The Belgian FRDO-CFDD was set up in 1997, in succession to the National Council for Sustainable Development which functioned as from 1993. The FRDO-CFDD was established by the law of May 5, 1997, regulating the co-ordination of the federal policy on sustainable development.

The FRDO-CFDD advises the federal authorities about that policy, at the federal government's and parliament's request, as well as on its own initiative. In addition to its advisory duties the FRDO-CFDD acts as a forum to encourage the sustainable development debate, for instance by means of organizing symposia. Experts in the area, representatives of government and civil society, and a wider public have the opportunity to explain their point of view and to dialogue. The Council makes use of the results when formulating advices. The Council was also given the task of sensitizing organizations and citizens on the subject of sustainable development.

The members of the FRDO-CFDD represent various social organizations: environmental organizations, development organizations, consumers' unions, trade unions, employers' federations, energy producers and the world of science. Federal and regional government representatives and delegates of environmental and socio-economic advisory bodies only have an advisory voice in the meetings.

FCSD forum 2011

REG n° BE-BXL-000022

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