January 2004: The UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) at its eleventh session (CSD-11) invited the United Nations Regional Commissions to consider organizing regional implementation meetings to contribute to the work of the CSD. In response to this invitation, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) incorporated consideration of the CSD agenda in its deliberations at its first Regional Implementation Forum on Sustainable Development, which met from 15-16 January 2004, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
Delegates discussed regional water, sanitation and human settlement issues with regard to outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. On human settlements, delegates recommended, inter alia, mobilizing international support to address poverty and inequality in human settlements through targeted official development assistance in urban planning, land administration and good governance. Recommendations on water included developing innovative financial mechanisms, such as compensation schemes for water-linked environmental services, revolving funds, and project development facilities. On sanitation, delegates recommended taking a holistic approach to water protection, water supply and sanitation, among others. The outcome of this meeting will be transmitted to the UN Secretary-General to contribute to the preparations for CSD-12.

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