ENB UPDATE

Delegates attending the third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the high seas (better known as BBNJ) met in an informal working group setting to discuss environmental impact assessments, and cross-cutting issues. Delegates also met in the last “informal-informal” to consider aspects related to marine genetic resources, including questions of benefit-sharing.

In the corridors, one visibly weary delegated wondered “why didn’t we put in more hours during the first week, when everyone was still fresh and in good spirits,” referring to the frenetic push to complete all the work related to the draft text on Thursday evening. Looking ahead, Friday promises an important discussion on the way forward, with some delegates confiding “we are not sure we can see the light at the end of this tunnel to a new High Seas agreement just yet.” Read full report

The third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in the High Seas (commonly referred to as BBNJ) met throughout the day in open and closed sessions, in parallel, to consider capacity building and the transfer of marine technology, cross-cutting issues, environmental impact assessments, and area-based management tools, including marine protected areas.

In the corridors, one developing country delegate was adamant about the need for “hard rules to guide capacity building and the transfer of marine technology” for the effective implementation of the new High Seas treaty, adding that CB&TT needs to be understood as being driven by developing countries. Read full report

The Committees spent their final day in committee finalizing agenda items and working group reports, as the CoP will convene in plenary once more on Tuesday.Committee II engaged in a substantial discussion concerning the CITES Secretariat report on Asian big cats. India presented the draft decisions, reminding parties that the success of tiger conservation efforts is dependent on global enforcement. Costa Rica, with co-sponsors Peru and Mexico, introduced a document on jaguars, noting increased international demand for teeth, skin and bones through illegal trade.

In Committee I, delegates considered a long list of proposals, including a range of “charismatic” and “spectacular” reptiles and amphibians including lizards, iguana and the spider-tailed horned viper, many of which were endorsed to receive Appendix I or II protections. Both committees ended the day with a sense of occasion: in Committee 1, Chair Hay burst into song to close the event, while in Committee II, delegates applauded as Chair Hoover noted that drafts on rhinos and elephants had been produced without the need to set up additional working groups. Read full coverage

The 31st UN-Water Meeting discussed progress on and next steps for joint initiatives that UN-Water Members and Partners have undertaken to ensure that the UN is “delivering as one” to address global water challenges. Many of the initiatives discussed during this meeting, which took place immediately prior to World Water Week 2019, will contribute to implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with particular emphasis on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 (clean water and sanitation).

Additional agenda items addressed global events that are expected to shape water policy opportunities in the coming decade, including the UN reform process and increased attention to the water, peace and security nexus. UN-Water Meetings bring Members and Partners together twice a year to carry out UN-Water’s mandate of informing policies, monitoring and reporting, and inspiring action on water and sanitation issues. Read full report

The third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the high seas (commonly referred to as BBNJ) met in an informal working group on environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and in two closed-door “informal-informals” to discuss: marine genetic resources (MGRs), including benefit sharing; and area-based management tools (ABMTs), including marine protected areas (MPAs).

In the corridors, some shared that segments of the informal-informals were “getting tense, as delegates continue to provide suggestions based on deeply entrenched positions, which are sometimes polar opposites of each other,” without discussing how to bridge these long-standing concerns. Read full report

Delegates at the third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the high seas (commonly known as BBNJ) convened in an open informal working group on area-based management tools (ABMTs), including marine protected areas (MPAs). They also met in two closed-door “informal-informals,” to discuss certain aspects of environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and access to marine genetic resources.

In the corridors, strong calls were made to keep an eye on the purpose of the global treaty, with one delegate “highlighting, underlining and underscoring” the need for swift progress, saying that “millions of species are at risk: that alone should spur us to better use the time we have here.” Read full report

The third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the high seas (more commonly known as BBNJ) convened on Tuesday, with delegates meeting in an open informal working group, as well as behind closed doors in two “informal-informals.”

In the corridors, some delegates found the new format refreshing while others expressed concerns about the new closed-door negotiating modalities, noting that, “Limiting participation at a time where transparency and public engagement have become a central tenet across the global political spectrum does not seem to be a step in the right direction.”Read full report

The third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC-3) on an international legally binding instrument on marine biodiversity on the high seas (more commonly known as BBNJ) convened for its first day, with delegates hearing opening statements and beginning their considerations of cross-cutting issues.

