Side events at Rio+20
More than 500 on-site side events organized by Governments, Major Groups, Organizations from the UN system and other International Organizations
will take place in RioCentro during Prepcom III (13-15 June), the Sustainable Development Dialogue Days (16-19 June) and the Summit (20-22 June).
Please see below the preliminary programme of on-site side events in RioCentro. For questions, please contact us at side_events@uncsd2012.org.
13 - 22 June 2012
Report on your Side Events
All Side Event organizers are able to self-report on their side event activities by signing in to their Rio+20 web account.
Wednesday, 13 June 2012
09:30 - 11:00
Making climate finance an effective driver of sustainable development
Transparency International
Transparency International
Making climate finance an effective driver of sustainable development
Lead organizer:
Transparency International
Room:
T-6
Climate finance could become a powerful driver of sustainable development. By supporting mitigation, adaptation and capacity building, it can help build the governmental, social, economic and physical infrastructures needed to achieve poverty reduction and green economy growth. However, without concerted efforts to strengthen the governance of climate financing, these goals will remain elusive.
Presently climate money is channelled through a complex network of public and private institutions, where decision-making can be opaque and unaccountable, and independent oversight absent or under-funded. This heightens the risk of policy capture, mismanagement or corruption; all serious impediments to the Rio+20 agenda.
Fiduciary standards such as those espoused by the GEF represent an important attempt to safeguard climate financing against abuse. Transparency, accountability and ethics are fundamental. But what are the challenges to implementing and enforcing these safeguards? And what are the best practice scenarios we can learn from?
Presently climate money is channelled through a complex network of public and private institutions, where decision-making can be opaque and unaccountable, and independent oversight absent or under-funded. This heightens the risk of policy capture, mismanagement or corruption; all serious impediments to the Rio+20 agenda.
Fiduciary standards such as those espoused by the GEF represent an important attempt to safeguard climate financing against abuse. Transparency, accountability and ethics are fundamental. But what are the challenges to implementing and enforcing these safeguards? And what are the best practice scenarios we can learn from?
09:30 - 11:00
Sustainable solutions for the 21st century
The Universal Esperanto Association (UEA) and The World Esperanto Youth Organization (TEJO)
The Universal Esperanto Association (UEA) and The World Esperanto Youth Organization (TEJO)
Sustainable solutions for the 21st century
Lead organizer:
The Universal Esperanto Association (UEA) and The World Esperanto Youth Organization (TEJO)
Room:
P3-4
This event will focus on concrete actions which have a clear impact in the field of sustainability. A particular attention will be given to:
- the cultural and linguistic aspects of sustainable development;
- the relations among sustainability and food production
- the relations among the loss of biodiversity and the loss of cultural diversity
- the benefits for the environment in using a common neutral language
The search for a sustainable development will require new behaviours and new practices in order to tackle many social and environmental problems. We will present how a change to a vegetarian diet can be important for the protection of biodiversity and to guarantee nutrition for a planet with 7 billion people. We will also show how the use of an international neutral language can preserve the rich cultural heritage and can be an essential tool to achieve worldwide coordination in solving global problems.
- the cultural and linguistic aspects of sustainable development;
- the relations among sustainability and food production
- the relations among the loss of biodiversity and the loss of cultural diversity
- the benefits for the environment in using a common neutral language
The search for a sustainable development will require new behaviours and new practices in order to tackle many social and environmental problems. We will present how a change to a vegetarian diet can be important for the protection of biodiversity and to guarantee nutrition for a planet with 7 billion people. We will also show how the use of an international neutral language can preserve the rich cultural heritage and can be an essential tool to achieve worldwide coordination in solving global problems.
11:00 - 12:30
Green Innovations in the Mobility Sector
BMW Brazil
BMW Brazil
11:00 - 12:30
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Green Innovations in the Mobility Sector
Lead organizer:
BMW Brazil
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
Transferring Sustainable Solutions from Developed Economies to Emergent Markets
The increasing demand for individual mobility in the world?s growing urban regions requires innovative green business models, spanning various industries and transferring technologies from the developed to the emerging markets. The objective of this side event is to provide concrete industry-based examples of innovations for greening future mobility through a holistic assessment of the value chain and their application at a global level. The focus is on three areas: 1) upstream (e.g. manufacturing), 2) mobility technology (e.g. drivetrain technology), 3) and downstream (consumer-oriented) solutions, including the aspect of technology/know-how transfer. Leaders of relevant industries, politics and academia will discuss these in a panel discussion.
Our contribution to Rio+20 is providing a framework for green economics in the mobility sector and addressing one of the critical issues pertaining to cities. The co-organizers will announce new commitments: contributions that will shape industry precedents for the nature of sustainable development beyond Rio +20.
The increasing demand for individual mobility in the world?s growing urban regions requires innovative green business models, spanning various industries and transferring technologies from the developed to the emerging markets. The objective of this side event is to provide concrete industry-based examples of innovations for greening future mobility through a holistic assessment of the value chain and their application at a global level. The focus is on three areas: 1) upstream (e.g. manufacturing), 2) mobility technology (e.g. drivetrain technology), 3) and downstream (consumer-oriented) solutions, including the aspect of technology/know-how transfer. Leaders of relevant industries, politics and academia will discuss these in a panel discussion.
Our contribution to Rio+20 is providing a framework for green economics in the mobility sector and addressing one of the critical issues pertaining to cities. The co-organizers will announce new commitments: contributions that will shape industry precedents for the nature of sustainable development beyond Rio +20.
11:00 - 12:30
A Zero to Nature Oil Refinery
Planck-E
Planck-E
11:00 - 12:30
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
A Zero to Nature Oil Refinery
Lead organizer:
Planck-E
Room:
UN5 (Barra Arena)
This request for a side-event is to present a case-study about the implementation of the Zero-to-Nature methodology in an existent oil refinery. The Zero-to-Nature methodology was designed by Planck-E and is based on an integrated cradle-to-cradle eco-sustainability assessment.
Through the application of Holistic Engineering, the measured data is contextualized rather than analyzed and focus is placed on the interrelationship of patterns, instead of linear and aristotelic logic. With the Zero-to-Nature methodology, Planck-E defends that it is possible to grow and increase productivity while lowering emissions and decreasing social differences in developing countries
Through the application of Holistic Engineering, the measured data is contextualized rather than analyzed and focus is placed on the interrelationship of patterns, instead of linear and aristotelic logic. With the Zero-to-Nature methodology, Planck-E defends that it is possible to grow and increase productivity while lowering emissions and decreasing social differences in developing countries
11:30 - 13:00
WHAT RIO+20 MUST DO TO ACHIEVE THE FUTURE WE WANT
Third World Network
Third World Network
WHAT RIO+20 MUST DO TO ACHIEVE THE FUTURE WE WANT
Lead organizer:
Third World Network
Room:
T-9
The side event will address key issues in the outcome document for Rio + 20 and provide perspectives from developing countries and civil society on what needs to happen to ensure the future we want
11:30 - 13:00
Child Consumerism, Advertising and Sustainability
Alana Institute
Alana Institute
Child Consumerism, Advertising and Sustainability
Lead organizer:
Alana Institute
Room:
T-5
We are living a completely new moment in history, a global environmental crisis, due to consecutive decades of abusive extraction of natural resources all around the planet.
The great engine of this process is consumerism, an outcome of current market policies. If before this issue was an adult population?s problem, nowadays it?s the child public that has grown a strong target for abusive advertising.
According to a study made by Ibope (2010), the Brazilian kids spend an average of five hours watching television every day, being a constant target of commercials, as elucidated by Interscience (2003), children are active participants of the home consumption decision, accounting for 80% of all choices, from which car to buy to which cleaner.
As we want a true Sustainable Development, we must contest our consume habits propagated from childhood. It is crucial that this discussion includes a change of paradigms of the advertising sector.
The great engine of this process is consumerism, an outcome of current market policies. If before this issue was an adult population?s problem, nowadays it?s the child public that has grown a strong target for abusive advertising.
According to a study made by Ibope (2010), the Brazilian kids spend an average of five hours watching television every day, being a constant target of commercials, as elucidated by Interscience (2003), children are active participants of the home consumption decision, accounting for 80% of all choices, from which car to buy to which cleaner.
As we want a true Sustainable Development, we must contest our consume habits propagated from childhood. It is crucial that this discussion includes a change of paradigms of the advertising sector.
11:30 - 13:00
A long-term strategy for sustainable development based on the Partners
Pitirim Sorokin and Nikolai Kondratieff International Institute
Pitirim Sorokin and Nikolai Kondratieff International Institute
A long-term strategy for sustainable development based on the Partners
Lead organizer:
Pitirim Sorokin and Nikolai Kondratieff International Institute
Room:
T-8
The international team of scientists on the basis of the Global Forecast "The Future of Civilizations? for 2050 made in 2007-2009 with recommendations to the strategy for partnership among civilizations, which was reported at the roundtable meeting of the 64th session of UN General Assembly on 27/10/2009 and the 4th Civilization Forum "Prospects for Development and Partnership Strategy of Civilizations" within EXPO-2010 in Shanghai on 12-14.11.2010, prepared a draft report "Foundations of a Long-term Strategy for Global Sustainable Development Based on Partnership of Civilizations."
The draft Report was discussed at the roundtable meeting at the UN Information Centre in Moscow on 15.03.2011, at a number of regional conferences, at the roundtable meeting within the 65th session of UN General Assembly on 28/6/2011, at the 4th Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations in Qatar, 11/12/2011, at the 5th Civilization Forum in Paris on 12/04/2012,
The draft Report was discussed at the roundtable meeting at the UN Information Centre in Moscow on 15.03.2011, at a number of regional conferences, at the roundtable meeting within the 65th session of UN General Assembly on 28/6/2011, at the 4th Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations in Qatar, 11/12/2011, at the 5th Civilization Forum in Paris on 12/04/2012,
11:30 - 13:00
Awakening the Dreamer: Changing the Dream: Living Beyond War
Lead organizer:
Beyond War
Room:
T-6
The Awakening the Dreamer Symposium is a dynamic multimedia experience that calls participants to explore the most urgent challenges and possibilities for our time in the context of addressing the questions: Where are we? How did we get here? and, What are the possibilities for the future? The beautiful videos clearly illuminate the root causes of the environmental, social and spiritual crises facing humanity and the extraordinary possibilities emerging at this time in history. Through discussion and exercises, participants are inspired to fulfill their unique role in creating our shared future. The main purpose of the Symposium is to create a cadre of people around the world who are ?awake? and actively engaged in the process of bringing about a human presence on this planet that is environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiritually fulfilling.
11:30 - 13:00
Next Steps: Moving Forward to Achieve Water for All
Food & Water Watch
Food & Water Watch
Next Steps: Moving Forward to Achieve Water for All
Lead organizer:
Food & Water Watch
Room:
T-10
In 2010, the UN formally recognized the human right to water and sanitation at the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. Around the world, civil society organizations have lauded this important step toward achieving clean water and sanitation for all and are now focusing their efforts on implementation at the national and grassroots levels. Full access will not be achieved without strong leadership from states and collaboration with stakeholders including civil society, labor, indigenous groups, and women?s groups. To this end, a series of government-civil society consultations are being held to formulate joint strategies and share good practices that grassroots groups bring from their extensive experience. The first consultation was held in March 2012 concurrent with the World Water Forum and the second will be held in April 2012 during the second round of CSD informal negotiations. This third consultation in Rio will establish clear commitments toward common goals.
13:15 - 14:45
Protecting our first environment: protecting women's reproductive health and future generations from harmful environmental impacts
Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF)
Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF)
13:15 - 14:45
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Protecting our first environment: protecting women's reproductive health and future generations from harmful environmental impacts
Lead organizer:
Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF)
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
Since the Rio 1992 Earth Summit, we are confronted with an increasing amount of harmful chemicals and other hazardous substances building up in our bodies, and those of our children, which threaten the health and sustainability of the next generation and beyond. These harmful substances lead to an increasing number of cases of infertility, cancer, early puberty, low sperm-counts, transgenerational defects and other negative health impacts. Recent studies show that every 6th man in Denmark is sterile or faces serious problems of conceiving children. Conception rates in the US fell by 44 percent between 1960 and 2002. Breast cancer rates are greatly increasing in Africa. Women and men have the right to protect their reproductive health. They have the right to a healthy environment, and should have the right to protect the ?first environment? of their child, from conception.
13:30 - 15:00
Green Agriculture: Towards Sustainable Agricultural Economies
Lead organizer:
Searice
Room:
P3-4
Farming provides multiple services to society from production of food, non-food products, delivery of ecosystem services and land stewardship to enhance and protect biodiversity. It plays a key role for rural development and employment contributing to its economic growth, thereby reducing poverty and hunger.
Biodiversity and climate change has become the center of negotiations in various environmental negotiating bodies. Different sectors face distinct challenges but farmers and farming communities in the developing countries are among the most vulnerable groups. SEARICE
SEARICE together with its partners believe that community-based farming conservation practices is an adaptive mechanism in reducing the vulnerability of farmers to the adverse impacts of climate change while conserving and enhancing in- situ agro-biodiversity. To them, green economy pertains to these practices that are participatory, community based, indigenous, culturally and socially appropriate, sustainable and most importantly rights driven.
Biodiversity and climate change has become the center of negotiations in various environmental negotiating bodies. Different sectors face distinct challenges but farmers and farming communities in the developing countries are among the most vulnerable groups. SEARICE
SEARICE together with its partners believe that community-based farming conservation practices is an adaptive mechanism in reducing the vulnerability of farmers to the adverse impacts of climate change while conserving and enhancing in- situ agro-biodiversity. To them, green economy pertains to these practices that are participatory, community based, indigenous, culturally and socially appropriate, sustainable and most importantly rights driven.
13:30 - 15:00
What will be the Rio legacy? An intergenerational debate
Lead organizer:
CBM
Room:
P3-2
Beyond 2015 and GCCA are looking at hosting a dialogue together with the Major Group of Children and Youth bring together women and men from different generations, regions, social backgrounds and walks of life to share and compare ?what gets you out of bed? to change the world??. The dialogue aims to explore what motivates people at different stages of their lives and with different experiences, to take action on sustainable development through advocacy, campaigning or programming. What are the tried and tested strategies? What are the most effective techniques for getting peers involved, no matter what age? Where do we turn to when we need to find inspiration? What are the biggest challenges encountered? What was different then compared to now?
13:30 - 15:00
Certification as a tool for greening economies
Forest Stewardship Council
Forest Stewardship Council
Certification as a tool for greening economies
Lead organizer:
Forest Stewardship Council
Room:
T-3
The sustainable use of natural resources is a fundamental precondition for a green economy. FSC was set up by environmental and social organisations together with forest owners (private and community) and companies to develop a transparent and credible scheme for sustainable forest management. FSC has triggered substantial demand for sustainably harvested wood products: already 5% of the world?s total forests are managed according to FSC standards.
Forest products play a key role in a green economy. For instance they provide construction material for zero-energy buildings and replace other resources for products and energy for environmental and scarcity reasons. It is essential to mobilise these products in complete harmony with globally agreed objectives to halt the deterioration of biodiversity, as well improving social justice and respect for people directly dependant on forests.
Come and discuss the promotion of forest certification, in particular in tropical areas, and how governments and public authorities can help mainstream the use of certified forest products.
Forest products play a key role in a green economy. For instance they provide construction material for zero-energy buildings and replace other resources for products and energy for environmental and scarcity reasons. It is essential to mobilise these products in complete harmony with globally agreed objectives to halt the deterioration of biodiversity, as well improving social justice and respect for people directly dependant on forests.
Come and discuss the promotion of forest certification, in particular in tropical areas, and how governments and public authorities can help mainstream the use of certified forest products.
13:30 - 15:00
THE PILLARS OF A NEW KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURE
World Farmers Organisation
World Farmers Organisation
THE PILLARS OF A NEW KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURE
Lead organizer:
World Farmers Organisation
Room:
T-10
Clause 66 of the zero draft focused on the importance of agricultural knowledge. Revitalizing this system demands new pluralistic approaches that truly reflect a respect for knowledge sharing. Experts from the farming, extension and research communities will unveil the pillars of new knowledge system for agriculture.
13:30 - 15:00
People and the planet: population, consumption and the environment
The Royal Society
The Royal Society
People and the planet: population, consumption and the environment
Lead organizer:
The Royal Society
Room:
T-4
The event will focus on the linkages between population, consumption and the environment. It will demonstrate the importance of considering both demographic variables and consumption patterns if sustainable development goals are to be achieved. Rapid and widespread changes in the world?s population, coupled with unprecedented levels of consumption present profound challenges to human health and wellbeing, and to the natural environment. The combination of these factors is likely to have long-lasting consequences for our finite planet. Presentations will focus on global and regional population dynamics, global and regional trends in the consumption of natural resources and how the combination of these two factors is bringing us closer to environmental limits. Ways forward for sustainable development will then be offered. Speakers will include Nobel Laureate Sir John Sulston FRS, Dr Eliya Zulu, African Institute for Development Policy, a representative from UNFPA and Professor Suzana Cavenaghi, Latin America Population Association.
13:30 - 15:00
High Seas Alliance: Towards an Agreement for Protecting the High Seas
Lead organizer:
OceanCare
Room:
T-8
The sustainable management and development of the high seas, is imperative in achieving the environmental, economic and social benefit of a resource that belongs to us all. The High Seas Alliance launched in 2011 as a united voice for the protection of the high seas. Despite the existence of a suite of sectoral management arrangements (such as the IMO, RFMOs and the ISA) set up to control maritime activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction, the high seas remains largely unprotected from the direct and indirect impacts of human activity. To address governance gaps and to ensure that the high seas become an example of leading edge conservation measures, including effective and enforceable fisheries management, establishment of high seas marine protected areas and the development of an effective environmental impact assessment process, the HSA is calling for an Implementing Agreement to UNCLOS with the goal of gaining compliance and commitment by nations of the world.
13:30 - 15:00
Exploring synergies between faith values and education for sustainable
Earth Charter International
Earth Charter International
Exploring synergies between faith values and education for sustainable
Lead organizer:
Earth Charter International
Room:
T-2
Recognizing the important role of faith communities in promoting sustainability, UNESCO Paris, through the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) section, commissioned a publication to highlight the contributions of diverse religions and faith traditions to education for sustainable development. UNESCO Paris joined forces with the Earth Charter International Secretariat and Earth Charter Center for Education for Sustainable Development, along with the UNESCO San Jose Office, and the University for Peace.
This side event will present this publication, and will offer the opportunity to open a dialogue between several contributors of this book with participants interested in the role of faith groups and major religions in the transition to a more sustainable, just, and peaceful world. The focus will be on finding synergies and points of convergence so that alliances can help move the objectives of Rio+20 forwards.
This side event will present this publication, and will offer the opportunity to open a dialogue between several contributors of this book with participants interested in the role of faith groups and major religions in the transition to a more sustainable, just, and peaceful world. The focus will be on finding synergies and points of convergence so that alliances can help move the objectives of Rio+20 forwards.
15:30 - 17:00
High Level Meeting on National Drought Policy (HMNDP)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
High Level Meeting on National Drought Policy (HMNDP)
Lead organizer:
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Room:
T-11
Despite the repeated occurrences of droughts throughout human history and the large impacts on diffrerent socio-economic sectors, no concerted efforts have ever been made to initiate a dialogue on the formulation and adoption of national drought policies. WMO, and the Secretariat of UNCCD, in collaboration with a large number of UN Agencies, International and Regional Organizations and key national agencies, plan to organize the High Level Meeting on National Drought Policy (HMNDP) in March 2013 in Geneva. This side event presents the rationale and the programme for HMNDP.
15:30 - 17:00
Peoples' Sustainability Treaties
Centre for Environment and Development
Centre for Environment and Development
Peoples' Sustainability Treaties
Lead organizer:
Centre for Environment and Development
Room:
T-2
Peoples? Sustainability Treaties are proposed as a series of independent collective agreements produced by representatives of major groups and stakeholders of civil society , with the intention of being drafted and published prior to the official UNCSD2012. They are planned as the alternative content outcome by civil society to reflect the public interest and aspirations of a sustainable world, and will serve as collection of proposals for governments negotiating for official outcomes at the Summit. CSOs will engage in a complimentary process to UNCSD2012 with the rationale of producing ?Treaties? a ?Declaration? and an ?Action Plan,? which are to represent and demonstrate the collective visions of the global people and transcend into a Global Movement.
15:30 - 17:00
Youth led solutions to sustainable development
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
Youth led solutions to sustainable development
Lead organizer:
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
Room:
T-10
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), along with partners from the Major Group of Children, seek to run a side event exploring the contribution of youth to reaching global agreement on an approach to sustainable development as well as the role of youth in delivering community and national solutions to the challenges of poverty, environmental sustainability and social justice.
15:30 - 17:00
Elimination of Extremes of Wealth & Poverty in a Green Economy Context
Baha'I International Community
Baha'I International Community
Elimination of Extremes of Wealth & Poverty in a Green Economy Context
Lead organizer:
Baha'I International Community
Room:
T-6
The Bahá'í International Community is organizing a series of three discussions to explore perspectives on the elimination of the extremes of wealth and poverty in the context of the green economy and sustainable development. A panel of representatives of UN Member States, UN agencies, the private sector and civil society will give brief presentations on the above theme and will reflect on the patterns of thought and systems that give rise to extremes of wealth and poverty. Participants will divide into small groups to reflect on the presentations and to formulate questions for the speakers. The first discussion will take place during the Informal Informals, the second at Rio+20, and the third post-Rio+20. The discussions will contribute to the discourse on inequalities within and between countries and will explore pathways towards greater sustainability and equity.
17:30 - 19:00
Green Innovation and Technologies: Practical Solutions
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Green Innovation and Technologies: Practical Solutions
Lead organizer:
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
Room:
T-6
Innovation and technology are recognized as fundamental to sustainable development. This priority has been recognized from the very outset of the international community?s efforts to address the challenges of sustainable development and is reflected in the preparations for Rio+20. Despite recognition of the importance of the development and dissemination of new and more environmentally sound technologies, difficulties remain in understanding how to make it happen. This side event will provide an opportunity for participants to explore what is required to make innovation work and what is necessary to achieve long term and successful technology partnerships. Speakers will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of efforts to date, as well as examples of where it has worked and where it has not. The event will contribute to the outcome of Rio+20 by developing practical ideas on how best to make innovation and technology contribute to the achievement of sustainable development.
17:30 - 19:00
Expanding the Use of Electric Mobility: Options for Sustainable Urban Transport
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)
Expanding the Use of Electric Mobility: Options for Sustainable Urban Transport
Lead organizer:
United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)
Room:
T-10
The proposed event is suggested to include a formal "hand-over of keys" to a small fleet of electric vehicles to be used by UN and delegations during the period of the Conference.
19:30 - 21:00
Dialogue on the 'Africa Consensus Statement'
Africa Union
Africa Union
Dialogue on the 'Africa Consensus Statement'
Lead organizer:
Africa Union
Room:
T-2
The African Ministers while adopting the Africa Consensus Statement called on Rio+20 to reinvigorate political will and international commitment to the goals and ideals of sustainable development, to move the sustainable development agenda forward, and raise the level of commitment by countries, regions and the international community to a common cause for sustainable development, including the need to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, such as the MDGs. They also called for Rio+20 to adopt concrete measures, supported by adequate means of implementation that would ensure accelerated implementation of sustainable development commitments, including those to be adopted at Rio+20. They further called on the developed countries to fulfil previous commitments and pledges to help Africa?s efforts in achieving sustainable development.
19:30 - 21:00
Forests in a global bioeconomy requires wise governance and management
Lead organizer:
Sweden
Room:
P3-1
Forests provide services for society and forests are fundamental life-support systems in the biosphere. Forests are pivotal in facing the challenge of climate change. Renewable energy and products from forests can substitute for currently used fossil alternatives in order to mitigate climate change. Simultaneously the delivery of other forest ecosystem services needs to be sustained. The Swedish model for sustainable forestry acknowledges the importance of private and public ownership, policy, and democracy for achieving sound forest governance. Sweden is a leading forestry country: with less than 1% of the forested area in the world, Sweden accounts for 5% of the harvest globally, and 10% of the global trade in forest products.
19:30 - 21:00
Role of Sustainable Development Goals in the post-2015 framework
International Movement ATD Fourth World
International Movement ATD Fourth World
Role of Sustainable Development Goals in the post-2015 framework
Lead organizer:
International Movement ATD Fourth World
Room:
P3-6
The full title of the side event is "Developing a post-2015 development framework which puts poverty eradication and sustainability at its core ? what role for Sustainable Development Goals?" It will address: How the environmental, economic and social dimensions can be integrated into a holistic sustainable development framework to meet global challenge; How the process of developing SDGs can reinforce and complement MDG acceleration efforts and the development of a post-MDG framework beyond 2015; How a human rights-based approach can be integral to the new development framework; Mechanisms for a UN-led inclusive, transparent and participatory process to create SDGs involving civil society, including those most vulnerable to global development challenges, to ensure their voices are incorporated into outcomes of intergovernmental processes; The role of stakeholders, national governments, the UN and civil society in ensuring compliance and monitoring outcomes.
Thursday, 14 June 2012
09:30 - 11:00
"Consumption vs. Sustainability" The Destructive Wasteful System
Bahrain Women Association for Human Development
Bahrain Women Association for Human Development
"Consumption vs. Sustainability" The Destructive Wasteful System
Lead organizer:
Bahrain Women Association for Human Development
Room:
T-5
Our event main topic will discuss ?The Wasteful System? a consumption dilemma....Civil Society role in making cultural shift in consumption habits towards Sustainability?, We will discuss firstly the trigger behind the transformation of wants to become needs, then our daily decision making dilemma; a paradox between our values and actions, then we will talk about the misconception of possessiveness of the natural resources for the so-called human growth and the enormity of the current situation and finally we will focus on the importance role of Civil society when moving to action through leading the Wasteful System AWARENESS MOVEMENT aiming to correct misconceptions for the nature resources, the daily destructive consumption patterns, etc. Walking along the line with stakeholders and decision making bodies for collective decisions, commitments, plans and solutions, hoping to empower this movement on regional level.
09:30 - 11:00
Rio+20 15/15/15 Formula - Heartpower and Action for The Future We Want
International Association for the Advancement of Innovative Approaches to Global Challenges (IAAI)
International Association for the Advancement of Innovative Approaches to Global Challenges (IAAI)
Rio+20 15/15/15 Formula - Heartpower and Action for The Future We Want
Lead organizer:
International Association for the Advancement of Innovative Approaches to Global Challenges (IAAI)
Room:
T-4
15/15/15 UN Civil Society Resource Mobilization Partnership Formula states that Global civil society on the one hand commits at Rio+20 to mobilize 15 billion Euros and 15 million volunteers by the year 2015 for UN led sustainable development efforts and on the other hand requests new forms of participation in global SD governance.
Find more details see the Rio+20 Informal Issues Brief "Innovation for Sustainable Development" http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&nr=1018&type=230&menu=38 developed by Rio+20 Issues Cluster on Innovation
Find more details see the Rio+20 Informal Issues Brief "Innovation for Sustainable Development" http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&nr=1018&type=230&menu=38 developed by Rio+20 Issues Cluster on Innovation
09:30 - 11:00
Developing an economic framework which respects human rights and planet boundaries
Instituto Vitae Civilis (Vitae Civilis Institute)
Instituto Vitae Civilis (Vitae Civilis Institute)
Developing an economic framework which respects human rights and planet boundaries
Lead organizer:
Instituto Vitae Civilis (Vitae Civilis Institute)
Room:
T-3
In the proposed transition towards a green economy, many civil society organizations and social movements are worried about how to guarantee the protection of human rights and the promotion of social justice. Based on a series of debates that occurred on the road to Rio+20, the objective of this event is to present the proposal of a framework to protect human rights in the transition to green and inclusive economies, aiming at strengthening the debate and providing concrete and efficient tools for policymakers.
11:30 - 13:00
The Future of the Amazon: a low carbon production model
Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM)
Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM)
The Future of the Amazon: a low carbon production model
Lead organizer:
Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM)
Room:
T-8
The Amazon Environmental Research Institute (IPAM) is a Brazilian NGO which work concept is based on participatory research by measuring and assessing from the point of view of scientific research, environment conservation and community.
In order to promote Amazon conservation and development, IPAM currently works on three programs: (1) Community Management of Varzeas (Floodplains) and Forests, (2) Amazon Scenarios and (3) Climate Change. These programs have generated a considerable amount of information and encouraged initiatives to support public policies, local action and international agreements by working together with family farmers, farm producers, indigenous people, traditional communities and the government as a whole.
At Rio+20, IPAM , partners and invited guests (academia, government and civil society) will present the recent scientific researches on climate change and REDD, besides exchanging information and perspective of traditional knowledge.
In order to promote Amazon conservation and development, IPAM currently works on three programs: (1) Community Management of Varzeas (Floodplains) and Forests, (2) Amazon Scenarios and (3) Climate Change. These programs have generated a considerable amount of information and encouraged initiatives to support public policies, local action and international agreements by working together with family farmers, farm producers, indigenous people, traditional communities and the government as a whole.
At Rio+20, IPAM , partners and invited guests (academia, government and civil society) will present the recent scientific researches on climate change and REDD, besides exchanging information and perspective of traditional knowledge.
11:30 - 13:00
Land and Life: Human Security through Sustainable Development
Initiatives of Change International
Initiatives of Change International
Land and Life: Human Security through Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Initiatives of Change International
Room:
T-10
The workshop will be organised by practitioners of sustainable development on the part of IofC, on the one hand, and CEFO as an academic group whose members do research in sustainable development, on the other. Most, if not all, topics of the current CEFO members fall under the fields of sustainable development and human security (food security, land security and rights, energy security, just governance, inclusive economics, etc.). This collaboration is an important step to bringing researchers of various disciplines and practitioners together and exploring mechanisms of creating such partnerships.
The workshop will allow bringing out the questions of methodologies and interdisciplinary nature of participants' research. The session will be facilitated with the aim of creating synergies in research and communication among representatives of various disciplines (natural and social sciences) working for human security and sustainable development.
The workshop will allow bringing out the questions of methodologies and interdisciplinary nature of participants' research. The session will be facilitated with the aim of creating synergies in research and communication among representatives of various disciplines (natural and social sciences) working for human security and sustainable development.
11:30 - 13:00
The need for a rights-based approach to sustainable development
Centre for Ethics and Value Inquiry (CEVI)
Centre for Ethics and Value Inquiry (CEVI)
The need for a rights-based approach to sustainable development
Lead organizer:
Centre for Ethics and Value Inquiry (CEVI)
Room:
T-9
The side event will focus on the normative reference base for a human rights-based approach to sustainable development governance and make suggestions for required institutional settings and legislation. Normative considerations will be enriched with critical policy analysis and intelligence drawn from the practices the contributing organisations are undertaking in their various action fields. These practices reach from grass-root level work with indigenous communities over policy and law related research and outreach to critical philosophy on global ethics (and back). The event will stage six contributions and organise interactive discussion with participants on issues related to human equality and sustainable development. Based on the contributions and the discussion, a joint reflection document will be prepared as information for civil society and as input towards and beyond the official Rio+20 conference.
11:30 - 13:00
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES 2050
Northern Alliance for Sustainability
Northern Alliance for Sustainability
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES 2050
Lead organizer:
Northern Alliance for Sustainability
Room:
T-3
Radical new thinking is required to directly address the current urgency for new solutions within new cultural and policy frameworks that will drive more sustainable development and poverty eradication. We need more than technological innovation to transform our current lifestyles into sustainable ones, but also social innovation is crucial to obtain this. A social platform led by civil society organizations and research centers in Europe has been working on defining sustainable lifestyles and drafted roadmaps for more sustainable lifestyles 2050 applying back casting methodologies. In these roadmaps concrete plans of action for different stakeholders are included.
11:30 - 13:00
GREEN ECONOMY, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF YOUTH
Comite Impulso - FUNDACIÓN RED COLOMBIANA PARA LA DEFENSA DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS, EL MEDIO AMBIENTE Y LA PAZ, GRUPO PRINCIPAL, NIÑOS Y JÓVENES
Comite Impulso - FUNDACIÓN RED COLOMBIANA PARA LA DEFENSA DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS, EL MEDIO AMBIENTE Y LA PAZ, GRUPO PRINCIPAL, NIÑOS Y JÓVENES
GREEN ECONOMY, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF YOUTH
Lead organizer:
Comite Impulso - FUNDACIÓN RED COLOMBIANA PARA LA DEFENSA DE LOS DERECHOS HUMANOS, EL MEDIO AMBIENTE Y LA PAZ, GRUPO PRINCIPAL, NIÑOS Y JÓVENES
Room:
T-4
THE GREEN ECONOMY IN THE FRAME OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, IMPLIES A CHALLENGE THAT MUST REPRESENT IMPORTANT EFFORTS THAT AFFECT DIRECTLY IN THE YOUTH, REASON FOR WHICH, TO EXAMINE HIS SCOPE, MANNERS OF TRANSITION, IT IS MECHANISMS OF FINANCING THAT THEY ALLOW INSTITUTIONAL OPENINGS FOR HIS EXECUTION, IS FOR YOUNG WOMEN A MATTER OF THE FIRST ORDER, IN THE SENSE THAT THE DEVELOPMENT AS IT IS CONCEIVED, INFLUENCES THEM IN A ROYAL WAY, REASON FOR WHICH, A TRAFFIC TOWARDS THE GREEN ECONOMY IS A MATTER THAT FOR THE YOUNG PERSONS IS TRANSCENDENTAL.
11:30 - 13:00
Energy for all; Equity as fundamental goal
Beyond Copenhagen Collective
Beyond Copenhagen Collective
Energy for all; Equity as fundamental goal
Lead organizer:
Beyond Copenhagen Collective
Room:
T-6
The political economy of energy aided by international finance, trade and aid has been the principal reasons for unsustainable development. The panel will discuss how equity in energy is of paramount importance for the cherished goal of energy for all and for sustainable development. The panel will argue that equity in access to energy at international and sub national levels through fundamental changes in the patterns of production and consumption should be the first goal for sustainable development.
13:30 - 15:00
Innovation and uptake of best practices for sustainable agriculture
Lead organizer:
Farming First
Room:
T-9
Best practices and technology can help sustainably increase productivity and leverage agriculture?s poverty reduction potential. But they need to be shared, deployed and adapted because every country, every farmer and every field are different. Knowledge sharing mechanisms, such as extension services, are essential for addressing existing implementation gaps, deploying new technologies and to ensure farmers around the world can use the tools most adapted to them.
However, knowledge sharing mechanisms such as extension services have often been neglected and suffered from budget cuts and a lack of attention to the sector. In the meantime, public support for agricultural support also declined, raising questions about how research can address the need of farmers in different geographies.
Scaling up best practices, deploying innovations, sharing knowledge, need to become priorities for the future agriculture agenda, with complementary role for public and private actors in achieving sustainable agriculture.
However, knowledge sharing mechanisms such as extension services have often been neglected and suffered from budget cuts and a lack of attention to the sector. In the meantime, public support for agricultural support also declined, raising questions about how research can address the need of farmers in different geographies.
Scaling up best practices, deploying innovations, sharing knowledge, need to become priorities for the future agriculture agenda, with complementary role for public and private actors in achieving sustainable agriculture.
13:30 - 15:00
4th HELENA Z. BENITEZ GLOBAL FORUM ON GENDER JUSTICE AND THE GREEN ECONOMY FOCUSING ON WATER, ENERGY, AND FOOD: PROMISES AND PARADIGMS
Philippines Women University (PWU)
Philippines Women University (PWU)
4th HELENA Z. BENITEZ GLOBAL FORUM ON GENDER JUSTICE AND THE GREEN ECONOMY FOCUSING ON WATER, ENERGY, AND FOOD: PROMISES AND PARADIGMS
Lead organizer:
Philippines Women University (PWU)
Room:
T-10
The '4th HELENA Z. BENITEZ GLOBAL FORUM ON GENDER JUSTICE AND THE GREEN ECONOMY FOCUSING ON WATER, ENERGY, AND FOOD : PROMISES AND PARADIGMS.' aims to present fully gender and development issues which are vigorously embedded within the framework of fundamental human rights and gender justice in the Asia-Pacific region and in many parts of the world. It hopes to elevate further the discussions on the theme of green economy and gender equality, justice and human rights with special focus on water, energy, and food nexus , to a broader and more significant audience , during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20 , in Rio de Janiero Brazil, June 2012.
13:30 - 15:00
IMPACTS OF PLASTICS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHI
Voices of African Mothers
Voices of African Mothers
IMPACTS OF PLASTICS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHI
Lead organizer:
Voices of African Mothers
Room:
T-2
THE VOICES OF AFRICAN MOTHERS: www.vamothers.org
The Voices of African Mothers works to establish a peaceful African Continent through conflict resolution and to identifying the causes of ethnic, religious and inter-communal conflict.
VAM envision women and future generations to possess a full range of educational opportunities to attain empowerment to become decision-making leaders of Africa..
VAM believes access to education is key to equality. Equality is the application of the principle of natural justice and fairness. This refers to the legal and social capacity of men, women, boys and girls to mobilize and manage domestic, community, national and international resources and share the benefits arising there on an equal basis.
VAM promotes economic empowerment and equality through resource production that are appropriate for needs through vocational training and development of business skills. Health education is provided in the areas of preventive health care, nutrition, hygiene, preadolescent pregnancy, family planning etc.
The Voices of African Mothers works to establish a peaceful African Continent through conflict resolution and to identifying the causes of ethnic, religious and inter-communal conflict.
VAM envision women and future generations to possess a full range of educational opportunities to attain empowerment to become decision-making leaders of Africa..
VAM believes access to education is key to equality. Equality is the application of the principle of natural justice and fairness. This refers to the legal and social capacity of men, women, boys and girls to mobilize and manage domestic, community, national and international resources and share the benefits arising there on an equal basis.
VAM promotes economic empowerment and equality through resource production that are appropriate for needs through vocational training and development of business skills. Health education is provided in the areas of preventive health care, nutrition, hygiene, preadolescent pregnancy, family planning etc.
13:30 - 15:00
Greenpeace: An Oceans Rescue Plan for Rio
Greenpeace
Greenpeace
Greenpeace: An Oceans Rescue Plan for Rio
Lead organizer:
Greenpeace
Room:
T-3
The future of high seas life is at stake at Rio+20 UNCSD. Despite WSSD commitment to protected area networks by 2012, legal gaps in oceans governance allow for plunder and destruction. Our side event exposes these gaps through real world examples and presents Greenpeace?s Oceans Rescue Plan.
99% of ocean is currently unprotected, so the future of millions that depend on it for their livelihoods is at risk. Pacific small island nations struggle to secure sustainability of their fisheries and long-term future of coastal communities, while large-scale fishing fleets from around the globe race to catch the last tuna. In the Indian Ocean, a fragmented, inadequate governance regime leaves it open to wholesale plunder. Even Arctic waters are facing increasing industrialization as ice melts.
In Rio, Governments must agree to an implementing agreement under UNCLOS to enable the protection of high seas biodiversity and the creation of marine reserves.
99% of ocean is currently unprotected, so the future of millions that depend on it for their livelihoods is at risk. Pacific small island nations struggle to secure sustainability of their fisheries and long-term future of coastal communities, while large-scale fishing fleets from around the globe race to catch the last tuna. In the Indian Ocean, a fragmented, inadequate governance regime leaves it open to wholesale plunder. Even Arctic waters are facing increasing industrialization as ice melts.
In Rio, Governments must agree to an implementing agreement under UNCLOS to enable the protection of high seas biodiversity and the creation of marine reserves.
13:30 - 15:00
Financing Sustainable Transport to Support Sustainable Development
Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
Financing Sustainable Transport to Support Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Institute for Transportation and Development Policy
Room:
P3-6
Transportation is a key building block of sustainable development. The majority of transport financing supports unsustainable transportation, increasing inequality of access, CO2 and air pollution, traffic fatalities, and sprawl development. A growing share of transport financing from climate funds and development aid programs supports sustainable transport. Emerging best practices in national transportation policy also have potential to leverage changes in transport sustainability by influencing larger public and private sector transport investments.
