Meeting Report

Post Rio+20 Meeting of Civil Society

and Trade Unions in Africa

Nairobi, 19-20 November, 2012

Jointly organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-

Stiftung and UNEP

Nairobi Safari Club (Lilian Towers),

Nairobi, Kenya

By Kevin Osido Esq, presented to

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung

1.0. INTRODUCTION

This report documents the issues and deliberations reached at a workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya

at Lillian Towers- Hotel on 19th – 20

th November 2012. It reflects the Civil Society and Trade

Union in Africa‘s perspective on the Post Rio +20 forum with a view to having the Civil Society

and Trade Unions play a key role in the implementation of the Rio +20 agreements.

The meeting brought together delegates from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania,

Zambia, Namibia and Kenya as the host country. There were also UNEP officials and the Kenya-

Ministry of Environment.

2.0. MEETING AGENDA

The agenda of the meeting was as follows:

2.1. Opening session

Welcome remarks by the Representative of FES, Peter Oesterdiekholf

Welcome remarks by the Representative of UNEP,

Opening address; The Environment Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral

Resources, Dr. Alice Kaudi

2.2. Session 1 - Setting the Scene: the Rio+20 Outcome Document ―The Future

We Want‖

Overall Presentation on the Rio+20 outcomes: what do they mean for Africa, and for its civil

society?, by Munetsi Madakufamba, SARDC

Presentation of the September 2012 AMCEN Meeting: what recommendations to the

AMCEN/African Union? by Joseph Mithika Mwenda, PACJA

Discussion – Question and answers

2.3. Session 2 – The Post-2015 Development Agenda and alternative

development models

The Post-2015 Development Agenda – Entry points for Major Groups and Stakeholders

Presentation by Fatou Ndoye, UNEP

Structural transformation and sustainable development in Africa Presentation by David

Owiro, IEA

2.4. Working Groups: From ―The Future We Want‖ to the Post-2015

development framework: what matters for Africa, for African civil society?

The working groups were to discuss and agree on recommendations/messages for African

Decision Makers on:

the implementation of the Rio + 20 outcomes [facilitator: Munetsi Madakufamba, SARDC];

the inter-linkages and synergies between the post Rio+20 and the post-2015 development

framework [facilitator: Mwangi Waituru, Beyond 2015]

Each working group would have a facilitator and select a rapporteur that would be part of a

drafting team that would finalise the key messages of the meeting.

2.5. Evening Session: Drafting Team session 1

The drafting team (facilitators and rapporteurs) would work on the final messages and produce a

declaration or a communiqué.

DAY II: 20th November 2012

2.6. Working Groups- continued

Session 3 – Report back from working groups

Discussion, question and answers

Session 4 - Strengthening Civil Society participation in UNEP‘s work in Africa

This session was facilitated by Gertrude Ngenda, UNEP, and also featured a presentation on UNEP‘s

work in the region. Participants then discussed potential opportunities for continuous engagement

with UNEP at the regional level.

Discussion, question and answers

2.7. In parallel: Drafting team meeting

Session 5 - Presentation of the final declaration or communiqué

The declaration or communiqué was finalised and adopted.

Closure and Cocktail

3.0. PRELIMINARIES

The meeting began with Mr. Alexander Juras, the Facilitator of the sessions bringing participants

to speed as he explained that the meeting was convened to enable participants to understand the

Rio +20 meeting in terms of what happened, the expectations and also what needs to be done

to keep the ball rolling. He added that for the two days of the meeting, participants will be

expected to form working groups which would then generate a document that would form the

next steps of engagement in the form of a communiqué or a memorandum. He then asked the

participants to take a few minutes to introduce themselves including the organizations that they

represent and their parent countries.

4.0. OPENING REMARKS

4.1. Resident Director of FES, Peter Oesterdiekholf

Invited the participants to the meeting

Thanked participants for taking their time to attend the Africa CSO Rio+20 meeting in

Nairobi.

Outlined the essence of the partnership between FES and UNEP in giving Africa Civil

Society Organizations and opportunity to also interact with the RIO+20 process

He wished the participants a productive 2 days.

The Resident Director of FES, Peter Oesterdiekholf makes his Meeting Remarks. Listening far right is Mr. Jiri Hlavacek,

Deputy Director, Division of Regional Cooperation, UNEP

1.1. Jiri Hlavacek, Deputy Director, Division of Regional Cooperation, UNEP

Indicated that this way a special meeting convened after other meetings regarding the

kind of future that is in store for Africa with the theme, ―the future we want‖

Asked the participants to commit to continue to implement the goals and realization of

agenda 21 which is on- going as outlined in the Outcome document- sustainable

development,

Also indicated that the upgrade of UN Office, otherwise called the ―Famous paragraph

88‖ had a concept of green economy and in pages 183- 18, there was a special mention

of Africa that governments and international community should endeavor to assist Africa

Africa was the second after Asian Pacific to host the African Ministerial Conference in

Arusha, Tanzania

The aim of this meeting was to deliver some part of the Rio+20 document which had 10

Flagship components, including the role of CSOs

Africa is ready to cooperate with other stakeholders in the realization of the

Environmental goals

UNEP will do its part in the family to realize the various goals including MDGs of 2002

UN Conference on Sustainable Development: Despite remarkable rates of Economic

growth in 2002 where GDP grew by 5.5%, in 2011 the GDP reduced to 2.7% so this is a

challenge not only to Africa but also to the global community

Sustainable concept is aimed at poverty eradication and despite negative impacts of

environment, Africa still continues to do what it can do regarding International

Community and cooperation and also Impacts of Climate change

NEPAD has various vision documents that have been picked up by countries such as

Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, and Nigeria among others.

Thanked these countries for such a strong force in striving to ensure sustainable

development

UNEP wants to be an active part in all this and the new MTP for UNEP 2013- 2017;

environment is key in these aspects

Encouraged the stakeholders to discover their role and ask for relevant assistance from

UNEP in achieving these goals

Mr. Hlavacek thanked all for coming and wished the participants fruitful discussions and also

thanked them for their desire to influence their work in a positive way.

1.2. Dr. Alice Kaudia: Environment Secretary, Ministry of Environment and

Mineral Resources

She started by informing the participants that she represented Kenya in the UN Forum on Forests,

where she was a Women Ambassador. He remarks caused laughter when she said that some of

the ways in which decisions have been taken have not been very effective as decision- makers

have made such decisions by emailed documents then people meet in New York in side meetings

after the meetings for major groups and ultimately decisions are made sometimes without the

views of the major common groups. She thanked FES and UNEP for putting up a meeting which

was different from the others.

Trade Unions and Civil Society are major groups that can transform the countries n Africa

CSOs have touch with the people that government policies are supposed to affect majorly

as they seek to translate them to the citizenry in languages that they can easily understand

Trade Unions ensure growth and development or upheavals through various means

These 2 governance institutions can anchor themselves to enable government to realize

Rio+20 so as to realize the agreed targets by talking about Green Economy; advocating

for Low carbon development, Cleaner consumption, Production and resource efficiency

Africa can become a creditor of natural resources to the development world or it can also

choose to continue in the nexus of poverty

Rio+20 was not necessarily about poverty eradication whereas some of these poverty

related issues can be dealt with through sustainable development

CSOs should support Africa in terms of how some of these targets can be met and they

also need to look towards ways of transitioning towards Green Economy.

Kenya began talking about renewable energy projects in 1982

Sustainable Development should be about leading a quality life and also having good

global economic relations

Africa is endowed with resources in Agriculture, Mining and Natural Resources these

should be used for changing the lives of the people

Pledges were made in billions towards for a series of projects and Africa needs to have a

strategy to negotiate for this and the CSOs and Trade Unions are key in this front

Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development; there should be governance and

organizational frameworks that will enable Africa to move forward

Africa is not short of laws and strategies, for example Kenya‘s Constitution provides for a

sustainable environment for all as a human right

On compliance, she indicated that

CSO and Trade Unions should engage the citizenry in helping them understand the

provisions

CSO should also assist governments in forming a clear definition of green economy, green

jobs and how this will guarantee good life to various groupings- women, youth, persons

with disability following the principle of common but differentiated capabilities andn

functions

CSO and governments should assess internal capabilities and move within those means to

attain a global vision

CSOs and governments should welcome the concept of Green Economy and proceed to

deal with the major issues – not definitions

Dr. Alice Kaudia: Environment Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources- Kenya, makes her remarks

during the meeting.