In the corridors, delegates and participants exchanged ideas on the potential trade-offs between the timely conclusion of the IGC negotiations and the quality of the new treaty. While some cautioned against sticking rigidly to “self-imposed” deadlines, others underscored the urgency of addressing the issues under discussion, stressing that “speed matters.” Read full report

The third session of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) begins its third session on Monday, 19 August 2019, at UN Headquarters in New York. Delegates will begin discussions on the draft text of an agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on BBNJ, prepared by IGC President Rena Lee (Singapore). Read full report

The second part of the 25th annual session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which included meetings of the Authority’s Council and Assembly, focused on the Authority’s central consideration at this point in time: the development of the draft exploitation regulations on deep-seabed mining. These regulations, once concluded, will govern future activities in the world’s oceans, yet will need to ensure environmental protection while simultaneously balancing stakeholders’ interests. The sessions were successful in advancing, inter alia, calls for environmental protection in deep sea mining, operationalizing the Authority’s Strategic Plan, and shaping the organizational culture towards more participation and transparency. The increasing interest in the Authority’s work is testament to the increasing public awareness in deep sea mining.

Participants commemorated the 25th anniversary of the ISA with a special session on Thursday, 25 July, attracting national delegations from more than 70 countries. Read full report

The Assembly of the International Seabed Authority marked its 25th Anniversary with high-level speakers, the presentation of the Secretary-General’s award for excellence in deep sea research, and a panel discussion on capacity building, among other issues. Additional highlights included the launch of ISA’s deep seabed and ocean database (DeepData). This database seeks to raise deep sea literacy, transform the knowledge flow between the organs of the Authority and contractors, and support marine conservation. Read full report

On Wednesday, the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) continued its deliberations, addressing the implementation of the Authority’s Strategic Plan 2019-2023, including a draft high-level action plan and key performance indicators. Delegates also heard and discussed the report of the Chair of the Finance Committee.

In the breezeways, delegates expressed their concerns regarding activities that have timelines due in 2019 as well as on the Secretariat’s heavy workload. They also tabled their reservations regarding provisions on transparency, reaching common ground late in the day and adopting the high-level action plan. This allows them to focus on what is expected to be a memorable commemorative session for the Authority’s 25th anniversary on Thursday. Read full report

On Tuesday, the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) continued its deliberations, discussing the annual report of the Secretary-General, which outlines the Authority’s activities from July 2018 to June 2019.

In the breezeways, the ENB notes that a peaceful Greenpeace demonstration bore witness to the importance of the public promulgation of law, addressed in an inaugural lecture in the morning. It further notes that while most delegates were impressed by the variety of ISA activities, they did not lose focus, highlighting the need to operationalize the common heritage of humankind principle as well as to ensure that the draft exploitation guidelines address the interconnectedness of our world. Read full report

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The global response to implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has not been ambitious enough, and a renewed commitment and accelerated action is needed to deliver the SDGs in time. This was the key message from the 2019 High-level Political Forum (HLPF), which concluded on Friday, 19 July, having completed the first four-year cycle of its mandate to review the 17 SDGs and assess progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda).

The Forum identified new threats to SDG implementation in line with its mandate to identify emerging issues, such as climate change, a reduced pace of economic growth, the threat of a further decline in the economy, and the “double-edged” sword of new technologies. The Forum reviewed six SDGs: SDG 4 (quality education);  SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth);  SDG 10 (reduced inequalities); SDG 13 (climate action); SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) targets; and  SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). VNRs were presented by 47 countries during the Ministerial Segment, with seven countries presenting for the second time.

In advance of the upcoming review by the UN General Assembly, while many believe the HLPF has fulfilled its functions, there were also many useful suggestions for improvement, including making better use of regional institutions and fora; focusing on interlinkages between goals; and ministerial declarations that capture the discussions of the annual Forum and identify follow-up action. Read full report

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On Monday, the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) started its deliberations, addressing organizational matters; electing Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica, as Assembly President for its 25th session; considering requests for observer status from four entities; hearing the report of the ISA25 Council President; introducing the discussion on the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2019-2023; and discussing the development of guidelines for observer status requests.

