Rachel Kyte is the Vice President of Sustainable Development at the World Bank. She has over 20 years of experience working in civil society, non-profits, and international organizations on issues related to the environment, women's rights, and sustainable development. She believes Rio+20 is an opportunity to promote more inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic growth models. The World Bank's vision is for economic growth to become more efficient and supportive of natural systems over the next 20 years. Key actions include valuing ecosystem services, addressing inequities, removing inefficient subsidies, and building resilience against climate change impacts. Even without global consensus, coalitions can take action to advance sustainable development goals.

1. inside:
Rio+20 must
address global economic governance
25 years of Stakeholder Forum
a multi-stakeholder
magazine on
climate change
and sustainable
development
out reach. 04 May 2012
www.stakeholderforum.org/sf/outreach/ pic: Carlos Ortega

2. contents.
1 25 years of Stakeholder Forum
Roads to Rio and points beyond
2 Sustainable Development Dialogues
3 Profile - Rachel Kyte
5
4 Rio+20 must address global economic governance
5 Right to water affirmed, but social rights and Rio Principles still under threat
6 Major Group interviews on the Rio+20 Process - Ivana Savic
Major Group interviews on the Rio+20 Process - Anabella Rosemberg
7 Recipe for success at Rio + 20
8 Major Group interviews on the Rio+20 Process - Leida Rijnhout
8
Major Group interviews on the Rio+20 Process - Joji Carino
9 Ten themes for the Rio+20 sandwich days (16th-19th June 2012)
10 Moving from the ‘future we can’ achieve to the ‘future we want’
11 New York youth seek to influence UN Negotiations
12 A sense of possibility – delegates’ minds turn to post Rio delivery in New York
13 What happens on Monday? From Talk to Walk;
Rio+20 Side Event Calendar; World Summit of Federated States and Regions
10
14 Reflections on the negotiations
pic: Carlos Ortega
OUTREACH IS PUBLISHED BY: Outreach is a multi-stakeholder publication on OUTREACH EDITORIAL TEAM
climate change and sustainable development. Editorial Advisors Felix Dodds Stakeholder Forum
It is the longest continually produced
stakeholder magazine in the sustainable Farooq Ullah Stakeholder Forum
development arena, published at various Editor Georgie Macdonald Stakeholder Forum
international meetings on the environment; Co-editor Amy Cutter Stakeholder Forum
including the UNCSD meetings (since 1997),
UNEP Governing Council, UNFCCC Conference Editorial Assistant Jack Cornforth Stakeholder Forum
of the Parties (COP) and World Water Week. Print Designer Jessica Wolf Jessica Wolf Design
Published as a daily edition, in both print
and web form, Outreach provides a vehicle Web Designer Thomas Harrisson Stakeholder Forum
for critical analysis on key thematic topics in Web Designer Matthew Reading-Smith Stakeholder Forum
the sustainability arena, as well as a voice
of regional and local governments, women,
About Stakeholder Forum indigenous peoples, trade unions, industry, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
youth and NGOs. To fully ensure a multi-
Stakeholder Forum is an international stakeholder perspective, we aim to engage Felix Dodds Stakeholder Forum
a wide range of stakeholders for article Leida Rijnhout NGOs
organisation working to advance sustainable
development and promote democracy at a contributions and project funding. André Abreu France Libertés Foundation Rachel Kyte World Bank
global level. Our work aims to enhance open,
If you are interested in contributing Kirsty Schneeberger Stakeholder Forum Sue Riddlestone BioRegional
accountable and participatory international
decision-making on sustainable development to Outreach, please contact the team
Ivana Savic Children And Youth Jan-Gustav
(gmacdonald@stakeholderforum.org or Strandenaes Stakeholder Forum
through enhancing the involvement
of stakeholders in intergovernmental acutter@stakeholderforum.org)
Anabella Rosemberg Trade Unions Sébastien Duyck Alice Vincent
processes. For more information, visit: You can also follow us on Twitter:
www.stakeholderforum.org @OutreachLive Joji Carino Indigenous Peoples Catherine Skopic IBON International

3. 25 years of Stakeholder Forum
Felix Dodds
Stakeholder Forum
25 years ago, Mostafa Tolba, the then Executive Director Stakeholder Forum became a global multi-stakeholder body
of UNEP approached UK stakeholders and the UK
, in 2000, with its first International Advisory Board meeting
government to set up what would become the first UNEP held at Wilton Park, England, at the informal discussion on
National Committee. Originally known as UNEP-UK and Rio+10, which was co-organised by Stakeholder Forum and
housed at IIED, Stakeholder Forum was born in June 1987. Wilton Park. The meeting played a significant role in the
The original focus of Stakeholder Forum in those first early framing of the Rio+10 modalities.
few years was to promote UNEP in the UK and facilitate
discussion on the implementation of the Brundtland For the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD),
Commission Report findings. Stakeholder Forum launched the first global network
for regional government. Nrg4SD is now an important
Under its second Executive Director, Koy Thompson, it stakeholder body at global meetings - Stakeholder Forum,
took a critical role in organising the UK NGO involvement played the role of secretariat in its first year.
in the first Rio Summit.
In Johannesburg, Stakeholder Forum also held the first
Reformed after the Earth Summit in 1992 to become Implementation Conference and launched 23 Type Two
a multi-stakeholder platform, Stakeholder Forum Partnerships, some of which have gone on to become vital
welcomed one of the UK’s best known greens, Jonathon parts of the sustainable development tapestry post -WSSD.
Porritt, as Chair and was joined by a new Executive
Director, myself. It also became the UK focal point for In 2008, Stakeholder Forum joined the UNFCCC processes
UNDP – reflecting the nature of the Rio Summit as a and – jointly with the Stockholm International Water
conference on environment and development. Institute – set up the Water and Climate Coalition, which
succeeded in getting water on to the agenda of the
It played an important role in the 1990s in helping to UNFCCC within two years.
prepare the UK stakeholder input into the major UN
Conferences on Social Development, Women, Human Also in 2008, ten days after the G77 tabled the resolution
Settlements and Sustainable Development. It also played for a new summit on Sustainable Development,
a significant role in setting up the NGO coalition on the Stakeholder Forum hosted the first meeting on Rio+20
new Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and in San Sebastian, Spain. Stakeholder Forum has been
the coalition on the Habitat II Conference. working to support the Summit since then and launched
its Rio+20 website, Earth Summit 2012, in January 2009,
In 1997 the new Stakeholder Forum Chair, Derek Osborn nearly a year before governments agreed to a Summit.
– formerly Director General of the UK Department of
Environment – was asked to co-chair the preparatory At the end of May, we will publish our thirteenth book
process for Rio+5. New multi-stakeholder dialogues were in 15 years, ‘Only One Earth’, which examines the last 40
introduced in 1997, following a suggestion by Stakeholder years, and the challenges for the future. The books have
Forum to the UN General Assembly in 1996. played an important role in highlighting major issues, as
well as helping stakeholders to engage with the process.
Reformed as an idea by the amazing director of the UN
Division on Sustainable Development, Joke Waller Hunter, As I look back on the last 20 years as Director, I see
into what became a vital part of the CSD for the next 4 that those of us who have been involved in sustainable
years – twelve hours of interactive dialogue of stakeholders development have had to defend many of the agreements
with governments on the first two days of the CSD. It was made in Rio in 1992. Stakeholder Forum has succeeded
during this time that the most important stakeholder due to great staff and enormous support from its UK
engagements within the UN system took place. board and International Advisory Board.
Outreach was first published by Stakeholder Forum I believe the new Executive Director, Farooq Ullah, who will
in 1996, and has been published ever since at the UN be taking over on 1st September 2012, will build on this
CSD meetings, and, more recently, at the UNFCCC great work and take the organisation to the new level. I
negotiations. It provides a vital space for stakeholders to hope he has as much fun as I have had, drinking as much
express their views and ideas. coffee as I have, and spending long nights working with
.
governments, the UN, and stakeholders to help us move to
a much more sustainable planet
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RIO+20

