26 November 2012: The eighth Session of the UN Economic Commission for Africa’s (ECA) Committee on Food Security and Sustainable Development (CFSSD 8) has concluded with the adoption of the Africa-RIM Outcome Document. The Outcome Document will serve as Africa’s collective input to the 20th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD 20).
Among the recommendations is a call for the Africa-RIM to be elevated to a High-level regional forum to ensure the effective engagement of African countries with the High-level Political Forum on sustainable development. Other recommendations included arrangements for the High-level Political Forum for sustainable development to ensure effective linkages with related bodies at the regional and national levels, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Africa’s priorities, and means of implementation.
Delegates participated in discussions throughout the meeting on the outcomes of Rio+20 and their implications for Africa. On the institutional framework for sustainable development (IFSD) and recommendations for a High-level Political Forum on sustainable development, delegates deliberated on the need for an inclusive participatory process informed by a multiple stakeholder approach, the strengthening of the ECA and the transformation of the Africa-RIM to a Regional Forum.
On SDGs, delegates stressed the importance of bottom-up consultation processes, the overarching priority of poverty eradication, and the Rio principles, notably on common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR). On means of implementation (MOI), it was noted that implementation of sustainable development commitments has been estimated to cost around US$200 billion. To attain this goal, it was suggested, inter alia, to engage in global discussions on the post-2015 agenda by enhancing synergies among ECA, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Delegates noted the ECA’s proposal to use a “step-wise” approach to the green economy, learn from case studies and ensure that the green economy concept helps deliver inclusive job-creating growth and is consistent with technology and capacity needs and investments.
Delegates also addressed four key parliamentary reports and special initiatives, on: the status of food security in Africa; the strategic food and agricultural commodities value chain in Africa; the ClimDev Africa programme; and the AUC/ECA/AfDB Land Policy Initiative. They also reviewed progress in implementing the 2012/2013 work programme, and produced guidance on priorities for the 2014/2015 work programme.
Taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 19-21 November 2012, CFSSD 8 was organized in collaboration with the AUC, the AfDB and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). [IISD RS Meeting Coverage]