Sustainable Development Update – 26 November 2013 – Sustainable Development Policy & Practice

23_November 2013: Based on three consultations with civil society, the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS) has produced two papers to inform the fifth session of the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The issue briefs highlight recommendations from civil society members on macroeconomic issues and on energy, topics for discussion at OWG 5. continued…

22_November 2013: Several side events held in conjunction with the 19th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 19) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) made linkages between climate change and the UN’s post-2015 development agenda. continued…

22_November 2013: Launching the 2014 International Year of Family Farming (IYFF-2014) on 22 November 2013, the UN and global partners highlighted the crucial role of family farming in meeting the Zero Hunger Challenge, which aims to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, promotes equitable, sustainable food systems and gives priority to family farming. continued…

12_November 2013: The Third Green Industry Conference (GIC 2013) highlighted successes and policy challenges in promoting green industry concepts, and reaffirmed the importance of the Green Industry Platform. Conference participants considered green industry concepts in manufacturing, including more efficient use of energy and raw materials , eco-design and the sound management of chemicals and hazardous substances in processes, and the sound management of wastes. continued…

21_November 2013: Countries participating in the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) called for increased cooperation on water resources management during ‘SPECA week’ in Almaty, Kazakhstan. continued…

November_2013: The UN Technical Support Team (TST) has issued six briefs in preparation for the eighth session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Open Working Group (OWG) on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). OWG 8 will convene from 3-7 February 2014, in New York, US. continued…

November_2013: A global task force has issued guidelines for local government participation in the preparatory process for the Third UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in 2016. continued…