[Debate] (Fwd) Rio+20 nature privatisation: latest text

Patrick Bond pbond at mail.ngo.za
Wed May 23 14:51:57 BST 2012


*THE FUTURE WE WANT***

*I. _Our Common Vision_*

1. We, the heads of State and Government and high level representatives, 
having met at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20-22 June 2012, with full 
participation of**civil society, renew our commitment to sustainable 
development, and to ensure the promotion of economically, socially and 
environmentally sustainable future for our planet and for present and 
future generations. *[Agreed ad ref]*

**

2*.*We recognize that a central challenge for sustainable development is 
to eradicate poverty, taking into account the need for a 
balanced**approach towards sustainable development. We reaffirm the need 
to promote integrated and sustainable management of natural resources 
and ecosystems that supports,**inter alia, economic, social and human 
development while facilitating ecosystem conservation, regeneration and 
restoration,**and resilience in the face of new and emerging challenges.

3.We reaffirm that eradicating poverty remains the greatest global 
challenge facing the world today and that, together with changing 
unsustainable patterns of production and consumption and protecting and 
managing the natural resource base of economic and social development, 
poverty eradication is an overarching objective of, and essential 
requirement for, sustainable development. We are committed to free 
humanity from extreme poverty and hunger as a matter of urgency.

4.We reaffirm our commitment to making every effort to accelerate the 
achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including 
the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

5.We recognize that people are at the center of sustainable development 
and in this regard, we strive for a world which is just, equitable and 
inclusive, and we commit to work together to promote sustained economic 
growth and development, social equity and environmental sustainability, 
and thereby to benefit all. *[Agreed ad ref]*

6.We reaffirm that we continue to be guided by the purposes and 
principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and with full respect 
for the international law and its principles.

**

7.We also reaffirm the importance of freedom, peace and security, 
respect for all human rights, including the right to development and the 
right to adequate food, the rule of law, gender equality and the overall 
commitment to just and democratic societies for development.

**

8.We reaffirm the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human 
Rights, as well as other international instruments relating to human 
rights and international law. We emphasize the responsibilities of all 
states, in conformity with the Charter, to respect human rights and 
fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction of any kind to race, 
colour, sex, language or religion, political or other opinion, national 
or social origin, property, birth or other status.**

**

9.We acknowledge that good governance and the rule of law, at the 
national and international levels, as well as an enabling environment 
for investments are essential for sustainable development, including 
sustained and inclusive economic growth, and the eradication of poverty 
and hunger. We reaffirm that to achieve our goals of sustainable 
development, we need institutions at all levels that are effective, 
transparent, accountable and democratic.

**

10.We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening international cooperation 
and addressing the persistent challenges related to sustainable 
development for all, in particular developing countries, taking into 
account the need for enhancing gender equality and equal opportunities 
for all and the protection, survival and development of children. We 
also reaffirm that economic stability and sustained economic growth, 
promotion of social equity, and protection of the environment are 
important for eradicating poverty and improving human well-being.

**

11.We renew our commitment to sustainable development, assessing the 
progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the 
outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development and addressing 
new and emerging challenges. We express our determination to address 
herein and to take appropriate urgent action on the themes of the 
Conference, namely a green economy in the context of sustainable 
development and poverty eradication, and the institutional framework for 
sustainable development.

**

12.We recognize that sustainable development is fundamentally a question 
of people's opportunities to influence their lives and future, 
participate in decision making and voice their concerns. Sustainable 
development requires a joint effort and a concrete and urgent action of 
us all. It can only be achieved with a broad alliance of people, 
governments, civil society and private sector, all working together to 
secure the future we want for present and future generations.

*II. _Renewing Political Commitment_*

*__*

*A. Reaffirming Rio principles and past action plans *

13.We reaffirm the Stockholm Declaration of the United Nations 
Conference on the Human Environment adopted at Stockholm on 16 June 1972.

14.We also reaffirm that all the Principles contained in the Rio 
Declaration on Environment and Development, will continue to guide the 
international community in the achievement of sustainable development 
and the future we want and will serve as the basis for cooperation, 
coherence and implementation of agreed commitments, including in this 
outcome.

15.We reaffirm our commitment to fully implement the Rio Declaration on 
Environment and Development, Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further 
Implementation of Agenda 21, the Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable 
Development and the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on 
Sustainable Development, the Barbados Programme of Action and the 
Mauritius Strategy for Implementation. We also reaffirm our commitment 
to the full implementation of the Istanbul Programme of Action for Least 
Developed Countries, the Almaty Programme of Action for Landlocked 
Developing Countries, the Political declaration on Africa's development 
needs, and the New Partnership for Africa's Development, as well as our 
commitments in the outcomes of all the major United Nations conferences 
and summits in the economic, social and related fields, including the UN 
Millennium Declaration and the 2005 World Summit outcome, the Monterrey 
Consensus and the Doha Declaration on Financing for Development, and the 
outcome document of the High-Level Plenary Meeting of the UN General 
Assembly on the MDGs.

16.We recognize the importance of the three Rio Conventions to advancing 
sustainable development and in this regard we urge all parties to fully 
implement their commitments under the United Nations Framework 
Convention on Climate Change, in accordance with the principle of common 
but differentiated responsibilities, the Convention on Biological 
Diversity and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 
to take effective and concrete actions and measures at all levels, and 
to enhance international cooperation.

17.We reaffirm our commitment to reinvigorate political will and 
international commitment to move the sustainable development agenda 
forward, and to raise the level of commitment by the international 
community to implement sustainable development, including through the 
achievement of the internationally agreed development goals including 
the Millennium Development Goals. We therefore agree to concrete 
measures that accelerate implementation of sustainable development 
commitments.

*B. Advancing Integration, Implementation, and Coherence: Assessing the 
progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the 
outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development and addressing 
new and emerging challenges*

18. We recognize that the twenty years since the Earth Summit in 1992 
have seen progress, including in sustainable development and poverty 
eradication. We also recognize the need to accelerate progress in 
closing development gaps between developed and developing countries, and 
to create new opportunities through economic growth and diversification, 
to collectively address the issue of sustainable development. We 
recognize the need to make progress in implementing previous 
commitments. To this end, we underscore the continued need for an 
enabling economic environment, strengthened international cooperation, 
particularly in the areas of finance, debt, trade, and technology 
transfer as mutually agreed, and innovation and entrepreneurship, 
capacity building, and the full and effective participation of all 
countries in global decision making.

19.We acknowledge that since 1992 there have been areas of insufficient 
progress and setbacks in the integration of the three dimensions of 
sustainable development, aggravated by multiple financial, economic, 
food and energy crises, which have threatened the ability of all 
countries, in particular developing countries, to achieve sustainable 
development.

20.We are deeply concerned that one in five people on this planet, or 
over one billion people, still live in extreme poverty, and that one in 
seven or 14% is undernourished, while pandemics and epidemics remain 
omnipresent threats. We acknowledge that with the world's population 
projected to exceed nine billion by 2050, we need to increase our 
efforts to achieve sustainable development and in particular, the 
eradication of poverty and hunger.

21.We recognize examples of progress in sustainable development at 
regional, national, sub-national and local levels. We note that efforts 
to achieve sustainable development have been reflected in regional, 
national and sub-national policies and plans, and that governments have 
strengthened their commitment to sustainable development since the 
adoption of Agenda 21 through legislation and institutions, and the 
development and implementation of international, regional and 
sub-regional agreements and commitments. *[Agreed ad ref]*

22.We are concerned that despite efforts by Governments and other 
stakeholders in all countries, there remain major challenges to 
sustainable development and greater efforts are essential to achieve 
sustainable development, including the need for greater coherence among 
social, environmental and economic policies and implementation 
modalities in support of sustainable development. Therefore, we resolve 
to proactively address the remaining barriers and gaps in the 
implementation of internationally agreed commitments.

23.We reaffirm the importance of supporting developing countries in 
their efforts to promote empowerment of the poor,marginalized groups and 
people in vulnerable situations, including removing barriers to 
opportunity and enhancing productive capacity, developing sustainable 
agriculture, and promoting full and productive employment and decent 
work for all, complemented by effective social policies, with a view to 
achieving the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs.

24.We express deep concern about the continuing high levels of 
unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people, and 
note the need for sustainable development strategies to proactively 
address youth employment and stress the need for the development of a 
global strategy on youth employment.

*[14. ter We reaffirm the need to take further effective measures to 
remove obstacles to the realization of the right of peoples to 
self-determination, in particular peoples living under colonial and 
foreign occupation, which continue to adversely affect their economic 
and social development as well as their environment and are incompatible 
with the dignity and worth of the human person and must be combated and 
eliminated. People under foreign occupation must be protected in 
accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law. --G77; 
Canada, US delete; EU, Turkey reserves]***

*[14. quat We also reaffirm that in accordance with the Declaration on 
the Principles of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and 
Cooperation among States in accordance with the Charter of the United 
Nations, this shall not be construed as authorizing or encouraging any 
action which would dismember or impair, totally or in part, the 
territorial integrity or political unity of sovereign and independent 
States conducting themselves in compliance with the principle of equal 
rights and self-determination of peoples and thus possessed of a 
Government representing the whole people belonging to the territory 
without distinction of any kind. --G77; US, Canada delete; EU, Turkey 
reserves]***

25.We recognize that many people, especially the poor, depend directly 
on ecosystems for their livelihoods, their economic, social and physical 
well-being, and their cultural heritage. For this reason, it is 
essential to generate decent jobs and incomes that decrease disparities 
in standards of livingto better meet people's needs and promote 
sustainable livelihoods and practices and the sustainable use of natural 
resources and ecosystems. [*Agreed ad ref*]**

26.We emphasize that sustainable development must be inclusive and 
people-centered, benefiting and involving all people, including youth 
and children. We recognizethat gender equality and women's empowerment 
are important for sustainable development and our common future. In this 
regard, we reaffirm our commitments to the Cairo Programme of Action, 
the Beijing Declaration and the Beijing Platform for Action to ensure 
women's equal rights, access and opportunities for participation and 
leadership in the economy, society and political decision making.

27.We recognize that each country faces specific challenges to achieve 
sustainable development and we underscore the special challenges facing 
the most vulnerable countries and in particular African countries, least 
developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island 
developing States and middle-income countries. Countries in situations 
of conflict also need special attention.

28.We reaffirm our commitment to take urgent and concrete action to 
address the vulnerability of small island developing states (SIDS), 
including through the sustained implementation of the Mauritius Strategy 
and BPOA, and underscore the urgency of finding additional solutions to 
the major challenges facing small island developing States in a 
concerted manner so as to support them in sustaining momentum realized 
in implementing the BPoA and MSI and achieving sustainable development.

29.We reaffirm that the Istanbul Programme of Action for the Least 
Developed Countries for the Decade 2011-2020 outlines LDCs' priorities 
for sustainable development and defines a framework for renewed and 
strengthened global partnership to implement**them. We commit to assist 
LDCs with the implementation of the IPOA as well as their efforts to 
achieve sustainable development. *[Agreed ad ref]*

30.We recognize that more attention should be given to Africa and the 
implementation of previously agreed commitments related to its 
development needs that were made at major UN Summits and Conferences. We 
note that while aid to Africa has increased in recent years, it still 
lags behind commitments that were previously made. We underscore the key 
priority for the international community of supporting Africa's 
sustainable development efforts. In this regard, we recognize the 
urgency to fully implement the internationally agreed commitments 
related to Africa's development needs, particularly those contained in 
the United Nations Millennium Declaration, the Declaration on the New 
Partnership for Africa's Development, the Monterrey Consensus of the 
International Conference on Financing for Development, the Plan of 
Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development 
(Johannesburg Plan of Implementation) and the 2005 World Summit Outcome 
as well as the 2008 Political Declaration on Africa's development needs.

31.We recognize the serious constraints to achieve sustainable 
development in all its three dimensions in landlocked developing 
countries. In this regard, we reaffirm our commitment to address special 
development needs and the challenges faced by landlocked and transit 
developing countries through the full and effective implementation of 
the Almaty Programme of Action as contained in the Declaration on the 
mid-term review.

32*.*We recognize the progress made by middle-income countries in 
improving the well-being of their people, as well as the specific 
development challenges they face and the need to adequately support 
their efforts to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and achieve 
their development goals, including the MDGs, and to achieve sustainable 
development in a comprehensive manner integrating the economic, social 
and environmental dimensions.

33.We recognize that the planet Earth and its ecosystem are our home and 
that Mother Earth is a common expression in a number of countries and 
regions. We are convinced that in order to achieve a just balance among 
the economic, social and environment needs of present and future 
generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature.

34.We call for holistic and integrated approaches to sustainable 
development which will guide humanity to live in harmony with nature and 
lead to efforts to restore the health and integrity of the Earth's 
ecosystem. [*Agreed ad ref*]

35.We acknowledge the natural and cultural diversity of the world and 
recognize that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to 
sustainable development. [*Agreed ad ref*]

**

*C. Engaging major groups and other stakeholders [Agreed ad ref]*

36.We reaffirm the key role of all levels of government and legislative 
bodies in promoting sustainable development. We further acknowledge 
efforts and progress made at the local and sub-national levels, and 
recognize the important role that such authorities and communities can 
play in implementing sustainable development, including by engaging 
citizens and stakeholders, and providing them with relevant information, 
as appropriate, on the three dimensions of sustainable development. We 
further acknowledge the need to include decision makers at all levels 
into planning and implementation of sustainable development policies.

37.We underscore that broad public participation and access to 
information and judicial and administrative proceedings are essential to 
the promotion of sustainable development. Sustainable development 
requires the meaningful involvement and active participation of all 
Major Groups -- women, children and youth, indigenous peoples, 
non-governmental organisations, local authorities, workers and trade 
unions, business and industry, the scientific and technological 
community, and farmers -- and other relevant stakeholders, including 
regional, national and sub-national parliaments and judiciaries, 
voluntary associations and foundations, migrants as well as older 
persons and persons with disabilities. In this regard, we agree to work 
more closely with Major Groups and other stakeholders and encourage 
their active participation in decision making, planning and 
implementation of policies and programmes for sustainable development at 
all levels including through the contribution of their specific views, 
knowledge and practical know-how.

38.We acknowledge the role of civil society and the importance of 
enabling all members of civil society to be actively engaged in 
sustainable development. We recognize that improved participation of 
civil society depends upon strengthening access to information and 
building civil society capacity. We recognize that information and 
communication technology (ICT) is making it easier for Governments to 
share information with the public and for the public to hold decision 
makers accountable. In this regard, it is essential to work towards 
improved access to ICT, especially broadband networks and services, and 
bridge the digital divide.

39.We underscore that women have a vital role to play in achieving 
sustainable development. We recognize the leadership role of women and 
we resolve to promote gender equality and women's empowerment and to 
ensure their full and effective participation in sustainable development 
policies, programmes and decision-making at all levels. [*Agreed ad ref*]

40.We acknowledge the implementation of sustainable development will 
depend on active engagement of both the public and private sectors. We 
recognise that the active participation of the private sector can 
contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, including 
through the important tool of public-private partnerships. We support 
regulatory and policy frameworks that enable business and industry to 
advance sustainable development initiatives in accordance with national 
legislation and objectives, taking into account the importance of 
applying standards of corporate social responsibility and accountability.

41.We acknowledge the importance of corporate sustainability reporting 
and, encourage public and private companies, where appropriate, 
including all listed and large public companies to integrate 
sustainability information into their reporting cycle, building on the 
experience of already existing national and international reporting 
frameworks. We recognize the need for global best practices on 
sustainability reporting.

42.We recognize the important contribution of the scientific and 
technological community to sustainable development. We are committed to 
working more closely with academia and the scientific and technological 
community in all countries, in particular in developing countries, to 
strengthen the science-policy interface as well as to foster sharing of 
knowledge and information and international research collaboration.

43.We stress the importance of the participation of indigenous peoples 
in the achievement of sustainable development. We also recognize the 
importance of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 
the context of global, regional, national, and sub-national 
implementation of sustainable development strategies. [*Agreed ad ref*]//

44.We stress the importance of the active participation of young people 
in decision making processes as the issues we are addressing have a deep 
impact on present and future generations, and as the contribution of 
children and youth is vital to the achievement of sustainable 
development. We also recognize the need to promote intergenerational 
dialogue and solidarity by recognizing their views.

45.We stress the importance of the participation of workers and trade 
unions to the promotion of sustainable development. As the 
representatives of working people, trade unions are important partners 
in facilitating the achievement of sustainable development in particular 
the social dimension. Information, education and training on 
sustainability at all levels, including in the workplace, are key to 
strengthening workers' and trade unions' capacity to support sustainable 
development.

