a. Results of CSD-13 and lessons learned for CSD-14/15

The representative of DESA reported on the outcome of CSD-13 and its possible relevance for preparations for CSD-14/15. CSD-13 was the policy session of the new two-year CSD process that undertakes a review of progress made in implementing Agenda 21 and JPOI in the first year and considers policy measures in the second year. The process begins with Regional Implementation Meetings (RIM) in all regions, and an Intergovernmental Preparatory Meeting is held prior to policy session. Policy measures decided at CSD-13 related to specific topics on water, sanitation and human settlements identified at CSD-12 including measures to promote integrated water resources management and management of trans-boundary waterways. Issues to be considered in the next CSD cycle are energy for sustainable development, climate change, air pollution/atmosphere and industrial development. These issues are marked by complexities and inter-linkages that make it important to undertake a thorough review of implementation at CSD-14 to better identify constraints and barriers to implementing Agenda 21 and JPOI in these areas, and it was noted that UN agencies, programmes and entities are best able to provide input on specific areas within their individual mandates. A bureau for CSD-14 has been chosen with the Minister of Economy of the Georgia as its Chair. Other members include representatives from Iran, Mexico and The Netherlands. A representative from Africa will be chosen soon. Discussions following the DESA briefing included lessons learned from the role of UN-Water in the previous CSD cycle and ways to constructively, effectively and efficiently contribute to CSD-14 and the RIMs, such as side events. UN-Energy had decided in its third session to work together on gathering and publishing case studies on energy and sustainable development as a contribution to CSD-14.

b. UN-Energy paper for the Millennium Summit

At the third meeting of UN-Energy it was decided to draft a document on energy and energy access for the Millennium Summit in September 2005. It has since been learned that the Summit secretariat is not welcoming additional documents for the Summit since issues to be deliberated are complex and the SG’s report will be the sole basis for deliberations. However, a document could still be an important piece that UN-Energy would have produced, and our challenge now is to find the best way to disseminate the information. Discussions on this issue included an explanation by the representative of DESA on why energy did not figure more prominently in the SGs report. He noted that the SG’s office was responsible for preparing the report and that it did receive inputs from the UN-Energy Secretariat and it did invite two members of UN-Energy to participate in a brainstorming session prior to the finalization of the report. He said that while many were disappointed that energy was only briefly mentioned in the report, it should be noted that the report covers a broad range of issues including the reform of the United Nations, larger freedom, threats and security along with the MDGs. Moreover, the SGs office may have recognized that energy would be considered in an intergovernmental arena only a few months following the close of the Millennium Summit.

The group also discussed the specifics of the draft report on energy circulated by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Discussion of the paper included the need to clearly define “energy services”, the role of electricity in improving access to energy, the relevance of issues other than access to achieving the MDGs and the role of biomass. It was also noted that the tone of the paper would have to be modified since it would not be directed to the Millennium Summit. Written comments were requested by 20 May 2005. The draft will be revised by the World Bank and UNDP. UN-Energy will consider a potential audience, including the possibility of utilizing the paper as a means of introducing UN-Energy to stakeholders at the national level. The Secretariat was requested to circulate options on how this paper could be used.

c. Case Studies for CSD14

At the third session it was decided to work together on a publication of case studies on energy issues selected from CSD-9 and WSSD energy-related decisions as an input to CSD-14. A number of issues have been identified along with lead agencies which will briefly introduce the cases highlighting lessons learned from them be responsible for gathering relevant case studies. The Secretariat will distribute the revised outline and list lead agencies as well as a case study format to facilitate the organization and presentation of the cases.

Leading off discussions on this aspect of the work programme, the Chair noted that there may be outside support available to strengthen the work programme, in particular from the UN Foundation. Specific issues on the work programme such as energy access, renewable energy, energy efficiency and knowledge management could be better articulated if additional resources were to become available to enable continuous follow-up. Prospects for support to the UN-Energy, the work of the Chair and the secretariat, were welcomed and agreement was given in principle to pursue a support structure for UN-Energy. The Chair indicated that he would continue discussions with potential supporters and revert to the Group with a concrete proposal.

On specific aspects of the work programme, the following elements were discussed:

a. Mapping exercises on energy access and renewable energy: Inputs have not yet been received by all members. Once inputs are received a matrix of activities will be devised that will facilitate identification of gaps and areas needing more work. Members who have not submitted inputs are requested to send them to the Secretariat as soon as possible.

b. UN Energy Africa – Input from ECA on recent work was received prior to the meeting.

c. Bio-energy -- The FAO representative reported that updates on work with non-UN institutions and UN agencies including INSTRAW and UNIDO are underway and a progress report will be submitted for the next meeting. FAO recently received a new mandate on bioenergy from its governing council and its activities will be strengthened.

d. Toolkits: It was suggested that ESMAP be asked to join this work. The UNESCO representative volunteered to provide some inputs based on work it has undertaken to support its field offices and clusters on renewable energy projects.

e. Tools for policy integration: The representative of IAEA provided an update on activities so far thanking those members that have provided inputs and comments. Preparations for the actual work are now underway.

The UN-Energy website has been established at: http://esa.un.org/un-energy. It was noted that this can be an excellent tool for knowledge management and outreach to the public. There is also a facility for internal communications and members will receive information about that aspect of the website soon.

Previous discussions on a strategy for cooperation with non-UN partners were reviewed and the group agreed to continue to work with non-UN partners on specific activities whenever appropriate, and it was noted that many agencies and programmes work with NGOs, the private sector, research institutions and governments on a regular basis. UN-Energy meetings that have been held on the sidelines of relevant energy meetings, such as the current meeting, have provided opportunities for interaction with non-UN partners. Some organizations have requested more formal contact with UN-Energy and other avenues of cooperation will continue to be considered and explored.

Potential dates for the next meeting were discussed with a view to October 2006. The possibility of holding the next meeting on the side of one of the Regional Implementation Meetings to be held in preparation for CSD14 will be explored.