20 October 2011: The Asia and Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), organized by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), discussed the two themes of the Conference, and adopted a short “Seoul Outcome.” The Chair also produced and distributed his own detailed summary.
The PrepCom took place in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 19-20 October 2011. It began with presentations from recent, relevant global and subregional events, followed by sessions on the green economy, the institutional framework for sustainable development (IFSD) and stakeholder perspectives. It concluded with discussions on the meeting outcome.
On green economy, many delegates raised concerns about the concept, with some noting that a one-size-fits-all approach to a green economy would not work. On IFSD, most participants supported strengthening UNEP, but did not reach consensus as to whether this strengthening should be sought under UNEP’s current status and structure, or involve elevating UNEP’s status to that of a UN Environment Organization. Some participants expressed support for a Sustainable Development Council.
Finally, participants discussed the type of outcome to adopt, with some favoring a Chair’s summary rather than a joint statement from all delegates. They agreed to a regional outcome document to be submitted to the UNCSD Secretariat as the outcome from the Asia and Pacific regional meeting. According to the “Seoul Outcome of the Asia and Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting for UNCSD (Rio+20),” the UNCSD should conclude with an outcome based on the Rio Principles, and should be “action-oriented, forward-looking, consensus-based and inclusive.”
Participants then discussed the more detailed Chair’s summary of the meeting, which was not intended for adoption by the group. [IISD Coverage of UNCSD Regional Preparatory Meeting for Asia and the Pacific]