46.We recognize that farmers, including small-scale farmers and fishers, 
pastoralists and foresters, can make important contributions to 
sustainable development if production activities are environmentally 
sound, enhance food security and the livelihood of the poor, and 
invigorate production and sustained economic growth.

47.We note the valuable contributions of non-governmental organisations 
in promoting sustainable development through their well-established and 
diverse experience, expertise and capacity, especially in the area of 
analysis, sharing of information, promotion of dialogue and support of 
implementation of sustainable development.

48.We acknowledge the central role of the United Nations, as well as the 
important contributions of other relevant international organizations in 
advancing the sustainable development agenda, encouraging and 
facilitating close cooperation among states, as well as between states 
and other stakeholders, and mobilizing resources for sustainable 
development.

49.We commit ourselves to invigorating the global partnership for 
sustainable development that we launched in Rio in 1992. We recognize 
the need to impart new momentum to our cooperative pursuit of 
sustainable development, and commit to work together with Major Groups 
and other stakeholders in addressing implementation gaps.

**

**

*
*

*III. _Green Economy in the context of sustainable development and 
poverty eradication_*

50. We recognize that there are different approaches, visions, models 
and tools available to each country, in accordance with its national 
circumstances and priorities, to achieve our overarching goals to 
eradicate poverty and achieve the three dimensions of sustainable 
development in an integrated manner. In this regard, we consider a green 
economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty 
eradication as a valuable tool for achieving sustainable development and 
we acknowledge that it can provide options for policy making but is not 
a rigid set of rules. We emphasize that it should contribute to 
eradicating poverty as well as sustained economic growth, enhancing 
social inclusion, improving human welfare and creating new opportunities 
for employment and decent work for all, while maintaining the healthy 
functioning of the Earth's ecosystems.

51. We affirm that the development and implementation of policies for a 
green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty 
eradication should be guided by and in accordance with all the Rio 
principles, Agenda 21 and the JPOI, and contribute towards achieving 
relevant**internationally agreed development goals including the MDGs, 
recognizing national capabilities and priorities.

52. We affirm that green economy policies in the context of sustainable 
development and poverty eradication should:

(a)respect each country's national sovereignty and right to development, 
as well as its national circumstances, objectives and priorities with 
regard to the three dimensions of sustainable development;

(b)be supported by**an enabling environment and well-functioning 
institutions**at all levels with a leadingrole for governments and with 
the participation of all relevant stakeholders;

(c)promote sustained and inclusive economic growth, foster innovation 
and provide opportunities, benefits and empowerment for all, while 
taking into account the needs of developing countries, particularly 
those in special situations;

(d)strengthen international cooperation,mobilize the efforts of all 
countries and means of implementation from all sources, and avoid 
unwarranted conditionalities on ODA and finance;

(e)avoid creating trade measures that constitute a means of arbitrary or 
unjustifiable discrimination or a disguised restriction on international 
trade;

(f)contribute to closing technology gaps between developed and 
developing countries and reduce the technological dependence of 
developing countries;

(g)enhance the welfare of indigenous peoples and their communities and 
other local communities, recognizing and supporting their identity, 
culture and interests and avoid endangering their cultural heritage and 
traditional knowledge;

(h)enhance the welfare of women, children, youth, people with 
disabilities, small and subsistence farmers, fishers and those working 
in small and medium enterprises, and support the livelihoods and 
development of people in vulnerable situations;

(i)promote pro-poor productive activities in developing countries;

(j)acknowledge that countries' priorities, based on national 
circumstances, include, inter-alia, eradicating poverty, education, 
health, food, water and energy for the basic well being of people;

(k)preserve and promote community practices and non-market approaches 
that have demonstrated to be useful in eradicating poverty and 
protecting the environment;

(l)address the concern about inequalities between and within countries 
and the related concentration of income and wealth.

//

53. We view the implementation of green economy policies in the context 
of sustainable development and poverty eradication as a common 
undertaking, and recognize that each country can choose an appropriate 
path towards a fair and inclusive future in accordance with national 
sustainable development plans, strategies and priorities, while taking 
into account that**activities within their jurisdiction or control do 
not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond 
the limits of national jurisdiction.

54. We acknowledge that green economy in the context of sustainable 
development and poverty eradication should**strive**to enhance our 
ability to**manage natural resources sustainably and with lower 
environmental**impacts, increase resource use**efficiency and reduce 
waste, promote the conservation, management and sustainable use of 
biodiversity and ecosystem services, and promote sustainable consumption 
and production patterns towards the achievement of sustainable development.

55. We urge all countries as appropriate, to**implement green economy 
policies in the context of sustainable development and poverty 
eradication that have the**potential to drive sustainable growth and 
innovation and the creation of green jobs and decent work*,* 
particularly for women and youth and people in vulnerable 
situations.**We note the importance of ensuring that workers are 
equipped with the necessary skills, including through education and 
capacity building, and are provided with the necessary social and health 
protections. In this regard, we encourage business and industry to 
contribute, as appropriate. We also encourage governments to improve 
knowledge and statistical capacity on job trends, developments and 
constraints and integrate relevant data into national statistics.

56. We call for the integration of social and environmental costs in all 
decision making and policy making and acknowledge that it will be 
important to take into account the effectiveness, opportunities and 
challenges of green economy in the context of sustainable development 
and poverty eradication, as well as its environmental, social and 
economic benefits, costs and risks, using the best available scientific 
data and analysis. We acknowledge that a mix of regulatory measures, 
voluntary approaches and market-based mechanisms can promote inclusive 
green economy and reaffirm that a framework of social policies at all 
levels is vital to promoting sustainable development.

57. We acknowledge that partnerships, networking at all levels and 
experience sharing can help countries to learn from one another in 
identifying appropriate green economy policies to promote sustainable 
development and poverty eradication. We note the positive experiences in 
some countries, including in developing countries, in adopting green 
economy policies that promote sustainable development and poverty 
eradication through an inclusive approach and welcome the voluntary 
exchange of experiences as well as capacity building in the different 
areas of sustainable development.

58. We recognize the power of communications technologies, including 
connection technologies and innovative applications to promote knowledge 
exchange and capacity building for a green economy in the context of 
sustainable development and poverty eradication. These technologies and 
applications build capacity, enable the sharing of experiences and 
knowledge in the different areas of sustainable development, foster 
transparency and accountability by governments, and encourage and 
stimulate broader participation from a variety of stakeholders in 
producing and utilizing the open, accurate and credible data required 
for sound, scientifically-based policy making.

59. We encourage all countries to design and implement policies related 
to a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty 
eradication. We support the creation of a capacity development scheme 
involving UN agencies, multilateral and bilateral donors and the private 
sector to provide country specific advice, in accordance with national 
circumstances and priorities, and assist developing countries in 
accessing available funds and technologies. We support utilizing 
international platforms and partnerships that enable interested 
countries and major groups to share policy options and best practices, 
provide country-specific advice, and assist developing countries, upon 
request, in accessing available funds and technologies. In this regard, 
we acknowledge the ongoing efforts to create and launch platforms such 
as the Green Growth Knowledge Platform, and we encourage relevant 
institutions, the UN system and stakeholders to join in this effort on a 
voluntary basis. We further acknowledge that the capacity development 
scheme and these platforms should take fully into account the priority 
needs of developing countries, be demand-driven and accountable, 
voluntary, established on mutually agreed terms, respect national 
differences and priorities, and include:

a)toolboxes of good practices in applying green economy policies in the 
context of sustainable development and poverty eradication at all levels;

b)sets of models or good examples of inclusive green economy strategies;

c)voluntary mechanisms to promote development of, and access to, shared 
databases under mutually agreed terms, that countries, civil society and 
the private sector can use to assess and evaluate progress;

d)sets of methodologies for policy evaluation and of relevant indicators 
to measure progress; and

e)directories to facilitate access to technical assistance, training, 
finance, technology and capacity building for countries that request 
assistance.

60. We invite all countries to consult in their decision-making 
processes with relevant major groups and national legislatures, as 
appropriate, on matters related to a green economy in the context of 
sustainable development and poverty eradication, and invite the 
voluntary sharing of experiences and expertise in this regard including 
in the appropriate institutional framework for sustainable development 
as described in Section IV below.

61. We underscore the importance of governments taking a leadership role 
in developing policies and strategies through an inclusive and 
transparent process. We also take note of the efforts of those 
countries, including developing countries, that have already initiated 
processes to prepare national green economy strategies and policies.

62. We invite all countries and other relevant stakeholders, including 
the UN Regional Commissions, UN organizations and bodies, other relevant 
intergovernmental and regional organizations, International Financial 
Institutions and major groups involved in sustainable development, 
according to their respective mandates, to work together to support 
developing countries, upon request, in the development of strategies and 
policies to achieve a green economy in the context of sustainable 
development and poverty eradication, in particular in the Least 
Developed Countries.

63. We invite business and industry to consult with relevant 
stakeholders in a transparent manner to take a green economy approach to 
achieving results including greening their supply chains in achieving 
the goals of their sustainability strategies.//

64. We encourage existing and new partnerships, in particular 
public-private partnerships, to mobilize significant financing from the 
private sector, complementing public financing. In this regard, 
governments should support initiatives for promoting the contribution of 
the private sector.

65. We recognize the critical role of technology as well as the 
importance of promoting innovation and urge governments, as appropriate, 
to create enabling frameworks that foster and promote investment in 
technology and provide incentives for R&D and innovation to support 
green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty 
eradication.//

66. We recognise the efforts of developing countries in implementing 
green economy policies in the context of sustainable development and 
poverty eradication should be supported through the provision of means 
of implementation, including financial, technical and technological 
assistance, such as the transfer of environmentally-sound technology as 
mutually agreed, as well as capacity building.

67. We recognise the importance of gathering all relevant economic, 
social and environmental information and data and of making the 
information available to the public and policy makers for the 
achievement of green economy in the context of sustainable development 
and poverty eradication. In this regard, support should be provided to 
developing countries to enable them to assess their progress and enhance 
the effectiveness of their national policies and programs.

**

*IV. _Institutional framework for sustainable development_*

**

*A. Strengthening the three dimensions of sustainable development ***

68. We underscore the importance of a strengthened institutional 
framework for sustainable development which responds coherently and 
effectively to current and future challenges and efficiently bridges 
gaps in the implementation of the sustainable development agenda. The 
institutional framework for sustainable development should integrate the 
three dimensions of sustainable development in a balanced manner by 
strengthening coherence, coordination, review, avoiding duplication of 
efforts and monitoring the progress in implementing sustainable 
development. We also reaffirm that the framework should be inclusive, 
transparent and effective and that it should find common solutions 
related to global challenges to sustainable development. *[Agreed ad 
ref, G77 check]*

69. We recognize that effective governance at local, sub-national, 
national, regional and global levels representing the voices and 
interests of all is critical for advancing sustainable development. The 
strengthening and reform of the institutional framework should not be an 
end in itself, but a means to achieve sustainable development. We 
recognize that the institutional framework for sustainable development 
at the international level should build on Agenda 21, and JPOI and its 
objectives on the institutional framework for sustainable development, 
and take into account national priorities. We therefore resolve to 
strengthen the institutional framework for sustainable development, 
which will, inter alia:

(a)Promote the balanced integration of the three dimensions of 
sustainable development.

(b)Be based on an action- and result-oriented approach giving due regard 
to all relevant cross-cutting issues.

(c)Underscore the importance of interlinkages among key issues and 
challenges and the need for a systematic approach to them at all 
relevant levels.

(d)Emphasize the importance of broadening and strengthening the 
participation of all countries including developing countries in 
decision-making of the UN System and the governance structures of the 
IFIs and financial mechanisms of MEAs.

(e)Engage high level political leaders, provide policy guidance, as well 
as identify specific actions to promote effective implementation of 
sustainable development, including through voluntary sharing of 
experiences and lessons learned.

(f)Strengthen the science-policy interface through inclusive, 
evidence-based and transparent scientific assessments, as well as access 
to reliable, relevant and timely data in areas related to the three 
dimensions of sustainable development, building on existing mechanisms, 
as appropriate; in this regard, strengthen participation of all 
countries in international sustainable development processes and 
capacity building especially for developing countries, including in 
conducting their own monitoring and assessments. *[Agreed ad ref; G77 to 
revert]*

(g)Enhance the participation, effective engagement of civil society and 
other relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, and in this regard promote 
transparency and broad public participation and partnerships to 
implement sustainable development.

(h)Enhance and strengthen monitoring and review on progress made in the 
implementation of sustainable development commitments contained in 
Agenda 21, the JPOI, and other relevant outcomes of UN conferences and 
summits;

(i)Enhance coherence, reduce fragmentation and overlap and increase 
effectiveness and efficiency, while reinforcing coordination and 
cooperation.

**

*B. Strengthening intergovernmental arrangements for sustainable 
development***

70. We acknowledge the vital importance of an inclusive, transparent, 
reformed and strengthened, and effective multilateral system in order to 
better address the urgent global challenges of sustainable development 
today, recognizing the universality and central role of the United 
Nations, and reaffirming our commitment to promote and strengthen the 
effectiveness and efficiency of the United Nations system.

71. We underscore the need to promote cooperative efforts to better 
integrate the three dimensions of sustainable development both within 
and outside the United Nations system, including through exchange of 
information among the agencies, funds and programmes of the UN System, 
and also with the international financial institutions and other 
relevant organizations such as the World Trade Organization, within 
their respective mandates while ensuring appropriate accountability to 
Member States.

72. We emphasize the need for an improved and more effective 
institutional framework for sustainable development that should: be 
guided by the specific functions required and mandates involved; address 
the shortcomings of the current system; take into account all relevant 
implications; promote synergies and coherence; seek to avoid duplication 
and eliminate unnecessary overlaps within the UN system; and, reduce 
administrative burdens, and build on existing arrangements. *[Agreed ad 
ref]*

73. We reaffirm the role and authority of the General Assembly on global 
matters of concern to the international community, as set out in the 
Charter.

74. We further reaffirm the central position of the General Assembly as 
the chief deliberative, policy-making and representative organ of the 
United Nations. In this regard, we call for the General Assembly to 
further integrate sustainable development as a key element of the 
overarching framework for United Nations activities and adequately 
address sustainable development in its agenda setting, including through 
periodic high-level dialogues.

*Economic and Social Council*

75. We reaffirm that the Economic and Social Council is a principal body 
for policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on issues of 
economic and social development and for the follow-up to the Millennium 
Development Goals and a central mechanism for the coordination of the 
United Nations system and supervision of the Council's subsidiary 
bodies, in particular its functional commissions, and for promoting the 
implementation of Agenda 21 by strengthening system-wide coherence and 
coordination. We also reaffirm the major role the Council plays in the 
overall coordination of funds, programmes and specialized agencies, 
ensuring coherence among them and avoiding duplication of mandates and 
activities. *[Agreed ad ref]*

76. We further reaffirm the need to continue strengthening of ECOSOC as 
a principal organ in the integrated and coordinated follow-up of the 
outcomes of all major UN Conferences and summits in the economic, social 
and related fields, and recognize its role for achieving a balanced 
integration and implementation of the three dimensions of sustainable 
development, within its mandate.

**

*High level political forum*

77. We decide to establish an intergovernmental high level political 
forum with universal membership, building on existing relevant 
structures or bodies including the Commission on Sustainable 
Development. The high level political forum shall follow up on the 
implementation of the sustainable development commitments contained in 
Agenda 21, JPOI, BPOA, MSI, the outcome of this Conference, and other 
relevant outcomes of major UN summits and Conferences

78. The high level political forum shall provide political guidance and 
enhance the integration of the three dimensions of sustainable 
development at all levels, promote system-wide participation and 
coordination, including of MEAs, UN Agencies funds and programmes, as 
well as other relevant multilateral financial and trade institutions, as 
appropriate and in accordance with their respective mandates. The high 
level forum shall review progress in the implementation of sustainable 
development commitments; promote the sharing of best practices and 
experiences relating to the implementation of sustainable development; 
promote more intensive participation Major Groups and other relevant 
stakeholders; and strengthen the science-policy-interface. The high 
level forum shall have a focused, dynamic and action-oriented agenda, 
ensuring the appropriate consideration of new and emerging sustainable 
development challenges.

79. We decide to launch a universal, intergovernmental and open-ended 
negotiation process under the General Assembly to define the high level 
forum's form, level of participation, terms of reference, organizational 
aspects, and its relationship with the General Assembly and ECOSOC, with 
the aim of convening the first meeting of the high level forum during 
the 68th session of the General Assembly.