4. Roads to Rio and points beyond
Catherine Skopic
If one calls where we are now Point A – ‘living outside Neither Mother Earth, nor our economies are doing very
planetary boundaries’ – we have to get to Point B – well; and there are increasing numbers of people living in
‘living within Planetary Boundaries’. There are many poverty. Our oceans, land, water, air are crying out for relief.
different routes to Point B. Some of us have a long way We need a new model - could putting Mother Earth first and
to travel, being very far away, greatly exceeding planetary letting all else flow from this point be that new paradigm?
boundaries; and some of us are already close to Point B,
living in proximity to planetary boundaries – and all of us Hopes for the success of Rio+20 are high as we plan,
need to live within the context of happiness and wellbeing. meet and seek to enable the continuance of life on this
planet – a quality of life that meets the needs of all
As we make this journey, we also have the responsibility people, plants, animals, and ecosystems.
of considering future generations. We have been taking
from them, is it now time to put back? At the very least, Most important is the realisation that the road back
efficiency and recycling of all materials and resources are home is ultimately the same for all of us; for we are
no longer choices but necessities. all living on this one earth, this one planet as one
people, one family. Rio+20 is both the continuation and
.
beginning of our work - our beginning and continuance
for life, for all ‘points beyond
Sustainable Development Dialogues
16 Jun 2012 - 19 Jun 2012 5. Forests;
Rio de Janeiro 6. Food and nutrition security;
The Government of Brazil is organising, with the support 7. Sustainable energy for all;
of the United Nations, the Sustainable Development
Dialogues, a forum for civil society, to be held in Riocentro, 8. Water;
between 16-19 June, in the context of the United Nations
9. Sustainable cities and innovation; and
Conference on Sustainable Development - Rio+20.
10. Oceans.
In the four days prior to the High Level Segment, top
representatives from civil society, including the private The debates will be broadcast live through the UN website.
sector, NGOs, the scientific community, among other Major
Groups, will convene at the same venue as the Rio+20 With the support of the United Nations Development
Conference. They are expected to engage in an open and Program (UNDP), the Dialogues initiative is being launched
action-oriented debate on key topics relating to sustainable through a digital platform, in order to provide the wider
development. There will be no participation by governments public with a democratic space for discussion. The online
or UN agencies. The recommendations emanating from the debates on each of the ten themes of the Dialogues will
Dialogues will be conveyed directly to the Heads of State be facilitated by researchers from renowned academic
and government delegations present at the Summit. institutions around the world. The platform is available in
four languages (Portuguese, English, French and Spanish),
Ten topics will be debated, based on their relevance to the with an in-built tool that allows the translation of specific
furthering of sustainable development. posts into 40 languages. It also includes a voting system
through which a set of recommendations will be chosen for
1. Sustainable development for fighting poverty; transmission to the participants of the Dialogues in Rio.
2. Sustainable development as an answer to the economic
This innovative bridge between civil society, Heads
and financial crises;
of State and government is expected to contribute to
3. Unemployment, decent work and migrations; the incorporation and engagement of stakeholders,
based on the understanding that public participation is
4. The economics of sustainable development, including
sustainable patterns of production and consumption; .
essential to the promotion of sustainable development
as the paradigm for action
2
MORE INFO www.riodialogues.org
RIO+20

5. profile. Rachel Kyte
How did you get the role you are in today and what the economic system. Rio can therefore really help
Nationality: with the demystification of what more inclusive
British advice would you give to aspiring earth champions? and greener growth means. The pathway to
20 years ago I started my career in civil society and sustainable development differs for every country,
Country of residence: youth politics in Europe, working on environmental however, there are things that each nation can do
USA issues which brought young people together. I straight after Rio to make their economy greener
(Washington D.C.) therefore became heavily involved in the first Earth and more inclusive. But, for us to make different
Summit and from there went on to run WEDO, decisions, or make decisions differently, we need an
Current Position: working on women’s health, human rights and alternative data-set on the table for all government
Vice President environment issues. I then decided I wanted to try departments to base policies upon. We therefore
of Sustainable and change things from the inside and went on to encourage as many countries as possible to use Rio
Development, work for a big international NGO (IUCN), which had as an opportunity to commit to start using natural
World Bank status and was part of key conversations. I was then capital accounts alongside GDP .
recruited by the World Bank as an ombudsperson to
mediate disputes where private sector investments What’s the World Bank’s vision for sustainable
had led to conflict with local communities. And it
was from there that I moved to the management
development over the next 20 years
side of operations at the organisation. Economic growth can become much more efficient
and supportive of the ecosystems that we depend
Some sound advice I was given when I was younger, upon. We need markets that value ecosystem
was when you are faced with a fork in the road and services, enabling the generation of resources to
have to make a decision, you should always follow allow countries to invest in the things they need
your heart and make the courageous choice. to grow greener and more inclusively. We will not
be able to be sustainable if inequity continues to
How can more finance be leveraged for the rise within countries, even if equity is increasing
between countries. We already know a lot of
implementation of sustainable development at the what we need to do. We need to attack each bad
national level? subsidy and inefficiency systematically, country by
Compared to 20 years ago, we now have domestic country. It’s essential to take action now. Time is
capital markets in the majority of countries. Even not on our side. Climate change is an accelerant,
the poorest nations have banks which can invest in making everything more difficult to do, and so the
microfinance. It is no longer a case for countries or future of development is building the resilience of
communities to rely on financial support from donors natural systems, countries, cities and communities.
in order to develop and grow. In fact, today most Therefore as a development institution, everything
investment flows are actually South-South in direction. we do now is about resilience and adaptation.
When you look at all the potential sources of finance
available, money isn’t actually the problem, rather it Call to action
is ensuring that it is invested in the right things and in Even if global consensus is illusive, it doesn’t stop
the right way. This of course includes subsidies which those who want to move ahead from doing so.
are limiting our ability to grow in a greener way. Coalitions of the willing can and do work. It is this
kind of leadership which is vital both at Rio and
What do you believe should be achieved at Rio+20? after Rio. We need to inspire the new generation of
people that don’t remember the first Summit, and
.
Sustainable development is as relevant today
show that collective action from likeminded actors
as when it was first coined. The dilemma is that
can produce results and move us forward
we’ve made real progress in some areas but not
in others, and the achievements we have made
are now imperilled by the lack of sustainability in
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RIO+20

