Outlining additional policy considerations, Mr. de Miguel stressed urban planning, since the consequences of rapid urbanization will only become more pronounced. He also elaborated on the region’s vulnerability to climate change and dependency on natural resources.
Finally, he emphasized that open, participatory approaches must be fundamental to sustainable development policymaking (as established in Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration). He highlighted the essential role of lawmakers in ensuring the new agenda’s implementation.
Next, delegates heard from Claudia de Windt from the OAS, Senior Legal Specialist in the Department of Sustainable Development of the Organization of American States (OAS-DSD), who leads the environmental law, policy, and good governance section. Ms. de Windt's presentation (in Spanish) began with a review of the OAS framework for sustainable development. She highlighted its underlying conviction that "without development, it’s impossible to have either peace or democracy."
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PRINCIPLE 10 OF THE 1992 RIO DECLARATION ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT CHARTER
"Environmental issues are best handled with participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available. Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy, shall be provided."