Sustainable transport seeks to avoid low value or unnecessary travel through smarter planning and communications, shift travel to lower impact passenger and freight modes, and improve the efficiency of vehicles, fuels, and network operations. This session discusses efforts to measure the contribution of transport investments to support sustainability goals, focusing on key metrics and indicators as well as providing an overview of recent patterns and trends in transport funding flows from different sources worldwide.
Sustainable transport seeks to avoid low value or unnecessary travel through smarter planning and communications, shift travel to lower impact passenger and freight modes, and improve the efficiency of vehicles, fuels, and network operations. This session discusses efforts to measure the contribution of transport investments to support sustainability goals, focusing on key metrics and indicators as well as providing an overview of recent patterns and trends in transport funding flows from different sources worldwide.
13:30 - 15:00
Enabling Youth participation in bridging Rio+20 Outcome Beyond 2015 wi
Lead organizer:
Sri Lanka
Room:
P3-3
The Side Event in the Rio+20 will emphasize on Youth Engagement, mobilization and empowerment on UNCSD/Rio+20 and beyond process, as the Major Group for Children and Youth (MGCY) is the main entry-point for all children, youth and their organization into the process. The side event will do it?s best to provide a meaningful session for youth participation. This will be a good an opportunity to showcase the enthusiasm and courage of the Sri Lankan youth in this high-level UN event to bridge the gap between the Global North and the Global South youth. We would like to make this side event as a platform to network as much as youth leaders around the world who are participating in Rio in June and to carry out a mass youth campaign and mobilization for an ambitious deal in Rio+20. The side event will composed of a plenary session of experts, motivators and youth, they would speak on above themes and implementations of agendas.
13:30 - 15:00
The Technology Economy? Know-how, Know-what, Know-why
ETC Group (Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration)
ETC Group (Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration)
The Technology Economy? Know-how, Know-what, Know-why
Lead organizer:
ETC Group (Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration)
Room:
T-6
The year after the Earth Summit -- on the eve of the Knowledge Economy -- the UN lost its only two global facilities for technology assessment. Since then, billions of public dollars have been lost subsidising nuclear fusion, biotech-fermentation, Terminator technologies, nanotechnology, second-generation biofuels, and ocean fertilization, etc- largely because of the absence of adequate technology assessment. At Rio+20, the UN must protect the sovereignty and security of member states by ensuring that the know-how of technology transfer is supported by the know-what of technology assessment and the know-why of socioeconomic benefits. The side-event will hear experts discuss the problems, specific language and institutional modalities governments could adopt now and implement post-Rio.
13:30 - 15:00
Impact of Weapon Contamination (WEC) towards Sustainable Development
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Impact of Weapon Contamination (WEC) towards Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Room:
T-5
Weapon Contamination (WEC) refers to landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). The latest consists of both unexploded ordnance (UXO) that has been fired but has failed to explode, and abandoned ordnance.
First and foremost, WEC causes deaths and injuries, even after the end of armed conflict. However, the destructive impact goes much further.
First and foremost, WEC causes deaths and injuries, even after the end of armed conflict. However, the destructive impact goes much further.
15:30 - 17:00
Launching of the "Humanity Right to life" book and Presentation of a documental on Fidel Castro's Environmental thought
Lead organizer:
Cuba
Room:
T-6
The book "El derecho de la humanidad de existir", edited in Havana by Editorial Ciencia y Técnica, in 2012, is a compilation of the Reflections by Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, on the damages to the environment and the climate changes. Through the reflections, published since 2007 up to the present, diverse isues are discussed such as the rise of prices and food scarcity, the natural disasters, the nuclear war and others that affect the existence of the human species.
Docummentary "Fidel Castro, caudal de Río", refers to the development of the environmental ideas of Fidel Castro since his childhood up to the present. Through images and solid opinions by researchers, experts and specialists in the Cuba issue, the positions held by Fidel Castro on this question are analyzed, and special attention is dedicated to his address to the Río Summit in 1992 and the warnings issued since that moment on the damages caused by the climate change and the urgent need to develop actions to stop the accelerated devastation of the environment.
Docummentary "Fidel Castro, caudal de Río", refers to the development of the environmental ideas of Fidel Castro since his childhood up to the present. Through images and solid opinions by researchers, experts and specialists in the Cuba issue, the positions held by Fidel Castro on this question are analyzed, and special attention is dedicated to his address to the Río Summit in 1992 and the warnings issued since that moment on the damages caused by the climate change and the urgent need to develop actions to stop the accelerated devastation of the environment.
15:30 - 17:00
RUSSIA. Water: for health and against disability
Interregional Union of Life Help for Mentally Handicapped Persons
Interregional Union of Life Help for Mentally Handicapped Persons
RUSSIA. Water: for health and against disability
Lead organizer:
Interregional Union of Life Help for Mentally Handicapped Persons
Room:
T-10
According to forecasts, not less than 40 % of residents of the Earth will live in conditions of deficiency of water in 15 years.
Russia takes the second place in the world (after Brazil) on stocks of fresh water. But today each second resident of the country is compelled to use the water mismatching sanitary-and-hygienic requirements for drink. And 22 % of the population has no access to the centralized sources of water supply! It inevitably leads to illness of the population.
The prevalence of disability is about 15-18% of the population in the world and it is strongly associated with poverty. Disability and poverty form a vicious cycle - disability leads to poverty, and poverty creates the conditions that generate more disability. Disability also impacts on entire families? labor force, participation and schooling; therefore failing to address the barriers they face to escape decrease of living standards, seriously undermines the effectiveness of struggle against disability.
Russia takes the second place in the world (after Brazil) on stocks of fresh water. But today each second resident of the country is compelled to use the water mismatching sanitary-and-hygienic requirements for drink. And 22 % of the population has no access to the centralized sources of water supply! It inevitably leads to illness of the population.
The prevalence of disability is about 15-18% of the population in the world and it is strongly associated with poverty. Disability and poverty form a vicious cycle - disability leads to poverty, and poverty creates the conditions that generate more disability. Disability also impacts on entire families? labor force, participation and schooling; therefore failing to address the barriers they face to escape decrease of living standards, seriously undermines the effectiveness of struggle against disability.
15:30 - 17:00
Multi-stakeholder Engagement in IFSD & Compendium of Commitments
CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation
CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation
Multi-stakeholder Engagement in IFSD & Compendium of Commitments
Lead organizer:
CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation
Room:
T-3
The Zero Draft underscored that a ?fundamental prerequisite for the achievement of sustainable development is broad public participation in decision-making? at the international, national and local levels. This side event will be a third in a series that will examine the representation, participation and accountability of civil society and Major Groups in informing, monitoring and implementing intergovernmental policy-making in a reformed IFSD that embraces multi-level governance. Speakers will evaluate best practices of public participation in other multilateral bodies as well as civil society proposals not yet implemented. Participants will consider the implementation and design of the Compendium of Commitments through such mechanisms as the Global Union for Sustainability that will provide an accountability framework for all stakeholders to pledge and monitor specific actions that are specific, time-bound, measurable, and verifiable to achieve sustainable development at the international, regional, national and subnational levels.
15:30 - 17:00
FOOD SECURITY, GREEN ECONOMY AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION: OPPORTUNITIES AND LESSONS FROM THE BRAZILIAN AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Lead organizer:
National Wildlife Federation
Room:
T-4
Brazil is an agricultural superpower, with the world?s largest commercial cattle herd, and is a major producer of crops including soy and sugar cane. In recent years, Brazil?s deforestation rate has declined to a quarter of its peak, without a reduction in agricultural output, while there has been an increase in efforts towards sustainability throughout the supply chains of major products. Cattle ranching is the largest driver of deforestation but techniques developed by the Brazilian Government Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa, can double herd densities through the use of improved pasture mixtures and breeds and rotational grazing. Embrapa?s techniques can increase rural employment, reduce methane emissions and free up land which can be used for crop production, while eliminating the need for deforestation. This is a key example of a win-win-win opportunity to integrate economic development with environmental sustainability and food security which offers lessons applicable to other countries.
15:30 - 17:00
Energy and Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Brazil
Room:
T-8
Energy is one of the main issues to be discussed in the UN Conference for Sustainable Development. The share of energy resources for the sustainable development, mainly the renewable, is the central subject for discussion.
17:30 - 19:00
Implementation of the SEEA: the international statistical standard for environmental-economic accounting
Institute of Geography and Statistics
Institute of Geography and Statistics
Implementation of the SEEA: the international statistical standard for environmental-economic accounting
Lead organizer:
Institute of Geography and Statistics
Room:
T-9
Twenty years ago Agenda 21 sought a systems approach to monitoring the transition to sustainable development and noted the need for the development of integrated environmental-economic accounts. Following two decades of development of methods and practical experience in countries, the Central Framework of the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) was recently adopted by the UN Statistical Commission as an international standard. The Statistical Commission further requested the Committee of Experts on Environmental Economic Accounting (UNCEEA) to develop an implementation programme. SEEA is a tool for statistical systems for integrating and organizing information on the economy and the environment to produce a wide range of indicators for analysis of sustainable development.
17:30 - 19:00
Indigenous Peoples, Food Sovereignty + Sustainable Development
International Indian Treaty Council
International Indian Treaty Council
Indigenous Peoples, Food Sovereignty + Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
International Indian Treaty Council
Room:
T-4
The International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) will host a panel presentation and roundtable discussion on Indigenous Peoples? Priorities for Ensuring Food Sovereignty in the Context of Local and Global Sustainable Development. Panel speakers: Andrea Carmen, Executive Director, IITC, Saul Vicente Vasquez, IITC Board Member and Expert Member of the UN Permanent Forum of Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), Mirna Cunningham, Chair of the UNPFII, Global Fund for Women Board Member, President of the Center for Autonomy and Development of Indigenous Peoples (CADPI), Jorge Mani Stanley, Kuna Youth Movement, Indigenous Member of the UN Committee on Food Security, Marcos Terena, Coordinator of the Comité Intertribal Memoria e Ciencia (ITC), Phrang Roy, Assistant President on Special Assignment for Indigenous and Tribal Issues of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Coordinator for the International Indigenous Partnership on Agrobiodiversity and Food Sovereignty. The panel will also include an African representative TBA.
17:30 - 19:00
Youth Perspective on Environmental Issues in Contemporary Societies
Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN)
Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN)
Youth Perspective on Environmental Issues in Contemporary Societies
Lead organizer:
Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN)
Room:
T-5
GIMUN is a United Nations-accredited NGO holding Special Consultative Status to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Our goal is to promote the ideals and principles of the United Nations among youth, particularly amongst students.
Youth Perspectives, our next event, is about giving the opportunity to young people engaged in the topic that is discussed to give their opinion. We want to reach conclusions that reflect the position of youth on central topics of contemporary international relations. The aim is to bring young people to discuss their points of view, to precise their opinions and to develop, in a coherent way, drafts of solutions to current issues.
Youth Perspectives, our next event, is about giving the opportunity to young people engaged in the topic that is discussed to give their opinion. We want to reach conclusions that reflect the position of youth on central topics of contemporary international relations. The aim is to bring young people to discuss their points of view, to precise their opinions and to develop, in a coherent way, drafts of solutions to current issues.
17:30 - 19:00
Transboundary Waters, Climate Change and Good Governance
WWF Indonesia
WWF Indonesia
Transboundary Waters, Climate Change and Good Governance
Lead organizer:
WWF Indonesia
Room:
T-8
All pillars of sustainable development require reliable access to adequate supplies of good-quality water. Population and economic growth are already straining water resources, and climate change will exacerbate this.
In this context, international law has an integral role to play in ensuring that transboundary water resources are used in an equitable and sustainable manner. Proper management of these resources will contribute to economic growth that accounts for environmental and social considerations.
The 1997 UN Watercourses Convention (UNWC), as a global legal framework adopted under the auspices of the UN, is an important tool for strengthening the legal architecture governing shared waters. Once in force, the convention will better enable cooperation between states that is essential to protect vital freshwater ecosystems, their functions and services. Since 2006, WWF and its partners have been working to build awareness of the convention and its principles, in an effort to strengthen international water law.
In this context, international law has an integral role to play in ensuring that transboundary water resources are used in an equitable and sustainable manner. Proper management of these resources will contribute to economic growth that accounts for environmental and social considerations.
The 1997 UN Watercourses Convention (UNWC), as a global legal framework adopted under the auspices of the UN, is an important tool for strengthening the legal architecture governing shared waters. Once in force, the convention will better enable cooperation between states that is essential to protect vital freshwater ecosystems, their functions and services. Since 2006, WWF and its partners have been working to build awareness of the convention and its principles, in an effort to strengthen international water law.
17:30 - 19:00
Learning from the MDGs: SDGs within a transformative post-2015 development agenda
Lead organizer:
Ibon International
Room:
T-10
With more than a hundred Heads of State indicating their intention to attend the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development, the outcomes of Rio+20 can be expected to greatly influence the global development agenda for the coming years. As the 2015 target completion date for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) draws near, Member States, the UN system and civil society are beginning a global discussion on the possible contours of a post-2015 development agenda. One of the proposals that have gained traction in the lead up to the Rio+20 Summit is the idea of launching a new set of ?Sustainable Development Goals? (SDGs), which some actors consider could become part of a possible post-2015 or post-MDG development agenda. This side event will gather experts from the UN System, Member States and civil society to draw lessons from the implementation of the MDGs, examine the proposals for SDGs in the outcome document of Rio+20 in light of these lessons, and outline concrete ideas for a transformative post-2015 development agenda.
19:30 - 21:00
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships: Youth fixing the broken system
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP)
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP)
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships: Youth fixing the broken system
Lead organizer:
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP)
Room:
T-3
Globally the world produces enough food to feed everyone, yet one in seven people on our planet go to bed hungry. Hunger, waste and environmental degradation are the result of a discriminatory global food system, which is broken. Nearly half of the world's population are aged 25 years and below, and it is these young people, and in particular young women, who are most impacted by the broken food system.
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP) brings together 15 young women and men from around the globe working to fix the broken food system. Using strategies based on the protection and realisation of all human rights these young people provide an insight into how we can address issues land and water access, support small scale producers (particularly women) and grow a global good food movement, to create a just and sustainable global food system where everyone has enough to eat, always.
Oxfam International Youth Partnerships (OIYP) brings together 15 young women and men from around the globe working to fix the broken food system. Using strategies based on the protection and realisation of all human rights these young people provide an insight into how we can address issues land and water access, support small scale producers (particularly women) and grow a global good food movement, to create a just and sustainable global food system where everyone has enough to eat, always.
19:30 - 21:00
National Sustainable Development Strategies-What's Their Future Role?
Lead organizer:
Liechtenstein
Room:
P3-6
The side-event focuses on the multidimensional challenges of national sustainable development strategies (NSDS). The side event?s objective is to evaluate the relation between NSDS (based on the examples and experiences of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and further members of the European Sustainable Development Network ESDN) and newly emerging strategic approaches like green growth or green economy. Furthermore will success factors, opportunities and challenges of NSDS strategies, indicators and monitoring systems be analysed and discussed. Experiences that have been made in implementing these strategies and systems should be used and integrated when drafting a new generation of targets, indicators and monitoring systems, as for example sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Friday, 15 June 2012
09:30 - 11:00
Green Economy and Trade - Assessing Risks and Opportunities
International Trade Centre (ITC)
International Trade Centre (ITC)
Green Economy and Trade - Assessing Risks and Opportunities
Lead organizer:
International Trade Centre (ITC)
Room:
T-3
Much of the dialogue on the green economy and trade in the context Rio+20 have focused on the risks associated with a transition to a green economy. However, the transition to a green economy also presents numerous trade opportunities for developing countries. It is crucial to identify these trade opportunities, together with the policy reforms that can create and strengthen developing country capacity to benefit from the opportunities.
In order to inform the Rio+20 dialogue on trade and green economy, this side event will focus on the trade opportunities associated with the transformation to a green economy. A recent study completed by UNEP, ITC and ICTSD will be presented, mapping and analysing existing trade related opportunities for developing countries in the transition to a green economy.
In order to inform the Rio+20 dialogue on trade and green economy, this side event will focus on the trade opportunities associated with the transformation to a green economy. A recent study completed by UNEP, ITC and ICTSD will be presented, mapping and analysing existing trade related opportunities for developing countries in the transition to a green economy.
09:30 - 11:00
Women's Resistance and Resilience
Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF)
Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF)
Women's Resistance and Resilience
Lead organizer:
Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF)
Room:
T-9
Social equity, gender equality and environmental justice must form the heart of sustainable development, and of the outcomes of the Rio+20 UN conference in 2012. Twenty years after the first Rio conference, great social and economic inequities still remain. These inequities especially affect women and children, who make up the majority of those living in poverty. Three testimonies from women suffering from the extraction industries, from unsustainable energy and agrofuels and from landgrabbing will be presented. The women?s major group supports the transformation from the current economic system to a sustainable and equitable economic system which ensures gender equality, human rights and environmental justice and supports sustainable livelihoods and poverty eradication. Examples of initiatives towards sustainable and equitable economies will be shown, from assuring women?s access and control to land and resources, developing local, fair and ecological production and consumption, and increasing women?s participation in decision making, will be shared.
09:30 - 11:00
Youth with Disabilities and sustainable Development.
African Youth with Disability Network (AYWDN)
African Youth with Disability Network (AYWDN)
Youth with Disabilities and sustainable Development.
Lead organizer:
African Youth with Disability Network (AYWDN)
Room:
T-5
The side event will focus on raising awareness on the importance of involving young people with disabilities and other marginalized and vulnerable young populations in the social,economic and political development processes contributing to sustainable development of our countries,Countries , Continents and the world.It will share best practices of involving the marginalised and vulnerable Youth populations in the programmes and activities contributing to sustainable development.
09:30 - 11:00
Scenarios for Sustainable Development Governance: National Mechanisms that Work
Lead organizer:
Earth Council
Room:
T-6
The current Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development (IFSD) suffers from lack of coherence, coordination and integration. It is defined by the inability of economic and social policy making to fully account for environmental integrity; and very weak connections and coordination among governance levels, i.e. global, regional, and national. These shortcomings result in the persistent gap between sustainable development policy formulation and implementation.
There have been strong requests for institutional changes to alleviate these shortcomings both from civil society and from governments around the world. There is a need for a change of IFSD in a way that allows ensuring efficiency and accountability for sustainable development architecture. Three inter-related proposals have gained wide spread support: (1) introduction of sustainable development goals (SDGs), (2) creation of sustainable development council (SDC), and (3) strengthening and closely integrating and coordinating mechanisms and processes at global, regional and national levels by exemplifying lessons learnt from Asia and Europe in planning and implementation of sustainability related measures.
This side- event will focus on the national sustainable development mechanisms that have been implemented in Asia and Europe, examine its strengths and weaknesses. It also addresses the interconnectedness of all IFSD levels and will thereby demonstrate the need for better vertical and horizontal coordination of the sustainable development architecture. It will be based on the results of the research study initiated by the Asia-Europe Environment Forum and conducted by sustainable development and governance experts on these issues.
There have been strong requests for institutional changes to alleviate these shortcomings both from civil society and from governments around the world. There is a need for a change of IFSD in a way that allows ensuring efficiency and accountability for sustainable development architecture. Three inter-related proposals have gained wide spread support: (1) introduction of sustainable development goals (SDGs), (2) creation of sustainable development council (SDC), and (3) strengthening and closely integrating and coordinating mechanisms and processes at global, regional and national levels by exemplifying lessons learnt from Asia and Europe in planning and implementation of sustainability related measures.
This side- event will focus on the national sustainable development mechanisms that have been implemented in Asia and Europe, examine its strengths and weaknesses. It also addresses the interconnectedness of all IFSD levels and will thereby demonstrate the need for better vertical and horizontal coordination of the sustainable development architecture. It will be based on the results of the research study initiated by the Asia-Europe Environment Forum and conducted by sustainable development and governance experts on these issues.
09:30 - 11:00
9 Months to Save the World: Mother Key to Sustainable Development
World Organisation of Prenatal Education Associations (OMAEP)
World Organisation of Prenatal Education Associations (OMAEP)
9 Months to Save the World: Mother Key to Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
World Organisation of Prenatal Education Associations (OMAEP)
Room:
T-10
The twenty years following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit have clearly shown that the current global challenges will not be solved by the same way of thinking that caused them. If we are to create the necessary paradigm shift to ensure not only the survival but the thriving of humanity and the earth, we must turn towards the very roots of our existence. Over four decades of prenatal science and the discovery of "epi-genetics" confirm that during the primal period, from conception to early childhood, the foundation for every human being's relationship with their environment is formed. Human behaviour is determined by this factor. Mothers are children's first environment where the seeds of peace, prosperity, intelligence and sustainability can be sown and nurtured. They must be empowered and supported in their major role in the sustainability and future of our planet.
11:30 - 13:00
Resource Environment and Sustainable Development
Chinese Society for Sustainable Development
Chinese Society for Sustainable Development
Resource Environment and Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Chinese Society for Sustainable Development
Room:
T-9
This side event will focus on the topic of resource, environment and sustainable development, which has attracted attentions from China and all over the world. The speakers will talk about the resource, environment and sustainable development in China, with regard to different areas and industries. It will include the status, achievements, challenges, as well as technology innovations. The speaker from UFRJ, Brazil will talk about the overall situation in Brazil. The discussion will focus on how to maintain the achievement and solve the problems related to resource, environment and sustainable development, not only in China and Brazil, but also in other developing countries. This side event is expected to show to the world the progress and efforts as well as challenges of sustainable development in China and Brazil, which is the sound from the developing countries in UNCSD/Rio+20.
11:30 - 13:00
Best practices and technology opportunities for farmers in South Ameri
CropLife International
CropLife International
Best practices and technology opportunities for farmers in South Ameri
Lead organizer:
CropLife International
Room:
T-5
Debates on agriculture often pit smallholder agriculture versus large-scale agriculture. However this vision fails to take into account the variety of agriculture systems that co-exist around the world and the technologies and best practices that can be shared by farmers at different scale.
The roundtable discussion will present a study on best practices in agriculture in Latin America as a basis for discussion regarding which practices can be shared and scaled up to improve sustainability and enable smallholder farmers to take advantage of market and regional integration opportunities.
The roundtable discussion will present a study on best practices in agriculture in Latin America as a basis for discussion regarding which practices can be shared and scaled up to improve sustainability and enable smallholder farmers to take advantage of market and regional integration opportunities.
11:30 - 13:00
Social justice for future generations
World Future Council
World Future Council
Social justice for future generations
Lead organizer:
World Future Council
Room:
T-8
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).
11:30 - 13:00
Mainstreaming Organic Agriculture as a Means of Implementation
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)
Mainstreaming Organic Agriculture as a Means of Implementation
Lead organizer:
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)
Room:
T-6
Governments with established organic green economies and effective enabling policies that support sustainable agriculture and which address hunger and poverty will share their experiences. UN agencies and humanitarian organizations will outline how organic practices can unlock the potential of smallholder farmers for rural development and food and nutrition security. International volunteer organizations will present the case for integrating skilled volunteers into implementation strategies. IFOAM, the world?s organic farming umbrella organization, with 870 member organizations in 120 countries will confirm its contribution to the outcome of Rio+20 by outlining how it will facilitate the transition by systematically making its global networks and policy and technical expertise readily available to stakeholders. The panel will explore how Rio+20 can accelerate the uptake of organic agriculture including through its mainstreaming into policies and initiatives such as CAADP, CSA, Zero Net Land Degradation, Purchase for Progress, Zero Hunger Programs and global research programs.
11:30 - 13:00
Green Economy and Equity
Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED)
Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED)
Green Economy and Equity
Lead organizer:
Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED)
Room:
T-3
By many, the concept of Green Economy is seen as a major milestone towards a sustainable development. On the other hand, lot of NGOs have expressed deep concerns. In their view the discussions on Green Economy in the Rio+20 preparation process contribute to narrowing the idea of sustainable development to a one-sided concept that especially lacks equity, social justice and human rights.
The Side Event will present the various views and discuss pathways to implement sustainable development in a way that integrates social equity, eco-justice and the preservation of the environment.
The Side Event will present the various views and discuss pathways to implement sustainable development in a way that integrates social equity, eco-justice and the preservation of the environment.
11:30 - 13:00
Economic and policy drivers of deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon
Institute for Applied Economic Research (Instituto de Pesquisa Economica Aplicada) - IPEA
Institute for Applied Economic Research (Instituto de Pesquisa Economica Aplicada) - IPEA
Economic and policy drivers of deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon
Lead organizer:
Institute for Applied Economic Research (Instituto de Pesquisa Economica Aplicada) - IPEA
Room:
T-10
This side event aims at reviewing the recent economic and social drivers of the deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon region, as well as analyzing to which extent environmental policies have been effective in decreasing deforestation rates recently. New policy proposals that combine forest conservation and sustainable use with socioeconomic development and a greener economy in the Amazon will be discussed.
The event starts with an introduction to policies that are in place to combat illegal forest loss and follows with presentations of new research results based on quantitative analyses of deforestation dynamics and their empirical linkages with economic variables and environmental regulations.
Panelists will engage the audience in a debate focusing on potential ways to enhancing the effectiveness of forest conservation policies against the backdrop of social and economic development of the region as well as Brazil?s pledge to achieve the ambitious conservation targets proposed in Copenhagen.
The event starts with an introduction to policies that are in place to combat illegal forest loss and follows with presentations of new research results based on quantitative analyses of deforestation dynamics and their empirical linkages with economic variables and environmental regulations.
Panelists will engage the audience in a debate focusing on potential ways to enhancing the effectiveness of forest conservation policies against the backdrop of social and economic development of the region as well as Brazil?s pledge to achieve the ambitious conservation targets proposed in Copenhagen.
11:30 - 13:00
Green Jobs: a chance for Youth!
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Green Jobs: a chance for Youth!
Lead organizer:
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Room:
T-4
Youth are faced with unprecedented levels of unemployment. But the prospects of greening economies now offer potential for a wide range of new jobs to be created. The challenge is to seize the major opportunities for decent work the emerging new green sectors and by making existing jobs both more decent and greener at the same time. A sharper focus on youth may prove to be an important accelerator for making progress on all three dimensions of sustainable development. Significant progress can be made in poverty eradication and social inclusion by making green jobs a reality
The side event would pave the way for a global partnership for green jobs, scaling up existing efforts, identifying the policy levers and crafting a global funding mechanism.
The side event would pave the way for a global partnership for green jobs, scaling up existing efforts, identifying the policy levers and crafting a global funding mechanism.
13:15 - 14:45
13:15 - 14:45
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Financing Sustainable Development, a trade union agenda: new global levies wealth redistribution, role of pension funds
Lead organizer:
Sustain Labour
Room:
UN5 (Barra Arena)
13:15 - 14:45
A common framework to attain the full potential of forests for SD
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) International
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) International
13:15 - 14:45
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
A common framework to attain the full potential of forests for SD
Lead organizer:
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) International
Room:
UN3 (Barra Arena)
Forests are a critical link in the transition to a green economy. Forests with their products and services have the potential to contribute to overcoming global challenges, such as poverty, water scarcity, need for employment, renewable energy, low-carbon economy, climate change and biodiversity loss.
Yet realizing this potential requires the mainstreaming of proven mechanisms such as forest certification that promote and provide evidence of responsible forestry. Moreover, special attention must be paid to the some 25% of the world?s forests that are locally managed by families, communities and indigenous peoples. These groups face distinct challenges in accessing direct, tangible benefits from their forest resources and their ability to contribute to a green economy.
This event presents framework conditions to guide forest certification and forest stakeholders, with a specific focus on the role of locally controlled forestry.
Yet realizing this potential requires the mainstreaming of proven mechanisms such as forest certification that promote and provide evidence of responsible forestry. Moreover, special attention must be paid to the some 25% of the world?s forests that are locally managed by families, communities and indigenous peoples. These groups face distinct challenges in accessing direct, tangible benefits from their forest resources and their ability to contribute to a green economy.
This event presents framework conditions to guide forest certification and forest stakeholders, with a specific focus on the role of locally controlled forestry.
13:30 - 15:00
Contributing to the greening of economies and poverty alleviation
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Contributing to the greening of economies and poverty alleviation
Lead organizer:
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Room:
P3-2
Global efforts towards green economies and addressing poverty are sensitive to weather and climate variability and change. Development targets are at risk as food production, food security, disaster risk reduction, health epidemics, access to water, energy, tourism, etc., in many countries are dominated by weather and climate. Use of scientifically sound climate services can support better climate risk management, and in taking advantage of climate opportunities to increase productivity and promote sustainable development.
There is a significant gap between needs for climate services and their current provision, particularly in least developed and developing countries. Present capabilities to provide climate services do not exploit all we know about climate, and are not delivering their full potential benefits. This event, organized by the World Meteorological Organization and partner UN agencies will provide information on the contribution of the Global Framework for Climate Services in support of greening of economies and poverty reduction
There is a significant gap between needs for climate services and their current provision, particularly in least developed and developing countries. Present capabilities to provide climate services do not exploit all we know about climate, and are not delivering their full potential benefits. This event, organized by the World Meteorological Organization and partner UN agencies will provide information on the contribution of the Global Framework for Climate Services in support of greening of economies and poverty reduction
13:30 - 15:00
Global Governance Mechanisms for Boosting Green Innovation
United Nations University (UNU)
United Nations University (UNU)
Global Governance Mechanisms for Boosting Green Innovation
Lead organizer:
United Nations University (UNU)
Room:
T-6
It is expected that the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development will lead to stronger political commitment by countries, major groups and international organizations for forging a credible institutional framework for a more sustainable development across the globe. Policies and action plans need to be formulated to steer the mainstream economy towards a greener path that can address the twin challenges of climate change and eradication of poverty. However, we need more innovation capacity to generate tools and mechanisms to transform broad concepts into practical results for the implementation of such commitments. This side event will discuss how we can develop international mechanisms to boost the capacity of societies to innovate in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
13:30 - 15:00
Voices from Asia Pacific: Just and Sustainable Development Goals for Women
Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD)
Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD)
Voices from Asia Pacific: Just and Sustainable Development Goals for Women
Lead organizer:
Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD)
Room:
T-3
This event will explore what a feminist, rights-based approach to development might look like. It will consider possible rights-based, sustainable and just development goals particularly relevant to Asia Pacific rural and indigenous women by assessing the progress and gaps for the last 20 years. Despite rural and indigenous women of Asia Pacific being most affected by unsustainable growth models of development, they are rarely the architects of global development policies. Yet rural and indigenous women have significant knowledge around sustainable practices and their development needs. This panel draws from a series of consultations with rural and indigenous women of Asia Pacific to propose some development indicators that are focused on the sustainable enjoyment of human rights where human rights principles of equality, non-discrimination, participation and representation, transparency and accountability, international cooperation and solidarity determine people?s development.
13:30 - 15:00
TEEB for Water and Wetlands
Ramsar Convention
Ramsar Convention
TEEB for Water and Wetlands
Lead organizer:
Ramsar Convention
Room:
P3-6
The Millennium ecosystem assessment (MA, 2005) presented a solid evidence base on the loss of wetlands and associated loss of ecosystem services. This was a seminal piece of work, clarifying to the biodiversity community, and wider scientific establishment, the need for action. There was, however, insufficient policy response.
The TEEB initiative, which built on the MA, has demonstrated the policy usefulness of presenting economic arguments on the value of nature, and targeting the messages to different audiences ? international and national policy makers, local and regional policy makers and administrators, business, the academic community and citizens (www.teebweb.org; TEEB 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011). The use of the tools and language of economics can help communicate to some audiences that might otherwise overlook the importance of nature.
The TEEB initiative, which built on the MA, has demonstrated the policy usefulness of presenting economic arguments on the value of nature, and targeting the messages to different audiences ? international and national policy makers, local and regional policy makers and administrators, business, the academic community and citizens (www.teebweb.org; TEEB 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011). The use of the tools and language of economics can help communicate to some audiences that might otherwise overlook the importance of nature.
13:30 - 15:00
Sustainable Transport in the Cities of the Future
International Union of Railways (UIC)
International Union of Railways (UIC)
Sustainable Transport in the Cities of the Future
Lead organizer:
International Union of Railways (UIC)
Room:
T-5
This Side Event will provide an expert view from leading practitioners from the field of sustainable mobility in developed countries and emerging economies, and will conclude with proposals on including this topic in the outcome document of Rio+20. The Side Event will focus on sustainable transport in citites, to correspond to the secttion on citieis in the Zero Draft document. Partners are from the global public transport sector (metro, bus, railways), project specialists and research institutes. This Side Event would offer delegates the opportunity to cover all the key issues of sustainable mobility in cities in one single event.
13:30 - 15:00
Sustainable Development index methodology-possible options
Lead organizer:
Armenia
Room:
P3-1
During the Rio Summit in 1992 it was decided to develop a Sustainable Development Index in the coming years. Countries and international organizations were invited to make their contribution. This target has not been fully achieved during the last 20 year.
Several multi-stakeholders consultation processes conducted in Armenia within the framework of Rio + 20 preparation, analysis of different thematic and assessment reports, including Human development report and others. Experts? observations have revealed that those assessments and statement on the progress achieved doesn?t necessarily reflect the country?s reality.
Taking into consideration that Armenia was one of the first countries piloting calculation of SD indexes, the Armenian Government decided to update the existing set of SD indicators and to present the country?s approaches to the issue at the side-event during the RIO+20 Conference, based on its own experience and recent achievements across the globe.
Several multi-stakeholders consultation processes conducted in Armenia within the framework of Rio + 20 preparation, analysis of different thematic and assessment reports, including Human development report and others. Experts? observations have revealed that those assessments and statement on the progress achieved doesn?t necessarily reflect the country?s reality.
Taking into consideration that Armenia was one of the first countries piloting calculation of SD indexes, the Armenian Government decided to update the existing set of SD indicators and to present the country?s approaches to the issue at the side-event during the RIO+20 Conference, based on its own experience and recent achievements across the globe.
13:30 - 15:00
Community Enabled Sustainable Development
Global 2000 (2012) International
Global 2000 (2012) International
Community Enabled Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Global 2000 (2012) International
Room:
T-9
Building the case for an integrated and collaborative model of Community Development for Urban or Rural community upgrading. By making available: Capital through Micro-Financing, Highly Efficient Housing with very low power requirements, Safe Water, Improved Food Production, and Efficient Energy Systems communities can be upgraded and set on the path to long term sustainability with income generating opportunities, low power consumption and higher plant yields. Providing the tools for these mechanisms is the most effective way to reduce poverty and change the living condition of families for generations. In this model the community is provided the tools, technology, training, and skills needed to set a new direction for their future.
13:30 - 15:00
How to create an equitable and sustainable green economy
Danish 92 Group
Danish 92 Group
How to create an equitable and sustainable green economy
Lead organizer:
Danish 92 Group
Room:
T-8
One of the main topics at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Rio in June is green economy. But what should a green economy include? And how can a green economy lead to an equitable sustainable development? These two questions will be discussed at a side event arranged by the Danish 92 Group, Oil Change International and a group of other NGO representatives. The discussion will be lead by examining some of the key perspectives in the publication ?Building an Equitable Green Economy?publiced by the Danish 92 Group as an input to Rio+20, which is identifying elements of the green economy as a tool for sustainable development and provides a framework that assess the outcomes of Rio+20. Further, it presents five working principles that will be put in the context of the current discussions on Rio+20.
13:30 - 15:00
Commerce Environnement & Developpement
ENDA Tiers Monde
ENDA Tiers Monde
Commerce Environnement & Developpement
Lead organizer:
ENDA Tiers Monde
Room:
T-10
Les problèmes environnementaux liés au commerce international posent une série de difficultés. L?un des principaux défis est le problème d?accès aux marchés internationaux aussi bien pour les produits agricoles que pour les produits industriels. Ces défis se manifestent concrètement à travers les subventions, les barrières techniques et les mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires, entre autres. La situation du continent est d?autant plus difficile dans ce domaine, que peu de pays, sinon aucun, participent aux enceintes internationales d?élaboration des normes et standards internationaux en matière environnementale.
Les règles qui naissent de ces processus ne sont pas toujours favorables à l?accès des produits africains aux marchés des pays du Nord. Que ce soit pour les normes sanitaires ou phytosanitaires ou encore pour l?écoétiquetage, les pays africains ont besoin d?une assistance technique renforcée pour se garantir la mise en ?uvre technique des normes internationales.
Les règles qui naissent de ces processus ne sont pas toujours favorables à l?accès des produits africains aux marchés des pays du Nord. Que ce soit pour les normes sanitaires ou phytosanitaires ou encore pour l?écoétiquetage, les pays africains ont besoin d?une assistance technique renforcée pour se garantir la mise en ?uvre technique des normes internationales.
13:30 - 15:00
The Future We Want: Biodiversity in the Sustainable Development Goals
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Future We Want: Biodiversity in the Sustainable Development Goals
Lead organizer:
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Room:
T-2
Biological diversity underpins ecosystem functioning and provides for food security, human health, the provision of clean air and water; it contributes to local livelihoods, and economic development, and is essential for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, including poverty reduction.
The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, adopted by the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2010, and later endorsed by the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly, sets out a vision for a world of "Living in harmony with nature" where "By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people."
The strategic plan and its vision represent a long-term plan that supports the three pillars of sustainable development. The side event will outline these linkages and a vision for the way forward.
The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, adopted by the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2010, and later endorsed by the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly, sets out a vision for a world of "Living in harmony with nature" where "By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people."
The strategic plan and its vision represent a long-term plan that supports the three pillars of sustainable development. The side event will outline these linkages and a vision for the way forward.
13:30 - 15:00
Securing a sustainable and equitable future for all post-Rio+20
BioRegional Development Group
BioRegional Development Group
Securing a sustainable and equitable future for all post-Rio+20
Lead organizer:
BioRegional Development Group
Room:
T-4
This side event offers both inspiration and transferable learning from local, national and international initiatives that are demonstrating a green economy in practice using the One Planet Living sustainability approach, framework and 10 guiding principles.
In particular, Sustainable Development Goals and National Implementation Plans are being considered as important outcomes of Rio+20. Therefore governments will explain how their thinking is evolving with regard to developing and implementing SDGs and National Plans, and how they see the links to civil society and business, and the One Planet Living framework.
There will be a number of commitments being made by civil society, business and governments for post- Rio+20 implementation:
Presentations and commitments will be made by the governments of Belgium, Colombia and Kenya, multinational retailer Kingfisher plc, globally recognised planners and developers from Portugal and China- Pelicano and China Merchants Property Developer (CMPD), South America?s largest refridgeration supplier Imbera and international social enterprise BioRegional.
In particular, Sustainable Development Goals and National Implementation Plans are being considered as important outcomes of Rio+20. Therefore governments will explain how their thinking is evolving with regard to developing and implementing SDGs and National Plans, and how they see the links to civil society and business, and the One Planet Living framework.
There will be a number of commitments being made by civil society, business and governments for post- Rio+20 implementation:
Presentations and commitments will be made by the governments of Belgium, Colombia and Kenya, multinational retailer Kingfisher plc, globally recognised planners and developers from Portugal and China- Pelicano and China Merchants Property Developer (CMPD), South America?s largest refridgeration supplier Imbera and international social enterprise BioRegional.
