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- Date submitted: 1 Nov 2011
- Stakeholder type: Major Group
- Name: Eurostep
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Full Submission
Contribution
to
the
Zero
Draft
of
the
outcome
Document
for
Rio2012
The
future
of
the
world,
its
7
billion
people
and
the
generations
to
come
will
be
determined
by
the
way
in
which
we
respond
to
the
significant
challenges
that
confront
us.
Our
current
practices
are
threatening
our
very
existence.
The
same
sense
of
urgency
was
expressed
20
years
ago
at
the
1992
Rio
conference.
Unfortunately,
despite
the
adoption
of
strong
commitments
and
appropriate
plans
of
action
for
sustainable
development,
implementation
has
been
limited.
The
political
will
needed
from
the
international
community
to
respond
effectively
to
the
urgent
challenges
identified
in
1992
has
not
been
forthcoming.
While
there
have
been
some
important
achievements
resulting
from
previous
conferences
the
overall
trends
are
negative.
Human
activity
has
been
the
major
cause
of
the
environmental,
social
and
economic
problems
that
we
face.
The
present
challenges
cannot
be
tackled
in
isolation
and
responses
must
be
global.
Rio2012
constitutes
the
best
opportunity
to
give
renewed
political
impetus
to
putting
in
place
effective
measures
for
working
towards
effective
sustainable
development
practices.
This
will
require
the
adoption
of
comprehensive
and
binding
internationally
agreed
time
bound
commitments
and
strategies.
These
must
build
on
the
agreements
reached
in
1992
and
2002.
Countries
have
common
but
differentiated
responsibility
for
contributing
to
current
unsustainable
practices,
and
for
the
consequence
unsustainable
use
of
the
world?s
natural
resources.
This
must
have
implications
for
responses
that
are
needed.
Developed
countries
must
fundamentally
change
their
own
development
model
so
as
to
ensure
their
economies
are
sustainable
and
enable,
rather
than
obstruct,
the
implementation
of
sustainable
approaches
to
development
of
others,
not
least
developing
countries.
The
particular
situations
of
developing
countries
must
be
fully
recognised
and
assistance
provided
in
order
for
them
to
be
able
to
develop
sustainably
in
full
respect
of
their
sovereignty
and
democratically
agreed
priorities.
High-‐income
countries
must
show
their
willingness
and
determination
to
bring
about
real
changes
that
radically
transform
the
way
economic
development
is
envisaged.
Emerging
countries
that
are
growing
quickly
and
transforming
their
economies
must
take
on
the
increased
responsibility
that
this
brings
for
ensuring
sustainable
practices
are
at
the
core
of
their
strategies.
Greening
the
Economy
alone
will
not
bring
about
sustainable
development.
Increased
liberalisation
has
shown
its
limits.
In
too
many
instances
economic
growth
has
increased
inequalities
with
poorer
sections
of
societies
benefiting
least.
Humandevelopment
and
environmental
protection
must
be
at
the
core
of
analysis
and
actions
for
sustainable
development
to
be
achieved.
Adherence
to
human
rights,
the
effective
promotion
of
equitable
societies,
ensuring
better
regulation
of
economic
and
financial
activities
to
ensure
conformity
with
principles
of
sustainable
development,
increasing
the
coherence
between
the
three
pillars
of
sustainable
development,
protecting
the
environment
and
enhancing
democratic
participation
and
accountability
are
key
elements
for
a
sustainable
world.
They
should
be
reflected
in
the
outcome
document
of
Rio2012.
Ambitious
actions
and
strengthening
the
institutional
framework
for
ensuring
appropriate
implementation
and
compliance
with
commitments
made
must
be
agreed
upon
at
Rio2012.
1. Introduction
At
the
Rio
Earth
Summit
in
1992
the
international
community
adopted
a
set
of
principles
and
obligations
in
response
to
the
global
challenges
to
pursuing
sustainable
development.
These
addressed
development
and
environmental
protection,
as
well
as
the
need
for
global
responses
to
the
supranational
problems
of
poverty,
social
inequity,
desertification,
global
warming,
loss
of
biodiversity
and
deforestation.
The
Rio
Summit
endorsed
the
principles
of
sustainable
development
including
that
of
common
but
differentiated
responsibilities,
with
a
view
towards
an
equitable
use
of
the
world?s
finite
resources
for
the
benefit
for
all.
As
the
world
prepares
for
the
2012
United
Nations
Conference
on
Sustainable
Development
(UNCSD)
that
will
mark
the
20th
anniversary
of
the
Earth
Summit
the
need
to
tackle
global
environmental
problems
and
to
put
in
place
a
just
and
sustainable
management
of
the
world?s
resources
has
become
more
urgent
than
ever
before.
Too
many
people,
particularly
people
living
in
poverty
and
vulnerability
do
not
have
access
to
their
basic
rights
because
of
the
disastrous
consequences
of
unsustainable
practices.
While
there
has
been
increased
consciousness
about
the
challenges
facing
the
global
community,
and
some
actions
have
been
taken
to
promote
sustainability,
overall
there
has
been
a
marked
failure
to
implement
the
commitments
made
at
the
Rio
92
Summit
despite
the
recognition
at
that
time
of
the
urgent
need
to
adhere
to
the
principles
adopted
by
the
international
community.
The
failure
extends
to
the
Johannesburg
Plan
of
Action
of
2002
and
other
UN
Summit
outcomes
related
to
the
social
and
economic
dimensions
of
sustainable
development.
This
includes
the
commitments
of
industrialized
countries
to
provide
the
means
(financial
resources
and
technology
transfer)
to
implement
the
Earth
Summit?s
agreements
that
they
have
failed
to
honour.