Kenya‘s Achievements:

Conducted a scoping study with the support of UNEP

Formulated a National Strategy guided by the principle failing to plan is planning to fail

Integrated national sectors to realize a set of objectives with defined set of technology

Agriculture is key and Kenya has taken on the Life Cycle of Value Chain concept

Formulated the National Climate response strategy in 2001

Currently analyzing SDGs goals and aligning them to the indicators of Green Economy

In finishing, Dr. Kaudia encouraged the participants to clearly document their challenges and

make good recommendations that will transform lives of the people. With these remarks, she

declared the workshop officially opened.

2.0. PRESENTATIONS

2.1. Setting the Scene: the Rio+20 Outcome Document ―The Future We

Want‖: Overall Presentation on the Rio+20 outcomes: what do they

mean for Africa, and for its civil society?; Munetsi Madakufamba,

Programmes Director & Deputy CEO; Southern African Research and

Documentation Centre (SARDC)

2.1.1. Rio+20 Outcome Document ―The Future We Want‖: A Critical

Review

Munetsi began by giving the ‗92 history of development which was hailed as a great success. The

next question which he posed to the participants was what has gone wrong 20 years on?. He

proceeded by adding that the world continues to face a multitude of challenges despite the

various principles and pledges made at the Earth Summit in 1992. Some of these crises include:

Energy crises

Food crises

Water scarcity

Land degradation

Biodiversity loss

Poverty

Climate change

Deforestation

Pollution

Financial and economic crises

Ocean acidification

High population growth

It was interesting to note that nowhere in the world are these crises more acute than in Africa!

Rio+20 Conference‘s two-pronged themes were:

1. A green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication;

2. The institutional framework for sustainable development

2.1.2. Objectives of Conference were:

a) Secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development;

b) Assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes

of the major summits on sustainable development; and

c) Address new and emerging challenges.

Expectations before the Conference; there was a reaffirmation of the original Rio principles and

commitments adopted 20 years ago. These included:

i. Common But Differentiated Responsibilities

ii. Provision of new and additional financial resources for sustainable development

iii. Provision of Technology transfer

iv. Recognition that the crises in environment and economy are even more serious today

than 20 years ago,

v. Adoption of new commitments by the political leaders that are adequate enough to

tackle these crises in a systematic way

vi. Agreement to significantly strengthen the institutions for addressing sustainable

development

vii. Strengthened UNEP with more resources

viii. Clear commitments to support developing countries to meet the sustainable development

agenda

ix. Launch a process on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the post 2015 period

which should interface meaningfully with the post -2015 MDG process

2.1.3. The Green Economy

The conference affirmed that there are different approaches, visions, models and tools available

to each country to achieve sustainable development, where Green economy is considered as one

of the important tools, guided by the Rio Principles, Agenda 21, the JPOI and contributing to the

MDGs. It was also expected to promote inclusive growth, strengthen finance and technology

transfer to developing countries, avoid aid and finance conditionalities. The conference also

resolved that GE should not be used for trade protectionism.

Munetsi believed that there are lingering fears that the concept could still be abused by the

developed countries to impose indirect trade barriers on the pretext of compliance with new

requirements during the global transition to the green economy.

Rio+20 further agreed that GE should help close North-South technology gaps, address poverty

and inequalities and promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. The UN system

and relevant donors were asked to coordinate and provide information on matching interested

countries with partners to provide requested support, toolboxes and best practices in applying

green economy policies and methodologies for evaluating policies.

Although Green Economy was the main topic of the Conference, it still remains debatable in the

outcome document what is the exact or agreed definition of Green Economy and therefore no

mutual understanding. Therefore, Munetsi urged African civil societies to be concerned that

without a common view on what Green Economy means; the deployment of the concept in the

African context would therefore remain questionable.

2.1.4. Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development (IFSD)

He indicated that the Conference agreed to set up a High-Level Political Forum on sustainable

development, to replace the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD). The CSD does not

have a mechanism for implementation and a financing element. It also fails to occupy a

particularly strategic space in the UN system, being a functioning commission of the ECOSOC.

There is thus the High-level political forum which should eventually replace the CSD. This High-

Level Political Forum would have a number of functions, such as:

Providing political leadership and recommendations for sustainable development;

Providing a platform for regular dialogue and agenda setting, considering new sustainable

development challenges;

Reviewing progress in implementation and improving coordination in the UN system;

Coming up with an action-oriented agenda for new and emerging challenges;

Following up on implementation of all the sustainable development commitments,

ensuring coordination within the UN system;

Promoting system-wide coherence and coordination of sustainable development policies.

2.1.5. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

He said that UNEP is not a specialized agency but a subsidiary programme, with no direct

communication channel to UN General Assembly. Rio+20 agreed that UNEP should be

strengthened and upgraded, including the establishment of a universal membership of its

Governing Council (that previously had only 58 members), provision of stable and adequate

financing and strengthening its regional presence.

At present, country offices in Africa are in Kenya (UNEP HQ), Ethiopia, and South Africa. He also

informed the participants that AMCEN has asked for establishment of five sub-regional offices in

Africa.

2.1.6. Means of Implementation (Finance, Technology Transfer and

Capacity Building)

The conference did not reaffirm provision for new financing for developing countries to meet

their sustainable development targets. No funds were allocated to finance projects in developing

countries; the leaders only reaffirmed that there is need for additional resources viz,

―We reaffirm that developing countries need additional resources for

sustainable development‖

The meeting was informed that developing countries backed a proposal for a US$30 billion

global fund for sustainable development, which was shot down by the EU before its merits could

even be discussed. The conference went as far as only agreeing that there would be a follow-up

process for finance and technology transfer after Rio+20.

2.1.7. Financing

Action was deferred to other fora e.g. an inter-governmental process was to start, under the

General Assembly to assess financing needs, existing frameworks and additional initiatives, to

prepare a report towards a Sustainable Development Financing Strategy for the mobilization of

resources. To this front, a committee of 30 experts nominated by regional groups will implement

this process and conclude its work by 2014. Mr. Munetsi thus concluded that therefore seems to

be no resources between now and 2014 while the process unfolds.

2.1.8. Technology Transfer

While emphasizing the need for Technology Transfer, the conference did not agree on how this

was to be done. UN agencies were requested to identify options for a facilitation mechanism to

promote development, transfer and dissemination of environmentally sound technologies by

assessing technology needs of developing countries, options to address them and capacity

building. The UN Secretary General was asked to make recommendations on this mechanism to

the General Assembly‘s 67th session (2013). Again, action on technology transfer was deferred to

other fora, just like finance.

In Conclusion, Mr. Munetsi indicated that overall, on Political Commitment; the conference

reaffirmed the original Rio Principles including CBDR except for commitments regarding new and

additional Financial Resources and Technology Transfer. However, some critics (China & G77-

including most of Africa) saw the outcome document text as having been constantly watered

down to the extent that it became a less effective declaration. Therefore the document has been

heavily criticized as having produced weak and non-binding commitments (e.g. littered with

language such as reaffirm, recognize, acknowledge, underscore, etc.)

He said that it was not surprising that Rio+20 has been criticized as having failed to come up

with clear actions towards SD. Some of the reactions from the globe that he shared included:

―Rio will go down as the hoax summit. They came, they talked, but they failed to

act.‖—Oxfam

―We didn‘t get the Future WE Want in Rio, because we do not have the leaders we need.

The leaders of the most powerful countries supported Business as Usual, shamefully

putting private profit before people and the planet.‖ – Green Peace

―We think the text contains a lot of action… and if follow-up measures are taken, it will

indeed make a tremendous difference in generating positive global change.‖ – Sha

Zukang, Rio+20 SG, in defence of the outcome document

He finished by saying that whether this will happen [follow-up action] remains a matter of

conjecture.