15:30 - 17:00
Integrating the social dimensions of green economy into policy
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
Integrating the social dimensions of green economy into policy
Lead organizer:
United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD)
Room:
T-5
The preparatory process for Rio+20 has called for renewed attention to the social dimensions of development. However, the green economy and sustainable development debates have largely been dominated by economic and environmental concerns. This side event brings together policy-relevant lessons from recent research by UNRISD, UNESCO and ISSC with a focus on how narratives both reflect and shape social change. Sustainability calls for judgements about connections between heterogeneous beings linked by diffuse and uncertain connections. Achieving sustainability depends on a strong knowledge base, effectively deployed, but it cannot be thought of purely in technical or epistemic terms. What is required is a reflexive relation between agents accepting responsibility for the very long-term effects of their actions and the non-humans and systems to which they relate. Sustainability thus calls into question both identity and orientation in the world. This means that sustainability cannot be achieved without being imagined, and cannot be imagined without being inscribed in narratives. The side event will focus on an alternative narrative of sustainable development emphasizing the gaps and barriers that need to be overcome in order for the social dimensions of green economy to be better integrated into green economy decision-making.
15:30 - 17:00
Connecting the dots: science, the IPCC and the policy picture
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Connecting the dots: science, the IPCC and the policy picture
Lead organizer:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Room:
T-6
Policy-makers need to base their decisions on firm foundations. This is particularly important when addressing complex environmental, economic and social issues such as climate change. The IPCC was founded in 1988 to prepare a comprehensive and unbiased assessment of the risks of anthropogenic climate change, which provided the basis for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and it continues to provide scientific and technical information to support the Convention. The importance of IPCC assessments for the UNFCCC was highlighted in the Durban decisions and the IPCC?s rigorous assessment process has become a template for science-based assessments work. Besides comprehensive assessment reports, the IPCC produces special reports on emerging and other issues relevant for policy implementation and risk management at a country level. An examination of two recent special reports will take two of the key themes of the Conference, disaster risk reduction and energy, as examples.
15:30 - 17:00
On Right to Water, Green Economy and Right based approaches to Sustainable Development
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP)
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP)
On Right to Water, Green Economy and Right based approaches to Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP)
Room:
T-8
The planet is facing multiple environmental crises and many of them mediated through water. The escalating water challenges result in human communities without access to water for their basic livelihood needs and ecosystems and species that suffer destruction and extinction. Globalized industrial agri-food systems are a big part of the problem. An essential component of effective, sustainable water governance is right to water ? right to water to meet the basic needs of people and to help ensure ecosystem sustenance locally. By contrast, our environmental laws permit a ?race to the bottom? system that legalizes pollution and over-diversion. Legal recognition of rights of people, waterways, and species to water for life and well-being is necessary, to help guide new governance systems that encourage respectful use of water rather than a system that is based on commodification of nature, to ensure the security of current and future generations of people and species.
15:30 - 17:00
Using markets to supply ecosystem services: how to make it happen?
Forum for Reforms Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (FORES)
Forum for Reforms Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (FORES)
Using markets to supply ecosystem services: how to make it happen?
Lead organizer:
Forum for Reforms Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (FORES)
Room:
T-10
"Biodiversity markets are on [the] trajectory from futuristic to unremarkable." - State of Biodiversity Markets (2010)
The need to protect ecosystem services (ES) is well recognised, but existing approaches have failed to stem their decline. One option is to rely on a market to 'price' these valuable services and provide a more sustainable level. Which ecosystem services are best fitted for market based measures, and what principles should the measures rely on?
FORES presents the results of their report ?Using markets to supply ecosystem services: how to make it happen and invites a broader discussion on the opportunities and challenges of using environmental markets to improve the supply of ES.
The need to protect ecosystem services (ES) is well recognised, but existing approaches have failed to stem their decline. One option is to rely on a market to 'price' these valuable services and provide a more sustainable level. Which ecosystem services are best fitted for market based measures, and what principles should the measures rely on?
FORES presents the results of their report ?Using markets to supply ecosystem services: how to make it happen and invites a broader discussion on the opportunities and challenges of using environmental markets to improve the supply of ES.
15:30 - 17:00
Engaging the private sector and catalysing change: a focus on REDD+
Institute for Conservation and Sustainable Development of Amazonas ? IDESAM
Institute for Conservation and Sustainable Development of Amazonas ? IDESAM
Engaging the private sector and catalysing change: a focus on REDD+
Lead organizer:
Institute for Conservation and Sustainable Development of Amazonas ? IDESAM
Room:
T-3
Natural capital - our ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources - is fundamental to the wellbeing and sustainable development of our societies. The annual value of services provided by nature is in the trillions of dollars. Too often, however, financial capital is deployed against natural capital, destroying long-term sustainability of our environment, as well as the human economy.
The side event will discuss the impacts that the ?business-as-usual? economic model is having on the planet?s ecosystems, people and biodiversity, as well as innovative ways for engaging private in forest conservation and land based sustainable activities. The barriers to shifting from today?s model to one in which natural capital is more accurately valued will be examined, as will potential pathways towards positive transformation and examples of private sector leadership and potential for replication and scale.
The side event will discuss the impacts that the ?business-as-usual? economic model is having on the planet?s ecosystems, people and biodiversity, as well as innovative ways for engaging private in forest conservation and land based sustainable activities. The barriers to shifting from today?s model to one in which natural capital is more accurately valued will be examined, as will potential pathways towards positive transformation and examples of private sector leadership and potential for replication and scale.
15:30 - 17:00
What Comes Next? An Interactive Dialogue on Youth Movements Beyond Rio
Lead organizer:
SustainUS
Room:
T-9
How can youth capture international momentum toward Rio+20 and cultivate innovative action that builds upon the achievements of Rio+20, while working to address its potential shortcomings? To begin answering this question, this side event will engage young leaders from around the world to share their successes, as well as their concerns, ideas and visions for achieving The Future We Want.
15:30 - 17:00
Framing SD Policy Dialogues: A Well-Prepared Society
Worldview Impact Foundation
Worldview Impact Foundation
Framing SD Policy Dialogues: A Well-Prepared Society
Lead organizer:
Worldview Impact Foundation
Room:
T-4
Twenty-first century challenges to global environmental security will require an unprecedented solidarity of purpose and concert of action from a well-prepared global society. Policy-makers are in a position to decide what to do and when to act based upon available evidence and their beliefs about the risks and benefits of a green economy strategy, including the development of institutional frameworks on sustainable development. Currently, we are using 19th and 20th century approaches and models to address 21st century issues. In order to increase the responsive capacity of nation states based upon 21st century models, then governance structures for sustainable development must be created as "learning systems" to understand what is working, what is not, what are the potential options. A successful outcome from Rio+20 would be a systems-wide framework that engages the public where attempts to meliorate one issue can alter or even exacerbate the impacts of another.
17:30 - 19:00
Sustainable Development in International Courts and Tribunals
Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL)
Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL)
Sustainable Development in International Courts and Tribunals
Lead organizer:
Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL)
Room:
T-3
Since the 1992 Earth Summit, international courts and tribunals have become an important part of the institutional framework for sustainable development. Institutions such as the International Court of Justice, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, have resolved disputes using key principles of sustainable development law such as integration, equity, precaution and common but differentiated responsibility. This CISDL legal experts panel, drawing on a decade of legal research by the International Law for Sustainable Development Partnership (ILSD) launched at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, will explain the implications of recent judgments for sustainable development. Legal experts from both developing and developed countries will also identify emerging trends in sustainable development law. The event launches an online resource, a new Legal Working Paper Series on Sustainable Justice, and the next decade of the ILSD Partnership, with tools for legal analysis and compliance.
17:30 - 19:00
Transparency and disclosure in the green economy
Carbon Disclosure Project
Carbon Disclosure Project
Transparency and disclosure in the green economy
Lead organizer:
Carbon Disclosure Project
Room:
T-6
This event explores how cities and the private sector can work together to create change on the ground, in the context of transparency and disclosure required for a green economy.
17:30 - 19:00
Green Procurement: a cross cutting strategy for green growth
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
Green Procurement: a cross cutting strategy for green growth
Lead organizer:
International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
Room:
T-10
Why focus on Procurement? Because purchases by governments of goods, services and works account for 15-19% of GDP in industrialised countries and even more in emerging economies. When such large scale demand begins to specify that goods and services are produced in a sustainable manner, public procurement becomes a strong market incentive for green investment, innovation, production and growth. Global markets are also placing increasing expectations on private finance initiatives (PFIs) as a viable tool for green growth. PFIs are formal contractual agreements between the state and the private sector that crowd in private sector capital in procurement or commissioning of public infrastructure and services. While governments are looking to this model to crowd-in capital and share risks of infrastructure expansion, they are overlooking fact that PFIs will only deliver value for money, for both investor and public purse, if they are approached and designed as a long-term sustainable investment.
17:30 - 19:00
ESD as Driver of Change towards a Green Economy
Centre for Environment Education
Centre for Environment Education
ESD as Driver of Change towards a Green Economy
Lead organizer:
Centre for Environment Education
Room:
T-5
Commenting on the role of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director General mentioned that ?ESD promotes the values and knowledge necessary to help women and men to cope with change, complexity and uncertainty, to adopt new consumption patterns, and to transform mindsets and behaviors? . When it comes to promoting ideas of sustainable development and green economy, education remains one of the most important short term, as well as long term tool we possess that can influence existing institutions or create new ones.
The Government of India, recognizing the importance of environmental education as far back as in 1984, had facilitated the creation of the Centre of Environment Education (CEE) as a Centre for Excellence. Since then CEE has expanded and has initiated and implemented numerous innovative ESD programmes across India, partnering with various UN such as UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP, WHO etc. accumulating a plethora of enlightening experiences and learnings.
The Government of India, recognizing the importance of environmental education as far back as in 1984, had facilitated the creation of the Centre of Environment Education (CEE) as a Centre for Excellence. Since then CEE has expanded and has initiated and implemented numerous innovative ESD programmes across India, partnering with various UN such as UNESCO, UNEP, UNDP, WHO etc. accumulating a plethora of enlightening experiences and learnings.
17:30 - 19:00
Low Carbon Agriculture
Brazil
Brazil
Low Carbon Agriculture
Lead organizer:
Brazil
Room:
T-9
The Low Carbon Agriculture Program (LCAP) is an activity under the Brazilian National Policy on Climate Change, established in 2009. The LCAP is a relevant tool to boost the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, creating projects for promoting integrated farming systems, rehabilitation of degraded pastures, organic agriculture, processing of animal waste, no-tillage planting, fixing biological nitrogen and other sustainable agricultural initiatives.
Saturday, 16 June 2012
11:30 - 13:00
The UN system Perspectives on Green Economy
United Nations Environment Management Group (EMG)
United Nations Environment Management Group (EMG)
The UN system Perspectives on Green Economy
Lead organizer:
United Nations Environment Management Group (EMG)
Room:
T-5
The Environment Management Group will present the findings of its report ?Working towards a balanced and inclusive green economy: A UN system-wide perspective" which was prepared to contribute to the Rio+20 Conference. The report prepared by 40 UN entities provides a picture on the UN system wide perspectives on the green economy and how the UN system could coherently support countries in transitioning to a green economy. The report is expected to facilitate a common understanding of the green economy approach and the measures required for the transition.
11:30 - 13:00
Green economy as an inducer of conservation in Brazilian Amazon
Fundo Vale para o Desenvolvimento Sustentavel
Fundo Vale para o Desenvolvimento Sustentavel
Green economy as an inducer of conservation in Brazilian Amazon
Lead organizer:
Fundo Vale para o Desenvolvimento Sustentavel
Room:
T-3
The green economy can be become real from local experiences, through projects that link production with less environmental impact and improving the quality of life of local populations. Whereas less than 1% of Amazon territory in Brazil is urbanized, it is essential to support initiatives in rural or forest ways. The Fundo Vale has supported several projects in the Brazilian Amazon who flock to this effect, to value the forest as a great asset market of the future. Working in network with recognized organizations acting in the Amazon, and international projection, these projects are developed in coordination in areas suffering strong anthropogenic pressure, constantly threatened by illegal logging. The event aims to show some experiments and their results, developed in the states of Pará, Mato Grosso and Amazonas.
11:30 - 13:00
Greening the Games: How Brazil's World Cup is Driving Economic Changes
Green Building Council Brasil
Green Building Council Brasil
Greening the Games: How Brazil's World Cup is Driving Economic Changes
Lead organizer:
Green Building Council Brasil
Room:
T-9
The 2014 World Cup involves a combined investment of more than US$114 billion across 12 Brazilian cities for the construction or renovation of 12 football stadiums plus transportation, hotels, and waste and water infrastructure to support millions of fans.
As the largest infrastructure project in the country?s history, preparations for the World Cup today will have long-lasting impacts on Brazil?s urban sectors. Planning for the Cup has provided Brazil with an opportunity to achieve sustainable, urban economic development that may not present itself again for decades or possibly centuries.
This event will feature a discussion on how World Cup investments can be leveraged for positive, long-term social and environmental benefits in Brazil?s cities, and how urban planning for global sporting events such as the World Cup and the Olympics can be models for sustainable urbanization on a global scale. Key themes: green building, low-carbon transit, green jobs, sustainable financing mechanisms.
As the largest infrastructure project in the country?s history, preparations for the World Cup today will have long-lasting impacts on Brazil?s urban sectors. Planning for the Cup has provided Brazil with an opportunity to achieve sustainable, urban economic development that may not present itself again for decades or possibly centuries.
This event will feature a discussion on how World Cup investments can be leveraged for positive, long-term social and environmental benefits in Brazil?s cities, and how urban planning for global sporting events such as the World Cup and the Olympics can be models for sustainable urbanization on a global scale. Key themes: green building, low-carbon transit, green jobs, sustainable financing mechanisms.
11:30 - 13:00
Launch: Reflection Group Report on Global Development Perspectives
Global Policy Forum Europe
Global Policy Forum Europe
Launch: Reflection Group Report on Global Development Perspectives
Lead organizer:
Global Policy Forum Europe
Room:
T-8
As a response to the multiple global crises, the Reflection Group will launch a comprehensive report that highlights the need for fundamental changes, in particular:
? Changes in fiscal and regulatory policies (at national and international levels) in order to overcome social inequalities and the degradation of nature and to strengthen sustainable economies.
? Changes in institutions and governance mechanisms (at national and international levels).
? Changes in the mindset, the guiding concepts, goals and indicators of development and societal progress.
At the side event prominent members of the Reflection Group will present key findings and policy recommendations of this report.
? Changes in fiscal and regulatory policies (at national and international levels) in order to overcome social inequalities and the degradation of nature and to strengthen sustainable economies.
? Changes in institutions and governance mechanisms (at national and international levels).
? Changes in the mindset, the guiding concepts, goals and indicators of development and societal progress.
At the side event prominent members of the Reflection Group will present key findings and policy recommendations of this report.
11:30 - 13:00
Sustainable Development and Inter-generational Equity Issues Dialogue
International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations (ISMUN)
International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations (ISMUN)
Sustainable Development and Inter-generational Equity Issues Dialogue
Lead organizer:
International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations (ISMUN)
Room:
T-10
The dialogue will be of Panel Discussion and Workshop nature on making a link between Climate Justice, Carbon Debt, Development, and
Reparations.
Reparations.
11:30 - 13:00
The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020
Lead organizer:
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Room:
P3-6
Protecting Biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides is at the heart of sustainable development. The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, adopted in 2010 at the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), represents a coordinated and sustained response by governments and the United Nations system to the ongoing loss of biodiversity. In this side event, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, along with its United Nations system partners will outline the mission and vision of the Strategy and show how biodiversity supports achievement of the three pillars of sustainable development. Representatives of the Interagency Task Force for the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 will speak about the role of the Plan in coordinating actions among stakeholders.
11:30 - 13:00
Feeding the World: Sustainable Agriculture & Innovation
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Feeding the World: Sustainable Agriculture & Innovation
Lead organizer:
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Room:
T-4
The challenges to feed the world?s population, which will reach 9 billion by 2050, are unprecedented?requiring more than a second green revolution. With climate change, global yields in 2050 could decrease by 20-30 percent if we cannot bring good agricultural practices, new technologies, farming methods, and supporting institutions to the world?s farmers. ?Sustainable intensification?--a range of approaches for boosting agricultural production while reducing negative environmental impacts on agriculture--will be critical. However, despite the 2008 food crisis and environmental changes, public investments in agricultural research and extension are low. In the context of the ongoing debate as to which potential farming methods and technologies offer the greatest promise for investment and scale up, this panel will examine the contribution of sustainable agriculture sustainable intensification to agricultural productivity and resilience in the near and long term and how this contribution can be estimated and tracked.
11:30 - 13:00
Re-greening for Resilient Landscapes
World Vision International
World Vision International
Re-greening for Resilient Landscapes
Lead organizer:
World Vision International
Room:
T-6
Thematic focus:
Land, Water, Biodiversity, Livestock and Livelihoods
The drylands are the best chance we have to achieve multiple goals at a scale that has significant and durable impact. Globally, the drylands support 2.1 billion people, with the majority still dependent upon the success of extensive grazing systems and sustainable crop production intensification. Yet, drylands have been considered marginal ? subject to degradation, loss of biodiversity and ineffective water management ? while the people they support have been marginalized. Targeting drylands is key in the march towards sustainable development because of the strong connection between land degradation and desertification and other global issues, including climate change, droughts and floods, famine, poverty and social disruption).
Land, Water, Biodiversity, Livestock and Livelihoods
The drylands are the best chance we have to achieve multiple goals at a scale that has significant and durable impact. Globally, the drylands support 2.1 billion people, with the majority still dependent upon the success of extensive grazing systems and sustainable crop production intensification. Yet, drylands have been considered marginal ? subject to degradation, loss of biodiversity and ineffective water management ? while the people they support have been marginalized. Targeting drylands is key in the march towards sustainable development because of the strong connection between land degradation and desertification and other global issues, including climate change, droughts and floods, famine, poverty and social disruption).
13:30 - 15:00
The Human right to water and sanitation: The challenge of implementation
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
The Human right to water and sanitation: The challenge of implementation
Lead organizer:
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
Room:
T-5
The aim of the Workshop is to check and to evaluate the evolution to local and international level of the Access to the Drinkable Water as human right, from her Firstly Summit of the Earth up to the current importance.
13:30 - 15:00
China's Progress on Sustainable Development & Expectations of Rio+20
Lead organizer:
China
Room:
T-2
There will be a comprehensive introduction of Chinafs efforts, progress and challenges in practicing sustainable development within the past decade. There will also be an introduction to the following strategies of China, a clarification of the expectations of the Chinese Government for this conference and its target and subject, and an introduction to the side conferences of Chinese government, and which will also present a video on Chinese national sustainable development
13:30 - 15:00
Forests, Livelihoods, and Green Economy
Environmental Quality Protection Foundation
Environmental Quality Protection Foundation
Forests, Livelihoods, and Green Economy
Lead organizer:
Environmental Quality Protection Foundation
Room:
T-8
Taiwan is vulnerable in term of climate change. Three years ago, Taiwan suffered from the havoc of the typhoon Morakot and recovered with the joint efforts by the civil societies and the government.
With the successful experience, we aim to shed more light on forests and livelihoods in terms of sustainable development and green economy by holding this gForests, Livelihoods, and Green Economyh side event to comply with the goal shown in Rio+20 Briefing#2 and further advance the efforts in sustainable development and forest managementI
With the successful experience, we aim to shed more light on forests and livelihoods in terms of sustainable development and green economy by holding this gForests, Livelihoods, and Green Economyh side event to comply with the goal shown in Rio+20 Briefing#2 and further advance the efforts in sustainable development and forest managementI
13:30 - 15:00
Sustainable Development in the Face of Rapid Climate Change: High Alpi
International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI)
International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI)
Sustainable Development in the Face of Rapid Climate Change: High Alpi
Lead organizer:
International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI)
Room:
T-6
Climate change is occurring twice as fast in regions such as the Arctic, Himalayas, Andes, and other alpine areas than in the rest of the globe, placing enormous pressures on the peoples who live there. Many of the communities so impacted comprise indigenous and other communities already often marginalized economically and socially in their societies. How can these communities find a new path towards development in the face of such rapid change, in ways that both preserve traditional ways of live, lead to the meeting of Millennium Development Goals; yet do not contribute even more to the environmental changes already occurring with rapid ?cryospheric? climate change? What are the ?cryosphere-specific? sustainable development measures most helpful to these regions? A panel discussion with representatives and experts from some of the most climate-impacted places on earth.
13:30 - 15:00
Sustainable Public Procurement
Lead organizer:
Brazil
Room:
T-4
Sustainable Public Procurement is meant to allow preferencial treatment in bidding processes for socio-environmentally correct products with less environmental impact and lower risk to human health. It is related to the acquisition of goods, materials and services whose manufacture, use and disposal incorporate socio-environmentally sustainable standards. Thus, the policy objective is to spread the links between sustainability and government hiring, generating positive impact on the marketplace and promoting new production sectors - the so-called "green economy" ( United Nations Environment Programme - UNEP). The objective of the seminar is to present the policy from the perspective of the formulator entity (Ministério do Planejamento), the legal entity (Advocacia-Geral da União) and the audit organ (Tribunal de Contas da União).
13:30 - 15:00
Pro-poor Payment for Ecosystems Services: global knowledge networking
Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)
Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)
Pro-poor Payment for Ecosystems Services: global knowledge networking
Lead organizer:
Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)
Room:
T-3
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) is increasingly recognized as a tool for sustainable management of natural resources. Although PES was initially intended to achieve conservation goals, the dependence of the majority of rural populations upon local ecosystems have brought about a consideration of PES being designed to be both pro-poor and community-based.This can be achieved by integrating pro-development objectives into thedesign of PES schemes .ICRAF and the consortium WWF/CARE International, for example, proposed an approach of ?pro-poor rewards for environmental services? and ?equitable payments for watershed services? ,with the objective to deliver sustainable natural resource management and improve livelihoods for the rural poor.
The use of PES to address both environmental improvement and poverty reduction objectives represents debatable issue for a wider reception of the PES approach.
The use of PES to address both environmental improvement and poverty reduction objectives represents debatable issue for a wider reception of the PES approach.
13:30 - 13:30
Women's Leadership in a Green Economy: Valuing Women's Contributions t
Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (WOCAN)
Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (WOCAN)
Women's Leadership in a Green Economy: Valuing Women's Contributions t
Lead organizer:
Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (WOCAN)
Room:
T-10
Evidence from Indonesia, Cameroon and India presented in the panel demonstrates that empowering women as resource managers and entrepreneurs presents a powerful strategy that can be used to address both local and global environment concerns. But institutional gender blindness renders women?s contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation invisible, and therefore not valued. National climate change policies and organizations overlook women?s value, in part because of biases that exclude women as leaders. Combined with their lower levels of education, time availability, formal property rights, and technical skills, this has resulted in an exclusion of women?s interests when climate change, REDD+, or renewable energy finance decisions are made. Means of providing value for women?s contributions to sustainable development and the green economy, discussed in the event, can address the risks of further marginalising women and jeopardising environmental sustainability initiatives posed by existing climate change finance mechanisms.
13:30 - 15:00
Sustainable Transport Contribution to Rio+20 and its Implementation
Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport
Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport
Sustainable Transport Contribution to Rio+20 and its Implementation
Lead organizer:
Partnership on Sustainable Low Carbon Transport
Room:
P3-6
Transport comprises a significant economic sector in most countries and is of particular relevance to the green economy theme of Rio+20 because of its potential for wide-ranging environmental, economic and social development benefits. There is a growing realization that the current rapid unrestrained growth in private motorization while improving access is not sustainable. This side event organized on behalf of the SLoCaT Partnership will present the contribution of the sustainable transport community to the Rio+20 Conference and its implementation. This includes: (a) a Roadmap for Sustainable Transport in the coming years including a set of targets and indicators, (b) voluntary commitments by a group of multilateral development banks as well other stakeholders on sustainable transport, and (c) description of proposed institutional framework for sustainable transport in the post Rio+20 period.
13:30 - 15:00
From Rio to Cairo to Rio? and Beyond
Population Action International
Population Action International
From Rio to Cairo to Rio? and Beyond
Lead organizer:
Population Action International
Room:
T-9
Population dynamics have significant influence on sustainable development. Chapter 5 of Agenda 21 affirms the synergistic relationship between demographic factors and sustainable development, as well as the key role of women?s empowerment and reproductive health, including family planning. The chapter also calls for formulation of integrated national policies for environment and development, taking into account demographic trends and factors. These linkages were emphasized in the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action, adopted in Cairo, Egypt in 1994. Virtually all development policies in Sub-Saharan Africa cite population growth as an inhibitor to efforts to alleviate poverty, ensure food security, preserve the environment, and improve the quality of human resources. However, little integration of population dynamics and environmentally sustainable development plans and programs has been achieved. Climate change has become the face of the international discourse on environmental sustainability, and it is increasingly seen as a major threat to sustainable development in Africa.
15:00 - 17:00
Assessing Sustainable Consumption and Production in Eastern Europe
Lead organizer:
UNENGO MAMA-86
Room:
T-10
Eastern Europe (ranging for the purposes of the discussion from the Baltic states to Caucasus), being still largely on the way of socio-economic transition without a clear final destination, is an important region for the global progress towards sustainable development, yet the international community knows very little about the relevant policy change taking place there and, in particular, about the state of development of sustainable development/ sustainable consumption and production (SCP) policies and practices. The event would allow to present an overview of the current situation with SCP policies in the countries of the region as seen by local non-governmental experts, discuss differences in the policies and outcomes thereof across the region and compare them with global trends, establish good regional practices, determine policy gaps and inconsistencies, as well as opportunities for action, including via international cooperation, and, finally, come up with recommendations for regional and international policy-makers and major groups on how to advance SCP on the reform agenda of countries in transition.
15:30 - 17:00
Promoting Responsible Corporate Conduct: The OECD Guidelines for MNEs
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
Promoting Responsible Corporate Conduct: The OECD Guidelines for MNEs
Lead organizer:
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
Room:
T-5
Last year the international community has advanced in developing standards for responsible corporate conduct, mainly in the field of human rights respect. Examples of these are the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises who has reviewed and approved the new version of the Guide in May 2011; other is the UN Human Rights Council who approved the Policy Framework (2008) and its Guiding Principles (June 2011) for Human Rights and Transnational Corporations. These are standards approved at an intergovernmental level promoting concrete conduct standards linking the needed implementation of due diligence concept particularly in the field of human rights. The impact to sustainable development that MNEs have is of such important that in many developing countries are practically leading the investments agenda for the country as well. Responsible conduct is required for all 3 pillars of Sustainable Development and for improving a better and green economy pattern in the developing path.
15:30 - 17:00
Foret, Economie Verte et Lutte contre la Pauvrete
Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
Foret, Economie Verte et Lutte contre la Pauvrete
Lead organizer:
Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
Room:
T-4
La forêt est bien plus qu?un puits de carbone ou un stock de ressources ligneuses et d?énergie. Elle se situe au c?ur de très nombreuses préoccupations environnementales et sociétales majeures. Elle est pourvoyeuse d?une multitude de ressources et de services, dont certains cruciaux pour la survie de l?humanité, pouvant alimenter une économie verte soutenant l?éradication de la pauvreté.
15:30 - 17:00
Central American community agro-forestry: climate and food security
Central American Indeginous and Peasant Coordinator of Communal Agroforestry, ACICAFOC
Central American Indeginous and Peasant Coordinator of Communal Agroforestry, ACICAFOC
Central American community agro-forestry: climate and food security
Lead organizer:
Central American Indeginous and Peasant Coordinator of Communal Agroforestry, ACICAFOC
Room:
T-3
Climate change, poverty, energy and water scarcity, natural disasters and food crisis, are issues affecting especially the most vulnerable in the world. Central America is no exception, and a way to face these matters has been through community agro-forestry. Using concrete cases and experiences, we will show how an arrangement of different stakeholders and public-private alliances, government policies committed to sustainable development, south-south cooperation experiences, transparency and accountability, along with community and producers? participation in productive schemes has been a successful combination in Central America.
We will show how agro-forestry aides at reducing poverty, creating jobs, guaranteeing food security, using water efficiently and adapting to climate change.
Agro-forestry is a clear example that it is possible to produce harmonically with the environment, in a social equitable and economically profitable way. Community agro-forestry is a practical and tangible example of what green economy and sustainable development are about.
We will show how agro-forestry aides at reducing poverty, creating jobs, guaranteeing food security, using water efficiently and adapting to climate change.
Agro-forestry is a clear example that it is possible to produce harmonically with the environment, in a social equitable and economically profitable way. Community agro-forestry is a practical and tangible example of what green economy and sustainable development are about.
15:30 - 17:00
Agro ecological farming can feed the world: in practice
Faith based organisations, by Franciscans International
Faith based organisations, by Franciscans International
Agro ecological farming can feed the world: in practice
Lead organizer:
Faith based organisations, by Franciscans International
Room:
T-2
Franciscans International (FI), Dominicans for Justice and Peace (DfJP), Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA), Edmund Rice International (ERI), Good shepherd Sisters Association (GSSA) have extensive networks at the grassroots level and with farmers? organizations throughout the world. Their activities include promoting people-centered development and human rights, and advocating for peace and justice, for just and sustainable production and consumption of food, and for environmental protection.
The proposed side event on ?Agro ecological farming can feed the world: Ecologically and socially sustainable agriculture in practice? will demonstrate how agro ecological farming respects the limits of the planet?s ecosystem, integrates traditional knowledge from local communities, reduces waste, and can serve as a means to advance rural communities towards food and technological sovereignty.
The proposed side event on ?Agro ecological farming can feed the world: Ecologically and socially sustainable agriculture in practice? will demonstrate how agro ecological farming respects the limits of the planet?s ecosystem, integrates traditional knowledge from local communities, reduces waste, and can serve as a means to advance rural communities towards food and technological sovereignty.
15:30 - 17:00
Oceans for the future - How can we achieve marine reserve targets?
Zoological Society of London
Zoological Society of London
Oceans for the future - How can we achieve marine reserve targets?
Lead organizer:
Zoological Society of London
Room:
T-9
With Rio +20 comes the opportunity to highlight and reinforce the commitments that nations across the globe have already made to our oceans. A healthy and resilient marine environment is crucial to achieving sustainable development and securing marine resources for present and future generations. Why then has progress towards marine protection been so slow, where are the major gaps and what can realistically be done to fill those gaps and meet international targets? These are all questions the Marine Reserves Coalition (MRC) will be addressing at Rio +20, in light of the vital role healthy oceans play in sustainable development and in the social and economic well-being of human populations across the globe. Bringing together a mixture of scientists, policy experts and decision-makers, the MRC side event will reinforce international targets for marine protection and outline the road to achieving those targets through the designation of marine reserves.
15:30 - 17:00
China: Mobilizing Voluntary Stakeholder Contributions for an Inclusive Green Economy
Chinese Association for International Understanding
Chinese Association for International Understanding
China: Mobilizing Voluntary Stakeholder Contributions for an Inclusive Green Economy
Lead organizer:
Chinese Association for International Understanding
Room:
T-6
The Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) is a non-profit organization aiming at enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between China and other countries. For our side event, we will invite roughly seven key speakers from different sectors with presentations of carefully selected best business practices and policies. These speakers will also lead parallel group discussions with attendees at the event. By this we aim to promote intellectual exchanges between China and the international community in terms of transiting to a green economy and alleviating poverty. Confirmed presenters include the representatives from Chinese business sector as well as local authorities, such as Wang Shi, CEO of Wanke Architecture Company and Li Jun, chief of Guiyang City. We have also invited Martin Lees, former Secretary-General of Club of Rome and Xu Kuangdi, vice chairman of 10th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, to share their insights.
15:30 - 17:00
National Learning and Skills Strategies to Advance a Green Transition
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
National Learning and Skills Strategies to Advance a Green Transition
Lead organizer:
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Room:
P3-6
The transition to inclusive, green and climate resilient development creates unprecedented needs, challenges and opportunities for strengthening human resources and skills development. This critical human capacity development dimension of green development has received specific attention in several recent international flagship reports, including:
? the report of the Secretary-General?s High Level Panel on Global Sustainability ?Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing? (2012);
? the 2012 UNEP foresight report ?21 Issues for the 21st Century? (2012);
? the ILO report ?Skills for Green Jobs: A Global View (2011)?; and the
? UN Environmental Management Group (EMG) report ?Working towards a Balanced and Inclusive Green Economy: A United Nations System-wide Perspective? (2012).
? the report of the Secretary-General?s High Level Panel on Global Sustainability ?Resilient People, Resilient Planet: A Future Worth Choosing? (2012);
? the 2012 UNEP foresight report ?21 Issues for the 21st Century? (2012);
? the ILO report ?Skills for Green Jobs: A Global View (2011)?; and the
? UN Environmental Management Group (EMG) report ?Working towards a Balanced and Inclusive Green Economy: A United Nations System-wide Perspective? (2012).
15:30 - 17:00
Culture and cultural diversity as the 4th pillar of sustainability
Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ)
Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ)
Culture and cultural diversity as the 4th pillar of sustainability
Lead organizer:
Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ)
Room:
T-11
Culture and Cultural Diversity play an important role in sustainable development. Culture fosters economic growth, helps individuals and communities to expand their life choices, is important to adapt to change and raising the resilience of social-ecological systems. As the Preamble of UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions states ?cultural diversity creates a rich and varied world, which increases the range of choices and nurtures human capacities and values, and therefore is a mainspring for sustainable development for communities, peoples and nations?. Article 13 of the above Convention establishes that ?Parties shall endeavour to integrate culture in their development policies at all levels for the creation of conditions conducive to sustainable development (...)?
Despite the importance of culture and cultural diversity and the conventional dispositions, the recognition of their role in sustainable development is not well designed in the international community.
Despite the importance of culture and cultural diversity and the conventional dispositions, the recognition of their role in sustainable development is not well designed in the international community.
15:30 - 17:00
Democratization of International Relations - Role of UN World Conference
Conference of NGOs
Conference of NGOs
Democratization of International Relations - Role of UN World Conference
Lead organizer:
Conference of NGOs
Room:
T-8
This Side Event will look at how UN World Conferences have played a key role in
shaping the policy and programme priorities of the United Nations, as well as
enhancing UN interaction with world civil society and public opinion. Environment
and sustainable development issues have been of major significance in the UN world
conference processes, drawing in ever more stakeholders. The Side Event will
examine their impact on all stakeholders. It will review the follow-up
mechanisms - including relevant UN Conventions - created for implementation of
World Conference agreements, notably if and how they have secured broad NGO and public involvement in implementation structures. The Side Event will explore lessons for enhanced NGO participation in the follow-up mechanisms to UNCSD.Word
shaping the policy and programme priorities of the United Nations, as well as
enhancing UN interaction with world civil society and public opinion. Environment
and sustainable development issues have been of major significance in the UN world
conference processes, drawing in ever more stakeholders. The Side Event will
examine their impact on all stakeholders. It will review the follow-up
mechanisms - including relevant UN Conventions - created for implementation of
World Conference agreements, notably if and how they have secured broad NGO and public involvement in implementation structures. The Side Event will explore lessons for enhanced NGO participation in the follow-up mechanisms to UNCSD.Word
Sunday, 17 June 2012
09:30 - 11:00
Community based climate resilient forests: Pathways to green economy,
Lead organizer:
Nepal
Room:
T-9
Nepal is leading the community based forest management and witnessing substantial post-conflict political, institutional, economic and social transformations. The forestry sector is also facing a number of unfolding challenges and opportunities, resulting from changes within and outside the sector. At this juncture of Rio+ 20, the forestry sector of Nepal will be organizing a side event as the UNCSD provides opportunity a forum for a debate on global opportunities and set priority action.
The objectives:
? Articulate the linkages among community based forests, climate change, livelihood and the multiple facets of the green economy
? Discuss on how forests and green economy are mutually dependent; and focus on how community based forests play key roles
Four speakers will provide presentation on the following three topics: (a) nexuses between green economy and Forest - livelihood and climate change; (b) sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation; and (c) the way to and from Rio for the forestry stakeholder
The objectives:
? Articulate the linkages among community based forests, climate change, livelihood and the multiple facets of the green economy
? Discuss on how forests and green economy are mutually dependent; and focus on how community based forests play key roles
Four speakers will provide presentation on the following three topics: (a) nexuses between green economy and Forest - livelihood and climate change; (b) sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation; and (c) the way to and from Rio for the forestry stakeholder
09:30 - 11:00
Without Water There Is No Life - Educational Component
The International Health Awareness Network (IHAN)
The International Health Awareness Network (IHAN)
Without Water There Is No Life - Educational Component
Lead organizer:
The International Health Awareness Network (IHAN)
Room:
T-4
Education is key to stimulating an appreciation for and consideration of the earth and its invaluable resources, including water. For many rural communities in developing countries, daily life and its challenges force a more immediate response to those challenges without concern for the environment. Our goal is to develop educational tools that promote and encourage sustainability, yet also empower rural communities economically, socially, and politically. We want to facilitate the ability to see a better future, by a foundation through means of education in order to develop strategies for furthering this goal through this process. Panelists from the organizing partners will share their experiences by promoting ¡§hands-on¡¨ action in planting seeds for a sustainable future of love and peace.
09:30 - 11:00
Ethical Implications of Sustainability: Educational and Religious Pers
Baptist World Alliance
Baptist World Alliance
Ethical Implications of Sustainability: Educational and Religious Pers
Lead organizer:
Baptist World Alliance
Room:
T-5
Discussions on sustainability are shifting from political, economic, and scientific discourses to social, cultural, and spiritual considerations. This shift is due to fundamental ethical questions that emerged at the intersection between religion and education, but are often disregarded in global discussions. This event will address this issue by exploring the following questions:
? What are the ethical implications of sustainability?
? How do religious and educational institutions address these challenges?
? What is the impact of religious and educational institutions on the global agenda for sustainability?
? How can religious and educational practices contribute to a ?green society??
By discussing how religion and educational groups promote ethical values and contribute to environmental action and sustainable practices, this event will shed light on a key strategic issue for Rio+20 UN Conference: the need to have innovative values and norms that translate the goals of sustainability to constituencies in global civil society.
? What are the ethical implications of sustainability?
? How do religious and educational institutions address these challenges?
? What is the impact of religious and educational institutions on the global agenda for sustainability?
? How can religious and educational practices contribute to a ?green society??
By discussing how religion and educational groups promote ethical values and contribute to environmental action and sustainable practices, this event will shed light on a key strategic issue for Rio+20 UN Conference: the need to have innovative values and norms that translate the goals of sustainability to constituencies in global civil society.
09:30 - 11:00
Rights of Nature - the Foundation for Sustainability
Global Exchange
Global Exchange
Rights of Nature - the Foundation for Sustainability
Lead organizer:
Global Exchange
Room:
T-3
Rights of Nature ? the Foundation for Sustainability
An international panel of Rights of Nature experts will illustrate the vital role of a new legal framework recognizing rights of nature as the foundation for sustainable development.
The panel will examine why a new framework for governance is necessary and is part of a bigger shift required in society today ─ a shift that will require that modern laws and policies comply with the laws of the Earth, and a way of living which maintains the health and integrity of the whole Earth Community.
Panel:
? Nnimmo Bassey ? Environmental Rights Action / Friends of the Earth, Nigeria
? Cormac Cullinan ? EnAct International, South Africa
? Tom Goldtooth ? Indigenous Environmental Network, USA
? Natalia Greene ? Fundación Pachamama, Ecuador
? Linda Sheehan ? Earth Law Center, USA
? Pablo Solon ? Former Ambassador to the UN, Bolivia
Moderator: Shannon Biggs, Global Exchange, USA
An international panel of Rights of Nature experts will illustrate the vital role of a new legal framework recognizing rights of nature as the foundation for sustainable development.
The panel will examine why a new framework for governance is necessary and is part of a bigger shift required in society today ─ a shift that will require that modern laws and policies comply with the laws of the Earth, and a way of living which maintains the health and integrity of the whole Earth Community.
