Meeting of the UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability in Helsinki

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Co-chaired by President of the Republic Tarja Halonen, the UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability held its third meeting in Helsinki on 16-17 May 2011.

The working meeting of the Panel aimed at further outlining the topics to be included in the final report of the Panel. The Panel has so far convened three times, with the previous meeting being held in Cape Town at the end of February. The task of the Panel is to find ways of achieving sustainable economic growth for eradicating poverty and inequality and to seek sustainable production models. Potential ways discussed by the Panel have related to markets, good governance, sustainable technology and increased opportunities for women’s participation.

According to President Halonen, the crucial issue is the balance between ecological, social and economic development and how good practices are created. Yet, when talking to the press, President Halonen noted that the time period for the Panel’s work is limited and, therefore, a magic cure is not to be expected.

Nobel Laureate Symposium on Global Sustainability

After the meeting in Helsinki, President Halonen will travel to Stockholm on 18 May for the Nobel Laureate Symposium on Global Sustainability. In addition to Nobel Laureates, the participants of the symposium will include experts on sustainable development.

The memorandum of the symposium will be handed over to the UN High-level Panel on Global Sustainability, and will be accepted by President Halonen as one of its co-chairs.

The High-level Panel on Global Sustainability was established in August by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The Panel comprises 22 members.

• UN Secretary-General's High-level Panel on Global Sustainability
• Panel Members

Photos