Plenary Reactions

Among some of the issues that were raised during plenary discussions included:

1. A participant wanted to know what has been done and achieved so far in line with the

Rio+20 implementations

2. Another participant wanted to know what African states have done to deal with the

pledges that were made citing that pledges were different from commitments; whether

there was a follow up mechanism to these pledges

3. Yet another participant indicated that this framework provides a chance for Africa to

develop herself through a sustainable development channel especially in dealing with

poverty eradication

In responding to these issues, Mr. Munetsi said that on matters to do with poverty eradication,

the was indeed in the courts of Africans themselves citing that it was going to be other states and

governments especially the International Community to deal with this matter on behalf of Africa.

Africa‘s Civil Society Organizations and Trade Unions were challenged to take this as a matter of

priority in their programming. He added that commitments need to be followed up and that

African governments should come up with a strategy that would enable them have a bargaining

power with the other communities especially the International Community.

A question that he posed that elicited debate was; ―Are CSOs spending energies enough and are

the proposals made being taken seriously?, Can a language that is clearly used be well understood

by Africa?. He indicated that it was among the CSOs and Trade Unions to determine the answers

to these questions but this has to be done in collaboration with the African governments.

Mitchelle Pressend from South Africa added that it was necessary that Africans use the spaces

available and reflect on what Vision we wish to take and take certain aspects that we feel are

diluted but are good for us. African governments must arise and block anything that they feel is

not facilitative enough such as a green capitalist economy. She indicated however that the

weakness is that both government and CSOs are not putting up what they want; that there were

no proposals whatsoever that these governments are willing to put up and use as tools of

negotiation. She wondered what African states are putting forward for returns of resources that

leave the continent to other places/ areas.

Bridget Mugambe from Uganda wondered why African states are being pushed towards SDGs

and from the trends of other International agreements, she was of the opinion that Africa needs

to look for her own solutions and her own means of achieving her own goals. She added that

Africa can be the creditor to the world.

George Ndungu from Kenya was of the opinion that from the presentation it looked like Africa

did not get what it wanted from Rio and that the EU shot down most of Africa‘s proposals for

what Africa wanted.

The responses for the above issues by Mr. Munetsi:

i. Africa needs to organize herself between now and the next major meeting so as to make

Africa‘s feelings known to the world

ii. Africa can be the creditor to the world; Africa isn‘t poor, with plenty of resources and we

need to tap them through home grown solutions with the available resources

2.2. Presentation of the September 2012 AMCEN Meeting: what

recommendations to the AMCEN/African Union?, Joseph Mithika

Mwenda, Coordinator and African representative, UNEP MGSF, Pan

African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA)

2.2.1. Background of AMCEN

AMCEN provides guidance with respect to key regional policies and initiatives related to

the environment. AMCEN-14 was held in Arusha, Tanzania on 10 – 14 September 2012.

The session consisted of two meetings:

1. A meeting of the expert group held from 10 to 12 September

2. A ministerial segment held on 13 and 14 September.

AMCEN-14 was held soon after the Rio+20, and thus was meant to provide guidance to

the continent with respect to the implementation of key outcomes of Rio+20.

The main objective of the session, held under the theme ―Africa‘s post Rio+20 strategy

for sustainable development‖ was, ― to provide a platform for African ministers of the

environment to deliberate on substantive issues of importance to Africa as a follow-up to

the key outcomes of the Rio+20 summit‖

2.2.2. The Civil Society process

UNEP Regional Office for Africa partnered with PACJA to host a pre-AMCEN Africa Civil

Society Consultative Workshop on 7 – 9 September 2012

119 participants from 35 countries participated in the CSOs workshop

The aim of the CSOs workshop was to build consensus of key NGOs issues to be

submitted to AMCEN-14

CSOs also interrogated the AMCEN-14 agenda with a view of identifying key areas they

could input – in 2 segments

2.2.3. The CSOS recommendations to AMCEN

1. Concern about single focus on issues:

African governments should strengthen their engagement with various Multilateral Environment

Agreements negotiations such as CBD, CCD and UNFCCC not only on scientific knowledge but

also on Justice and human rights - gender; land ownership, food sovereignty in their efforts to

integrate the Conventions into national laws as well as national sustainable development and

poverty reduction strategies.

2. Bottom-up not top-down to issues:

Governments should adopt a bottom-up participatory approach in designing of post-Rio Agenda.

―We are seeking to see the development of sustainable development goals that are realistic,

measurable and reportable and ensure that national consultative processes are held that are

characterized by broad based participation.‖, he said.

3. Harmony with Mother Nature vs ―Africa We Want.‖

He said that it is possible to eradicate poverty, hunger, and injustice in a sustainable manner that

will not disturb the harmony between nature and humanity; adding that this is possible if we

commit to work together – leaders and the citizens, local communities, civil society, private

sector and other relevant stakeholders to create the conditions and mechanisms that will

guarantee the fulfilment of the vision of the ―Africa We Want.‖

Mr. Mithika Mwenda finished his presentation by indicating that, ―life is a struggle and... Never

ever give up.‖

Plenary Discussions

The following issues were raised in plenary during the discussions on this presentation:

Mr. Kingsley Ofei from Gahana challenged the participants to stop agonizing and organize for

Africa. He added that Africa needs capacity building and also indicated that normally CSO

doesn‘t engage with the government and that moving forward; there was need for an open door

for engagement between African CSOs, Trade Unions and the governments. He wondered why

oil resources were getting discovered in most African countries yet African states were silent on

what this would mean especially regarding the talks about Green Economy.

Another participant wondered why Africa was recording lots of economic growth, yet

unemployment levels among the youth was amazingly increasing unimpressively?. How therefore

would we factor in jobs and livelihoods for the people?

Michelle Pressend: How does the CSO work on other things other than engaging and working

with governments?, among CSOs, there are capacity and resource issues, but we need to do more

work in our own countries so as to have them take recommendations that we can make to the

higher levels- ILO, WTO, UN etc. She added that CSOs need to get more organized as to hold

governments more accountable.

2.2.4. Responses from Mwenda:

Mr. Mwenda indicated that he would not adequately respond to all these issues but that he

would encourage various Civil Society Organizations and Trade Unions to do what they can to

ensure that Africa achieves what it wants, however, he said that engagement is quite a complex

issue, especially between various CSOs and the governments. ―Where do we have the space to

operate?, he wondered. He added that the contexts are different from one country to the other

for example in Kenya where CSO have come up loudly to speak on various isseues compared to

Ethiopia where CSOs do not have a voice. He encouraged the participants to treat various

countries differently and operate within their contexts. Making reference to the Friends of the

Earth Network, he challenged participants to borrow a leaf from Germany and how the

organizations there collaborate in doing and achieving what they want.

A participant, Glenn wanted to know whether the outcomes of AMCEN are legally binding and

why did they have some meetings closed for CSOs and allow them to only participate in working

groups? He also wanted to know how CSOs and Trade Unions can improve their collaboration

with AMCEN?. He also advised that as much as AMCEN discusses sustainable development, there

was also need to have technical people on environment.

Mr. Mithika responded by indicating that AMCEN has had several engagement meetings in 2008

held in South Africa, 2009- Mali, 2010- Tanzania, which have made very good resolutions.

However, AMCEN is not a recognized organ at the AU; it is just a group of Ministers whose

outcomes depend on the willingness of the governments to take up and implement.

Afternoon Session: 212PM

The participants resumed at 1412Hrs. The session had two other presentations after which

participants went for working groups.

3.0. Afternoon Presentations

3.1. Expectations of African Civil Society Towards the Post 2015 Development

Agenda Post Rio+20 Meeting of Civil Society and Trade Unions in Africa;

Mwangi Waituru, Beyond 2015 Co-Chair; Seed Institute/GCAP Kenya

National Coordinator

Mwangi Waituru began his presentation by asking the participants to jot down what they think

the framework to be adopted should contain. Participants brainstormed in twos and thereafter,

the following responses were raised, that

3.1.1. The framework for Post 2015 should have:

i. A paradigm shift where the next framework should take on employment, job creation,

ii. be a framework that is consultative

iii. Follow up mechanism by both stakeholders – Governments and Civil Societies

iv. Inclusive , with all participating

v. A monitoring system within the framework

vi. Sustainability measures

vii. Bottom- Up approach and not as it has been Up- Bottom

viii. Priority areas by governments guided by outcome documents

In his presentation he asked whether the process through which MDGs were developed would be

repeated today?

