The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)

The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established by the UN General Assembly in December 1992. It was created to ensure effective follow-up of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992.

Background

The Earth Summit was a historic event that brought together heads of state, government officials, and representatives from various sectors to address pressing environmental and developmental challenges. During the conference, the participants adopted several key agreements, including the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the Agenda 21, and the establishment of the CSD.

Mandate and Objectives

The CSD's primary mandate is to oversee the implementation of Agenda 21, a comprehensive blueprint for sustainable development that covers various areas such as poverty eradication, environmental protection, and social equity. The commission aims to promote dialogue, cooperation, and action on sustainable development among member states, UN agencies, and other stakeholders.

Functions and Structure

The CSD operates as a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It consists of representatives from 53 member states elected for a three-year term. The commission meets annually to review progress, share experiences, and identify emerging issues related to sustainable development.

The CSD's work is organized around specific themes or clusters of issues, which are selected for in-depth consideration during each cycle. These thematic clusters cover a wide range of topics, such as energy, water, agriculture, and poverty eradication. The commission also engages in capacity-building activities, policy dialogues, and partnerships to support the implementation of sustainable development goals.

Legacy and Transformation

The CSD played a crucial role in raising awareness about sustainable development and promoting international cooperation on environmental issues. However, after two decades of operation, the commission's effectiveness and relevance were called into question, leading to a decision by the UN General Assembly to replace it with a more inclusive and high-level political forum on sustainable development.

In 2013, the CSD held its final session and was succeeded by the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF). The HLPF provides a platform for reviewing progress, sharing experiences, and mobilizing political will to advance sustainable development globally. It reflects the evolving priorities and challenges in the field and ensures a more integrated and coordinated approach within the United Nations system.

Overall, the establishment of the CSD in 1992 marked an important milestone in international efforts to promote sustainable development. It laid the foundation for ongoing global cooperation and coordination in addressing the complex and interconnected challenges of our time.