renewables, but water and sanitation etc. National ownership, creating policy space and flexibility Potential trade barriers and conditionalities Need for more research/guidance on building blocks for green economy UNIDO Green economy addresses important aspects of sustainable development. UNIDO strongly supports the Green Economy Industry should be strongly involved in Green economy Advancing green industry agenda requires producers of goods and services to reduce water, energy, materials, emissions & waste, through green industry practices & technologies. Discussions should be focussed on challenges, as well as opportunities, for stakeholders. Uruguay In Spanish concept of green economy must be understood in sustainable development no reason why we should abandon a concept that has not yet exceeded definition of green economics should consider the different realities, specificities and national characteristics should encourage and promote international trade and should not, under any circumstances, impose trade restrictions and protectionism Technology transfer is key to enabling developing countries to participate in greening USA Transition to a green economy is the only way forward. The Obama Administration is committed to a Green Economy. what it means and how it is implemented will vary from country to country all major groups and stakeholders should be consulted and involved in green growth initiatives

13 R&D drives and guides new economic opportunities Investment in green jobs, buildings and energy is vital Women Available, imported, technologies for implementing green projects are too expensive Local jobs for women and the poor (in food, water, energy supply) are often created by ecosystems of the commons, not large companies. Green economy must be value-based, with finance available through trust funds, to support everyone, particularly the poor and vulnerable. More application of precautionary principle needed. Corporate accountability needed internationally. Workers & Trade Important that green economy contributes to social progress Investing in green and decent jobs vital. Need some signals on the policies that will start the greening of our economies so that appropriate social measures can be put in place to ensure a just transition Workers need a voice in the work place to help deliver a green and fair economy There will be different pathways for each country, with fair civil society dialogues, to create a unique green economy for each country.

14 SESSION 3 & 4: Institutional framework for sustainable development Fully supportive Unclear Sceptical Australia welcomes the inclusion of this framework as a theme Opportunity to focus political attention on: Institutional arrangements for all three pillars, progress on the agenda on reform of IEG look forward to receiving further info on proposals including for a World Environment Organisation, an umbrella sustainable development organization and a hybrid of the two welcome discussion of how framework should connect with other relevant initiatives in the UN e.g. UN System-wide Coherence process discussion of the international architecture on sustainable development needs to be integrated and broad-ranging, involving all actors Bolivia When strengthening framework, the CSD must remain central and allowed to better fulfil its fundamental roles and confer orientation. An enhanced role of the CSD should include reviewing and monitoring progress in the implementation of Agenda 21, ensuring coherence in the UN system and fulfillment of commitments to support developing countries in the implementation of the Agenda. There should also be an assessment of the actual and potential impacts of trade, financial, and economic policies on sustainable development and appropriate recommendations Brazil An efficient and coherent institutional framework for sustainable development is key to enhancing international governance to not only tackle present challenges but also emerging issues. Four general principles should guide our efforts: Coherence with the Rio Declaration, Agenda 21 and JPOI Articulation with the MDGs and the Monterrey Consensus

15 Respect for specific conditions & needs of developing countries Strengthening international institutions and organizations that deal with sustainable development, including support to relevant local, national and regional institutions. Brazil s vision includes concept of an overarching umbrella institution to coordinate present UNEP, CSD, ECOSOC institutions & integrate economic and social pillars. Better international cooperation, tech transfer & funding are needed to plug implementation gap. Business & Industry Institutional frameworks at all levels should foster sustainable development, but attention shouldn t solely be on environmental institutions CSD should be streamlined and strengthened going forward, to ensure that it continues to focus on the priority areas Clustering related processes, and improving efficiencies overall such as among related treaties and bodies -- makes good sense Should also consider bringing international financial/commercial institutions to the table e.g. the World Bank, IFC, IFIs, Ensuring substantive business engagement on technical and implementation matters will inform and ground policy decisions and strengthen the effectiveness of implementation supporting PPPs will improve implementation towards sustainability China Associates with G77 & China Any institutional framework for sustainable development must be centered on three pillars priority attention should be given to enhancing capacity building of the developing countries and increasing financial support to them Building an institutional framework is a systemic endeavor which involves multiple aspects and it s therefore vital to fully heed the views of member states and advance this endeavor in a gradual manner. The CSD should strengthen its role and countries should continue to

16 support its work Cuba attaches vital importance to the debate on the institutional framework it is very important that UN bodies have the resources needed to operate efficiently in the deployment of their activities resources should be channelled to projects and programs that don t come with attachments, must be free action without conditionalities synergies must be exploited to streamline UN system Egypt Associates with G77 & China Rio + 20 should address individual governance of the 3 pillars in an integrated, balanced manner, and not restrict itself to only one of them. The implementation gap will not be bridged unless we ensure a stable, predictable and adequate financial basis for international cooperation Hope to transform UNEP into a successful action oriented implementation programme with sufficient resources, like the UNDP, not into a normative, enforcement oriented world organization likethe WTO Synergies should be achieved in an inclusive and transparent manner that respects the differences of existing processes/instruments. Strengthening inter-agency coordination is a must Changing names or institutional architectures might not be very effective EU Very pleased to have the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development as a theme for UNCSD should result in a strengthened institutional architecture for global environmental and sustainable development governance Emphasis should be on better and more efficient implementation of already agreed targets and better coherence at all levels. Good opportunity to reflect on the role and working methods of CSD and strengthen the roles of other relevant UN institutions related to sustainable development

