The Preparations....UN CSD-19

It is almost time for the UN CSD-19. So what CSD is and how does it work???

To briefly explain at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, it was agreed that the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), would be the central body within the UN to monitor the results of this event- including Agenda 21. 

The Action Agenda 21 contains 40 chapters divided into four sections: social and economic dimensions, conservation and management of resources, strengthen key social groups, and resources for implementation.

CSD's work is based on various themes identified in the two-year cycles. During even-numbered years, the so-called review the years, CSD will focus on progress and challenges in implementing the commitments of Rio and Johannesburg. 

Odd numbered years, the so-called policy years, there are negotiations of policy recommendations to accelerate implementation of Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation. This year it is therefore a policy and to the themes of this two-year cycle are:

•  Transportation
•  Chemicals
•  Waste management
•  Mining
•  Sustainable consumption and production

Agenda 21 states that civil society participation in the process is of utmost importance to achieve sustainable development, and therefore, so established Major Groups system. There are 9 Major Groups  that will represent different interests in society. The nine groups are women, indigenous people, NGOs, local authorities, workers and trade unions, industry, science and technology, farmers and children and youth.

I will be the Policy Advocacy Coordinator for the Major Group of Children and Youth. This is essentially a fancy title that says that I will facilitate the work of our thematic teams work tracking, lobbying, and meeting with governments. So, it means that I am a mix of big sister, mom, boss and friend. I am slightly worried about what this will actually involve...