Industrialised
countries
have
also
failed
to
provide
the
leadership
needed
to
change
production
and
consumption
patterns,
particularly
in
their
own
countries,
that
are
crucial
for
sustainability
to
be
achieved.
Human
activity
has
been
the
major
cause
of
environmental
degradation,
climate
change
and
social
disparities,
which
are
threatening
our
very
existence.
Scientific
and
technological
developments
have
brought
unprecedented
benefits
to
large
numbers
of
people,
particularly
in
so
called
?advanced
regions?
of
the
world,
but
with
the
consequence
of
unsustainable
ways
of
living.
The
development
path
pursued
by
the
world?s
wealthiest
nations
has
drawn
disproportionately
on
the
planet?s
non
renewable
natural
resources
and
continues
to
do
so1.
This
responsibility
for
creating
the
current
global
challenges
must
be
fully
understood
and
recognised
and
actions
to
achieve
far
reaching
transition
must
be
undertaken.
This
requires
radical
and
urgent
transformation
in
current
approaches
to
the
economy
and
to
patterns
of
production
and
consumption
that
are
promoted
towards
a
low
carbon
economy
and
sustainable
lifestyles.
Rio2012
constitutes
a
major
opportunity
to
give
new
impetus
to
promoting
an
approach
that
can
fulfil
the
principles
of
justice,
equity
and
sustainability.
These
are
fundamental
for
the
future.
The
outcome
of
Rio2012
must
build
on
the
principles
and
commitments
adopted
in
1992
and
2002,
which
constituted
major
progress
in
the
way
in
which
economic
development
should
be
understood.
The
summit
will
take
place
in
a
context
where
successive
crises
illustrate
the
increasing
vulnerabilities
that
we
collectively
face,
largely
resulting
from
the
accumulating
effects
of
past
economic,
financial
and
development
strategies
and
practices.
These
crises
have
a
devastating
impact
on
increasing
numbers
of
people
around
the
world,
particularly
in
poorer
countries
and
communities.
Their
negative
impact
on
strategies
to
promote
sustainable,
just
and
equitable
development
will
grow,
and
be
exacerbated
by
the
interconnections
between
the
different
crises.
Our
collective
ability
to
respond
to
these
challenges
requires
drastic
changes
to
policy
approaches
in
line
with
the
principles
adopted
in
1992.
The
stated
commitment
and
willingness
of
some
countries
to
make
Rio2012
a
success
is
to
be
welcomed.
However,
acknowledging
the
need
for
radical
changes
in
approaches
to
the
economy
are
fundamental
to
a
successful
outcome.
Our
collective
ability
to
move
towards
a
sustainable
planet
will
only
be
achieved
when
we
address
the
inequalities
that
are
the
source
of
injustice
experienced
by
people
and
communities
in
different
parts
of
the
world.
We
believe
that
the
concept
of
Green
Economy,
for
which
there
is
no
common
understanding
and
conceptualization
at
the
global
level,
gives
too
much
emphasis
to
environmental
aspects
of
sustainability,
but
may
fail
to
address
the
equally
critical
questions
of
social
equity,
economic
justice
and
political
inclusion.
It
relies
too
much
on
changes
in
practice
that
are
more
ecologically
sustainable
than
in
the
past,
and
the
use
of
new
technologies
that
contribute
to
this
objective,
but
do
not
address
fundamental
changes
that
will
impact
on
all
aspects
of
our
lives.
Changes
based
only
on
modifications
to
existing
approaches
will
neither
tackle
the
root
causes
of
poverty
nor
imbalances
within
the
current
macroeconomic
system
that
are
central
to
past
unsustainable
practice.
2. Recognizing
the
principle
of
Common
but
differentiated
responsibilities
and
its
implications
as
a
prerequisite
for
sustainable
development
As
nations
that
enjoy
relative
wealth,
and
which
have
consumed
a
disproportionate
share
of
the
world?s
natural
resources
to
achieve
their
position,
high
income
countries
need
to
demonstrate
their
commitment
to
make
the
far
reaching
changes
needed
to
achieve
global
sustainability.
They
need
to
act
both
towards
their
own
economic,
social
and
ecological
framework,
as
well
as
in
their
interactions
with
the
rest
of
the
world.
Acknowledging
in
international
agreements
and
practices
the
special
situation
and
needs
of
developing
countries
must
also
be
systematic
in
compliance
with
Principle
11
of
the
1992
Rio
Declaration.
Sustainable
development
standards,
objectives
and
priorities
should
fully
take
into
account
?the
environmental
and
development
context
to
which
they
apply?.
Since
the
actions
of
industrialised
nations
have
contributed
most
to
creating
the
global
environmental
problems
we
collectively
face,
they
should
actively
assist
developing
countries
in
mitigating
and
adapting
to
the
adverse
effects
they
now
face,
not
least
to
climate
change
that
is
one
of
the
results.
The
provision
of
adequate
financial
resources
and
facilitating
technology
transfer
(providing
that
the
precautionary
principle
is
fully
recognized
and
applied)
are
urgent
obligations
to
be
taken,
but
by
no
means
the
only
actions
needed.
Because
of
the
disproportionate
influence
that
high
income
countries
have
on
international
relations,
as
is
increasingly
the
case
for
emerging
economies
too,
and
because
of
the
impact
of
their
policies
on
other
countries?
development,
Policy
Coherence
for
Sustainable
Development
must
be
recognized
as
a
guiding
principle
at
Rio2012
and
appropriate
mechanisms
must
be
put
in
place
to
control
compliance
with
this
principle.
