The results
Key issues 1
Josep Roig
Secretary-General of CGLU
The explicit recognition of the relevance of the Habitat Agenda is a key achievement not only for local and regional authorities but for the future of humanity.
Acknowledgment of the work done paying tribute to progress achieved at sub-national and local levels.
2 Acknowledgement of the role to play in the implementation of policies and the engagement of stakeholders. Article 45 recognizes critical role of governance at local and sub-national level. Local and sub-national governments are explicitly mentioned in the thematic areas and crosssectoral issues.
3 Despite what many describe as discouraging results of the Rio+20 Summit due to the lack of multilateral agreements and commitments, there is a bright side to the Outcome Document when it comes to the acknowledgement of the role that local and regional governments play and need to play in the sustainable development agenda. The document also addresses most of the issues that have been put forward by sub-national governments along the process. The degree of acknowledgement of local and regional authorities in the Rio Outcome Document is unprecedented in international policy. It recognizes the role of local
THE WORK AHEAD
Post-2015 Agenda and Habitat III 8 | www.uclg.org
and sub-national governance and their tasks in many of the thematic areas tackled, from equality to water management and risk prevention to service delivery in general. On the shortcomings, it is worth mentioning the very few references to culture as crucial pillar for development and the lack of clear inclusive governance mechanisms for future policy development. The outcomes of Rio will be an important milestone in the UN agenda of UCLG. The World Secretariat and UCLG members will need to continue working in ensuring political representation in the above mentioned processes and towards Habitat III.
1. Administrative Council
of UNEP will have universal access and greater participation of Major Groups.
2. High Level Political
Forum will be put in place replacing the Commission on Sustainable Development; the format will be defined by the General Assembly.
Specific sub-heading on sustainable cities and human settlements. States acknowledge the importance of cross-sectoral planning and commit to increasing capacity and supporting municipal governments, metropolitan areas and towns to develop sustainability policies. The text further recognizes the role of local and sub-national authorities in public service delivery, poverty alleviation and risk management. Integral approaches are supported, partnership among cities and communities encouraged.
4 Habitat Agenda and resourceful UN Habitat identified as explicit aim.
5 Call to strengthening financial mechanisms accessible to sub-national and local authorities.
6 Regulatory frameworks to stimulate public-private partnerships to be promoted.
3. Open Working Group
to define process on Sustainable Development Goals at the opening of the 67th session of the General Assembly.
4.
Intergovernmental Committee, comprising thirty experts to assess financial needs for Sustainable Development Financing.
5. Consultation Process for Habitat III.
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