13 October 2011: The Informal Discussion Group on the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development (IFSD) convened the second panel in its series, with a focus on the social pillar. The Group was initiated by Indonesia, Kenya and Mexico to increase and improve discussion on IFSD, one of the two themes of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20).

Held on the topic “Promoting greater integration of the social pillar in IFSD and the Rio+20 Conference,” the discussion panel was co-hosted on behalf of the Informal Discussion Group by Chile and Mexico, on 13 October 2011, at UN Headquarters in New York, US.

The panelists were: Yamina Djacta, speaking on behalf of Cecilia Martínez, Representative of the Executive Director, UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT); Michael Herrmann, Advisor on Population and Economics, UN Population Fund (UNFPA); Felix Dodds, Executive Director, Stakeholder Forum; Daniela Bas, Director for Social Policy and Development, UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA); and Jane Stewart, Special Representative and Director, International Labour Organization (ILO).

The Group previously convened a discussion panel on the economic pillar and IFSD in September 2011, and it plans to convene a third panel, on the environmental pillar, in November 2011. Following each panel, or technical discussion, the Permanent Representatives of the participating countries have met for a closed discussion. [IISD RS Sources]