Putting
in
place
the
actions
needed
to
address
the
threats
to
sustainability
requires
an
analysis,
understanding
and
acknowledgement
of
challenges.
In
preparation
for
Rio+20
every
country,
region
and
the
global
community
as
a
whole
must
update
past
analysis
and
clearly
define
the
problems
we
face
today.
Taking
the
actions
necessary
to
change
approaches
to
the
economy,
and
to
put
in
place
effective
mechanisms
for
the
sustainable
management
of
natural
capital
and
resources
will
inevitably
impact
on
economic
actors.
The
Green
Economy
will
create
new
?green
jobs?
but
will
also
destroy
?brown
jobs?.
Thus,
during
the
transformation
process
towards
the
Green
Economy
some
individuals,
groups,
communities
and
countries
will
lose2
whereas
others
will
win.
This
has
to
be
addressed
by
identifying
those
affected,
quantifying
their
losses
and
benefits
against
a
business
as
usual
scenario
and
creating
compensation
mechanisms.
3. The
limits
of
the
Green
Economy
Tackling
inequities
is
central
to
Sustainable
Development
International
definitions
of
sustainable
development,
to
which
the
international
community
subscribes3,
are
rooted
in
the
Brundtland
Commissions
original
definition
of
sustainable
development
namely
?development
that
meets
the
needs
of
the
present
without
compromising
the
ability
of
future
generations
to
meet
their
own
needs?.
In
this
perspective,
sustainable
development
is
about
improving
the
well
being
of
both
present
and
future
generations,
which
in
turn
is
concerned
with
social,
economic
and
inter
generational
justice.
Eradicating
poverty,
diminishing
inequalities,
striving
for
more
inclusive
and
just
society,
an
adherence
and
respect
for
the
environment
and
ensuring
accountability
should
be
core
pillars
and
goals
of
any
sustainable
development
strategy4.
This
requires
the
effective
representation
of
developing
countries
in
international
fora.
It
also
requires
increased
participation
by
citizens,
civil
society
organisations
and
other
stakeholders
at
all
stages
of
public
policy
formulation
and
implementation
?
be
it
local,
national
regional
or
international.
A
transformation
is
needed
in
the
way
we
design
and
implement
policies
as
well
as
in
the
way
we
do
business;
systematic
evaluation
of
long
term
versus
short
costs
and
gains,
based
on
sustainable
development
principles
and
objectives,
should
be
undertaken
and
transparency
ensured
by
making
the
results
available
to
stakeholders
and
concerned
citizens.
Transforming
economies
so
that
they
draw
less
on
finite
natural
resources
and
utilize
increased
proportions
of
renewable
resources
is
an
important
aspect
of
any
strategy
for
achieving
sustainable
development.
A
?Green?
economy
less
dependant
on
natural
resources
will
continue
to
promote
inequity
unless
other
fundamental
changes
are
also
made.
Delinking
can
even
exacerbate
inequalities
if
ownership
and
control
of
new
technologies
remain
in
the
hands
of
existing
dominant
economic
actors.
Broader
approaches
are
needed
that
ensure
sustainability,
and
in
which
social
dimensions
of
the
economy,
and
the
right
to
development
are
explicitly
recognized5
and
addressed.
This
will
promote
a
balance
between
human
development
and
environmental
responsibility
as
equal
and
interdependent
pillars
of
sustainable
development.
Furthermore,
it
necessitates
acknowledging
that
actions
taken
within
national
boundaries
can
cause
environmental,
social
and
economic
impacts
beyond
national
jurisdictions,
requiring
cooperation
in
the
development
of
international
law
that
allows
for
independent
judicial
arbitration
in
such
cases6.
Strategies
to
achieve
Sustainable
development
must
go
beyond
resource
efficiency
and
technological
innovations
By
analysing
the
example
of
the
EU?s
position
towards
Rio+20
the
general
limits
and
concerns
over
the
concept
of
Green
Economy
can
be
highlighted.
The
idea
of
rethinking
the
conventional
model
of
economic
progress
is
envisaged
by
the
EU7.
This
rethinking
is
primarily
based
on
the
notion
of
a
transformation
to
a
Green
Economy
which
is
closely
linked
to
the
concept
of
efficiency,
as
developed
in
the
Europe
2020
strategy8.
The
EU?s
flagship
initiative
?A
resource
efficient
Europe?
is
emphasised
by
the
Commission
and
the
Council
as
being
particularly
relevant
for
the
EU?s
position
towards
Rio+20.
While
the
overall
objective
of
this
initiative
of
?ensuring
a
more
sustainable
use
of
natural
resources?
is
an
important
factor,
and
valuable
proposals
for
policies
and
strategies
such
as
decoupling
natural
resources
use
from
economic
growth
and
phasing
out
environmentally
harmful
subsidies
are
put
forward,
much
emphasis
is
placed
on
technological
innovations.
An
approach
that
relies
too
much
on
technological
innovations,
but
remains
fundamentally
unchanged
will
invariably
fail9.
The
impact
of
technological
innovation
can
be
positive
for
sustainable
development
but
we
must
acknowledge
the
limitations
as
well
as
there
remains
the
potential
for
detrimental
unintended
side.
Relying
too
heavily
on
the
magic
bullet
of
technological
innovation
to
mitigate
the
consequences
of
current
unsustainable
practices
allows
governments,
the
private
sector
and
citizens
to
believe
that
fundamental
change
is
not
necessary,
and
to
consequently
avoid
taking
responsibility
for
their
unsustainable
practices.