3.1.2. The diagram below shows the process

Referring to the political context, he indicated that the MDGs emerged at a time of relative

stability, prosperity and coherence. Western economies were on the rise, the G7 was a dominant

force in international diplomacy and consensus on development issues had been building

throughout the 1990s. The conditions were relatively good for forging agreement on global

targets for development. Today, in contrast, the financial crisis has rocked faith in long-

established economic thinking, international power has become more diffuse and multi-polar,

and climate change promises difficult times ahead. He added that this was a much more

challenging, complex and unpredictable context in which to negotiate an international

framework after 2015.

He indicated that the Group of Africa wide CSOs were coalescing to work on post MDGs and

that some of the activities they conducted include dialogues and round table discussions held in

Dakar, Nairobi, Addis and Monrovia. Other actions included a Presidential visit, meetings with

Amina Mohammed, breakfast with Betty Maina and other HLP members, Press release on the

HLP appointment and Women information brief. In addition, they had also held Two days

regional wide women‘s rights organisation consultation and Africa Wide Consultation on Post

2015.

6.1.3. Some of the fundamental questions emerging from these meetings included:

1. What is post 2015 framework for? Is it just to succeed MDGs? Create new power

relations? Address the solving of global problems facing us today or Redefine global

power relations?

2. Global goals or national goals? – (Key principles include ‗common but differentiated

responsibilities‘, ‗no one size fit all‘)

3. How will the goals be financed? - (local mobilization of resources?)

4. A political break through outcome or another high level diplomatic document

5- The Question of reductionist/progressive realization Vs Elimination approach?

6- How do we achieve Integration/holistic approach without having fall-offs of important

issues or end up with one size fits all

7- Two strands (Set of SDGs and MDGs) Vs a single strand of an overarching framework

8- Develop a priority list or draw a collage

9- Bidding Vs Non- bidding framework

Mwangi made references to the Christmas tree, jigsaw or bullseye? A rough guide to post-2015

frameworks by Claire Melamed where he discussed three different frameworks:

1. The Christmas tree. Lots of people are lobbying for their particular issue to be given its

own goal

2. The Jigsaw. There‘s a second set of ideas which involves a framework organized

around a few core objectives, aimed at solving a number of big global problems

simultaneously

3. The Bullseye. This type of framework involves narrowing down the agenda even

more, and focusing on one single global problem

For references: http://generationdevelopment.org/christmas-tree-jigsaw-or-bullseye-a-rough-

guide-to-post-2015-frameworks/

3.1.3. UN Task Team‘s Post 2015 Development agenda proposed format

(as in the diagram below)

Further, he also shared some of the findings of the UN Post 2015 report, which acknowledges the

highly interdependent nature of current global challenges and thus advocates for a new, more

holistic approaches to address them. Among the main recommendations included in the first

report include:

A vision for the future that rests on the core values of human rights, equality and

sustainability. An agenda format based on concrete end goals and targets organized along

four key dimensions of a more holistic approach such as (1) inclusive social development;

(2) inclusive economic development; (3) environmental sustainability; and (4) peace and

security.

To realize the future we want for all, a high degree of policy coherence at the global,

regional, national and sub-national levels will be required. Mwangi indicated that the

core set of ―development enablers‖ can be identified as a guide for such policy coherence.

He noted that in setting the agenda, it should be recognized that one size does not fit all. Hence,

the agenda should leave ample space for national policy design and adaptation to local settings,

but be guided by the overall vision and its underlying principles. The post-2015 UN development

agenda should be conceived as a truly global agenda with shared responsibilities for all countries.

3.1.4. Priority list from the Nakuru CSOs meeting

(Good Governance)

1- Food Security and Agriculture

2- Health

3- Security

4- Education

5- Infrastructure

6- Environmental Sustainability

7- Poverty Reduction

8- Trade and Industrialization

9- Gender Equality

10-Empowerment of Vulnerable

Groups

1-Good governance

2-Agriculture

3-Health

4-Environmental conversation

5-Security

6-Technological development

7-Education

8-Infrustructure

9-Gender

10-Fair trade and Partnership

This list he said meant the following:

• live saving component

• A component of ensuring those above the poverty line remain above the poverty line

• a component of sustainability

3.1.5. Vision, Purpose and Principles of the Framework

On Vision, Purpose and Principles of the Framework, Mwangi was of the view that:

1. The ‗vision‘ that the whole framework should be working towards is that of a broader

state that we want the world to be in. Mwangi said that the framework would

contribute to the vision, but it does not have sole responsibility for bringing it about.

2. The ‗purpose‘ of the framework he said is the particular role that the framework has

which should describe exactly how the framework is going to contribute towards the

vision.

3. The framework should be designed in such a way so it can fully achieve this purpose

adding that the ‗principles‘ should underpin the whole framework and be reflected

throughout its whole structure and also the ‗criterion‘ by which we can evaluate

proposed specific goals.

These he said must enable the CSOs to make a systematic assessment of whether a proposed goal

is a strong option for a post-2015 framework.

3.1.6. Section 2: Beyond 2015 Global Campaign

Beyond 2015 brings together more than 270 organisations from around 70 countries over the

world; 25 Africa, 22 Europe, 12 Americas and 10 from Asia-Pacific.

3.1.7. Influencing strategy 2012

2012 Key advocacy goals include:

The UN has initiated a strong, legitimate and inclusive process of post-2015 planning and

is leading this process.

Global civil society is supported to develop clear and coherent tasks.

Beyond 2015 is the connecting global campaign.

Rio +20 is a key milestone.

3.1.8. The aims of beyond 2015 Vision:

A global, overarching, cross-thematic framework post-2015

A participatory and inclusive process responsive to the voices of those affected by

poverty and injustice

3.1.9. Beyond 2015 essential must-haves

Leadership

Legitimacy

Substance

Accountability

Beyond 2015 essential must- haves as discussed:

3.1.9.1. Leadership

He indicated that there was need to understand who leads, who owns and who implements?

Mwangi added that the UN is the only legitimate and representative global governance structure

and must lead the process. National governments must have primary ownership of, and

accountability for the framework and its delivery. Governments should make use of local

expertise, but must also be able to request external expertise without sacrificing control of their

development strategy, and international institutions must respect and support, as appropriate to

their mandate, existing national development frameworks.

3.1.9.2. Substance

The framework must address:

Root causes of poverty and injustice in all countries, from the richest to the poorest.

Inequity and inequality.

Environmental sustainability and climate change.

The responsibility of national governments to sustainably manage their natural and

financial resources.

The responsibility of the international community to support developing countries in the

face of global challenges through respecting their ODA commitments as well as through

innovative redistributive funding mechanisms which would generate additional predictive

finance.

The responsibility of developing country governments to deliver on development

commitments.

3.1.9.3. Legitimacy

The development of the framework must be based on a full and meaningful evaluation of

the MDGs and the Millennium Declaration, and must take into account the shortcomings

of the MDG approach and its limitations in addressing structural causes of poverty,

inequality and exclusion. It must also recognize the positive achievements of the MDGs.

The development of the framework must be completely open and transparent,

participatory, inclusive and responsive to voices and expertise of those directly affected

by poverty and injustice.

The framework must clearly lay out enforceable accountability mechanisms, as well as the

process for accountability at a national, regional and global level. This must include

national oversight and independent review mechanisms at the international level.

The framework must include mechanisms for mutual accountability between

governments and donors.

The framework must include monitoring mechanisms with measures to disaggregate data

so that the impact on marginalized groups can be properly addressed.

