Consultative Process on Sustainable Infrastructure
It is widely recognized that infrastructure is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The OECD has estimated that US$ 6.9 trillion needs to be invested in infrastructure every year to achieve the SDGs by 2030. The EMG responded to this clear global priority in 2020 by establishing a Consultative Process on Sustainable Infrastructure. The Process seeks to strengthen the coordination of UN-system support to Member States in this area of work. It is led by UNEP, and its Terms of Reference can be found here; the year two supplement is available here.
The Consultative Process has produced the report International Good Practice Principles for Sustainable Infrastructure (2nd edition). This report is designed to serve as a UN-wide normative framework that policymakers can follow to help integrate sustainability into infrastructure planning and delivery. The updated 2nd edition reflects inputs and endorsement by EMG members through the Consultative Process. The Principles are referred to in a UNEA 5 resolution on Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure (UNEP/EA.5/Res.9), which encourages Member States and other stakeholders to consider integrating and implementing them into national policies.
UNU-FLORES is conducting a Barrier Analysis in collaboration with UNEP to identify barriers, and solutions to overcome them, in a country context. The study is being carried out in Chile, working closely with Chile’s Ministry of Public Works as a pilot for this approach.
The first meeting of the Consultative Process on Sustainable Infrastructure held on Wednesday, 17 March from 3.00pm – 4.30pm Geneva Time. This meeting introduced existing work and progress made on sustainable infrastructure, explain what the Consultative Process seeks to achieve and discuss the anticipated outputs.