6. Rio+20 must address global economic governance
IBON International
As many of you know, during the previous Trade Organisation’s (WTO) dispute panel. On the other
hand, under the same unfair agreements, governments
round of informal informals, civil can also be sued by the big multinational corporations if
society was alarmed at the proposals they feel that their profits are adversely affected by new
laws or regulations, including environmental standards.
of certain states to delete, weaken or
bracket references to rights, equity Unfair intellectual property rights regimes built into the
and important Rio principles, which WTO and other so-called free trade agreements (FTAs)
also prevent rapid adoption, dissemination, and further
are also grounded on human rights. innovation of new technologies and production methods,
We initiated an open letter to the UN including low-carbon alternatives in developing countries.
Secretary General and member states, Clearly, reforms are needed in the area of international
signed by over a thousand organisations trade, finance and investments, if countries are to fulfill
their human rights obligations to their citizens, and address
from over 100 countries and territories, the global challenge of sustainable development. Yet, this
expressing our alarm and calling on them dimension of international cooperation is being banished
from the Rio negotiations. For instance, developed countries
to reaffirm and strengthen rights and (or at least some of them) are striking out language calling
Rio principles and be accountable for for reform of the global financial system [paras 13 sext,
pre 25, 54 bis]. Or language stressing the development
their implementation.
mandate of the Doha Round of WTO negotiations [para 65
bis]; or underscoring the need for special and differential
We are therefore glad to hear that some member states
treatment for developing countries [para 124]; or calling for
have expressed support for the rights agenda in Rio+20.
transfer of technology [para 125].
We would, however, like to underscore one dimension of
the rights-based approach to sustainable development.
We are also concerned with inconsistencies in some
That is the international dimension, or collective
developed countries which, on the one hand, champion
responsibility of the community of nations, to create
human rights – but on the other earnestly support
enabling conditions for the fulfillment of human rights,
mechanisms that uphold carbon markets, enclosures of
including the right to development.
commons, and lead to displacement especially of indigenous
communities and local communities. This is a perversion of
By this, we don’t just mean the provision of official
the Polluter Pays Principle – and allows developed countries
development assistance (ODA) from the North to the South.
a convenient excuse to evade their historical responsibility
Even if developed countries did provide 0.7% of their GDP
for the overexploitation of the environment.
as aid, it would not make a dent in poverty eradication and
the shift to sustainable development pathways, without
Developed countries also appear consistently opposed to
major reforms in the international financial architecture
references to the right to development - despite it being
and multilateral and bilateral trade rules.
endorsed by the General Assembly in the 1986 Declaration
on Right to Development, the 1992 Rio Declaration as
Financial speculation is a major factor behind commodity
Principle 3, and in numerous other political declarations.
price volatility, furthermore, the hike in food prices
impacts the right to food of the vast majority. Indeed, it
We call on governments to support the right to
is devastating the lives of small rural producers and low
development and in so doing, support proposals for
income households in urban areas today. Moreover, much
reforming international finance and trade to uphold
needed financial resources for building ‘green’ productive
commitment to human rights, freedom and genuine
capacities, generating ‘green’ decent jobs, and ensuring
sustainable development. We need you to ensure that
universal social protection, are being wasted in speculative
references to human rights are not only kept in the Rio+20
trading of financial assets, inflating asset bubbles and
Outcome Document, but also reinforced by participatory
causing financial convulsions in the global economy.
monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
Unfair trade rules, including agricultural subsidies in the
Twenty years after the Rio 1992 Earth Summit, surely we
North, continue to wipe out small agricultural producers
should expect more, nothing less!
from developing countries. Developing countries who try to
nurture their domestic industries for, say wind power and Remarks made at the side event, “Right at Rio+20: A
other renewable energy sources, are hauled to the World Rights-based Framework for Sustainable Development”
(UN Headquarters, New York, April 27, 2012).
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RIO+20

7. Right to water affirmed, but social rights and
André Abreu Rio Principles still under threat
International Policy Advisor, France Libertés Foundation
A few weeks ago, civil society groups European Union, Israel and Australia, which had asked
for deletion and bracketing in the last session, abstained
involved in Rio+20, shared their deep this time from the demand for deletion of the right to
concern about the threat against water, even after Canada’s intervention asking to delete
the entire paragraph. Norway has maintained its position
human and social rights in the draft
supporting rights and requested for entire paragraph to
text for Rio, as well as the risk be retained. Finally, the G77 gave a strong defense of the
to important collective principles right to water, asking for the paragraph to be divided into
two parts, in order to give greater weight to the first part
established in 1992 at the first on rights. According to the representative of the G77, "The
Earth Summit. During the negotiations right to water cannot be placed in the same level with the
issues of management and investment."
in March, we watched with surprise
and disappointment, a group of a The networks and institutions who worked for years for the
right to water to be finally recognised in the UN General
few member states on an offensive to Assembly in July 2010, support the position advocated by
bracket and delete any reference to the G77, Switzerland and Norway in this process, and will
not accept a setback at Rio+20 on this principle. After this
human rights, including the right to week, we are confident the Canada is now isolated and will
water, in the draft text. Since then, have to accept the paragraph 67 and the affirmation of
the right to water.
several NGOs, human rights experts,
unions and social movements, have Aside from water, it is important to note that there are
mobilised to denounce the attack on positive developments and new processes being opened
in the negotiations in areas such as renewable energy,
rights and principles. food security, oceans, as well as the proposal for a Social
Protection Floor. However, we see clearly that in the context
pic: water.org of the green economy, some proposed market-based
mechanisms are a clear offensive on the financial markets
towards the commodification of natural resources. This
more broadly represents a step backwards for some
acquired social rights, and the so called Rio principles.
We know that this victory for the right to water is certainly
still partial, but it stands as an example of the power of
civil society influence on Rio+20 process. We now need
to expand and enhance the debate on where and how
member states are captured by economic interests in
regards to human rights. We also need to intensify the
‘red lines’ that we believe are important to human rights
and other collective principles, such as the Precautionary
Principle; the Polluter Pays Principle; and the Principle of
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities. Rights and
principles already established that are being ignored or
In the last two weeks, these networks and civil society bracketed in the negotiation process.
organisations have mobilised once again, proposing
meetings and side events on what we called ‘rights at For all these reasons, we believe there is a vital need for
risk’. Finally, this week, an important victory has been better communication on these issues to the wider global
won in the chapter on water, with most of the countries civil society. The Facilitating Committee of Civil Society
that originally opposed the right to water in paragraph has been promoting meetings and activities to increase
67 – with the exception of Canada, which again requested social participation in the process, and we hope that the
its deletion – stepping back. In the session on April 26th, People's Summit for Social and Environmental Justice,
when the water chapter was negotiated, Switzerland was (15th -22nd June at Flamengo Park), will be an important
the first country to speak, stressing "the importance of
right to water as essential in the text". The United States, .
space for this public debate. Freedom of information is
only weakened if not used
5
RIO+20