3.1.10. Sustainable development Goals

Mwangi proposed that the SDGs should address the following key areas:

Commodity Markets and Policies

Poverty

Consumption

Demographic Dynamics &

Sustainability

Protecting and Promoting Human Health

Sustainable Human Settlement Development

Integrating Environment & Development in Decision-Making Climate Change Mitigation

and Adaption

Land resources, deforestation and desertification

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security

Biological diversity Protection of the oceans and freshwater resources

He added that Colombia had proposed a set of SDGs as an input into the Rio+20 conference,

aiming to translate the Green Economy / Sustainable Development debate into tangible goals.

The SDGs would be based on Agenda 21 given that it already maps requirements for sustainable

development. An example that he gave was the Colombian proposal which suggests a focus on

the following:

1. Reduce poverty -Improving living standards for the poor

2. Assure Adequate Food and Safe Water- Eradicating hunger; reducing obesity; and

ensuring safe water for drinking and sanitation.

3. Achieve Universal Literacy - Ensuring citizens have the basic skills to contribute to their

societies

4. Promote Healthier Lives - Reducing diseases and preventable deaths

5. Reduce Violence - Protecting citizens—particularly women, children and vulnerable

groups—from violence and the threat of violence

6. Promote Gender Equality -Empowering women and eliminating discrimination against

women and girls

7. Improve Environmental Sustainability -Ensuring better management of the earth‘s

limited resources

8. Achieve Universal Connectedness - Creating ties that bind

9. Improve Disaster Reduction& Crisis Management - Increasing capabilities to deal with

disasters and crises

10. Civil and Political Rights - fulfilling people‘s right to be politically active and engaged

in decision-making

11. Good and Equitable Global Governance - Ensuring fair participation, transparency and

accountability in international institutions

12. Equitable Economic Rules

On the other hand, Mwangi indicated that the human wellbeing on Post 2015 should address the

following:

Material living standards

Health

Education

Personal activities including work

Political voice and governance

Social connections and relationships

The present and future environment

Security, both economic and physical

For more information, he asked participants to visit the site: www.beyond2015.org.

3.2. The Post-2015 Development Agenda and alternative development models:

Structural transformation and sustainable development in Africa; David Owiro,

IEA

David compared the past development track records of Africa viz- a- viz the current economic

trends.

Economic growth was fast rising

Urban population growth was also on the rise

The youth would form 30% of the population by 2050

Impact of global crisis was worse but African countries showed resilience

3.2.1. 4 types of economies

1. Weaker fundamentals; are economies that dependent on one commodity such as Angola,

Chad, DRC among others

2. Very strong economic fundamentals; that dependent on one commodity such as

Botswana, Cameroon, Algeria

3. Weaker fundamentals; those that have the potential of being strong but remain weak

such as Tanzania, Ghana, Ethiopia among others

4. Stronger fundamentals but less dependent on one commodity such as Tunisia, Kenya,

Uganda

David proposed that for a structural transformation and sustainable development to be realized

in Africa, there should be

less economic resources spent and used to increase output

Africa should aim at increasing the chart of GDP shares among its states

a clearly defined role of the state in Economic Development which should be aimed at

changing the lives of the African people

Effective integration requirements that should also aim at high standards- here he made

reference to Oxfam estimates on adaptation rates, some of which he said do not bring ou

very good stories for Africa

A clear negotiation between Africa and the International Community especially regarding

Africa‘s sources of energy and what Africa gets

Africa should not be blind to Global technological trends which could quickly facilitate its

economic development

On Policy options, he indicated that Africa has been more resilient to shocks in terms of

improved trade partnerships and increased fiscal balances. The Hibid Initiative should see to it

that debt levels are decreased. He added that politically, the economies are much more stable

than before due to policy frameworks that create subsidies for economic involvement and also a

favourable economic environment.

3.3. The Post-2015 Development Agenda and the Future We Want For All:

Entry points for Major Groups and Stakeholders Branch, Fatou Ndoye,

UNEP

The following were the major highlights of Fatou‘s presentation as background on the UNEP

engagement and stakeholder groups as follows:

In January 2012, Post-2015 UN System Task Team was established by the Secretary-

General according to the UN system report on Post-2015 Development Agenda (June

2012).

The High Level Panel of Eminent Persons on the Post-2015 Development Agenda was

appointed

The HLP is expected to present its final report in May 2013.

In 2013, the UN General Assembly high level summit is expected to review progress of

the MDGs.

3.3.1. Below are diagrammatic presentations of the Post 2015 Process and

Post 2015 Agenda

Fatou added that:

There have been various National consultations at various levels

More are expected to be convened between May 2012 to the first quarter of 2013

These conventions are supposed to:

o ensure participation of all stakeholders:

o Facilitate the inclusion of voices of poor people and those that are vulnerable.

58 countries have been ear- marked for a representative sample across several dimensions

(regional, country typology, and different types of development challenges). Among the

African countries selected include: Angola, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Congo

DRC, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria,

Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia

These countries are supposed to undertake thematic consultations.

The UN Development Group has so far conducted 11 global thematic consultations.

3.3.2. The Objectives of these consultations are to:

‗catalyze inclusive conversations and bottom-up feedback on the post-2015

Development Agenda‘

Facilitate an open dialogue

Review progress on MDGs

Discuss options for a new framework

3.3.3. The Cross-cutting elements identified include:

• Gender equality

• Young people

• Human rights

• Inequalities

• Global partnerships

• Water

• Inequalities

• Health

• Growth & Employment

• Governance

• Energy

• Education

• Population Dynamics

• Food security and nutrition

• Conflict & Fragility

• Environmental Sustainability

3.3.4. The following diagram represents the Environmental Sustainability

Thematic Consultation Roadmap

3.3.5. Environmental Sustainability Thematic Consultation Timelines and

Key Milestones

Further information, she asked the participants to visit the following sites:

www.worldwewant2015.org

Post 2015 National Consultations Guidelines:

www.undg.org/docs/12532/POST%202015%20-%20ENGLISH%20-%20July%2008.pdf

Beyond 2015 CSO Campaign: www.beyond2015.org

ODI Blog: http://post2015.org/

UN Post 2015 Task Team Orientation Report:

www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/Poverty%20Reduction/Realizing%20the%20f

uture%20we%20want.pdf

4.0. WORKING GROUPS

After these presentations, participants were asked to form two groups that would make up the

working groups that would generate the key recommendations and establish a position/

messages/ declaration of the CSOs and Trade Unions on Rio+20. The broad question to all the

working groups was: From ―The Future We Want‖ to the ―Post-2015 development framework:

what matters for Africa, for African civil society?‖

The working groups were expected to discuss and agree on recommendations/messages for

African Decision Makers on:

A. the implementation of the Rio + 20 outcomes facilitated by Munetsi Madakufamba,

SARDC and

B. the inter-linkages and synergies between the post Rio+20 and the post-2015 development

framework; facilitated by Mwangi Waituru, Beyond 2015.

Each working group had a facilitator and a Rapporteur who were also part of a drafting team

that finalised the key messages of the meeting.

DAY 11: 20

th November 2012

The day began with the delegates proceeding with the working groups. It was meant to

concentrate on the topic of Strengthening Civil Society participation in UNEP‘s work in Africa. In

parallel was the drafting team meeting which was expected to generate the Outcome Document

of the meeting.

This session was facilitated by Gertrude Ngenda, UNEP, and also featured a presentation on

UNEP‘s work in the region. Delegates then discussed potential opportunities for continuous

engagement with UNEP at the regional level.

4.1. Gertrude Ngenda‘s presentation on UNEP‘s work in the region.

The Medium Term Strategy (MTS) 2010-2013 defines the vision of UNEP to be:

A leading global env. Authority that sets a the env. Agenda, promotes coherent

implemetation of the env. Dimension of SD within the UN system and is the

authoritative advocate for the Global Env.

