21 May 2013: An informal informal meeting to determine the organization and modalities of the high level political forum (HLPF) was held at UN Headquarters in New York, US. The meeting allowed Member States to discuss their general comments on a draft compilation text for the establishment of the HLPF, put forward by the process’ co-facilitators. A representative from the Office of Legal Affairs was also present to answer questions about potential rules and legal modalities of the HLPF.

Exploring the “hybrid option” for the HLPF to be a subsidiary body of both the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (UNGA, ECOSOC), delegates discussed which set of rules of procedure the Forum would operate under. Several Member States also called for coordination with the ongoing process to implement UNGA Resolution 61/16 on the strengthening of ECOSOC, wishing to avoid a duplication of efforts in parallel processes. Co-Facilitator Maria Luiza Riberio Viotti, Brazil, responded that she has been in contact with the co-facilitators of the 61/16 process, and would continue this until there is more clarity on the basic design of the HLPF.

Other issues discussed by delegates were, inter alia: the membership specifications of the HLPF; a potential “senior officials week” of preparatory meetings; the need for GA approval of HLPF outcome decisions; the relationship between the HLPF and ECOSOC’s Annual Ministerial Review (AMR); the inclusion of non-state actors in the Forum; and the timeline for establishing the Forum. The next informal informal meeting will be held on 28 May 2013 at UN Headquarters in New York, US, and will begin a line-by-line discussion of the draft compilation text. [High-Level Political Forum Website] [IISD Coverage of HLPF Consultations] [IISD RS Sources]