As the world marks 50 years since the birth of the environmental movement, it is time to re-evaluate what politicians, businesses and individuals can do to address the environmental challenges that threaten our health, prosperity, peace and planet. Stockholm+50 – an international meeting to be held from 2-3 June provides an opportunity to do just that.
Stockholm+50’s key goal is to drive action towards a healthy planet for the prosperity of all. One of the main themes of the conference is to achieve a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Such action is urgently needed as we face the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has described the triple planetary crisis as “our number one existential threat” that needs “an urgent, all-out effort to turn things around.”
On the positive side, the original Stockholm Conference has left a strong legacy upon which we can build. The 1972 meeting triggered the creation of environment ministries around the world, negotiated global agreements to protect the environment and created the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – which has been central to the environmental movement. The last 50 years have also seen a series of multilateral environmental agreements.
The task now is to turn these commitments into real and meaningful action. This is the chief goal of Stockholm+50. The conference seeks to catalyse transformative change in our relationship with nature and our consumption and production patterns. It will also place a strong focus on meaningful youth engagement and addressing our intergenerational responsibility.
Stockholm+50 will aim to accelerate the implementation of the UN Decade of Action, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the post-2020 global Biodiversity Framework.
Stockholm+50, along with World Environment Day, will be a key pivot point around which we can accelerate action on the triple planetary crisis. This crisis is affecting everybody on the planet, right now. It will only intensify if we don’t act. It is time to get involved with Stockholm+50 and do our part to protect our common future.
Here’s how to join Stockholm+50: A Healthy Planet for the Prosperity of All – Our Responsibility, Our Opportunity
Interested in attending in person? Find more about the accreditation process for organizations and other groups. (Registration has not yet opened).
- Interested in joining the Stockholm+50 Informal Working Groups that will help shape the meeting’s Leadership Dialogues? Register your interest by 11 February.
- Follow the official Stockholm+50 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts and use the hashtag #Stockholm50 to join in the conversation.
- Find out more about hosting side events (at the Stockholm+50 venue) or independently associated events.
- Join the Green Forum’s quickly expanding Stockholm+50 virtual community group and participate in the discussion.
- Check the Stockholm+50 website for the latest updates.
- Sign up to receive updates on the latest Stockholm+50 developments (sign up form is at the bottom of each page).