It
also
carries
risks
from
unintended
side
effects
that
trigger
new
challenges
to
the
sustainability
of
the
ecosystem.
These
risks
could
be
magnified
without
adequate
and
rigorous
verification
of
the
potential
impact
of
these
new
technologies,
particularly
where
their
promoters
seek
early
deployment
ahead
of
any
competitors,
so
as
to
maximise
benefits
to
themselves.
Fully
respecting
the
precautionary
principle
should
be
the
absolute
priority.
New
innovations
(i.e
geo
engineering
techniques,
nano
technology
or
synthetic
biology)
have
the
potential
to
contribute
to
sustainability,
but
must
be
subject
to
rigorous
systematic
impact
assessments10
that
are
subject
to
independent
external
evaluation,
where
there
is
scientific
uncertainty
and
the
possibility
of
irreversible
damage
(Principle
15
of
the
1992
Rio
declaration).,
Furthermore,
sustainable
development
is
a
concept
that
goes
beyond
resource
efficiency.
While
recognising
that
the
question
of
efficiency
needs
to
be
addressed
in
any
economic
model,
radical
reforms
are
needed
to
the
current
model
if
the
multi
dimensional
aspects
of
sustainability
are
to
be
properly
addressed.
Reforms
that
deal
with
production
and
consumption
patterns,
social
and
political
rights
as
well
as
economic
practices
towards
more
regulation
and
equitable
redistribution
of
resources
are
needed.
Natural
capital
must
be
protected
and
managed
under
different
economic
mechanisms
The
current
definition
for
the
Green
Economy11
adopted
by
the
EC
and
the
Council
of
the
EU
focuses
on
growth
and
job
creation.
Such
an
approach
does
not
in
itself
tackle
inequity,
essential
to
achieve
sustainable
development,
or
necessarily
result
in
the
eradication
of
poverty.
In
addition,
the
ambition
to
eradicate
poverty
by
investing
in
natural
capital
is
unlikely
to
be
realized
in
an
economic
system
that
prioritizes
monetary
value.
Although
it
is
argued
that
this
provides
the
best
mechanism
for
ensuring
an
efficient
use
of
the
resources,
in
reality
the
emphasis
on
generating
monetary
returns
tends
to
promote
short
term
gain
rather
than
longer
term
objectives
including
inter
generational
justice.
Speculative
tendencies
are
inherent
within
current
predominant
economic
approaches
which
can
be
detrimental
to
sustainability,
particularly
as
the
?natural
capital?
on
which
the
world?s
sustainability
depends
is
seen
as
an
opportunity
to
generate
financial
gain
through
speculation.
Current
economic
approaches
encourage
the
acquisition
of
such
assets
by
private
interests
whose
primary
interest
will
be
in
generating
profit,
and
not
as
an
asset
for
long
term
preservation,
or
sustainability.
Their
true
value
will
be
grossly
misrepresented.
Natural
capital
is
essentially
the
stock
of
natural
ecosystems
that
yields
the
flow
of
valuable
ecosystem
goods
or
services
into
the
future.
With
this
in
mind,
natural
capital
must
be
maintained
and
managed
under
fundamentally
different
economic
mechanisms
than
those
we
currently
have
in
place.
The
promotion
of
recycling
and
reuse
of
natural
resources
as
a
more
sustainable
approach
for
the
use
of
those
resources
requires
regulatory
intervention.
In
an
economy
that
is
driven
by
growth
and
depends
on
increases
in
production,
the
demand
for
material
input
grows.
Policy
promoting
the
notion
of
natural
capital
must
serve
to
change
fundamental
behaviours
that
lead
to
the
exploitation
and
degradation
of
natural
capital.
A
sustainable
management
of
natural
capital,
and
the
kind
of
investment
required
for
natural
capital
to
be
utilised
as
a
sustainable
asset
requires
a
regulated,
redistributive
and
resilient
economy
that
serves
to
eradicate
poverty
by
placing
the
principle
of
equity
at
its
core.
There
is
an
urgent
need
to
revert
to
sustainable
production
and
consumption
patterns,
and
the
limitations
of
the
earth?s
resources
must
be
acknowledged.
The
value
of
natural
capital
must
be
integrated
into
the
economy,
but
not
as
a
disposable
commodity.
This
value,
and
the
quantifiable
costs
associated
with
its
use
should
be
fully
reflected
in
costs
of
production.
This
will
impact
on
patterns
of
production
and
consumption,
and
would
contribute
to
more
sustainable
practices.
The
Convention
on
biodiversity
signed
at
the
Earth
Summit
must
be
adhered
to
and
strengthened
so
as
to
protect
and
restore
the
genetic
resources
of
our
planet
and
natural
habitats
which
are
crucial
to
human
wellbeing.
A
system
of
governance
is
needed
to
prevent
any
further
irreversible
damage.12
Natural
capital
is
an
asset
that
belongs
to
everyone,
over
which
a
system
of
democratically
accountable
stewardship
is
entrusted
to
ensure
they
serve
the
interests
of
all,
in
the
present
and
in
the
future.
If
the
concept
of
the
Green
Economy
is
to
be
meaningful
it
must
derive
from
an
approach
that
is
people
centred,
sustains
and
protects
the
ecological
basis
of
our
planet
of
which
we
are
a
part,
and
on
which
we
depend.
The
current
definition
must
be
broadened
to
one
that
places
the
characteristics
of
a
social
economy13
and
ecological
protection
at
its
core.
Trade
should
serve
poverty
eradication
and
sustainable
development
Trade
needs
to
be
fair
and
pursued
through
sustainable
practices.
