Update on the Global Sustainability Panel

The Coalition was well represented at the second Rio+20 intersessional in New York (15 December). Farooq Ullah, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Stakeholder Forum and Oliver Greenfield, Convenor, Green Economy Coalition give us their account of the briefing given by the UN Secretary General’s High-level Global Sustainability Panel (GSP) on its upcoming report:

The GSP gave a briefing of its upcoming report in a special side event at the second Rio+20 intersessional yesterday. The panel is comprised of renowned world figures to formulate a new blueprint for a sustainable future on a planet under increasing stress resulting from human activities. It co-chaired by President Tarja Halonen of Finland and President Jacob Zuma of South Africa.

Janos Pastoz (Executive Secretary of the GSP) reported that the meeting of the Panel finished on an upbeat note after resolving difficult, but key, issues. He acknowledged that given the complexities of sustainable development, more time was needed as the Panel did not feel it had adequately finished its task. An additional meeting is being planned for the New Year, and the publication of the final report is to follow later than expected. In particular, the Panel is seeking to articulate its vision for sustainable development along with key recommendations as drivers of change at Rio+20.

The briefing examined three key areas of the GSP report:

• Empowering People – Fortunato Albrinho of Mozambique commented that the world is facing tremendous socio-economic difficulties and challenges propagated by economic crisis and climate change between and within countries. However, the GSP’s vision of sustainable development is one that puts people at the centre of priorities. The challenge is how to empower people to make sustainable choices. A key, actionable recommendation will be that government and international partners should join forces to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities. The GSP acknowledge that it is crucial to act urgently to improve people’s access to education, health, food, water and energy. Gender equality, coupled with resilience and social safety nets, is fundamental to achieving these aims. Furthermore it will be important to create jobs and skills to drive sustainable growth, while helping consumers make sustainable choices and responsible decisions. The aim must be to meet all peoples’ needs.
• Economy and Markets – Varad Pande from India stated that the value of the panel comes from the diversity of the panellist; this is not just different geography but diversity of approaches and ideas. He went on to note that the process of engagement has been very valuable to Panel. However, this area of the Panel’s report sought to tackle complex issues, such as sustainable consumption patterns. He acknowledged the clear link between the way we live and the security of our livelihoods. An issue for the Panel is the need to price externalities; this includes scaling up of trading schemes based on market-based mechanisms. Another area of action is the need to address harmful subsidies and the importance of disclosure to promote change. The importance of innovative finance and scaling up public finance and Official Development Aid (ODA) must also be addressed. Lastly, measuring progress and what matters has clear links to the Beyond GDP agenda and the need from more inclusive indicators.
• Institutional Governance – Hannu Kyrolainen from Finland commented that the Panel has always attempted to be transparent and recognised the need to strengthen governance. He stated strongly that good governance is a foundation to sustainable development, and what is needed is a whole of government approach. To that end, the Panel is focusing on recommendation to promote horizontally integrated to cut across silos. Governance to bring together all relevant actors, not just government. He went onto highlight four themes for institutional governance:
  • Coherence and accountability at the national and local level which addresses:
    i.  The role of Prime Ministers and Heads of Government putting into place more proactive coherence with a whole government approach;
    ii. The use of budgets based on sustainable development criteria; and
    iii. Role of Parliaments in promoting sustainable development and creating accountability.
  • The fragmentation of all three elements in sustainable development in global institutions and systems; and the role of UNEP in the post-Rio world.
  • Sustainable Development Goals.
  • A Global Sustainability Outlook as a Secretary General’s report which undertakes a cross-sectorial assessment of sustainable development at the global level.

The briefing did raise some concerns. Firstly, the fact that the Panel has not published yet is not ideal. The delays may diminish its influence on the Zero Draft document and the larger Rio+20 process. Furthermore, there was little mention on managing natural capital, and planetary boundaries only came up in the Q&A section. Lastly, the big challenge of Rio+20 will be on implementation. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a cost and benefit analysis of the Panel’s big ideas in order prioritise action.  However, the Panel’s work remains of huge importance. Its report will be the culmination of a long consultation and the views of some of the biggest names in sustainable development. And so we are encouraged to hear that the Panel Members ended on a high note with enthusiasm and momentum to carry them to a strong finish.