Significally enhances UNEP‘s capacity to deliver on the Bali Strategic Plan for

Technology and Capacity Building

Further embracing UNEP‘s role as the Environment programme of the United

Nations

Ensues UNEP‘s intertventions are foundaed on Sound Technology and science

Fully implemeting results based management

Enables UNEP to deliver its mandate effectively

And make a transformative difference

4.1.1. UNEP PROGRAMME OF WORK (PoW)

Includes 6 sub programmes that align with the MTS cross-cutting thematic priorities (2010 -2013)

from:

1. Early warning and assessment

2. Environmental law and conventions

3. Environmental Policy and Implementation

4. Technology, Industry and Economics

5. Regional Cooperation and Coordination

6. Communication and Public Information

4.1.2. Regional Office for Africa

One of the 5 UNEP Regional Offices

ROA, ROE, RONA, ROAP, ROWA

Headed by the Regional Director, Deputy – Director Has

Technical Experts each heading a Sub programmes

Sub Regional Coordinators – Five Regional Blocs

Delivering as One – Coordination and Communication Team

Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Coordination

2 Conventions (Abidjan & Nairobi) on marine and Coastal Management & Africa SIDS

MEA Focal points (CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD etc.,)

Poverty and Environment Programme (PEI) and Kenya Country Programme

Has been strengthened based on a GC Decision

4.1.3. UNEP‘s activities in Africa

Activities are within the MTS Six Thematic Priority Areas (CC, EMS,EG,HS&HW, RE and

the Regional Office Specific

o Programmatic (ROA specific) incharge of:

Communication and Outreach

Poverty and Environment Initiative – Africa

Kenya Country Programme

Other activities include Ministerial position for AMCEN where UNEP is the Secretariat,

AMCOW, HESA, FEMA, MEPF, RCM, GGW, AU / NEPAD, GEI, CSD processes (RIO+20)

Mandate to work in African Countries = demand driven interventions on Climate

Change

Integration of Climate Change responses into Regional, Sub Regional and National

Development Processes

Focusing on Ecosystems Based Adaptation on highly vulnerable ecosystems to reduce

vulnerability & build resilience (mega deltas, dry-lands, low lying coastal areas)

Clean Technology – Financing for cleaner energy goods & services

Reducing Emissions – sound policies, REDD+, renewable & efficient / alternative

technologies,

Supporting CDM, Cleaner fuel – lead phase out and sulphur reduction in fuels

Non-motorised transport

Comprehensive communication & outreach

Support to National level processes (UNCT/UNDAF) etc

Support to AMCEN Climate Change Programme

Support to the African Negotiations / Negotiators on CC for a Common African Position.

Framework of Climate Change programmes for the five Sub Regional Blocks

African processes on developing climate change frameworks made gender responsive.

Comprehensive CC Programme for Africa including Communication and Outreach

Strategy

Technical Support to the countries during the COP‘s

Partnership building

4.1.4. Disaster Management

Minimizing threats to human well being from the impacts of natural and human made disasters

and conflicts

Risk assessment to inform and guide policy & planning on key environmental risks and

threats

Disaster & conflict prevention for mitigation measures

Early warning on environmental risks of disasters

Strategies to inform national and Regional strategies

Mitigating for possible impacts

Environmental Cooperation and Peace building

Environmental diplomacy

Sustainable buildings and Construction

4.1.5. Ecosystem Management (EMS)

Ensuring the holistic management of land, water and living resources to promote conservation

and sustainable use

Focus on countries with rich biodiversity (Forests, mountains, Parks), high water stress

(Lakes and River Basins), recurrent food shortages (Dry lands) & the socio economy

of ecosystems

Productivity of the Ecosystems – Food Security

Mainly trans boundary ecosystems

Facilitate policy to promote Environment for development &

Biodiversity as a functioning system

CB for testing tools and methodologies

Provides technical support to the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW)

Support to Sub Regional /National Level processes

4.1.6. Environmental Governance (EG)

Strengthening global, regional, national and local environmental governance to address agreed

environmental priorities

Provides environmental information to governments for Decisions making

Guidance in translation of International conventions, formulation of laws & regulations

Enhancement of Global and Regional Environmental Cooperation

CB in the strengthening of processes, laws and institutions (Judiciary, police etc)

Brings environmental trends to the attention of policy makers (Atlases, EO‘s, Alerts,

Indicators)

Creates &maintains scientific networks and outreach

Support to Ministerial Fora, Policy dialogues with MGS

Supports the GC/ GMEF, Negotiators and Negotiations

Support to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs)

One UN and UNDAF processes

4.1.7. Harmful Substances and Hazardous Wastes (HS &HW)

Minimising the impact of harmful substances and hazardous waste on the environment and

people

Provides support in Institutional Strengthening of various countries to effectively

implement Montreal Protocol Activities through creation and management of National

Ozone Units. Twenty eight (52) in Africa

Assists countries develop and implement Terminal Phase out Management Plans (TPMP)

for major Ozone Depleting Substances resulting in most African achieving total phase out

of CFCs, Halons and CTCs (solvents)

Assists countries to prepare plans to accelerate the phase out of HCFC in line with

decision of the Meeting of the Parties to Montreal Protocol (freeze in imports and

consumption of HCFC by 1st January 2013 and further 10% reduction by 2015

Secretariat to SAICM, Mercury and OZONE and supports national implementation of

associated programmes

Facilitates access to International finance

Conducts Scientific assessments & analysis to inform policy and create awareness

Facilitates development and adoption of technologies for disposal & management of

HS&HW and builds national capacity

Strengthened cooperation and collaboration with sub-regional organisations and other

international organisations – Hosts the HESA initiative

4.1.8. Resource Efficiency (Sustainable Consumption & Production)

Reducing the adverse environmental impacts of producing, processing and using goods and

services

Assessments to strengthen the scientific base & assess trends on how resources are used in

the global economy.

Strengthening & communicating knowledge for RE & SCP

Support to National/local SCP programmes and action plans

Support to the Cleaner Production Centres

Extending partnerships with Industry & businesses for Cleaner Production

Various activities under the Marrakech Task Forces

Facilitation of Regional Processes on SCP - CSD, ARSCP,

Mobilisation of Private Sector to Support SCP

Facilitation of the implementation of the Green Economy Initiative in Africa

Development of tools to advance the RE agenda in Africa

Exchange of information and Best Practices

4.1.9. Programmatic (ROA) Communication and Outreach

Development and implementation of the Awareness and Outreach Activities

Development and implementation of Communication Strategies for the

Ministerial Forums

Contribution towards visibility and media related aspects of the Ministerial

Forums

Develops Capacity Building workshops for journalists

Implementation of outreach activities involving major groups

Production of awareness materials

Outreach and Awareness activities for Major Events (World Environment Day,

Ozone, Water etc

Manages the ROA Website and Databases, publications

Undertakes the Public information for the Regional Office

4.1.10. Programmatic (ROA) Kenya Country Programme (as an Example)

Kenya Country Programme undertakes UNEP‘s activities at the Kenya National level in all the

Programme areas

Engages and collaborates with Government ministries departments & MGS on

topical issues e.g. development of national climate change and adaptation strategy

Enhances UNEP‘s visibility at International Forums i.e International Biodiversity

Day, World Environmental Day and World water Day and other key events

Provides technical inputs into the MTIF, the work of the UNCT and the

Environment Donor Coordination Group forum to address Env issues i.e. climate

change, forest rehabilitation and restoration of the Nairobi river.

