Theme 2 of the Conference: Institutional framework for sustainable development

Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China

Mr. Chairman,

2. The achievement of an effective institutional framework for sustainable development at all levels is key to the full implementation of Agenda 21, the follow-up to the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and meeting emerging sustainable development challenges.

3. In this regard the G77 and China believe that our discussions towards the achievement of an effective institutional framework should be guided by chapter 11 of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation while building on the provisions of Agenda 21, as well as the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, and the principles of the Rio Declaration.

4. Furthermore it is essential that the three pillars of sustainable development should be addressed in a coordinated, complementary, integrated and comprehensive manner. It is also essential that economic, social and environmental activities at the UN are dealt with harmoniously and not in isolation.

Mr. Chairman,

5. The G77 and China believe that UNCSD must renew and enhance political commitment for sustainable development. To this end, the Conference should build a cohesive and effective institutional framework that is focused on implementing the UN's sustainable development agenda. It is further important that we arrive at Rio with a common understanding that the current institutions involved in implementing the sustainable development agenda in the UN system, become more effective for the operationalization of the goals contained in the JPOI.

6. We would like to reaffirm the role of the General Assembly in the institutional framework for sustainable development, and take note of the decision adopted at the 26th session of the UNEP GC/GMEF on this issue as a contribution to the discussion on the environmental pillar, while recognizing at the same time that much work still needs to be done under the economic and social pillars of sustainable development.

7. In this context, we would like to highlight that as a result of the process of negotiation towards the UNCSD, the integrity of the three pillars of sustainable development and their interlinkages and complementarity should be reinforced.

Mr. Chairman,

8. We strongly believe that there is also an urgent need for enhanced coordination and cooperation among all international organizations, agencies, conventions and environmental agreements that deal with sustainable development in order to ensure the implementation of the commitments made in different forums, promote synergies among all of them and also allow the participation of the private sector and the civil society, including the scientific community.

9. Furthermore, it is essential that the current United Nations system enhances its efficiency in the area of sustainable development through a pragmatic process that allows an effective delivery and that takes into account the specific needs of developing countries including the means of implementation.

10. The Group considers that the provision of an adequate and predictable financing to empower the institutional framework is needed in order to ensure the effective implementation of the UN's sustainable development agenda.

11. In this regard, we would like to reiterate that the provision of new and additional resources is crucial to enhancing the United Nations implementation capabilities. Predictability and adequate funding is essential for the effective implementation of all mandated development activities, including those related with sustainable development, resources for development from the regular budget of the United Nations should be increased.

12. In this context, the G77 and China believe that the institutional framework for sustainable development should also enhance the UN system's delivery of resources taking into account the needs of developing countries.

13. Furthermore we believe that the institutional framework should support scientific research and development in the areas of sustainable development in developing countries. In this regard, the fulfillment of ODA commitments is key to enhancing capacity building, including scientific, technical and technological capacity, and development for developing countries. It is also important to ensure the participation of developing countries scientific communities. To this end, clear terms of reference for the selection of scientific and technical personnel representing developing countries views should be established so as to avoid biased assessments. A more result oriented and project focused approach should also be designed to allow effectiveness at all levels. We believe that enhanced synergies in regional and global evaluation processes and between these processes and the efforts undertaken for the implementation of MEAs are also needed.

Mr. Chairman,

14. In approaching the economic, social and environmental pillars, we are convinced that the ECOSOC should promote greater coordination, complementarity, effectiveness and efficiency of activities of its functional commissions, programmes and other subsidiary bodies that are relevant to the implementation of Agenda 21 and JPOI.

15. Moreover the G77 and China would like to highlight that the CSD is the high level intergovernmental body responsible for sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as a forum for the consideration of issues related to the integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development. We need to keep in mind that nowadays the Commission is currently the only forum that addresses the three pillars and for that reason we believe that we need to review the CSD in order to strengthen it and make it more efficient. In this regard the Group believes that an enhanced role of the Commission should include reviewing and monitoring progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 and ensuring coherence of implementation, initiatives and partnerships.

16. Furthermore, the Group notes the work done by UNEP, especially in the implementation field and in this regard we consider that it is needed to strengthen cooperation between the United Nations Environment Programme and other United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, the Bretton Woods institutions and the World Trade Organization, within their mandates, considering the importance of reinforcing the three pillars of sustainable development and their complementarity.

Mr. Chairman,

17. The G77 and China is considering very carefully the different options regarding the concrete structure of the institutional framework. In this regard we would like to highlight the importance of keep the institutional framework for sustainable development inside the United Nations and make a final judgment on the institutional arrangements by having a clarity on the functions that such an institutional arrangement must perform.

18. We also believe that normative and operational aspect of sustainable development agenda should be clearly distinguished.

19. The Group believes that one possibility is considering appropriate institutional arrangements within the United Nations based on the existing structure. Such institutional arrangements should enhance coordination, coherence and synergies on sustainable development, including in all of the conventions regarding the three pillars of sustainable development. Furthermore they should ensure the balance between the three pillars of sustainable development, coordinate a global approach to sustainable development and promote policy convergence.

20. The G77 and China considers that those arrangements should allow the participation of different actors in the sustainable development agenda, including the private sector, civil society, non-governmental organizations and scientific community, and should have a clear mandate in the implementation field.

21. In this regard, we believe that it is extremely important that the institutional framework for sustainable development guarantees that all stakeholders at global, regional and national levels can provide their inputs to the process. The framework should be also inclusive and encourage an exchange of views and experiences and count with empirical evidence and scientific analysis.

22. Finally the G77 believes that other option that we can consider is to agree on a framework, which would enhance synergy, coherence and coordination between all actors/UN entities involved in the sustainable development agenda.

Thank you.