Panel:
? Nnimmo Bassey ? Environmental Rights Action / Friends of the Earth, Nigeria
? Cormac Cullinan ? EnAct International, South Africa
? Tom Goldtooth ? Indigenous Environmental Network, USA
? Natalia Greene ? Fundación Pachamama, Ecuador
? Linda Sheehan ? Earth Law Center, USA
? Pablo Solon ? Former Ambassador to the UN, Bolivia
Moderator: Shannon Biggs, Global Exchange, USA
09:30 - 11:00
Sustainability Standards: Catalysing the Green Economy
ISEAL Alliance
ISEAL Alliance
Sustainability Standards: Catalysing the Green Economy
Lead organizer:
ISEAL Alliance
Room:
T-2
Standards, Certification and Labelling Schemes: Catalysing the Green Economy Evidence from the forestry, agricultural and mining sectors
The objective of the event convened by ISEAL and SECO is to present and discuss how the use of sustainability standards in the forestry, agricultural and mining sectors has demonstrated that standards and certification are effective drivers of sustainable development and their further uptake should be encouraged and supported.
The event will advocate for:
? The inclusion of credible standards, certification and labels in the tool- box of good practices capable of supporting the green economy and sustainable development;
? Government support for the scaling-up of credible sustainability standards.
The event will be concluded with a short press conference in which a number of key government, business and civil society leaders will announce new and important commitments with respect to the scaling up of sustainability standards - these are specific commitments with respect to encouraging and supporting the further uptake of sustainability standards.
The objective of the event convened by ISEAL and SECO is to present and discuss how the use of sustainability standards in the forestry, agricultural and mining sectors has demonstrated that standards and certification are effective drivers of sustainable development and their further uptake should be encouraged and supported.
The event will advocate for:
? The inclusion of credible standards, certification and labels in the tool- box of good practices capable of supporting the green economy and sustainable development;
? Government support for the scaling-up of credible sustainability standards.
The event will be concluded with a short press conference in which a number of key government, business and civil society leaders will announce new and important commitments with respect to the scaling up of sustainability standards - these are specific commitments with respect to encouraging and supporting the further uptake of sustainability standards.
11:00 - 12:30
Scaling-Up Agro-Ecological Food Production
Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA)
Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA)
11:00 - 12:30
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Scaling-Up Agro-Ecological Food Production
Lead organizer:
Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA)
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
The Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA) is the most inclusive international advocacy network of churches and Christian organizations with members and constituents in the tens of millions.
Under EAA?s Food for Life Campaign, and in collaboration with UN and civil society partners, we promote just and sustainable production and consumption of food, and the right to food for all people. We advocate for food production, trade and distribution systems that are just, participatory and democratic while at the same time environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.
?Scaling-Up Agro-Ecological Food Production? will profile sustainable, smallholder-based, agro-ecological methods of food production. EAA will showcase research and case studies demonstrating the positive impacts of such methods in terms of both yield and environmental sustainability. Our aim is to stimulate discussion on the economic and environmental practicality of feeding the world through scaled-up implementation of agro-ecological food production methods.
Under EAA?s Food for Life Campaign, and in collaboration with UN and civil society partners, we promote just and sustainable production and consumption of food, and the right to food for all people. We advocate for food production, trade and distribution systems that are just, participatory and democratic while at the same time environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.
?Scaling-Up Agro-Ecological Food Production? will profile sustainable, smallholder-based, agro-ecological methods of food production. EAA will showcase research and case studies demonstrating the positive impacts of such methods in terms of both yield and environmental sustainability. Our aim is to stimulate discussion on the economic and environmental practicality of feeding the world through scaled-up implementation of agro-ecological food production methods.
11:30 - 13:00
Challenges for the Roma women in Europe
Romani CRISS ? Roma Centre for Social Intervention and Studies
Romani CRISS ? Roma Centre for Social Intervention and Studies
Challenges for the Roma women in Europe
Lead organizer:
Romani CRISS ? Roma Centre for Social Intervention and Studies
Room:
P3-4
Women belonging to the Roma minority face multiple discrimination, particularly in the field of education, health, employment or participation in public and political life. There is a strong concern regarding the lack of efficient solutions addressing the situation of Roma women and children, especially in order to reduce the poverty level. Roma women are characterised by very early marriages, birth of the first child in juvenile age and following births with short intervals in-between. Premature births are risk factors for severe congenital disorders, high child mortality in the first year of life and high mother mortality.
11:30 - 13:00
TOWARDS GREEN ECONOMY: PERSPECTIVES, BENEFITS, CONCERNS - RUSSIAN P
Lead organizer:
Eco-Accord
Room:
T-3
Russia plays an important role in maintaining stability of the planet. It is the largest country (12% of the total land area) and the world's largest undisturbed by economic activity area (60-65% of the country).
Russia holds the largest share of the world forests (22%), 13% of oil, 34% of gas, 12% of coal, 27% of iron ore. These resources are a storehouse for the development of the global economy. However, large-scale of its extraction would inevitably have a negative impact on the planet ecological balance.
In Russia there are unique ecosystems that preserve rare species of flora and fauna, which are the planetary domain. The Russian economy is the fourth largest in the world in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
Besides the role of Russia in the global economy and politics is growing.
All these factors determine the important role Russia can play in the transition to sustainable development globally.
Russia holds the largest share of the world forests (22%), 13% of oil, 34% of gas, 12% of coal, 27% of iron ore. These resources are a storehouse for the development of the global economy. However, large-scale of its extraction would inevitably have a negative impact on the planet ecological balance.
In Russia there are unique ecosystems that preserve rare species of flora and fauna, which are the planetary domain. The Russian economy is the fourth largest in the world in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.
Besides the role of Russia in the global economy and politics is growing.
All these factors determine the important role Russia can play in the transition to sustainable development globally.
11:30 - 13:00
WWF: Sustainable And Affordable Access To Energy-From Field To Policy
World Wide Fund for Nature European Office
World Wide Fund for Nature European Office
WWF: Sustainable And Affordable Access To Energy-From Field To Policy
Lead organizer:
World Wide Fund for Nature European Office
Room:
T-10
Access to economically viable and sustainable energy is fundamental for the economic, social and political development of a country. It brings improvements in healthcare, education, communication and several other areas of basic needs. Today it is estimated that 1.4 billion people live without access to reliable electricity and 2.7 billion without access to clean cooking facilities. This has several environmental and human health consequences.
The WWF ¡¥Clean, Reliable and Affordable Energy Access¡¦ side event will address these problems showing success stories from the field, and demonstration projects that depict energy access models complemented by presentations from governments thus creating a link between field work and national policy. In showing the way from pilots to policy, stakeholders in different countries will come on as partners and add their perspectives of policy, governance, technology and entrepreneurship in the given context of energy access in the three selected countries India, Uganda and Madagascar.
The WWF ¡¥Clean, Reliable and Affordable Energy Access¡¦ side event will address these problems showing success stories from the field, and demonstration projects that depict energy access models complemented by presentations from governments thus creating a link between field work and national policy. In showing the way from pilots to policy, stakeholders in different countries will come on as partners and add their perspectives of policy, governance, technology and entrepreneurship in the given context of energy access in the three selected countries India, Uganda and Madagascar.
11:30 - 13:00
Sustainability, Value Based Leadership and African Youths
World Mission Foundation
World Mission Foundation
Sustainability, Value Based Leadership and African Youths
Lead organizer:
World Mission Foundation
Room:
T-8
Leadership in Africa have globally been identified as one of the major crisis in Africa starting from selection, election processes And sustainability of the elected position And responsibilities. This derails major national, regional AND GLOBALL DEVELOPMENTS IN Africa. African Children Talent Discovery Foundation and World Mission Foundation an NGO in Special Consultative Status wit ECOSOC at the United Nations in taking steps to further their collaborative mission considers its significant need to bring the issues to Rio+20. The underlying purpose is to seek for diverse value based leadership skills that could be provided to youths of Africa in understanding the import of sustainable leadership for global, regional and national development of Africa.
11:30 - 13:00
Banking as if the future matters - Making the change from short term profit to long term prosperity
Norwegian Forum for Development and Environment
Norwegian Forum for Development and Environment
Banking as if the future matters - Making the change from short term profit to long term prosperity
Lead organizer:
Norwegian Forum for Development and Environment
Room:
P3-6
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values, the Green Economy Coalition and The Norwegian Forum for Environment and Development will co-host a debate to determine key policy changes that governments can make to help shift finance from a short term focus to long term sustainable value creation.
Over the months up to Rio+20 an online consultation has taken place to identify enabling policies to promote a long term approach. The results will be launched at this event.
Find out how banking and finance, in cooperation with governments and civil society, can create a profound shift towards a greener, more inclusive and fairer economy.
Over the months up to Rio+20 an online consultation has taken place to identify enabling policies to promote a long term approach. The results will be launched at this event.
Find out how banking and finance, in cooperation with governments and civil society, can create a profound shift towards a greener, more inclusive and fairer economy.
11:30 - 13:00
Sustainable development of indigenous people of the North and the Arct
Pitirim Sorokin and Nikolai Kondratieff International Institute
Pitirim Sorokin and Nikolai Kondratieff International Institute
Sustainable development of indigenous people of the North and the Arct
Lead organizer:
Pitirim Sorokin and Nikolai Kondratieff International Institute
Room:
P3-1
The Program of the roundtable meeting ?A Long-term Sustainable Development for Global Sustainable Development Based on Partnership of Civilizations and Prospects of Indigenous People of the North? within the UN Conference on Sustainable Development RIO+20
Prospects of sustainable development of indigenous people of the North and the Arctic civilization
Prospects of sustainable development of indigenous people of the North and the Arctic civilization
11:30 - 13:00
Towards Universal Access to Sustainable Energy Service in West Africa
ECOWAS Regional Centre for RenewableEnergy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)
ECOWAS Regional Centre for RenewableEnergy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)
Towards Universal Access to Sustainable Energy Service in West Africa
Lead organizer:
ECOWAS Regional Centre for RenewableEnergy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE)
Room:
T-5
To accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) adopted the ECOWAS/UEMOA Regional White Paper on Access to Energy Services for Populations in Rural and Peri-urban Areas in 2006. The white paper aims at providing access to improved domestic cooking fuels and sustainable electricity services for the majority of the population by 2015. After five years of implementation, the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) in cooperation with its partners are organizing a side event at the Rio+20. At the background of the newly adopted UN Goals on Universal Access to Energy Services by 2030 the workshop will take stock of the achievements and will highlight success stories in some of the countries. Moreover, the side event will discuss the possible contribution of renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions to accelerate the implementation the White Paper.
11:30 - 13:00
Interfaith response to Sustainable Development:Ecological Civilization
Temple of Understanding
Temple of Understanding
Interfaith response to Sustainable Development:Ecological Civilization
Lead organizer:
Temple of Understanding
Room:
T-2
What does religion have to do with Rio+20? The Interfaith Consortium for Ecological Civilization works towards the transformation of consciousness needed to enable changes towards sustainability. Religions help people shape their worldviews and act on their values. Governments need the guidance of an awakened civil society to make necessary radical changes. Corporations need an awakened civil society to insist on internalizing costs and serving society. Inspired by the work of Thomas Berry and by resources from the world's religions, this session will explore the spiritual resources for transformation and current manifestations of such transformations. We will then consider what is needed to ramp up this change in service to the Earth. Areas of application include communities, corporate engagement, the Convention on Corporate Social Responsibility, and support of youth leadership. The change in consciousness and the new actions that flow from it offer a positive direction towards renewed flourishing on Earth.
11:30 - 13:00
The Other Half of Development: Patterns of Sustainable Consumption
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
The Other Half of Development: Patterns of Sustainable Consumption
Lead organizer:
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
Room:
T-4
In discussing sustainable development, many focus on the production aspect of development. Much of the dialogue centers on improving the efficiency of current production methods, i.e. providing more food for more people given a limited amount of resources. While sustainable and efficient production is important, it is only half of the equation.
The workshop will instead focus on patterns of sustainable consumption. The major stakeholders must be invested in inspiring the world?s population to reduce their desire for consumption as a crucial part of sustainable development. The thematic focus of this workshop is on in-depth discussion of sustainable individual consumption, including reduction of consumption habits, promotion of vegetarianism, and the benefits of recycling. The workshop will also cover efficient cooking methods and sustainable practices in food security and agriculture.
The workshop will instead focus on patterns of sustainable consumption. The major stakeholders must be invested in inspiring the world?s population to reduce their desire for consumption as a crucial part of sustainable development. The thematic focus of this workshop is on in-depth discussion of sustainable individual consumption, including reduction of consumption habits, promotion of vegetarianism, and the benefits of recycling. The workshop will also cover efficient cooking methods and sustainable practices in food security and agriculture.
11:30 - 13:00
Constructive Cooperation -
Legion of Good Will
Legion of Good Will
Constructive Cooperation -
Lead organizer:
Legion of Good Will
Room:
T-9
Global issues like sustainable development are a down-top process that involves grassroots and how civil society will mobilize populations to support the work of the United Nations. By supporting this process, the Legion of Good Will (LGW), the only Brazilian NGO in general consultative status with ECOSOC, has substantially contributed towards the achievement of the sustainable development goals, especially in Latin America. The proposed side event intends to be a showcase of success stories gathered during the 9th Solidary Society Network Multi-stakeholder Forum, held last March by the LGW in partnership with the NGO Branch of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs and other UN agencies in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The mechanisms to strengthen constructive cooperation among international organisms, NGOs, local authorities and academia are the focus of this dialogue towards concrete proposals to eradicate poverty in the context of a green economy.
11:30 - 13:00
An ethical framework for global governance
Earth Charter International
Earth Charter International
An ethical framework for global governance
Lead organizer:
Earth Charter International
Room:
T-6
For more than 30 years, the international community, through different international declarations (e.g the Rio Declaration, the Johannesburg Declaration, the Earth Charter), have been trying to find shared ethical principles that can help humanity to make decisions in our current situation. These principles will be foundational for the governance system for sustainability that will be discussed during the Rio+20 Summit.
This side event will offer the opportunity for an open discussion about the importance of agreeing on common ethical principles for a global governance system for sustainability. A panel involved in conversations about an ethical framework for global governance will share a wide range of opinions on this topic. Participants in this side event will have the opportunity to interact with the panelists and among themselves.
This side event will offer the opportunity for an open discussion about the importance of agreeing on common ethical principles for a global governance system for sustainability. A panel involved in conversations about an ethical framework for global governance will share a wide range of opinions on this topic. Participants in this side event will have the opportunity to interact with the panelists and among themselves.
11:30 - 13:00
Subnational Governments. Building a Sustainable Development Strategy
Subnational Government of Buenos Aires
Subnational Government of Buenos Aires
Subnational Governments. Building a Sustainable Development Strategy
Lead organizer:
Subnational Government of Buenos Aires
Room:
P3-2
The Buenos Aires province is developing public policies on sustainable development based on the subnational level as a member of the Network of Regional Governements for Sustainable Development.
The social, economic and environmental dimensions sublie the design of any measure applied, allowing the synergy between programs.
The aim of the side event proposed is to contribute to the strengthening of a national strategy on sustainable development from the perspective of a local (subnational) government.
In addition, to increase the social awareness, showing the potentiality of the coordinated actions from local and regional governments through the exchange of experiences and capabilities between institutions and decision makers.
The outcomes and inputs relative to the Rio+20 goals are:
To strength the mechanisms of cooperation between local and regional governments.
To contribute to the inclusion of the local aspects on sustainable development in national and international strategies, from a interjurisdictional, interinstitutional and interdisciplinary approach.
The social, economic and environmental dimensions sublie the design of any measure applied, allowing the synergy between programs.
The aim of the side event proposed is to contribute to the strengthening of a national strategy on sustainable development from the perspective of a local (subnational) government.
In addition, to increase the social awareness, showing the potentiality of the coordinated actions from local and regional governments through the exchange of experiences and capabilities between institutions and decision makers.
The outcomes and inputs relative to the Rio+20 goals are:
To strength the mechanisms of cooperation between local and regional governments.
To contribute to the inclusion of the local aspects on sustainable development in national and international strategies, from a interjurisdictional, interinstitutional and interdisciplinary approach.
13:30 - 15:00
Partenariat sur la Contribution des Organisations au DD
Institut de l'Énergie et de l'Environnement de la Francophonie
Institut de l'Énergie et de l'Environnement de la Francophonie
Partenariat sur la Contribution des Organisations au DD
Lead organizer:
Institut de l'Énergie et de l'Environnement de la Francophonie
Room:
P3-2
L?Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a contribué de façon substantielle aux négociations et à l?adoption de la Norme ISO 26000 portant Lignes directrices du Développement durable publiée en novembre 2010. Pour le déploiement de cette norme, l?OIF a élaboré et adopté une stratégie propre en vue du développement d?un partenariat du type de 2 des Nations Unies. C?est ainsi que lors du Forum francophone préparatoire à Rio+20, un atelier s?est tenu le 7 février 2012 à Lyon, en France, qui a permis de faire un état des lieux détaillé des initiatives et des développements en cours au plan international en matière de responsabilité sociétale comme contribution des organisations au développement durable, illustrés par des exemples de déploiement dans des pays francophones. Ceci a abouti à l?adoption du Projet de Partenariat objet de l?évènement parallèle envisagé à Rio.
13:30 - 15:00
China Going Green? A Civil Society Review of 20 years of Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
SEE Foundation
Room:
T-9
The worsening pollution and intensifying ecological degradation in recent years has made it clear that China cannot continue to go about business as usual. Traditional development models are now under scrutiny. Chinese NGOs have joined together in critically reviewing the practices and challenges of sustainable development over the past two decades (1992-2011). Their collective effort has cumulated in a joint report, China Going Green? A Civil Society Review of 20 years of Sustainable Development. Covering a wide range of issues, from water pollution to climate change to green finance, the report will be launched at this side event. Lead authors from different NGOs will share their unique writing processes, which involved a multiplicity of stakeholders and their diverse views. This side event, as part of the ?China Going Green? Dialogues, is a rare opportunity to learn from seldom-heard independent voices within Chinese civil societies on the challenges and opportunities of the world?s fastest growing economy.
13:30 - 15:00
Agricultural transition - into a viable food future
More and Better Network
More and Better Network
Agricultural transition - into a viable food future
Lead organizer:
More and Better Network
Room:
T-4
There is an urgent need to transform unsustainable agriculture and food systems. Industrial agriculture and other forms of unsustainable practices have caused dramatic problems. But resilient and sustainable modes of food production exist, and small scale food producers nourish more than 70% of the global population.
How can we make the transition into agricultural production and food systems which can
- drastically reduce poverty,
- reduce climate change and cool the planet,
- restore biodiversity, soil fertility and water resources,
- improve livelihoods and provide employment for billions of people,
- produce enough, good and nutritious food for 9 billion people or more?
Examples of sustainable food systems and lessons learned from transition into such systems will be presented. Leader of farmers? organizations and international institutions will together with scientists and activists discuss how a transition into a viable food future can happen.
How can we make the transition into agricultural production and food systems which can
- drastically reduce poverty,
- reduce climate change and cool the planet,
- restore biodiversity, soil fertility and water resources,
- improve livelihoods and provide employment for billions of people,
- produce enough, good and nutritious food for 9 billion people or more?
Examples of sustainable food systems and lessons learned from transition into such systems will be presented. Leader of farmers? organizations and international institutions will together with scientists and activists discuss how a transition into a viable food future can happen.
13:30 - 15:00
African Young Scientist Initiative on Climate Change and IKS
Lead organizer:
South Africa
Room:
P3-1
The African Young Scientists Initiative on Climate Change and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AYSICCIKS) seeks to participate in Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 2012. The Initiative will organize a round table discussion and mini-exhibition to promote and showcase examples of African best practices on: the Role of African Young Scientists in Promoting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) for Sustainable Livelihoods within the context of climate change. The focus will be on the role of IKS in food security, natural resource management and health. The objectives are to share experiences with the international community on the outcome of AYSICCIKS?s participation and deliberations at COP 17 in Durban (2011); and to enable African young scientists to build international networks on IKS, Climate Change and sustainable development.
13:30 - 15:00
The Role of Climate Induced Displacement in Socio-economic Development
Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED)
Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED)
The Role of Climate Induced Displacement in Socio-economic Development
Lead organizer:
Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED)
Room:
T-8
Middle East is one of the most climate sensitive regions. According to latest IPCC assessment, the climate is predicted to become even hotter and drier in most of the MENA region. It is further estimated that an additional 80?100 million people will be exposed by 2025 to water stress that is likely to result in an even stronger pressure on groundwater resources. In addition,they are expected to fluctuate more widely, ultimately falling to a significantly lower long-term average. Global models predict sea levels rising from about 0.1 to 0.3 meters by the year 2050, and from about 0.1 to 0.9 meters by 2100. In the case of extreme scenarios (0.5), 12 millions are expected to be displaced in Egypt alone. It will be critical for the governments plan to answer and prioritize these new threats from more multi dimensional scenarios in order to keep social and political stability
13:30 - 15:00
Sustaining the Gains of Philippine Agenda 21
Philippines
Philippines
Sustaining the Gains of Philippine Agenda 21
Lead organizer:
Philippines
Room:
P3-6
The Philippines is one of the forerunners of sustainable development in Asia. Several months after the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Philippine Government initiated the formulation of the ?Philippine Agenda 21? (PA 21), which served as the country?s blueprint towards sustainable development. As the PA 21 marks its 15th year this 2012, the side-event aims to showcase the gains achieved and lessons learned by the Philippines on sustainable development thus far.
Looking towards the future, the Philippines consider green economy as the new rallying point for the better integration of the three pillars of sustainable development. Likewise, it recognizes the need to encourage sustainable consumption and production patterns as a tool and mechanism to achieve sustainable development. The side-event shall also serve as a venue to share results of the partnership of UNEP and the Philippine Government on SCP and GE.
Looking towards the future, the Philippines consider green economy as the new rallying point for the better integration of the three pillars of sustainable development. Likewise, it recognizes the need to encourage sustainable consumption and production patterns as a tool and mechanism to achieve sustainable development. The side-event shall also serve as a venue to share results of the partnership of UNEP and the Philippine Government on SCP and GE.
13:30 - 15:00
Climate Change and SD in Ethiopia : Role of Civil Society
Environmental Governance and Education, Horn of Africa - Regional Environment Centre/Network, Addis Ababa University
Environmental Governance and Education, Horn of Africa - Regional Environment Centre/Network, Addis Ababa University
Climate Change and SD in Ethiopia : Role of Civil Society
Lead organizer:
Environmental Governance and Education, Horn of Africa - Regional Environment Centre/Network, Addis Ababa University
Room:
T-10
Ethiopia is one of the countries which are severely affected by the impacts of climate change which is hindering the country?s efforts to eradicate poverty and develop sustainably. The country is currently undertaking several efforts to wade of the problems including the initiation of the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy. Civil society in Ethiopia in recent past have been addressing the issue of climate change to a greater extent, thereby also supporting the initiatives of the government. Apart from individual organizations, civil society coalitions have been formed (eg ECSNCC, HoA-REN, PHE Consortia etc.) to address the issues pertaining to climate change. The side event will address the role and contribution of civil society in addressing climate change impacts. The panel will also bring out specific case studies and future opportunities for CSOs in Ethiopia.
13:30 - 15:00
Exclusive Movie Preview "No Fight - No Victory" - Thematic Event on "From Production To Consumption - Towards A Sustainable Food System"
Lead organizer:
Millennium Institute
Room:
T-2
Participants will enjoy the first parts of the documentary “No Fight No Victory”, presented by award-winning Director Jan van den Berg. One billion people in the world face hunger. In Brazil’s third city, Belo Horizonte, the right to food is now guaranteed by law. Its policy inspired many people in the world, but each country needs to find its own strategy. Together with journalist Sara Abreu Mata Machado, the film takes us around the world to see the hopeful developments eradicating hunger through the eyes of the people Sara meets. It becomes very clear: to arrive at a truly sustainable agriculture and food system, we need to transform the food value chains – from production to consumption.
13:30 - 15:00
Get mad and do something about it! Youth as initiators for change
Peace Child International
Peace Child International
Get mad and do something about it! Youth as initiators for change
Lead organizer:
Peace Child International
Room:
T-6
The title of this panel ?Get mad and do something about it? is not meant to inspire militant direct action. Instead, this panel is meant to recognize the anger many young people feel when we look to our future but it will also show that youth are determined to create a positive future and seeks to inspire them to do something about it.
13:30 - 15:00
Indigenous and Local Communities and the Private Sector
Tribal Link Foundation
Tribal Link Foundation
Indigenous and Local Communities and the Private Sector
Lead organizer:
Tribal Link Foundation
Room:
T-5
The Rio +20 summit focuses on two topics: on the one hand a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication and on the other hand the institutional framework for sustainable development. The side event aims to illustrate how biodiversity use can serve these two strategic objectives.
In 2009, the Natural Resources Stewardship Circle of the aromatic, perfume and cosmetics industry (NRSC) committed to developing collaborative guidelines for ethical and sustainable sourcing of natural extracts from the traditional territories of indigenous peoples and local communities (ILCs) producers around the world. Currently, NRSC membership is made up of 20+ major international companies.
In this event, the NRSC, in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Associacao Sociocultural Yawanawa, and Tribal Link Foundation will share experiences from the field and engage the audience in an open dialogue on the development of guidelines and the next steps forward.
In 2009, the Natural Resources Stewardship Circle of the aromatic, perfume and cosmetics industry (NRSC) committed to developing collaborative guidelines for ethical and sustainable sourcing of natural extracts from the traditional territories of indigenous peoples and local communities (ILCs) producers around the world. Currently, NRSC membership is made up of 20+ major international companies.
In this event, the NRSC, in cooperation with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Associacao Sociocultural Yawanawa, and Tribal Link Foundation will share experiences from the field and engage the audience in an open dialogue on the development of guidelines and the next steps forward.
13:30 - 15:00
Sustainable Development: Do we need a green industrial policy?
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Sustainable Development: Do we need a green industrial policy?
Lead organizer:
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Room:
T-3
Industrial policy has made a forceful comeback. The global economic and financial crisis demanded swift action by governments to support and restructure productive activities, and industry in particular, in order to protect employment. At the same time global challenges such as climate change cannot be addressed without decisive policy changes in industry-related incentives and regulations.
The conditions are ripe for placing industrial policy at the core of the policy agenda for green growth and sustainable development. Industry produces large amounts of emissions and pollution while being a major source of employment and wages. Rio + 20 thus become a unique forum for suggesting global and national industrial policies that are green, inclusive and economically dynamic. The side-event will bring together the business sector, governments, academia and representatives of civil society. It will aim at discussing the fundamental sustainability choices and proposing guiding principles and best practices for industrial policy.
The conditions are ripe for placing industrial policy at the core of the policy agenda for green growth and sustainable development. Industry produces large amounts of emissions and pollution while being a major source of employment and wages. Rio + 20 thus become a unique forum for suggesting global and national industrial policies that are green, inclusive and economically dynamic. The side-event will bring together the business sector, governments, academia and representatives of civil society. It will aim at discussing the fundamental sustainability choices and proposing guiding principles and best practices for industrial policy.
14:00 - 15:00
Innovative Collaborations Driving Inclusive Sustainable Growth
BPW International
BPW International
Innovative Collaborations Driving Inclusive Sustainable Growth
Lead organizer:
BPW International
Room:
T-11
Full Title: Innovative collaborations enabling women to develop scalable green economy businesses to accelerate sustainable development (Learnings from Brazil, Guatemala, India, Kenya, New Zealand and Turkey)
The purpose of this side event is to share learnings from creative collaborations among businesses, NGOs and governments that help women access clean water and renewable energy sources to improve their family?s health and livelihoods and empower them to be part of green supply chain.
The purpose of this side event is to share learnings from creative collaborations among businesses, NGOs and governments that help women access clean water and renewable energy sources to improve their family?s health and livelihoods and empower them to be part of green supply chain.
15:30 - 17:00
Launch of report
Division for Sustainable Development (UNDESA)
Division for Sustainable Development (UNDESA)
Launch of report
Lead organizer:
Division for Sustainable Development (UNDESA)
Room:
P3-1
The side event will present the SD21 project?s synthesis report for policy makers. The report draws upon a series of studies carried out under the project, in addition to recent major assessments. The SD21 studies approach sustainable development from various perspectives: (a) expert assessment of the progress made since 1992, including a review of Agenda 21 and the Rio principles; (b) critical analysis of global scenario exercises since 1992; (c) future vision of sustainable development, as suggested by ecological economics, compared to the ?green economy? and ?business-as-usual? views; (d) sectoral perspectives on challenges and potential ways forward. The project also includes a scenario component which analyzes sustainable development options based on the most recent scenarios prepared by key institutions for Rio+20.
15:30 - 17:00
China Going Green? Youth Environmental Actions Rising to the Challenges
Shanshui Conservation Center
Shanshui Conservation Center
China Going Green? Youth Environmental Actions Rising to the Challenges
Lead organizer:
Shanshui Conservation Center
Room:
T-8
China?s spectacular economic growth in the last two decades has led to unprecedented environmental problems. Against this background, many youth environmental groups have sprung up across China, reflecting the aspirations of a green future by the next generation. In recent years, passionate Chinese youth are rising to the challenge and flocking to join the battle of creating a sustainable future. This side event, as part of the ?China Going Green? Dialogues, will review the history, successes and challenges of Chinese youth environmental activism. Speakers will articulate a youth perspective on China?s development and future.
15:30 - 17:00
Achievements of Central Africa for the implementation of Agenda 21
Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC)
Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC)
15:30 - 17:00
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Achievements of Central Africa for the implementation of Agenda 21
Lead organizer:
Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC)
Room:
Auditorium 2 (Barra Arena)
In order to contribute to the implementation of Agenda 21, Central African countries had taken relevant measures and institutional frameworks to promote sustainable development in Central Africa. The Summit of Rio+20 is an excellent opportunity for these countries to share their achievements and lessons learnt with the rest of the world. It is in this framework that, the Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC) which is an Intergovernmental Organization established in 2000 by the Heads of State of Central African Countries (ten countries members: Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda and Sao Tome & Principes) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) want to organize this side-event. This meeting will contribute to the achievement of the objectives of this Summit by the fact that, topics which will address have a linkage with the thematic of Rio+20.
15:30 - 17:00
Oceans In Google Earth as an Environmental Educational Tool- the Dominican Perspective
Global Foundation for Democracy and Development
Global Foundation for Democracy and Development
Oceans In Google Earth as an Environmental Educational Tool- the Dominican Perspective
Lead organizer:
Global Foundation for Democracy and Development
Room:
T-9
Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) actively collaborates with Ocean in Google Earth as the institution?s local partner in the Dominican Republic to provide and create content for ?Explore the Ocean?, a GFDD educational initiative, and one that will be highlighted at a special side panel to be held at the Rio + 20 Conference.
Ocean in Google Earth collects local stories and locally-based knowledge from people who care about the ocean environment worldwide. These stories are related to six key areas: ecosystems, marine life, ocean and atmosphere, science and exploration, marine protected areas and human connections.
GFDD and Ocean in Google Earth have teamed up to create a geo-referenced layer on Google Earth named Mission Blue. Mission Blue is built using a multimedia format including video footage, pictures, local music and the presentation of short stories in Spanish highlighting scientific studies, creating awareness of marine and coastal ecosystems and highlighting best practices as well as documenting the challenges & opportunities that lie ahead for the oceans.
Ocean in Google Earth collects local stories and locally-based knowledge from people who care about the ocean environment worldwide. These stories are related to six key areas: ecosystems, marine life, ocean and atmosphere, science and exploration, marine protected areas and human connections.
GFDD and Ocean in Google Earth have teamed up to create a geo-referenced layer on Google Earth named Mission Blue. Mission Blue is built using a multimedia format including video footage, pictures, local music and the presentation of short stories in Spanish highlighting scientific studies, creating awareness of marine and coastal ecosystems and highlighting best practices as well as documenting the challenges & opportunities that lie ahead for the oceans.
15:30 - 17:00
Seminaire d'echange et d'information sur le Lac Tchad
Lead organizer:
Chad
Room:
P3-4
c'est un séminaire d?échange et d'information sur le Lac Tchad
15:30 - 17:00
Tax justice: key to sustainable development?
Christian Aid
Christian Aid
Tax justice: key to sustainable development?
Lead organizer:
Christian Aid
Room:
T-6
A lack of resources hampers poor countries? ability to develop sustainably. Indeed insufficient financial resources are a major reason for the gaps in implementing the agreed sustainable development commitments and action programmes since the 1992 Rio Summit on Environment and Development. Tax revenues can provide governments with the sustainable and predictable resources they need. However the ability of governments to collect tax revenues is systematically undermined by a lack of capacity in tax authorities, poor tax systems and financial secrecy. This side event will explore how the obstacles to mobilising tax revenues could be overcome in the interests of sustainable development globally, particularly in developing countries.
15:30 - 17:00
Dialogue of Chinese, European and South American Civil Society Rio+20
Lead organizer:
Collectif RIO+20
Room:
T-11
There are many converging processes contributing to the preparation of the conference, the commitment of civil society is one of those. For over a year, civil society organizations in China, Europe and South America have been preparing for this world event and are expected to make contributions to Rio+20 from their perspectives. We are well aware, perhaps more than ever, that the interdependencies at a global level are irreversible, and world governance and the institutional framework for sustainable development cannot work without regional and global consensus and joint actions.
In this sense, Association 4D and CEF are willing to organize during Rio+20 Conference a side event ?Jointly Heading for the Future We Want, calling on a Tripartite Dialogue of Chinese, European and South American Civil Societies in Rio+20?.
In this sense, Association 4D and CEF are willing to organize during Rio+20 Conference a side event ?Jointly Heading for the Future We Want, calling on a Tripartite Dialogue of Chinese, European and South American Civil Societies in Rio+20?.
15:30 - 17:00
Population, Rights and Sustainability: Voices from the Global South
Population and Climate Change Alliance (PCCA)
Population and Climate Change Alliance (PCCA)
Population, Rights and Sustainability: Voices from the Global South
Lead organizer:
Population and Climate Change Alliance (PCCA)
Room:
P3-2
This workshop will focus on the perspectives of Voices from the South on how addressing population dynamics at national and community levels in ways that respect and protect human rights can make a significant contribution to sustainable development. Focused on the intersection between the ?social? and ?environmental? dimensions of sustainable development, this workshop will bring together global and local perspectives on how population dynamics, including growth, urbanization, migration etc affect sustainable development priorities, including the green economy, climate change, environmental degradation, poverty alleviation and gender equality. Presentations will focus on how the provision of voluntary family planning services that respect and protect rights can be combined with environmental approaches to meet a range of sustainable development needs defined at community level that have global potential and impact.
15:30 - 17:00
Women Empowering Women: From Stockholm to Rio, following footprints & continuing the legacy of women's leadership in advancing sustainable development, gender equality, and human rights from local, national, to global
Lead organizer:
Philippines Women University (PWU)
Room:
T-5
The side event aims to trace, compile and highlight the role and contribution of exceptional women leaders , in the local, national and global scene to empower women to gain equality with men, enjoy human rights, and move towards a sustainable present and future for all, within the timeframe of the first United Nations Conference on the Human Environment(UNCHE) in Stockholm, Sweden in 1972 to the coming United Nations Conference on the Environment , Rio+20 in June 2012.
15:30 - 17:00
We Canada: A Journey for Canadian Leadership at Rio+20
We Canada Initiative
We Canada Initiative
15:30 - 17:00
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
We Canada: A Journey for Canadian Leadership at Rio+20
Lead organizer:
We Canada Initiative
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
The Canadian Earth Summit Coalition has been the focal point for Canadian civil society in the lead-up to Rio+20. The side event is an opportunity for the Coalition to present highlights of its We Canada initiative ? an ambitious public engagement and policy development strategy.
During the event, we will: release a comprehensive report detailing priorities of over 7,000 Canadians from public dialogues; detail the successes and lessons learned from an extensive cross-Canada tour; preview a short ?Rio+20 cut? of a documentary of the We Canada journey, including interviews with young Canadians; and, discuss the process of developing and proposing policy initiatives. We Canada Champion and sustainability advocate Severn Cullis-Suzuki will provide a keynote address, and Coalition partners will weigh in on the importance of civil society leadership.
In addition to highlighting policy possibilities, the event will be an opportunity to share best practices for cross-country public engagement and coalition-building.
During the event, we will: release a comprehensive report detailing priorities of over 7,000 Canadians from public dialogues; detail the successes and lessons learned from an extensive cross-Canada tour; preview a short ?Rio+20 cut? of a documentary of the We Canada journey, including interviews with young Canadians; and, discuss the process of developing and proposing policy initiatives. We Canada Champion and sustainability advocate Severn Cullis-Suzuki will provide a keynote address, and Coalition partners will weigh in on the importance of civil society leadership.
In addition to highlighting policy possibilities, the event will be an opportunity to share best practices for cross-country public engagement and coalition-building.
15:30 - 17:00
Creating a More Effective System of Environmental and Sustainable Development Governance
Association of World Citizens
Association of World Citizens
Creating a More Effective System of Environmental and Sustainable Development Governance
Lead organizer:
Association of World Citizens
Room:
T-10
This session will focus on the need to strengthen and democratize the institutional framework for an emerging global system of sustainable development governance and an international rule of law. We will address the need to uplevel UNEP into an implementing and regulating agency and to transform the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) into a Council with binding and enforceable coordinating powers.
15:30 - 17:00
Zero Waste is Happening! Successes & struggles for real sustainability
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)
Zero Waste is Happening! Successes & struggles for real sustainability
Lead organizer:
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)
Room:
T-3
In cities around the world, grassroots recycling workers, visionary local leaders, and innovative practitioners are showing that zero waste is an achievable goal whose day has come. In contrast with the primitive idea of burning our garbage, recycling and composting create livelihoods, save money, and protect the environment and public health. These efforts go hand-in-hand with clean production, producer responsibility, and waste minimization programs for dangerous and hard-to-recycle materials. Together, these practical, bottom-up strategies also provide some of the best decentralized urban solutions for reducing climate pollution and conserving energy and natural resources.
This event will feature leading-edge practitioners from Brazil, India, the United States, and several other countries where workers and environmentalists have come together to support truly sustainable approaches to waste and development. They will present their achievements along the road to zero waste, countervailing forces, and will describe lessons they have learned to share with other communities.
This event will feature leading-edge practitioners from Brazil, India, the United States, and several other countries where workers and environmentalists have come together to support truly sustainable approaches to waste and development. They will present their achievements along the road to zero waste, countervailing forces, and will describe lessons they have learned to share with other communities.
15:30 - 17:00
Valuing Ecosystem Services
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy
Valuing Ecosystem Services
Lead organizer:
The Nature Conservancy
Room:
T-4
In January 2011, The Nature Conservancy and The Dow Chemical Company announced a breakthrough collaboration?one that will help Dow and the business community recognize, value and incorporate nature into global business goals, decisions and strategies.
15:30 - 17:00
Sustainable Construction
Brazil
Brazil
Sustainable Construction
Lead organizer:
Brazil
Room:
P3-6
The event will be about the contribution of the construction industry to sustainable development
15:30 - 17:00
Institutional and Strategic Frameworks for Sustainable Development in Africa: Integrating the three Pillars of Sustainable Development
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Institutional and Strategic Frameworks for Sustainable Development in Africa: Integrating the three Pillars of Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Room:
T-2
Effective and well-coordinated institutions and strategies are essential in achieving a balanced integration of economic, social and environmental interests, central to accelerating progress towards sustainable development. As such, it is pertinent that Africa is adequately prepared to articulate its vision for a reformed global institutional framework that could ensure effective linkages and synergies, while at the same time supporting institutions at the regional, sub-regional, national and local levels to effectively implement sustainable development commitments. This side event will provide Africa and its partners a platform to deliberate on institutional frameworks at the regional, sub-regional, national and local levels that are responsive to the requirements of sustainable development, as well as on the model of global level institutional architecture that could support such institutions and their strategies. It will also serve as a launching platform for further consultations on the functioning and implementation of institutions and strategies in Africa after Rio+20.
17:30 - 19:00
Bringing Climate Finance to Grassroots Women - What does it take?
Heinrich Boell Foundation
Heinrich Boell Foundation
17:30 - 19:00
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Bringing Climate Finance to Grassroots Women - What does it take?
