Aide memoire

 (iii)        Support to African countries in their efforts to realize an inclusive green transformation and development;

 (iv)        Support to member States in order to meet the challenges of the effects of climate change in key sectors, and to put into place appropriate plans and mechanisms to reflect national development priorities, policies, strategies and programmes.

 (b)         The ECA Committee on Sustainable Development (CSD) was establishedas one of the functional and sectoral subsidiary organs of the Commission. According to the approved programme budget for 2014–2015, CSD “serves as a forum of experts that provides advice to the Commission in integrating the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development” in line with the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 20 to 22 June 2012. In that regard, “the Committee provides guidance to the work of ECA in the interlinked areas of food security, agriculture, land, climate change, including green economy policies and natural resources development and management”. In response to the mandate from the Conference on promoting a balanced integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development, the members of the Committee would comprise experts and policymakers representing three constituencies: economic, social and environment. The Committee would meet on a biennial basis and the outcomes of the meetings would be fed into the Africa Regional Implementation Meeting, which has been upgraded to a high-level political forum on sustainable development at the regional level.

 (c)          The mandate and scope of the work of CSD falls in the realm of the work of its predecessor – the Committee on Food Security and Sustainable Development (CFSSD) – and its various configurations, since the first Committee was established in 1999. CFSSD was both a technical and a legislative organ, composed of high-level experts from governments, universities, research and development institutions, the private sector and the civil society of ECA member States. It met on a biennial basis and served as a forum for the promotion of cooperation, exchange of information and sharing of experiences in the areas of food security, agriculture, environment, land, climate change and broader sustainable development issues. It provided advice to ECA on strengthening its support to member States in those areas. 

CFSSD also provided a platform for advocacy and assessment of the implementation of the outcomes of major conferences and summits related to sustainable development in Africa, particularly those contained in Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 (PFIA21), the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI), and the World Food Summit Programme of Action. Since 2005, CFSSD has provided platforms for Africa Regional Implementation Meetings to review progress in the implementation of sustainable development commitments, to agree on priorities for Africa and communicate key messages to the sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. The previous session of the Committee (CFSSD-8) held in November 2012, provided a platform for the Africa Regional Implementation Meeting for the post-Rio+20 follow-up processes. In line with the continuity policy since the establishment of the first CSD, the meeting in June 2015 constitutes the ninth session of the Committee on Sustainable Development. 

B.                 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the Africa Regional Forum on sustainable development 

During Rio+20, important decisions to strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable development at all levels, were adopted. That included the adoption of a decision to establish the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (paragraph 84 of the Rio+20 outcome document, “The future we want”), to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of sustainable development commitments at the global level. Subsequently, the Africa Regional Implementation Meeting for the post-Rio+20 follow-up processes adopted specific recommendations (see annex I) on sustainable development bodies. They included, a call for ECA to convene the Africa regional political forum on sustainable development in preparation for the sessions of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, jointly with the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank, in collaboration with relevant partners. The Regional Implementation Meeting recognized that in convening the regional political forum, the provision of a strengthened platform that adequately ensures an enhanced integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development should be ensured.

In July 2013, the General Assembly, through its resolution A/RES/67/290, formally established the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development as the main United Nations platform dealing with sustainable development, replacing the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. The Forum would meet every four years at the level of Heads of State and Government under the auspices of the General Assembly; and every year, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council. The Forum adopts negotiated declarations.

 The General Assembly, through the above resolution:

1.  Decided that the Forum, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, should conduct regular reviews, starting in 2016, on the follow-up and implementation of sustainable development commitments and objectives, including those related to the means of implementation, within the context of the post-2015 development agenda [operative paragraph (OP) 8];
2.  Decided that the meetings of the Forum, under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, would benefit from regional preparatory processes (OP 7f);
3.  Acknowledged the importance of the regional dimension of sustainable development and invites the United Nations regional commissions to contribute to the work of the Forum, including through annual regional meetings, with the involvement of other relevant regional entities, major groups and other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate (OP13).

