Astana, Kazakhstan, 25-27 May 2011 — The 23rd meeting of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development (ICSD) was held in Astana, bringing together approximately 50 participants, including representatives of government bodies responsible for environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources in Central Asian countries, as well as international development partners, civil society actors, and youth organizations.
Objectives of the Meeting
On 25-26 May, the Meeting of Responsible Designated Officials took place within the framework of the Regional Environmental Action Plan (REAP). The meeting aimed to strengthen regional cooperation, coordinate national efforts in the area of sustainable development, and prepare for major upcoming international events, including the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) and the Seventh “Environment for Europe” Ministerial Conference.
The agenda placed particular emphasis on institutional development, civil society engagement, support for youth-led environmental initiatives, and implementation mechanisms of the REAP. Participants reviewed reports on the ongoing activities of the ICSD and its affiliated structures, including the work of the Regional Mountain Centre and the Centre for Renewable Energy, as well as initiatives to establish a regional expert network on climate change. Reports were presented on the work of the ICSD during 2009-2010, including the activities of the Public Council under the ICSD and the Central Asian Youth Environmental Network.
Proposals were introduced for the launch of a Partnership Programme titled the “Astana Initiative – Green Bridge,” and for the implementation of the CAREC low-carbon development project. Representatives of the ICSD’s Main Scientific and Information Centre (ICSD MSIC) contributed to discussions on strategic priorities, including the climate agenda and the development of information platforms, such as the MSIC Environmental Portal.
Additional discussions were held on the development of a Medium-term strategy for the ICSD, the potential revision of the REAP in light of climate and global environmental challenges, and further development of the Environmental Portal and the UNEP knowledge hub on green growth.
The final day of the meeting, 27 May, was devoted to regional engagement in international sustainable development processes and to preparations for upcoming global summits and high-level conferences, including the Seventh “Environment for Europe” Ministerial Conference. Discussions covered the progress on harmonizing the Subregional Sustainable Development Strategy for Central Asia, promotion of the Framework Convention on Environmental Protection for Sustainable Development in Central Asia, and cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), including the establishment of criteria for a potential UNEP regional office in Central Asia. The meeting concluded with the adoption of draft decisions aimed at further strengthening regional coordination, enhancing the implementation of environmental initiatives, and increasing the contribution of Central Asian countries to the global sustainable development agenda.
Outcomes of the Meeting
During the main ICSD meeting, an official ceremony was held to transfer the ICSD Chairmanship from the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The session included reports from various ICSD bodies on the progress of programme implementation in the area of sustainable development. Special attention was given to resource mobilization for the implementation of the REAP and to strengthening the institutional and technical capacities of the ICSD to improve decision-making processes. The draft decisions, developed and agreed upon during the meeting, were formally adopted and signed by the participating ICSD member States.
Agenda of the Meeting of Designated Officials (May 25-26, 2011)
Agenda of the ICSD Meeting (May 27, 2011)
List of Participants
ICSD Decisions