SOUTH AFRICA S PREPARATIONS FOR THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT RIO 20 The Future We Want

1. SOUTH AFRICA�S PREPARATIONS FOR THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (RIO +20)� The Future We Want�

2. Presentation outline Background Structure of the Conference Expected outcomes SA�s preparatory process South Africa�s outputs South Africa Position Recommendations

3. BACKGROUND UN General Assembly Resolution (March 2010) � agree to hold the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (RIO+20) from 20 to 22 June 2012 in Brazil. RIO+20 will seek to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress and implementation gaps in meeting previously-agreed commitments, and address new and emerging challenges Themes to be discussed - a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and the institutional framework for sustainable development.

4. Background

5. Cntd Rio 20 will mark the following anniversaries; - 40yrs of Stockholm Convention -addressed �environmental issues� - 25yrs of the Bruntland report � coined the SD concept - 20yrs of UNCED in Rio which adopted Agenda 21 - 10yrs of WSSD which adopted JPOI

6. Structure of the Conference Formal plenary to be addressed by heads of state; Address by the UN SG, President of ECOSOC & President of the Conference (to be elected at Rio); High level roundtables �way forward in implementing expected outcomes; Side events, partnerships forum and learning centre; Conference will be preceded by: Dialogue on sustainable development � 16 to 19 June 2012 3 preparatory meeting � 13 to 16 June 2011

7. Expected Outcomes Political Declaration focusing on the themes and objective of the conference, Framework of action on Green Economy Framework of action on the IFSD Means of implementation � for Rio+20 �outcome�

8. South Africa�s Preparatory Process Established Intergovernmental working group (DST, Treasury, EDD, DWA, DIRCO and DTI) almost every relevant department is invited to the intergovernmental meetings. Interdepartmental working meeting ( monthly meeting leading up to Rio) Series of multi-stakeholder consultations : private sector, NGO, labour & civil organization, academia, research institutions etc. (Bi-monthly stakeholder workshops) Multi stakeholder workshops 2012. IMC, ICTS Cluster and Cabinet.

9. Key Issues in an African Perspective Equity- inclusion of social dimension in the concept of green economy. Green Economy implementation be underlined by national objectives and developmental imperatives. Enhanced coherence, efficiency and more effective governance in the UN systems- (CSD & IFSD). Enhanced means to implement the outcomes on Rio+20 (finance, technology, cooperation, capacity building) etc Enhancement of public-private-partnerships and cooperation (WSSD Type 2 partnerships)

10. South Africa Draft Position Equity principle is very crucial for South Africa Differentiated approach to the operationalization of the green economy is crucial. Sustainable development remains an overarching objective with �green economy� as one of the critical tool towards achieving it; Green economy policies in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication� should be developed in accordance with the principles in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development; Policy space of each country to define their own paths towards sustainability in their economy is very critical

11. South Africa Draft Position Green Economy should be consistent with sustainable development principles by balancing economic, environmental and social development objectives; Substantial investment in technology research, development and deployment to promote resource use efficiency, Promote social transformation in the following sectors: waste, energy efficiency, protection of natural resources, water use efficiency, transportation choices; The United Nations system to provide capacity support to developing countries in the Green Economy;

12. South Africa Draft Position Integration of the three pillars of sustainable development ; Improving the working methods, the agenda and programme of work of the Commission on sustainable development (CSD), Upgrade of UNEP should take into consideration the following fundamental characteristics ; a) enhanced mandate and political visibility; b) universal in its membership and decision making; c) secure, stable and additional predictable financing; d) enhanced coordination and synergies across the MEAs); e) enhanced regional presence and improved implementation at national level; f) promote policy science interface; and enhanced capacity and technology support for Africa.

13. South Africa Draft Position Strengthen UNEP, in accordance with Malabo decision adopted by African Heads of State; Ensure that strengthened UNEP with adequate resources is located in Africa to promote synergies of the MEAs; Mainstreaming of environment management issues into economic and social development processes in national policies and within the UN systems in order to achieve sustainable development; SDG should be explored and contextualized to national priorities and circumstances and be fully in accordance with the Rio principles, - should be aligned with MDGs.

14. RECOMMENDATIONS PC to note the country�s preparations for Rio+20; PC to provide comments to the draft position; PC to note the dates for Rio+20.