In May 2010, during the first Preparatory Committee of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, some Member States requested that the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the UN Environment Programme, the UN Conference on Trade and Development and other relevant organizations cooperate to prepare a study for the second Preparatory Committee, which would assess both the benefits, challenges and risks associated with a transition to a ?green economy.? The event is co-sponsored by DESA, UNCTAD and UNEP.

This Report responds to this mandate. It contains a summary by Professor José Antonio Ocampo (presented by Mr. Tariq Banuri) and three chapters on:

The Macroeconomics of the Green Economy
By Professor José Antonio Ocampo, Columbia University
(presented by Mr. David O'Connor, Chief, Policy Analysis and Networks Branch, DESA)

Trade, Sustainable Development and A Green Economy
By Mr. Aaron Cosbey, UNCTAD Advisor on Green Economy

Challenges of the green economy concept and policies in the context of sustainable development, poverty and equity
By Mr. Martin Khor, Executive Director, South Centre

Mr. Lucas Assuncao (Head of Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, UNCTAD) and Ms. Sylvie Lemmet (Director of the Division of Technology, Industry and Economics, UNEP) will each make brief introductory remarks before the Panel Report presentation begins.

Moderator:

Mr. Tariq Banuri, Director, Division for Sustainable Development, DESA