*Note: The Co-Chairs have retained unchanged paragraphs 49 alt to 49 alt 
ter of the compilation text as at 4 May.*

*/_[Sustainable Development Council]_/*

[*[Sustainable Development Council -- *Japan, Mexico delete]

/__/

/_49 alt.We resolve to transform the CSD into a Sustainable Development 
Council that will serve as the authoritative, high-level body for 
consideration of matters relating to the integration of the three 
dimensions of sustainable development_/

[49 alt.We resolve to [transform / *replace -- Norway] *the CSD [into / 
*by -- Norway] *a Sustainable Development Council that will *[report 
directly to the General Assembly and -- Norway] *serve as the 
authoritative, high-level body *[subsidiary to the General Assembly -- 
Liechtenstein] *for consideration of [matters relating to the 
integration of the three dimensions of -- Liechtenstein delete] 
sustainable development *[, while avoiding duplication of the tasks 
carried out by the ECOSOC. -- Norway, Republic of Korea] [on a regular 
basis throughout the year -- Liechtenstein.] [,ensuring the full 
involvement of relevant UN agencies and bodies as well as the IFIs, and 
endowed with, inter alia, a review mechanism of countries' sustainable 
development performances-EU*]*-- *G77 bracket; Japan, Mexico delete]

/__/

/_49 alt. bisThe work of the Council should be based on fundamental 
documents on sustainable development such as Agenda 21, the Rio 
principles and related outcomes. The Council should, inter alia, fully 
carry out the functions and mandates of the Commission for Sustainable 
Development. It would be guided by the need to promote integration of 
the three pillars of sustainable development, promote effective 
implementation at all levels and promote effective institutional 
coherence. It should help in enhancing the involvement of all 
stakeholders, particularly major groups, in the follow-up of Rio+20. _/

[49 alt. bisThe work of the Council should be based on fundamental 
documents on sustainable development such as Agenda 21, the Rio 
principles *[, the JPoI-EU] *and related outcomes. [The Council should, 
inter alia, *[*fully carry out the functions and mandates of the 
Commission for Sustainable Development-EU delete] / *address emerging 
issues and review progress on sustainable development -- Norway]*. [It 
would be guided by the need to promote integration of the three pillars 
of sustainable development, *[address emerging issues and review 
sustainability progress, with meetings held on a regular basis 
throughout the year and -- Switzerland] *promote effective 
implementation at all levels and promote effective institutional 
coherence *[basing its work on a strong science-policy interface. 
Building on and strengthening those CSD working methods worth 
preserving, it-EU, Serbia]* *[, including building the stronger links 
between its program of work and the activities of the relevant regional 
bodies and national councils for sustainable development. -- Montenegro, 
Serbia; RoK move to para 61] [within the UN system. The Council should 
address emerging issues and review sustainability progress and The 
Council would develop a peer review mechanism that would encourage 
states, in a constructive spirit, to explain their policies, to share 
experiences and lessons learned, and to fulfil their commitments*. -- 
*Switzerland]* *[It should aim at high-level political attendance from 
all three dimensions of sustainable development and be mandated to make 
decisions and assess progress according to national commitments. -- 
Norway] *It should *[also -- Switzerland]* *[engage relevant 
international institutions and -- Norway] *help [in -- Republic of Korea 
delete] [enhancing/ensuring -- EU] the involvement of all stakeholders, 
particularly major groups, [*by endowing civil society representatives 
an enhanced participation status -- EU*] in the follow-up of Rio+20. -- 
G77 bracket; Japan, Mexico delete]

**

*[49 alt bis alt. The work of the Council should be based on fundamental 
documents on sustainable development such as Agenda 21, the Rio 
principles and related outcomes. The Council should fully carry out the 
functions and mandates of the Commission for Sustainable Development. It 
would be guided by the need to promote integration of the three pillars 
of sustainable development, review implementation, progress, and policy 
development on sustainable development at all levels, and to further 
promote dialogue, partnerships, and meaningful participation of all 
stakeholders, in particular governments and major groups and 
international or regional forums and organizations dealing with matters 
of global concern. The Council should also be mandated to:*

**

*a)Support governments at all levels in moving towards a green economy 
and in developing and implementing their own sustainable development 
policies;*

*b)Address emerging issues, including developing policy recommendations 
and initiating responses;*

*d)Promote effective implementation of sustainable development, 
including through accountability and monitoring mechanisms such as a 
periodic review;*

*e)Prepare through joint effort with the heads of relevant international 
organizations, including relevant United Nations agencies, international 
financial institutions, the private sector and other relevant 
stakeholders, a regular global sustainable development outlook report 
that brings together information and assessments currently dispersed 
across institutions, and analyses them in an integrated way; - 
Liechtenstein]*

**

*[Pre 49 alt terThe work of the Council should not create institutional 
overlaps, but rather promote effective coordination and coherence within 
the UN system. -- Liechtenstein]*

**

*[Pre 49 alt ter bis A key task for the Council should be to ensure 
effective implementation, accountability and exchange of experiences 
through a periodic review of national performance. -- Norway]*

**

/_49 altter.We request the President of the General Assembly to conduct 
open, transparent and inclusive negotiations, with the aim of 
establishing the mandate, modalities, functions, size, composition, 
membership, working methods and procedures of the Council and report on 
the outcome before the end of the 67th session of the General Assembly. _/

[49 alt terWe request [the President of the General Assembly to conduct 
open, transparent and inclusive negotiations, with the aim of 
establishing the mandate, modalities, functions, size, composition, 
membership, working methods and procedures of the Council and report on 
the outcome /*the Secretary-General to develop proposals to give effect 
to these reforms for consideration by the General Assembly --EU] *before 
the end of the 67th session of the General Assembly. -- G77 bracket; 
Japan, Mexico delete]

80. We agree to further consider the establishment or appointment of a 
High-level Representative for Sustainable Development and Future 
Generations, possibly to be located within an existing office as the 
high-level voice called upon to promote an integrated and coherent 
approach to sustainable development through continuous dialogue with 
policy-makers, the UN system and civil society.

*C.**Environmental pillar*

81. We reaffirm the need to strengthen international environmental 
governance within the context of the institutional framework for 
sustainable development, in order to promote a balanced integration of 
the economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable 
development.

82. We are committed to strengthening the role of the United Nations 
Environment Programme that promotes the coherent implementation of the 
environmental dimension of sustainable development. We reaffirm 
resolution 2997 (XXVII) of 15 December 1972 which established UNEP and 
other relevant resolutions that reinforce its mandate, as well as the 
1997 Nairobi and 2000 Malmö Ministerial Declarations. In this regard, 
strengthening UNEP should have the following aims and objectives:

(a)Establish universal membership in the Governing Council of UNEP, as 
well as other measures to strengthen its governance and accountability 
to Member States;

(b)Serve as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

(c)Have secure, stable, adequate and predictable financial contributions 
to fulfil its mandate;

(d)Have the authority to adequately fulfil its coordination mandate 
within the UN System;

(e)Undertake efforts to enhance synergies among multilateral 
environmental agreements, where feasible and appropriate;

(f)Promote the science-policy interface, building on existing 
international instruments, assessments, panels and information networks;

(g)Disseminate environmental information and raise awareness on critical 
environmental issues;

(h)Provide capacity building to countries support and facilitate access 
to technology;

(i)Be based in Nairobi and have a strengthened regional presence in 
order to assist improved implementation at the national level, working 
closely with other relevant entities of the UN system.

83 alt 1. We invite the General Assembly to strengthen UNEP by giving 
effect to the above measures, by the end of the 67^th session.

83 alt 2. We resolve to establish a UN specialized agency for the 
environment, operating on an equal footing with other UN specialized 
agencies. In this regard, we decide to establish an Intergovernmental 
Negotiating Committee to prepare the statute for such a specialized 
agency, for consideration by the General Assembly before the end of its 
67^th session.

84. We recognize the significant contributions to sustainable 
development made by the multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs).We 
acknowledge the work already undertaken to enhance synergies among the 
three Conventions in the chemicals and waste cluster (the Basel, 
Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions). We encourage parties to MEAs to 
consider further measures, in these and other clusters, as appropriate, 
to promote policy coherence at all relevant levels, improve efficiency, 
reduce unnecessary overlap and duplication, and enhance coordination and 
cooperation among MEAs, including the three Rio Conventions as well as 
with the UN system in the field.

85. We stress the need for the continuation of a regular review of the 
state of the Earth and in this regard, we welcome such initiatives as 
the Global Environmental Outlook process aimed at bringing together 
information and assessments to support informed decision making.

**

*D. IFIs and UN operational activities*

**

86. We recognize that sustainable development should be given due 
consideration by the IFIs, and the United Nations Conference on Trade 
and Development (UNCTAD) and other relevant entities, in accordance with 
their respective existing mandates. In this regard, we invite them to 
further enhance mainstreaming of sustainable development in their 
respective mandates, programs, strategies and decision-making processes, 
in support of all countries in particular developing countries' efforts 
in the achievement of sustainable development. *[Agreed ad ref] *

87. We reaffirm the need to continue to broaden and strengthen the 
participation of developing countries in international economic 
decision-making and norm-setting, take note of recent important 
decisions on reform of the governance structures, quotas and voting 
rights of the Bretton Woods institutions, better reflecting current 
realities and enhancing the voice and participation of developing 
countries, and reaffirms the need to continue the reform of the 
governance of those institutions in order to deliver more effective, 
credible, accountable and legitimate institutions.

88. We call for the further mainstreaming of the three dimensions of 
sustainable development throughout the UN System, and request the 
Secretary-General to report to the GA through ECOSOC on the progress 
made in this regard. We also call for and recognize the importance of 
the strengthening of policy coordination within key UN Secretariat 
structures so as to ensure system-wide coherence in support of 
sustainable development, while ensuring accountability to Member States.

89. We call on the governing bodies of the funds, programmes and 
specialized agencies of the UN development system to consider 
appropriate measures for integrating the social, economic and 
environmental dimensions across the UN System's operational activities. 
We also emphasize that increasing the financial contributions to the 
United Nations development system is key to achieving the 
internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium 
Development Goals, and in this regard we recognize the mutually 
reinforcing links among increased effectiveness, efficiency and 
coherence of the United Nations development system, achieving concrete 
results in assisting developing countries in eradicating poverty and 
achieving sustained economic growth and sustainable development. In this 
context, we note the importance of the quadrennial comprehensive policy 
review (QCPR).

90. We emphasise the need to strengthen operational activities for 
development of the UN system in the field that are well aligned with 
national sustainable development priorities of developing countries. In 
this regard, we emphasize that the fundamental principles of UN 
operational activities set forth in the relevant UN GA resolutions 
provide the overarching framework for all matters pertaining to the UN 
development assistance operations in the field. We recognize the 
importance of strengthening UN system coordination, and in this regard 
welcome the independent evaluation of the "Delivering as one" initiative.

91. We call on the UN system to set an example of sustainability 
management in its facilities and operations, building on existing 
efforts and within existing resources.

**

*E. Regional, national, sub-national, local [Agreed ad ref]*

92. We acknowledge the importance of the regional dimension of 
sustainable development. Regional frameworks can complement and 
facilitate effective translation of global policies into concrete action 
at national level. *[Agreed ad ref]*

93. We encourage regional, national, sub-national and local authorities 
as appropriate to develop and utilize sustainable development strategies 
as key instruments for guiding decision-making and implementation of 
sustainable development at all levels. We recognize that integrated 
social, economic, and environmental data and information is important to 
decision-making processes and should be based on effective national 
monitoring and assessment capacity at the appropriate levels.

94. We emphasize that regional and sub-regional organizations, including 
the UN regional commissions and their sub-regional offices, have a 
significant role to play in promoting a balanced integration of the 
economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development 
in their respective regions. We underscore the need to support these 
institutions, including through the UN system, in the effective 
operationalization and implementation of sustainable development, and to 
facilitate institutional coherence and harmonization of relevant 
development policies, plans and programmes. In this regard, we urge 
these institutions to prioritize sustainable development through, inter 
alia, more efficient and effective capacity building, development and 
implementation of regional agreements and arrangements as appropriate, 
and exchange of information, best practices, and lessons learnt. We also 
welcome regional and cross-regional initiatives for sustainable 
development. We furthermore recognize the need to ensure effective 
linkage among global, regional, sub-regional and national processes to 
advance sustainable development. We encourage the enhancement of the UN 
regional commissions and their sub-regional offices in their respective 
capacities to support member states in implementing sustainable 
development. [*Agreed ad ref*]

95. We underline the need for more coherent and integrated planning and 
decision-making at the national, sub-national and local levels as 
appropriate and, to this end, we call on countries to strengthen 
national, sub-national and/or local institutions or relevant 
multi-stakeholderbodies and processes, as appropriate, dealing with 
sustainable development, including to coordinate on matters of 
sustainable development and to enable effective integration of the three 
dimensions of sustainable development.

96. We welcome regional and cross-regional initiatives for sustainable 
development, such as the Green Bridge Partnership which is voluntary and 
open for participation of all partners.

97. We underscore the need to ensure long-term political commitment to 
sustainable development taking into account national circumstances and 
priorities and, in this regard, we encourage all countries to undertake 
the necessary actions to enact effective legislation that enables 
sustainable development.

*V.**_Framework for action and follow-up_*

*__*

*A. Thematic areas and cross-sectoral issues***

Chapeau 1. We recognize that in order to achieve the objective of the 
Conference, namely to secure renewed political commitment for 
sustainable development, as well as to address the themes of a green 
economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty 
eradication and the institutional framework for sustainable development, 
we need to overcome remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes 
of the major summits on sustainable development and seize new 
opportunities. We therefore resolve to focus on achieving progress in 
the implementation of global commitments and to address new and emerging 
challenges through the actions enumerated below in this framework for 
action, in accordance with the Rio principles and supported as 
appropriate through provision of means of implementation. We recognize 
that goals, targets and indicators, including where appropriate 
gender-sensitive indicators, are valuable in measuring and accelerating 
progress. We further note that progress with implementation of the 
actions stipulated below can be enhanced byvoluntarily sharing 
information, knowledge and experience.

*Poverty eradication*

Poverty 1.We recognize that, three years from the 2015 target date of 
the MDGs, while there has been progress in reducing poverty in some 
regions, this progress has been uneven and the number of people living 
in poverty in some countries continues to increase, with women and 
children constituting the majority of the most affected groups, 
especially in the least developed countries and particularly in Africa.

Poverty 2. We recognize that sustained, inclusive and equitable economic 
growth in developing countries is a key requirement for eradicating 
poverty and hunger and achieving the MDGs. In this regard, we emphasize 
that national efforts of developing countries should be complemented by 
an enabling environment aimed at expanding the development opportunities 
of developing countries. We also emphasize the need to accord the 
highest priority to poverty eradication within the United Nations 
development agenda, addressing the root causes and challenges of poverty 
through integrated, coordinated and coherent strategies at all levels.

Poverty 3. We recognize that promoting universal access to social 
services can make an important contribution to consolidating and 
achieving development gains. Social protection systems that address and 
reduce inequality and social exclusion are essential for eradicating 
poverty and advancing the achievement of the Millennium Development 
Goals. In this regard, we strongly encourage initiatives at all levels 
aimed at providing social protection for all people.

*Sustainable agriculture, food security and nutrition***

Food 1. We reaffirm the right of everyone to have access to safe, 
sufficient and nutritious food, consistent with the right to adequate 
food and the fundamental right of everyone to be free from hunger.We 
acknowledge that food security has become a pressing global challenge 
and, in this regard,we further reaffirm our commitment to promoting 
global food security and access to adequate, safe and nutritious food 
for present and future generations. We call upon the international 
community and the United Nations to support States in their efforts to 
ensure national food production, in accordance with national food 
security strategies.

Food 2. We recognize that a majority of the world's poor live in rural 
areas, and that rural communities play an important role in the economic 
development of many countries. We emphasize the need to revitalize the 
agricultural and rural development sectors in developing countries in an 
economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner, in order 
to increase agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods of rural 
communities, promote economic growth and achieve food security. In this 
context, we note the importance of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture 
to food security.

Food 3. We agree to address the needs of rural communities through, 
inter alia, promoting access to credit and other financial services, 
markets, and secure land tenure, in particular for women, indigenous 
peoples and those living in vulnerable situations. We agree to promote 
rural women's equal access to productive resources, including land, as 
well as to markets, technologies, finance, education and training, 
health care and social services.We also agree to work for increasing 
access to safe drinking water and sanitation; increasing access to 
modern sources of energy; promoting sustainable practices in the 
agricultural sector; and increasing investments in sustainable rural 
development programmes.