8. Major Group interviews on the Rio+20 Process
In the run up to the Earth Summit in June, the Major Groups These interviews were led by Christian Egge, Project
have been invited to fill out a questionnaire on the Rio+20 manager Rio2012, Norwegian Forum for Development
process, the responses from four of the groups can be seen and Environment. If you are a Major Group representative
below, with more to follow online (www.stakeholderforum.org/ that has not yet participated in the questionnaire and
sf/outreach). Questions were focused on the development of is interested in doing so, please contact Christian:
a green economy in the context of sustainable development christian.egge@forumfor.no
and poverty eradication, looking at the inequity within and
between countries, and the overexploitation of natural
resources and the destruction of the environment.
ANSWERS BY IVANA SAVIC, REPRESENTATIVE OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH:
A1: There is huge inequality in resources and power at the B1: Will agreements reached at Rio+20 lead to a worldwide
global level, as well as within countries. How do you think this transformation of the economy, a ‘greening’ that brings us to
influences country efforts to attain sustainable development? practices that keep us within the planetary boundaries? What
must happen at Rio+20 for this to occur?
The extremes of wealth and poverty are one of the greatest
causes of social and economic unrest, significantly It is uncertain whether countries will reach an agreement.
influencing the ability of countries to attain sustainable In the current negotiations, governments are viewed as
development goals. A relatively small percentage (20%) being noncommittal and the Zero Draft negotiating text is
of the population is wealthy, while the majority lives in being criticised for its diminishing prescriptive language.
dire poverty. This imbalance exists both within nations Some believe that there is a systematic attempt from
and between nations. In addition, the gap that separates powerful states to ‘delete our rights and bracket our
rich and poor continues to widen, which indicates that future’. One way to overcome this is to present a stronger
existing economic systems are incapable of restoring a civil society movement. Social movements have the ability
just balance. These systems are predominantly based to effect great change; they can lobby governments to
on a materialistic paradigm for development; that is, we become more proactive in their approach to sustainable
measure development by material progress. We have seen development, and they can build the capacity of local
that in reality this does not bring happiness, or an end communities to take charge of their own futures. We need
to the social issues that keep societies from flourishing. to focus our efforts on building this united civil society
The challenge for countries is to adopt a more holistic movement to ensure that the outcomes of Rio are positive.
approach to their development, one that both reduces
the gap between the wealthy and the poor, and reflects a B2: If Rio+20 fails, which other arenas could change
deeper understanding of human well-being. be promoted in bringing the planet towards a more
sustainable future?
A2: Can the Rio outcome contribute to the establishment
of a process that eventually will lead to a real change of this Rio+20 is more than just a negotiating table for sustainable
imbalance – which means a real implementation of what was to development policy, it is a global platform for people to share
a great extent decided upon already in 1992, in the MDG etc.? ideas, network, and build a movement towards sustainability.
If so: What must happen at Rio+20? In this way, Rio+20 cannot fail, because it is empowering
If not: What must happen in other arenas? civil society to engage more proactively in sustainable
What are the alternatives if Rio+20 fails? development processes. Civil society can influence change
Rio has the potential to bring about change and contribute
to the creation of social and environmental balance in the
component of post-Rio+20 implementation .
both at global and local levels and this will be an important
world. However, the degree to which this is achieved is pic: CIFOR
two-fold. First, governments need to demonstrate their
commitment to achieve a more holistic understanding of
human development and wellbeing. Second, there needs
to be a strong civil society movement that demonstrates
their vision of a sustainable world, thus influencing the
decision makers and gaining global societal support.
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RIO+20