The
global
trading
system
is
dominated
by
prominent
and
powerful
trading
interests,
who
have
disproportionate
leverage
in
the
setting
of
trade
rules.
In
this
context
the
adoption
of
new
restrictions
promoted
by
major
trading
nations
in
the
name
of
sustainability
raise
concerns
over
their
potential
use
as
additional
conditionality
towards
countries
with
less
leverage
in
the
trading
system.
It
is
already
difficult
for
many
producers
in
developing
countries
to
access
global
markets,
the
promotion
of
sustainable
development
should
not
be
used
to
increase
this
trend
and
constrain
the
development
of
already
poor
countries.
Much
of
the
scepticism
from
developing
countries
regarding
the
Green
Economy
is
based
on
concerns
that
new
restrictions
will
be
inappropriately
used
by
more
powerful
trading
nations
for
trade
protectionist
purposes.
In
particular,
rich
countries
may
use
this
to
justify
unilateral
trade
measures
against
the
products
of
developing
countries,
or
to
impose
product
and
technological
standards
that
impact
on
producers
in
developing
countries.
Trade
should
be
a
supportive
tool
to
processes
of
sustainable
development,
while
avoiding
green
protectionism
between
countries
(as
stated
in
Principle
12
of
the
1992
Rio
Declaration).
For
those
purposes,
trade
agreements
that
organize
global
trade
flows
should
be
revised
and
reshaped
for
the
benefit
of
developing
countries,
including
allowing
developing
countries
more
flexibility
to
support
agro
ecological
agriculture
in
order
to
reflect
the
principle
of
special
and
differential
treatment
and
ensure
the
right
of
countries
to
regulate
for
the
benefit
of
sustainable
development
objectives.
4. Equity,
Empowerment,
Human
rights
and
Democratic
Participation
as
central
to
sustainable
development
The
first
Principle
of
the
Rio
Declaration
on
Environment
and
Development
stated
that
?human
beings
are
at
the
centre
of
concerns
for
sustainable
development?.
In
this
perspective
promoting
social,
gender,
economic
and
environmental
equity,
the
reduction
of
inequality
and
the
observance
of
human
rights
should
be
the
basis
of
any
development
strategy.
This
requires
the
acknowledgement
of
(disproportionate)
responsibility
for
the
consequences
of
past
and
current
actions
and
practices,
and
a
commitment
to
make
the
changes
necessary
to
ensure
sustainability.
This
can
only
be
achieved
by
engaging
citizens
in
such
processes
of
change
(Principle
10
of
the
1992
Rio
Declaration),
pursued
with
full
transparency
and
accountability.
Ensuring
access
to
information,
raising
awareness
on
sustainable
development
issues
and
improving
participation
of
citizens
and
stakeholders
in
decision
making
processes
are
key
elements
for
sustainable
development;
a
development
based
on
democratic
ownership
and
accountability.
The
present
major
challenges
will
only
be
overcome
by
bringing
coherence
and
harmony
between
global
sets
of
goals,
actions
and
regulations
with
bottom
up
approaches
retaining
the
focus
at
the
local
level.
As
these
global
challenges
are
interrelated,
enhancing
coherence
between
policies
must
be
the
overall
priority
at
the
global,
regional
and
local
level.
A
human
rights
based
approach
to
development
priority
should
be
taken
to
addressing
poverty
in
financing
and
development
strategies
with
a
particular
focus
on
women.
Food
security
A
challenge
facing
the
world
is
to
feed
9
billion
people
by
2050.
The
majority
of
people
living
in
absolute
poverty
live
on
small
farms.
Yet
small
holder
farmers
are
responsible
for
growing
much
of
the
world?s
food.
Agro
ecological14
approaches
to
agriculture
have
proven
effective
in
increasing
yields
while
at
the
same
time
acting
to
protect
the
environment.
Efforts
to
ensure
sustainable
development
need
to
include
these
small
farmers.
Recognition
must
be
given
to
the
role
of
women
who
produce
60
80
percent
of
food
in
most
developing
countries.
They
are
responsible
for
preparing
food,
and
are
the
primary
caregivers.
A
woman?s
nutritional
status
is
critical
not
only
to
her
own
health
but
also
to
her
ability
to
maintain
a
secure
livelihood
and
ensure
that
her
children
are
properly
nourished
and
healthy.
Women
therefore
play
a
critical
role
in
tackling
food
and
nutrition
security,
and
ensuring
sustainability.
Food
production
however,
is
not
necessarily
synonymous
with
production
of
nutritious
foods.
As
such
they
have
a
perspective
and
understanding
that
is
crucially
important
for
defining
effective
approaches
that
help
ensure
sustainable
development.
Meeting
increased
demand
for
food
must
primarily
be
about
producing
the
right
type
of
food,
foods
that
contribute
to
dietary
requirements.
Energy
Access
to
energy
is
fundamental
to
achieving
poverty
eradication
and
is
a
prerequisite
for
social
and
economic
development.
The
huge
potential
in
developing
countries
to
develop
and
rely
on
renewable
energy
is
acknowledged
by
many.
However,
the
choice
of
strategy
towards
harnessing
this
potential
will
be
critical
for
determining
whose
interests
that
are
really
being
served.
Globally
1.5
billion
people
are
currently
without
access
to
electricity,
the
majority
of
them
living
in
rural
areas.
Achieving
increased
equity
in
access
to
reliable
and
affordable
sources
of
sustainable
energy
is
central
to
reducing
inequalities
and
enabling
people
to
fulfil
their
potential.
