Advancing Sustainable Development in Post-Conflict Countries Discussed at Rio +20

“Advancing Sustainable Development in Post-Conflict Countries: the Cases of Lebanon and Liberia” was a side event discussion ESCWA hosted in collaboration with the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) during the Rio + 20 Conference, which was held on 20-22 June 2012 Rio de Janeiro. Around 50 participants representing a vast array of organizations gathered during this side event to hear the Lebanese and Liberian experience for implementing sustainable development principles in conflict affected countries to prepare for integrating the foundations of sustainable development in their national plans. Representatives from ESCWA, the United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), Lebanon and Liberia discussed the importance of a sustainable transition to peace in conflict-affected countries to ensure sustainable development and growth. The topics discussed were mainly the weakening of institutional linkages, both within government itself and between state and civil society, during conflict; the need to shift planning approaches from short term and ‘reactivity,’ to long-term visions; the importance of institutional continuity and sustainability in post-conflict settings; and the need for trust building efforts between citizens and government to renegotiate the social contract and develop a common national vision. The meeting concluded with remarks on the uprisings in the Arab World as a clear consequence of inequitable economic growth and short term planning, making the integration of sustainable development practices to support a peaceful transition for conflict affected countries vital.