Lead organizer:
Heinrich Boell Foundation
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
Women in many countries are disproportionally affected by climate change impacts with many women in developing countries hit the worst. They have different experiences, knowledge and capabilities from men which are instrumental for effective action on improving climate resilience, safeguarding forest stocks and reducing mitigation. In many cases, grassroots women in developing countries have taken action with community-based action, providing leadership, initiative and innovation. However, existing public financing instruments for climate change action very insufficiently are taking gender-differentiated impacts and contributions into account in allocating funding for projects and programs in developing countries to deal with climate change. Even where dedicated climate financing and climate-related development financing instrument display some gender-awareness, fund structures such as allocation frameworks or financial instruments used very rarely ensure that grassroots women, those at the forefront of the fight against climate change, are direct beneficiaries of dedicated public funding.
17:30 - 19:00
FINANCING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
African Development Bank (AFDB)
African Development Bank (AFDB)
FINANCING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
Lead organizer:
African Development Bank (AFDB)
Room:
T-4
Over recent decades, debate has been raging on the effectiveness of aid to achieve economic or development targets, with increasing focus on improving effectiveness of use, in particular in view of the current multiple crises. The potential result is a vicious cycle, i.e. the apparent lack of legitimacy that results from ineffective use of available resources may serve to reinforce the existing tendencies towards shrinking financing. This side event will serve as a platform for dialogue between African member States and their partners on: how resources can be mobilized for sustainable development ? both domestically and internationally ? with a particular emphasis on innovative sources of finance and leveraging resources from the private sector; and how national institutions can be assisted to effectively utilize these resources. The expectation is that active debate will lead to increased understanding of the options available for African countries, with regards to fostering the implementation of sustainable development commitments.
17:30 - 19:00
Another work is possible: a trade union contribution to Sustainable Development
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) on behalf of the Workers and Trade Union Major Group
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) on behalf of the Workers and Trade Union Major Group
Another work is possible: a trade union contribution to Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) on behalf of the Workers and Trade Union Major Group
Room:
T-2
A sustainable future requires major transformation in our current economic model. In a context of rising inequalities, unemployment, precarious work and irreversible environmental degradation, the labour movement is mobilised to promote an alternative model, where people and the planet are at the centre, and where a Just Transition is designed to accompany us all in the process of achieving it. Hear inspiring examples and share ideas about what trade unions and workers are doing to create more sustainable communities and how workers contribute to sustainable development.
17:30 - 19:00
ICTs, the foundation of our sustainable future
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
ICTs, the foundation of our sustainable future
Lead organizer:
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Room:
P3-6
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) play a critical role to promote the integration of the three pillars of sustainable development. ICTs are the most inclusive infrastructure on the planet, with 90% of the world population connected to mobile services and over one third connected to the Internet. ICTs are a truly unique platform for progress that creates wealth, optimize the use of natural resources, enables a low carbon economy and give equitable access to basic public services, such as health care and education. ICTs play a pivotal role in monitoring, predicting and detecting natural disasters. Using these technologies to mitigate disasters contributes to saving human life, protecting infrastructure, and supporting economic activity leading to sustainable development.
The side event ?ICTs, the foundation of our sustainable future? will look at specific ICT applications and services that have the capacity to contribute to the transition towards a green economy and to poverty alleviation. .
The side event ?ICTs, the foundation of our sustainable future? will look at specific ICT applications and services that have the capacity to contribute to the transition towards a green economy and to poverty alleviation. .
17:30 - 19:00
Harnessing globalization for the green economy
Institut du Developpement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI)
Institut du Developpement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI)
Harnessing globalization for the green economy
Lead organizer:
Institut du Developpement Durable et des Relations Internationales (IDDRI)
Room:
T-5
Efforts to advance the green economy face tremendous challenges. They have to receive the sustained support from citizen and hence work within national economic systems to meet specific constraints and needs. They also have to be coordinated at global level to make the whole greater than the sum of its parts and increase the net benefits to ?turn green? for any country. Budding initiatives for greening the economy demonstrate that every green economy will be unique. They also suggest that their public policy content and the specific policy and measures used can turn conflicting in the current context of lingering crisis in some OECD countries and exacerbated power relations induced by fast convergence across developing and developed economies. How best harness globalization for the green economy is the issue at stake we intend to address in this side-event.
17:30 - 19:00
South-South Cooperation and Lessons Learned from Payment for Environment
Fundação Amazonas Sustentável
Fundação Amazonas Sustentável
South-South Cooperation and Lessons Learned from Payment for Environment
Lead organizer:
Fundação Amazonas Sustentável
Room:
T-6
Since 2008, FAS is responsible for implementing the largest Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program in the world, the Bolsa Floresta Program, in the State of Amazonas, Brazil. Within this context, FAS organized several initiatives on South-South cooperation with Mozambique (2009-2011), Panamá (2010), Indonesia (2010) and Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Madagascar and Republic of Congo (2010-2011), with support from different institutions such as Idesam, World Bank, CIFOR, IIED, and many others.
This event thus will present and discuss different initiatives on PES, Reducing GHG Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) and innovative institutional frameworks in Brazil and other forested countries, aiming at extracting lessons learned and identifying opportunities and bottlenecks, analysis and experience exchange, considering South-South cooperation initiatives.
This event thus will present and discuss different initiatives on PES, Reducing GHG Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) and innovative institutional frameworks in Brazil and other forested countries, aiming at extracting lessons learned and identifying opportunities and bottlenecks, analysis and experience exchange, considering South-South cooperation initiatives.
17:30 - 19:00
Green Economy: an outlook from Central America and the Caribbean
World Council of Churches and the Lutheran World Federation
World Council of Churches and the Lutheran World Federation
Green Economy: an outlook from Central America and the Caribbean
Lead organizer:
World Council of Churches and the Lutheran World Federation
Room:
T-10
The event aims to explore the concept of Green Economy from a Central American perspective and contribute to the debate on what the implications of Green Economy could be for the Central American and Caribbean region, given its extreme environmental, social, political and economic vulnerability.
This will be done through three short presentations and a short film giving concrete examples from Central America.
Topics to be explored include:
? Green Economy: is it based on assumptions or can such transition really be effective to produce the profound changes required to save life on the planet?
? If not, is Green Economy just a cosmetic change to maintain status quo?
? What type of governance would be necessary to avoid the latter?
? How could the democratic ownership of the Green Economy be increased?
? What is needed to avoid the indebtness of the states to nature and to its populations?
This will be done through three short presentations and a short film giving concrete examples from Central America.
Topics to be explored include:
? Green Economy: is it based on assumptions or can such transition really be effective to produce the profound changes required to save life on the planet?
? If not, is Green Economy just a cosmetic change to maintain status quo?
? What type of governance would be necessary to avoid the latter?
? How could the democratic ownership of the Green Economy be increased?
? What is needed to avoid the indebtness of the states to nature and to its populations?
17:30 - 19:00
Partenariat contribution des organisations au DD: Apport d'ISO 26000
Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
Partenariat contribution des organisations au DD: Apport d'ISO 26000
Lead organizer:
Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF)
Room:
T-11
L?Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a contribué de façon substantielle aux négociations et à l?adoption de la Norme ISO 26000 portant Lignes directrices du Développement durable publiée en novembre 2010. Pour le déploiement de cette norme, l?OIF a élaboré et adopté une stratégie propre en vue du développement d?un partenariat du type de 2 des Nations Unies. C?est ainsi que lors du Forum francophone préparatoire à Rio+20, un atelier s?est tenu le 7 février 2012 à Lyon, en France, qui a permis de faire un état des lieux détaillé des initiatives et des développements en cours au plan international en matière de responsabilité sociétale comme contribution des organisations au développement durable, illustrés par des exemples de déploiement dans des pays francophones. Ceci a abouti à l?adoption du Projet de Partenariat objet de l?évènement parallèle envisagé à Rio.
17:30 - 19:00
10 years of Essential Services Charter: review, case studies, outlook
Institut de la Gestion Deleguee
Institut de la Gestion Deleguee
10 years of Essential Services Charter: review, case studies, outlook
Lead organizer:
Institut de la Gestion Deleguee
Room:
T-3
Johannesburg, 2002, IGD, with the support of UNITAR, has presented the Charter of essential services, which is the first step of a worldwide movement for the recognition of a right of access for all to basic services.
The matter of access to basic services (water, sanitation, waste management, energy, transport, telecommunications, education, health, safety) is closely related to issues of sustainable development and poverty reduction. Indeed, these services are a prerequisite for a decent life and a healthy habitat, they condition the urban and economic development and they must be organized by preserving natural resources.
If water and sanitation had been highlighted into the Millennium Development Goals and through the recognition of a right to water, strong efforts must be done for other services in a perspective of continuous improvement.
Rio+20 is an opportunity to review both normative and operational point of view and to suggest some ways for the future in advancing the improvement of access to all services.
The matter of access to basic services (water, sanitation, waste management, energy, transport, telecommunications, education, health, safety) is closely related to issues of sustainable development and poverty reduction. Indeed, these services are a prerequisite for a decent life and a healthy habitat, they condition the urban and economic development and they must be organized by preserving natural resources.
If water and sanitation had been highlighted into the Millennium Development Goals and through the recognition of a right to water, strong efforts must be done for other services in a perspective of continuous improvement.
Rio+20 is an opportunity to review both normative and operational point of view and to suggest some ways for the future in advancing the improvement of access to all services.
17:30 - 19:00
Imagine All The People: Advancing a Planetary Movement
Centre for Environment and Development
Centre for Environment and Development
Imagine All The People: Advancing a Planetary Movement
Lead organizer:
Centre for Environment and Development
Room:
T-9
The planetary challenge is urgent and systemic. The world confronts twenty-first century perils hobbled by twentieth century mindsets and institutions, a dangerous gap that bodes ill. A just and sustainable civilization is still possible. We can forge a path to a different future: a world of lives enriched and nature resilient. A fragmented movement is incapable of systemic transformation. Civil society efforts are vital, but lack an overarching vision and strategy matched to the complexity of the historic task. A critical social actor is missing from the global stage. The transition awaits the awakening of a vast cultural and political movement engaged on all fronts in a supranational project of global citizenship. The global citizens movement will be adaptive and polycentric. The living movement will evolve as a dispersed ecology of associations, spawning centers of influence in every nation and community.
17:30 - 19:00
World Youth in Action
Up with People
Up with People
World Youth in Action
Lead organizer:
Up with People
Room:
T-8
?World Youth in Action? is an opportunity to gather the efforts currently being done by and for the youth that will impact the future of young people around the world and its relationships with other segments of society.
The event will be facilitated by a group of international youth (ages 18 ? 29) currently traveling on the Up with People program. These young people are advocating for the betterment of the world, not by just talking, but by doing. They travel, they perform, and they impact.
The event will work as a forum for sharing ideas and experiences about best sustainable practices around the world that will contribute to the future we want. There will also be selected musical performances as a way to encourage the audience to engage in the topics being presented, while also providing a more enjoyable environment and a break from other discussions at Rio+20.
The event will be facilitated by a group of international youth (ages 18 ? 29) currently traveling on the Up with People program. These young people are advocating for the betterment of the world, not by just talking, but by doing. They travel, they perform, and they impact.
The event will work as a forum for sharing ideas and experiences about best sustainable practices around the world that will contribute to the future we want. There will also be selected musical performances as a way to encourage the audience to engage in the topics being presented, while also providing a more enjoyable environment and a break from other discussions at Rio+20.
19:30 - 21:00
Demonstration of Save One Megawatt Power a Day
Lead organizer:
Tarumitra
Room:
T-9
Shweta Marandi ( http://www.unep.org/tunza/children/inner.asp?ct=actions&ac=bulletin_board&bd=hero_profile&hr=shweta) started a campaign for the frugal use of electricity.Today she has the support of over 10,000 students to save 100 Watt/hour of electricity a day. And the campaign is spreading.
UNEP made Shweta Hero of the month for her successful campaign. She or her companions would present a demonstration of the campaign as a side event
UNEP made Shweta Hero of the month for her successful campaign. She or her companions would present a demonstration of the campaign as a side event
19:30 - 21:00
Certified Green - The Role and Impacts of Certification in the Green Economy
Lead organizer:
Equiterre
Room:
T-8
Every year, consumers spend billions of dollars on products with environmental and social certifications. What impact do these labels have?
The Committee on Sustainability Assessment (COSA) will unveil the results of six years of research on sustainability initiatives.
The presentation will be followed by an expert panel discussion on how innovative policy makers, foundations and private companies are using certification and other approaches to create a green economy.
The panel discussion will be held in English only.
The Committee on Sustainability Assessment (COSA) will unveil the results of six years of research on sustainability initiatives.
The presentation will be followed by an expert panel discussion on how innovative policy makers, foundations and private companies are using certification and other approaches to create a green economy.
The panel discussion will be held in English only.
19:30 - 21:00
Empowering Rural Women
World Farmers Organisation
World Farmers Organisation
Empowering Rural Women
Lead organizer:
World Farmers Organisation
Room:
T-11
Why do rural women lag behind on the Millennium Development Goals? How can these challenges be addressed? Discuss the concrete actions that are working in the field and help identify the gaps that are needed to secure a better future for rural women
19:30 - 21:00
Quebec's Plan Nord: Towards a New Global Model for Sustainable Develop
Pew Environment Group
Pew Environment Group
Quebec's Plan Nord: Towards a New Global Model for Sustainable Develop
Lead organizer:
Pew Environment Group
Room:
T-6
Plan Nord is a sustainable development initiative covering the 1.2 million square kilometer northern boreal region of Quebec ? a nearly pristine area twice the size of France.
The area is home to a significant portion of the Canadian Boreal, the largest intact forest ecosystem on Earth, and the world?s largest storehouse of carbon.
Through the Plan Nord, Quebec has brought together businesses, scientists, conservationists, aboriginal leaders and local communities to find the best ways to balance economic development with conservation, including protecting 50% of the north from all industrial activity, through an innovative ecological planning process.
The commitments of the Plan Nord to integrate economic development with conservation biology and sustainable development on a landscape scale, in a manner that respects the culture and rights of aboriginal people, have the potential to form the basis for a new global model for sustainable development.
The area is home to a significant portion of the Canadian Boreal, the largest intact forest ecosystem on Earth, and the world?s largest storehouse of carbon.
Through the Plan Nord, Quebec has brought together businesses, scientists, conservationists, aboriginal leaders and local communities to find the best ways to balance economic development with conservation, including protecting 50% of the north from all industrial activity, through an innovative ecological planning process.
The commitments of the Plan Nord to integrate economic development with conservation biology and sustainable development on a landscape scale, in a manner that respects the culture and rights of aboriginal people, have the potential to form the basis for a new global model for sustainable development.
19:30 - 21:00
GREEN ECONOMY
Centro de Gestao e Estudos Estrategicos ? Brazil (CGEE)
Centro de Gestao e Estudos Estrategicos ? Brazil (CGEE)
GREEN ECONOMY
Lead organizer:
Centro de Gestao e Estudos Estrategicos ? Brazil (CGEE)
Room:
T-10
The debate on the Green Economy leads to an objective discussion of relevant aspects of present development pathways. The thinking on this concept aims to look at its relevance as an instrument to the transition of socio-technical systems and the transformation of consumption and production patterns. This should provide, at the same time, environment protection and ecosystem services valuation, inequalities reduction and social inclusion, together with the redesign and stimulation of the international economy in a context of structural crisis.
19:30 - 21:00
Achieving a sustainable future in Rio: what can do a "Blue Economy"?
Vital Actions for Sustainable Development [AVD]
Vital Actions for Sustainable Development [AVD]
Achieving a sustainable future in Rio: what can do a "Blue Economy"?
Lead organizer:
Vital Actions for Sustainable Development [AVD]
Room:
T-3
The event is an open discussion on the role the Commonwealth Environment Task Force Meeting plays in the UNEP?s Governing Council and to push for a ??Blue Economy and Ocean Governance?? as possible outcome for Rio+20. Speakers and participants will explore together the role young people from the intergovernmental organization plays to ensure the survival of their nations and especially the small islands states which face sea-level raise in case of melting glaciers and ice caps. The discussion will also showcase best practices from youth of these nations working together to make the Green Economy a reality in order to support the idea of a possible ??Blue Economy?? for the Commonwealth nations. The event will then serve as an avenue for the official launching of a practical toolkit developed by the Commonwealth Youth Climate and Sustainable Development Network which was created by the Commonwealth Secretariat and involves several youth NGOs.
19:30 - 21:00
Rio+20: Building "Green Bridge" through Generations
Global Classroom on Sustainable Development/Al Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU)
Global Classroom on Sustainable Development/Al Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU)
Rio+20: Building "Green Bridge" through Generations
Lead organizer:
Global Classroom on Sustainable Development/Al Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU)
Room:
T-5
New initiative in the field of education on sustainable development. This would be achieved by mobilizing innovative ideas and suggestions from students from different parts of the world using an ICT platform (global web platform to register new students? ideas.
Novelty: use an internet platform for collecting innovative ideas on sustainable development from students from around the world on the global portal and share (for free) with all interested parties.
Novelty: use an internet platform for collecting innovative ideas on sustainable development from students from around the world on the global portal and share (for free) with all interested parties.
Monday, 18 June 2012
09:00 - 10:30
Innovative field actions as leverage for change
Institut Veolia Environnement
Institut Veolia Environnement
Innovative field actions as leverage for change
Lead organizer:
Institut Veolia Environnement
Room:
T-1
Field practitioners involved in local initiatives play an important role in the transition towards sustainable and inclusive development. Technical, social, managerial, and financial innovations are designed and implemented all around the world by local actors. Due to the lack of a means of systematically documenting these initiatives, comparable to peer-reviewed publications in the scientific community, these innovative field actions are not sufficiently reported and shared and, very often, get lost.
FACTS Initiative and its partners propose a method and tools for documenting innovative initiatives undertaken by field practitioners (NGOs, governmental organizations, etc.). Together, they propose to promote it at Rio+20. This will also be an opportunity to launch collaborations with partners from all the countries involved in what could be a great project, whose aim is to establish an available ?Global Database of practices for sustainable and inclusive developments".
FACTS Initiative and its partners propose a method and tools for documenting innovative initiatives undertaken by field practitioners (NGOs, governmental organizations, etc.). Together, they propose to promote it at Rio+20. This will also be an opportunity to launch collaborations with partners from all the countries involved in what could be a great project, whose aim is to establish an available ?Global Database of practices for sustainable and inclusive developments".
09:30 - 11:00
ISO International Standards and Green Economy
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
ISO International Standards and Green Economy
Lead organizer:
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Room:
T-6
Objective of the side event : to promote wide dialogue about the importance of the ISO international standards as a contribution to the green economy in the sustainable development context. This side event will provide the attendance with examples on how an international, consensus-based, multi-stakeholder standards-setting system can achieve global agreement on the pragmatic implementation of green economy issues at the organizational level.
As a concrete example, ISO has developed an international standard that provides guidance on Social Responsibility ? ISO 26000 in 2010. It involved more than 450 participating experts, from 99 countries, and 42 organizations in liaison. These experts came from six specifically identified stakeholder categories of: government, industry, labour, consumers, NGO`s and academia. Its main topics are organizational governance, human rights, labour practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community involvement and development.
As a concrete example, ISO has developed an international standard that provides guidance on Social Responsibility ? ISO 26000 in 2010. It involved more than 450 participating experts, from 99 countries, and 42 organizations in liaison. These experts came from six specifically identified stakeholder categories of: government, industry, labour, consumers, NGO`s and academia. Its main topics are organizational governance, human rights, labour practices, the environment, fair operating practices, consumer issues, and community involvement and development.
09:30 - 11:00
Message from Asian NGO Network on ESD (ANNE): Role of NGOs in Empowering the Local Community for Sustainable Development
Japan Council on the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD-J)
Japan Council on the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD-J)
Message from Asian NGO Network on ESD (ANNE): Role of NGOs in Empowering the Local Community for Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Japan Council on the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD-J)
Room:
T-5
Asia will be the key global driving force economically in the 21st Century and its way of development will give significant impacts globally. The solution against unsustainable patterns at the grass root level is essential and should be an integral part of sustainable development both in Asia and the world. This side event aims to highlight Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), particularly, (i) the significance of achieving sustainable development in the local communities, (ii) importance of local community empowerment in achieving local sustainability, and (iii) key role of NGO)s in local community empowerment and the new knowledge creation for local sustainability. We will present Asia¡¦s ESD good practices and experiences by NGOs, leading to an Asia NGO Network on ESD to be established by 2014, the final year of UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.
09:30 - 11:00
Communitarian forest management to assure Sustainable Development
Consejo Civil Mexicano para la Silvicultura Sostenible (CCMSS)
Consejo Civil Mexicano para la Silvicultura Sostenible (CCMSS)
Communitarian forest management to assure Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Consejo Civil Mexicano para la Silvicultura Sostenible (CCMSS)
Room:
T-10
Communitarian forest management (CFM) is a common practice in several countries of Latin America. Sustainable communitarian forest management helps to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation and climate change and promotes rural development by the creation of more employment opportunities in the forest sector, which strengthens the local economies and eradicates rural poverty. Thus, the communitarian forest management provides multiple ecologic, economic and social benefits, and can inspire other nations to learn from the experiences in Mexico and Central America to adopt similar strategies to promote sustainable development.
Our side event will show what is crucial for successful and sustainable communitarian forest management, how it fosters local governance and how it improves local development. At the same time, challenges and needs will be presented to foster communitarian forest management that benefits nature and society in the local and global context.
Our side event will show what is crucial for successful and sustainable communitarian forest management, how it fosters local governance and how it improves local development. At the same time, challenges and needs will be presented to foster communitarian forest management that benefits nature and society in the local and global context.
09:30 - 11:00
Aligned Awareness and Action for the Future We Want
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
Aligned Awareness and Action for the Future We Want
Lead organizer:
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
Room:
T-4
Rio+20 is an opportunity to redress the breakdown of virtually every system in our interconnected world. There is a collective understanding among major groups and governments, that the need for action is critical. Yet, creating systems and frameworks that enable long-term sustainable living, directly addressing poverty and wellbeing, do not happen only through policies. There are many avenues through which change occurs, yet the foundation of all of them is our awareness; our awareness directly determines our actions and behaviors. In the past, our limited awareness has created actions of exploitation leading to over-consumption, widespread famine and ecological demise. Creating a new awareness that assigns deep value to the self, our global family, and the natural world can facilitate true change. Our panel of experts will speak on different topics considering awareness, so we may understand how to voluntarily, wisely and transparently commit, to realize the future we want.
09:30 - 11:00
Fair Ideas: Sharing solutions for a sustainable planet
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
Fair Ideas: Sharing solutions for a sustainable planet
Lead organizer:
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)
Room:
T-9
The world has changed dramatically since 1992. Economic power has shifted, corporate influence has grown and political will has faded. There is a real need to take stock of what we have learnt and to examine how this can be most usefully applied to new contexts.
IIED and PUC-Rio will bring the results from a 2-day conference just before the Summit, and the diverse set of partners involved in organising this event (see www.fairideas.org for more information). We will highlight major opportunities to learn from existing practice and to shift to new patterns of behaviour. These will focus on two main UNCSD issues: ways to ensure SD Goals are grounded in specific experience and work at national and local levels; and ways in which a 'green economy' approach makes sense for low income countries and people.
IIED and PUC-Rio will bring the results from a 2-day conference just before the Summit, and the diverse set of partners involved in organising this event (see www.fairideas.org for more information). We will highlight major opportunities to learn from existing practice and to shift to new patterns of behaviour. These will focus on two main UNCSD issues: ways to ensure SD Goals are grounded in specific experience and work at national and local levels; and ways in which a 'green economy' approach makes sense for low income countries and people.
09:30 - 11:00
Food, sustainability and global democracy: challenges and perspectives
World Forum of Civil Society Forum - UBUNTU
World Forum of Civil Society Forum - UBUNTU
Food, sustainability and global democracy: challenges and perspectives
Lead organizer:
World Forum of Civil Society Forum - UBUNTU
Room:
T-8
According to the last report by FAO, more than 900 million people in the world suffer from chronicle hunger. As a result of the rise in prices of basic commodities, these numbers are expected to dramatically increase. Furthermore, even if the first MDG would be achieved, 600 million people would still suffer from hunger. Linked to the financial, economical, energy and environmental crisis, speculation in the commodity markets ?particularly in the food one- is becoming a common trend; something that needs to be solved urgently. This situation of world structural hunger underlines the urgent need to rethink the policies, values and governance about food related issues.
09:30 - 11:00
Mountain knowledge solutions for sustainable green economy and improved water, food, energy, and environment nexus
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
Mountain knowledge solutions for sustainable green economy and improved water, food, energy, and environment nexus
Lead organizer:
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
Room:
P3-6
Sustainability at every level, from an individual household to the global community, depends on secure supplies of, and equitable access to, water, food, energy and biodiversity. Mountains play a vital role in this nexus, particularly in the provision of water and biodiversity services. Mountain ecosystems are much more significant today than they were in 1992 due to the emerging climate and global changes and challenges. The Rio+20 outcome document needs to recognize this new reality and take concrete actions since Mountains offer solutions both to kick-start a sustainable and equitable Green Economy and demonstrate inclusive development models that have reduced poverty and promoted social and gender equity in both upstream and downstream contexts. This side event will highlight and share local, national and regional knowledge-based solutions that are integrative, inclusive and supportive to the water, food and energy nexus and have promoted green growth strategies and reduced poverty.
09:30 - 11:00
Building a Global Registry: Global GHG reporting and standards
Innovation Center for Energy and Transportation (iCET)
Innovation Center for Energy and Transportation (iCET)
Building a Global Registry: Global GHG reporting and standards
Lead organizer:
Innovation Center for Energy and Transportation (iCET)
Room:
T-3
The Global Registry Alliance (GRA) is a consortium of programs worldwide actively supporting efforts to measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions. GRA?s mission is to improve human and institutional capacity to address climate change through the use of credible, transparent standards for carbon measurement and management. Three GHG Programs ? TCR, ECR and GVces ? are working with over 500 organizations to measure, report, verify and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Reporting organizations include corporations, government agencies, universities and more, representing more than 30 sectors worldwide.
Each program builds on the framework of the GHG Protocol, and uses similar tools such as online reporting software, a detailed reporting protocol, verification protocols, and trainings to collect data from companies, local governments, universities and more. Using these tools, reporters measure their carbon footprint in a transparent, accurate and standardized way, and then track their emissions over time as they manage their GHG performance.
Each program builds on the framework of the GHG Protocol, and uses similar tools such as online reporting software, a detailed reporting protocol, verification protocols, and trainings to collect data from companies, local governments, universities and more. Using these tools, reporters measure their carbon footprint in a transparent, accurate and standardized way, and then track their emissions over time as they manage their GHG performance.
09:30 - 11:00
Achieving Sustainable Development through Solidarity Economy
Caritas Internationalis
Caritas Internationalis
Achieving Sustainable Development through Solidarity Economy
Lead organizer:
Caritas Internationalis
Room:
T-2
Caritas Internationalis - a worldwide confederation of 164 supportive Catholic organizations - promotes human integral development, taking into account the various aspects of human well-being: economic, social, political, cultural, ecological and spiritual, with a view to achieving a fair and caring society. This approach is supported through the promotion and fulfilment of human rights, including the right to development, with a preferential option for the poor and the excluded.
Following the call of Pope Benedict for ?an inner attitude of responsibility, able to inspire a different lifestyle, with the necessary modest behavior and consumption, in order: to promote the good of future generations in sustainable terms; the safeguard of the goods of creation; the distribution of resources and?the concrete commitment to the development of entire peoples and nations" (World Food Day 2011), Caritas intends to promote a more just way to achieve sustainable development through an economic model based on solidarity.
Following the call of Pope Benedict for ?an inner attitude of responsibility, able to inspire a different lifestyle, with the necessary modest behavior and consumption, in order: to promote the good of future generations in sustainable terms; the safeguard of the goods of creation; the distribution of resources and?the concrete commitment to the development of entire peoples and nations" (World Food Day 2011), Caritas intends to promote a more just way to achieve sustainable development through an economic model based on solidarity.
09:30 - 11:00
The Spirituality and Ethics of Water
United Religions Iniative (URI)
United Religions Iniative (URI)
The Spirituality and Ethics of Water
Lead organizer:
United Religions Iniative (URI)
Room:
P3-2
The key principle underlying the Golden Rule is the unity and interconnectedness of all things. It is one of the cornerstones for dialogue and co operation in promoting more peaceful, just and sustainable global community.
The growing interfaith and ecumenical movement, especially on the grass root is hope giving when responding today´s ethical crisis. URI is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities. Faiths Without Borders has the project Holy Drop! that speaks for the need for spiritual literacy and ethics of water. The EWN is a network of churches and Christian organizations promoting people's access to water around the world.
The growing interfaith and ecumenical movement, especially on the grass root is hope giving when responding today´s ethical crisis. URI is a global grassroots interfaith network that cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities. Faiths Without Borders has the project Holy Drop! that speaks for the need for spiritual literacy and ethics of water. The EWN is a network of churches and Christian organizations promoting people's access to water around the world.
09:30 - 21:00
Open Dialogue on The Future We Choose
Lead organizer:
Brazil
Room:
P3-1
Based on key messages developed at the previous Nobel Laureates Symposia and the GSP report, the organising partners take the opportunity to present a declaration consisting of a science-based message on global sustainability to decision-makers, civil society and the media. This declaration highlights the importance of a science-based approach to sustainable development and the need for policy and decision-makers to acknowledge science if the world chooses a more sustainable path.
10:15 - 11:45
Governance for Sustainable Development: Key Messages from the Americas
Organization of American States
Organization of American States
Governance for Sustainable Development: Key Messages from the Americas
Lead organizer:
Organization of American States
Room:
P3-3
The OAS through its Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) supports member states in designing and implementing policies, strategies, programs, and projects to integrate environmental sustainability with poverty alleviation and economic development, as well as translating sustainable development goals into concrete actions. The Department also supports countries in making fundamental decisions which engage all stakeholders, and encourage accountability for sustainable development principles and institutions.
Consistent with the roles that it played in previous global conferences on environment and development, the Department has been engaging and collaborating with stakeholders from throughout the Americas to play a pivotal role in the preparations and outcomes of Rio+20. At the side event, the OAS-DSD will present the results of this collaborative process, which has included the organization of a Dialogue Series on a variety of sustainable development themes, including governance, public participation, energy, climate change, integrated water resources management, biodiversity, and risk management, among others.
Consistent with the roles that it played in previous global conferences on environment and development, the Department has been engaging and collaborating with stakeholders from throughout the Americas to play a pivotal role in the preparations and outcomes of Rio+20. At the side event, the OAS-DSD will present the results of this collaborative process, which has included the organization of a Dialogue Series on a variety of sustainable development themes, including governance, public participation, energy, climate change, integrated water resources management, biodiversity, and risk management, among others.
11:00 - 19:00
Global Bioenergy Partnership Seminar
Global Bioenergy Partnership
Global Bioenergy Partnership
Global Bioenergy Partnership Seminar
Lead organizer:
Global Bioenergy Partnership
Room:
P3-4
The Global Bioenergy Partnership promotes the transition away from the unsustainable, traditional ways of deriving energy from biomass and towards the sustainable production and use of modern bioenergy. The traditional use of biomass, such as burning fuelwood for cooking and heating, drives environmental degradation and damages human health and welfare. Sustainable, modern bioenergy offers a means to improve energy access and to reduce negative effects on human health and the environment.
Access to clean and affordable energy is a prerequisite to sustainable development. Energy produced sustainably from biomass can play a major role in achieving the goal of ?Sustainable Energy for All?. GBEP supports the transition to sustainable, modern bioenergy by fostering the sharing of best practices, encouraging the spread of relevant technologies, creating peer-to-peer learning networks, and triggering new investment. An intended benefit of these activities is to help sustainably intensify agriculture in regions where productivity is low. Driven by the goal of promoting a vibrant, sustainable bioenergy sector, the Global Bioenergy Partnership developed 24 indicators of sustainable bioenergy production and use. Evaluating these indicators will provide environmental, social and economic data, to policy-makers and other stakeholders so that they can:
1) inform the development of national bioenergy policies and programmes;
2) encourage monitoring and evaluation of the environmental, social and economic impacts of modern bioenergy production and use; and
3) support policy and programmatic responses to the impacts of bioenergy production and use.
The seminar will raise awareness on the opportunities related to modern bioenergy development, as well as discuss policy options available to ensure the sustainability of this development. It features recent GBEP accomplishments, such as the development and agreement among 23 countries and 13 international organizations of the 24 Sustainability Indicators for Bioenergy, country experiences with energy from biomass, and points to ways that GBEP Partners and Observers are working together to build capacity for sustainable bioenergy production and use.
Access to clean and affordable energy is a prerequisite to sustainable development. Energy produced sustainably from biomass can play a major role in achieving the goal of ?Sustainable Energy for All?. GBEP supports the transition to sustainable, modern bioenergy by fostering the sharing of best practices, encouraging the spread of relevant technologies, creating peer-to-peer learning networks, and triggering new investment. An intended benefit of these activities is to help sustainably intensify agriculture in regions where productivity is low. Driven by the goal of promoting a vibrant, sustainable bioenergy sector, the Global Bioenergy Partnership developed 24 indicators of sustainable bioenergy production and use. Evaluating these indicators will provide environmental, social and economic data, to policy-makers and other stakeholders so that they can:
1) inform the development of national bioenergy policies and programmes;
2) encourage monitoring and evaluation of the environmental, social and economic impacts of modern bioenergy production and use; and
3) support policy and programmatic responses to the impacts of bioenergy production and use.
The seminar will raise awareness on the opportunities related to modern bioenergy development, as well as discuss policy options available to ensure the sustainability of this development. It features recent GBEP accomplishments, such as the development and agreement among 23 countries and 13 international organizations of the 24 Sustainability Indicators for Bioenergy, country experiences with energy from biomass, and points to ways that GBEP Partners and Observers are working together to build capacity for sustainable bioenergy production and use.
11:00 - 12:30
Forum Empresarial RIO+20 ( Brazilian Business Forum RIO+20)
Forum Empresarial RIO+20 (Brazilian Forum Empresarial)
Forum Empresarial RIO+20 (Brazilian Forum Empresarial)
11:00 - 12:30
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Forum Empresarial RIO+20 ( Brazilian Business Forum RIO+20)
Lead organizer:
Forum Empresarial RIO+20 (Brazilian Forum Empresarial)
Room:
UN4 (Barra Arena)
THE FORUM EMPRESARIAL RIO+20
Aims to discuss the idea of Green Economy and Social Governance at the companies, local governments and civil society. The event brings together companies from the sectors of Trade, Industry, Services and related areas in order to discuss the actions that are aimed at the sustainability of their business, with extensive emphasis on modern concepts of Green Economy, Governance, Education and Social Transition .
MAIN GOALS
Contributing to the Creation of New Governance Indicators for Social
Debating the Green Economy in its different pillars.
Listen to the society and its industries.
Create a database with the Information Obtained.
Mapping the Positive and Negative Results
Performing Other Regional Meetings to RIO +20
Gather a Bank Experiences About Green Economy with CASES OF REFERENCE.
Contribute to the "Future We Want"
Contribute to the Shares of the RIO +20
Revisit the Green Economy
Recognizing the Social and Environmental Actions Aimed at Education Transition
Assist and contribute to Actions For the Reduction of Poverty in the World
Valuing Assets
Resize the Economy.
Aims to discuss the idea of Green Economy and Social Governance at the companies, local governments and civil society. The event brings together companies from the sectors of Trade, Industry, Services and related areas in order to discuss the actions that are aimed at the sustainability of their business, with extensive emphasis on modern concepts of Green Economy, Governance, Education and Social Transition .
MAIN GOALS
Contributing to the Creation of New Governance Indicators for Social
Debating the Green Economy in its different pillars.
Listen to the society and its industries.
Create a database with the Information Obtained.
Mapping the Positive and Negative Results
Performing Other Regional Meetings to RIO +20
Gather a Bank Experiences About Green Economy with CASES OF REFERENCE.
Contribute to the "Future We Want"
Contribute to the Shares of the RIO +20
Revisit the Green Economy
Recognizing the Social and Environmental Actions Aimed at Education Transition
Assist and contribute to Actions For the Reduction of Poverty in the World
Valuing Assets
Resize the Economy.
11:00 - 12:30
RIO 2012: Sustainable Development Out of the Age of Innocence
Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement (CIRED)
Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement (CIRED)
11:00 - 12:30
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
RIO 2012: Sustainable Development Out of the Age of Innocence
Lead organizer:
Centre International de Recherche sur l'Environnement et le Développement (CIRED)
Room:
UN5 (Barra Arena)
This event will examine why transforming the various declarations, conventions and Protocols into practical policies remains unfinished business, and on how to move forward in an adverse context marked by the financial crisis and concerns about the consequences of economic globalization. The underlying premise is that neither scientific alerts nor ethical claims alone are convincing enough to induce collective action. We must outgrow the ?age of innocence? and recognize that the financial crisis and its trail of unemployment, worsening poverty and international tensions put decision-makers under harsh pressures when real choices must be made.
The first roundtable will derive lessons from past experience on how scientific knowledge is received and incorporated in societies responses, and on how solidarity with future generations can be operationalized. The second roundtable will be devoted to the articulation of top-down search for reforms and bottom-up initiatives by local authorities to promote sustainable development.
The first roundtable will derive lessons from past experience on how scientific knowledge is received and incorporated in societies responses, and on how solidarity with future generations can be operationalized. The second roundtable will be devoted to the articulation of top-down search for reforms and bottom-up initiatives by local authorities to promote sustainable development.
11:00 - 12:30
Boosting renewable energy in Brazil
Instituto IDEAL- Instituto para o Desenvolvimento de Energias Alternativas na America Latina
Instituto IDEAL- Instituto para o Desenvolvimento de Energias Alternativas na America Latina
11:00 - 12:30
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Boosting renewable energy in Brazil
Lead organizer:
Instituto IDEAL- Instituto para o Desenvolvimento de Energias Alternativas na America Latina
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
The Green Economy (EV) is a key focus of the Rio +20, a term originally understood by the UNEP as "that which results in improvement of human welfare and social equality while reducing significant environmental risks and ecological scarcity. "As the energy security is one of the themes established by the Brazilian government to be discussed at Rio +20, it raise the question of how to ensure energy for all, consistently while ensuring compliance with the principles of a green economy? Exploring all potential to use renewable energy is one path to be followed. This side event intends to contribute on this debate showing what have being done in Brazil to promote distributed generation from renewable energy sources in projects connected to the grid.
11:30 - 13:00
Review of China's Sustainable Development 1992 - 2011: A perspective from Chinese civil society
China Association for NGO Cooperation
China Association for NGO Cooperation
Review of China's Sustainable Development 1992 - 2011: A perspective from Chinese civil society
Lead organizer:
China Association for NGO Cooperation
Room:
T-8
Twenty years ago, not a single NGO representative from China participated in the 1992 Rio Summit. In fact, there were no environmental NGO in China at that time. However, in recent years, the environmental NGO community has developed rapidly in China to become one of the most vibrant and vocal civil society sectors in promoting sustainable development. It has also played important roles in enabling and facilitating public participation in sustainability issues, as well as catalyzing cross-sector cooperation among youth, corporations, foundations, research institutes and media. This side event, as part of the ?China Going Green? Dialogues and based on the findings of the collaborative report by Chinese NGOs reviewing sustainable development over the past 20 years, will address the current state of public participation in sustainable development, the roles and challenges of NGOs, and the future of green citizenship in China
11:30 - 13:00
The Impact of New Technologies and ICTs on Sustainable Development
Global Alliance for ICT and Development GAID/OICT
Global Alliance for ICT and Development GAID/OICT
The Impact of New Technologies and ICTs on Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Global Alliance for ICT and Development GAID/OICT
Room:
T-5
The intersection of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with the challenges of environmental, social and economic sustainability forms a critical nexus for the future of sustainable development and poverty eradication. Technology has long played a crucial part in economic and social development, and its evolution has continually raised the thresholds of possibility. In order to unleash the full potential of technology as an enabler for sustainable economic and social development throughout the developing world, a global strategy leveraging the power of technology is needed.