There
is
a
predominant
use
of
traditional
biomass
fuels
for
cooking
which
impacts
on
health
and
contributes
to
environmental
damage.
According
to
forecasts
the
need
for
energy
is
going
to
exponentially
increase
in
the
coming
decades.
For
poverty
to
be
addressed
and
sustainable
development
ensured,
prioritization
needs
to
be
given
to
providing
access
to
renewable
energy
through
small
scale
decentralized
energy
projects.
There
is
a
particular
need
for
this
in
many
least
developed
countries.
Giving
undue
prominence
to
large
scale
energy
programmes
for
which
the
primary
objective
is
not
the
provision
of
access
to
the
majority
must
treated
with
caution.
In
addition,
the
sustainability
of
controversial
energy
generating
schemes
such
as
biofuel,
nuclear
energy
or
hydroelectric
must
be
assessed
not
only
on
their
projected
carbon
emissions,
but
also
on
their
social,
economic
and
ecological
impacts
in
both
the
short
and
long
term.
Furthermore,
to
ensure
that
energy
access
will
benefit
people
living
in
poverty
the
particular
social,
economic
and
environmental
situations
in
those
countries
should
be
assessed
and
taken
into
account
in
establishing
strategies
and
targets.
The
rights
of
communities
must
also
be
fully
respected.
Improving
energy
efficiency
in
industrialised
countries
and
helping
developing
countries
to
achieve
efficient
use
of
natural
resources
is
also
crucial
to
ensure
sustainable
development.
Diversifying
energy
sources
is
important
for
energy
security;
over
relying
on
one
source
of
energy
for
power
generation
such
as
hydropower
or
imported
fossil
fuel
cannot
ensure
sustainable
access
to
energy.
There
is
an
urgent
need
to
scale
up
investments
in
small
scale
decentralised
energy
projects,
renewable
energy
and
energy
efficiency
practices.
Policy
coherence
for
sustainable
development
is
also
an
important
concept
to
take
into
account
and
comply
with
in
this
context;
countries?
energy
needs
and
their
strategy
for
ensuring
sustainable
energy
supplies
must
not
be
pursued
in
conflict
with
the
needs
of
people
in
developing
countries15.
Social
protection
and
justice
Social
protection
is
recognised
as
an
aspect
of
the
right
to
livelihood
and
social
security.
In
a
number
of
developing
countries
social
assurance
schemes
are
being
put
in
place,
mostly
for
formal
sector
employees.
In
most
countries
the
majority
of
people
remain
outside
the
system,
including
those
living
in
poverty,
with
the
least
security
and
most
vulnerable.
The
promotion
of
decent
work
is
an
important
part
of
the
social
protection
agenda
and
encompasses
a
broad
set
of
issues,
but
for
most
developing
countries
additional
provisions
will
need
to
be
put
in
place
for
all
parts
of
society
to
be
covered.
In
the
context
of
the
preparations
for
Rio+20
social
protection
and
equity
can
be
seen
as
being
critical
for
developing
a
Green
Economy.
A
sustainable
Economy
cannot
be
achieved
without
involving
all
parts
of
a
society,
without
empowering
people,
without
educating
people,
without
social
justice
and
people
subject
to
living
in
poverty.
Social
protection
needs
to
be
extended
to
all
as
a
right,
and
not
just
to
those
in
formal
employment.
The
provision
of
universal
social
protection
is
a
role
in
which
the
international
community
as
a
whole
must
take
responsibility.
5. Going
beyond
GDP
is
imperative
to
correctly
measure
sustainable
development
The
domination
of
GDP
per
capita
as
a
principal
indicator
of
a
country?s
development
is
inadequate
for
assessing
the
well
being
of
its
population.
New
Indicators
that
go
beyond
GDP
need
to
be
used
in
order
to
These
Indicators
should
fully
take
account
of
and
integrate
the
three
dimension
of
sustainable
development.
Well
being
should
be
redefined
and
human
and
environmental
health
in
addition
to
the
quality
of
life
and
social
equity
should
be
measured.
Further,
while
it
is
important
to
widen
the
concept
of
well
being
beyond
income,
the
sustainability
component
needs
to
be
measured
as
depletion
(or
renewable
use)
of
?assets?.
While
this
is
not
an
easy
task,
science
is
well
advanced
in
the
case
of
the
atmospheric
?space?
and
its
depletion
by
gas
emissions
and
in
the
case
of
fisheries.
Unsustainable
production
and
consumption
patterns
can
be
identified
and
changes
in
them
can
be
measured.
These
should
also
build
on
already
existing
initiatives
such
as
the
Human
Development
Index,
the
Better
life
Index,
the
Basic
Capabilities
Index,
the
Stiglitz
commission?s
proposals
or
the
International
System
for
integrated
Environmental
and
Economic
Accounting
(SEEA),
amongst
others.
6. Financing
for
sustainable
development
Despite
the
world?s
current
financial
challenges
significant
levels
of
financing
will
be
required
from
advanced
countries
for
the
implementation
of
strategies
to
achieve
effective
approaches
to
sustainability.
The
private
sector
has
an
important
role
to
play
in
this
respect,
within
the
context
of
a
regulated
framework,
but
this
cannot
be
a
substitute
for
public
financing.
Commitment
to
achieve
the
development
aid
target
of
0.7%
of
GDP
by
2015
must
be
renewed;
such
promises
need
to
be
kept
for
developed
countries
to
retain
their
credibility.
The
commitment
for
new
and
additional
finance
towards
tackling
climate
change
also
needs
to
be
recognised
within
this
context.
