24 June 2013: Deliberations on the format and organizational aspects of the high-level political forum on sustainable development (HLPF) are continuing, with Member States meeting for further informal negotiations on the core aspects of the Forum throughout the week of 17 June. On 21 June, the co-facilitators for the process released a compromise text, which is under discussion.

Cesare Maria Ragalini (Italy) presented the text, and said that any dissatisfaction with it “should be balanced by common satisfaction for putting the forum in place.” Several delegations, however, expressed a wish for more discussion time on a few key issues. After one previous extension, the co-facilitators agreed to let private negotiations continue until Wednesday, 26 June at 5:00 PM EST. At this time, any textual amendments agreed upon by all delegations will be accepted, otherwise the text will be presented “as is” to the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), explained co-facilitator Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado (Brazil).

Key outstanding issues include the HLPF’s relationship to Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UNGA, participation in the forum, review mechanisms, and rules of procedure.

The draft text reached by the Member States and co-facilitators will require approval from the UNGA in order for the HLPF to be established. [Previous IISD RS Story on HLPF Consultations] [IISD RS Sources]