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The establishment of the CSD in December 1992 was a direct outcome of
the Summit. Although the goal of sustainable development was established
in the 1980s, it was not until Rio that an international body was assigned
the mandate to oversee and help the international community achieve this
goal (see box). Although this was a major step, the Commission has been
criticized for being a weak response to problems of institutional capacity,
and has encountered apathy from high-level government ministers (Long
2000). The integration of economic, social and environmental policies
- a requirement of sustainable development spelled out by the Brundtland
Commission - continues to challenge institutions at all levels.
| Mandate of the Commission on Sustainable Development |
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The CSD, which was established in December 1992 under the UN Economic
and Social Council, is composed of 53 members elected for terms
of office of three years. The Commission meets annually for a period
of two to three weeks, meeting first in June 1993. Broadly, the
role of the Commission is to:
- review progress at the international, regional and national
levels in the implementation of recommendations and commitments
contained in the final documents of UNCED - Agenda 21,
the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the Forest
Principles;
- elaborate policy guidance and options for future activities
as a follow-up to UNCED and to achieve sustainable development;
and
- promote dialogue and build partnerships for sustainable development
with governments, the international community and the major groups
identified in Agenda 21 as key actors outside central government
which have a major role to play in the transition towards sustainable
development.
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| Source: UN 2001 |
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