Note from a Dinner Held by UNED-UK

Note from a dinner held by UNED-UK on Wednesday 4th March 1998

This was the first meeting of governments on a possible Rio+10

Introduction

UNED-UK produced a background paper on the lessons learned UNGASS and initial ideas on 2002, Earth Summit III.

The paper had been circulated and was introduced. Key discussion points that emerged were:

On process

 2002, Earth Summit III needs to be a significant event, closer to Rio than UNGASS;  it should be held outside New York, Rio was thought a good idea;  it should have regional preparatory conferences;  discussion on Earth Summit III should not yet focus on particular issues as this might put off action;  Earth Summit III should seriously deal with implementation;  Earth Summit III could look at a new Global Plan of Action, 10 years is a good time span to draw up a new action plan;  Earth Summit III could focus on issues not being dealt with by other forums.

On issues

 we didn’t know in 1992 what the issues would be in 1997 and there may be the same uncertainty about 2002 for the same reasons. However, some key issues were discussed;  Mega Cities - a possible combination of the Habitat II Agenda and Agenda 21 - opportunities exist with the review of Habitat II in 2001 and Rio in 2002;  finance - there is no question this will be an important issue over the coming three years with the developing finance conference in 1999 and the CSD in 2000. Perhaps 2002 should be kept in mind for some of the financing process which need longer;  local agenda 21 - this will have been developed further by 2002, the need for a clear review of the lessons learnt and the way forward on local implementation is important;  freshwater - the process set up by the CSD this year will have 2002 as a target date and the need for further international action in that year may be crucial;  forests - there was some debate about the IFF being able to promote a convention in 2000 to be read to sign in 2002. There were differing views as to whether or not this was a good idea or even possible;  climate change - though the main negotiations for this happen in another fora the Summit may also be a place for messages on this topic to be given;  chemicals - the need for one place to discuss chemicals was raised;  Sustainable Development Strategies - these are meant to be completed by 2002 and so a review of them would be possible;  World Environment Organization - a very delicate issue as it is perceived as a northern issue. There was some discussion on if there is going to be one what it might include. Suggestions included UNEP, Habitat, GEF and Conventions.

Follow Up

 UNED-UK to utilize the publication of their book ‘Earth Summit II - Outcomes and Analysis’ as a rallying point for discussion around Earth Summit III  UNED-UK to organize a Round Table on May 1st at 1.15pm to 3pm;  UNED-UK to initiate a dinner with other groups of countries at the CSD;  UNED-UK to revise their approach so as to tone down the debate on specific issues at present.