17 The possible interlinkages between Green Economy and "Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development" could be further explored G77 & China An effective institutional framework for sustainable development at all levels is key to the full implementation of Agenda 21 and meeting emerging sustainable development challenges. need for enhanced coordination and cooperation among international organizations and environmental agreements the three pillars of sustainable development should be addressed in a coordinated, integrated and comprehensive manner need to address specific needs of developing countries including the means of implementation The provision of new and additional resources, funding is crucial to enhance the UN capabilities in the area of implementation framework should support scientific, technology capacity in developing countries Indonesia Associates with G77 & China enhancing institutional framework of the UN system is important to better facilitate the attainment of sustainable development must build a framework that eliminates current implementation gap need to have a review and monitoring system; promote capacitybuilding; enhance financial support and facilitate technology transfer Strengthening the role and synergies of UN organs, ECOSOC, CSD, UNEP, regional commissions, are central. No need to reinvent wheel Institutional framework must be guided by the ultimate goal of balanced implementation of 3 pillars, with greater political commitment and mainstreaming of environment in country development agendas Japan Japan attaches great importance to the enhancement of IEG In order to enhance international governance on sustainable development, there is a need for effective coordination and consultation mechanisms within the UN system To address the implementation gap it is important to establish an

18 appropriate institutional framework at the national level Mexico In Spanish The current IEG scheme should be modified through a deep process of cooperation and coordination between the various agencies and agreements involved. This will help to strengthen the CSD. However CSD should not be an isolated target but part of a process that involves the whole global environmental architecture, including UNEP We need to move from analysing problems to discussing concrete actions Montenegro Associates with EU adequate institutional frameworks at the national level are missing the CSD should be strengthened and have its role asserted among the other UN agencies and the international process The CSD can only be successful if countries internal processes are reliable and can implement agreements and hold governments accountable More focus must be placed on national and sub-national governance NGO There s major accountability and institutional crises facing the international community. These must be at the heart of discussions Solution is not an architectural one. Unless the accountability crisis, lack of political will, and ability of governments to deliver concrete actions is addressed, any benefits from institutional reconfiguration will be vetoed not just about CSD or UNEP, but about reforming and renewing the sustainable development mandate of entire UN and multilateral system, including WTO and Bretton Woods need to move away from strengthening of international institutional framework to revolutionary process that addresses not only governance & accountability crises, but triple crises of food, energy & climate change Norway welcomes the inclusion of the theme on the agenda provides a welcome opportunity to strengthen the efficiency and

19 coherence of the UN System in the field of sustainable development, and thereby strengthening its role, authority and capability 3 Key challenges: need stronger convergence between the three pillars of SD need enhanced effectiveness and coherence of the UN system need more efficient and coherent governance and policymaking of and within the UN Science & Technology Switzerland Scientific information services, research and engineering, knowledge and technology sharing, training in scientific and engineering fields, building scientific and technological capacities, in particular in developing countries, must be stepped up significantly Need to make significant improvements in the institutional framework for sustainable development. Current system lacks coherence, coordination, efficiency and effectiveness Improvement needed on 2 separate levels: Adoption of concrete measures to strengthen IEG Reform of international SD governance, including CSD, ECOSOC and others We need clear, common goals to bridge gaps between SD pillars Also need to further strengthen SD governance at the national level UNEP Sustainable development requires all 3 pillars to be mutually supportive but IEG is fragmented and overly complex compared to the other two. We need an authoritative environmental voice to coordinate MEAs, set environmental agendas across UN system and align policy and finance. Also need greater coordination between national and international governance. Agreeing on the institutional reform needed is challenging but UNEP is analysing what is needed for IEG (to be presented at PrepComm 2)

20 USA discussion of the Institutional Framework for SD must focus on enhancing implementation and truly making a difference on the ground Mainstreaming environmental concerns into development efforts is critical, and governance responsibility should be at the national level. We support improved efficiency, coordination & effectiveness for UNEP and other international organizations working on environmental matters we should consider our priorities and how we as governments convey them in a consistent and focused manner Women support NGO, Labor and Indigenous peoples statements We need a strengthened architecture for sustainable development and environmental global governance. Institutions alone cannot be the solution. Solutions that work must include the people. need cooperation between governments, pro-active entrepreneurs, civil society, women, indigenous peoples and community populations to constitute the global architecture urgently needed new structure needs to be built on the human rights approach, including environmental rights and have stronger public participation new structure needs to address the necessary reform of the failing financial institutions, such as the Bretton Woods institutions It should enable people to take personal responsibility for a shift towards equitable consumption and production patterns Workers & Trade In Spanish Must strengthen SD governance by integrating/coordinating 3 pillars. Governments must strive to achieve an inclusive, democratic and fair global market structure, as better regulated finance will help to meet social and environment objectives. Social and environmental governance must also be improved. UN system needs greater coherence want a strong multilateral governance system within the UN, used to facilitate decision making, make clear commitments, and facilitate the national implementation, with a system of government accountability

21 The system should also integrate social actors, to help facilitate implementation of measures and ensure democracy and transparency in decision making.