9. ANSWERS BY ANABELLA ROSEMBERG, ITUC, REPRESENTATIVE OF TRADE UNIONS:
A1: There is huge inequality in resources and power at the employment benefit, as well as access to health
global level, as well as within countries. How do you think this services), will ensure wealth redistribution
influences country efforts to attain sustainable development? mechanisms are in place to give the poorest a
sustainable way out of poverty.
Inequalities within countries, as well as the widening global
imbalances between countries, are a major barrier for • A decent work objective, to be fulfilled in part
achieving sustainability. This is the case because of three through the creation of jobs in sectors that reduce
reasons: the natural resources are depleted for the benefit the impact of production on the environment. This
of a few privileged people globally, who do not hesitate to contributes to reducing income gaps – as decent
exploit them, and do not see any reason for supporting work provides good income and working conditions
sustainable development; the rules designed to maintain as well as respect for labour standards.
this situation (i.e. WTO) contribute to deepening a model
• A tax on financial transactions, to generate
that further exacerbates these inequalities; the governing
revenues for funding sustainable development,
concept should ensure wealth –material and natural – is
while at the same time reducing speculation, which
distributed in a fair manner between and within generations,
has harmed the capacity of countries to follow a
is sidelined for ensuring the run towards the lowest common
different development pathway.
denominator in terms of standards for the environment and
labour, as the only way forward for development. The potnetial for failure must not be the only reason for
looking at alternatives. Historically, governments are only
A2: Can the Rio outcome contribute to the establishment one of the means by which citizens express themselves.
of a process that eventually will lead to a real change of this I’m convinced that Rio+20 must become a major moment
imbalance – which means a real implementation of what was to for governments as much as for social movements. And
a great extent decided upon already in 1992, in the MDG etc.? this is important not only in order to put pressure on
If so: What must happen at Rio+20? governments, but also to create a space where movements
If not: What must happen in other arenas? with different proposals about the society we want to build,
What are the alternatives if Rio+20 fails? can come together and start building the alternative, far
beyond the limits imposed by the negotiations. In this
The assessment of the contribution that the United sense, the People’s Summit, in which unions are also very
Nations system brings to solving ‘real’ problems depends much involved, has a key role to play.
on the value given to the multilateral system and
democratic decision making at the international level. B1: Will agreements reached at Rio+20 lead to a worldwide
In my case, I tend to believe that standards, principles transformation of the economy, a ‘greening’ that brings us to
and initiatives agreed at the international level carry practices that keep us within the planetary boundaries? What
much more strength than unilateral approaches. This is must happen at Rio+20 for this to occur?
why I think Rio+20 can contribute, if not to changing the
system, at least to making steps in the right direction. I think there is an artificial barrier put here between
From the labour movement, three of our key proposals are issues related to inequality and issues related to planetary
aimed at addressing the issue of inequalities and natural boundaries. These two are closely interconnected, and
resource scarcity on a pragmatic and ambitious manner: my answers to the first series (that UN can contribute by
establishing principles, initiatives, etc) are still valid here
.
• a social protection floor for all, (which will secure
– and actually our proposals aim at addressing these two
maternity and children protection, pensions for
big challenges together and stop working in silos
the elderly and the disabled and unemployment/
Recipe for success at Rio + 20 Nathalie Rey, Greenpeace
Take one small planet • Sieve subsidies - removing harmful ones
• Add a Rio outcome containing new commitments; • Add a large pinch of political will
recycling old ones is not sufficient
• Season with sustainable agriculture (free from GE,
• Using a new high seas biodiversity agreement, chemical fertilizers and pesticides)
ensure benefits from marine genetic resources
• Using 100% renewable energy, allow global fish
are divided fairly
stocks to rise
• Take existing economies, remove rotten sections
• Sprinkle large amounts of new financial
leaving only green parts
resources and
• Mix in ancient forests (not chopped)
• Decorate with strong Sustainable Development Goals
• Add fresh, clean drinking water
Let [the planet] cool
• Whisk in a global network of protected areas & Serves: 6-7 billion
marine reserves covering 40% of the blue surface
7
RIO+20

10. Major Group interviews on the Rio+20 Process (cont.)
ANSWERS BY LEIDA RIJNHOUT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ANPED, REPRESENTATIVE OF NGO’S
A1: There is huge inequality in resources and power at the
global level, as well as within countries. How do you think this
influences country efforts to attain sustainable development?
First of all, I oppose strongly to the concept of the ‘pillar’
approach, because that gives the false idea that growth is
unlimited and that you only have to have the three pillars in
balance to obtain sustainable development. Planetary and
societal boundaries are not integrated in this approach,
and therefore neither is the redistribution (equity). The
need for redistribution is not present in this approach
because the increasing economic growth is intended to be
invested in the social and environmental pillar (trickle down
effect), which we all know does simply not happen. New
Economic Foundation (nef) published the report ‘Growth
isn’t working’, which shows this phenomenon with fact pic: Salim Al-Harthy
and data. For a $1 poverty reduction, an increase in GDP For the moment, political will and leadership are the
growth of $166 is needed, which is so huge that you would most important.
need more than two planets to achieve it. This strategy is
therefore environmentally and economically impossible. B1: Will agreements reached at Rio+20 lead to a worldwide
transformation of the economy, a ‘greening’ that brings us to
Besides that: in our current economic system, we are facing practices that keep us within the planetary boundaries? What
material and financial flows from South to North, and often must happen at Rio+20 for this to occur?
from poorer groups to rich people. Accumulation of wealth
is still the common practice. Putting an end to this is the As far as the negotiations go for the moment, it will be
only way to have a positive effect on global inequality. very difficult to reach any strong outcomes. There is
still disparity between countries on how to implement
To obtain real results on sustainable development, we also the green economy concept, but also still resistance for
need to tackle the power relations in the world. The people the green economy concept itself. Furthermore, there is
in political and financial power are not always those who a feeling that the financial crisis, for most countries, is
have interest in changing current systems. Governments more important than saving the Planet, both for current
and governance in general is quite weak, compared with and future generations. Country interests are dominating
the power that multi-national corporations and financial discussions on our common future. It is amazing how
institutions have. In order to achieve fair and just rules short-sighted governments can be. It is also a pity that we
in the context of justice and equality, you need strong first have to hit the wall very hard before we wake up and
(national and international) governance. do something. Most of us do not want to wait for a total
collapse, but to avoid that we need action now.
A2: Can the Rio outcome contribute to the establishment B2: If Rio+20 fails, which other arenas could change
of a process that eventually will lead to a real change of this be promoted in bringing the planet towards a more
imbalance – which means a real implementation of what was to sustainable future?
a great extent decided upon already in 1992, in the MDG etc.?
If so: What must happen at Rio+20? One of the arenas we, NGOs, and other stakeholders,
If not: What must happen in other arenas? need to stress is the legal sector. There are already some
What are the alternatives if Rio+20 fails? laws in place for achieving environmental justice. However,
not everyone is aware of this, or is able to make use of
For real implementation and change we need clear roadmaps
for a green economy, with targets and timetables, and/or
clear Sustainable Development Goals with a sustainable
environmental law, which is hopeful .
them. There are already some campaigns focusing on
development strategy behind them (not a business as
usual, as is the case for the MDGs), legal frameworks, and
agreements that are measurable and accountable.
8
RIO+20