The importance of sustainability has been recognized in development policy since the United Nations first Summit on that theme in the early 1990s and today it is being revived with the RIO+20 Summit that aims at securing renewed political commitment. A sustainable development approach must be holistic and analyze its three pillars: economic, social and environmental trends, and the interactions between them. The link between ICT and sustainable development recognizes the existence of both significant opportunities and threats.On the one hand, there is optimism that the ?new economy? will bring ?dematerialization?, a reduction in movement of goods, and a general decoupling of economic growth and resource use, on the other hand, there is fear that current unsustainable trends will be worsened. Without a holistic approach, the sustainable use of ICT alone will not deliver the goals of social and environmental sustainability. Common efforts from governments, civil society and businesses alike are needed.
The importance of sustainability has been recognized in development policy since the United Nations first Summit on that theme in the early 1990s and today it is being revived with the RIO+20 Summit that aims at securing renewed political commitment. A sustainable development approach must be holistic and analyze its three pillars: economic, social and environmental trends, and the interactions between them. The link between ICT and sustainable development recognizes the existence of both significant opportunities and threats.On the one hand, there is optimism that the ?new economy? will bring ?dematerialization?, a reduction in movement of goods, and a general decoupling of economic growth and resource use, on the other hand, there is fear that current unsustainable trends will be worsened. Without a holistic approach, the sustainable use of ICT alone will not deliver the goals of social and environmental sustainability. Common efforts from governments, civil society and businesses alike are needed.
11:30 - 13:00
RIO Panel on Humanity & Environment = Our World's Resources
Global Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA)
Global Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA)
RIO Panel on Humanity & Environment = Our World's Resources
Lead organizer:
Global Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA)
Room:
T-3
This will be a panel discussion on the framework and foundation for a World Constitution for our environment, so humanity can live in better balance with our world?s resources.
11:30 - 13:00
Entrepreneurship Forum on Green Business Opportunities
United Nations Association of China
United Nations Association of China
Entrepreneurship Forum on Green Business Opportunities
Lead organizer:
United Nations Association of China
Room:
T-10
The forum aims to introduce the practice of Chinese enterprises? adoption of energy-saving and environmental-friendly technologies in the process of sustainable development so that the world may know better the unremitting efforts Chinese enterprises are making in environmental protection, ecological building and resources recycling, etc. to explore an appropriate economic development path suited to Chinese national conditions
The Chinese entrepreneurs wish to build a bridge with entrepreneurs of other countries and a platform for more communication through the forum. Entrepreneurs of other countries are welcome to the forum and participate in the discussion, which we hope will enhance understanding, offer new ways for mutual-beneficial cooperation and make contributions to the sustainable development of the world.
The Chinese entrepreneurs wish to build a bridge with entrepreneurs of other countries and a platform for more communication through the forum. Entrepreneurs of other countries are welcome to the forum and participate in the discussion, which we hope will enhance understanding, offer new ways for mutual-beneficial cooperation and make contributions to the sustainable development of the world.
11:30 - 13:00
The Sustainable and Just City
Ford Foundation
Ford Foundation
The Sustainable and Just City
Lead organizer:
Ford Foundation
Room:
T-2
Now that over half of the world?s population lives in cities, sustainable urbanization is an important new opportunity for the UN?s efforts to advance sustainable development and poverty reduction. This side event will offer a vision for sustainable and just cities and showcase what leaders and practitioners have learned in the implementation of promising initiatives. Speakers will discuss the crucial leadership of mayors and who are scaling up successful strategies in partnership with the world?s heads of state, environmental ministers, civil society organizations, and business leaders. The Ford Foundation will discuss the role of philanthropic institutions in generating greater resources and attention to the challenges of accommodating the 2 billion additional residents that are expected to reside in the world's cities by 2050. Attendees will be invited to share their ideas about to strengthen collaboration between practitioners, leaders, and key stakeholders to achieve a vision of sustainable and just cities.
11:30 - 13:00
Implications of the triple disaster in Japan in a post-Rio+20 world
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
Implications of the triple disaster in Japan in a post-Rio+20 world
Lead organizer:
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies
Room:
T-6
Addressing one of the seven critical issues identified by UNDESA for Rio+20, the purpose of this side event is to reflect on the triple disasters in Japan in 2011 and draw lessons for governance and policy from the international to the local level for developing resilience to hazards in the context of sustainable development in a post-Rio+20 world. Considering that the discussion will focus on contemporary and forward-looking issues, the outcomes should directly inform the ongoing process for developing Sustainable Development Goals, as disaster risk reduction and resilience has been proposed as one potential goal.
11:30 - 13:00
Advancing Sustainability through Communication and Collaboration
University of Colorado
University of Colorado
Advancing Sustainability through Communication and Collaboration
Lead organizer:
University of Colorado
Room:
T-9
This session will provide training in communication and strategic collaboration for policy makers, practitioners, and scientists working to advance sustainability. Leaders who know how to locate, talk to, and build relationships with experts can obtain current information on science and technology and feedback on policy alternatives to help design and implement effective policies. Scientists who talk with leaders and practitioners can design research relevant to societal problems and provide better links between science and policy. Communications training will help scientists to present research in a concise and accessible manner. Practitioners who know how to use both policy and science can shape more effective programs. Encouraging policy makers, practitioners, and scientists to communicate with each other and to build strategic collaborative relationships will create powerful networks working toward sustainable solutions to societal problems, and will lead to more sustainable public policies and programs at all levels of governance.
11:30 - 13:00
Beyond Rio+20: A Global Youth Movement for Sustainable Development
European Students' Forum (AEGEE)
European Students' Forum (AEGEE)
Beyond Rio+20: A Global Youth Movement for Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
European Students' Forum (AEGEE)
Room:
T-4
We are at a turning point in which it is not only necessary to tackle global challenges, but also to address the disconnect between generations in order to produce new and greener ideas, attitudes, habits and a sense of responsibility and accountability linked to our daily actions. Today?s youth can and shall lead this shift by collaborating with previous generations.
Current leaders and youth representatives have come together to make young people?s voice, interests, needs, actions, and visions a key part of Rio+20. Such cooperation efforts must continue after the UN summit. The event will therefore discuss future scenarios both in terms of priorities for the movement (SDGs, education?) and form (through the Major Groups or an independent alliance?). Feedback will be sought from other stakeholders, whose partnership will be fundamental in making a long-term youth movement flourish for a sustainable future.
Current leaders and youth representatives have come together to make young people?s voice, interests, needs, actions, and visions a key part of Rio+20. Such cooperation efforts must continue after the UN summit. The event will therefore discuss future scenarios both in terms of priorities for the movement (SDGs, education?) and form (through the Major Groups or an independent alliance?). Feedback will be sought from other stakeholders, whose partnership will be fundamental in making a long-term youth movement flourish for a sustainable future.
11:30 - 13:00
Sustainability Revisited: Population, Reproductive Health & the Planet
Lead organizer:
Aspen Institute
Room:
P3-8
Mary Robinson and the Aspen Institute?s Global Leaders Council for Reproductive Health (GLC) will convene a high-level moderated dialogue to raise the profile of human development, gender and reproductive health within the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development. Members of the GLC and other high-level leaders will speak to the role of human development and reproductive health in the new and emerging global discussion of sustainable development.
Featured speakers will include:
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of Norway;
Musimbi Kanyoro, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Fund for Women;
Tewodros Melesse, Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation;
Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and President of the Mary Robinson Foundation ? Climate Justice;
Tim Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation.
Featured speakers will include:
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former Prime Minister of Norway;
Musimbi Kanyoro, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Fund for Women;
Tewodros Melesse, Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation;
Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and President of the Mary Robinson Foundation ? Climate Justice;
Tim Wirth, President of the United Nations Foundation.
11:30 - 13:00
Dublin Rio Principles, where do we stand, what lessons learned
Global Water Partnership (GWP)
Global Water Partnership (GWP)
Dublin Rio Principles, where do we stand, what lessons learned
Lead organizer:
Global Water Partnership (GWP)
Room:
P3-6
In line with Dublin/Rio conferences (1992) mandates, AMCOW has provided leadership and commitment in gender mainstreaming by elaborating the AMCOW Gender Policy and Strategy in the water sector. Many governments, civil society and development agencies have also adopted gender sensitive policies and programmes suggesting that there exists considerable knowledge and lessons learnt. GWP is currently elaborating a GWP gender Strategy for the GWP Network.
AMCOW, GWP; UNDP; Cap-Net; SaciWATERs, the Center for Public Health and Climate Change at the Public Health Institute and GWA plan to convene a gender implementation event at the Rio+20 conference. The event will review progress made and facilitate information exchange on strategies, actions, approaches, partnerships/networks lessons learnt and gender mainstreaming needs. This event seeks to share knowledge so as to support Africa?s implementation of the AMCOW gender strategy and to develop an Africa network that will support AMCOW and bring these issues forward beyond RIO+20.
AMCOW, GWP; UNDP; Cap-Net; SaciWATERs, the Center for Public Health and Climate Change at the Public Health Institute and GWA plan to convene a gender implementation event at the Rio+20 conference. The event will review progress made and facilitate information exchange on strategies, actions, approaches, partnerships/networks lessons learnt and gender mainstreaming needs. This event seeks to share knowledge so as to support Africa?s implementation of the AMCOW gender strategy and to develop an Africa network that will support AMCOW and bring these issues forward beyond RIO+20.
12:00 - 13:30
Securing Food, Water and Energy in the World's Most Valued Ecoregions
Worldwide Fund for Nature
Worldwide Fund for Nature
Securing Food, Water and Energy in the World's Most Valued Ecoregions
Lead organizer:
Worldwide Fund for Nature
Room:
P3-3
This event will profile some of the world?s most innovative ?natural capital partnerships? implementing integrated approaches toward the transition to green growth and green economies today. It will promote a south-south knowledge exchange and commitments from Mexico, the Coastal Eastern Africa region and Asia?s Greater Mekong Subregion.
Natural ecosystems provide economically valuable services vital to human welfare such as food, water, energy, and carbon sequestration. In many of the world?s ecoregions, declines in natural capital continue, causing negative impacts that contribute to increase poverty levels. Solutions are emerging, however. Across Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, models for inclusive green growth are evolving through a range of integrated strategies and regional cooperation initiatives. This event will provide a forum for governments on the cutting edge of green economy innovations to profile integrated and collaborative approaches that enhance freshwater, forest, agricultural, and marine resources ? the vital building blocks of a sustainable future.
Natural ecosystems provide economically valuable services vital to human welfare such as food, water, energy, and carbon sequestration. In many of the world?s ecoregions, declines in natural capital continue, causing negative impacts that contribute to increase poverty levels. Solutions are emerging, however. Across Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, models for inclusive green growth are evolving through a range of integrated strategies and regional cooperation initiatives. This event will provide a forum for governments on the cutting edge of green economy innovations to profile integrated and collaborative approaches that enhance freshwater, forest, agricultural, and marine resources ? the vital building blocks of a sustainable future.
13:15 - 14:45
Healthy Women, Healthy Planet: Women's Empowerment, Reproductive Healt
Population Action International
Population Action International
13:15 - 14:45
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
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Healthy Women, Healthy Planet: Women's Empowerment, Reproductive Healt
Lead organizer:
Population Action International
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
Women are instrumental in determining a family?s ability to survive and effectively cope with the impacts of climate change. Access to reproductive health and family planning is an important part of strengthening women?s capacity as leaders in sustainable development, yet in too many places around the world women?s access to these services is limited. Reducing unintended pregnancies and giving families the tools to determine family size can improve socio-economic status of women, reduce strain on the environment, and improve conservation of resources ? all of which make significant contributions to sustainable development and resilience in the face of a changing climate.
13:15 - 14:45
Incorporating Biodiversity into Business - cases in Brazil
Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (institution Funbio)
Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (institution Funbio)
13:15 - 14:45
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
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Incorporating Biodiversity into Business - cases in Brazil
Lead organizer:
Brazilian Biodiversity Fund (institution Funbio)
Room:
UN5 (Barra Arena)
Funbio works with companies in Brazil that are implementing projects that go beyond philanthropy or social environmental corporate responsibility. These companies are considering biodiversity conservation and climate change impacts as key elements of their strategies, designing long term plans for the development of the territories where they are located or influential. These projects include the design of sustainable development plans for the territories, but also the creation and implementation of financial mechanisms to support these plans, as well as participative governance models to get local communities, government authorities and other partners involved. Three companies will present their experiences in a systematized way, allowing the audience to evaluate the convergences and specific aspects of the three cases.
13:30 - 15:00
Promoting a Green Economy in Africa, LDCs, SIDS and LLDCS/Challenges/O
Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA)
Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA)
Promoting a Green Economy in Africa, LDCs, SIDS and LLDCS/Challenges/O
Lead organizer:
Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA)
Room:
T-3
Promotion of the green economy is one major means by which the current economy in Africa can make the transition to sustainable economic development. As has been widely acknowledged, although Africa has contributed least to global climate change, it has suffered disproportionately from its adverse effects. The challenges of adaptation and mitigation are therefore particularly urgent for Africa. The continent has 60 percent of the world?s arable land; 20 percent of its forest reserves; 20 percent of the global land mass; 40 percent of the world?s biodiversity and more than half of the world?s clean energy potential. A new paradigm is needed to ensure that countries maximize the potential benefits that the green economy could provide. A green economy with the vast untapped natural resources represent a paradigm shift in promoting clean and renewable energy, creation of employment and conservation of the continent?s natural resources.
13:30 - 15:00
Disarmament for Development
International Peace Bureau
International Peace Bureau
Disarmament for Development
Lead organizer:
International Peace Bureau
Room:
T-6
As the economic crisis continues to give rise to government spending cuts in many countries, increased attention is being paid to military budgets.
The global military expenditure in 2010 has reached a historic high of $1630 billion. This is 5 times more than what we would need to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
This side event will show the effects of armed conflicts and weapons on development and explain an innovative way to finance programmes for sustainable development: by reducing military spending.
The global military expenditure in 2010 has reached a historic high of $1630 billion. This is 5 times more than what we would need to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
This side event will show the effects of armed conflicts and weapons on development and explain an innovative way to finance programmes for sustainable development: by reducing military spending.
13:30 - 15:00
LP Gas: An exceptional energy for improving health and development
World LP Gas Association (WLPGA)
World LP Gas Association (WLPGA)
LP Gas: An exceptional energy for improving health and development
Lead organizer:
World LP Gas Association (WLPGA)
Room:
P3-2
This side event will highlight an independent study regarding the impact of energy-related pollution on human health. It will demonstrate that Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LP Gas or LPG) can help to reduce negative health impacts particularly those stemming from cooking with traditional fuels and biomass while providing access to clean, modern energy that is necessary for sustainable development.
LP Gas is a clean-burning, low carbon and efficient fuel and a vital source of energy for hundreds of millions of people throughout the world. It is modern and safe and can be used anywhere. It is also available immediately, without large investments in R&D, technology, time or infrastructure. It is portable and can be transported, stored and used virtually anywhere without large investments in infrastructure making it ideal for solving development issues and improving the life and health of millions of people who currently lack access to modern forms of energy.
LP Gas is a clean-burning, low carbon and efficient fuel and a vital source of energy for hundreds of millions of people throughout the world. It is modern and safe and can be used anywhere. It is also available immediately, without large investments in R&D, technology, time or infrastructure. It is portable and can be transported, stored and used virtually anywhere without large investments in infrastructure making it ideal for solving development issues and improving the life and health of millions of people who currently lack access to modern forms of energy.
13:30 - 15:00
The Economics of Low Carbon Cities
Centre for Low Carbon Futures
Centre for Low Carbon Futures
The Economics of Low Carbon Cities
Lead organizer:
Centre for Low Carbon Futures
Room:
T-10
Cities currently spend around 10% of their GDP on their annual energy bill. How can this be reduced whilst also enhancing competitiveness and creating employment? What are the most cost and carbon effective options? What is the business case for major investments and how much would they cut the carbon emissions of cities?
13:30 - 15:00
Renewable Energy Use in Rural Isolated Communities
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Renewable Energy Use in Rural Isolated Communities
Lead organizer:
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Room:
P3-6
The side event will provide an important opportunity to show-case and discuss projects and programmes being implemented to promote the use of renewable energy in rural isolated communities in Bolivia and in other developing countries of the world. The Minister of Hydrocarbons and Energy and the Vice Ministry of Electricity and Alternative Energies are tentatively expected to participate.
13:30 - 15:00
Fertile Soil for our Future: nourish our people - nurture our planet
Biovision ? Foundation for ecological Development
Biovision ? Foundation for ecological Development
Fertile Soil for our Future: nourish our people - nurture our planet
Lead organizer:
Biovision ? Foundation for ecological Development
Room:
T-2
Soils are the basis for life on earth. They ensure food, water, fibre, bioenergy production for present and future generations and play a crucial role in adaptation and mitigation strategies for climate change. However, soils have been taken for granted for too long. Over the last decades they have been degraded by mismanagement, jeopardizing this essential finite natural resource and its ecosystem services. Nowadays, land degradation directly affects 1.5 billion people. They include 74% of the poor in the world, therefore soil conservation has a very direct link to poverty eradication. At this event the relevance of soils will be presented in a vivid and intuitive way. First-hand insights from Ethiopia will be provided that show to delegates and the media that fertile soils are the basis for an economically, ecologically and socially sustainable development.
13:30 - 15:00
Promote Adaptation by Reducing Vulnerability and Increasing Resilience
ActionAid International
ActionAid International
Promote Adaptation by Reducing Vulnerability and Increasing Resilience
Lead organizer:
ActionAid International
Room:
P3-8
The main purpose of this workshop is to present the need to invest in public policies and in practices from smallholder farmers on adaptation in order to build resilience to face climate changes. The workshop will launch an international database of experiences and practices on adaptation from different smallholder farmers around the world, which aims to share experiences so that others can replicate or adapt these practices into their contexts. There will be also a community leader to explain how the practice empowered the community to face the climate change maintaining or improving their production and lives.
13:30 - 15:00
Sustainable Agriculture and Food; First for Sustainable Development
Public Advocacy Initiatives for Rights and Values in India (PAIRVI)
Public Advocacy Initiatives for Rights and Values in India (PAIRVI)
Sustainable Agriculture and Food; First for Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Public Advocacy Initiatives for Rights and Values in India (PAIRVI)
Room:
T-8
Last decades have seen agriculture being transformed into an industrial activity, which has created hegemony of corporate interests and benefitted big business, starving countries and communities and creating unrest. The panel discussion will talk sustainable agriculture and right to food should be the first charge on sustainable development.
13:30 - 15:00
Space Observations in support to the Rio Conventions
European Space Agency
European Space Agency
Space Observations in support to the Rio Conventions
Lead organizer:
European Space Agency
Room:
T-5
Implementing the MAEs Conventions requires the collection, analysis and understanding of a huge amount of environmental information. This information is essential for a better understanding of the scientific background around the environmental issues, but also to serve decision-making and to enable sustainable development plans to be put in place. Earth Observation satellites provide ways to improve the implementation of the MEAs, such as continuous observations of essential environmental variables, the building of long-term archives of historical satellite data, and the provision of synoptic and comparable environmental information without infringing on national sovereignties.
The Side Event will be organised along some keynote speeches and round table discussions on how Space Observations improve the assessment and the monitoring of essential ?climate change?, ?biodiversity? and ? land degradation? variables. Such an event would allow to increase awareness and share views on the importance of satellite observations for the implementation of the Rio Conventions.
The Side Event will be organised along some keynote speeches and round table discussions on how Space Observations improve the assessment and the monitoring of essential ?climate change?, ?biodiversity? and ? land degradation? variables. Such an event would allow to increase awareness and share views on the importance of satellite observations for the implementation of the Rio Conventions.
13:30 - 15:00
Energy for all; Equity as fundamental goal
Ambedkar Education Society-All India Foundation of Human Rights and Social Justice
Ambedkar Education Society-All India Foundation of Human Rights and Social Justice
Energy for all; Equity as fundamental goal
Lead organizer:
Ambedkar Education Society-All India Foundation of Human Rights and Social Justice
Room:
T-4
The political economy of energy aided by international finance, trade and aid has been the principal reasons for unsustainable development. The panel will discuss how equity in energy is of paramount importance for the cherished goal of energy for all and for sustainable development. The panel will argue that equity in access to energy at international and sub national levels through fundamental changes in the patterns of production and consumption should be the first goal for sustainable development.
13:30 - 15:00
Panel sobre la Experiencia de Recuperacion y Conservacion de la Cobertura Boscosa en Centro América y Republica Dominicana: Caso de la Republica Dominicana
Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales - National Environmental Office
Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales - National Environmental Office
Panel sobre la Experiencia de Recuperacion y Conservacion de la Cobertura Boscosa en Centro América y Republica Dominicana: Caso de la Republica Dominicana
Lead organizer:
Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales - National Environmental Office
Room:
T-7
El Panel sobre la Experiencia de Recuperación y Conservación de la Cobertura Boscosa en Centro América y Republica Dominicana: Caso de la Republica Dominicana.
Será un espacio para presentar los resultados y lecciones aprendidas de la ejecución de las políticas de los países participantes, con atención en la experiencia de la Republica Dominicana, orientada a la recuperación y conservación de la cobertura forestal utilizando varios instrumentos incluyendo el Pago por Servicios Ambientales.
Consiste en un panel de expertos de alto nivel y de tomadores de decisiones de las instancias institucionales nacionales y regionales vinculadas o responsable de la gestión ambiental, tomando como base la presentación de un estudio de cobertura forestal de la Republica Dominicana y las políticas asociadas.
Será un espacio para presentar los resultados y lecciones aprendidas de la ejecución de las políticas de los países participantes, con atención en la experiencia de la Republica Dominicana, orientada a la recuperación y conservación de la cobertura forestal utilizando varios instrumentos incluyendo el Pago por Servicios Ambientales.
Consiste en un panel de expertos de alto nivel y de tomadores de decisiones de las instancias institucionales nacionales y regionales vinculadas o responsable de la gestión ambiental, tomando como base la presentación de un estudio de cobertura forestal de la Republica Dominicana y las políticas asociadas.
13:30 - 15:00
Mainstreaming BioDiversity for a Sustainable Future
Canadian Environmental Network
Canadian Environmental Network
Mainstreaming BioDiversity for a Sustainable Future
Lead organizer:
Canadian Environmental Network
Room:
T-9
Short Introduction - Max 150 words
The purpose of this side event is to explore the importance of mainstreaming BioDiversity to raise public understanding of BioDiversity. This session will highlight and introduce 1000 Days for the Planet, a global educational and awareness raising project launched in the context of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. At its heart is a three-year worldwide sailing expedition on the oceanographic vessel Sedna IV and a programme that combines science, education and public entertainment/documentary. The project will reach out to the general public through a multidimensional platform of exhibitions, educational activities, film and television productions, and online videoconferencing with the ship?s scientists. Examples of mainstreaming BioDiversity at the local level will also be presented through the Ontario Project ?The Halton Peel BioDiversity Network?, and Canadian Youth efforts to mainstream BioDiversity.
The purpose of this side event is to explore the importance of mainstreaming BioDiversity to raise public understanding of BioDiversity. This session will highlight and introduce 1000 Days for the Planet, a global educational and awareness raising project launched in the context of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. At its heart is a three-year worldwide sailing expedition on the oceanographic vessel Sedna IV and a programme that combines science, education and public entertainment/documentary. The project will reach out to the general public through a multidimensional platform of exhibitions, educational activities, film and television productions, and online videoconferencing with the ship?s scientists. Examples of mainstreaming BioDiversity at the local level will also be presented through the Ontario Project ?The Halton Peel BioDiversity Network?, and Canadian Youth efforts to mainstream BioDiversity.
15:30 - 17:00
THE RAINFOREST STANDARD: Integrating Social, Environmental, and Econom
Red de Fondos Ambientales de Latinoamérica y el Caribe (Redlac)
Red de Fondos Ambientales de Latinoamérica y el Caribe (Redlac)
THE RAINFOREST STANDARD: Integrating Social, Environmental, and Econom
Lead organizer:
Red de Fondos Ambientales de Latinoamérica y el Caribe (Redlac)
Room:
T-3
THE RAINFOREST STANDARD (RFS) Founding Members will host a side event in Rio + 20 meeting to present the RFS. The RFS integrates protocols for carbon accounting, socio-cultural-economic impact, and biodiversity outcomes in the belief that reducing carbon emissions from removals of biomass in forestland will not be effective or permanent without benefits flowing to all local stakeholders, and should produce an economic benefit that results in the protection of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. In this way, the RFS is the first fully integrated forest carbon emissions reduction standard that was built specifically for REDD and built by institutions in the countries in which it is to be deployed.
15:30 - 17:00
Analysing REDD+: challenges and choices
Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
Analysing REDD+: challenges and choices
Lead organizer:
Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)
Room:
T-9
Climate change is a key global challenge and national, sub-national, and local actors are responding in the political, social, and economic spheres. Forests are a key part of the international mitigation agenda. Transformational change is required to realize the forest sector's mitigation potential through avoided deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). Dense webs of economic interests, political realities, and local needs come to the forefront as countries become "ready for REDD+" and start to develop national REDD+ strategies and policies.
For the past four years, CIFOR and partners have been conducting a Global Comparative Study on REDD+ on policy development and the early stages of implementation. In this side event we will present the results of this work that are pertinent to the objectives of the CSD and the development of a green economy.
For the past four years, CIFOR and partners have been conducting a Global Comparative Study on REDD+ on policy development and the early stages of implementation. In this side event we will present the results of this work that are pertinent to the objectives of the CSD and the development of a green economy.
15:30 - 17:00
Empowering Youth Leadership for a Sustainable Future
Academy for Future Science
Academy for Future Science
Empowering Youth Leadership for a Sustainable Future
Lead organizer:
Academy for Future Science
Room:
T-8
A critical factor in the future of sustainability lies in the hands of the next generation of environmental stewards. The combination of the wisdom of the elders with the limitless creativity, enthusiasm and compassion of our youth will help us create solutions to the challenges facing our planet. It is our responsibility to educate and empower our young people to be leaders of sustainability. It is also our role to encourage their infinite resources of imagination and innovation. Social media and cultural arts are effective platforms that both give youth a voice on such global issues, and interconnect them. At this event, we will present several Rio+20 youth projects that are effectively mobilizing youth via music, spoken word and social media, as well as provide information on how our lifestyles can be improved to function with an awareness of sustainability.
15:30 - 17:00
Gender, Water and Preparing for Climate Change: Implications for Food, Health and Human Rights
International Women's Anthropology Conference (IWAC)
International Women's Anthropology Conference (IWAC)
15:30 - 17:00
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Gender, Water and Preparing for Climate Change: Implications for Food, Health and Human Rights
Lead organizer:
International Women's Anthropology Conference (IWAC)
Room:
UN3 (Barra Arena)
This panel aims to bring together information stemming from analyses of grass roots field experience and global processes in order to better understand the effects of climate change on women?s livelihoods, and the potential policy and programmatic approaches that may be taken to deal with them. Framed in a human rights perspective, major issues will include the impact of recent changes on the right to food, water, seeds and land.
15:30 - 17:00
Legal Preparedness for the Green Economy
International Law on Sustainable Development Partnership (IDLO)
International Law on Sustainable Development Partnership (IDLO)
Legal Preparedness for the Green Economy
Lead organizer:
International Law on Sustainable Development Partnership (IDLO)
Room:
P3-2
This IDLO Legal Roundtable Dialogue on Legal Preparedness for the Green Economy, organized in partnership with other inter-governmental organizations and leading developing countries, will highlight the importance of an enabling legal environment , tailored legal instruments and rights-based approaches to access the benefits of the global green economy. With distinguished legal experts, a dynamic discussion will examine how regulatory reforms are assisting countries to overcome barriers and establish new incentives for sustainable development and poverty eradication. Developing country jurists will share experiences with tailored legal reforms, institutions and compliance. Cutting-edge legal knowledge will be disseminated through the global launch of a new Compendium of Legal Best Practices on the Green Economy and an E-learning Course on Legal Preparedness for the Green Economy in several languages. This Legal Roundtable showcases the latest innovations in green economy laws, focusing on facilitating South-South knowledge sharing and defining practical green economy strategies.
15:30 - 17:00
Role of EESD in Transition to a Green Economy - from Tbilisi to Rio+20
Lead organizer:
Georgia
Room:
P3-8
To address the challenges to sustainability and development the global community has undertaken a number of very important steps towards engaging education in its efforts for a healthier ecological, economic and social environment, the time span emerging from Tbilisi Declaration of 1977 and covering Decade for Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014. Rio + 20 and its outcomes should further enhance and refine global efforts in this regards. Education should continue to be employed to provide common awareness towards current and emerging challenges to sustainable development and ways for their mitigation and solution as well as knowledge, values and skills for green economies and societies.
The side event will be a multi-stakeholder forum involving international organizations, government and major group representatives as well as NGOs and private sector that will be held between 13th -18th June and discuss current and future perspective of education for sustainable development and greener societies.
The side event will be a multi-stakeholder forum involving international organizations, government and major group representatives as well as NGOs and private sector that will be held between 13th -18th June and discuss current and future perspective of education for sustainable development and greener societies.
15:30 - 17:00
Peasants Reclaiming our Future with Food Sovereignty and Agroecology
LA VIA CAMPESINA - International Peasant Movement
LA VIA CAMPESINA - International Peasant Movement
Peasants Reclaiming our Future with Food Sovereignty and Agroecology
Lead organizer:
LA VIA CAMPESINA - International Peasant Movement
Room:
T-2
In the discussions leading up to Rio+20, there has been little debate on what is a sustainable development path which can address our contemporary issues as defined under Agenda 21.
15:30 - 17:00
Inadequate Planning: Challenges on the Andean Amazon
Peruvian Society for Environmental Law - (Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental - SPDA)
Peruvian Society for Environmental Law - (Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental - SPDA)
Inadequate Planning: Challenges on the Andean Amazon
Lead organizer:
Peruvian Society for Environmental Law - (Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental - SPDA)
Room:
T-11
SPDA and ICAA in their efforts to contribute to the discussion on the future of the Andean Amazon, have produced three reports on the Ecuadorian, Peru and Colombia Amazon, which provide information never before collected on investments of productive sectors (mining, energy, infrastructure, etc.) and their cumulative impacts on natural resources, conservation and development of the Amazonian populations.
This information is useful for civil society and states and contributes on the decision making process. It also generate ?political capital? based on quality information, synergies with the media, politicians and civil society organizations. Therefore, we propose a dialogue event as part of Rio +20, to generate this global political capital, which should not only occur in areas of the Amazon, but also in areas where strategic decisions are being taking and affect the development of our countries.
This information is useful for civil society and states and contributes on the decision making process. It also generate ?political capital? based on quality information, synergies with the media, politicians and civil society organizations. Therefore, we propose a dialogue event as part of Rio +20, to generate this global political capital, which should not only occur in areas of the Amazon, but also in areas where strategic decisions are being taking and affect the development of our countries.
15:30 - 17:00
Food and the City
World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
Food and the City
Lead organizer:
World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA)
Room:
T-4
Shortly after the world urban population surpassed the world rural population and the food price crisis of 2007-8, the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD17) called for ?strong rural-urban linkages and partnerships between countryside and communities, to enhance livelihoods and food security?. Food Security and Cities are both priority theme areas of the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.
15:30 - 17:00
Consumer Voices at Rio+20
Idec - Brazilian Institute for Consumer Defense
Idec - Brazilian Institute for Consumer Defense
Consumer Voices at Rio+20
Lead organizer:
Idec - Brazilian Institute for Consumer Defense
Room:
T-10
The purpose of this event is to present the Consumers? Platform for Rio+20 created and signed by a number of consumer organizations around the world. The goal is to use the platform as a reference to share perspectives on a new model of consumption based on sustainability as well as proposing new forms to orient and educate consumers on sustainable development. We will also be presenting a case study of a campaign for mandatory green labeling for cars, debating the most effective ways to implement that enforce consumer?s right to know where their products are ?green? or not.
15:30 - 17:00
Phasing-out fossil fuel subsides: what is at stake and why now?
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Phasing-out fossil fuel subsides: what is at stake and why now?
Lead organizer:
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
Room:
T-6
More than $500 billion is provided per year in fossil fuel subsidies. Fossil fuel subsidies drain public resources, drive global warming, and make it harder for clean energy to compete. In fact, fossil fuel subsidies are 500% larger than the subsidies provided for clean energy. While a total of 53 countries have made specific commitments to phase-out their fossil fuel subsidies, little progress has been made in following through by enacting changes to the laws and policies in the key countries. A panel of experts on fossil fuel subsidies will outline how much money is provided for these subsidies, where key countries stand in terms of phasing-out their subsidies, and what is needed to turn this promise into reality.
15:30 - 17:00
Indigenous peoples: food security, climate changes and sustainability
State University of Campinas
State University of Campinas
15:30 - 17:00
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Indigenous peoples: food security, climate changes and sustainability
Lead organizer:
State University of Campinas
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
Climate changes affecting our planet require an insight into the development and sustainability. The proposal has the support of researchers at the University, and also with the indigenous leaders of the Intertribal Committee, through a round table debate issues related to Climate Change, Food Security and Insecurity and the Carbon Market, enabling and opening the dialogue between research University, the knowledge of the Indians and the Society.
15:30 - 17:00
Expanding Energy Access to Achieve Sustainable Energy For All
United Nations Foundation (UNF)
United Nations Foundation (UNF)
Expanding Energy Access to Achieve Sustainable Energy For All
Lead organizer:
United Nations Foundation (UNF)
Room:
P3-6
Access to sustainable energy is a necessary precondition to achieving many social goals: eradicating poverty, increasing food production, providing clean water, improving public health, enhancing education, creating economic opportunity, empowering women, and combating climate change. Kandeh Yumkella, Co-Chair of the Secretary-General’s High-level Group on Sustainable Energy for All, will speak, and an expert panel moderated by Jose Maria Figueres, President of the Carbon War Room, and including Richenda Van Leeuwen of the UN Foundation and Radha Muthiah of the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, will discuss ways to accelerate progress toward universal energy access by 2030.
15:45 - 17:15
Spurring Private Sector Investment in Energy Efficient Buildings
U.S. Green Building Council
U.S. Green Building Council
Spurring Private Sector Investment in Energy Efficient Buildings
Lead organizer:
U.S. Green Building Council
Room:
P3-3
A green economy is one that will boost private sector markets and drive economic activity while minimizing impacts on natural resources and scarce energy supplies. Improving the efficiency of the building sector offers a least-cost greenhouse gas abatement opportunity with high returns on investment; powerful socioeconomic co-benefits; and potential for urban renewal and sustainability. Yet, developing policy pathways that will unlock the benefits of efficient buildings at scale remains a challenge for governments all over the world.
This event will mark the release of a new study by the Johnson Controls Institute for Building Efficiency that will assist decision-makers and development institutions prioritize policy instruments. Based on polling a wide sample of the building industry, the results indicate that some policies are more effective than others in attracting private sector investment and contributing to a long-term market for energy efficient products and services.
This event will mark the release of a new study by the Johnson Controls Institute for Building Efficiency that will assist decision-makers and development institutions prioritize policy instruments. Based on polling a wide sample of the building industry, the results indicate that some policies are more effective than others in attracting private sector investment and contributing to a long-term market for energy efficient products and services.
17:30 - 19:00
World Agricultural Heritage Systems: towards a sustainable development
People's Commission on Environment and Development (PCEDI)
People's Commission on Environment and Development (PCEDI)
World Agricultural Heritage Systems: towards a sustainable development
Lead organizer:
People's Commission on Environment and Development (PCEDI)
Room:
T-2
Ten years after its initiation by FAO in 2002, during the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the GIAHS Partnership Initiative represents a sophisticated framework for the recognition, dynamic conservation and adaptive management of remarkable systems of agriculture with their associated livelihoods, ecosystems and landscapes. Defined as ?unique, remarkable traditional agricultural practices and evolving systems that demonstrate multiple goods and services to humanity and the environment?. GIAHS Initiative seek to support the present-day resilience of these traditional systems and thus provide a sustainable legacy for the benefit of future generations. The initiative has assembled an impressive list of pilot site/system designations and is actively pursuing their sustainable development. It has an innovative and integrated approach looking on the well being of small farmers. Prestigious global acknowledgment is emerging, and is reflected in the participation of Japan?s Vice Minister and India?s Prime Minister in the ceremonial designation of local GIAHS in 2012.
17:30 - 19:00
Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development: Chinese NGOs in Action
China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE)
China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE)
Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development: Chinese NGOs in Action
Lead organizer:
China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE)
Room:
P3-8
This side event aims to show the efforts and achievements Chinese NGOs have made in the past 10 years, as well as challenges ahead in eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development. participants will discuss how local NGOs can do better to help developing countries reach the UN Millennium Development Goals on time
In accordance with the theme of the conference: A Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication, our side event will focus on China?s path on poverty alleviation and sustainable development in recent 10 years. By assessing the progress to date, the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of former conferences, and discussing new and emerging challenges, this side event can make great contributions to the outcome of UNCSD/Rio+20.
The side event has three thematic focuses:Chinese NGOs? efforts in poverty eradication; Relationship between poverty eradication and sustainable development; Working together to realize the UN Millennium Development Goals(MDGs).
In accordance with the theme of the conference: A Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication, our side event will focus on China?s path on poverty alleviation and sustainable development in recent 10 years. By assessing the progress to date, the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of former conferences, and discussing new and emerging challenges, this side event can make great contributions to the outcome of UNCSD/Rio+20.
The side event has three thematic focuses:Chinese NGOs? efforts in poverty eradication; Relationship between poverty eradication and sustainable development; Working together to realize the UN Millennium Development Goals(MDGs).
17:30 - 19:00
The Business of Innovating: Bringing Low-Carbon Solutions to Market
Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
The Business of Innovating: Bringing Low-Carbon Solutions to Market
Lead organizer:
Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
Room:
T-11
This 90-minute panel discussion would highlight the actions taken by the business community to promote a sustainable, low-carbon energy future through development of new low-carbon technologies, at the same time as they promote economic growth and development opportunities. The discussion would profile the effective methods used by leading companies to capture low-carbon innovation opportunities, and how those strategies take into account differences in regional markets.
17:30 - 19:00
Sustainable Energy, Food, Water & Oceans
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Sustainable Energy, Food, Water & Oceans
Lead organizer:
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Room:
P3-3
This side event will focus on four of Rio+20?s seven critical issues ? energy, food, water and oceans. It will review applications of nuclear technology to all four issues and present initial progress on integrated modelling to help devise mutually supportive policies for energy, food, water and oceans and avoid conflicting policies.
Nuclear technology is used to generate low-carbon electricity; to breed improved crops and reduce post-harvest losses; to map and manage ground water; as well as to assess and monitor climate change and pollution impact on oceans. Rio+20 will consider setting goals in these and other areas that integrate the economic, social and environmental dimension of sustainable development. The interrelated nature of multiple issues suggests that an integrated approach to policymaking is needed. This side event intends to lead to a broader use of integrated modelling and mutually supportive sustainable development policies for energy, food, water and oceans.
Nuclear technology is used to generate low-carbon electricity; to breed improved crops and reduce post-harvest losses; to map and manage ground water; as well as to assess and monitor climate change and pollution impact on oceans. Rio+20 will consider setting goals in these and other areas that integrate the economic, social and environmental dimension of sustainable development. The interrelated nature of multiple issues suggests that an integrated approach to policymaking is needed. This side event intends to lead to a broader use of integrated modelling and mutually supportive sustainable development policies for energy, food, water and oceans.
