July 2010: The Bureau of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, also known as Rio+20) convened for its sixth meeting on 30 July 2010, in New York, US. Among other issues, the Secretariat said it has “invested significant energy into the mobilization of support, participation, and ownership of the entire UN system for the preparatory process.” It indicated that the “main vehicle in this regard is EC-ESA Plus, namely a regular meeting of the Principals of all UN system entities, including Specialized Agencies, Regional Commissions, Convention Secretariats, and IFIs. In addition, more frequent meetings would be arranged with the Troika–consisting of Principals of UNDESA, UNDP, and UNEP. Finally, the DESA Task Force has been established to enhance intra-departmental coordination.” The Secretariat noted that these mechanisms have started to meet on a regular basis.

The Bureau agreed on the dates for the first two intersessional meetings: 10-11 January 2011, and 14-15 November 2011. A decision on the dates proposed for the third intersessional meeting (6-7 March 2012) was deferred. Bureau meetings are expected to be scheduled once every six weeks, and a brainstorming session between Bureau Members and Heads of Agencies of the UN system will be scheduled.

The Secretariat also informed that a study on benefits and challenges of the green economy is under preparation, in cooperation with UNEP and UNCTAD. The Bureau was invited to suggest names of experts who could serve on the panel that will assist in undertaking this study. [Bureau minutes]