*[New EU para:**We therefore agree to the following target: By 2020 
achieve an increase of access of small-holder farmers, especially women 
in rural areas, to agricultural land, markets and finance, training, 
capacity-building, knowledge and innovative practices. --EU; /G77, US, 
Canada, Australia, Japan reserves position./]*

Food 4.We stress the need to sustainably increase agricultural 
production and productivity, including by enhancing international 
support mechanisms particularly for the developing countries, with a 
view to: increasing public and private investment in agriculture and 
rural development, particularly for sustainable farming and land 
management; expandingaccess to well-functioning markets, credit and 
finance, including microcredit and microfinance; promoting transfer of 
agricultural technologies, including for efficient irrigation, reuse of 
treated waste water,water harvesting and storage; developing strong 
agricultural cooperatives; investing in infrastructure, storage 
capacities and related technologies to reduce post-harvest losses; and 
strengtheningurban-rural linkages.

**

*[New EU para:**We agree to the following targets: (1) By 2020, increase 
public and private investment in sustainable agriculture and agri-food 
chains and ensure that sustainable agriculture and agro-forestry systems 
are fully integrated into relevant national and sectoral strategies; (2) 
By 2030, significantly reduce post-harvest losses and the amount of 
edible food waste throughout the food cycle. --EU; /Australia, G77, 
Switzerland reserves position; RoK supports para but would like more 
concrete language./]*

Food 5. We reaffirm the necessity to promote sustainable agriculture and 
food production, including crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and 
aquaculture, in order to enhance food security, eradicate poverty and 
hunger, and support the conservation and sustainable use of natural 
resources. We recognize that a range of technologies, techniques and 
improved practices are needed to make agriculture more 
resource-efficient and sustainable. We also recognize the need to 
maintain natural ecological processes that support food production 
systems. In this regard, we call upon all States to prioritize an 
approach to sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural production 
based on science and its integration with traditional knowledge as 
appropriate, with the aim to increase the productivity and resilience of 
agriculture to climate change and natural disasters as well as to reduce 
pollution associated with agriculture. In this regard, particular 
attention should be given to supporting small agricultural producers and 
vulnerable populations. We underline the importance of advancing 
research and development in sustainable agricultural technologies, with 
particular emphasis on those adapted and affordable to small 
agricultural producers.

**

*[New para:**By 2020 achieve an increase of global agricultural 
productivity, based on sustainable agriculture, with a view to achieving 
food security and protecting and maintaining biodiversity and ecosystems 
services. -- EU]*

Food 6. We stress the need to enhance sustainable livestock production 
systems, including through improving pasture land and irrigation schemes 
in line with national rules and regulations, enhanced sustainable water 
management systems, and efforts to eradicate and prevent the spread of 
animal diseases, recognizing that the livelihoods of farmers including 
pastoralists and the health of livestock are intertwined.

Food 7. We also stress the crucial role of healthy marine ecosystems, 
sustainable fisheries, and sustainable aquaculture for food security and 
nutrition, and in providing for the livelihoods of millions of people.

Food 8. We underline the importance of supporting and advancing research 
and innovation in improving and diversifying crop varieties and seed 
systems, as well as supporting the establishment of sustainable 
agricultural systems and management practices. We stress the need to 
promote conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food 
and agriculture and in this regard we recognize the role of traditional 
seed supply systems of indigenous peoples, local communities and 
smallholder and family farmers in contributing to food security and the 
conservation of biodiversity.

Food 9. We support the work of the Committee on Food Security (CFS), and 
we call on countries to implement the CFS Voluntary Guidelines on the 
Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the 
Context of National Food Security and to support the CFS process on 
Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment (PRAI).

Food 10. We underline the instrumental role of agricultural technology, 
agricultural research and technology transfer as mutually agreed, as 
well as the sharing of knowledge and practices, in furthering 
sustainable development, and support strengthening investments in 
agricultural and food-related research, innovation, extension, and 
education, including through the Consultative Group on International 
Agricultural Research. We support initiatives at all levels that improve 
access to information, technical knowledge and know-how, that empower 
farmers and fishers to choose among diverse methods of promoting 
agriculture and using appropriate environmentally sound technologies.

Food 11. We stress the need to address the root causes of excessive food 
price volatility, including its structural causes, at all levels, and 
the need to manage the risks linked to high and excessively volatile 
prices in agriculture commodities and their consequences for global food 
security and nutrition, as well as for smallholder farmers and poor 
urban dwellers. We recognize the need to support a comprehensive and 
coordinated response to address the multiple and complex causes of the 
global food crisis, including the adoption of political, economic, 
social, financial and technical solutions in the short, medium and long 
terms by national Governments and the international community, including 
for mitigating the impact of high and excessively volatile food prices 
on developing countries.

Food 12. We support initiatives to improve market efficiencies, 
including the provision of timely, reliable, disaggregated and accurate 
data and information on agricultural markets to support the achievement 
of food security, and in this regard we welcome the Agricultural Market 
Information System (AMIS).

Food 13. We stress that a universal, rules-based, open, 
non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system will 
promote agriculture and rural development in developing countries and 
contribute to world food security. We call upon Member States and the 
World Trade Organization to take measures to promote trade policies that 
would be capable of promoting further trade in agriculture products, 
identifying the obstacles to trade which have the most serious impact on 
the world's poor and contributing to supporting small-scale and 
marginalized producers in developing countries.

**

*Water*

Water 1. We reaffirm our commitments regarding the human right to safe 
and clean drinking water and sanitation as essential for the full 
enjoyment of life. We commit to the progressive realization of universal 
access to safe and clean drinking water and basic sanitation, with a 
particular emphasis on people living in vulnerable situations. In this 
regard, we reaffirm our commitment to increase access to safe and clean 
drinking water and basic sanitation in accordance with national 
legislation and consistent with our goal to halve, by 2015, the 
proportion of people without access to safe drinking water and basic 
sanitation. We also highlight our commitment to the 2005-2015 
International Decade for Action "Water for Life."

*[New EU para**: By 2030 achieve universal, sustainable and equitable 
access to safe and clean drinking water and basic sanitation as 
necessary for poverty eradication and to protect human health, as well 
as improve the well-being, particularly for the most vulnerable. --EU; 
/RoK to consider]/*

Water 2. We recognize that water is at the core of sustainable 
development as it is closely linked to a number of key global 
challenges. In this regard, we reaffirm the commitments made in the JPOI 
and the Millennium Declaration regarding the development of Integrated 
Water Resources Management (IWRM) and Water Efficiency Plans, ensuring 
sustainable water use through integrated water resource management and 
increased resource efficiency. In this regard, we support the efforts of 
developing countries towards efficient and sustainable water resources 
management, in response to their national development priorities 
including by ensuring mobilization of resources, both public and private 
to achieve this objective.

Water 3. We further highlight the critical importance of water and 
sanitation within the context of the three dimensions of sustainable 
development, including for poverty and hunger eradication, gender 
equality and women's empowerment, public health, agriculture and food 
security, rural development, production of energy, as well as for the 
protection of biodiversity and ecosystems. We therefore reiterate the 
importance of integrating water in development and all relevant sectoral 
policies.

Water 4. We commit to adopt measures, in accordance with national 
legislation and planning frameworks, to reduce water pollution from 
households, industrial and agricultural sources, reduce water loss, 
increase water efficiency and wastewater treatment, promote the use of 
treated wastewater as a resource, as well as other non-conventional 
water resources, such as desalinated water, when appropriate.

**

*[New EU para:**We agree to the following target: (1) Improve and secure 
status of water quality and water-related ecosystems with the aim to 
reduce water-borne diseases, eradicate poverty and promote environmental 
protection. (2) Significantly reduce water pollution including by 
hazardous chemicals from households, industrial and agricultural 
sources, significantly improve wastewater collection and treatment and 
the reuse of water, including the use of wastewater as a resource, 
particularly in expanding urban areas. --EU; /G77, New Zealand, US, 
Canada, Japan, Australia reserves; RoK to consider/] *

**

*[New EU para :**By 2030, significantly improve water efficiency 
globally, particularly with regard to water use in buildings, supply 
systems, agricultural and industrial processes and energy production, 
through the use of indicators and the development of water efficiency 
plans, adapting to local circumstances and including sustainable 
approaches to supply and demand, with the aim of significantly 
decreasing the percentage of river basins that are water-stressed [as 
well as increasing the number of coordinated water utilization in 
transboundary basins-Switzerland**]**.-EU; /Canada, G77, Japan, 
Australia, US reserves; RoK to consider]/*

Water 5. We recognise the importance of inclusive basin-based 
cooperation at national, transboundary and international levels, as 
appropriate, for water resource management, and of reducing 
institutional fragmentation. In this regard, we welcome the General 
Assembly Resolution A/RES/65/154 designating 2013 as the International 
Year of Water Cooperation.We recognize that capacity development and the 
exchange of experiences, best practices and lessons learned contribute 
to successful, long-term development in the water sector.

*[New EU para : **By 2030, significantly improve the implementation of 
integrated water resource management at local, national and 
transboundary levels to maintain and achieve good water status and 
protect ecosystems and natural resources. --EU; US reserves]*

*Energy*

Energy 1. We recognize the critical role that energy plays in 
the**development process, as access to sustainable modern energy 
services contributes to poverty eradication, saves lives, improves 
health and helps provide basic human needs. We stress that these 
services are essential to social inclusion and gender equality, and that 
energy is also a key input to production. We support efforts to allow 
access to these services by 1.4 billion people worldwide who are 
currently without these services. We recognize that access to these 
services is a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development.

Energy 2. We emphasize the need to address the challenge of access to 
and affordability of sustainable modern energy services for all, in 
particular for the poor who are unable to afford these services even 
when they are available. We emphasize the need to take further action to 
improve this situation, including by mobilizing adequate financial 
resources, to provide these services in a reliable, affordable, 
economically viable, and socially and environmentally acceptable manner 
in developing countries.

Energy 3. We reaffirm support for the implementation of national and 
sub-national policies and strategies, based on individual national 
circumstances and development aspirations, using an appropriate energy 
mix to meet developmental needs, including through increased use of 
renewable energy sources and other low-emission technologies, the more 
efficient use of energy, greater reliance on advanced energy 
technologies, including cleaner fossil fuel technologies, and the 
sustainable use of traditional energy resources. We commit to promoting 
sustainable modern energy services for all through national and 
sub-national efforts, inter alia, on electrification and dissemination 
of sustainable cooking and heating solutions, including through 
collaborative actions to share best practices and adopt policies, as 
appropriate. We urge governments to create enabling environments that 
facilitate public and private sector investment in relevant and needed 
cleaner energy technologies.

Energy 4. We also recognize the importance of cleaner and 
energy-efficient technologies in addressing climate change and in 
achieving the objective of limiting the global average temperature 
increase. We also recognize the need for energy efficiency measures in 
urban planning, buildings, and transportation, and in the production of 
goods and services and in the design of products. We also recognize the 
importance of promoting incentives in favour of, and removing 
disincentives to, energy efficiency and the diversification of the 
energy mix, including promoting technology research and development in 
developing countries.

Energy 5. We note with appreciation the Secretary General's "Sustainable 
Energy for All" initiative and its aspirational goals of ensuring 
universal access to modern energy services by 2030; doubling the global 
rate of improvement in energy efficiency by 2030; and doubling the share 
of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030. We recognize the 
importance of the mobilization and timely delivery of domestic and 
international financial resources to achieve these results. We encourage 
voluntary follow-up efforts to coordinate and to catalyse public-private 
partnerships and to track progress towards its three goals and, in this 
regard, we encourage States and relevant stakeholders, including the 
private sector, to conduct, as appropriate, collaborative international 
research and capacity development.

Energy 6. We recognize the need to consider, as appropriate, reforms 
that would lead to the rationalisation and phasing out over the medium 
term of environmentally or economically harmful subsidies, including 
energy subsidies such as for fossil fuels, that inhibit sustainable 
development, taking fully into account the specific conditions and 
different levels of development of individual countries, and in a manner 
that protects the poor and eases the transition for the affected 
vulnerable communities.

*Sustainable tourism*

Tourism 1. We emphasize that well designed and managed tourism can make 
a significant contribution to the three dimensions of sustainable 
development, has close linkages to other sectors, and can create decent 
jobs and generate trade opportunities. We recognize the need to support 
sustainable tourism activities and relevant capacity building that 
promote environmental awareness, conserve and protect the environment, 
respect wildlife, flora, biodiversity and ecosystems and cultural 
diversity, and improve the welfare and livelihoods of local communities 
by supporting their local economies and the human and natural 
environment as a whole. We call for enhanced support for sustainable 
tourism activities and relevant capacity building in developing 
countries in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable 
development. [*Agreed ad ref -- Canada may wish to revisit*]

Tourism 2.We encourage the promotion of investment in sustainable 
tourism, including eco-tourism and cultural tourism, which may include 
creating small- and medium-sized enterprises and facilitating access to 
finance, including through microcredit initiatives for the poor, 
indigenous peoples and local communities in areas with high eco-tourism 
potential. In this regard, we underline the importance of establishing, 
where necessary, appropriate guidelines and regulations in accordance 
with national priorities and legislation for promoting and supporting 
sustainable tourism. [*agreed ad ref*]

*Sustainable transport*

Transport 1. We note that transportation and mobility are central to 
sustainable development. Sustainable transportation can enhance economic 
growth as well as regional access. Sustainable transport achieves better 
integration of the economy while respecting the environment by reducing 
pollution and emissions. We recognize the importance of the efficient 
movement of people and goods and access by all the population to 
environmentally sound, safe and affordable transportation as a means to 
improve social equity, health, resilience of cities, urban-rural 
linkages and productivity of rural areas.In this regard, we take into 
account road safety as a part of our efforts to achieve sustainable 
development.

Transport 2. We support the development of sustainable transport 
systems, including energy efficient multi-modal transport systems, 
notably public mass transportation systems, clean fuels and vehicles, as 
well as improved transportation systems in rural areas. We recognize the 
need to promote an integrated approach to policy-making at the national, 
regional and local levels for transport services and systems to promote 
sustainable development. We also recognize that the interests and 
concerns of [landlocked and transit developing countries need to be 
taken into account while establishing transit transport systems.

*Sustainable cities and human settlements *

Cities 1.We recognize that, if planned and developed soundly including 
through integrated planning and management approaches, cities can 
promote economically productive, socially cohesive, and environmentally 
sustainable societies. In this regard, we recognize the need for a 
holistic approach to urban development and human settlements that 
provides for affordable housing and infrastructure and prioritizes slum 
upgrading and urban regeneration. We commit to work towards improving 
the quality of human settlements, including the living and working 
conditions of both urban and rural dwellers in the context of poverty 
eradication so that all people have access to basic services, housing 
and mobility. We also recognize the need for conservation as appropriate 
of the natural and cultural heritage of human settlements, the 
revitalization of historic districts, and the rehabilitation of city 
centres.

Cities 2. We commit to promote an integrated approach to planning and 
building sustainable cities and urban settlements, including support and 
empowerment of local authorities and enhanced participation of urban 
residents, including the poor, in decision making. We also commit to 
promote sustainable development policies that support inclusive housing 
and social services; a safe and healthy living environment for all, 
particularly for children, youth, and women; affordable and sustainable 
transport and energy; safe and clean drinking water and sanitation; 
healthy air quality; and improved land-use planning. We support 
environmentally sustainable urbanization, including the development of 
resilient, energy-efficient and water-efficient buildings and 
infrastructure. We further support sustainable management of waste 
through the application of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle), and we 
underline the importance of fully considering disaster risk reduction, 
resilience and climate risks in urban planning. We recognize the efforts 
of cities to balance development with rural regions. We are convinced 
that building sustainable cities with resilient and energy-efficient 
infrastructure and technology can facilitate and encourage sustainable 
behaviour and lifestyles.

Cities 3. We emphasize the importance of increasing the number of 
metropolitan regions, cities and towns that are implementing policies 
for sustainable urban planning and design in order to respond 
effectively to the expected growth of urban populations in coming 
decades. We note that sustainable urban planning benefits from the 
involvement of multiple stakeholders as well as from full use of 
information and gender-disaggregated data including on demographic 
trends, income distribution and informal settlements. We recognize the 
important role of municipal governments in setting a vision for 
sustainable cities, from the initiation of city planning through to 
revitalization of older cities and neighborhoods, including by adopting 
energy efficiency programmes in building management and developing 
sustainable transport systems.