11. Major Group interviews on the Rio+20 Process (cont.)
ANSWERS BY JOJI CARINO, REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES:
A1: There is huge inequality in resources and power at the If not: What must happen in other arenas?
global level, as well as within countries. How do you think this What are the alternatives if Rio+20 fails?
influences country efforts to attain sustainable development? Indigenous peoples and local communities, transition
towns, innovative economic initiatives must continue to
Some countries are acknowledging deep inequality as a strengthen their initiatives in local, sub-national spaces.
systemic problem of sustainable development, while others
are denying/ blocking action on this systemic problem. B1: Will agreements reached at Rio+20 lead to a worldwide
transformation of the economy, a ‘greening’ that brings us to
A2: Can the Rio outcome contribute to the establishment practices that keep us within the planetary boundaries? What
of a process that eventually will lead to a real change of this must happen at Rio+20 for this to occur?
imbalance – which means a real implementation of what was to
a great extent decided upon already in 1992, in the MDG etc.? Rio+20 must compel all countries to take the strongest
possible national action to keep within planetary
The 1992 outcomes did not adequately deal with boundaries. What can be agreed globally is uncertain,
the economic ‘growth’ dimensions of sustainable and in the end, actions at a national level will be crucial,
development, concerning itself more with the linkages including the control and regulation of the extraterritorial
between environment and development. This is also not activity of corporations.
adequately dealt with in the MDGs. The debate on a green
economy needs to be opened up to deal with economic B2: If Rio+20 fails, which other arenas could change
diversity, and the reality of ‘green economies’, including be promoted in bringing the planet towards a more
diverse local economies. Efforts to build counter-economic sustainable future?
power, and support poor economies, are important to
break the stranglehold of the industrial economy. Ecosystem-based approaches to addressing global
If so: What must happen at Rio+20?
A strong commitment to promote and protect diverse
relevant levels to address ecosystem problems .
challenges demand action to be devolved to the lowest
local economies must be secured at Rio.
Ten themes for the Rio+20 sandwich days (16th-19th June 2012)
Day one (Saturday 16th June) Day three (Monday 18th June)
1. Sustainable development in the fight against poverty 7. Energy for all
2. Sustainable development as an answer to the economic 8. Water
crises
9. Cities and innovation
3. Sustainable development, employment and migration
Day Four (Tuesday 19th June, morning only)
Day two (Sunday 17th June) 10. Oceans
Overarching theme: The economics of sustainable development
4. Forest
5. Food
6. Nutrition and food security
9
RIO+20

12. Moving from the ‘future we can achieve’
Sébastien Duyck and Alice Vincent to the ‘future we want’
By choosing the title "the future we
want", the UN has challenged us to
avoid making the mistakes of the past
and to rather think outside of the
box to bring real solutions to the
negotiating table. So far, it seems
that too few have registered this
pic: Ars Electronica
challenge. With 47 days to go until
Rio+20, we call on young people to drop As we prepare for Rio+20, the idea to adopt a new
the façade of pragmatism and ignore framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
has gained unparalleled momentum. These SDGs would
calls to be more ‘realistic’, for it provide a follow up to the Millennium Development Goals,
is having the guts to keep calling for but broaden the scope of the framework to better integrate
the environmental, social and economic dimensions of
more ambitious change that will move sustainable development. While this approach can perhaps
us towards a brighter future. Being help governments identify and move towards what they
perceive to be realistic objectives in the mid-term, it is very
pragmatic means making the best of the difficult to see how any of these targets resonate with the
status quo, even if we don’t like it. vision that young people have for the future of their planet.
For example, when Member States agree to halve the rate
But, as we know, the status quo is
of the loss of natural habitat in the coming decade, this
precisely what we need to change! means to consider it acceptable for our children to never
be able to admire or benefit from the existence of the
We believe the future we want comes down most crucially species which don’t make that 50% cut. How have we come
to reforming our governance structures. Governance is to the point where we morally justify these choices by our
the way we arrive at decisions in our societies at all levels. incapacity to create political institutions that can make
It boils down to a few questions: Who is empowered to decisions with a long-term vision? It might be the ‘future we
make decisions? How, and to what extent, can other can achieve’ in the current political context, but it for sure
stakeholders make their voices heard? And how are these isn’t the ‘future we want’.
players held accountable?
Unless we truly challenge the way decisions are being
If we have good governance and responsible and made, and ensure that not just the interests of a powerful
transparent decision-making processes, there is a much minority are taken into consideration, we are failing to
greater probability that we will arrive at sustainable, address the root problems underlying any environmental,
representative decisions and policies. This is pertinent social and economic crises. But here’s the good news: all
to youth, as every policy decision has consequences, and we need to make the necessary reforms is political will.
children and future generations that will inherit these
consequences. We’ve already reached – and in some Rio+20 hopes to renew political commitment for
cases exceeded - our planet’s carrying capacity, therefore sustainable development, however this won’t happen
we need to ensure that decisions made today begin to unless we demand things that inspire! These bold
remedy the rampant social, economic and environmental proposals can be put in a palatable package and written
injustices that we are currently responsible for. in summitry language, but please do not shy away from
bold, courageous and visionary principles! A week is a
The other main theme of Rio+20 addresses the transition long time in politics. 49 days is an eternity in social-
to a green and fair economy. Greening our economies could media. We can still make a lot of noise in these crucial
include, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and redirecting last 2 months before Rio+20, putting pressure on political
public funding to where it is most needed. Even if we leaders, both in our capitals and around the negotiating
succeed in this objective, we would still only be remedying
mistakes of the past. We need to go beyond this. The most
influential voices are likely to remain the same, and money
forward to, so let's do it!.
tables. The future needs to be something we can look
is likely to flow into the same pockets, unless the correct
political institutions are in place to shape our behaviour, and
governments and corporations’ notions of right and wrong.
10
RIO+20

