25 January 2012: The initial discussions on the “zero draft” of the outcome document for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) began on 25 January 2012, at UN Headquarters in New York, US. Opening comments on the zero draft were offered by five groupings with small island developing States (SIDS) members, namely the Group of 77 and China (G-77/China), the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Pacific SIDS, and the Pacific Islands Forum.

Algeria, for the G-77/China, stated that: funds are insufficient to support developing country participation in all negotiating sessions; a compilation document with all proposals, not a revised co-chairs’ text, should be the outcome of this meeting; and the 17 February deadline for comments and proposals on Sections 3, 4 and 5 of the document should be extended. He said the document lacks vision, balance and action-oriented language, and should, inter alia: address oceans and SIDS in two separate sections; assess why outcomes from Rio and Johannesburg were not fully realized; and give priority to the root causes of poverty, empowering the poor, and gender equality and empowerment of women. Noting lack of consensus on the definition of green economy, he stressed the need to ensure social inclusion and equity, and include tools to catalyze international cooperation. He underscored that an effective institutional framework for sustainable development (IFSD) should focus on implementing sustainable development and integrating the three pillars.

Nauru, for AOSIS, welcomed the draft’s call for convening the Third Global Conference for Sustainable Development of SIDS in 2014, and urged more attention to oceans and climate change.

The Dominican Republic, on behalf of CARICOM, stressed the need for better integration of SIDS’ special challenges throughout the document and maintaining the linkages between the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) and the Mauritius Strategy for Implementation (MSI).

Papua New Guinea, for the Pacific SIDS, stressed the linkage between the blue and green economies, and welcomed the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative. He called for language on, inter alia: a moratorium on driftnet fishing; and eliminating destructive fishing practices. He supported a formal SIDS category within the UN system.

The Federated States of Micronesia, for the Pacific Islands Forum, said building a blue economy would benefit all countries. She called for language related to: delivering on existing oceans-related commitments, such as establishing the global network of marine protected areas (MPAs); and ensuring SIDS receive greater benefits from their ocean resources.

In addition, four SIDS made statements. Cuba said the draft could be used as a basis for negotiation, but requires substantial improvement, and expressed concern with the little amount of time allocated for negotiations. She noted lack of definition on green economy, and called attention to Cuba’s IFSD proposal on an inter-ministerial global forum on sustainable development. Solomon Islands underscored the need to, inter alia: include marine resources in the preamble/stage setting and renewing political commitment sections of the zero draft; strengthen multilateral cooperation, financing and transfer of technology; provide guidelines on the transitional process of the green economy; and allocate more time for the informal-informal meetings. Comoros underscored that the current multiple crises negate previous gains, and were caused by speculation in developed countries. He said commitments made at all levels should be implemented. Grenada stressed: support mechanisms and structures such as South-South cooperation in sustainable fisheries, sustainable energy and agriculture; attracting additional financing; and the need for contributions to the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) Trust Fund. [IISD RS Meeting Coverage]