In the breezeways, the ENB notes that substantive discussions focused on the draft guidelines for observer status of NGOs. A variety of shortcomings were identified by delegates and observers, including a heavy reliance on the International Maritime Organization’s relevant guidelines, and the requirement for observers’ objectives and functions to be “in consonance” with the Authority. Read full report

The last day of the 2019 HLPF included an “intergenerational dialogue”, and a session on lessons learned from the first cycle of the HLPF and messages for the SDG Summit. UN Under-Secretary-General Liu Zhenmin listed the achievements of the HLPF so far, including: presentation of 142 VNRs; review of all the SDGs; organization of regional fora; and stakeholder contributions. Presenting the preliminary and partial results of a survey conducted to inform the upcoming HLPF review process, Zhenmin said respondents believed the HLPF has fulfilled its functions, and the VNRs were useful to share lessons and challenges, advance implementation, and mobilize partners.

Ten VNRs were presented during the morning, and the General Debate continued through the day. In the closing session, the draft procedural report of the 2019 HLPF was adopted without amendments. Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed highlighted three main areas: “the inclusion imperative”; democratic and effective institutions; and political commitment. The meeting was gaveled to a close at 6:04 pm. Read full report

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On Thursday, the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) continued its deliberations on the report of the Chair of the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC). It also addressed the report of the Special Representative for the Enterprise, focusing on ways to operationalize the Enterprise.

Highlights of the day included:

• an interesting discussion on the timeline for finalizing the draft exploitation regulations, with many Council members prioritizing quality over deadlines;
• exchange of ideas on a mechanism for an independent review of environmental plans;
• an in-depth discussion on ways to operationalize the Enterprise, including progress on joint venture proposals;
• consideration of preferences regarding the extension of the mandate of the Special Representative and the appointment of an interim director general; and
• informal discussions on the way forward for the draft exploitation regulations, with some members requesting further work by the LTC and others opining that the Commission has finalized its work.

At lunchtime, a side event was organized by the Pew Charitable Trusts and Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) under the title “New Science in the Area.” Read full report

At the HLPF on Wednesday, 16 countries presented voluntary national reviews (VNRs) during two sessions, in the morning and afternoon. Central African Republic and eSwatini presented their VNRs in a panel, while individual VNR presentations were made by Iraq, Saint Lucia, Serbia, Tonga, South Africa, Rwanda, Kuwait, New Zealand, Chad, Ghana, Israel, Timor-Leste, Tanzania, and Vanuatu.

Meanwhile, the General Debate continued in parallel throughout the day, with 73 Heads of State or Government, ministers, and ambassadors making statements. Read full report

On Wednesday morning, the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) continued its deliberations on the draft regulations for exploitation of mineral resources in the Area, focusing on: the protection and preservation of the marine environment; and rights and obligations of the contractors. During the afternoon, the Council heard the reports of the Chairs of the Legal and Technical Commission (LTC) and the Finance Committee.

In the breezeways, the ENB notes that delegates need to balance environmental and commercial concerns, given that a net zero loss to the environment is unrealistic. They further need to achieve the timely development of the Mining Code without jeopardizing its quality via self-imposed deadlines. Read full report

• Trade and Sustainable Development: Progress and the Way Forward
• Key Conditions for the Completion of Fundamental Education in Cameroon: Reforms to be Undertaken
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The High-level Segment of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the Ministerial Segment of HLPF opened with several high-level statements on Tuesday morning. UN Secretary-General António called on governments to “kickstart a decade of delivery and action”. Mary Robinson, The Elders, urged attention to justice and equity. Richard Curtis, Screenwriter, called on governments to seize the “unique opportunity” presented by the SDGs before the window of opportunity begins to close, and an acceptance of failure sets in.

14 countries presented VNRs through the day, and High-level sessions took place on the messages from regional forums on sustainable development, and from the UN Environment Assembly, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Forum on Forests, ECOSOC Youth Forum, and International Labour Organisation. Key messages from the UNSG’s reports on long term trends and scenarios and on the theme of ECOSOC 2019 session were presented, along with the report of the Committee on Development Policy) report. Read full report

• SDG 16+ and the Future We Want
• Building Climate Actions in Mountains
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• SATOYAMA – Society Living in Harmony with Nature: An inclusive Approach from Communities, Landscapes and Seascapes
• The 2030 Agenda under the Japanese Presidency of the G20
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Delegates and participants at the second part of the 25th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) are starting their work on Monday, in Kingston, Jamaica, with detailed discussions on the draft exploitation regulations on deep-seabed mining. The session, which commemorates ISA’s 25th anniversary, includes meetings of the Authority’s Council and Assembly over a period of two weeks. The meetings are expected to further develop the regulatory text regarding exploitation of deep-seabed minerals, discuss the relevant financial model, and deliberate on a high-level action plan for the Authority’s Strategic Plan 2019-2023.