The High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development has held two meetings so far. The inaugural meeting of the Forum was convened on 24 September 2013, by the President of the General Assembly at United Nations Headquarters in New York, under the overall theme: “Building the future we want: from Rio+20 to the post-2015 development agenda[1]”. The Forum of 2014[2] was held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council for the first time, from 30 June to 9 July 2014. Its ministerial meeting was held as part of the high-level segment of the Council from 7 to 9 July 2014. The 2014 Forum was held under the theme: “Achieving the Millennium Development Goals and charting the way for an ambitious post-2015 development agenda, including the sustainable development goals.”

The next High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development[3] (under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council) will be held in New York from 26 June to 8 July 2015, under the theme “Strengthening integration, implementation and review – the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development after 2015”, which the agenda will mirror. In addition, the Forum will discuss the following: new and emerging issues – the science-policy interface; sustainable consumption and production; and small island developing States and countries in special situations. The 2015 Forum will occur at a time when negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda will be in full swing. The preparations for the Forum could give political impetus to the last phase of the negotiations. A focused discussion on the substantive aspects of integration and implementation and review, and on how to prepare the Forum for the post-2015 period, could complement the negotiations.

The eighth Joint Annual Meetings of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration and the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development held in March 2015, deliberated on the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. The Ministers adopted a resolution, which called upon ECA, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and other partners, to take all necessary steps to convene the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development on a biennial basis. In the same resolution, the Ministers undertook to work in close collaboration with the national Governments to support the convening of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development; and called upon member States to scale up their commitment to support the Regional Forum.

In the light of the above, the Regional Forum, in preparation for the 2015 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, is being organized and will convene under the auspices of the ninth session of the Committee on Sustainable Development.

 II.          Ninth session of the Committee on Sustainable Development

The ninth session of the ECA Committee on Sustainable Development will be held from 16 to 18 June 2015, to deliberate on statutory and programmatic matters related to the ECA subprogramme on innovations, technologies and the management of natural resources, under the auspices of the Special Initiatives Division. The session will provide a platform for the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, which ECA is organizing jointly with the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank, in collaboration with the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the United Nations Development Programme. In keeping with the General Assembly resolution, the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development will bring together government ministries and agencies, major groups and other stakeholders, to deliberate on, and provide Africa’s collective input to the coming High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

III.           Objectives

 The main objectives of the ninth session of the ECA Committee on Sustainable Development are to:

 (a)           Review and provide guidance on the ECA subprogramme on innovations, technologies and management of Africa’s natural resources. To oversee the implementation of its 2014–2015 work programme and priorities of the subprogramme for the 2016–2017 work programme in the context of the ECA strategic framework and proposed programme budget for the 2016–2017 biennium;

 (b)          Provide a platform for the 2015 Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development and for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The Regional Forum deliberations will focus and agree on Africa’s collective input in the form of key messages to the High-level Political Forum. These are on: integration, implementation and review, including shaping the High-level Political Forum beyond 2015; new and emerging issues and the science-policy interface; sustainable consumption and production; and small island developing States and other countries in special situations.

 IV.           Expected outcomes

 The ninth session of the ECA Committee on Sustainable Development is expected to lead to:

 (a)           Clear understanding and appreciation of the new ECA subprogramme on innovations, technologies and the management of Africa’s natural resources. Specifically on:

(i)            The role and potential of new innovations and technologies as engines of economic growth in Africa, and strategic options for member States to harness the innovations and technologies;

 (ii)          The green economy as a tool to achieve inclusive and green structural transformation and development;

 (iii)        The role and importance of mineral resources in fostering sustainable socioeconomic development and strategic options for achieving such development in the context of the Africa Mining Vision;

 (iv)        The challenges posed by climate change and measures for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including appropriate mechanisms for integration into national development priorities, policies, strategies and programmes.

 (b)          Clear guidance and direction on enhanced implementation of the 2014–2015 work programme; and on priorities for the 2016–2017 biennium for the ECA subprogramme;

 (c)           Clear understanding and articulation of Africa’s priorities and key messages on the theme and other discussion topics of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

 V.              Expected outputs

 The following outputs are expected to be delivered at the end of the meeting:

 (a)           Africa’s collective input to the 2015 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, in the form of key messages to the Forum;

 (b)          The meeting report containing, among others:

 (i)            A well-informed set of practical and action-oriented recommendations on advancing the implementation of key initiatives of the ECA subprogramme on innovations, technologies and management of Africa’s natural resources;

 (ii)          Guidance on the implementation of the 2014–2015 work programme, and priorities for the 2016–2017 biennium for the ECA subprogramme;

 (iii)        A record of the deliberations of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in preparation for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, including key messages to the global sustainable development body.