17:30 - 19:00
The Green Power Fund: Carbon Negative Tech for Sustainable Development
Columbia Earth Institute
Columbia Earth Institute
The Green Power Fund: Carbon Negative Tech for Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Columbia Earth Institute
Room:
T-5
Hosted by the Earth Institute, Columbia University, this event examines the proposal for a ?Green Power Fund? to leverage the existing $200 billion/year traded on the carbon markets to fund ?carbon negative? power plants in developing nations. The Green Power Fund was proposed by Graciela Chichilnisky, noted economist, author of the carbon market mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol, and co-founder of Global Thermostat, which has developed a technology that uses waste heat from power plants to capture more carbon than they emit.
By using existing global carbon markets to finance a Green Power Fund, the international community can leverage massive amounts of private and public capital to fund carbon negative solutions in developing nations, particularly in least developed nations and small island states. This would also engage the global power sector in the sustainable development institutional framework, and spur the development of a green economy that also directly addresses climate change.
By using existing global carbon markets to finance a Green Power Fund, the international community can leverage massive amounts of private and public capital to fund carbon negative solutions in developing nations, particularly in least developed nations and small island states. This would also engage the global power sector in the sustainable development institutional framework, and spur the development of a green economy that also directly addresses climate change.
17:30 - 19:00
Launching the Building Block on Climate Change Financing
Lead organizer:
Honduras
Room:
T-8
This event launches ?International Partnership for Climate Finance Effectiveness (tbc)?. This partnership is composed of 25 countries and institutions to promote knowledge and experience sharing on effective management of climate finance at the country level, drawing on lessons learnt from the management of development aid.
17:30 - 19:00
Tools for Data Collection and Mapping: the Ground to the Cloud Story
Google Earth Outreach
Google Earth Outreach
17:30 - 19:00
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Tools for Data Collection and Mapping: the Ground to the Cloud Story
Lead organizer:
Google Earth Outreach
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
As the public demands economic accountability and sustainability, organizations need tools that help scale their work, make their data more accessible, and increase transparency around their work. The Rio+20 agenda recognizes that it is ?essential to work towards universal access to information and communications technologies.? This side event features key organizations at the forefront of the application of these technologies, working on the ground to develop means to enable citizens, businesses and governments to harness the power of the cloud.
Discover free, open source or software grants for tools that allow for managing, analyzing, cartographically styling, sharing and hosting the data in the cloud infrastructure. Learn about the latest technologies that enable better governance through transparency, accessibility of information and scalability of technologies. Learn how maps can change the world.
Discover free, open source or software grants for tools that allow for managing, analyzing, cartographically styling, sharing and hosting the data in the cloud infrastructure. Learn about the latest technologies that enable better governance through transparency, accessibility of information and scalability of technologies. Learn how maps can change the world.
17:30 - 19:00
Indigenous Peoples' and Community ConservIndigenous Peoples' and Community Conserved Territories and Areas (ICCAs): a force against destructive development and for the "buen vivir"
Lead organizer:
ICCA Consortium
Room:
T-4
This side event, organized by the ICCA Consortium, IUCN CEESP, GEF-SGP and the Equator Initiative, will provide space to discuss Indigenous Peoples' and Community Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCAs), i.e. those "natural and modified ecosystems that contain significant biodiversity values, ecological values and cultural values and are voluntarily conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities through customary laws or other effective means" (IUCN, 2004). This conservation practice, intertwined with local livelihoods and the spiritual and material values of local cultures, is the oldest on earth. Today, it remains one of the staunchest to hold the fort of bio-cultural diversity against the destructive powers of "development", extractive industries, land grabbing, large infrastructures, loss of culture and values. The incorporation of ICCAs in the Programme of Work on Protected Areas of the CBD is managing only too slowly to provide some substantial protection against the variety of destructive forces and threats affecting them.
ICCAs are found everywhere in the world, span all types of ecosystems and are the oldest form of conservation (i.e., preservation, sustainable use and restoration) known on earth. As successful examples of collective decision-making about nature they closely relate to peoples' culture and identity. They conserve nature but also secure livelihoods, in unique ways for unique contexts. They embody the capacity of communities to adapt in the face of change (resilience) and prevent natural disasters. And they are an occasion of empowerment for indigenous peoples and local/ rural communities and pride for their youth. Despite all this, ICCAs are today under serious jeopardy by the powers of "development" inexorably at play in every corner of the planet. While in some cases such power are fully accepted by indigenous peoples and local communities their penetration is likely to succeed even when they are fiercely resisted. Only strong and determined communities endowed with integrity and luck appear to manage their own paths towards the "buen vivir" - their own self-defined "human development" agenda where ICCAs are often found as essential components.
In the first part of our side event, a series of case examples will exemplify the statements just made. In the second part, a panel will provide insights into some of well advanced local, national and international initiatives currently "recognizing" and supporting ICCAs across the globe with proven benefits for the conservation of nature, human development, the upholding of human and indigenous peoples' rights and the prevention of natural disasters. Lessons learned and proposals for global, national and local action will be spelled out and discussed with the audience.
ICCAs are found everywhere in the world, span all types of ecosystems and are the oldest form of conservation (i.e., preservation, sustainable use and restoration) known on earth. As successful examples of collective decision-making about nature they closely relate to peoples' culture and identity. They conserve nature but also secure livelihoods, in unique ways for unique contexts. They embody the capacity of communities to adapt in the face of change (resilience) and prevent natural disasters. And they are an occasion of empowerment for indigenous peoples and local/ rural communities and pride for their youth. Despite all this, ICCAs are today under serious jeopardy by the powers of "development" inexorably at play in every corner of the planet. While in some cases such power are fully accepted by indigenous peoples and local communities their penetration is likely to succeed even when they are fiercely resisted. Only strong and determined communities endowed with integrity and luck appear to manage their own paths towards the "buen vivir" - their own self-defined "human development" agenda where ICCAs are often found as essential components.
In the first part of our side event, a series of case examples will exemplify the statements just made. In the second part, a panel will provide insights into some of well advanced local, national and international initiatives currently "recognizing" and supporting ICCAs across the globe with proven benefits for the conservation of nature, human development, the upholding of human and indigenous peoples' rights and the prevention of natural disasters. Lessons learned and proposals for global, national and local action will be spelled out and discussed with the audience.
17:30 - 19:00
The Global Energy Assessment - the science to transform energy systems
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
The Global Energy Assessment - the science to transform energy systems
Lead organizer:
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Room:
T-6
A revolutionary new approach to the development and delivery of energy services is essential if economic prosperity, human and social development, and environmental protection goals are to be achieved. Reducing energy deprivation, Increasng access to clean energy, decarbonising energy systems through increasing use of renewables are key goals of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative. Additionally, achievement of the many of the UN Millennium Development Goals will only be possible when global energy challenges are confronted. Following introductions and overviews by UNIDO and the UN Foundation IIASA scientists will outline their contributions to the Global Energy Assessment (GEA), the first ever fully integrated study of the global energy system. Presenters will describe a range of energy futures that offer viable, cost-effective, sustainable pathways for resolving some of the abovementioned issues. The findings, offer policy makers, at all levels, invaluable new knowledge to inform transformational changes to the global energy system with its multiple benefits.
17:30 - 19:00
Complex Institutional Frameworks for Sustainability
Lead organizer:
Yale School
Room:
T-3
Leading scholars and practitioners from Yale, CISDL, IUFRO, RECOFTC, and WRI discuss the role of complex institutional frameworks in the global pursuit of sustainability. Complex institutional frameworks bring together multiple institutions, actors, and processes in a manner that cuts across public and private authority, national borders, and policy sectors. Speakers will discuss innovations for managing conflicts and promoting coherence within such frameworks, drawing on case studies focusing on non-state market-driven systems, public/private regimes, and legality verification schemes. Due to its economic, environmental, and social dimensions, processes, and stakeholders, the transnational governance of forestry will serve as a cross-cutting illustration of the challenges and opportunities of complex governance, emphasizing its role in sustainability, development, and human rights. This side-event will not only aim to identify best practices for managing governance complexity in sustainable development, but will also feature the launch of an innovative research agenda and partnership on these issues.
17:30 - 19:00
The economy of climate change and international negotiations
The Planetworkshops
The Planetworkshops
The economy of climate change and international negotiations
Lead organizer:
The Planetworkshops
Room:
P3-6
The Planetworkshops wish to organize a side event dedicated to the question of climate change. As a matter of fact, the fight against global warming is an essential stake to preserve our environment and our ways of life. This question is part of the main sustainable developments stakes.
In this prospect, we want to organize two debates, based on the works of the ?climate negotiations? Planetworkshops? Working Commission, which gathers a large spectrum of actors involved in sustainable development: government officials, leaders of NGOs and associations, business managers, experts, researchers, students, etc.
In this prospect, we want to organize two debates, based on the works of the ?climate negotiations? Planetworkshops? Working Commission, which gathers a large spectrum of actors involved in sustainable development: government officials, leaders of NGOs and associations, business managers, experts, researchers, students, etc.
17:30 - 19:00
Towards and beyond Rio+20: Delivering Sustainable Development at the Regional Level
Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC)
Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC)
Towards and beyond Rio+20: Delivering Sustainable Development at the Regional Level
Lead organizer:
Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC)
Room:
T-9
Visualizing commitments and identifying opportunities at regional level
This side event aims to interconnect high political representatives/managers of regional organizations, agencies and other regional mechanism working in the field of sustainable development. The complex and ambitious roadmap towards Rio+20 requires not only strong political will from parties but also an inclusive process where all stakeholders are offered the possibility to interact and commit according to their respective mandate, field of expertise, interest and capacities.
The Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development requires commitments and action at all levels and in this respect it is essential to analyse the contribution of regional organizations, mechanisms and IGO´s operating at regional level outside the UN system. Based on their mandate and area of expertise, this interactive round table should identify concrete opportunities and synergies for potential cooperation within their respective regions and across regions.
This side event aims to interconnect high political representatives/managers of regional organizations, agencies and other regional mechanism working in the field of sustainable development. The complex and ambitious roadmap towards Rio+20 requires not only strong political will from parties but also an inclusive process where all stakeholders are offered the possibility to interact and commit according to their respective mandate, field of expertise, interest and capacities.
The Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development requires commitments and action at all levels and in this respect it is essential to analyse the contribution of regional organizations, mechanisms and IGO´s operating at regional level outside the UN system. Based on their mandate and area of expertise, this interactive round table should identify concrete opportunities and synergies for potential cooperation within their respective regions and across regions.
17:30 - 19:00
Sustainable Development: Juggling Gender Justice in the Three Pillars
Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN)
Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN)
Sustainable Development: Juggling Gender Justice in the Three Pillars
Lead organizer:
Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN)
Room:
T-10
This side event is aimed at addressing developing country challenges in balancing the three dimensions of sustainable from a gender perspective. Panelists from G77 governments and international institutions will speak to a range of experiences in integrating these three dimensions into policies and programs. Discussions will also address contentious issues in the Rio+20 negotiations and provide concrete inputs toward shaping the post-MDG sustainable development framework.
19:30 - 21:00
Mediterranean Forests for Development: a key for adapting policies, territories and societies to climate change in the Middle East North African region
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Mediterranean Forests for Development: a key for adapting policies, territories and societies to climate change in the Middle East North African region
Lead organizer:
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
Room:
T-9
The side event will highlight the contribution of MENA forest ecosystems to societies in the MENA region, especially in regard to climate change. The initiatives of the forest administrations involved in the Collaborative Partnership on Mediterranean Forests (CPMF) which promote the sustainable management of forests with a view to improving the resilience of MENA territories and societies to Climate Change will be presented and discussed with participants.
The side-event will comprise three parts:
? Short presentations on:
o the regional cooperation between forest administrations of the MENA region promoting the sustainable management of forests ;
o the role of forest ecosystems? goods and services in climate change adaptation and innovative initiatives from the forest administrations in the MENA region ;
o the contribution of the MENA forest sector to the Rio+20 outcomes and recommendations.
? Round-table with representatives of the forest administrations
? Poster exhibition in the side event room
The side-event will comprise three parts:
? Short presentations on:
o the regional cooperation between forest administrations of the MENA region promoting the sustainable management of forests ;
o the role of forest ecosystems? goods and services in climate change adaptation and innovative initiatives from the forest administrations in the MENA region ;
o the contribution of the MENA forest sector to the Rio+20 outcomes and recommendations.
? Round-table with representatives of the forest administrations
? Poster exhibition in the side event room
19:30 - 21:00
Aiming higher, unlocking tertiary education's potential for SD
Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS)
Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS)
Aiming higher, unlocking tertiary education's potential for SD
Lead organizer:
Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS)
Room:
T-8
Aiming higher, unlocking tertiary education's potential to accelerate sustainable development and the transition to a fair and green economy
Tertiary education plays a critical role in shaping the future, as political, business and civil society leaders are likely to be university graduates and will prepare the skilled workforce needed for a green economy. This event will emphasise the important role tertiary education plays in realising sustainable development and the transition to a green economy. Hosted by a collaborative of tertiary education sustainability organisations, in collaboration with numerous governments, we will answer:
? How can governments, NGOs, businesses and tertiary education instigate the necessary shift towards sustainable development and the transition to a Green Economy?
? How do we unlock the potential of tertiary education sector to transform society?
? What role should tertiary education play in creating and participating in the institutional framework for sustainable development?
? What funding and support mechanisms will need to be provided to ensure the success of tertiary education in sustainable development efforts?
Tertiary education plays a critical role in shaping the future, as political, business and civil society leaders are likely to be university graduates and will prepare the skilled workforce needed for a green economy. This event will emphasise the important role tertiary education plays in realising sustainable development and the transition to a green economy. Hosted by a collaborative of tertiary education sustainability organisations, in collaboration with numerous governments, we will answer:
? How can governments, NGOs, businesses and tertiary education instigate the necessary shift towards sustainable development and the transition to a Green Economy?
? How do we unlock the potential of tertiary education sector to transform society?
? What role should tertiary education play in creating and participating in the institutional framework for sustainable development?
? What funding and support mechanisms will need to be provided to ensure the success of tertiary education in sustainable development efforts?
19:30 - 21:00
Green Growth? The Future They Want!
Korean Federation for Environmental Movement (KFEM)
Korean Federation for Environmental Movement (KFEM)
Green Growth? The Future They Want!
Lead organizer:
Korean Federation for Environmental Movement (KFEM)
Room:
T-10
1. Since it was announced by President Lee Myung-Bak at a national address on the 60th anniversary of the Republic of Korea on 15 August 2008, ?Low Carbon, Green Growth? has become a new national vision to guide the Korea?s long-term sustainable development. In line with the new vision, the Korean Government announced a Five-Year Plan for Green Growth in 2009 to serve as a medium-term plan for implementing the National Strategy for Green Growth over the period 2009-2013. Recognizing the Korea?s leadership, UNEP praised South Korea?s commitment to a green economic future in its report in April 2010. However, while Korea?s Green Growth initiative could be a good benchmark for other countries coming to Rio+20 to develop their own national model towards achieving a green economy, they could also learn from the critical lessons derived from the Korea?s experience. There have been a number of criticisms among Korean civil society against the governance process of the Green Growth and its emphasis on the expansion of nuclear power and the construction industry.
In this context, the Rio+20 Committee of Korean Civil Society, composed of more than twenty Korean civil society organizations in the fields of environment, sustainable energy, forest protection, human rights, gender equality, international development cooperation and etc., are pleased to invite Rio+20 participants from all over the world to the above side event. We seeks to provide a strategic knowledge platform to discuss a range of issues that people of the world need to be aware of when they pursue a green economy. In addition, considering the important role of cities in sustainable energy planning toward achieving a green economy, a case study of Seoul will be shared with participants as a benchmark initiative at the local government level in the Post-Fukushima era.
In this context, the Rio+20 Committee of Korean Civil Society, composed of more than twenty Korean civil society organizations in the fields of environment, sustainable energy, forest protection, human rights, gender equality, international development cooperation and etc., are pleased to invite Rio+20 participants from all over the world to the above side event. We seeks to provide a strategic knowledge platform to discuss a range of issues that people of the world need to be aware of when they pursue a green economy. In addition, considering the important role of cities in sustainable energy planning toward achieving a green economy, a case study of Seoul will be shared with participants as a benchmark initiative at the local government level in the Post-Fukushima era.
19:30 - 21:00
IFSD put into Practice: Setting up a Sustainable Development Council
Global Issues Division of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
Global Issues Division of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
IFSD put into Practice: Setting up a Sustainable Development Council
Lead organizer:
Global Issues Division of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
Room:
T-5
At the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD), the UN institutions that deal with sustainable development are to be restructured. This offers a unique opportunity to implement long overdue reforms. The proposed reforms should follow the objective to improve the visibility and key priority of sustainable development in the UN system. An important building block towards these reforms might be the establishment of a Sustainable Development Council (SDC), replacing the politically weak UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD). The UNCSD outcome document should recommend that the UN General Assembly decides to adopt a resolution establishing such a council as its subsidiary organ. Moreover, the new council's mandate, membership, and institutional design need to be negotiated. The proposed side event will tackle these questions, including ideas for effective decision-making structures, enhanced participation, a peer review mechanism, innovative financing mechanisms etc.
19:30 - 21:00
Buen Vivir and Human Rights in the Face of REDD+
Indian Law Resource Center
Indian Law Resource Center
Buen Vivir and Human Rights in the Face of REDD+
Lead organizer:
Indian Law Resource Center
Room:
P3-2
Climate change is a critical issue for indigenous peoples. While effective solutions to the climate crisis are desperately needed, many popular strategies, like REDD+, actually threaten indigenous peoples? rights and livelihoods. This event will explore two frameworks for ensuring that climate policies protect the rights of indigenous peoples. CAOI will present on Buen Vivir, the millenarian practice of indigenous peoples of living in harmony with nature, and how it can re-shape climate policies to support both sustainability and the rights and livelihoods of indigenous peoples. The Indian Law Resource Center will present on the human rights obligations of states and institutions, such as the World Bank and the UN-REDD Programme, engaged in REDD+ initiatives, and identify the minimum standards necessary for the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples impacted by REDD+ projects. The discussion will highlight shortcomings of existing climate solutions and propose distinct approaches for sustainable development.
19:30 - 21:00
Students Speak Up for the Polar Regions
Students on Ice Alumni Delegation
Students on Ice Alumni Delegation
Students Speak Up for the Polar Regions
Lead organizer:
Students on Ice Alumni Delegation
Room:
T-4
NEW TITLE: NAVIGATING TO POLAR SUSTAINABILITY: STUDENTS SPEAK UP FOR POLAR REGIONS
This event will bring together a diverse stakeholders including high-level officials, academia, NGO, youth and civil society. Limited seating is available.
Students Speak Up for the Polar Regions aims to educate international decision-makers on the emerging challenges of sustainable development in the polar regions. This event will feature speakers from the Students on Alumni Delegation (www.soidelegation.com). Members of this international youth delegation are united by the rare privilege of having visited the Arctic and Antarctica.
In the first part of the event, delegates will share their first-hand experiences of visiting the poles to explore the importance of these regions to the global environment. Nine key sustainable development challenges facing the polar regions will be addressed, and implementable solutions will be highlighted. Ultimately, the connection between polar regions and Rio+20 will be made, clearly answering how Rio+20 can address polar challenges.
The second half of the side event is a multi-stakeholder panel on "Polar Sustainable Development: Required Leadership and Solutions for the Next Decade" with notable experts from polar science, policy, and governance. Panelists include:
Lawrence Hislop, Head of Polar Unit at GRID-Arendal
Ambassador Ronald Jumeau, Permanent Representative of the Seychelles to the United Nations
Dmitry Berezhkov, Vice-President of RAIPON (Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and Far East)
Dr. Erli Schneider Costa, Antarctic Researcher, Association of Polar Early Career Scientists Brazil
This event aims to catalyze national delegations and civil society to commit to the sustainable development and protection of the Arctic and Antarctica.
This event will bring together a diverse stakeholders including high-level officials, academia, NGO, youth and civil society. Limited seating is available.
Students Speak Up for the Polar Regions aims to educate international decision-makers on the emerging challenges of sustainable development in the polar regions. This event will feature speakers from the Students on Alumni Delegation (www.soidelegation.com). Members of this international youth delegation are united by the rare privilege of having visited the Arctic and Antarctica.
In the first part of the event, delegates will share their first-hand experiences of visiting the poles to explore the importance of these regions to the global environment. Nine key sustainable development challenges facing the polar regions will be addressed, and implementable solutions will be highlighted. Ultimately, the connection between polar regions and Rio+20 will be made, clearly answering how Rio+20 can address polar challenges.
The second half of the side event is a multi-stakeholder panel on "Polar Sustainable Development: Required Leadership and Solutions for the Next Decade" with notable experts from polar science, policy, and governance. Panelists include:
Lawrence Hislop, Head of Polar Unit at GRID-Arendal
Ambassador Ronald Jumeau, Permanent Representative of the Seychelles to the United Nations
Dmitry Berezhkov, Vice-President of RAIPON (Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, Siberia, and Far East)
Dr. Erli Schneider Costa, Antarctic Researcher, Association of Polar Early Career Scientists Brazil
This event aims to catalyze national delegations and civil society to commit to the sustainable development and protection of the Arctic and Antarctica.
19:30 - 21:00
Voices from Fukushima: Sharing Lessons for Global Sustainability
Lead organizer:
Peace Boat
Room:
T-2
The Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant that occurred on March 11, 2011 have had dramatic impact around the world. More than a year has passed since this massive disaster, but the nuclear power plant remains unstable. Workers continue to work in life-threatening conditions, while many people including children are forced to suffer from prolonged radiation exposure, unable to evacuate due to lack of support from the government. Despite such severe situations, the government of Japan has been eagerly trying to restart other nuclear plants within the country that have been stopped for regular checks.
This event aims to deliver the direct voices of the people of Fukushima, providing the participants with opportunities to not only learn the reality of what is currently happening in Japan, but also to think of what it takes to build a sustainable future.
This event aims to deliver the direct voices of the people of Fukushima, providing the participants with opportunities to not only learn the reality of what is currently happening in Japan, but also to think of what it takes to build a sustainable future.
19:30 - 21:00
Low Carbon Strategies;Challenge or Opportunity for Developing Countrie
Social Service Agency of the Protestant Church
Social Service Agency of the Protestant Church
Low Carbon Strategies;Challenge or Opportunity for Developing Countrie
Lead organizer:
Social Service Agency of the Protestant Church
Room:
P3-6
"Brot für die Welt" ("Bread for the World") is part of the Social Service Agency of the Protestant Church in Germany and active on their behalf in the field of development cooperation. ?Brot für die Welt? supports the poor in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe in their attempts to lead a dignified life. We work jointly with local churches and partner organisations on over 1,000 projects in the main areas of food security, education and health, the struggle against HIV/Aids and the promotion of a culture of peace. ?Brot für die Welt? regards itself as the advocate of disadvantaged people in the countries of the Southern hemisphere and as such promotes global transformation as an indispensable means to achieve justice for the poor.
19:30 - 21:00
Sustainable Development and Indigenous Peoples Rights
Society for Threatened Peoples - Switzerland
Society for Threatened Peoples - Switzerland
Sustainable Development and Indigenous Peoples Rights
Lead organizer:
Society for Threatened Peoples - Switzerland
Room:
T-6
The Society for Threatened Peoples International is active in the field of indigenous peoples' rights. Together with 3 major actors in this field in Latin America, we want shed a light on the interrelationship between sustainable development and indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples are considered most vulnerable to any changes in their physical environment due to their close linkage with nature. As a consequence, they have to be heard, their experience has to be shared, and their interests and needs duely considered in any global debate on sustainable development. The side-event will allow for exchanges between indigenous representatives, state representatives and other actors present at the Rio summit.
19:30 - 21:00
Scalable Solutions - Managing water for economies, communities and nature
Lead organizer:
WWF International
Room:
T-3
This session will highlight solutions to water, food, and energy challenges through six important elements of WWF?s Freshwater outreach with partners. All these sessions are designed to show how collaborative approaches are bringing new thinking, partnerships and action to help solve our shared water challenges. These integrated initiatives encompass a broad range of stakeholder engagement, including governments, at both local and national level, corporations, investors, development banks and local communities. This work touches on the central challenges of water security and the trade-offs with energy and food.
The six initiatives demonstrate positive and proactive contributions to solving water challenges and an ability to be magnified and replicated in other parts of the world, helping lay the foundations for a genuinely green economy.
The six initiatives demonstrate positive and proactive contributions to solving water challenges and an ability to be magnified and replicated in other parts of the world, helping lay the foundations for a genuinely green economy.
19:30 - 21:00
Reframing environmental negotiations to create opportunities
Tufts Institute of the Environment
Tufts Institute of the Environment
Reframing environmental negotiations to create opportunities
Lead organizer:
Tufts Institute of the Environment
Room:
T-7
From Burden Bearing to Opportunity Sharing: How reframing environmental negotiations can create opportunities for sustainable development
In order for the "Green Economy" strategy to achieve sustainable social and environmental pillar goals, some new approaches will be required. Three examples are provided.
1. Reframe the climate treaty as a sustainable development treaty that supplies low-carbon energy services for all rather than continuing to focus on pollution control.
2. Utilize adaptation for climate and other global change as a means towards resilient sustainable development instead of considering it as a reactive response.
3. Health is an essential input into the social pillar of sustainable development. Utilizing the health and environmental indicators from WHO can ensure that meaningful social goals are achieved in the development process.
In order for the "Green Economy" strategy to achieve sustainable social and environmental pillar goals, some new approaches will be required. Three examples are provided.
1. Reframe the climate treaty as a sustainable development treaty that supplies low-carbon energy services for all rather than continuing to focus on pollution control.
2. Utilize adaptation for climate and other global change as a means towards resilient sustainable development instead of considering it as a reactive response.
3. Health is an essential input into the social pillar of sustainable development. Utilizing the health and environmental indicators from WHO can ensure that meaningful social goals are achieved in the development process.
19:30 - 21:00
Wind Power and Climate Change: Sustainable Development in Brazil
Junior Chamber International (JCI)
Junior Chamber International (JCI)
Wind Power and Climate Change: Sustainable Development in Brazil
Lead organizer:
Junior Chamber International (JCI)
Room:
T-11
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this project is to inform about the benefits Wind Energy can bring to the humanity within the next years and about its positive influence on the planet?s climate change.
The power sector is far from being the only culprit when it comes to climate change, it is the largest single source of emissions, accounting for about 40% of CO2 emissions, and about 25% of overall emissions. The options for making major emissions reductions in the power sector between now and 2020 are basically three: energy efficiency and conservation; fuel switching from coal to gas; and renewable energy, primarily Wind Power.
JCI and Farias Brito College decided to study the Wind Power benefits and its direct influence on Earth?s climate change due to the fact Eolic Energy is the most popular source of energy in Ceará, northeast of Brazil, were Farias Brito College is situated at.
The aim of this project is to inform about the benefits Wind Energy can bring to the humanity within the next years and about its positive influence on the planet?s climate change.
The power sector is far from being the only culprit when it comes to climate change, it is the largest single source of emissions, accounting for about 40% of CO2 emissions, and about 25% of overall emissions. The options for making major emissions reductions in the power sector between now and 2020 are basically three: energy efficiency and conservation; fuel switching from coal to gas; and renewable energy, primarily Wind Power.
JCI and Farias Brito College decided to study the Wind Power benefits and its direct influence on Earth?s climate change due to the fact Eolic Energy is the most popular source of energy in Ceará, northeast of Brazil, were Farias Brito College is situated at.
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
09:30 - 11:00
WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTITUTION: TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
International Institute-Association of Regional Ecological Problems
International Institute-Association of Regional Ecological Problems
WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTITUTION: TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Lead organizer:
International Institute-Association of Regional Ecological Problems
Room:
T-10
To break through to a sustainable future, scientists from post-Chernobyl Ukraine, supported by their American, British and Belgian colleagues, urge development of the World Environmental Constitution (WEC). The WEC should be comprised of two indissoluble parts:
a) definitive ? a global legal act prescribing basic norms for environmental safety and stimulation of a green economy for sustainability;
b) institutional ? to fulfill the WEC mandate, a global system of environmental governance under the umbrella of the World Environmental Organization (WEO).
The idea of a WEC is as old as Rio-92. First declared by scientists in April 1992, it has been repeatedly emphasized by Ukraine at UNGA sessions since 1997. Simultaneously, WEO establishment has been promoted by Brazil, France, Germany and other states.
Without such a breakthrough, any political commitments on Rio+20 Summit, even reaffirmation of Rio-92 principles, will not provide desirable results.
a) definitive ? a global legal act prescribing basic norms for environmental safety and stimulation of a green economy for sustainability;
b) institutional ? to fulfill the WEC mandate, a global system of environmental governance under the umbrella of the World Environmental Organization (WEO).
The idea of a WEC is as old as Rio-92. First declared by scientists in April 1992, it has been repeatedly emphasized by Ukraine at UNGA sessions since 1997. Simultaneously, WEO establishment has been promoted by Brazil, France, Germany and other states.
Without such a breakthrough, any political commitments on Rio+20 Summit, even reaffirmation of Rio-92 principles, will not provide desirable results.
09:30 - 21:00
Energy Day
UN Energy
UN Energy
Energy Day
Lead organizer:
UN Energy
Room:
P3-1
The Rio+20 Energy Day is organized by UN-Energy in cooperation with the Secretary-General’s High-level Group on Sustainable Energy for All. UN-Energy is the United Nations’ mechanism for inter-agency collaboration in the field of energy. The Sustainable Energy for All initiative, and the subsequent High-level Group, was launched in 2011 by the Secretary-General to generate collective and global action towards three ambitious objectives on energy access, energy efficiency and renewables by 2030.
Featuring a diverse selection of international renowned academics, policy makers, business leaders and civil society representatives, the 12 interactive sessions will examine the important synergies arising from this unique multi-stakeholder approach, with a special emphasis on generating action oriented solutions for the future. For more information, please go to www.sustainableenergyforall.org
Featuring a diverse selection of international renowned academics, policy makers, business leaders and civil society representatives, the 12 interactive sessions will examine the important synergies arising from this unique multi-stakeholder approach, with a special emphasis on generating action oriented solutions for the future. For more information, please go to www.sustainableenergyforall.org
09:30 - 18:30
Leaders' Forum on the Future Women Want: Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment for Sustainable Development
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
Leaders' Forum on the Future Women Want: Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment for Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
Room:
T-2
UN Women, in collaboration with the Government of Brazil, is organizing the Leaders? Forum on the Future Women Want on 19 and 21 June 2012. On 19 June 2012, the multi-stakeholder Leaders? Forum on the Future Women Forum: Gender Equality and Women?s Empowerment for Sustainable Development will bring together leaders and experts from governments, the UN System, civil society organizations, academia and the private sector to discuss and reaffirm the centrality and the inter-linkages of gender equality and women?s empowerment with the three dimensions of sustainable development?social, economic and environmental. This event will be followed by the Women Leaders? Summit on the Future Women Want on 21 June 2012.
The event on is envisioned as an all-day event with Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women as the convener. Eminent leaders representing their governments, the United Nations, civil society organizations, including grassroots groups, the private sector and the academia will share their experiences and contribute to the visioning on the way forward in advancing gender equality and women?s empowerment in sustainable development.
Social media platforms will be utilized both to hear various voices from around the world to be shared to the participants as well as to disseminate to a broader audience the key messages emanating from the discussions.
The event on is envisioned as an all-day event with Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women as the convener. Eminent leaders representing their governments, the United Nations, civil society organizations, including grassroots groups, the private sector and the academia will share their experiences and contribute to the visioning on the way forward in advancing gender equality and women?s empowerment in sustainable development.
Social media platforms will be utilized both to hear various voices from around the world to be shared to the participants as well as to disseminate to a broader audience the key messages emanating from the discussions.
09:30 - 11:00
Energy for All and Global Sustainability: new scenarios and governance
Stockholm Environment Institute
Stockholm Environment Institute
Energy for All and Global Sustainability: new scenarios and governance
Lead organizer:
Stockholm Environment Institute
Room:
T-6
Presentation and panel discussion of the very latest new scenario work relating to energy for all in the context of global sustainability. The side event is centered around three just published global studies and will be followed by a panel discussion with a number of leading development thinkers globally who will reflect on implications in terms of sustainable development goals, including social, environmental and economic aspects, as well as the governance frameworks required from local to subnational levels to shape the future.
The work will feed directly into the discussions about how sustainable energy can be represented in the follow up of the Rio outcomes, including the work on formulating sustainable development goals. In particular, it will discuss how international goals of environmental and resource sustainability, efficiency and energy access can be reconciled and made coherent over the long term, and what types of governance and institutional frameworks will be required at the international level.
The work will feed directly into the discussions about how sustainable energy can be represented in the follow up of the Rio outcomes, including the work on formulating sustainable development goals. In particular, it will discuss how international goals of environmental and resource sustainability, efficiency and energy access can be reconciled and made coherent over the long term, and what types of governance and institutional frameworks will be required at the international level.
09:30 - 11:00
Innovation in Green Growth Technology for Developing Countries
The Brookings Institution
The Brookings Institution
Innovation in Green Growth Technology for Developing Countries
Lead organizer:
The Brookings Institution
Room:
T-3
The challenges of the 21st century require that developed and developing countries transform our approach to economic development. Central to this transformation is technological innovation, from basic research to commercialization, for environmental sustainability.
The vast majority of this innovation has occurred in less than a dozen developed countries ? leaving a real risk that Least Developed Countries could miss the opportunity to ?leap frog? their current developing pathways onto more environmentally sustainable trajectories.
How can international cooperation best support strengthening of research and development institutions in the developing world? Can innovative strategies bolster access to Intellectual Property? How can other models, like joint innovation centers, support Base of the Pyramid innovation?
While capacity building for green growth in BRIC countries has soared, there remains tremendous need for green growth innovation in LDCs. Please join us to discuss a proposal for a new architecture that could support exactly this type of innovation.
The vast majority of this innovation has occurred in less than a dozen developed countries ? leaving a real risk that Least Developed Countries could miss the opportunity to ?leap frog? their current developing pathways onto more environmentally sustainable trajectories.
How can international cooperation best support strengthening of research and development institutions in the developing world? Can innovative strategies bolster access to Intellectual Property? How can other models, like joint innovation centers, support Base of the Pyramid innovation?
While capacity building for green growth in BRIC countries has soared, there remains tremendous need for green growth innovation in LDCs. Please join us to discuss a proposal for a new architecture that could support exactly this type of innovation.
09:30 - 11:00
Sustainable Energy for All - implications and opportunities for Africa
Lead organizer:
Practical Action
Room:
T-4
The Sustainable Energy for All (SEfA) goals will have particular implications for sub-Saharan African countries, where 70% of people do not have access to electricity and 80% cook on wood or charcoal stoves. When many Africa countries aspire to become middle income or developed economies in the next two decades and many have large fossil fuel reserves, how can low-carbon sustainable goals be met without hindering economic objectives? How can peoples? total energy needs best be met and how can the wealth of renewable energy resources across Africa be better exploited to deliver access for all? Can Africa countries become leaders in sustainable energy?
This event brings together civil society, private sector and government to explore implications of SEFA for African nations and people. How can benefits be maximised? What initiatives and investment are needed to make it a reality?
This event brings together civil society, private sector and government to explore implications of SEFA for African nations and people. How can benefits be maximised? What initiatives and investment are needed to make it a reality?
09:30 - 13:00
UN-Water Day (part1)
UN-Water
UN-Water
UN-Water Day (part1)
Lead organizer:
UN-Water
Room:
P3-6
Recognizing progress, taking action for the future we want
(Please note that this is a full day event)
UN-Water is the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism for all freshwater related issues. Building on a long history of inter-agency coordination, UN-Water was established in 2003 to facilitate synergies and joint efforts among UN entities in the area of water. UN-Water seeks to: promote coherent actions of the UN System on water issues, especially at country level; contribute to the global policy debate on water issues; contribute to the knowledge base on water and serve as an entry point for water-related indicators, data and information; and identify emerging issues and provide a platform for strategic discussion on how to prepare for and cope with them more effectively.
The objectives of the Water Day are:
1. To demonstrate to the broad range of stakeholders, particularly decision makers, that some of the major challenges facing humanity today are water related.
2. To identify major water issues connecting with the themes of the Rio+20 Conference.
3. To focus on the means of implementation, particularly focusing on the action areas where the United Nations can act together through UN-Water.
The Water Day will bring the UN-Water contribution to the Rio+20 Conference, building on the UN-Water Statement for the Rio+20 Conference submitted to the Rio+20 Secretariat in November 2011 and on the UN-Water Deliverables for Rio+20 submitted in March 2012 through the United Nations High Level Committee on Programmes.
At the Water Day UN-Water will release its Report on Water Resources Management, specifically produced for Rio+20, and it will engage in high level panel discussions on the relevance of water in the Rio+20 outcomes and beyond, and on the role of the human right to water and to sanitation. Finally, 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation will be introduced, as a first concrete step to follow on the Rio+20 outcomes.
(Please note that this is a full day event)
UN-Water is the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism for all freshwater related issues. Building on a long history of inter-agency coordination, UN-Water was established in 2003 to facilitate synergies and joint efforts among UN entities in the area of water. UN-Water seeks to: promote coherent actions of the UN System on water issues, especially at country level; contribute to the global policy debate on water issues; contribute to the knowledge base on water and serve as an entry point for water-related indicators, data and information; and identify emerging issues and provide a platform for strategic discussion on how to prepare for and cope with them more effectively.
The objectives of the Water Day are:
1. To demonstrate to the broad range of stakeholders, particularly decision makers, that some of the major challenges facing humanity today are water related.
2. To identify major water issues connecting with the themes of the Rio+20 Conference.
3. To focus on the means of implementation, particularly focusing on the action areas where the United Nations can act together through UN-Water.
The Water Day will bring the UN-Water contribution to the Rio+20 Conference, building on the UN-Water Statement for the Rio+20 Conference submitted to the Rio+20 Secretariat in November 2011 and on the UN-Water Deliverables for Rio+20 submitted in March 2012 through the United Nations High Level Committee on Programmes.
At the Water Day UN-Water will release its Report on Water Resources Management, specifically produced for Rio+20, and it will engage in high level panel discussions on the relevance of water in the Rio+20 outcomes and beyond, and on the role of the human right to water and to sanitation. Finally, 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation will be introduced, as a first concrete step to follow on the Rio+20 outcomes.
09:30 - 11:00
The Power of One Child: youth and children leading the way
Earth Child Institute
Earth Child Institute
The Power of One Child: youth and children leading the way
Lead organizer:
Earth Child Institute
Room:
T-5
Educational approaches that child participation and empowerment are key components of the must be recognized to achieve the ?Future We Want.? Acknowledging the importance of environmental restoration and preservation to green development; necessitates the inclusion of children in a debate in which they are main stakeholders. With this in mind, the side-event, ?2.2 Billion, The Power of One Child: youth and children leading the way to the ?Future We Want? at Rio+20?, will consist of a panel of youth representatives from each partner organization, discussing recent progress in sustainable development, their own stories and perspectives on youth empowerment and environmental activism, underscoring action as we move forward from Rio+20. The roundtable will demonstrate true empowerment of children and young people that take action themselves and highlight the importance of policy-makers ensuring that children and youth activity- and action-based education is the essence of sustainable development.
09:30 - 11:00
Sustainable Intensification,Agroecology - Right to Food and Climate
International Alliance of Catholic Development Agencies
International Alliance of Catholic Development Agencies
Sustainable Intensification,Agroecology - Right to Food and Climate
Lead organizer:
International Alliance of Catholic Development Agencies
Room:
T-8
Among key issues under discussion at UNCSD are agriculture and climate change, sustainable intensification of food production, and appropriate technologies for sustainable agriculture. In light of the right to food, this side event will review what kind of climate-friendly intensification is needed, and what technologies and practices should be considered as appropriate.
