6 July 2011: The Principles of ECESA Plus (the Executive Committee of Economic and Social Affairs (ECESA), plus the UN Development Group (UNDG) and Environment Management Group (EMG)) recently met to discuss the UN system’s preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20).

The meeting took place on 6 July 2011, in Geneva, Switzerland, alongside the High-level Segment of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It was chaired by Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Sha Zukang, as the Convener of ECESA and ECESA Plus and Secretary-General of the UNCSD. Participants discussed possible outcomes of the UNCSD process, including practical initiatives that could be launched at the Conference, and their organizations’ inputs to the outcome document. On the outcome document, participants thought it should reflect the integration of the three pillars of sustainable development, particularly by giving more emphasis to the social pillar, including job creation, decent work, and social inclusion.

Participants also considered the five options for institutional reform proposed by the 26th Session of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Governing Council. The Principals stressed the need to strengthen the UN’s institutional capacity under the environmental pillar of sustainable development, while also supporting and reforming the institutions addressing economic and social development. [ECESA Plus News]