Cities 4. We recognize that partnerships among cities and communities 
play an important role in promoting sustainable development. In this 
regard, we stress the need to strengthen cooperation mechanisms or 
platforms, partnership arrangements and other implementation tools for 
sustainable urbanization with active involvement of the relevant UN 
entities including UN-HABITAT. Such cooperation mechanisms and 
arrangements may foster mobilization of resources from all sources, 
public and private, voluntary knowledge sharing and technology transfer, 
and capacity building for sustainable cities.

**

*Health and population*

Health 1. We recognize that health is a precondition for, an outcome of, 
and an indicator of all three dimensions of sustainable development. We 
understand the goals of sustainable development can only be achieved in 
the absence of a high prevalence of debilitating communicable and 
non-communicable diseases, and where populations reach a state of 
physical, mental and social well-being. We are convinced that action on 
the social and environmental determinants of health, both for vulnerable 
groups and the entire population, is important to create inclusive, 
equitable, economically productive and healthy societies. We recognize 
that reducing air, water and chemical pollution, leads to positive 
effects on health. We call for the full realization of the right to the 
highest attainable standard of health.

Health 2. We also recognize that universal health coverage is 
fundamental to enhancing health, social cohesion and sustainable human 
and economic development. We pledge to strengthen health systems towards 
the provision of equitable universal coverage. We call for the 
involvement of all relevant actors for coordinated multi-sectoral action 
to address urgently the health needs of the world's population.

Health 3. We emphasize that HIV and AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, 
influenza, polio and other communicable diseases remain serious global 
concerns, and we commit to redoubling efforts to achieve universal 
access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, as well as to 
renewing and strengthening the fight against malaria, tuberculosis, and 
neglected tropical diseases. (*agreed ad ref*)

Health 4. We acknowledge that the global burden and threat of 
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) constitutes one of the major challenges 
for sustainable development in the twenty-first century. We commit to 
strengthen health systems toward the provision of equitable, universal 
coverage and promote affordable access to prevention, treatment, care 
and support related to NCDs, especially cancer, cardiovascular diseases, 
chronic pulmonary diseases and diabetes. We also commit to establish or 
strengthen multi-sectoral national policies for the prevention and 
control of non-communicable diseases, with a focus on key risk factors.

Health 5. We reaffirm the right to use, to the full, the provisions 
contained in the agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual 
Property Rights, the Doha Declaration on the Agreement on Trade-Related 
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and Public Health, the decision 
of the World Trade Organization General Council of 30th August 2003 on 
the implementation of paragraph 6 of the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS 
agreement and public health, and, when formal acceptance procedures are 
completed, the amendment to article 31 of the agreement, which provides 
flexibilities for the protection of public health, and, in particular, 
to promote access to medicines for all, and encourage the provision of 
assistance to developing countries in this regard. We also call for a 
broad and timely acceptance of the amendment to the article 31 of the 
Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, as 
proposed by the World Trade Organization General Council in its decision 
of 6 December 2005.

Health 6. We call for further collaboration and cooperation at national 
and international levels to strengthen health systems through increased 
health financing, improved training of the health work force, improved 
distribution and access to essential and affordable medicines, vaccines 
and medical technologies, and through improving health infrastructure. 
We support the World Health Organization as the directing and 
coordinating authority on global health.

Health 7. We commit to systematically consider population trends and 
projections in our national, rural and urban development strategies and 
policies. Through forward-looking planning, we can seize the 
opportunities and address the challenges associated with demographic change.

Health 8. We remain committed to the full implementation of the 
Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and 
Development, the key actions for further implementation of the Programme 
of Action and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and 
intend to pay special attention to gender equality and women's 
empowerment, and sexual and reproductive health.

Health 9. We commit to reduce maternal and child mortality, and to 
improve the health of women, adolescents and children. We reaffirm our 
commitment to gender equality and to protect the human rights of women, 
men and adolescents to have control over and decide freely and 
responsibly on matters related to their sexuality, including sexual and 
reproductive health, free from coercion, discrimination and violence. We 
will work actively to ensure that health systems provide the necessary 
information and health services addressing the sexual and reproductive 
needs of women and their reproductive rights, including ensuring 
universal access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable modern 
methods of family planning, as this is essential for women's health and 
human rights and advancing gender equality.

**

*Promoting green jobs, full and productive employment, decent work for 
all, and social protection*

Jobs 1. We recognize that poverty eradication, full and productive 
employment and decent work for all, and social integration are 
interrelated and mutually reinforcing, and that an enabling environment 
to promote these needs to be created at all levels.

Jobs 2. We are concerned about labour market conditions and widespread 
deficits of available decent work opportunities, especially for young 
women and men. We urge all governments to address the global challenge 
of youth employment by developing and implementing strategies and 
policies that provide young people everywhere access to decent and 
productive work as, over the coming decades, hundreds of millions of 
decent jobs, including green jobs, will need to be created to be able 
ensure sustainable and inclusive development and reduce poverty.

Jobs 3. We recognize the importance of job creation by investing in and 
developing environmentally-sound, cost-effective and efficient economic 
and social infrastructure and productive capacities for sustainable 
development and sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth. We 
call on countries to enhance infrastructure investment for sustainable 
development and we encourage the international financial institutions to 
support developing countries, particularly the least developed 
countries, in this regard.

Jobs 4. We emphasize the need to enhance employment and income 
opportunities for all, especially for women and men living in poverty 
and, in this regard, we support national efforts to provide new job 
opportunities to the poor in both rural and urban areas, including 
support to small and medium enterprises.

Jobs 5. We recognize that workers should have access to education, 
skills, healthcare, social security, fundamental rights at work, social 
and legal protections, including occupational safety and health, and 
opportunities. Governments, trade unions and workers, and employers all 
have a role to play in promoting decent work for all, including green 
jobs, and all should help youth gain access to needed skills and 
employment opportunities including in new and emerging sectors. Women 
and men should have equal access to opportunities to acquire job skills 
as well as to worker protections. We recognize the importance of 
programmes to help workers adjust to changing labour market conditions.

Jobs 6. We also recognize that informal unpaid work, performed mostly by 
women, contributes substantially to human wellbeing and sustainable 
development. In this regard, we agree to take measures to ensure safe 
and decent working conditions and access to social protection and education.

Jobs 7. We recognize that opportunities for the greening of existing 
jobs and job creation can be availed through, inter alia, public and 
private investments in scientific and technological innovation, public 
works in restoring, regenerating and conserving natural resources and 
ecosystems, and social and community services. We are encouraged by 
government initiatives to create jobs for poor people in restoring and 
managing natural resources and ecosystems, and we encourage the private 
sector to contribute to decent work and green job creation for both 
women and men, and particularly for the youth, including through 
partnerships with small and medium enterprises as well as cooperatives. 
In this regard, we acknowledge the importance of efforts to promote the 
exchange of information and knowledge on green jobs and related skills 
and to facilitate the integration of relevant data into national 
economic and employment policies.

Jobs 8. We decide to launch an intergovernmental process under the UN 
General Assembly to negotiate a global strategy on employment in order 
to address the high levels of unemployment and under-employment, in 
particular among youth.

Jobs 9. We stress the need to provide social protection to all members 
of society, fostering growth, resilience, social justice and cohesion, 
including those who are not employed in the formal economy and migrants. 
In this regard, we strongly encourage national and local initiatives 
aimed at providing social protection floors for all citizens. We call 
for a global dialogue on best practices for social protection programmes 
that takes into account the three dimensions of sustainable development.

Jobs 10. We acknowledge the important nexus between international 
migration and development and in this regard we call upon States to 
promote and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all 
migrants, regardless of their migration status, especially those of 
women and children, taking into account their economic and social 
circumstances. We further recognize the importance of renewing the 
political will to act cooperatively and constructively in addressing 
international migration and to address international migration through 
international, regional or bilateral cooperation and dialogue.

*Oceans and seas*

Oceans 1. We recognize that oceans, seas and coastal areas form an 
integrated and essential component of the Earth's ecosystem and are 
critical to sustaining it and that international law, as reflected in 
UNCLOS, provides the legal framework for the conservation and the 
sustainable use of the oceans and their resources. Unsustainable use of 
the oceans and their resources puts at risk the ability of oceans to 
continue to provide food, other economic, social and environmental 
benefits to humankind. We therefore commit to protect and restore the 
health of oceans and marine ecosystems, enabling their conservation and 
sustainable use for present and future generations, especially for 
poverty eradication.

*[**New EU para: The necessary measures are developed and implemented 
with the objective that by 2020 marine ecosystems are clean, healthy, 
productive and resilient, marine biodiversity is maintained, and 
habitats, in particular coral reefs, and species are protected and on 
track to being restored.]*

Oceans 2. We encourage States to ratify or accede to and implement the 
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 and to implement 
chapter 17 of Agenda 21.

Oceans 3. We recognize the importance of building the capacity of 
developing countries to be able to benefit from the sustainable use of 
the oceans and seas and their resources and, in this regard, we 
emphasize the need for cooperation in marine scientific research to 
implement the relevant provisions of UNCLOS and the outcomes of the 
major summits on sustainable development, as well as for the transfer of 
technology taking into account the IOC Guidelines for the transfer of 
marine technology. We also support the strengthening of the ability of 
relevant international, regional and sub-regional organizations to build 
national and local capacity in marine science and in sustainable 
management of human activities affecting oceans and their resources.

Oceans 4. We stress the importance of the conservation and sustainable 
use of the oceans and seas and of their resources for sustainable 
development, including through the contributions to poverty eradication, 
sustainable economic growth, food security, creation of sustainable 
livelihoods and decent work, while at the same time protecting 
biodiversity and the marine environment.

Oceans 5. We support the Regular Process for Global Reporting and 
Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment, including 
socio-economic aspects, established under the United Nations General 
Assembly, and look forward to the completion of its first global 
integrated assessment of the state of the marine environment by 2014 and 
its subsequent consideration by the UNGA. We encourage consideration of 
assessment findings in the formulation of national, regional and global 
oceans policies.

Oceans 6. We recognize the importance of the conservation and 
sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national 
jurisdiction. We note the establishment by the UN General Assembly of an 
Ad Hoc Open-ended Informal Working Group to study issues relating to the 
conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond 
areas of national jurisdiction. We look forward to its recommendations 
to the GA to make progress on ways to fulfil its mandate provided for in 
para 167 of GA Resolution 66/231 with a view to ensuring that the legal 
framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine 
biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction effectively addresses 
those issues by identifying gaps and ways forward, including through the 
implementation of existing instruments and the possible development of a 
multilateral agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of 
the Sea (UNCLOS).

Oceans 7. We reaffirm the importance of establishing Marine Protected 
Areas consistent with international law and based on best available 
scientific information as a method for conservation of biological 
diversity and sustainable use of its components, noting the CBD COP 10 
decision X/2. that by 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and 
inland water and 10% of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of 
particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are to be 
conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically 
representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other 
effective area-based conservation measures.

Oceans 8. We note with concern that oceans and their biological 
diversity and ecological health are negatively affected by land-based 
and marine pollution from a number of sources, including shipping, 
anthropogenic marine debris and waste such as plastic litter. We call 
for effective implementation of the relevant conventions adopted in the 
framework of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on the 
protection of the marine environment from pollution, and of the relevant 
instruments on the protection of the marine environment from land based 
pollution, including the Global Programmeof Action for the Protection of 
the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities.

Oceans 9. We call on countries to reduce the incidence and impact of 
pollution on marine ecosystems, including through:

(a)addressing the sources of marine debris and threats to the marine 
environment such as persistent organic pollutants, mercury and 
nitrogen-based compounds, including through public-private partnerships 
as relevant;

(b)mobilizing resources for investment in treatment of waste and waste 
water;

(c)promoting capacity-building and technology transfer as mutually 
agreed. in order to support the above actions;

(d)collecting scientific data on marine litter, in order to establish 
reference levels and concrete measures for its reduction with the aim of 
achieving significant reductions to prevent harm to the coastal and 
marine environment.

*[New EU para: By 2015 collect the scientific data available on marine 
litter in order to establish reference levels and concrete measures for 
its reduction by 2020 with the aim of achieving significant reductions 
by 2025 compared to 2012 to prevent harm to coastal and marine 
environment.]***

Oceans 10. We commit to ensure that, in accordance with the 
precautionary principle, ocean fertilization activities do not take 
place until there is an adequate scientific basis on which to justify 
such activities, including assessing associated risks. We affirm that, 
given the present state of knowledge, ocean fertilization activities 
other than legitimate scientific research should not be allowed. We 
welcome the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity in this respect.

Oceans 11. We call for support to initiatives that address ocean 
acidification and, in this regard, we reiterate the need to work 
collectively to prevent further ocean acidification as well as enhance 
the resilience of ocean ecosystems, and to support marine scientific 
research and monitoring of ecosystems particularly vulnerable to ocean 
acidification, including through an international observing network for 
ocean acidification.

Oceans 12. We also note that sea level rise and coastal erosion are 
serious threats for many coastal regions and islands and, in this 
regard, we call on the international community to enhance its efforts to 
address these challenges, particularly in developing countries.

Oceans 13. We re-commit to maintaining or restoring depleted fish stocks 
to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield and further commit 
to implementing science-based management plans to rebuild stocks by 
2015, including by reducing or suspending fishing catch and effort for 
all stocks being over-fished or at risk of being over-fished, and by 
eliminating destructive as well as harmful fishing practices and 
addressing the introduction of alien invasive species, consistent with 
the precautionary approach. We also call for enhanced action, in 
particular, environmental impact assessments to protect vulnerable 
marine ecosystem from the impacts of bottom fishing, taking into account 
the competent international organizations.

Oceans 14. We invite States to ratify or accede to and implement the 
1995 Agreement on the Conservation and Management of Straddling and 
Highly Migratory Fish Stocks, as well as to implement the Code of 
Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the FAO International Plans of 
Action and technical guidelines.

Oceans 15. We acknowledge that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) 
fishing deprives many countries of a crucial natural resource and 
remains a persistent threat to their sustainable development. We 
recommit to eliminate IUU fishing as advanced in the Johannesburg Plan 
of Implementation (JPOI), and to prevent and combat these practices 
including through the following: developing and implementing national 
and regional action plans to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated 
(IUU) fishing; eliminating fisheries subsidies that lead to 
over-capacity; implementing---in accordance with international 
law---effective and coordinated measures by port States, flag States, 
and the States of nationality of the beneficial owners and others who 
support or engage in IUU fishing, by identifying vessels engaged in IUU 
fishing and by depriving offenders of the benefits accruing from IUU 
fishing; as well as cooperating with developing countries to 
systematically identify needs and build capacity, including support for 
monitoring, control, surveillance, compliance and enforcement systems.

*[New EU para: By 2020 illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is 
eliminated through the effective implementation of existing and future 
international instruments.]***

Oceans 16. We urge States that have not yet done so to ratify, accept, 
approve, or accede to the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures to 
Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing.

Oceans 17. We recognize the need to improve transparency and 
accountability in fisheries management by regional fisheries management 
organizations (RFMOs) and, while recognizing the efforts already made by 
some RFMOs in undertaking independent performance reviews, we recommend 
that they be expanded and augmented, as appropriate,and encourage 
implementation of the recommendations of such reviews.

Oceans 18. We reiterate our commitment to conclude multilateral 
disciplines on fisheries subsidies which give effect to the WTO Doha 
Development Agenda and the Hong Kong Ministerial mandates to strengthen 
disciplines on subsidies in the fisheries sector, including through the 
prohibition of certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to 
overcapacity and over-fishing, taking into account the importance of 
this sector to developing countries.We encourage states to further 
improve the transparency and reporting of existing fisheries subsidies 
programmes. Given the global status of fisheries resources, as an 
interim step, we agree not to introduce new subsidies nor to extend or 
enhance existing subsidies that contribute to overfishing and over-capacity.

Oceans 19. We urge the identification and mainstreaming of strategies by 
2014 that further assist developing countries, in particular the least 
developed countries and small island developing States, in developing 
their national capacity to conserve, sustainably manage and realize the 
benefits of sustainable fisheries, including through improved market 
access for fish products from developing countries.

Oceans 20. We commit to ensure access to fisheries and improved access 
to markets by subsistence, small-scale and artisanal fishers and women 
fish workers, as well as indigenous peoples and their communities and 
other local communities in developing countries, in particular in small 
island developing States.

Oceans 21. We also recognize the significant economic, social and 
environmental contributions of coral reefs, in particular to islands and 
other coastal States, as well as the significant vulnerability of coral 
reefs to impacts including from climate change, ocean acidification, 
overfishing, destructive fishing practices and pollution. We support 
international cooperation with a view to conserving coral reef 
ecosystems and realizing the social, economic and environmental benefits 
of coral reefs as well as facilitating technical collaboration and 
voluntary information sharing.