 (c)           Press releases;

 (d)          Web publications.

 VI.           Format of the meeting

The meeting will be a three-day event that will be conducted under the guidance of the Bureau of the ninth session of the Committee. The representative of the Government of Ethiopia will officially open the meeting. The opening session will be addressed by the chair of the previous (eighth) session of the Committee, ECA, the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and partner agencies of the United Nations system.

 The meeting will be divided into five main sessions outlined below. Parliamentary and background reports will guide and inform the deliberations of the sessions.

 A.          Economic Commission for Africa subprogramme on innovations, technologies and management of Africa’s natural resources: strategic focus and areas of work

 This session is intended to introduce to the Committee, the new subprogramme of ECA on innovations, technologies and management of Africa’s natural resources. It is also intended to elicit guidance from the Committee on ensuring that the strategic orientation of the subprogramme adequately responds to Africa’s development priorities on technology and innovation, green economy and natural resources, mineral resources development, and climate change and development.

In this context, the Secretariat will make a presentation of the parliamentary report on “Harnessing innovations, technologies and Africa’s natural resources for structural transformation in the region: challenges and opportunities”. The presentation will also be an introduction to the ECA subprogramme, and will outline the scope and strategic focus of the four work streams of the subprogramme and highlight the challenges and opportunities for harnessing innovations, technologies and Africa’s natural resources for sustainable transformation and development in the region.

 Main issues arising and recommendations will be drawn from the discussions following the presentations.

 B.                Implementation of the 2014–2015 work programme and priority areas for the 2016–2017 work programme

 This session is intended to elicit guidance to enhance implementation of the work programme for the 2015–2016 biennium; and refine priorities for the 2016–2017 strategic framework and the proposed programme budget. The Secretariat will therefore make a presentation on the progress of the implementation of the 2014–2015 work programme of the ECA subprogramme, and priority areas for the 2016–2017 work programme.

 Main issues arising and recommendations will be drawn from the discussions following the presentation.

 C.                Keynote address on the ongoing negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda

 This session is intended to enhance understanding and appreciation by the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, of the background, progress, state of play, emerging consensus and issues on the ongoing negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda. The keynote address is expected to be delivered by Mr. Macharia Kamau, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations, and co-facilitator of the intergovernmental negotiations on the post-2015 development agenda.

 D.                Presentations and deliberations on the theme and focus areas of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

 This session is expected to lead to the effective articulation of Africa’s priorities and key messages on the theme and focus areas of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

 During this session, the Secretariat will make presentations based on the background papers on the theme and other focus areas for the Forum. Discussions will follow, and priority issues and key messages emerging from the discussions will be synthesized to inform Africa’s collective input to the Forum.

 The first presentation will be on strengthening integration, implementation and review: the role of sustainable development bodies after 2015. This presentation, on the theme of the Forum, will highlight the significance of integration, implementation and review in furthering the sustainable development agenda; sustainable development bodies and their role in strengthening integration, implementation and review after 2015; and conclusions and recommendations.

 Presentations and discussions on other focus areas of the Forum will follow. These areas are: emerging issues; strengthening the science-policy interface; sustainable consumption and production; and small island developing States, and other countries in special situations.

 In addition, major groups will make presentations highlighting the groups’ and other stakeholders’ perspectives on regional priorities, key messages and recommendations to the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, for the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

 E.         Presentation and deliberations on the consolidated key messages from the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development to the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development

 The Secretariat will consolidate and present for review, the key priorities and messages emerging from the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development; and participants will deliberate on, and refine as appropriate, the key messages, which will form Africa’s collective input to the 2015 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

 VII.       Meeting documentation

 The meeting documents will comprise the following:

 (a)           Parliamentary reports on:

 (i)            Harnessing innovations, technologies and Africa’s natural resources for structural transformation in the region: challenges and opportunities;

 (ii)          Progress in the implementation of the 2014–2015 work programme of the ECA subprogramme on innovations, technologies and management of Africa’s natural resources and priority areas for the 2016–2017 work programme;

 (iii)        Strengthening integration, implementation and review: the role of sustainable development bodies after 2015;

 (iv)        Emerging issues and strengthening the science-policy interface; sustainable consumption and production; and small island developing States, and other countries in special situations.

