The Arab region participates in Rio+20
In this context and as shown in the matrix, ESCWA is organizing a series of national and regional workshops and seminars targeting different stakeholders such as government, civil society and the private sector, in addition to the publication of a number of reports. It is hoped that these activities will help develop a common Arab understanding of how the green economy can support sustainable development, and the measures and tools needed for ensuring a fair, advantageous and timely transition to such an economy in the region.
Preparatory Activities for Rio+20 (May 2010 onward)
Activity title
Venue and Date
Deliverables/Outcomes
Global: 1st Preparatory Committee (PrepCom I)
New York, 16-18 May 2010
Discuss focus areas of Rio+20
Cairo, 16-19 October 2010
Discuss conceptual framework for a green economy and Arab regional Rio+20 preparations
Beirut, 15 to 16 December 2010
Discuss the basic concepts of a green economy and the contribution that Environmental Goods and Services can give to the achievement of such an economy
The 22nd Session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environment (CAMRE)
Cairo, 19-20 December 2010
Discuss the conceptual framework for a green economy and Arab regional Rio+20 preparations
Global: 1st Inter-Sessional Meeting
New York, 10-11 January 2011
DESA Report
Cairo, 26-27 January 2011
Showcase best practices, review progress and exchange views on the needs and priorities of the region to promote the shift to SCP and the transition to a Green Economy
Global: 2nd Preparatory Committee (PrepCom II)
New York, 7-8 March 2011
Joint statement by Regional Commissions
ESCWA Technical Committee Meeting
Beirut, 6-7 April 2011
Present a background note on Rio+20 and green economy
Beirut, 2 June 2011
Discuss potential UN-LAS cooperation for an inter-agency initiative on green Economy
Meeting on Economic Policies Supporting the Transition to a Green Economy in the Arab Region
Beirut, 20-21 July 2011
Discuss with representatives of ministries of finance available options for economic policy reform and financial instruments for transition to a green economy
Beirut, 27 September 2011
Review and raise awareness regarding the concept of VSS and its potential contribution to enhancing market share and market access for products and commodities from the region; and propose a framework for developing an operational regional initiative that enhances sustainable agriculture through voluntary sustainability standards
Beirut, 28-30 September 2011
ESCWA will develop an Action Plan on Green Industries, notably Small and Medium Industries (SMIs) in partnership with the Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization (AIDMO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/ Regional Office for Western Asia, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the League of Arab States/ Technical Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment.
Workshop on Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development in the Arab Region
Jeddah, 3-5 October 2011
Discuss existing institutional framework in the Arab region and possible reforms to address emerging challenges of sustainable development; Develop an Arab position in relation to international environmental governance, in partnership with the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Training Session for Major Groups in the Arab Region
Cairo, 15 October 2011
Increase the awareness of major groups and other stakeholders about the themes of the Rio+20 Conference and build their capacity to engage with the UN
Civil Society Consultation Meetings on Rio+20:
Regional Multi-Stakeholder Meeting in the Arab Region
Regional Civil Society Consultation in Preparation for Rio+20
Major Groups consultation
Beirut, 12-13 October 2011
Consultation with Civil Society on Rio+20, in partnership with the Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND)
UAE, 9-10 October 2011
Consultation with civil society and major groups, led by UNEP
New York, 14 October 2011