UN University PrepCom III Side Event - Panel Discussion

International Environmental Governance Reform: Key Issues and Proposals

Conference Room One, UN Headquarters Wednesday, 27 March 2002, 1:15 -2.45

The question of international environmental governance reform is one of the key issues to be addressed at Prepcom III. The UNU has contributed to this discussion in the form of an extensive report outlining the [dis]advantages of various proposals for institutional and procedural reform of the current governance system. To discuss the key issues raised in its report, the UNU has brought together a panel of eminent scholars and practitioners within the field of environment. Their discussion will take the form of a panel discussion that will address questions such as:

What would be the advantages and disadvantages of a more centralized system of international environmental governance? How feasible is the creation of a World Environment Organisation? What role can international judicial mechanisms play in the protecting the global environment? How likely is the establishment of a World Environment Court? What steps can be taken to improve scientific knowledge for the environment? How do international environmental governance organizations contribute to sustainable development? What are the strengths of the current system of environmental governance and how can they be enhanced? How can international environmental governance be made more efficient and the burdens on developing countries be reduced?

Programme

Introduction: Professor A.H. Zakri, Director, UNU/IAS UNU Report (key points): W. Bradnee Chambers, UNU/IAS

Commentary: Peter Haas, University of Massachusetts; Steve Charnovitz, Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering; Marc Levy, CIESIN; Joost Pauwelyn, Legal Affairs Officer, WTO

The side event is open and all are welcome to attend. For further information please contact United Nations University Office in New York. Tel: 212 963 6387. Fax: 212 371 9454. Website: http://archive.unu.edu/ona