The first preparatory meeting of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development was held on 17-19 May, and saw an involved debate over the meaning of what a “green economy” should entail. While both developed and developing countries agreed on the need to bring economic policies more in line with the principles of sustainable development, developing countries voiced concern over the possibility of “green protectionism” in trade and new conditionalities in financing which could be a barrier to development.

Yemeni Ambassador Abdullah M. Alsaidi, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, argued that: “transition to a ‘green economy’ should not lead to conditionalities, parameters or standards which might generate unjustified or unilateral restrictions in the areas of trade, financing, ODA or other forms of international assistance. Illegitimate barriers to trade – tariff and non-tariff – could emerge if the discussions are geared towards or captured by protectionist interests, which might ultimately lead to ‘green protectionism’ proposals that would run counter to the multilateral trading system”.

The Group of 77 posed a number of further questions which they would like to see addressed at the summit, including: “How could the “green economy” approach contribute to the implementation of policies for poverty eradication and for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs, in particular MDGs 7 and 8? How can the concept advance the development, deployment, and transfer of sustainable, environmentally-sound technology, the sharing of know-how and the provision of new and additional financial resources, including increased ODA, to developing countries?”

Spain, on behalf of the European Union, said: “the EU and its Member States seek to engage in a constructive dialogue to develop a common understanding of the concepts related to the theme Green Economy in order to speed up subsequent action to implement policy measures and tools for greening the economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. Attention should be focused on instruments and actions which enable the transition to an economy which is compatible with sustainable development, taking into consideration the varying contexts in developing countries, emerging economies and developed countries”.

Following more preparatory meetings, the Conference is to be held in Brazil in 2012, marking the 20 year anniversary of the historic 1992 Rio Summit.

Source:

• Third World Network