9 July 2013: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution on the format and organizational aspects of the high-level political forum on sustainable development (HLPF). The Assembly adopted the resolution by consensus, following UN Member State consultations mandated by the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), and initiated in December 2012 by UNGA President Vuk Jeremic and facilitated by Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Permanent Representative of Brazil, and Cesare Maria Ragaglini, Permanent Representative of Italy.

UN Secretary-General (UNSG) Ban Ki-moon welcomed the Forum, calling on States to “do their utmost” to realize its potential. Jeremic said the Forum would help “advance the efforts of generations to entrench sustainable peace, security and prosperity across the globe.” He encouraged the Assembly to reach a conclusion on negotiations for the Special Event to Follow-Up on Efforts towards Achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In statements welcoming the Forum, Member States encouraged each other to make it a success. Some emphasized that the Forum should implement commitments made to small island developing states (SIDS), and others suggested that the sustainable development agenda and MDGs should be connected.

The new Forum will meet annually for eight days under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and at a high level every four years under the auspices of the UNGA. The resolution states that it will “provide political leadership, guidance and recommendations for sustainable development, and review progress in the implementation of related commitments, and enhance integration of the sustainable development’s three dimensions in a holistic and cross-sectoral manner.”

In resolution A/67/L.72, adopted on 9 July, the Assembly recommends that ECOSOC abolish the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) effective upon the conclusion of its 20th session (CSD 20), to be held prior to the first meeting of the forum.

An inaugural, one-day meeting of the Forum will be held at the beginning of the 68th session of the UNGA. [Resolution A/67/L.72] [Issued as official document on 23 August 2013, Resolution A/67/290] [Meeting Summary] [UN Webcast] [PGA Statement] [DESA Press Release] [Previous IISD RS Coverage of HLPF Consultations] [UN Press Release] [DPI Press Release] [UNEP Press Release]