**

*Small Island Developing States (agreed ad ref)*

SIDS 1.We reaffirm that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) remain a 
special case for sustainable development in view of their unique and 
particular vulnerabilities, including their small size, remoteness, 
narrow resource and export base, and exposure to global environmental 
challenges and external economic shocks, including to a large range of 
impacts from climate change and potentially more frequent and intense 
natural disasters.We note with concern that the outcome of the Mauritius 
Strategy Review (MSI+5) concluded that SIDS have made less progress than 
most other groupings, or even regressed, in economic terms, especially 
in terms of poverty reduction and debt sustainability. Climate change 
and sea-level rise continue to pose a threat to the survival and 
viability of SIDS as well as their efforts to achieve sustainable 
development. We also remain concerned that, while SIDS have progressed 
in the areas of gender, health, education and the environment, their 
overall progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals has 
been uneven.

SIDS 2. We call for continued and enhanced efforts to assist SIDS in 
implementing the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA) and MSI. We also 
call for a strengthening of the United Nations System support to SIDS in 
keeping with the multiple ongoing and emerging challenges faced by SIDS 
in achieving sustainable development.

SIDS 3. We call for the convening of the Third International Conference 
for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States in 
2014 to address new strategies in overcoming the vulnerabilities of SIDS.

**

*Disaster risk reduction*

Disaster risk reduction 1. We reaffirm our commitment to the Hyogo 
Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and 
Communities to Disasters and call for States, the UN system, 
International Financial Institutions, regional and international 
organizations, and civil society to accelerate implementation of the 
framework and the achievement of its goals. We call for disaster risk 
reduction and building of resilience to natural and man-made disasters 
to be addressed with a renewed sense of urgency in the context of 
sustainable development and poverty eradication, and to be integrated 
into policies, plans and programmes at all levels and placed within the 
post-2015 development framework. We urge governments at all levels as 
well as relevant regional and international organizations to commit to 
adequate, timely and predictable resources to reduce disaster risk and 
to enhance resilience of cities and communities to disasters.

Disaster risk reduction 2. We emphasize the importance of early warning 
systems as part of effective disaster risk reduction at all levels, and 
in this regard encourage Member States to integrate such systems into 
their national disaster risk reduction strategies and plans. We 
recognize the importance of comprehensive hazard and risk assessments, 
including forecasting activities, hazard and risk maps as well as 
monitoring of long term changes, and encourage countries in a position 
to do so to undertake such assessments in a timely manner.

Disaster risk reduction 3. We stress the importance of stronger 
inter-linkages among disaster risk reduction, early recovery and 
long-term development planning, and call for more coordinated and 
comprehensive strategies that integrate disaster risk reduction and 
climate change adaptation considerations into public and private 
investment, decision making and planning of humanitarian and development 
actions in order to reduce risk, increase resilience and provide a 
smoother transition between relief, recovery and development.

Disaster risk reduction 4. We call for improved coordination and 
enhanced cooperation at and among all levels and among all relevant 
stakeholders in disaster prevention, response and recovery. We call for 
all relevant stakeholders, including Governments, international and 
regional organizations and civil society, to take appropriate and 
effective measures to reduce risk exposures for the protection of 
people, infrastructure and other national assets from the impact of 
disasters in line with the Hyogo Framework for Action and any post-HFA 
Framework, including through strengthened coordination and cooperation 
related to population displacement and access to food, water, sanitation 
and shelter, and through improved knowledge and information sharing 
based on reliable geospatial information.

*Climate change (agreed ad ref)*

Climate 1. We reiterate that countries should protect the climate system 
for the benefit of present and future generations of humankind. We 
reaffirm that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our 
time, and we express profound alarm that emissions of greenhouse gases 
continue to rise globally. We are deeply concerned that all countries, 
particularly developing countries, especially LDCs, SIDS and Africa, are 
vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, and are already 
experiencing increased impacts including persistent drought and extreme 
weather events, sea level rise, coastal erosion and ocean acidification, 
further threatening food security and efforts to eradicate poverty, 
advance gender equality and achieve sustainable development.

Climate 2. We underscore that combating climate change requires urgent 
action and the widest possible cooperation of all countries, in 
accordance with the principle of common but differentiated 
responsibilities and respective capabilities. In this regard, we express 
our commitment to an effective and appropriate international response. 
We stress that a significant gap in mitigation efforts remains to be 
closed in order to hold the increase in global mean temperature below 2 
degrees Celsius above pre-industrial level. We welcome the outcomes of 
COP-17/CMP 7 achieved at Durban, and will intensify our efforts towards 
the timely implementation of all the decisions adopted at those meetings.

Climate 3. We recognize the importance of mobilizing predictable funding 
from a variety of sources, public and private, bilateral and 
multilateral, including innovative sources of finance, to support 
nationally appropriate mitigation actions and adaptation measures, 
technology transfer and capacity-building in developing countries. In 
this regard, we welcome the designation and launching of the Green 
Climate Fund at COP-17/CMP-7 as an operating entity of the financial 
mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 
We also encourage developed countries to make financial contributions 
for the expeditious operationalization of the Green Climate Fund.

Climate 4. We highlight the need to better understand and address 
cross-cutting issues and interlinkages, including those among water, 
energy, food, health, ecosystems and climate change. In this regard, we 
welcome initiatives and partnerships aimed at achieving synergies and 
minimizing conflicts among policy objectives, including through the 
utilization of science-based climate monitoring and information.

**

*Forests**(agreed ad ref)*

Forests 1. We highlight the social, economic and environmental benefits 
of forests to people and the contributions of sustainable forest 
management to the themes and objective of the Conference. We support 
cross-sectoral and cross-institutional policies promoting sustainable 
forest management. We reaffirm that the wide range of services that 
forest ecosystems provide creates opportunities to address many of the 
most pressing sustainable development challenges. We support global 
policy frameworks such as the "Non-legally Binding Instrument on all 
Types of Forests (NLBI)" that promote the sustainable management of 
forests, and reforestation and afforestation and all efforts that 
effectively slow, halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation. 
We call for the full implementation of the NLBI and the achievement of 
its four global objectives. We also call for increased efforts to tackle 
the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation including through 
robust and transparent forest governance, national level forest law 
enforcement, secure land tenure within member States, combating illegal 
logging and associated trade, voluntary certification measures and a 
significant expansion of the global certified forest area, and the 
possibility of using effective national mechanisms such as regulatory 
and market instruments in accordance with national legislation. We 
encourage the use of appropriate science-based monitoring tools to track 
and understand better the drivers of forest degradation and 
deforestation. We aim at halting global forest cover loss by 2030 at the 
latest.

Forests 2. We call for commitments made in the Ministerial Declaration 
of the high-level segment of the ninth session of the United Nations 
Forum on Forests on the occasion of the launch of the International Year 
of Forests to be honoured.

Forests 3. We urge the provision of financial resources from all sources 
to achieve the sustainable management of all types of forests, inter 
alia strengthening and improving access to funds. In this regard, we 
take note of on-going efforts to develop forest management-related 
finance mechanisms such as those under REDD+. We also emphasize the 
importance of capacity-building as well as of technology innovation and 
transfer as mutually agreed in achieving sustainable forest management.

Forests 4. We commit to working with the governing bodies of member 
organizations of the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, in particular 
the three Rio Conventions, to integrate, as appropriate, the sustainable 
management of all types of forests into their strategies and programmes 
and promote coherence and synergies as related to forests.

**

*Biodiversity*

Biodiversity 1. We reaffirm the intrinsic value of biological diversity, 
as well as the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, 
educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biological 
diversity and its critical role in sustainable development. We recognize 
the severity of global biodiversity loss and emphasize that global 
biodiversity loss and degradation of ecosystem services undermine global 
development, affecting food security and nutrition, access to water, 
health of the rural poor and of people worldwide, including present and 
future generations. We recognize that traditional knowledge, innovations 
and practices of indigenous peoples and local communities make an 
important contribution to the conservation and sustainable use of 
biodiversity. We recognize that traditional knowledge of indigenous 
peoples and local communities is most directly dependent on biodiversity 
and ecosystem services and thus most immediately affected by their loss 
and degradation.

Biodiversity 2. We reiterate our commitment to the achievement of the 
three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and call for 
urgent actions that effectively slow, halt and reverse the loss of 
biodiversity. In this context, we affirm the importance of implementing 
the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, and its Aichi 
Biodiversity Targets adopted at the 10th meeting of the Conference of 
the Parties to the Convention.

*[New EU para: We therefore agree to the following target:*

*Take effective and urgent action to halt the loss of biodiversity in 
order to ensure that by 2020 all Aichi biodiversity targets are reached 
and ecosystems are resilient and continue to provide essential services, 
thereby securing the planet's variety of life, and contributing to human 
well-being, and poverty eradication.]*

Biodiversity 3. We note the adoption of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to 
Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising 
from Their Utilization, and we invite parties to the Convention on 
Biological Diversity to sign, ratify or accede to the Protocol, so as to 
ensure its entry into force at the earliest possible opportunity. We 
acknowledge the role of access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources 
in contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of biological 
diversity, poverty eradication and environmental sustainability.

Biodiversity 4. We welcome the Strategy for Resource Mobilization in 
support of the achievement of the Convention on Biological Diversity's 
three objectives, including the commitment to substantially enhance the 
level of financial resources from all sources in support of 
biodiversity, in particular for developing countries.

Biodiversity 5. We support mainstreaming the consideration of the 
socio-economic impacts and benefits of the conservation and sustainable 
use of biodiversity and its components, as well as ecosystems, into 
relevant programmes and policies at all levels, in accordance with 
national legislation, circumstances and priorities. We encourage 
investments, through appropriate incentives and policies, which support 
the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and 
ecosystems, consistent and in harmony with the Convention and other 
relevant international obligations.

Biodiversity 6. We agree to promote cooperation, partnerships and 
information exchange, and in this context, we welcome the United Nations 
Decade on Biodiversity 2011-2020 for the purpose of encouraging active 
involvement of all stakeholders in the conservation and sustainable use 
of biodiversity, as well as the fair and equitable sharing of benefits 
arising from its utilization. We also welcome the establishment of 
international partnerships related to conservation and sustainable use 
of biodiversity as well as innovative approaches and mechanisms to 
mobilize financing for this purpose.

Biodiversity 7. We stress the importance of developing the necessary 
legislative, administrative or policy measures, as appropriate, to 
implement the rights of countries of origin of genetic resources or 
countries providing genetic resources, as defined in the Convention on 
Biological Diversity, particularly developing countries, to participate 
in the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources and 
associated traditional knowledge as well as any subsequent application 
and commercial utilization of products derived from such resources 
through the fair and equitable sharing of benefits.

Biodiversity 8. We recognize the important role of CITES (the Convention 
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), 
an international agreement that stands at the intersection between 
trade, environment and development and that is meant to promote the 
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity with tangible benefits 
for local people as well as the environment. We recognize the economic, 
social and environmental impacts of illicit trafficking in wildlife as a 
transnational organized crime where firm and strengthened action needs 
to be taken on both the supply and demand sides. In this regard, we 
emphasize the importance of effective international cooperation among 
relevant multilateral environmental agreements and international 
organizations. We further stress the importance of basing the listing of 
species and other measures on best available scientific advice.

Biodiversity 9. We welcome the establishment of the Intergovernmental 
Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, and call 
for an early commencement of its work.

*Desertification, land degradation and drought*

Desertification 1. We recognize the economic and social significance of 
land including soil, particularly its contribution to sustainable 
economic growth, sustainable agriculture and food security, gender 
equality, women's empowerment and poverty eradication. We stress that 
desertification, land degradation, and drought are challenges of a 
global dimension and continue to pose serious challenges to the 
sustainable development of developing countries, including LDCs and 
LLDCs, and have particularly affected Africa. In this regard, we 
re-commit under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification 
(UNCCD) to take action nationally, regionally and internationally, to 
monitor global land degradation and restore degraded lands, in 
particular arable lands in the aforementioned groups of countries.

*[New EU para. We therefore agree to the following goal and target:*

**

*Goal: Restore land and soil quality to good conditions and manage land, 
forest, and soil resources sustainably ensuring that food production can 
meet the growing demand, and ensure that, in line with the CBD's 
Strategic Plan vision, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored, 
integrated in sectoral policies and decision making processes and wisely 
used and that ecosystem services are valued and maintained. *

**

*Target: Arrive at a zero net rate of land and soil degradation within 
an internationally agreed timeframe.]*

Desertification 2. We emphasize that a coordinated global approach is 
needed to ensure that land is used, managed and restored in a 
sustainable manner. In this regard, we resolve to support and strengthen 
the implementation of the UNCCD and its 10-Year Strategic Plan and 
Framework (2008-2018) to reverse and prevent desertification, land 
degradation and drought with a view to addressing their causes as well 
as the poverty resulting from land degradation. We note the importance 
of mitigating the effects of desertification, land degradation and 
drought, including by preserving and developing oases, restoring 
degraded lands, and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable people.We 
also recognize the need to work towards a target of zero net land 
degradation within an internationally agreed timeframe.

Desertification 3. We stress the importance of the further development 
and implementation of scientifically based, sound and socially inclusive 
methods for monitoring and assessing the extent of desertification, land 
degradation and drought, as well as the importance of efforts underway 
to promote scientific research and strengthen the scientific base of 
activities to address desertification and drought under the UNCCD. In 
this respect, we take note of the decision of the COP10 of the UNCCD to 
establish an ad hoc Working Group, taking into account regional balance, 
to discuss specific options for the provision of scientific advice to 
Parties to the UNCCD.

Desertification 4. We reiterate the need for cooperation through sharing 
of climate and weather information, forecasting and early warning 
systems related to desertification, land degradation and drought, as 
well as to dust storms and sandstorms, at the global, regional and 
sub-regional levels. In this regard, we invite States and relevant 
organizations to cooperate in the sharing of related information, 
forecasting and early warning systems.

Desertification 5. We encourage and recognize the importance of 
partnerships and initiatives for sustainable land management and the 
safeguarding of soil and land resources, such as the Global Soil 
Partnership (GSP) and the Changwon Initiative. We urge their close 
alignment in support of the 10-Year Strategic Plan of the UNCCD. We 
recognize the need to strengthen the link with existing science/policy 
interface bodies. We also encourage capacity building, extension 
training programmes, and scientific studies and initiatives aimed at 
deepening understanding and raising wider awareness of the economic, 
social and environmental benefits of sustainable land management 
policies and practices.

*Mountains (agreed ad ref)*

Mountains 1.We recognize that the benefits derived from mountain regions 
are essential for sustainable development. Mountain ecosystems play a 
crucial role in providing water resources to a large portion of the 
world's population; fragile mountain ecosystems are particularly 
vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, deforestation and 
forest degradation, land use change, land degradation, and natural 
disasters; and mountain glaciers around the world are retreating and 
getting thinner with increasing impacts on the environment and human 
well-being.

Mountains 2. We further recognize that mountains are often home to 
communities, including indigenous peoples, who have developed 
sustainable uses of their resources and who are often marginalized. We 
stress that continued effort will be required to address poverty, food 
security and nutrition, social exclusion and environmental degradation 
in these areas, and invite States to strengthen cooperative action with 
effective involvement of all relevant stakeholders, by establishing new 
or strengthening existing regional arrangements and centers of 
competence for sustainable mountain development.

Mountains 3.We call for greater efforts toward the conservation of 
mountain ecosystems, including their biodiversity. We encourage States 
to adopt a long-term vision and holistic approaches, including through 
incorporating mountain-specific policies into national sustainable 
development strategies which could include, inter alia, poverty 
reduction plans and programmes in mountain areas, particularly in 
developing countries.

*Chemicals and waste (agreed ad ref)*

Chemicals 1. We recognize that sound management of chemicals is crucial 
for the protection of human health and the environment. We reaffirm our 
aim to achieve by 2020 sound management of chemicals throughout their 
life cycle and of hazardous waste in ways that lead to the minimisation 
of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment, as 
set out in the JPOI. We also reaffirm our commitment to an approach for 
the sound management of chemicals and waste at all levels that responds 
in an effective, efficient, coherent and coordinated manner to new and 
emerging issues and challenges, and encourage further progress across 
countries and regions in order to fill the gaps in implementation.

*[New EU para. We therefore agree to the following target:*

**

*By 2020 ensure the sound management of chemicals throughout their life 
cycle, so that chemicals are used and produced in ways that lead to the 
minimisation of significant adverse effects on human health and the 
environment with a particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups.]*

Chemicals 2. We call for strengthening the Strategic Approach to 
International Chemicals Management (SAICM) through effective 
implementation and better use of its potential. We encourage SAICM to 
enhance cooperation and coordination with other relevant global and 
regional UN entities, as well as with multilateral environmental 
agreements dealing with chemicals and waste, to facilitate 
implementation of policies.

