NGLS e-Roundup – Keeping the Promise: Outcome of the 2010 MDG Summit

Following the outcome of the High-level Plenary Meeting on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), better known as the “MDG Summit” (20-22 September, New York), NGLS has released a special NGLS e-Roundup, which analyzes the outcome of the negotiations in light of civil society contributions to the summit process. It also reviews the various plenary sessions, roundtables, side events, partnerships and other initiatives that took place during the three-day summit.

More information is available online.

NGLS event: The MDG Summit Outcome: What Next? – 04 October 2010

In order to take stock of the outcome of the “MDG Summit” and to discuss the next steps and challenges ahead for the realization of the MDGs and other key UN objectives, NGLS will organize a briefing and interactive panel discussion on 4 October at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

The panel, including representatives of the UN system and civil society organizations, will examine the extent to which the summit lived up to expectations (whether in terms of strengthened human rights-based accountability frameworks, new development paths, a universal social protection floor, or reforms of the international development and financial architecture); and will identify the new openings offered by the summit outcome document, and gaps that still need to be addressed.

More information is available online.

UN General Assembly’s General Debate tackles Climate Change – Are the Negotiations in a Deadlock?

On 23-25 September, as part of its 65th session, the UN General Assembly held the first part of its “General Debate” at UN Headquarters in New York, featuring statements of Heads of State and Government. One of the issues addressed by various Member States was the issue of climate change.

Mr. Ban said in announcing Ms. Bachelet’s appointment that he wanted UN Women to be a “powerful, dynamic and effective entity.”

“I am confident that under her strong leadership we can improve the lives of millions of women and girls across the world.”

In his opening statement, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underscored that progress had been made within the climate change negotiations and that it was now time to move forward on climate change financing (adaptation and mitigation), technology transfer and capacity-building.

However, many others were less optimistic. According to various media sources (Associated Press; The Canadian Press), UNFCCC Executive Secretary Christiana Figueres had recently said that the negotiations “are frankly in a deadlock,” and national interests have hijacked the official negotiating text.

More information is available online

ILO and IMF, UNCTAD converge on need to close global decent work deficit

To avoid the risk of a new economic crisis and address global imbalances, it is imperative to focus on a much more job-intensive recovery, stronger social protection and higher wages for average workers. This was one of the key conclusions of an international conference organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in collaboration with the Norwegian Government, held in Oslo on 12 September. A similar message was delivered by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in its Trade and Report 2010, which was discussed that same week at UNCTAD’s annual Trade and Development Board (TDB) in Geneva.

More information is available online.

Women, Peace and Security: From Resolution to Action – The Protection Agenda Under Security Council Resolution 1325/2000

From 15-16 September, a High-Level Consultation was held in Geneva entitled “Women, Peace and Security: From Resolution to Action – The Protection Agenda Under Security Council Resolution 1325/2000.” It brought together a wide range of stakeholders to explore progress, outstanding issues, and strategies for the implementation of the protection element of resolution 1325 on women peace and security.

To access the report, click online.

Human Rights Council held a Clustered Interactive Dialogue on international solidarity and the adverse effects of toxic wastes

During the fifth plenary meeting of the 15th session of the Human Rights Council (13 September – 1 October), a clustered interactive dialogue was held addressing international solidarity in relation to human rights; as well as the adverse effects of toxic wastes on the enjoyment of human rights. The interactive dialogue brought together experts on the above mentioned issues, and representatives from governments and civil society.

To access the report, click online.