24 April 2013: The Asian and Pacific Regional Implementation Meeting (RIM) on Rio+20 Outcomes discussed regional perspectives and follow-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), such as the establishment of a high-level political forum (HLPF) to replace the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), and the development of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The RIM met from 22-24 April 2013, in Bangkok, Thailand, and was convened by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Participants welcomed the establishment of the HLPF and urged its integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development on an equal footing, while cautioning that this institution must learn from the experiences of the CSD, and avoid its shortcomings. Many stressed it should not become another “talk shop.” On SDGs and the post-2015 development agenda, delegates strongly supported universally applicable goals that take account of differing stages of development and maintain a focus on poverty eradication. Many delegates presented national actions and strategies to support green growth, and some commented on the fact that the Asia-Pacific region is taking the lead in developing and adopting such strategies. Delegates overwhelmingly welcomed the Rio+20 outcome of establishing an expert committee on a sustainable development financing strategy, noting this will be critical for countries to be able to implement any SDGs and a post-2015 development agenda.

The RIM also included a side event addressing the sustainable development of Pacific small island developing State (SIDS), the effective management of ocean resources, and preparations for the Third International Conference on SIDS to be held in Apia, Samoa, in 2014.

Some countries lauded the level of civil society participation in the meeting, and hoped that this level of participation could be replicated in the ongoing negotiations in New York and in the HLPF. [IISD RS Meeting Coverage] [Meeting Website]