Discussions at the fourteenth session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-14), which convened from 1-12 May 2006, in New York, were dominated by the energy agenda, with discussions focusing on energy security, the impact of oil and gas prices, and the respective roles of renewable energy technologies and fossil fuels, which, as delegates were informed by oil-producing countries, will play a dominant role in the world’s energy mix for the foreseeable future.

CSD-14 was tasked with reviewing progress in energy for sustainable development, industrial development, air pollution/atmosphere, and climate change, together with cross-cutting issues. CSD-15 will consist of a “Policy Session,” during which these agenda items will again be discussed and policy options negotiated.
The first week of CSD-14 featured a series of thematic discussions, facilitated by expert panels, and meetings to consider reports from the UN Regional Commissions on the status of implementation. One day was also dedicated to a Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue. During the second week, a day was devoted to discussion on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with a review of the implementation of the Mauritius Strategy organized under the headings of the CSD-14 thematic cluster. The second week also involved a high-level segment, from 10-12 May, with over fifty ministers registered. Most came from environment ministries, and a third from trade, energy-related or other ministries. As UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan observed at the opening of the high-level segment, CSD-14 was the first to be chaired by a finance minister.
Throughout the official session, a Partnerships Fair hosted presentations and discussions on identifying barriers and constraints, lessons learned and best practices in the context of the Review’s thematic cluster. Numerous side events took place, and a Learning Centre hosted teaching and training opportunities on various aspects of sustainable development. At the conclusion of CSD-14, delegates adopted the report of the session, including the Chair’s non-negotiated Summary containing an overview of the discussions, the SIDS day, the Multi-Stakeholder dialogue, the high-level segment, as well as the Partnerships Fair and the Learning Centre. Once CSD-14 had ended, CSD-15 briefly convened to elect its Bureau, including its chair: Abdullah Hamad Al-Attiyah, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry, Qatar.
Links to further information
IISDRS coverage of CSD-14, including official discussions and side events, May 2006
Official CSD-14 website
Chairman’s summary, Part I