13. New York youth seek to influence UN Negotiations
NY+20 Launches a Global Campaign on Sustainable Development
As part of the global “MyCity+20” movement, NY+20 • Sustainable Development Education: Incorporate
brought together more than 100 young men and women to sustainable development into education and training,
engage with policy experts and UN representatives and to and improve access for marginalised youth.
discuss key youth-based issues playing out in the Rio+20
negotiation process. The all-day event included talks from
H.E. Dr. Josephine Ojiambo, Kenyan Ambassador to the Ombudsperson for Future Generations
UN, Mr. John Matuszak from the U.S. State Department, We envision accountable guardians for future generations,
and Mr. Brice Lalonde, Executive Coordinator for Rio+20. at all levels of governance, which have a comprehensive
mandate to engage and enlighten the present citizenry
As a result of the full day of discussions, participants about the needs and rights of future generations.
developed a NY+20 Youth Statement which was delivered • Recognize Authority: Re-incorporate the
to negotiators and delegates in a side event held last Ombudsperson or High Commissioner for Future
Friday (27th April). Generations language in to the negotiating text;
NY+20 draft statement to world leaders: • Transparent & Democratic: Establish such a
A Youth Vision for Sustainable Development position with a system of checks and balances,
potentially through a Council for Future Generations;
in the Context of Rio+20
We the participants of NY+20, representing a diverse group • Paradigm Shift: Foster a culture of long-term
of youth, came together in New York City on 27 April 2012 thinking in the practices and institutional structures
as part of the MyCity+20 global youth initiative to assert of non-state organizations and civil society.
our shared commitment to a healthy and sustainable
world. We seek to draw on our ‘creativity, ideals, and
courage’ to engage youth in the UN processes that impact Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
our future. At NY+20 we established four critical areas for We envision a set of Sustainable Development Goals that
action ahead of Rio+20, and we now call for world leaders promote and protect the economic, environmental, and
to implement the following commitments: social well-being of present and future generations.
• Assessment of Happiness: Measure well-being
International Environmental Governance through inclusion of happiness metrics, as proposed
We envision the creation of a United Nations Environment by the Gross National Happiness Index;
Organization that will serve as the primary coordinating body
for environmental issues at the UN and improve efficiency, • Well-being Metrics: Take steps toward
transparency and equitable participation of all stakeholders. establishing universal goals and indicators to
measure overall well-being, as complementary to
• Accountable Sovereignty: Establish national
GDP and to build upon the progress of the MDGs;
,
sustainability commitments in a public registry,
but also convene a global independent body with • Continue Dialogue: Implore leaders to launch a
input from civil society, to make a second set of framework for the establishment of SDGs at Rio+20
commitment recommendations; that are responsive to the needs of youth.
• Inclusive Representation: Advance youth
representation in international governance through
Youth Commitment
We, the inheritors of this world, see Rio+20 not as an
furthering awareness of opportunities for youth
outcome but as the beginning of a long-term process
participation in the UN, such as youth delegates on
and movement for the future we want. We commit to
official delegations;
being ombudspersons in our own lives by educating our
• Responsible Finance: Strengthen the stringency of communities on how to impact international dialogue on
environmental and social impact assessment in project sustainable development. We pledge to work in partnership
financing by working with financial institutions.
.
with youth around the world to advocate for policies and
programs that ensure the future we need
Green Jobs
We envision a more holistic integration of sustainability MORE INFO
into all professions and education systems to enable a NY+20 is a coalition of students groups and nonprofit
transformation to the green economy. organizations including Columbia University’s Coalition
for Sustainable Development, Yale School of Forestry
• Equitable Growth: Adopt public policies that and Environmental Studies, EOTO World, Human Impacts
create enabling environments for the private sector to Institute, SustainUS, Global Kids, Road to Rio, Peace Child,
create accessible, decent and meaningful green jobs; Rio+20 Global Youth Music Contest, and IISD Reporting
Service. www.newyorkplus20.wordpress.com; newyorkplus20@gmail.
• Peaceful Livelihoods: Leverage green jobs as
a strategy to demilitarise nations by providing com; www.mycityplus20.blogspot.com
11
alternative options and livelihoods for youth;
RIO+20

14. A sense of possibility – delegates’ minds turn to
Sue Riddlestone
Chief Executive & co-founder, BioRegional
post Rio delivery in New York
The likely tangible outcomes But how are we going to measure impacts? The term natural
capital has its critics, with some governments pointing out
and post Rio+20 activities are that we cannot capture the real value of nature in prices.
starting to emerge from the There was therefore a packed audience for our second side
event on Tuesday, which explored taking natural capital into
jumble of square brackets and account. Guri Sandborg, from the government of Norway,
haze of wordsmithing here in New highlighted that many resources are currently invisible in our
economy and we need to better manage our natural resource
York. As we reach the final days base. The meeting’s chair, Farooq Ullah of Stakeholder Forum,
of the negotiations, you can see emphasised that you can’t manage what you don’t measure.
Glenn-Marie Lange of the World Bank, and Alessandra Alfieri
delegates’ minds starting to
of UN Statistics Division, presented the WAVES programme
turn to implementation of the and the System of Environmental-Economic Accounts
anticipated agreements, with the (SEEA). SEEA was called for in Agenda 21. Twenty years
of thinking have gone in to developing this system and it
obvious main outcome expected to shows. Ms Alfieri’s presentation clearly displayed how
be the Sustainable Development such data could directly inform policy in numerous ways.
Everyone could suddenly see just how useful the SEEA will
Goals (SDGs). be. WAVES is a five year programme of the World Bank with
a critical mass of countries and UN agencies who will be
Governments and civil society gathered at the Beekman piloting the approach. It will bring an internationally agreed
Hotel in New York on Monday for a working session, methodology and build capacity so that the approach can be
organised by BioRegional, to think about the SDGs in widely adopted. Business and civil society are also taking
the context of national implementation. Paula Caballero natural capital into account using the ecological footprint
Gomez from the Government of Colombia, a leading player as part of the One Planet Living initiative. We are using it
on the SDGs, pointed out that the SDGs would integrate to set goals, inform business decisions, and also measure
the three pillars of sustainability and people’s needs. Ms progress. In addition, national ecological footprint accounts
Caballero emphasised that the SDGs are an open proposal are produced annually by Global Footprint Network.
and that there is no single implementation approach. But
universal goals can be a common reference that we can As a delegate from Latin America aptly put it “we like
all draw on, and a unique tool to assist governments with the SDGs because they can be defined, policy relevant,
intra-ministerial planning. She also envisages that there evidence based and rigorous. This panel showed us how
will be vertical linkages from the national to local level, we could somehow measure sustainable development. It
and a need for cross-sectoral thinking and planning. gives us a sense of possibility”.
Then we got the flip charts and post it notes out and
used the ten one planet living principles as a proxy for
the SDGs, to get delegates thinking about how they
would be implemented at the national level. A consensus
emerged amongst delegates that listing the SDG’s in a
simple framework such as this could offer a strong way
to communicate the SDGs – something essential for the
engagement of wider society and their implementation.
Echoing Ms Caballero’s points on the need for the
framework to focus on implementation, we could really
see the cross cutting nature of the potential Goals, such pic: UN Photo
as those on energy, water and food. Increasing the
coherence of policies addressing these issues remains MORE INFO
complex but is long overdue. If got right, the SDGs BioRegional and One Planet Living
could create a coordinating framework that may enable www.bioregional.com/oneplanetliivng freya.seath@bioregional.com
a more holistic approach to the delivery of sustainable Global Footprint Network for national ecological footprint
development than we had seen before. Our limited time www.footprintnetwork.org
meant we were only able to scratch the surface, however System of Environmental Economic Accounts (SEEA)
it did get everyone thinking. seea@un.org
WAVES
www.web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/ENVIRONMENT
/0,,contentMDK:23056708~pagePK:148956~piPK:216618~theSite
PK:244381,00.html
12
RIO+20