New
forms
of
innovative
financing
that
have
been
under
discussion
for
more
than
a
decade
can
also
be
an
important
contribution
towards
the
implementation
of
sustainable
development
strategies.
The
proposal
for
a
financial
transaction
tax
(FTT)
should
be
taken
forward,
not
only
as
a
mechanism
to
generate
financial
resources
but
also
as
one
means
to
reduce
instabilities
from
speculation.
Ultimately
the
ability
to
effectively
utilize
much
of
these
financial
resources
will
rely
on
mechanisms
that
enable
collective
action
to
be
pursued
by
the
international
community
as
a
whole.
These
mechanisms
need
to
operate
with
integrity
and
in
accordance
with
principles
underlying
the
concept
of
sustainable
development.
Taxation
systems
need
to
be
revised
so
that
they
promote
sustainability.
Taxation
has
an
important
redistributive
role,
and
this
needs
to
be
encouraged
in
the
outcome
of
the
Rio
2012
conference.
It
can
also
encourage
sustainability
by
penalising
unsustainable
practices
and
encouraging
goods
ones.
These
systems
must
be
based
on
the
principle
that
polluter
pays,
and
all
subsidies
that
undermine
sustainable
development
must
be
eliminated.
Sustainable
practices
must
also
be
encouraged
while
more
equitable
distribution
of
the
fruits
of
economic
growth
must
be
ensured.
In
developing
countries,
assistance
should
be
provided
to
enable
efficient
tax
systems
to
be
put
in
place.
In
our
current
economic
system
too
often
taxation
schemes
favour
unsustainable
practices
and
contribute
to
increasing
inequalities,
this
must
change.
11
7. The
Role
of
the
Private
Sector
in
a
Changing
Economic
Paradigm
Private
sector
actors
are
central
to
economic
activity
?
as
producers,
service
providers,
and
innovators.
They
serve
society,
promote
development
and
are
crucially
important
for
enabling
a
sustainable
economy
to
be
realised.
Their
ability
to
perform
these
roles
depends
on
their
viability,
and
on
their
ability
to
generate
financial
returns
on
their
activities.
Through
their
activities
they
contribute
to
the
welfare
of
society,
and
respond
to
consumer
demand.
However,
their
need
to
remain
viable
and
to
generate
financial
returns
does
not
automatically
lead
them
to
pursue
sustainable
practices.
Recognition
of
the
need
for
a
regulatory
framework
is
well
established.
The
role
of
the
private
sector
in
promoting
sustainable
economies
requires
appropriate
regulatory
frameworks
Distinctions
also
need
to
be
made
between
different
actors
within
the
private
sector
and
the
roles
that
they
play.
The
role
that
small
local
enterprises
play
within
their
local
community
is
very
different
from
that
of
a
transnational
corporation
with
their
leverage
over
markets,
products,
consumption
patterns,
trade
rules,
and
indeed
decisions
taken
by
governments.
Between
these
two
extremes
lie
many
variations.
Too
often
regulatory
regimes
in
many
countries
are
inadequate
?
in
terms
of
environmental,
social
and
financial
policies.
In
addition
tax
systems
are
often
not
in
place,
ineffective,
and/or
distorted
This
enables
private
sector
interests
to
be
pursued,
which
are
intrinsically
driven
by
profit
making,
and
which
are
not
necessary
compatible
with
sustainable
approaches,
or
with
promoting
social
justice.
Some
donor
policies
and
current
economic
approaches
tend
to
re
enforce
this
situation,
in
part
to
encourage
foreign
investment.
For
the
contribution
of
the
private
sector
towards
sustainable
development
to
be
maximised
there
is
a
need
for
adequate
regulatory
mechanisms
to
be
in
place.
A
regulatory
framework
must
ensure
that
private
interests
respect
environmental
sustainability.
Modifying
regulations
so
as
to
provide
incentives
that
merely
?encourage
private
green
investments?
without
attaching
obligations
to
private
sector?s
activities
(European
Commission?s
communication)
will
not
be
enough.
A
proper
assessment
of
human
rights
and
environmental
implications
of
present
and
future
activities
should
be
systematically
undertaken,
with
appropriate
actions
being
available
to
counter
adverse
results.
In
addition,
solutions
such
as
cap
and
trade
regulations
across
all
developed
countries
have
yet
to
prove
their
validity
and
the
first
steps
in
that
direction
have
been
met
with
financial
speculation
and
abuse
of
the
system
leading
to
windfall
profits
for
private
agents.
Applying
the
UN
principles
of
Corporate
Social
Responsibility,
establishing
independent
control
mechanisms
and
ensuring
democratic
accountability
as
well
as
implementing
the
UN
"Protect,
Respect
and
Remedy"
Framework
for
business
and
human
rights
should
be
made
mandatory
at
Rio2012.
There
is
also
a
need
to
establish
binding
country
by
country
financial
reporting
as
an
international
standard
applying
to
all
multinational
companies,
to
adopt
automatic,
multilateral
information
exchanges
which
take
account
of
the
needs
of
developing
countries,
and
sanctions
should
be
imposed
on
countries
that
practise
banking
secrecy
and
make
transactions
to
such
jurisdictions.
Sustainability
will
only
be
possible
through
promoting
social
and
economic
justice
for
all,
and
where
public
rights
are
given
preference
over
corporate
privileges.
The
rights
of
indigenous
peoples
require
special
attention,
and
the
importance
of
their
participation
in
debates
and
actions
for
sustainable
development
should
be
fully
recognized
and
promoted,
as
stated
in
Principle
22
of
the
Rio92
Declaration
on
Environment
and
Development.
