March 2011: The UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS) concluded its civil society consultation for the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability (GSP) and issued a summary report of the input received.

The consultation was conducted on the request of the GSP Secretariat, with the aim to gather relevant considerations for the GSP before the next meeting of the Sherpas on 13-14 April 2011, and the third meeting of the Panel, taking place from 16-18 May 2011.

UN-NGLS received 38 submissions from a diverse array of organizations and networks. The summary report highlights broad agreement that current models of economic development are not socially and environmentally sustainable, and that the division of sustainable development goals into the three pillars of economic development, social development, and environmental protection has proven problematic, with the economic pillar wrongfully treated as paramount.

The report also notes civil society groups’ calls for a new paradigm, under which economic activity would: support environmental health and social equity, prioritize long-term over short-term horizons, build resilience, and demonstrate respect for human rights principles. [Publication: Summary Report] [UN-NGLS Webpage on Consultation] [GSP Website]