Discussing the first draft

It is now near the end of the time for comments and input on the first draft of the 10 Year Framework paper circulated by the Marrakech Process  Secretariat. I am not sure how many people or organizations sent in comments but I personally have seen and heard relatively little discussion of the paper outside a small number of people. It’s a shame as it provides a good opportunity to discuss what we all think is needed to take us through this next decade of social and environmental problems. Will the so-called 10 year framework of programs, or as this new paper dubs it “framework of action” do the job? Frankly, it still looks pretty murky as to what is being put forward. I think one of the problems is that there remains a lack of clarity about what to me lies at the center of the WSSD mandate — to develop programs which will support national and regional initiatives working to promote sustainable production and consumption patterns. The key operational term here is SUPPORT — not “framework” or “Marrakech Process.” What we need is a clear description of ways the UN can help improve the effectiveness of the multitude of initiatives out there in the world which together constitute a vast, decentralized movement to transform the global economy to one which truly serves its citizens — while protecting the environment, eradicating poverty and meeting peoples needs through goods and services which bring no harm.

In the long run, this 10 Year Framework of Programs should be guided by the goal of reversing the social and environmental trends which continue to worsen since Rio. This reversal should guide the measure of “success” in the coming decade — not the number of meetings and speeches. We could in turn spend endless hours deconstructing this and other papers, whereas I would encourage us to discuss programs which address very specific needs for support which the UN is capable of providing. I think that would be a good use of time and critical thinking. Whether or not the UN or member governments agree and commit, it is helpful for us to articulate what programs could be useful and suggest ways these programs might take shape.

- jhb