8. The
institutional
Framework
for
Sustainable
Development
The
international
community
must
identity
goals,
targets
and
Indicators
for
sustainable
development
that
are
based
on
and
incorporate
the
three
dimensions
of
sustainability.
It
must
also
recognise
the
importance
of
achieving
the
Millennium
Development
Goals
(MDGs)
as
an
important
essential
step
towards
achieving
sustainable
development.
The
conference
must
recall
the
commitment
to
the
achievement
of
the
MDGs
by
2015.
New
sets
of
commitments
and
goals
for
sustainable
development
should
not
be
used
as
a
substitute
for
the
MDGs
but
build
on
them
and
re
enforce
the
potential
for
their
achievement.
Reforms
must
be
adopted
that
strengthen
the
international
institutional
framework
so
as
to
ensure
the
implementation
of
commitments
by
the
international
community.
The
global
mechanism
overseeing
the
implementation
of
sustainable
development
objectives
should
be
strengthened
by
increasing
the
scope
of
its
mandate
and
enhancing
its
capacity
to
ensure
compliance
with
international
commitments
made
on
sustainable
development.
Such
mechanisms
must
be
transparent,
accountable
and
adhere
to
democratic
principles.
They
must
encompass
in
a
coherent
manner
the
three
dimensions
of
sustainable
development
and
not
favour
one
at
the
detriment
of
the
two
others.
This
could
include
establishing
an
ombudsperson
or
commissioner
to
safeguard
environmental
and
social
conditions
for
present
and
future
generations
both
at
UN
level
and
replicated
nationally.
At
national
level,
ensuring
better
coherence
and
consistency
between
different
policy
portfolios
such
as
trade,
environment,
economy,
finance,
development
or
social
cohesion
is
a
priority.
The
same
applies
at
international
level,
linkages
between
institutions
or
organisations
working
on
trade,
development,
finance
or
environment
must
be
enhanced
and
an
integrated,
consultative
and
participatory
approach
to
sustainable
development
must
be
adhered
to.
The
participation
of
all
stakeholders
should
be
encouraged
and
ensured
in
all
relevant
fora
and
at
every
level.
9. Conclusions
The
recent
crises
have
shown
the
limits
of
our
economic
model,
one
that
has
been
promoted
for
decades
by
the
world?s
most
powerful
nations.
Despite
increased
trade
and
economic
growth,
inequalities
between
and
within
nations
have
not
diminished
but
on
the
contrary
have
increased17.
Increased
liberalisation
will
not
deliver
development,
understood
as
a
multidimensional
concept
encompassing
economic,
environmental
and
social
progress,
and
even
less
sustainable
development,
a
development
where
the
notion
of
intergenerational
equity
determines
the
way
policies
are
shaped
and
implemented.
On
the
contrary
this
model
has
led
to
increased
instability,
the
emergence
of
multiple
crises
in
part
resulting
from
an
inadequate
global
regulatory
framework,
an
over
emphasis
on
personal
accumulation
of
wealth
and
inequitable
global
mechanisms,
environmental
degradation
and
increasing
social
inequalities.
Our
development
model
can
only
be
sustainable
by
undertaking
profound
radical
changes
in
the
way
we
envisage
economic
development.
The
concept
of
the
Green
Economy
is
interesting
through
an
environmental
and
economic
point
of
view
but
it
is
too
restrictive;
it
does
not
encompass
the
level
of
change
needed
for
sustainable
development
nor
does
it
sufficiently
integrate
the
social
dimension
of
sustainable
development.
The
structural
imbalances
in
the
global
economic
system
that
perpetuate
inequalities
and
trap
millions
in
cycles
of
poverty
must
be
addressed.
Redistributing
power
and
putting
in
place
democratically
managed
control
and
regulatory
mechanisms
that
seek
to
enhance
and
protect
public
rights
as
opposed
to
corporate
privileges
are
of
crucial
importance.
The
purpose
of
policy
should
be
to
put
people
at
the
centre
of
any
strategy
and
to
ensure
social,
economic
and
environmental
security.
Sustainable
development
needs
a
proper
balance
between
the
three
pillars
of
sustainable
development
and
promoting
equity.
This
will
not
only
address
poverty
and
contribute
to
economic
development
but
has
the
potential
to
reduce
conflict
and
foster
increased
tolerance.
Sustainable
development
in
all
its
manifestation
must
be
central.
A
nation?s
policies
should
promote
sustainable
development
without
undermining
that
of
other
nations.
Rio2012
is
an
important
opportunity
to
build
on
past
commitments
and
secure
their
implementation.
Governments
need
to
recognise
the
urgent
need
to
effectively
address
the
challenges
of
past
and
present
unsustainable
practices
and
to
commit
to
the
far
reaching
changes
that
are
necessary
to
place
human
development
and
environmental
protection
at
the
core
of
international
relations
and
of
the
development
model.
Contributions
from
stakeholders
should
be
taken
fully
into
consideration
to
ensure
a
good
outcome
at
Rio2012.
Unsustainable
practices
affect
all
of
us
and
enhancing
citizens?
and
stakeholders?
participation
is
a
key
principle
of
sustainable
development
(principle
10).
Adopting
binding
internationally
agreed
time
bound
commitments
and
strategies
for
their
achievement
must
be
the
ultimate
objective
of
the
Rio2012
conference.
To
achieve
this
requires
the
involvement
of
government
leaders
at
the
highest
level.
Countries
must
be
represented
at
the
level
of
Head
of
State
and/or
Governments
in
order
to
give
the
conference
the
importance
it
deserves.
October
2011