World Future Council, Terre Des Hommes, Social Watch, Rio+Twenties, Earth Charter International

People from around the world will be watching for their leaders to make the right decisions at Rio which bring dignity, wellbeing and prosperity to all, and in so doing sets a strong legacy for generations to come. This event brings together a broad perspective, to hear from high level speakers sharing their views on safeguarding a sustainable future - an essential requirement to ensure a meaningful outcome at Rio+20. We will discuss the possible Rio outcomes and what they mean for child and youth representatives (Rio+twenties, terre des hommes) , representatives of networks committed to social justice (Social Watch), the rights of nature (Earth Charter Initiative), practitioners in the field of future generations (Ombudspersons) and internationally recognized authorities on future justice governance (The Elders, World Future Council).

People from around the world will be watching for their leaders to make the right decisions at Rio which bring dignity, wellbeing and prosperity to all, and in so doing sets a strong legacy for generations to come. This event brings together a broad perspective, to hear from high level speakers sharing their views on safeguarding a sustainable future - an essential requirement to ensure a meaningful outcome at Rio+20. We will discuss the possible Rio outcomes and what they mean for child and youth representatives (Rio+twenties, terre des hommes) , representatives of networks committed to social justice (Social Watch), the rights of nature (Earth Charter Initiative), practitioners in the field of future generations (Ombudspersons) and internationally recognized authorities on future justice governance (The Elders, World Future Council).

Equity and sustainability have lost out as the global economic system drive for profits continues. Global economic de-stabilisation appears the norm rather than a brief hiccup as the reality of scarce resources becomes increasingly apparent. Growing inequalities and unregulated finances are expropriating people everywhere from their fair share in the benefits of global prosperity. Our children will inherit the burden of deforestation, desertification, erosion of biodiversity and climate change. To reverse this trend, the promise of universal dignity brought by human rights has to be enforced and the rights of future generations need to be recognized and properly defended. Social Watch is committed to social, economic and gender justice, and emphasizes the right of all people now and in the future to a life free from poverty.
Looking to the legacy we are handing over to the young and future generations, how should the decisions in Rio be ensuring this legacy and safeguarding the planet for future generations. Which are the innovative solutions? Ombudspersons for future generations are one possible solution, strongly advocated for by the World Future Council and many others, including The Elders, an independent group of global leaders who work together for peace and human rights. Appointing a high level advocate, an Ombudsperson for Future Generations that actively speaks up in the name of future generations can help bring the necessary checks and balances to our political systems. This tested and working institution engages with the public and responds to their concerns, increasing trust and participation in politics and makes sure that laws being introduced don?t harm our planet and generations to come. It has already shown results in Hungary, Wales, New Zealand and other countries where it has been introduced.

Acknowledging that 2012 sees the 25th anniversary of the Brundtland Report, should we be doing better in realising and implementing the original definition of sustainable development? The future generations from 1987 when the Brundtland Report came out are now 25, the first to live under the consequences of too little action in protecting the long term. What do this generation and the youth have to say? Children and youth already represent the future and therefore should be taken seriously when decisions are made that will affect their later life options. We do currently observe various creative forms of self-organization among the youth around the Rio+20 summit. Representatives from two of these platforms, Rio+twenties and terre des hommes? international youth network, will join our discussion to describe how institutions, that duly take into consideration the voices and views of children and youth, will have to look like after Rio+20.

The green economy as laid out in the zero draft envisages a ?positive? capitalization of nature. The crucial question is how a green economy can ensure that earth and life in all its forms will be respected. The resilience of the community of life and the well-being of humanity depend upon preserving a healthy biosphere with all its ecological systems, a rich variety of plants and animals, fertile soils, pure waters, and clean air. The Earth Charter Initiative promotes the idea that all beings are interdependent and every form of life has value regardless of its worth to human beings. Will a green economy be able to respect this value?

Speakers:
Dr Maja Göpel, World Future Council
Danuta Sacher, Terre des Hommes
Alejandra Lopez, International Youth Network of terre des hommes
Nawaal Domingo, International Youth Network of terre des hommes
Roberto Bissio, Social Watch
Representative from Rio+twenties
Mirian Vilela, Earth Charter International
Representatives of the Elders
Dr Sandor Fulop, Parliamentary Commissioner for Future Generations, Hungary