In its introductory report, the ENB highlights the main expectations for the meeting, underscores the main agenda items, and provides key background information and intersessional updates, offering a deeper understanding of the Authority’s functions, bodies, and processes. Read full report

• From Science to Implementation: Strengthening the Science Policy Interface (SPI) to Integrate Climate Change, Resilience, and the SDGs
• The Digital Revolution and Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Challenges
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HLPF 2019 continued into its third day with a thematic review on empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality, focused on the perspectives of society. Interventions by women delegates and stakeholders were noticeably predominant in this session, calling for further inclusivity and space for civil society involvement, moving away from tokenism and “tick-boxing”; and honest assessments of global and national processes, with a more critical review of progress, with space for civil society to present alternative reports.

A session on science-policy interface included a briefing from the independent group of scientists on the 2019 Global Sustainable Development Report. A review of implementation and interrelations among Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). A statistical snapshot of SDG 10 showed that income and other forms of inequality are on the rise, with the bottom 40% receive less than 25% of overall income, and an increasing share of income going to the top 1% in many countries. Read full report

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HLPF 2019 continued on Wednesday at UN Headquarters in New York. A thematic review on empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality in the morning included two sessions, on the perspectives of small island developing states (SIDS), and of least developed countries (LDCs) and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). Speakers highlighted innovations, such as a peer review system for voluntary national reviews (VNRs); and challenges, such as high vulnerability, capacity needs, and natural disasters in achieving the SDGs.

In the afternoon, a review of implementation and interrelations among Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth). Progress on achieving this Goal was reported as being slow, and somewhat mixed: despite an increase in GDP growth globally, the LDCs are falling short of their 7% target; 21% of the young people around the world are not in education, employment, or training; and the increase in labor productivity shows a high variation across regions. Read full report

• Converting Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform into Opportunities for Climate Action
• Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-being for All: A commitment to accelerating together
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Four years after implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) started, the 2019 meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) opened to take stock of progress, gaps, and obstacles. On the first day, speakers noted that while there is progress, the global response has not been sufficient thus far. They called for more empowerment, courage, inclusivity, and equality.

The review of SDG implementation and interrelations among goals focused on SDG 4 (quality education), revealing a “global learning crisis” that not only needs reforms of the education sector, but also a transformation of mindsets to make educational systems more inclusive. Read full report

The forty-first meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (OEWG 41) was faced with a lengthy agenda as it laid the groundwork for decisions to be taken at the thirty-first Meeting of the Parties (MOP 31) to be held in November 2019 in Rome, Italy. Some of the significant issues on the agenda included:

• unexpected emissions of trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11);
• terms of reference (ToR) for the study on the 2021-2023 replenishment of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol;
• review of the ToR, composition, balance, fields of expertise and workload of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel; and
• ToR for the 2022 Quadrennial Assessment.
• risk of non-compliance with hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) production and consumption reduction targets by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; and 
• safety standards. Read full report

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Held under the theme “Making biodiversity matter: Knowledge and know-how for the post-2020 global biodiversity framework,” the ninth Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity provided an opportunity for decision makers and experts from around the world to informally discuss key issues related to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

The Conference aimed to support the process established by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by facilitating a shared understanding of key knowledge areas, and helping to ensure that the process for developing the post-2020 framework is knowledge-based, just, and inclusive. Read full report

As the first cycle of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and review comes to a close this year and Member States gear up for the SDG Summit, along with other high-level meetings focused on sustainable development in September, the 2019 High-level Political Forum (HLPF) under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will gather at UN Headquarters in New York to take stock of progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2030 Agenda).  

Each year, the HLPF focuses on thematic issues, reviews progress on select SDGs, and conducts voluntary national reviews (VNRs). The overarching theme for the 2019 session is “Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality.” The SDGs that will be reviewed in detail are: 

SDG 4 (quality education); SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth); SDG 10 (reduced inequalities); SDG 13 (climate action); SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions); and SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals), which is reviewed annually. Read full report