15. What happens on Monday? From Talk to Walk
Kirsty Schneeberger
Senior Project Officer, Stakeholder Forum
Riding on the wave of momentum generated from Summit, 22 June. We will bring together a diverse range
Conferences and Summits is something that we all aim for – of governmental and non-governmental stakeholders alike
to go home and set in motion all the plans that will support to engage in networking, information sharing and funding
the outcomes and achieve the commitments made, and planning, in order to build capacity and expertise on how
to set to task to create the future that they want. History to develop a post-Rio+20 work plan of implementation.
shows us, however, that despite all best intentions, when Learning from examples of successful implementation
one thousand flowers bloom, they do not always all survive. strategies and sharing plans for future efforts will be
There are myriad reasons for why this is so, and we know a focus of the conference; as will connecting those
many of them: related to funding and financing; capacity stakeholders who will be doing the implementation work
over time; shifting conditions (political, social, geological, with funders that are looking to support such initiatives.
etc); developments of technologies – just to name a few.
Projects and initiatives that are underway and which have
To understand those factors that have limited success and already achieved success will be invited to present to
which might hamper future efforts, we must learn from the participants on the following key areas:
past and look at new ways of collaborating and working to
achieve the outcomes and commitments made this June. • cities
If Rio+20 is to be the 'implementation conference' that • oceans
it is being dubbed, sincere and serious efforts must be
focused on how implementation can and will be achieved. • green jobs and skills
• freshwater
During the preparatory processes and the final days of
• energy
Rio+20 itself, the longer-term focus on the bigger picture
might be compromised as deadlines focus the minds to
concentrate on the minutiae of the text and the narrow
picture of brackets and commas. There will be a need
MORE INFO
If you would like to find out more about What happens
to create the space to look at 'life after Rio'; to focus on
on Monday? Or would like to submit your project to be
implementation and the actual work that will be done to
considered to be featured as part of the conference,
ensure the legacy of Rio+20 is a true and lasting success.
please contact kirstys@stakeholderforum.org. Also follow www.
To this end, Stakeholder Forum will convene the 'What earthsummit2012.org for updates and developments as we
happens on Monday?' conference on the final day of the draw nearer to Rio+20.
World Summit of Federated States and Regions
Co-organised by the State of Rio de Janeiro, nrg4SD, The Climate Group and Regions-United/FOGAR
Tuesday 19 June | Athletes’ Park | State of Rio de Janeiro
On 19 June, just ahead of the Rio+20 Conference itself, The World Summit will launch a declaration of commitments
the State of Rio de Janeiro and the Network of Regional from subnational governments for the green economy
Governments for Sustainable Development (nrg4SD) are in the context of sustainable development and poverty
convening the World Summit of Federated States and eradication, under which signatories will commit to specific
Regions in co-organisation with The Climate Group and targets and initiatives within the economic, environmental
Regions United - FOGAR and social dimensions of sustainable development.
.
The World Summit will bring together subnational governments The World Summit and the declaration are open to any
from all around the Globe committed to sustainable Federated States, Regions, Provinces and other subnational
development, demonstrating how they are making sustainable
development happen on the ground in close partnership with
all other levels of government and the private sector.
their respective territories .
governments committed to sustainable development in
MORE INFO www.nrg4sd.org
Rio+20 Side Event Calendar
Date Time Room Title Organisers
04 May 2012
1:15-2:45 3 Creating a sustainable economy: top down and bottom up Institute for Plenary Synthesis and Commons Action for the UN
1:15-2:45 7 UN-Water Report on Water Resources Management for Rio+20 Summit UN WATER, UNEP
13
RIO+20

16. Reflections on the negotiations - Thursday, 3rd May
Jan-Gustav Strandenaes
Stakeholder Forum
An IFSD proposal recharges the negotiations And where is UNEP?
The corridors leading to conference room 1 were alive with Another group had immersed itself in the UNEP proposal.
discussions and delegates intently reading a two page document. Universal membership, strengthening the financial base, no
They were accentuating their arguments with body language, mandate change, respect for the integrity of the MEAs, giving
displaying strength, showing defensive positions, reading, UNEP a direct role to deliver on the environmental pillar of
studying, questioning, and looking behind the words for a subtle sustainable development, strengthen the science base – and
meaning. The veil of apparent lethargy had lifted from the election of the ED by all member states. “Does it have everything
negotiations and been substituted with delegate passion: the long except calling it formally a specialized agency?” A delegate was
awaited proposal on IFSD from G77 had finally revealed itself. reading loud and musing to himself. Shhh, don’t mention that
word, cautioned a colleague. Use that word and all hell breaks
What did it say? Did it kill the idea of a Council? Were its proposals loose. A bespectacled delegate with a surprised mien kept asking
enough to overburden ECOSOC and render it an inefficient body? delegates – “it says legitimate scientific assessment – can anyone
Or did the idea propel ECOSOC into its rightful position? tell me what ‘legitimate science’ is”? No answer was offered.
The first paragraphs reaffirm the importance position and Can this be developed further?
function of ECOSOC. Traditional UN start - so nothing new. Then
the magic words – ‘we decide.’ But what? Had G77 gone as far as it could in meeting different opinions?
This was not a council. It was no derisive proposal concerning
IFSD. But it left a number of areas subject to discussions and
Many questions and few answers speculation. Where in this equation is civil society? Council-
“A high level intergovernmental forum, building on existing skeptic delegates had been asking the pro-council people if a
structures of relevant UN bodies including CSD” read a delegate. council would guarantee high level and serious participation and
decision-making. Now they asked the same of this. Many had
“Building on”, said another delegate, “that is the same as killing hoped for a strong proposal integrating the financial dimension
CSD without replacing it with anything”. “A forum in UN speak into sustainable development. Others had hoped to see at least
is a substitute for a talk-shop”, claimed another. “But look” fragments of the social equity and rights based discussion
said a third, “it will follow implementation on decisions by all reflected in the proposal. But maybe these issues would be
major relevant summits, it is universal, and ensures system wide covered in the ensuing discussion, the one that would continue
participation. Universal membership places it outside ECOSOC to Rio+20 and beyond?
and in direct relationship with the GA with an action oriented
agenda. That must count for something!” But if this process was to be kept alive and brought to a decision
at the GA level, how could civil society and the major groups
Had G77 managed to unite all good proposals from all corners be brought into the discussion? Every politician and every
of the IFSD debate with this proposal? It certainly seemed to delegate and every body of the UN know that no decisions of the
cater to all concerns. But this wasn’t a decision with a final intergovernmental system will be carried out in reality unless ‘we,
result. This is a decision to open a process, and for a discussion the peoples’ are involved. The resolution gave no answer.
to continue at the GA. “Same old, same old. It ‘s back to the
GA committees” – a seasoned veteran delegate quibbled to the “I like this” said a charged delegate, heading for the mission, “I
inexperienced underlings. “Hey – we may be inexperienced, but
certainly not without commitment and engagement”, retorted
an ‘inexperienced underling’.
.
may not agree with all, but now we have something to work with.”
Well, let’s see where this will end
Outreach is made possible by the support of