Sustainable Development Update – 6 March 2014 – Sustainable Development Policy & Practice

Partnership for Action on a Green Economy Holds Inaugural Meeting

5_March_2014: The inaugural meeting of the UN-led Partnership for Action on a Green Economy (PAGE) explored national pathways and policies for the green economy, and provide guidance to governments on achieving a green economy transition. Over 30 ministers and high-level officials from more than two dozen countries met with UN officials, international experts, representatives from the business community and civil society.continued…

WUC Booklet Highlights Cities as Key to Sustainable Future

4_March_2014: Cities are key battlegrounds in global efforts to achieve a sustainable future, according to ‘The City We Need,’ a booklet launched by the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) on 4 March 2014, at UN Headquarters in New York, US. The booklet sets out a vision of the 21st century city, recommends nine principles for achieving sustainable urban development, and proposes a policy and legislative framework for a new urban paradigm. continued…

Former unfccc executive secretary Appointed GGGI Director-General

3_March_2014: Yvo de Boer, former executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and current KPMG Global Chair of Climate Change & Sustainability Services, has been appointed Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). De Boer will begin his four-year term on 15 April 2014. continued…

ecosoc Holds Organizational Activities for Development Segment

26_February 2014: The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) held an Operational Activities for Development segment, one of the first meetings of its 2014 substantive segment. Members discussed coherence, funding, and accountability and results of development activities, and looked for ways to bolster the Council’s role in the implementation of economic and social development, and environmental protection. continued…

adb Evaluation Calls for Focus on Socially Inclusive, Environmentally Sustainable Growth

4_March_2014: The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Independent Evaluation Department has released its mid-term review of the Bank’s operations, calling for a stronger focus on socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth. The recommended shifts are expected to support social inclusion through job creation and improving livelihoods, advance environmental care and climate action, and generate high growth. continued…

Special Rapporteur Issues Final Report on Right to Food

3_March_2014: UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Olivier De Schutter has submitted his final report, drawing conclusions from his mandate and focusing on the transformative potential of realizing the right to food. The Special Rapporteur’s report was issued ahead of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) session, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 3-28 March 2014. continued…