Facilitated the Mau Dialogue

Participation in the Kenya One UN Programme & the UNCT

Participation in MGS activities at national level

4.1.11. AMCEN Flagships

Approved at the last AMCEN Meeting

Currently being developed and refined in consultation with the AU/NEPAD and the ECA

UNEP will give the technical support to the flagship programmes

Will be aligned with the NEPAD EAP and the Africa Environment Platform

Will also be aligned to the UNEP thematic areas, AUC and those areas identified by the

various processes

4.1.12. Partnerships with MGS

UNEP has developed strategic partnerships with key organizations

UN agencies, Bilaterals and Multilaterals, CSO‘s, Private Sector, Educational Institutions,

Governmental and Non- governmental agencies

At various levels International, Regional, sub regional, National and Sub national

to ensure a continuous involvement of Partners (MGS) including CSO in shaping UNEP‘s

policies and programmes

To ensure the full and effective engagement in Africa‘s environmental agenda through the

African Regional Major Groups and Stakeholders Consultative meetings (RCMs)

RCM‘s provide a platform for exchange and consultation among civil society on key

environmental issues, in preparation for UNEP‘s Sessions of the Governing Council /

Global Ministerial Environment Forum;

and the Major Groups' contribution to the GMSF

4.1.13. How Major Groups and Stakeholders Collaborate with UNEP

Opportunities for resource mobilization at country level increasing, as some governments

& other donors have decentralized decision-making on allocation of funding to country

regional level activities

Assisting with priority setting during programme formulation at GC and through

Ministerial Fora

Directing policy at national, regional and Global level through the GC/ GMEF, GMGSF

and RCMs

Assist in Promoting synergy and coherence in the UNEP Programmes and other UNEP

activities at the various levels

Complementarities with the work of other UN agencies at Country level i.e. UNDP in

many African countries

4.1.14. How Major Groups and Stakeholders Collaborate with UNEP

Outreach and awareness of UNEP‘s PoW & activities

Directing policy at national, sub regional and Regional level (National Chapters, REC‘s,

NEPAD, AUC, UNECA, Ministerial For a, Intergovernmental Processes)

Fundraising through National Processes ( MGS national Chapters and UNEP national focal

points etc)

Membership to the various UNEP Scientific bodies and committees (SC,

SBSTTA,SBSTA,ATRP, IPSRM etc)

Assist with creating partnership with other Implementing Agencies in the countries to

increase the impact of UNEP‘s activities.

Assistance with enhancing the Political Capital and information sharing with MGS

organisations

Outreach and awareness of the work of UNEP at key forums

Brokering knowledge and Gap Filling

5.0. GROUP PRESENTATIONS

This session marked the reports from the Working Groups which were expected to discuss and

agree on recommendations/messages for African Decision Makers on the following topics:

1. the implementation of the Rio + 20 outcomes facilitated by Munetsi Madakufamba,

SARDC and

2. the inter-linkages and synergies between the post Rio+20 and the post-2015

development framework; facilitated by Mwangi Waituru, Beyond 2015.

5.1. Group One Presentation

In respect of Rio+20 (―The Future We Want‖ outcomes document) the group noted that:

1.1. ―The Future We Want‖ fell short of commitments for action in respect of Africa and the

needs and demands of Africa‘s people, as reflected in paragraph 184., which records

Africa‘s progress but fails to articulate any specific, time-bound or measurable actions in

support of these efforts being undertaken by Africa;

1.2. The reference to ―Green Economy‖ (paragraph 56.) fails to meaningfully engage with the

proposals for a just and equitable development system, based on the principles contained

in the Rio 1992 Declaration.

1.3. The undertaking to create an enabling environment for technology transfer and

―international cooperation to promote investment in science, innovation and technology

for sustainable development‖, as well as recognising the importance of ―strengthened

national, scientific and technological capacities‖;

1.4. The process to establish an intergovernmental process under the auspices of the General

Assembly to assess financing needs and frameworks, which however repeats other similar

processes and fails to provide significant implementation of the 0.7% funding

commitments for ODA;

1.5. Paragraph 277. Refers to ―Capacity Building‖ without sufficient recognition of the

limitations and barriers that exist for effective implementation, which extends beyond the

scope of ―capacity building‖. Much of the ―capacity building‖ is ineffective and

inappropriate, reinforcing and strengthening the systemic and structural limitations to

implementation;

1.6. Good governance is widely referred to throughout the text. In absence of good

governance architecture for sustainable development at global, regional and national

level effective implementation of the three pillars remains difficult.

In respect of the MDGs and Post-2015 Development Agenda, they noted that:

1. MDG‘s wasn‘t Africans countries idea‘s;

2. The MDGs had a positive impact on the poor in Africa in terms of focused global attention

and mobilizing resources on the most pressing development needs such maternal health and

child mortality. None-the-less, the discourse was marred with shortcomings that range from a

reductionist nature of the set of goals to a lack of participation in their development.

3. Cases of success are matched with higher cases of failure on MDGs across different groups,

countries, targets, etc

4. The populations they work with have taught them that they do not want hand-outs, they

want an opportunity to enjoy a decent life of dignity for themselves. They are calling for a

framework that will change the rules of the game.

5. Hence, in reflecting on the linkage between Post Rio and Post MDGs, they took note of the

following issues;

1) Concerned that Africa is disillusioned by decades of Broken Promises during which the

leaders, governments and institutions of the world have failed the planet and its people; a

failure that is endemic and chronic, continuous and entrenched in the operations and

activities of world leaders and global institutions where fear, cowardice and short-term

expediency overwhelms‘ our leaders;

2) Aware that lack of accountable and good governance at both the national and

international levels remains a major stumbling block to achieving the commitments and

targets of both the Rio and MDG agenda‘s.

3) And angered by the fact that, though the notion of participation of the vulnerable

groups, youth, minorities woman and marginalized groups and the population at large

has been widely accepted, it is only partially and mechanically implemented both at the

international and national levels. Without people‘s participation developmental outcomes

will always be viewed as imposed from above and consequently not enjoy the full

confidence of people on the ground.

4) Observing that the obsession with growth as measured by GDP growth results in

inequitable, skewed and environmentally harmful development, a type of growth which

undermines the rights of people, and in particular vulnerable groups such as local

communities and indigenous peoples.

5) Being aware that multiple crises (finance, environment, food security) are undermining

communities‘ livelihoods and capacity to adjust to climate change, and that a minimum of

social protection for the greater majority of citizens is not yet guaranteed.

6) Realizing that lack of financial commitments by the developed countries has undermined

the achievement of MDGs and Agenda 21 and implementation at the national level.

7) Insisting that in terms of Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration access to public information

and information sharing is essential to the implementation of National Sustainable

Development Plans, which are continuously ignored by most States.

8) Being concerned that traditional, indigenous and local knowledge are increasingly under

threat by inappropriate and harmful technological practices and dumping of excess

capacity of industrialised countries, e.g. ―green piracy‖, carbon trading, genetically

modified seeds and products, industrial pesticides and fertilizers, which in effect reduce

traditional and indigenous knowledge and practices.

Recommendations:-

The following were their recommendations:

1) They debated between a no-framework at all situation and concluded that there is a need

for a single over-arching global framework whose vision is transformative change towards

inclusive, people centred sustainable development. The people and the planet must be on

the centre of this vision.

2) They recommended a merger of the post Rio and the post MDGs process into a single

strand. The two processes must not run parallel as this may risk creating policicy

duplication, contradictions and overall policy incoherence. This will give us coherence

between global and international policies.

3) Employment generation: There should be a paradigm shift from the common concept of

development and growth people focused development is that which brings food and

empowers the citizens so employment and decent work should be the focus of sustainable

development and green economy. This goal engineers realistic decisions making it

egalitarian sustainable. This approach solves security concerns addresses social

responsibilities and priorities development of industries, public work surfaces as catalyst

of job creation

4) Minimum Platform of Social Protection: We recommend a minimum platform of social

protection. To save the planet it is necessary for people to have minimum level of life

reflected in a core minimum of social protection of all people and a living wage for all

those who are employed.

5) Implementation of ―Declaration of African Civil Society Organisations and Trade Unions

on Rio+20 Conference in June 2012‖: They made a call on the Rio+20 conference to

support a people centered green economy that respects human rights and upholds the Rio

1992 principle (polluter pays, precautionary , and common but differentiated

responsibility), promoting the well-being of citizens based on equitable development,

fairness, justice, safety and security for the common good, and benefits for all living

beings on this planet and that recognises the intrinsic value of ecological systems that

supports present and future generations.

6) Good Governance: Establish good governance at a global and national level as a corner

stone on all development frameworks to promote integrated decision making to fill the

implementation gap and promote coherence across institutions and ensure stronger

participatory decision making process.

7) Binding and enforceable mechanism: Domestication of all binding and enforceable

mechanisms especially those which protects rights, including legal provisions and their

effective implementation. Also policies and encouraging acceptance of gender equality as

part of social norms and behaviours, reducing of gender inequalities in labour markets

and access to productive resources, protecting of reproductive rights and improving access

to good quality, health and education services and social protection.

