About Rio+20
Rio+20 – the short name for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012 – is an historic opportunity to define pathways to a safer, more equitable, cleaner, greener and more prosperous world for all. Twenty years after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, where countries adopted Agenda 21 – a blueprint to rethink economic growth, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection – the UN is again bringing world leaders together to decide the fate of range of measures that can reduce poverty while promoting decent jobs, clean energy and a more sustainable and fair use of resources. Rio+20 is a chance to move away from business-as-usual and to act to end poverty, address environmental destruction, jumpstart the green economy and chart a course to a sustainable future.
What issues will be discussed?
The official discussions will focus on two main themes: How to build a green economy to achieve sustainable development and lift people out of poverty, including support for developing countries that will allow them to find a green path for development; and how to improve international coordination for sustainable development.
What will happen at Rio+20?
Thousands of participants from governments, the private sector, NGOs and other stakeholders will gather in Rio at the end of May and beginning of June 2012 to try to forge a path to sustainable development. The last session of the Preparatory Committee for the Conference and the actual conference will take place there in June 2012. Concurrent to and between the official events, there will be numerous side events, exhibitions, presentations, fairs and announcements by a wide range of partners. Governments are expected to adopt clear and focused practical measures for implementing sustainable development, based on the many examples of success we have seen over the last 20 years.
Links:
Official Rio+20 UN Page: www.uncsd.org
Information Rio+20 Page: www.earthsummit2012.org
The Rio+20 Portal – The People’s Summit – A place where people can get information on all of the activities happening in Rio. This includes accredited UN events and outside civil society initiatives: http://rio20.net/en/
Rio+Social – Offers an opportunity for people all over the world to participate in the Conference through Social Media: http://rioplussocial.com.br/en/#
Summit Watch – Keep track of which Heads of State are attending the Conference www.summitwatch.org