 (b)          Reports on:

 (i)            New technologies and innovations;

(ii)          Green economy and natural resources;

(iii)        Mineral resources development;

(iv)        Climate change and development.

 (c)           Common African position on the post-2015 development agenda;

 (d)          Outcome Document of the Africa Regional Consultative Meeting on the sustainable development goals;

 (e)           Report of the Ministerial Segment of the Africa Regional Consultative Meeting on the sustainable development goals;

 (f)           Report of the Experts Segment of the Africa Regional Consultative Meeting on the sustainable development goals;

 (g)          Outcome Document of the Africa Regional Implementation Meeting for the post-Rio+20 follow-up processes;

 (h)          Report of the eighth session of the Committee on Food Security and Sustainable Development and the Africa Regional Implementation Meetings for the post-Rio+20 follow-up processes;

 (i)            The Rio+20 Outcome Document;

 (j)            Publications on technology and innovation, green economy, climate change, mining and minerals development, and broader sustainable development issues.

 VIII.    Participants

 The following are expected to attend:

 (a)           All 54 member States of ECA (high-level experts from ministries and agencies in charge of planning and finance, environment and social affairs, mining and mineral resources, and science and technology);

 (b)          Representatives of major groups and other stakeholders, including civil society, business and industry organizations, universities and research institutions;

 (c)           The African Union Commission;

 (d)          The African Development Bank;

 (e)           The New Partnership for Africa’s Development–NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency;

 (f)           Regional economic communities;

 (g)          United Nations and other international agencies and organizations;

 (h)          Development partners.

 IX.      Working languages

 The meeting will be conducted in English and French, with simultaneous interpretation in both languages.

 X.      Dates and venue

 The ninth session of the Committee on Sustainable Development will be held at the Conference Centre in Addis Ababa, from 16 to 18 June 2015.

 XI.           Administrative arrangements

 These are provided in a separate information note.

Annex I: Recommendations of the Africa Regional Implementation Meeting held in November 2012 on sustainable development bodies

 (a)   Africa welcomes the impending establishment of a universal intergovernmental high-level political forum to, among other things, provide political leadership, guidance and recommendations for sustainable development;

 (b)    The operational modalities of the forum should ensure effective linkages with related bodies from regional to local levels. These linkages should be based on the principle of subsidiarity, in view of its importance in ensuring effective implementation of global sustainable development agreements by means of tangible actions and outcomes at the national and local levels;

 (c)     Regional implementation meetings should be upgraded to regional high-level political forums for sustainable development, to constitute regional chapters of the high-level political forum. This should build on the valuable experience gained in convening the regional implementation meetings;

 (d)      ECA should convene the Africa regional political forum in preparation for the sessions of the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, jointly with the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank, in collaboration with relevant partners. In doing so, the provision of a strengthened platform that adequately ensures an enhanced integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development should be ensured;

 (e)      To enhance participation in the Africa regional political forum, the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency and regional economic communities, should be more actively engaged in the preparation of regional and subregional review reports in collaboration with ECA and agencies of the United Nations system, as well as in the convening of the Africa regional political forums;

 (f)       Preparations for, and participation in the Africa regional political forums should ensure adequate coordination among delegations from member States, who are encouraged to include in their delegations representatives from Capitals, the African missions in Addis Ababa, and the African group in New York. Representatives of major groups should also be invited to participate. This would ensure a richly-informed, well-coordinated and participatory process, and effective linkages between local, national, regional and global-level processes;

 (g)      The Department of Economic and Social Affairs should work with ECA to ensure that the national, subregional, regional and global-level processes and linkages (outlined above) are realized accordingly;

 (h)      In view of the resource implications of ensuring well-coordinated and effective processes at the different levels, Africa calls upon the international community to provide it with adequate support towards this end.