The meeting will consist of two thematic panels followed by a political summary with key findings. The identified topics for the panels are: climate change and food security, and adaptation needs in land use, land-use change and forestry.

The event is to be held with the participation of the Ministers attending the High Level Segment of the 17th session of the Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD.) The meeting at the margins of the CSD is an opportunity to bring to the climate process Ministers responsible for agriculture, water management, forestry or nature. The organizers also expect the attendance of high-level UN and CSD representatives.

“Climate change is a cross-cutting issue, and involvement especially of Ministers of environment, agriculture, economy and finance is crucial. The UN Commission for Sustainable Development is an excellent forum for political-level discussions which will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges we, in the international community, face on cross-cutting issues like adaptation to climate change. Combating climate change will require international understanding and cooperation on the highest political level,” said Minister Nowicki.

This year’s session of the Commission on Sustainable Development will focus on agriculture, food security and rural development issues. Agriculture and food security will require major protection and other efforts to alleviate the threats posed by climate change, whist land use and reforestation can be some of the most important means to combat climate change. 

The year 2009 is of crucial importance in the international climate negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Poland was the organizer of last year’s COP 14 in Poznań, where progress was made towards a new Agreed Outcome to be reached at COP 15 in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Details:
Informal Ministerial Consultations during the high-level segment of the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development
Thursday, 14 May, from 6:00 pm. to 8:30 pm
UN Headquarters in New York, Conference Room 5

For further information contact:
Joanna Binder
joanna.binder@mos.gov.pl
0048 22 579 22 55
0048 695 102 389