8) ICSECR implemented by 2015

9) Enabling environment for people‘s participation and access to information

10) Implement New Tax regime to finance commitments: Financial Transaction Tax &

Extractive Industries Tax

5.2. Group Two: Inter-linkgages and synergies between Rio +20 and Post 2015

development framework

In respect of Rio+20 (―The Future We Want‖ outcomes document), they noted that:

(Reported as presented by the team):

1. ―The Future We Want‖ fell short of commitments for action in respect of Africa and the

needs and demands of Africa‘s people, as reflected in paragraph 184., which records

Africa‘s progress but fails to articulate any specific, time-bound or measurable actions in

support of these efforts being undertaken by Africa;

2. The reference to ―Green Economy‖ (paragraph 56.) fails to meaningfully engage with the

proposals for a just and equitable development system, based on the principles contained

in the Rio 1992 Declaration.

3. The undertaking to create an enabling environment for technology transfer and

―international cooperation to promote investment in science, innovation and technology

for sustainable development‖, as well as recognising the importance of ―strengthened

national, scientific and technological capacities‖;

4. The process to establish an intergovernmental process under the auspices of the General

Assembly to assess financing needs and frameworks, which however repeats other similar

processes and fails to provide significant implementation of the 0.7% funding

commitments for ODA;

5. Paragraph 277. Refers to ―Capacity Building‖ without sufficient recognition of the

limitations and barriers that exist for effective implementation, which extends beyond the

scope of ―capacity building‖. Much of the ―capacity building‖ is ineffective and

inappropriate, reinforcing and strengthening the systemic and structural limitations to

implementation;

6. Good governance is widely referred to throughout the text. In absence of a good

governance architecture for sustainable development at global, regional and national

level effective implementation of the three pillars remains difficult.

In respect of the MDGs and Post-2015 Development Agenda, the group opined as follows:

1. MDG‘s wasn‘t Africans countries idea‘s;

2. The MDGs had a positive impact on the poor in Africa in terms of focused global attention

and mobilizing resources on the most pressing development needs such maternal health and

child mortality. None-the-less, the discourse was marred with shortcomings that range from a

reductionist nature of the set of goals to a lack of participation in their development.

3. Cases of success are matched with higher cases of failure on MDGs across different groups,

countries, targets, etc

4. The populations we work with have taught us that they do not want hand-outs, they want

an opportunity to enjoy a decent life of dignity for themselves. They are calling for a

framework that will change the rules of the game.

5. Hence, in reflecting on the linkage between Post Rio and Post MDGs, we take note of the

following issues;

At the end of the two- day deliberations, the following statement was deliberated upon and all

the delegates agreed on it as a communiqué of the Africa CSOs and Trade Unions regarding

Rio+20:

Statement by African Civil Society & Trade Unions: Rio+20/Post 2015 MDG Processes

Preamble

Poverty and inequality remain Africa‘s biggest challenges despite the economic growth that has

been enjoyed by most of the countries on the continent over the last decade. African countries

need sustainable structural transformation, beyond simple economic growth based on global

coordination and cooperation and a solidarity economy, to create and increase jobs and to

create conditions for better governance and ultimately sustainable development.

Africa‘s development and achievements over the last decade has seen the active and growing

involvement of civil society and trade unions, giving voice to peoples needs. As trade unions and

civil society we gathered in Nairobi, on the 19 & 20th November 2012, to review and assess the

outcomes and processes related to Post-Rio+20 and the Post-2015 MDG‘s Agenda.

Key Issues

1. The high hopes and expectations of peoples of Africa in the Rio+20 outcomes have not

been realised. Africa is disillusioned by decades of Broken Promises during which the

leaders, governments and institutions of the world have failed the planet and its people; a

failure that is endemic and chronic, continuous and entrenched in the operations and

activities of world leaders and global institutions;

2. The world we want is a low carbon economy founded on new patterns of production,

distribution and consumption allowing for the needs of all in society to be met. We

observe that the obsession with growth as measured by GDP results in inequitable,

skewed and environmentally harmful development, a type of growth which undermines

the rights of people, and in particular vulnerable groups such as local communities and

indigenous peoples.

3. We are aware that the lack of accountability and good governance at both the national

and international levels remains a major stumbling block to achieving the commitments

and targets of both the Rio and MDG agenda‘s;

4. Without peoples participation developmental outcomes will always be viewed as

imposed from above and consequently not enjoy the full confidence of people on the

ground;

5. We are aware that multiple crises (finance, environment, food security, water) are

undermining communities‘ livelihoods and capacity to adjust to climate change, and that

a minimum of social protection for the greater majority of citizens is not yet guaranteed;

6. We realise that the lack of financial commitments by the developed countries has

undermined the achievement of MDGs and Agenda 21 and their implementation at the

national level. The financial resources for the world we want must be raised from the rich

and industrialised, based on the affirmed Rio Principles (1992);

7. We insist that Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on access to information, public

participation and access to justice in environmental matters is essential to the

implementation of National Sustainable Development Plans;

8. We are concerned that traditional, indigenous and local knowledge are increasingly under

threat from inappropriate and harmful technological practices and dumping of excess

capacity/technology by industrialised countries, e.g. carbon trading, genetically modified

seeds and products, industrial pesticides and fertilizers, which in effect reduce traditional

and indigenous knowledge and practices.

Recommendations:-

As Civil Society and Trade Union We Recommend:

11) the establishment of a credible Institutional Framework for the delivery of Sustainable

Development, which re-articulates the principles underpinning the quest for a sustainable

and just world;

12) a merger of the post-Rio+20 (SDGs) and the post-MDGs process into a single strand. The

two processes must not run parallel as this may risk creating policy duplication,

contradictions and overall policy incoherence;

13) the adoption of social protection floor for all people and a living wage for all those who

are employed;

14) that the following definition of ―green economy‖ be adopted by the institutions tasked

with implementing Ri0+20 outcomes and the Post-2015 MDG processes:

―… a people-centred green economy that respects human rights and upholds the Rio 1992

principle (polluter pays, precautionary, and common but differentiated responsibility),

promoting the well-being of people based on equitable development, fairness, justice,

safety and security for the common good, and benefits for all living beings on this planet

and that recognises the intrinsic value of ecological systems that supports present and

future generations.‖

15) that in the operationalisation and implementation of the ―green economy‖ concept

special attention is paid to the following:

5.1 the importance of agriculture in the lives of the people in Africa and that peoples

control over farming systems must be built;

5.2 the control by corporations over land, agricultural inputs and markets must be

limited;

5.3 the green economy is a transitional strategy for industrial development in Africa;

5.4 public goods must be treated as entitlements whose enjoyment cannot be constrained

by the limited financial means of individuals or communities;

5.5 education, health, water, public transport and energy are the key public goods whose

production and distribution must actively involve the people themselves.

16) the establishment of good governance at a global and national level, as a corner stone of

all development frameworks, to promote integrated decision making, to fill the

implementation gap and promote coherence across institutions and ensure stronger

participatory decision making process.

17) the domestication of all binding and enforceable mechanisms especially those which

protect rights, and their effective implementation and that ICSECR1 implemented by 2015;

18) the implementation of New Tax regimes to finance commitments, namely, the Financial

Transaction Tax and progressive taxation on the wealthy and corporations, particularly

Extractive Industries to finance sustainable development for Africa.

1

We need a paradigm shift to sustainable inclusive development that is people-centred and

economically inclusive and guarantees equitable distribution of wealth and job creation.

6.0. CONCLUSION

The delegates felt that this was a very worthwhile meeting with very fruitful deliberations. It was

hoped that that these deliberations would provide an indication of recipient needs and

challenges, which should continue to be addressed in discussion with donor partners to create

stronger, more effective projects and partnerships. There was also general consensus that this

meeting should be the beginning of a more comprehensive process towards closer cooperation in

the Rio+20 processes and engagement with African Civil Society Organizations and Trade

Unions.

P

Delegates pose for a group photo at the end of the two- day meeting.