World leaders finalized an agreement at Rio+20 today that will advance action on sustainable development, as businesses, governments, civil society and multilateral development banks announced hundreds of voluntary commitments to shape a more sustainable future for the benefit of the planet and its people. The full package of agreements, actions, commitments, challenges, initiatives and announcements made at Rio+20, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, addresses a range of global issues that includes access to clean energy, food security, water and sustainable transportation.
"Rio+20 has given us a solid platform to build on," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. "Rio+20 has affirmed fundamental principles -- renewed essential commitments-and given us new direction."
Final Agreement
World leaders approved the outcome document for Rio+20, entitled "The Future We Want," this evening. In the months leading up to Rio+20, negotiations on the outcome document included several week-long sessions and many long nights, but under the leadership of the Brazilian Government, a compromise was reached and agreement made by the 193 Member States of the United Nations.
"The outcome document provides a firm foundation for social, economic and environmental well-being," Mr. Ban said. "It is now our responsibility to build on it. Now the work begins."
The document calls for a wide range of actions, among many other points, including:
- launching a process to establish sustainable development goals;
- detailing how the green economy can be used as a tool to achieve sustainable development;
- strengthening the UN Environment Programme and establishing a new forum for sustainable development;
- promoting corporate sustainability reporting measures;
- taking steps to go beyond GDP to assess the well-being of a country;
- developing a strategy for sustainable development financing;
- adopting a framework for tackling sustainable consumption and production;
- focusing on improving gender equality;
- stressing the need to engage civil society and incorporate science into policy; and
- recognizing the importance of voluntary commitments on sustainable development.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, concluding the Conference, told participants that the outcome document is a great step forward. "I am convinced that this Conference will have the effect of bringing about sweeping change." Commitments
Beyond the negotiated document, voluntary commitments played a key role in the outcome of Rio+20, with an estimated $513 billion mobilized from the 13 largest commitments alone. Over 700 voluntary commitments by civil society groups, businesses, governments, universities and others were listed on the main Rio+20 website as of today.
The total included more than one hundred commitments and actions announced by Mr. Ban yesterday in support of the UN's Sustainable Energy for All initiative towards achieving three objectives - ensuring energy access, doubling energy efficiency and doubling the share of renewable energy- all by 2030. More than 50 Governments from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Small Island Developing States have engaged with the initiative and are developing energy plans and programmes. Businesses and investors have committed more than $50 billion to achieve the initiative's three objectives. More than one billion people will benefit from Sustainable Energy for All's public and private sector commitments.
Earlier this week, eight multilateral development banks announced they will provide financing of more than 175 billion through 2020 to support sustainable transport in developing countries. And the World Bank announced that more than 80 countries, civil society groups, private companies and international organizations have declared their support for the new Global Partnership for Oceans. More than 200 commitments to sustainable development by businesses were announced at the conclusion of the UN Global Compact's Corporate Sustainability Forum.
Mr. Ban also issued a 'Zero Hunger Challenge' yesterday, calling on all nations to be boldly ambitious as they work for a future where everyone enjoys the right to food and all food systems are resilient. The Challenge aims to provide 100 per cent access to adequate food year round, while increasing small farm productivity and zero loss or waste of food. Several countries have already taken up the challenge. For example, the United Kingdom pledged £150 million (approx. $234 million) to help smallholder farmers feed millions.
Today, the Brazilian Government announced the creation of the Rio+ Centre, the World Centre for Sustainable Development. The Rio+ Centre will facilitate research, knowledge exchange and international debate about sustainable development. Its partners include the State Government of Rio de Janeiro, the Rio Municipality and several UN agencies, as well as academic institutions, businesses and civil society groups.
Rio+20 Secretary-General Sha Zukang said, "This Conference is about implementation. It is about concrete action. The voluntary commitments are a major part of the legacy of this Conference. They complement the official outcome of the Conference."
