The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (dubbed Rio+20) will take place in Brazil from 20-22 June 2012. Rio+20, as the name suggests, marks the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. It is envisaged as a Conference at the highest possible level, including Heads of State and Government or other representatives.

The objective of the Conference is to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development, and address new and emerging challenges

The Conference will focus on two themes:  a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and the institutional framework for sustainable development.

Why Rio+20 is important
The world today is facing a mounting crisis and in recent years we have experienced a combination of a global financial crisis, a food crisis, volatile oil prices, accelerating ecosystem degradation and an increasing number of climate-induced extreme weather events. These multiple and inter-related crises call into question the ability of a growing human population to live peacefully and sustainably on this planet, and demand the urgent attention governments and citizens around the world.
Rio+20 therefore provides a platform on which these matters can be discussed and at the same time securing the highest political leadership’s consent.

What can you do?
Many people view Rio+20 as a platform for global leaders and therefore think they are excluded in the process. Contrary to this perspective, Rio+20 concerns you and your future and it is imperative that you participate in this decision process.

Yes, you may not be invited to the summit but you are perfectly positioned to influence the leaders around you that will go. Be the change in your community! Make your voice heard by taking action for the environment! Leveraging your ability to influence leaders is easy: join in the WED celebrations around you and take advantage of the collective power in numbers; start your own event and invite others to participate.

Look out for the 2012 WED Pack for ideas on how you could do this. In the meantime, the current WED Pack will stimulate your thinking just as much.