Listening Session: Preparing for the Twelfth Session of the UN’s Commission on Sustainable Development, April 14-30, 2004

October 23rd Harry S. Truman Building, Washington, DC
11:00 – 12:30 with Civil Society representatives in room 7835
RSVP required for security clearance (see below)

The twelfth session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) will focus on water, sanitation and human settlements. CSD-12 provides a critical opportunity to promote concrete action and to build capacity in these areas, as well as to continue international efforts to make the UN more relevant and effective in promoting sustainable development.

We would like to meet with you to discuss USG preparations for CSD-12, and to learn about your organization's views preparations/goals for CSD-12. Jonathan Margolis, the Department’s Special Representative on Sustainable Development and Director, Office of Policy Coordination and Initiatives will chair the session. Please note that the proposed organization of work for CSD-12 can be found at www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/csd12/framework_org_work.pdf. To frame our discussion:

· How can CSD generate action towards sustainable development?

· Does the proposed schedule of work meet your organization’s expectations for the CSD review year?

· What would make the CSD-12 Review Session successful?

· What are your recommendations for how CSD-12 can enhance learning and capacity building, catalyze action, and mobilize resources?

· Is your organization planning to participate in the partnership fair?

· Is your organization interested in participating in the learning center as either a course provider or participant?

· How can the CSD showcase programs and plans for implementation in specific developing countries for which water, sanitation or human settlements are a developmental priority?

· How can these issues be addressed effectively as a whole?

For pre-clearance information, please provide your name, date of birth and social security number to Judith Celeste at celesteje@state.gov or at 202/647-2958 not later than 4 p.m. on Tuesday October 22nd.