Preparatory Process

Global Preparatory Process
UNGA has invited the United Nations Secretariat, in close cooperation with relevant organizations, agencies and programmes from both within and outside the United Nations system, to support preparatory activities in a coordinated and mutually reinforcing way. These include the UNEP, UNDP, the Regional Commissions and the Secretariats of Conventions related to the UNCED, and international and regional financial institutions, including the Global Environment Facility. The UNGA has also encouraged effective contributions from and the active participation of all major groups, as identified in Agenda 21, at all stages of the preparatory process.

Regional/Sub-regional Preparatory Process
There are two key regional preparatory processes envisaged over 2001: (a) intergovernmental meetings at regional/sub-regional levels; and (b) a series of roundtables at regional/sub-regional levels consisting of non-governmental stakeholders active in the field of sustainable development.

It is suggested that the roundtables will take place prior to intergovernmental meetings to assure that outcomes will receive considerations. The first roundable was held on 9-11 July in Malaysia, please click here for report of that meeting.

The Regional Preparatory Process will undertake the following main tasks:

1. Conduct a regional assessment of progress, taking into account national reports and country profiles. This would include:

	Main achievements in the region since UNCED in the implementation of Agenda 21 and other outcomes of UNCED, including any major regional, sub-regional and national initiatives towards sustainable development.
	Progressive outlooks and main constraints faced by the region, and by the countries of the region. common constraints faced by countries in the region; specific constraints faced by the region (or by the sub - regions); constraints resulting from global developments and changing conditions.
	New initiatives and commitments within regions and its sub - regions towards overcoming constraints and fostering further progress.

2. Provide an opportunity for inter-action and dialogue with major groups and other stakeholders. Please click here for information about participation in the preparatory process for civil society groups and other stakeholders.

3. Share experiences and provide an opportunity to better prepare and understand the concerns and positions of the countries involved.

4. Prepare regional "platforms" which would outline key policy issues, priorities and follow-up actions based on regional assessments. Such platforms could form the basis of a contribution to the global intergovernmental preparatory process. The main areas of focus would include:

	Key sustainable development issues, which, in view of the region, require priority attention and action at the global level.
	Issues which, in view of the region, could be more effectively addressed at the regional / sub-regional levels.
	Specific proposals from the region regarding strengthening or raising the effectiveness of international cooperation, including proposals regarding regional and international institutions.