Chemicals 3. We are deeply concerned that many countries, in particular 
least developed countries, lack the capacity for sound management of 
chemicals throughout their life cycle and their safe disposal. 
Additional efforts are needed to enhance work towards strengthening 
capacities, including through partnerships, technical assistance and 
improved governance structures. We encourage countries and organizations 
which have made progress toward achieving the goal of sound management 
of chemicals by 2020 to assist other countries by sharing knowledge, 
experience and best practices.

Chemicals 4. We commend the increased coordination and cooperation among 
chemicals and waste conventions, namely the Basel Convention, the 
Rotterdam Convention and the Stockholm Convention, and encourage further 
coordination and cooperation among them. We take note of the potentially 
important role of the Basel Convention regional and coordinating centers 
and the Stockholm Convention regional and sub-regional centers.

Chemicals 5.We commend existing and call for continued, new and 
innovative public-private partnerships among industry, governments, 
academia and other non-governmental stakeholders aiming to enhance the 
capacity and technology for environmentally sound chemicals and waste 
management, including for waste prevention.

Chemicals 6. We recognize the importance of adopting a life-cycle 
approach and of further development and implementation of policies for 
resource efficiency, including the application of the 3Rs (reduce, 
reuse, recycle) and environmentally sound waste management. We call for 
the development and enforcement of comprehensive national and local 
waste management policies and strategies.

Chemicals 7.We note with concern the challenges of solid wastes, such as 
electronic waste and plastics, in the land and marine environment, which 
should be addressed inter alia through life-cycle thinking, appropriate 
programmes and environmentally sound technologies for material and 
energy recovery. We recognize the need to build local capacity 
particularly in developing countries to address the flow of e-waste as 
well as the need to promote waste minimization, reuse and recycling in 
all countries.

Chemicals 8. We urge the international community to take all possible 
measures to prevent the unsound management of hazardous wastes and their 
illegal dumping, particularly in countries where the capacity to deal 
with these wastes is limited, in a manner consistent with obligations 
under relevant international instruments such as the Basel Convention.

Chemicals 9. We recognize the importance of science-based assessment of 
the risks posed by chemicals to human beings and the environment, and of 
reducing human exposure to hazardous chemicals. We recognize the need to 
develop environmentally sound and safer alternatives to hazardous 
chemicals in products and processes through, inter alia, life-cycle 
assessment, public information and extended producer responsibility, and 
we encourage cooperation among countries in this regard.

Chemicals 10. We note the ongoing negotiating process on a global 
legally binding instrument on mercury and call for a successful outcome 
of the negotiations.

Chemicals 11. We recognize that the phase-out of ozone depleting 
substances (ODS) is resulting in rapid increase in the use and release 
of high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to the 
environment from ODS substitutes. We support discussion on a gradual 
phase-down in the consumption and production of HFCs under the Montreal 
Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Chemicals 12.We encourage countries to utilize scientific knowledge 
effectively in order to promote cooperation on transboundary air 
pollution at all levels.

**

*Sustainable Consumption and Production (agreed ad ref)*

SCP 1. We reaffirm that sustainable consumption and production (SCP) is 
one of the overarching objectives of sustainable development, and 
recognize that fundamental changes in the way societies consume and 
produce are indispensable. We acknowledge the wide disparities in 
consumption levels and patterns between rich and poor and between 
developed and developing countries. In this regard, all countries should 
promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, with developed 
countries taking the lead and with all countries benefiting and learning 
from that experience so as to move all our societies nearer to a 
sustainable future for all. We also recognize the need for focused 
strategies to meet the basic needs of the poorest segments of society.

SCP 2. We appeal to all States, relevant international organizations, 
the private sector and all major groups to enhance their efforts to 
achieve sustainable changes in consumption and production patterns while 
creating new economic opportunities and decent work, and securing good 
living standards and protection of vulnerable groups.

SCP 3. We call for an end to wasteful and unsustainable practices in the 
use and extraction of natural resources. We intend to improve resource 
efficiency in relevant economic sectors through accelerated and 
scaled-up implementation of best practices and techniques and we commit 
to further develop international cooperation in this regard, including 
enhanced capacity building and technical assistance to developing 
countries.

SCP 4. We encourage the integration of social and environmental costs in 
prices and measures of economic activities to inform choices of 
consumers and producers to help move towards sustainable patterns of 
production and consumption.

SCP 5. We encourage the widespread adoption of sustainable procurement, 
in both the public and private sectors, based on robust criteria and 
reliable tools within priority sectors and consistent with WTO rules.

SCP 6. We promote the commitment of organizations, corporations and 
institutions to social and environmental responsibility, inter alia, by 
encouraging transparency, reporting, and the development and use of 
international standards, guidelines and best practices as appropriate.

SCP 7. In order to make sustainable choices more easily available, 
affordable and attractive to consumers, we commit to promote in 
consultation with all concerned stakeholders open, transparent, 
balanced, science-based and multilateral processes for developing 
product standards and other mechanisms that fully reflect the impact of 
production and consumption, in accordance with the best available 
technology. We will work with the private sector to ensure that labeling 
and advertising is accurate and trustworthy so as to provide consumers 
with the necessary information to make informed choices.

SCP 8. We agree to adopt the 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) on 
sustainable consumption and production (SCP), appended to this 
Declaration. Furthermore, we encourage contributions to the 10YFP trust 
fund intended to support developing countries in promoting sustainable 
consumption and production.

*[New EU para**. We therefore agree to the following goal and targets:*

**

*Goal: Change unsustainable production and consumption patterns and 
promote sustainable management of natural resources over their 
life-cycle and eventually reach an absolute decoupling of economic 
growth from natural resource use with the aim that current and future 
generations, in particular people in poverty, can meet their needs.*

**

*Target: Significantly improve global resource efficiency, measured by 
the ratio of GDP to Domestic Material Consumption or other 
internationally agreed relevant indicators on key natural resources.*

**

*Target: Increase prevention, reuse, recycling and energy recovery from 
waste and reduce landfill and the amount of waste generated, so that by 
2030 the majority of waste globally is managed as a resource. By 2030 
the level of landfilling should be significantly reduced.]*

**

*Mining*

Mining 1. We acknowledge that minerals and metals are important for the 
world economy and modern societies. We note that mining industries are 
important to all countries with mineral resources, in particular 
developing countries. We also note that, when managed, regulated and 
taxed properly, mining offers the opportunity to catalyze broad-based 
economic development, reduce poverty and assist countries in meeting 
internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs. We 
acknowledge that countries have the sovereign right to develop their 
mineral resources according to their national priorities and further 
acknowledge that mining activities should maximize social and economic 
benefits as well as effectively addressing negative environmental and 
social impacts, in line with the Rio principles. In this regard, we 
recognize that governments need strong capacities to develop, manage, 
and regulate their mining industries in the interests of sustainable 
development.

Mining 2. We call on countries with a mining sector to strengthen their 
legal and regulatory frameworks and policies and practices for the 
mining sector that deliver economic and social benefits and include 
effective safeguards that reduce social and environmental impacts as 
well as conserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. We further call on 
governments and the mining sector to commit to the continuous 
improvement of accountability and transparency, taking account of best 
practices in public financial management and revenue and contract 
transparency, and to explore new mechanisms to prevent conflict minerals 
from entering legitimate supply chains.

*Education (agreed ad ref)*

Education 1. We reaffirm our commitment to achieving universal access to 
primary education, and we furthermore affirm that full and equal access 
by all people to quality education is an essential condition for poverty 
eradication, gender equality and human development, for the attainment 
of the internationally agreed development goals including the Millennium 
Development Goals, as well as for the full participation of both women 
and men in political, economic and social life. In this regard, we 
stress the need for ensuring equal access to education for vulnerable 
groups, including persons with disabilities.

Education 2. We recognize that the younger generations are the 
custodians of the future, as well as the need for better quality and 
access beyond primary education. We therefore resolve to improve the 
capacity of our education systems to prepare people to pursue 
sustainable development, including through enhanced teacher training, 
the development of curricula around sustainability, and more effective 
use of information and communication technologies to enhance learning 
outcomes. We call for enhanced cooperation among schools, communities 
and authorities in efforts to promote access to quality education at all 
levels.

Education 3. We emphasize the importance of greater international 
cooperation related to promoting universal access to primary education 
and Education for Sustainable Development. We resolve to promote 
education for sustainable development and to integrate sustainable 
development more actively into education beyond the United Nations 
Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). We 
encourage international educational exchanges and partnerships to help 
achieve global education goals. We call for the creation of fellowships 
and scholarships in key disciplines and cross-disciplinary and 
integrated approaches relevant to sustainable development.

Education 4. We urge educational institutions to become models of best 
practice and to enlist the active participation of all students, 
teachers and other staff in setting an example of sustainability on 
their campuses. We encourage educational institutions to teach 
sustainable development as an integrated component across disciplines.

Education 5. We underscore the importance of supporting educational 
institutions to carry out research and innovation in the field of 
education for sustainable development and to develop quality and 
innovative programmes, including professional and vocational training 
and lifelong learning, geared to bridging skills gaps for advancing 
national sustainable development objectives.

**

*Gender equality and women's empowerment *

Gender 1.We reaffirm women's vital role in sustainable development, and 
decide to accelerate the implementation of the international community's 
commitment to the full and equal participation and leadership of women 
in all areas of development, as agreed in the Convention on the 
Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) as well 
as Agenda 21, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 
Millennium Declaration.

Gender 2. We recognize that, although progress on gender equality has 
been made in some areas, the potential of women to engage in, and 
contribute to, sustainable development as leaders, participants and 
agents has not been fully realised due to persistent social, economic, 
and political inequalities. We support prioritizing measures to promote 
gender equality and women's empowerment in all spheres of our societies, 
including the removal of barriers to their full participation in 
decision-making and management at all levels.

Gender 3. We resolve to unlock women's potential as drivers of 
sustainable development, including through the repeal of discriminatory 
laws and removal of formal barriers, ensuring equal access to justice 
and legal support, the reform of institutions to ensure competence and 
capacity for gender mainstreaming and the development and adoption of 
innovative and special measures to address informal and harmful 
practices that act as barriers preventing gender equality. In this 
regard, we reiterate the importance of creating an enabling environment 
for improving the situation of rural women and girls, including 
indigenous women.

Gender 4.We agree to encourage the use of gender sensitive indicators 
and sex disaggregated data in monitoring frameworks in order to deliver 
on the promise of sustainable development for all.

Gender 5. We are committed to women's equal rights and opportunities in 
political and economic decision-making and resource allocation and to 
remove any barriers that prevent women from being full participants in 
the economy. We resolve to ensure full and equal access of women to 
productive resources through the equal right to own property and equal 
right to inherit in accordance with national legislation, and equal 
access to credit, financial and extension services along the entire 
value chain. We call for action to ensure the equal access of women and 
girls to education, basic services, economic opportunities and health 
care, including addressing the sexual and reproductive needs of women 
and their reproductive rights, and ensuring universal access to safe, 
effective, affordable and acceptable modern methods of family planning. 
In this regard, we reaffirm our commitment to fully implement the 
Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and 
Development and the key actions for the further implementation of the 
Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and 
Development.

Gender 6.We support the work of the UN system, including UN Women, in 
promoting and achieving gender equality and women's empowerment in all 
aspects of life, including with respect to the linkages between gender 
equality and women's empowerment and the promotion of sustainable 
development. We support UN Women leading, coordinating and promoting the 
accountability of the UN system in this regard.

Gender 7. We invite donors, international organizations including the UN 
System organizations, IFIs, regional banks, major groups and the private 
sector, to integrate fully gender equality considerations and 
commitments, and to ensure the participation of women and effective 
gender mainstreaming in their decision making, programme planning, 
budgeting, implementation, monitoring and reporting.

B. Sustainable Development Goals and Measuring Progress beyond GDP

SDG 1. We underscore that the MDGs are a useful tool in focusing 
achievement of specific development gains as part of a broad development 
vision and framework for the development activities of the United 
Nations, for national priority setting and for mobilisation of 
stakeholders and resources towards common goals. We therefore remain 
firmly committed to their full and timely achievement. [agreed ad ref]

SDG 2. We recognize that the development of goals could also be useful 
for pursuing focused and coherent action on sustainable development. In 
this regard, and building on the Millennium Development Goals, we agree 
to develop a set of global sustainable development goals (SDGs) that 
address and incorporate all three dimensions of sustainable development 
and their interlinkages. These goals should be incorporated in the 
United Nations Development Agenda beyond 2015, thus contributing to the 
achievement of sustainable development and serving as a driver for 
implementation and mainstreaming of sustainable development in the 
United Nations system as a whole.

SDG 3. We propose that the goals should build upon the Millennium 
Declaration, respect the UN Charter and principles of international law, 
be consistent with the Rio principles and contribute to advance the 
implementation of Agenda 21 and JPOI, including poverty eradication, 
changing unsustainable patterns of consumption and production, and 
protecting and managing the natural resource base of economic and social 
development.

SDG 4. We also propose that any SDGs should be action-oriented, concise 
and readily communicable, limited in number, aspirational, and 
universally applicable to all countries while taking into account 
different national realities, capacities and development priorities. 
Implementation should be government-driven with involvement of all 
relevant stakeholders.

SDG 5. We also recognize that the goals should address and be focused on 
priority areas for the achievement of sustainable development including, 
inter alia, energy, water, food security, oceans and sustainable 
consumption and production as well as cross-cutting issues like equity 
and social inclusion, rule of law and good governance, gender equality 
and women's empowerment.

SDG 6. We reiterate our request to the Secretary-General to make 
recommendations in his annual reports for further steps to realize the 
United Nations Development Agenda beyond 2015. We further request the 
Secretary-General to integrate the three dimensions of sustainable 
development in the United Nations Development Agenda beyond 2015 and 
establish a coordinated process with a view to establishing a set of 
coherent global goals in 2015. This process should be a country-driven 
process guided by the General Assembly and be inclusive, transparent, 
open to participation of all relevant stakeholders, including the UN 
System, and draw on relevant expert advice and science based evidence. 
We also propose that any SDGs be agreed by the UN General Assembly.

SDG 7. We underline that progress towards the SDGs should be measured by 
an agreed and appropriate set of indicators and assessed on the basis of 
specific targets that could be differentiated depending on countries' 
levels of development and national specificities.

SDG 8. We recognize that there is a need for an integrated and 
scientifically-credible global sustainable development report, to 
support the decision making process at appropriate levels and assist 
countries in identifying policy options and achieving the agreed SDGs. 
Such an outlook could draw upon and synthesize the elements of existing 
outlooks produced by various UN and other international institutions, 
depending on theme, and should foster closer collaboration among them.In 
this regard, we call on the Secretary-General of the United Nations to 
make proposals for such a report to the UNGA for the subsequent 
consideration by member States.

SDG 9. We recognize the limitations of GDP as a measure of well-being 
and sustainable development. As a complement to GDP, we resolve to 
further develop science-based and rigorous methods of measuring 
sustainable development, natural wealth and social well-being, including 
the identification of appropriate indicators for measuring progress. We 
further recognize the need to test and refine these methods so as to be 
able to use them effectively in our national decision making systems to 
better inform policy decisions. In this regard, we recognize the need 
for appropriate technical support to developing countries to develop the 
capacity and information to undertake these efforts. We request the 
Secretary-General to coordinate the further development of such methods 
with existing efforts and preparation of such indicators in consultation 
with the UN System and all other relevant organisations, having regard 
to the UN system of economic and environmental accounts.

*VI. _Means of implementation_ (agreed ad ref)*

MOI 1. We reaffirm that national ownership and leadership are 
indispensable in the development process. There is no one size fits all. 
We reiterate that each country has primary responsibility for its own 
economic and social development and that the role of national policies, 
domestic resources and development strategies cannot be overemphasized. 
At the same time, domestic economies are now interwoven with the global 
economic system and, therefore, an effective use of trade and investment 
opportunities can help countries to fight poverty. Development efforts 
at the national level need to be supported by an enabling national and 
international environment that complements national actions and strategies.

MOI 2. We acknowledge that good governance and the rule of law at the 
national and international levels are essential for sustained, inclusive 
and equitable economic growth, sustainable development and the 
eradication of poverty and hunger.

MOI 3. We reaffirm that the means of implementation identified in Agenda 
21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, JPOI, the 
Monterrey Consensus of the International Conference on Financing for 
Development and the Doha Declaration on Financing for Development are 
indispensable for achieving full and effective translation of 
sustainable development commitments into tangible sustainable 
development outcomes: finance, technology development and transfer as 
mutually agreed, capacity building, and trade.

MOI 4.We welcome the ongoing efforts to strengthen and support 
South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation. We stress that 
South-South cooperation is not a substitute for, but rather a complement 
to, North-South cooperation. We also stress that triangular cooperation 
should be further utilized as an effective modality for development 
cooperation.

**

*A. Finance (agreed ad ref)*

Finance 1. We call on all countries to prioritize sustainable 
development in the allocation of resources in line with national 
priorities and needs, and we recognize the crucial importance of 
increases in the provision of financing from all sources for sustainable 
development for all countries, in particular developing countries. We 
recognize the importance of international, regional and national 
financial mechanisms including those accessible to sub-national and 
local authorities to implement sustainable development programmes and 
call for their strengthening and implementation. We further recognize a 
role that new partnerships and promising innovative sources of 
development finance can play in financing sustainable development and 
encourage their use, as appropriate, alongside the traditional means of 
implementation.

Finance 2. We recognize that the fulfilment of all official development 
assistance commitments is crucial, including the commitments by many 
developed countries to achieve the target of 0.7 per cent of gross 
national product for official development assistance to developing 
countries by 2015, as well as a target of 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of gross 
national product for official development assistance to least developed 
countries. To reach their agreed timetables, donor countries should take 
all necessary and appropriate measures to raise the rate of aid 
disbursements to meet their existing commitments. We urge those 
developed countries that have not yet done so to make additional 
concrete efforts towards the target of 0.7 per cent of gross national 
product for official development assistance to developing countries, 
including the specific target of 0.15 to 0.20 per cent of gross national 
product for official development assistance to least developed countries 
in line with their commitments.

Finance 3.We welcome increasing efforts to improve the quality of ODA 
and to increase its development impact. The Economic and Social Council 
Development Cooperation Forum, along with initiatives such as the 
High-level Forums on Aid Effectiveness, which produced the 2003 Rome 
Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid 
Effectiveness, the 2008 Accra Agenda for Action, and 2011 Busan 
Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation make important 
contributions to the efforts of those countries which have committed to 
them, including through the adoption of the fundamental principles of 
national ownership, alignment, harmonization and managing for results. 
Continued building on these initiatives, including through more 
inclusive and broad-based participation, will contribute to enhancing 
national ownership and making aid delivery more effective and efficient 
and lead to improved outcomes. We also recognize the need to improve 
development effectiveness, increase programme-based approaches, use 
country systems for activities managed by the public sector, reduce 
transaction costs and improve mutual accountability and transparency 
and, in this regard, we call upon all donors to untie aid to the maximum 
extent. We will make development more effective and predictable by 
providing developing countries with regular and timely, indicative 
information on planned support in the medium term. We recognize the 
importance of efforts by developing countries to strengthen leadership 
of their own development, national institutions, systems and capacity to 
ensure the best results of effective development by engaging with 
parliaments and citizens in shaping those policies and deepening 
engagement with civil society organizations. We should also bear in mind 
that there is no one-size-fits-all formula that will guarantee 
development effectiveness. The specific situation of each country needs 
to be fully considered.

Finance 4. We urge the provision of financial resources, including 
through dedicated credit facilities within the IFIs, for the promotion 
of sustainable development and poverty eradication in developing 
countries, in particular the LDCs.

Finance 5. We recognize that greater coherence and coordination among 
the various funding mechanisms and initiatives related to sustainable 
development is crucial. We reiterate the importance of ensuring that 
developing countries have steady and predictable access to adequate 
financing from all sources to promote sustainable development.

Finance 6. We recognize that ongoing serious global financial and 
economic challenges carry the possibility of undoing years of hard work 
and gains made in relation to the debt of developing countries. The 
situation demands the implementation of existing and any future bold and 
encompassing initiatives and mechanisms to resolve the current debt 
problems of developing countries, particularly for Africa and the least 
developed countries, in an effective and equitable manner, including 
through debt cancellation. We will intensify our efforts to prevent debt 
crises by enhancing international financial mechanisms for crisis 
prevention and resolution, in cooperation with the private sector, and 
by finding solutions that are transparent and agreeable to all. We 
acknowledge the need to continue to address all relevant issues 
regarding external debt problems, including through the United Nations, 
and we will consider ways to explore enhanced approaches of sovereign 
debt restructuring mechanisms based on existing frameworks and 
principles, with broad creditors' and debtors' participation and 
ensuring comparable burden-sharing among creditors, with an important 
role for the Bretton Woods institutions.

Finance 7. We stress the need for adequate funding for the operational 
activities of the United Nations development system as well as the need 
to make funding more predictable, effective and efficient as part of 
wider efforts to mobilize new, additional and predictable resources to 
achieve the objectives that we have set forth in this declaration. We 
reaffirm, in this context, the importance of accountability, 
transparency and improved results-based management and further 
harmonized results-based reporting on the work of the United Nations 
funds and programmes and the specialized agencies.

Finance 8. We welcome the important reform processes that the Global 
Environment Facility (GEF) has carried out during recent years and we 
call for its further strengthening, with regularity in funding flows and 
reform of governance processes, and encourage the GEF to take additional 
steps to make resources more accessible to meet country needs for the 
national implementation of their international environmental 
commitments. We support further simplification of procedures and 
assistance to developing countries, in particular in assisting the least 
developed countries and SIDS in accessing resources from the GEF, and 
enhanced coordination with other instruments and programmes focusing on 
environmentally sustainable development.

Finance 9. We stress that fighting corruption at both the national and 
international levels is a priority and that corruption is a serious 
barrier to effective resource mobilization and allocation and diverts 
resources away from activities that are vital for poverty eradication, 
the fight against hunger and sustainable development. We are determined 
to take urgent and decisive steps to continue to combat corruption in 
all of its manifestations.

Finance 10. We consider that innovative financing mechanisms can make a 
positive contribution in assisting developing countries to mobilize 
additional resources for financing for development on a voluntary basis. 
Such financing should supplement and not be a substitute for traditional 
sources of financing. While recognizing the considerable progress in 
innovative sources of financing for development, we call for scaling-up 
of present initiatives, where appropriate.

Finance 11. We recognize that a dynamic, inclusive well-functioning, 
socially and environmentally responsible private sector is a valuable 
instrument for generating economic growth and reducing poverty and 
promoting sustainable development. In order to foster private-sector 
development, we shall continue to pursue appropriate national policy and 
regulatory frameworks in a manner consistent with national laws to 
encourage public and private initiatives, including at the local level, 
to foster a dynamic and well-functioning business sector, and to 
facilitates entrepreneurship and innovation including among women, the 
poor and the vulnerable. We will work to improve income growth and 
distribution, inter alia through raising productivity, empowering women 
and protecting labour rights, and taxation. We recognize that the 
appropriate role of Government in relation to the promotion and 
regulation of the private sector will vary from country to country 
depending on national circumstances.

*B. Technology development and transfer*

Technology 1. We stress the importance of access by all countries to 
environmentally sound technologies, know-how and expertise, and the 
importance of cooperative action on the development and transfer of 
these technologies. We agree to explore modalities for enhanced access 
to environmentally sound technologies by developing countries, while 
providing incentives and removing disincentives to innovators, including 
innovators in developing countries, in order to promote research and 
development.

Technology 2. We underline the need for enabling environments for the 
development, adaptation, and dissemination of sustainable technologies. 
In this context, we underscore the role of foreign direct investment and 
international trade in the transfer of some environmentally sound 
technologies. We support strengthening international cooperation to 
promote investment in science, innovation, and technology for 
sustainable development.

Technology 3. We recognize the importance of strengthened national, 
scientific and technological capacities. Developing countries should be 
enabled to develop their own new and environmentally sound technologies 
with the support of the international community. To this end, we support 
building science and technology capacity, including through 
collaboration among research institutions, universities, the private 
sector, governments, non-governmental organizations, and scientists of 
developing and developed countries.

Technology 4. We note that consideration must be given to the role of 
patent protection and intellectual property rights along with an 
examination of their impact on the access to and transfer of 
environmentally sound technology, in particular to developing countries, 
as well as to further exploring efficiently the concept of assured 
access for developing countries to environmentally sound technology in 
its relation to proprietary rights with a view to developing effective 
responses to the needs of developing countries in this area.

Technology 5. We request the competent fora in the UN system to identify 
options for an appropriate mechanism to facilitate clean technology 
dissemination to developing countries, consistent with existing patent 
protection systems and invite the Secretary-General to report to UNGA67 
on the options. In this regard, we note that the UNFCCC technology 
mechanism, as agreed in Cancun and Durban, and in particular the ongoing 
implementation of the new global Climate Technology Center and Network, 
is a highly relevant model for facilitating the development and transfer 
of sustainable technologies to address the technological needs of 
developing countries.

Technology 6. We recognize the importance of space-technology-based data 
and reliable geospatial information for sustainable development 
policy-making, programming and project operations. In this context, we 
recognize the efforts of the International Steering Committee for Global 
Mapping, the Global Earth Observation System of Systems, and the Eye on 
Earth platform. We recognize the need to support developing countries in 
their efforts to collect environmental data.

Technology 7. We agree to explore the possibility to establish a global 
fund for voluntary contributions by States, civil society and the 
private sector, to facilitate transfer of environmentally sound 
technologies.

Technology 8. We welcome the efforts by governments and stakeholders to 
undertake basic and applied research that contributes to sustainable 
development and encourage greater links and cooperation to advance these 
efforts. We agree to enhance international collaborative research to 
address global challenges by developing solutions that are accessible to 
developing countries, particularly LDCs, including on environmentally 
sound technologies. We acknowledge the work of existing centres for 
technology transfer, and encourage the establishment and networking of 
such centres in developing countries. We also encourage the world's 
technology leaders, both public and private, to increase their 
participation as partners in technology parks and innovation centres 
worldwide.

Technology 9. We recognize the importance of strengthening 
international, regional and national capacities in technology assessment 
and where necessary regulatory regimes, especially in view of the rapid 
development and possible deployment of new technologies that may also 
have unintended negative impacts, in particular on biodiversity and 
health, or other unforeseen consequences.

Technology 10. We recognize the need to facilitate informed policy 
decision-making on sustainable development issues and in this regard to 
strengthen the science-policy interface.

Technology 11. We resolve, as part of our global commitment to 
sustainable development, to bridge the technology gap between developed 
and developing countries. In this regard, we encourage concrete actions, 
including through the establishment of an international mechanism 
supported by stable, adequate and predictable funding, to facilitate 
transfer of technology as mutually agreed and strengthen national 
capacities of all countries, in particular developing countries in the 
area of science and technology. We further resolve to support existing 
international centres for technology transfer that facilitate the match 
between supply and demand for technologies and their appropriate 
adaptation processes in developing countries. We further resolve to 
request relevant UN agencies in particular WIPO, UNEP and UNIDO to 
identify options for a facilitation mechanism that promotes the 
dissemination of clean technologies while bearing in mind the 
consistency with international patent protection system and relevant 
regulations.

*C. Capacity building*

Capacity 1. We emphasize the need for enhanced capacity building for 
sustainable development and, in this regard, we call for strengthening 
technical cooperation including North-South, South-South and triangular 
cooperation. We reiterate the importance of human resource development, 
including training, exchange of experiences and expertise, knowledge 
transfer and technical assistance for capacity-building, which involves 
strengthening institutional capacity, including planning, management and 
monitoring capacities.

Capacity 2. We call for the continued and focused implementation of the 
UNEP Bali Strategic Plan for Technology Support and Capacity Building.

Capacity 3. We encourage the participation and representation of men and 
women scientists and researchers from developing countries in processes 
related to global environmental and sustainable development assessment 
and monitoring, with the purpose of enhancing national capabilities and 
the quality of research for decision- and policy-making processes.

Capacity 4. We invite all relevant agencies of the United Nations system 
and other relevant international organizations to support developing 
countries and, in particular, least developed countries in 
capacity-building for developing resource-efficient and inclusive 
economies, including through:

(a)Sharing sustainable practices in various economic sectors;

(b)Disseminating various tools for compiling or undertaking natural 
resources inventories and assessments and developing sustainable 
resource management systems;

(c)Enhancing capacity to integrate disaster risk reduction and 
resilience into development plans;

(d)Supporting South-South and triangular cooperation for the transition 
to a resource efficient economy; and

(e)Promoting public-private partnerships.

Capacity 5. We urge all countries to increase financial, technological, 
and capacity-building support to developing countries for undertaking 
effective adaptation strategies as a priority, in view of their 
vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change, land 
degradation, drought, desertification, and natural disasters.

**

*D. Trade (agreed ad ref)*

**

Trade 1. We reaffirm that international trade is an engine for inclusive 
and sustained growth and development. We further reaffirm that a 
universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable 
multilateral trading system, as well as meaningful trade liberalization 
that includes addressing non-tariff measures where they may act as 
unnecessary trade barriers, can substantially stimulate development 
worldwide, benefiting all countries at all stages of development.

Trade 2. We reaffirm the importance of increasing market access for 
developing countries' products and services, and in this regard we 
emphasize the need to resist protectionist tendencies and to rectify any 
trade-distorting measures already taken that are inconsistent with World 
Trade Organization rules, recognizing the right of countries to fully 
utilize their flexibilities consistent with their World Trade 
Organization commitments and obligations. In this regard, we call on the 
World Trade Organization in cooperation with the United Nations 
Conference on Trade and Development and other relevant institutions to 
monitor all forms of protectionism and assess their impact, particularly 
on developing countries.

Trade 3. We urge the members of the WTO to redouble their efforts to 
achieve an ambitious, balanced, and development-oriented conclusion to 
the Doha Development Agenda taking into account the central importance 
of the development dimension in every aspect of the Doha Development 
Agenda work programme and its commitment to making the development 
dimension a meaningful reality. We further call for the full 
implementation of the 2005 WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration.

Trade 4. We emphasize that all WTO Members have an interest in ensuring 
very swift progress in the multilateral trade negotiations to facilitate 
outcomes, while respecting the principles of transparency and 
inclusiveness. We underscore the importance of ensuring the meaningful 
and full participation of developing countries, especially the least 
developed countries, in multilateral trade negotiations. In particular, 
developing countries need assistance in order to participate effectively 
in the WTO work programme and negotiation process through the enhanced 
cooperation of all relevant stakeholders.

Trade 5. We reaffirm that there is an ongoing need for the international 
economic and financial institutions and regional organizations in 
accordance with their mandates to work together, especially through 
trade capacity building and facilitation, to ensure that developing 
countries, particularly the least developed countries, are able to 
benefit from the advantages of the multilateral trade system and their 
integration into global markets. Achieving the positive impact of trade 
liberalization on developing countries will also depend to a significant 
extent on international support for appropriate action and strategies at 
the national level for the expansion of productive capacities, the 
development of human resources and basic infrastructure, the absorption 
of technology and the implementation of adequate social safety nets.

Trade 6. We recognize the need to mobilize adequate and predictable 
funding for Aid for Trade, including through the Enhanced Integrated 
Framework for Trade-related Technical Assistance to Least Developed 
Countries. We also recognize the need for additional measures to support 
the supply and export capacities of developing countries, in particular 
the LDCs.

Trade 7. We request relevant international and regional organizations to 
strengthen support for trade facilitation and capacity building 
activities aimed at assisting developing countries, particularly the 
LDCs, in identifying and seizing new trade-related opportunities related 
to sustainable development and poverty eradication, with particular 
attention given to enabling women entrepreneurs and SMEs to participate 
in, and benefit from local, subregional, regional and global supply 
chains and markets.

Trade 8. We acknowledge the need to continue WTO negotiations on 
liberalization of trade in environmental goods and services which should 
enhance the mutual supportiveness of trade, environment and development.

Trade 9. We commit to take action, where appropriate, to phase out 
subsidies that are market distorting and inhibit sustainable 
development, taking into the account the specific conditions and 
different levels of development of individual countries. We affirm the 
need for accompanying targeted measures to protect the poor and 
vulnerable groups.

*E. Registry of commitments*

Registry 1. We welcome the commitments voluntarily entered into at Rio 
+20 and throughout 2012 by all stakeholders and networks of stakeholders 
to implement concrete policies, plans, programs, projects and actions to 
promote sustainable development and poverty reduction, including through 
a green economy approach.We invite the Secretary-General to compile 
these commitments in an internet-based registry. The registry should 
make information about the commitments fully transparent and accessible 
to the public, to provide an accountability framework, and it should 
encourage periodic updates on the implementation of commitments.


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