Based on investigations and evidence, the panel will examine whether approaches promoted by stakeholders in the context of the green economy, such as no-tillage farming, low external input agriculture, and their inclusion in carbon markets, represent real solutions in view of human rights and climate criteria. The results of joint scientific research and projects will be presented, bringing new light to promising practices and policy measures to support their scale-up.
Based on investigations and evidence, the panel will examine whether approaches promoted by stakeholders in the context of the green economy, such as no-tillage farming, low external input agriculture, and their inclusion in carbon markets, represent real solutions in view of human rights and climate criteria. The results of joint scientific research and projects will be presented, bringing new light to promising practices and policy measures to support their scale-up.
09:30 - 11:00
Institutional arrangements for projects of PES in Lat. America & Brazil
Boticário Group Foundation
Boticário Group Foundation
Institutional arrangements for projects of PES in Lat. America & Brazil
Lead organizer:
Boticário Group Foundation
Room:
T-9
The purpose of this roundtable is to present an overview of the projects on Payment for Environmental Services (PES) in both Latin America and Brazil until the present day. An overview will be presented of this tool by representatives from the World Bank and the initiatives by the Boticário Group Foundation (Oasis Project) in partnership with government agencies (Minas Gerais State Attorney?s Office) and private social investment (Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation) will be highlighted as a model of PES involving several stakeholders which has succeeded since 2006.
09:30 - 11:00
You have never seen...so much green
Suriname
Suriname
You have never seen...so much green
Lead organizer:
Suriname
Room:
P3-E
Suriname will be presenting a Side Event in Rio on the above mentioned UN Conference, not only to impress the guests
but make sure that Suriname "brand" will be heard and seen all over with the aim of Funding for the Suriname Greening Process.
Aspect of the Side Event:
Presentation of the "Brand"
Presentation of the Greening Policy of Surinam
Presentation of the different cultures
Presentation of the Indigenous people
The effects of the "branding" to ensure poverty alleviation in the areas at the end.
but make sure that Suriname "brand" will be heard and seen all over with the aim of Funding for the Suriname Greening Process.
Aspect of the Side Event:
Presentation of the "Brand"
Presentation of the Greening Policy of Surinam
Presentation of the different cultures
Presentation of the Indigenous people
The effects of the "branding" to ensure poverty alleviation in the areas at the end.
10:00 - 11:30
Low Carbon High Resilience Infrastructure for Sustainable Development
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Low Carbon High Resilience Infrastructure for Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Room:
P3-3
Sustainable development integrates social, economic and environmental dimensions of development. Physical infrastructure serves all three dimensions. Solid and properly maintained infrastructure helps communities and nations ensure human well-being while preserving their environment. Climate change is the 21st century?s preeminent threat to sustainable development. Rural and urban communities lose livelihoods and homes, suffer physical damages and health problems and may need to relocate. Governments and communities are often forced to repeatedly commit limited resources to rebuilding vital infrastructure for transport, energy, education, and sanitation and health services.
Based on its mandate (GA resolution A/RES/65/176) in procurement, civil works and physical infrastructure development, UNOPS primary contribution to sustainable development is made by supporting countries and their communities in their efforts to design and build high quality, low carbon emission infrastructure and protect these precious investments against climate risks.
The main purpose of the side event will be to launch new initiatives and partnerships in these areas.
Based on its mandate (GA resolution A/RES/65/176) in procurement, civil works and physical infrastructure development, UNOPS primary contribution to sustainable development is made by supporting countries and their communities in their efforts to design and build high quality, low carbon emission infrastructure and protect these precious investments against climate risks.
The main purpose of the side event will be to launch new initiatives and partnerships in these areas.
10:00 - 11:30
Tackling displacement by natural disasters in the sustainable development
Norwegian Refugee Council
Norwegian Refugee Council
Tackling displacement by natural disasters in the sustainable development
Lead organizer:
Norwegian Refugee Council
Room:
P3-4
Each year, millions of people are forced from their homes and places of livelihood by the impact of disasters associated with natural hazards. Development gains may be wiped out in a moment or eroded if communities are not resilient and prepared. Disaster-induced displacement undermines sustainable development and inhibits a community’s ability to recover by depriving it of its most important resource: its people. Rio+20 provides an opportunity to address the challenge of disaster-related displacement as part of renewed political and operational commitments to sustainable development.
With climate change, the frequency and intensity of weather and climate-related disasters is expected to increase. The governments of affected countries, together with civil society and international actors, are challenged to respond and adapt. The achievement of sustainable development goals requires strengthened policy and operational responses to address the displacement risks and related protection concerns for especially the poorest people, and durable solutions for displaced persons as integral to development efforts.
With climate change, the frequency and intensity of weather and climate-related disasters is expected to increase. The governments of affected countries, together with civil society and international actors, are challenged to respond and adapt. The achievement of sustainable development goals requires strengthened policy and operational responses to address the displacement risks and related protection concerns for especially the poorest people, and durable solutions for displaced persons as integral to development efforts.
11:00 - 12:30
Motorcycle Safety al Rio + 20
Ecuadorian Motorcyclists Association
Ecuadorian Motorcyclists Association
11:00 - 12:30
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Motorcycle Safety al Rio + 20
Lead organizer:
Ecuadorian Motorcyclists Association
Room:
UN5 (Barra Arena)
The Motorcycle Road Safety Plan was born inspired on the United Nations and World Health Organization, Decade of Action for Global Road Safety. It is indispensable to reduce the incredibly high rate of accidents, mortality and permanent injuries, that motorcycle transportation generates every year in Latin America.
11:30 - 13:00
Addressing Desertification and Land Degradation in LDC, LLDCs and SIDs
Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS)
Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS)
Addressing Desertification and Land Degradation in LDC, LLDCs and SIDs
Lead organizer:
Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS)
Room:
T-10
The side-event will focus on LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS. The proposed theme will provide a platform to highlight and reaffirm the vulnerabilities faced by all three groups in the area of desertification and land degradation. The theme lends itself to discussions that involves the environment, economic and social aspects of the topic under consideration that will include, agriculture, water and food security issues and related issues that are vital to all three groups of countries. The side-event will also highlight the need for capacity-building and transfer of technologies to enable these three groups of countries combat desertification, land degradation, food insecurity and water related issues.
11:30 - 13:00
Building Resilience for Sustainable Development in the OIC Member Coun
Organization of Islamic Cooperation
Organization of Islamic Cooperation
Building Resilience for Sustainable Development in the OIC Member Coun
Lead organizer:
Organization of Islamic Cooperation
Room:
T-3
Full title of the side event:
This side event will focus on one of the seven critical topics on the agenda of the Rio Conference- Disasters- with the aim of generating higher level of awareness among policy makers and experts in the OIC member countries with regard to the need for a comprehensive disaster risk management strategy as an integral part of their overall national development strategy. The majority of the population in the 57 member countries is extensively prone to natural disasters due to extensive exposure to natural hazards and other vulnerabilities. This session will bring together the representatives of governments, international organizations, and civil societies with the aim of mobilizing actions on the part of OIC member countries, and initiating the necessary exchange of knowledge and best practices to improve upon existing national capacities for building resilience to natural disasters.
This side event will focus on one of the seven critical topics on the agenda of the Rio Conference- Disasters- with the aim of generating higher level of awareness among policy makers and experts in the OIC member countries with regard to the need for a comprehensive disaster risk management strategy as an integral part of their overall national development strategy. The majority of the population in the 57 member countries is extensively prone to natural disasters due to extensive exposure to natural hazards and other vulnerabilities. This session will bring together the representatives of governments, international organizations, and civil societies with the aim of mobilizing actions on the part of OIC member countries, and initiating the necessary exchange of knowledge and best practices to improve upon existing national capacities for building resilience to natural disasters.
11:30 - 13:00
Glaciers and Sustainability in the Anthropocen
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
Glaciers and Sustainability in the Anthropocen
Lead organizer:
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
Room:
T-5
Climate change as recognized widely is the acceleration of glacier melt around the world, particularly in the Himalayas and the Andes regions. Anthropogenic activity, tied to global trends to increase productive output is further impacting our glacier resources, critical both as regulators of water basins as well as for long term water storage, particularly during especially hot and dry years. This workshop will look specifically at work underway in the Latin America region to protect environmentally vulnerable glacier resources, seeking a balanced approach to economic activities such as mining and other large infrastructure occurring in high mountain areas. Some areas to be covered include legislation development to protect glaciers, public policy needs and opportunities relevant to glacier protection and existing industrial activity (including mining), an international protocol under development for Mining in Glacier Territory, the need to educate communities about glaciers and the role they play in our ecosystems.
11:30 - 13:00
Sustainable Development Under Occupation: Achievements and Challenges
Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine
Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine
Sustainable Development Under Occupation: Achievements and Challenges
Lead organizer:
Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine
Room:
T-6
The representative of the president of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas to the UNCSD RIO+20, H.E. Dr. Riad Malki, Minister of Foreign Affairs will open the side event to outline the Palestinian vision to achieve sustainable economic growth and development while being subjected to the ongoing Israeli occupation. The session will be based on the 2nd Palestinian sustainable development report titled ?Sustainable Development under Occupation: Achievements and Challenges?.
11:30 - 13:00
The Forest Green Economy and South-South Cooperation
WWF International
WWF International
The Forest Green Economy and South-South Cooperation
Lead organizer:
WWF International
Room:
P3-E
Green Economy principles of valuing and investing in natural capital and people, reforming high impact sectors to address sustainability, driving investment and financial flows towards pro-environment and pro-people growth and improving governance and forging partnership are key to ensure the transition to a successful equitable and balance growth.
States of Acre in Brazil and Sabah in Malaysia are examples of important growth area in Latin America and Asia that are transitioning towards a green economic development pathways. The vision that guides this growth and the challenges in transforming its high impact sector, opportunities through adopting a credible and sustainable growth in the forest sector and partnership with NGO and private sector are some means by which changes are taking place. Heads of state will share their experiences and other partners will be contributing to the discussion on how to further transition these economies and how partners can play a role.
States of Acre in Brazil and Sabah in Malaysia are examples of important growth area in Latin America and Asia that are transitioning towards a green economic development pathways. The vision that guides this growth and the challenges in transforming its high impact sector, opportunities through adopting a credible and sustainable growth in the forest sector and partnership with NGO and private sector are some means by which changes are taking place. Heads of state will share their experiences and other partners will be contributing to the discussion on how to further transition these economies and how partners can play a role.
11:30 - 13:00
CLIMATE CHANGE DISASTERS-THE ROLE OF THE GLOBAL FIRST RESPONDERS in RR
Nurses Across the Borders Nigeria and SeaTrust Institute USA
Nurses Across the Borders Nigeria and SeaTrust Institute USA
CLIMATE CHANGE DISASTERS-THE ROLE OF THE GLOBAL FIRST RESPONDERS in RR
Lead organizer:
Nurses Across the Borders Nigeria and SeaTrust Institute USA
Room:
T-8
Nurses across the Borders (NAB), SeaTrust Institute and Africa Environmental Network proposed to highlight partnership with the UNISDR and other DRR specialists to demonstrate the symbiotic qualities of directly incorporating human health and first responder?s capacity building into DRR in a new way that delivers outcomes that help countries achieve their MDGs and deliverables for the Hyogo Framework for Action.
At the heart of the collaborative strategy being showcased in this side event is multi-criteria vulnerability identification and intersectoral integration of knowledge, programs, finance and other resources to build resilience to climate related disasters. Responding to the COP 17 Durban by actively engaging health care professionals as FIRST RESPONDERS in disaster risk planning and action addresses many of the MDGs that developing countries are struggling to achieve. Represents a tangible intervention strategy to climate change disasters at a local level, while integrating with the multilateral processes that support local action.
At the heart of the collaborative strategy being showcased in this side event is multi-criteria vulnerability identification and intersectoral integration of knowledge, programs, finance and other resources to build resilience to climate related disasters. Responding to the COP 17 Durban by actively engaging health care professionals as FIRST RESPONDERS in disaster risk planning and action addresses many of the MDGs that developing countries are struggling to achieve. Represents a tangible intervention strategy to climate change disasters at a local level, while integrating with the multilateral processes that support local action.
11:30 - 13:00
Zero Waste Strategies and Actions towards Sustainable Cities
International Solid Waste Association
International Solid Waste Association
Zero Waste Strategies and Actions towards Sustainable Cities
Lead organizer:
International Solid Waste Association
Room:
T-4
About the event:
The rapid increase in volume and diversification of solid waste generated mainly as a result of economic growth, urbanization, industrialization, and unsustainable production and consumption patterns has had a severe impact on the global and local environment, natural resources, public health, local economy, and living conditions, and threatens the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Sustainable cities attach significant importance to the need for moving towards resource efficient and zero waste society. Zero waste shifts the focus from end-of-pipe solutions and disposal practices, to promote waste minimization and cyclical use of materials in the economy. Zero waste is a long-term vision that ultimately envisages a thriving society that exists within nature?s resource constraints and its ability to assimilate waste.
The rapid increase in volume and diversification of solid waste generated mainly as a result of economic growth, urbanization, industrialization, and unsustainable production and consumption patterns has had a severe impact on the global and local environment, natural resources, public health, local economy, and living conditions, and threatens the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Sustainable cities attach significant importance to the need for moving towards resource efficient and zero waste society. Zero waste shifts the focus from end-of-pipe solutions and disposal practices, to promote waste minimization and cyclical use of materials in the economy. Zero waste is a long-term vision that ultimately envisages a thriving society that exists within nature?s resource constraints and its ability to assimilate waste.
11:30 - 13:00
Crossborder Projects of Maiombe and Kaza: The actual status of implementation
Lead organizer:
Angola
Room:
P3-4
The Mayombe Project aims at enhancing the implementation of the plan of action of the Convention on Biodiversity at regional level. Along this line, Angola and countries involved in the Mayombe area of conservation (RDC e Congo), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in order to implement joint projects for the forest protection and conservation.
The Kaza Project. It is a cooperation project between some countries in the region of Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) - Angola, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Kaza, focuses in implementing joint actions to preserve wetlands, conservation of biodiversity and develop eco-tourism projects in the region.
The Kaza Project. It is a cooperation project between some countries in the region of Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) - Angola, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. Kaza, focuses in implementing joint actions to preserve wetlands, conservation of biodiversity and develop eco-tourism projects in the region.
11:30 - 13:00
Caribbean Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development
United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic (UNA-DR)
United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic (UNA-DR)
Caribbean Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic (UNA-DR)
Room:
T-9
We plan to host a panel highlighting current initiatives being organized in the Dominican Republic for environmental care and sustainable development.
13:15 - 14:45
Taking the Pulse of the Planet: Observing networks to support Climate
University of California Revelle Program on Climate Science and Policy
University of California Revelle Program on Climate Science and Policy
13:15 - 14:45
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Taking the Pulse of the Planet: Observing networks to support Climate
Lead organizer:
University of California Revelle Program on Climate Science and Policy
Room:
UN3 (Barra Arena)
We all live on planet Earth. Our environment matters. How is it changing? Why is it changing? How can we precisely know, on local scales, the cause of extreme weather, floods, coastal erosion, and oceanic acidification? What does it mean for us and what can we do about it?
We believe that answering these questions begins with establishing scientifically reliable, robust and continuous measurements of environmental attributes. While climate change is well understood at global scales, additional observations and science are needed on finer temporal and spatial scales to develop the level of understanding required to solve the challenges that society will face in the decades ahead. How do we take continuous observations and how we convert those observations into environmental intelligence, in real-time? This talk will explore how this very task is being accomplished to address key climate adaptation and mitigation challenges.
We believe that answering these questions begins with establishing scientifically reliable, robust and continuous measurements of environmental attributes. While climate change is well understood at global scales, additional observations and science are needed on finer temporal and spatial scales to develop the level of understanding required to solve the challenges that society will face in the decades ahead. How do we take continuous observations and how we convert those observations into environmental intelligence, in real-time? This talk will explore how this very task is being accomplished to address key climate adaptation and mitigation challenges.
13:15 - 14:45
Green Growth Approach in the River Basin Management Planning
Lead organizer:
Turkey
Room:
T-7
Basin Protection Action Plans which have been prepared by General Directorate of Water Management have the same vision with River Basin Management Plans. Basin Protection Action Plans for 25 basins in Turkey aims; protection of the water resources potential in every condition, best use of water resources, prevention of pollution, improving the quality of polluted water resources.
Water scarcity is an important subject for Turkey. To resolve the water scarcity problem and reduce the taxes, agricultural and water sectors make a great effort. Untreated waste water is an important point of interest. There is a project started between Netherlands and Turkey called ?Reuse of Treated Waste Water in Irrigation: Afyon Municipality Pilot Project? and Afyon was selected as pilot city. The aim of the project is to provide using new technologies for reuse of waste water in irrigation.
Water scarcity is an important subject for Turkey. To resolve the water scarcity problem and reduce the taxes, agricultural and water sectors make a great effort. Untreated waste water is an important point of interest. There is a project started between Netherlands and Turkey called ?Reuse of Treated Waste Water in Irrigation: Afyon Municipality Pilot Project? and Afyon was selected as pilot city. The aim of the project is to provide using new technologies for reuse of waste water in irrigation.
13:15 - 14:45
Achieving SCP After Rio: Research, Practice & Capacity-building
Citizens Network for Sustainable Development - CitNet
Citizens Network for Sustainable Development - CitNet
13:15 - 14:45
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Achieving SCP After Rio: Research, Practice & Capacity-building
Lead organizer:
Citizens Network for Sustainable Development - CitNet
Room:
UN6 (Barra Arena)
Given that sustainable consumption and production is, as the World Summit on Sustainable Development highlighted, one of the "overarching objectives of sustainable development", what progress can we expect towards this objective in the next decade following the Rio+20 conference? What plans are in place or proposed for research, knowledge-exchange, practice, capacity-building and collaboration among educators, policymakers, journalists, business and public interest organizations? This event will include presentations and interactive discussions on plans for the 10YFP, SCP as a Sustainable Development Goal, ideas for a Global SCP Pact, and other steps forward. Members of the Global Research Forum on Sustainable Production & Consumption, policy makers and practitioners will consider practical strategies for future collaboration and steps to achieve the scp objective.
13:15 - 14:45
Youth SRHR in the Context of Sustainable Development
Population Action International
Population Action International
13:15 - 14:45
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Youth SRHR in the Context of Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Population Action International
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
Today, nearly half the world?s population ?more than 3 billion people?are under the age of 25. Globally, 215 million women around the world want to limit or delay births, but don?t have access to the family planning resources they need. When women have power over if, when and how many children to have, communities are better equipped to adapt sustainably, access education and health, and manage community resources. Yet, in some regions young women ages 15-19 are twice as likely to lack access to the contraception they want and need as women over twenty. Collectively, we as young people have a critical role to play in the shaping policies and programs surrounding young people?s sexual and reproductive health and rights, and a just and sustainable world.
13:30 - 15:00
A Place for Climate Vulnerability in the Rio Agenda
DARA International
DARA International
A Place for Climate Vulnerability in the Rio Agenda
Lead organizer:
DARA International
Room:
T-9
An international response to the threat of climate change and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) were key outcomes of the first Rio conference in 1992. Since then, climate change has intensified, and international action has yet to rise to the challenge of an adequate response. Science also indicates that further, accelerated warming over the next 20-30 years is inevitable due to the inertia of the climate system.
Rio+20 marks the starting point of a process to develop new global targets for international development to succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). However, disproportionate vulnerability to effects brought about through climate change has created a major impediment for several of the world?s poorest groups in attaining the MDGs by 2015. Just two examples of impact areas, biodiversity and desertification, also core pillars of the original Rio agenda, highlight the dangers of climate change for sustainable development, since lower-income groups are in general more dependent on ecosystems and more prevalent in the world?s arid regions.
By the time any new global goals on sustainable development would be nearing their own deadlines, greater degrees of climate change would have a correspondingly more comprehensive detrimental effect on poverty reduction and environmental protection efforts. Reducing vulnerability to climate change therefore constitutes a factor of growing significance in achieving global progress on sustainable development and should be seen as a central to the Rio+20 agenda.
A panel of high-level representatives and partners active in the Climate Vulnerable Forum will debate the place of climate vulnerability in the Rio Agenda. Forum partner DARA will also report on progress towards the 2012 Climate Vulnerability Monitor and share some preliminary results.
Rio+20 marks the starting point of a process to develop new global targets for international development to succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). However, disproportionate vulnerability to effects brought about through climate change has created a major impediment for several of the world?s poorest groups in attaining the MDGs by 2015. Just two examples of impact areas, biodiversity and desertification, also core pillars of the original Rio agenda, highlight the dangers of climate change for sustainable development, since lower-income groups are in general more dependent on ecosystems and more prevalent in the world?s arid regions.
By the time any new global goals on sustainable development would be nearing their own deadlines, greater degrees of climate change would have a correspondingly more comprehensive detrimental effect on poverty reduction and environmental protection efforts. Reducing vulnerability to climate change therefore constitutes a factor of growing significance in achieving global progress on sustainable development and should be seen as a central to the Rio+20 agenda.
A panel of high-level representatives and partners active in the Climate Vulnerable Forum will debate the place of climate vulnerability in the Rio Agenda. Forum partner DARA will also report on progress towards the 2012 Climate Vulnerability Monitor and share some preliminary results.
13:30 - 15:00
Launch of a Higher Education Sustainability Initiative for Rio+20
United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI)
United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI)
Launch of a Higher Education Sustainability Initiative for Rio+20
Lead organizer:
United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI)
Room:
P3-6
During this side event, leaders of the international academic community will come together to announce a new Higher Education Sustainability Initiative for Rio+20, to be facilitated by an umbrella of United Nations partner organizations.
13:30 - 15:00
AGRICULTURE & SUSTAINABLE SOCIEITIES: Food Security, Land & Solidarity
Holy See (Observer State)
Holy See (Observer State)
AGRICULTURE & SUSTAINABLE SOCIEITIES: Food Security, Land & Solidarity
Lead organizer:
Holy See (Observer State)
Room:
T-8
The event will foster a dialogue on promoting human-centered sustainability strategies for the promotion of food security, stewardship of natural resources, land and the need for global solidarity to address these concerns.
13:30 - 15:00
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
Grenada
Room:
P3-A
This side event is being organized by Grenada in cooperation with Guatemala and Bolivia. It will show-case environmental projects and programmes being developed in these three countries that tackle impacts from climate change especially in relation to water supply, food security and energy preparedness. It also includes a micro-pilot project that demonstrates the policies, strategies and actions that can be taken to green the economy of small island communities to induce poverty eradication and sustainable development. It also reflects the importance these countries give to the potential use of renewable energy resources and technologies. The event represents an opportunity for seeking potential financial support, and for promoting South-South and North-South cooperation and will highlight commitments being made for implementing sustainable development goals.
The Minister of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development and the Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique of Grenada are expected to participate.
The Minister of Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development and the Minister of Carriacou and Petite Martinique of Grenada are expected to participate.
13:30 - 15:00
RSA Renewables Initiative - Unlocking RSA's Green Growth Potential
Lead organizer:
South Africa
Room:
P3-B
The South African Renewables Initiative (SARi) was launched on the 7 December 2011 in Durban, during UNFCCC COP17, in a bid to scale-up and secure long-term funding to enable the growth of the renewable energy industry in South Africa. The project was launched by the South African Ministers of Energy and Trade and Industry. The initiative is an International Partnership by the Government of the Republic of South Africa together with the Governments of Denmark, Germany, Norway and the UK, and the European Investment Bank.
The Declaration of Intent was signed at Durban in December 2011.The (SARi) aims to mobilize domestic and international funding, and sector expertise, to support South Africa in implementing its ambitious plans for the scale-up of renewable energy.
The Declaration of Intent was signed at Durban in December 2011.The (SARi) aims to mobilize domestic and international funding, and sector expertise, to support South Africa in implementing its ambitious plans for the scale-up of renewable energy.
13:30 - 15:00
Green development - perspective from Vietnam and Bangladesh
Lead organizer:
Viet Nam
Room:
T-10
The Ministry of Planning and Investment - Vietnam
a. Is a Government Agency, implementing state management in planning and investment field, including: synthesizing advice on socio-economic development strategies, programs and plans for the whole country; on economic management mechanisms and policies in general and in some concrete sectors: domestic and foreign investment, industrial and processing zones, official development assistance (ODA), procurement, enterprises, business registration nation-wide; state management on public services under the Ministry?s functions and responsibilities according to Laws.
b. Is assigned by the Government to be:
- Planning Agency for the whole country Socio-economic Development Strategies
(SEDSs) and Socio-economic Development Plans (SEDPs) preparation;
- Leading Agency for formulating and implementing Vietnam Green Growth Strategy.
- Standing agency for National Sustainable Development Council (NSDC);
- Focal point for MDGs and VDGs; Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth
Strategy (CPRGS).
a. Is a Government Agency, implementing state management in planning and investment field, including: synthesizing advice on socio-economic development strategies, programs and plans for the whole country; on economic management mechanisms and policies in general and in some concrete sectors: domestic and foreign investment, industrial and processing zones, official development assistance (ODA), procurement, enterprises, business registration nation-wide; state management on public services under the Ministry?s functions and responsibilities according to Laws.
b. Is assigned by the Government to be:
- Planning Agency for the whole country Socio-economic Development Strategies
(SEDSs) and Socio-economic Development Plans (SEDPs) preparation;
- Leading Agency for formulating and implementing Vietnam Green Growth Strategy.
- Standing agency for National Sustainable Development Council (NSDC);
- Focal point for MDGs and VDGs; Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth
Strategy (CPRGS).
13:30 - 15:00
Health within the Green Economy: Multisectoral Frameworks for NCD Control and Sustainable Development
American Cancer Society (ACS)
American Cancer Society (ACS)
Health within the Green Economy: Multisectoral Frameworks for NCD Control and Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
American Cancer Society (ACS)
Room:
P3-4
Health and sustainable development are inherently linked. Forms of development that create environmental problems almost always have important health implications, while the failure to adequately address pressing health issues undermines sustainable development efforts. Rio+20 provides a critical opportunity to discuss how multisectoral frameworks for sustainable development can help create environments that promote health, and help prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs), like cancer, diabetes, heart and lung diseases. In particular, the panel will focus on three critical development challenges that link NCDs and environmental concerns: nutrition, healthy cities, and tobacco control.
13:30 - 15:00
Sustainable Development Goals: From 'silo thinking' towards an integrated approach. Insights from the European Report on Development
Lead organizer:
European Commission
Room:
T-6
The Rio+20 Conference is leading a new agenda around Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), combining economic, social and environmental targets. Poor countries and the poorest people within them need growth and access to natural resources for human development ? which will require socioeconomic targets. Increased pressures on the planet?s natural resources will require environmental targets.
The discussion on the SDGs should provide the opportunity to not only look at each resource individually, but also take account of the extensive linkages among resources such as water, energy and land (the ?WEL nexus?).
The new European Report on Development (ERD) \"Confronting Scarcity: Managing water, energy and land for inclusive and sustainable growth\" suggests an ambitious integrated approach, which would embrace this nexus, avoiding perverse solutions and stimulating innovation.
The ERD 2012 is an independent report prepared by ODI, DIE-GDI and ECDPM, and supported by the European Commission and seven EU Member States, including the UK. More information about the ERD: http://www.erd-report.eu/
The discussion on the SDGs should provide the opportunity to not only look at each resource individually, but also take account of the extensive linkages among resources such as water, energy and land (the ?WEL nexus?).
The new European Report on Development (ERD) \"Confronting Scarcity: Managing water, energy and land for inclusive and sustainable growth\" suggests an ambitious integrated approach, which would embrace this nexus, avoiding perverse solutions and stimulating innovation.
The ERD 2012 is an independent report prepared by ODI, DIE-GDI and ECDPM, and supported by the European Commission and seven EU Member States, including the UK. More information about the ERD: http://www.erd-report.eu/
13:30 - 15:00
The Landscape: Transformative Action thru Cross-Sectoral Coordination
UN Forum on Forests (UNFF)
UN Forum on Forests (UNFF)
The Landscape: Transformative Action thru Cross-Sectoral Coordination
Lead organizer:
UN Forum on Forests (UNFF)
Room:
T-3
Around the world there are extraordinary examples of integrated sustainable land management approaches that have improved the livelihoods of millions of people; from the transformation of the Loess Plateau in China to the hillside restoration across Rwanda. These are called a landscape approach, which incorporates economic, social and environmental actions required to achieve sustainability.
Global leaders have not emphasized and operationalized enough the value of local wisdom, global expertise and the transformative power that emerges when sustainable economic growth and food systems are combined.
Food security is one illustration of the critical need for cross-sectoral approaches to economic development. We cannot feed people without protecting forests or protect forests without feeding people. We cannot sustainably grow our economies without valuing our environment. We must bridge the gaps between agriculture, forests, water, land and energy, and between rhetoric and action. The event will focus on two sectors: agriculture and forests.
Global leaders have not emphasized and operationalized enough the value of local wisdom, global expertise and the transformative power that emerges when sustainable economic growth and food systems are combined.
Food security is one illustration of the critical need for cross-sectoral approaches to economic development. We cannot feed people without protecting forests or protect forests without feeding people. We cannot sustainably grow our economies without valuing our environment. We must bridge the gaps between agriculture, forests, water, land and energy, and between rhetoric and action. The event will focus on two sectors: agriculture and forests.
13:30 - 15:00
SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES IN THE COMMONWEALTH
Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC)
Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC)
SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES IN THE COMMONWEALTH
Lead organizer:
Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC)
Room:
T-5
This Side Event will build on the experience in the Commonwealth Fisheries Programme and of the last two Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings, working to identify transferable best practice in Commonwealth countries; build new partnerships to strengthen the role of universities in policy communities through South-South-North cooperation; thereby also enhancing the production and accessibility of relevant data on fisheries and their supporting ecosystems to improve the evidence base for policy; the relationship between fisheries decline, piracy and national security; the role of the Blue Economy in the Green Economy; how to strengthen regional fisheries governance mechanisms, including non-Commonwealth countries sharing common ecosystems; the role of inshore fisheries in providing protein for coastal communities, with particular attention paid to the role of women and child nutrition; the contribution of integrating aquaculture development as a supplement to capture fisheries in securing sustainable growth for Commonwealth countries, and the campaign to have IUU fishing declared a transnational organised crime.
13:30 - 17:00
Africa Day: Accelerating Progress towards Sustainable Development in Africa
Lead organizer:
Republic of Congo
Room:
T-4
Significant challenges remain in implementing sustainable development commitments in Africa. Accelerating progress calls for, inter alia, an in-depth reflection on Africa?s sustainable development priorities, and strengthening strategic alliances and partnerships. Towards this end, the Africa Day will be held under the theme Accelerating Progress towards Sustainable Development in Africa. It will consist of a four-hour, moderated High Level Roundtable, focusing on strengthening and speeding up implementation and mobilising political leadership. Panellists will include African Heads of State and Government, Heads of African regional institutions and UN Agencies, and representatives of major groups. The roundtable will be followed by a press conference with the objective to disseminate to a wide audience the outcomes of the Roundtable, focusing on key policy messages that could inform the discussions at the Rio+20 Conference, and will conclude with a cocktail reception.
15:30 - 17:00
Pacific islands: Applying the green economy in a blue world
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
Pacific islands: Applying the green economy in a blue world
Lead organizer:
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
Room:
T-10
This side event discusses the Pacific Regional Oceans Policy and the Pacific Oceanscape Framework for implementing the ocean policy. It highlights the challenges for small islands in managing the Planet?s biggest resource ? the Pacific Ocean - not only for themselves but for the whole global community; and, in particular, raises the special case of small islands in terms of their vulnerabilities, location, size, remoteness and capacities.
The special case for SIDS is well established since the initial UNCED. However, despite significant progress, the factors that make SIDS a special case in achieving sustainable development remain. We need to examine how we can retain and manage this special case through the evolving institutional framework for sustainable development to ensure that SIDS needs are accommodated and the modalities for implementation appropriate to their special context.
The special case for SIDS is well established since the initial UNCED. However, despite significant progress, the factors that make SIDS a special case in achieving sustainable development remain. We need to examine how we can retain and manage this special case through the evolving institutional framework for sustainable development to ensure that SIDS needs are accommodated and the modalities for implementation appropriate to their special context.
15:30 - 17:00
Defying Disasters: A Tri-Continental South-South Dialogue
Lead organizer:
Philippines
Room:
T-6
Philippines, Kenya and Colombia have joined forces through their public and civil society sectors, to address the pressing issues of disaster mitigation, adaptation and risk management as a novel example of South-South Cooperation. The ultimate goal is to replicate solutions to problems to other countries in three continents of developing world. The process known as ?Cartagena Dialogues? hopes to assist response to disasters so that resources can be utilized for sustainable development purposes instead of diverting them to respond and recover from disasters.
This Cartagena dialogue addresses the key issues on the UNCSD agenda of making some of the poorest communities, including countries with largest number of displaced people and of refugees, more resilient to disasters. Special emphasis is paid on the role of local authorities, use of indigenous techniques, creative cultural communications and strengthening of financial mechanisms to generate some resources at local level for immediate response to disasters.
This Cartagena dialogue addresses the key issues on the UNCSD agenda of making some of the poorest communities, including countries with largest number of displaced people and of refugees, more resilient to disasters. Special emphasis is paid on the role of local authorities, use of indigenous techniques, creative cultural communications and strengthening of financial mechanisms to generate some resources at local level for immediate response to disasters.
15:30 - 17:00
Challenges and Opportunities for a Mediterranean Green Growth
Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE)
Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE)
Challenges and Opportunities for a Mediterranean Green Growth
Lead organizer:
Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE)
Room:
T-3
The collective efforts towards achieving sustainable development in the Mediterranean eco-region were presented twenty years ago at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 (UNCED), ten years ago at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg (?The Mediterranean Eco-Region: the first firm steps towards Sustainability?) and hopefully once again at Rio+20. This side event will bring together the major institutions and stakeholders from European, Western Asian and North African countries to provide an overview of the joint efforts of strengthened cooperation, common vision and shared strategies towards achieving sustainable development. Under the light of a growing financial volatility, the new realities following the Arab Spring, and taking into consideration the emerging challenges (Integration, Implementation, Coherence) the event aspires to renew the political commitment on a realistic basis in an eco-region located at the North-South interface, facing serious demographic, economic, environmental, technological and socio-cultural problems.
15:30 - 17:00
Food Security and Safety for Development in a Changing Arab World
League of Arab States
League of Arab States
Food Security and Safety for Development in a Changing Arab World
Lead organizer:
League of Arab States
Room:
P3-F
Ensuring food security and safety has a strong role to play in supporting development in the Arab region, given its huge reliance on food export. The changes that the region is currently undergoing increase the need for carefully designed policies and programmes that contribute to food security and safety and ultimately ensure social security.
Within this context, the proposed Arab side event is expected to contribute to:
a) The creation of a forum/network of civil society and international and regional partners for ensuring awareness and ongoing information on food safety and food security;
b) The elaboration of a regional development project targeting public institutions and civil society with the overall objective of promoting safe and secure food habits and dynamics.
The side event will feature a short video expressing the views of the youth on food security and food safety issues at national levels and in the Arab world.
Within this context, the proposed Arab side event is expected to contribute to:
a) The creation of a forum/network of civil society and international and regional partners for ensuring awareness and ongoing information on food safety and food security;
b) The elaboration of a regional development project targeting public institutions and civil society with the overall objective of promoting safe and secure food habits and dynamics.
The side event will feature a short video expressing the views of the youth on food security and food safety issues at national levels and in the Arab world.
15:30 - 17:00
Human Rights at the heart of Sustainable Development - Honouring Principle 1
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Human Rights at the heart of Sustainable Development - Honouring Principle 1
Lead organizer:
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Room:
T-5
The 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment and Development was founded on human rights principles starting with Principle One - "Human beings should be placed at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature.?
The thematic focus of this panel will be on human rights and sustainable development, and why a human rights-based approach is critical to the success of achieving the twin goals of (i) moving towards a green economy and (ii) building the institutional framework for sustainable development.
Since the 1992 Earth Summit the world has seen tremendous changes. Within a generation, nearly one and half billion people have been added to the planet ? around a billion in cities. Globalization has intensified, but its benefits have not been shared equally. Inequalities have widened and despite some progress in achieving the MDGs, there are massive disparities between and within countries. The last decade has seen the hottest temperatures since humans began recording temperatures around 150 years ago. Climate change threatens to destroy our path towards sustainable development, a global financial crisis has shaken the planet?s economic foundations, and a global food crisis has brought suffering and unrest. Perhaps most worryingly, the global political will to address the structural and root causes of these multiple crises seems ever elusive.
In the pursuit of an institutional framework for sustainable development, human rights, development and the environment are intricately linked. A healthy environment is a key factor in promoting human health and life, basic human rights and creating sustainable development. To encourage and promote sustainable development, integrated strategies and policies regarding human rights and the environment need to be developed to create an effective strategy. A human rights-based approach to sustainable development is central to efforts to move towards a green economy that will deliver benefits to the international community in addressing food, energy and water security and the MDGS.
The thematic focus of this panel will be on human rights and sustainable development, and why a human rights-based approach is critical to the success of achieving the twin goals of (i) moving towards a green economy and (ii) building the institutional framework for sustainable development.
Since the 1992 Earth Summit the world has seen tremendous changes. Within a generation, nearly one and half billion people have been added to the planet ? around a billion in cities. Globalization has intensified, but its benefits have not been shared equally. Inequalities have widened and despite some progress in achieving the MDGs, there are massive disparities between and within countries. The last decade has seen the hottest temperatures since humans began recording temperatures around 150 years ago. Climate change threatens to destroy our path towards sustainable development, a global financial crisis has shaken the planet?s economic foundations, and a global food crisis has brought suffering and unrest. Perhaps most worryingly, the global political will to address the structural and root causes of these multiple crises seems ever elusive.
In the pursuit of an institutional framework for sustainable development, human rights, development and the environment are intricately linked. A healthy environment is a key factor in promoting human health and life, basic human rights and creating sustainable development. To encourage and promote sustainable development, integrated strategies and policies regarding human rights and the environment need to be developed to create an effective strategy. A human rights-based approach to sustainable development is central to efforts to move towards a green economy that will deliver benefits to the international community in addressing food, energy and water security and the MDGS.
15:30 - 17:00
Sustainable city, a concrete utopia
Sustainable Development French Committee (Comité 21)
Sustainable Development French Committee (Comité 21)
Sustainable city, a concrete utopia
Lead organizer:
Sustainable Development French Committee (Comité 21)
Room:
P3-6
Sub headlines: How to govern and administrate the cities of tomorrow?
This conference focuses on the challenges that urbanisation pose to environment and the way our cities will be adapting to climate change. Urban organisation will have to be re thought totally. In this respect, the role of different stakeholders is likely to be changing.
The conference will feature elected people, technical experts, enterprises and other organisations. The debate will be followed by the signature of a cooperation agreement between the City of Montpellier and Rio City Council.
The Club France Rio+20 proposes to examine how city stakeholders (local authorities, enterprises, associations) are tackling these new challenges. How to plan a sustainable city, while its concept itself is still to be defined? What are the priorities? How to design projects that conciliate foresight, transversality and global vision? Which tools can be used by developers? How are the responsibilities shared in the process of change?
This conference focuses on the challenges that urbanisation pose to environment and the way our cities will be adapting to climate change. Urban organisation will have to be re thought totally. In this respect, the role of different stakeholders is likely to be changing.
The conference will feature elected people, technical experts, enterprises and other organisations. The debate will be followed by the signature of a cooperation agreement between the City of Montpellier and Rio City Council.
The Club France Rio+20 proposes to examine how city stakeholders (local authorities, enterprises, associations) are tackling these new challenges. How to plan a sustainable city, while its concept itself is still to be defined? What are the priorities? How to design projects that conciliate foresight, transversality and global vision? Which tools can be used by developers? How are the responsibilities shared in the process of change?
15:30 - 17:00
Bio-economy and development. Beyond the crisis, a New World
COBASE ? Cooperativa Tecnico Scientifica di Base
COBASE ? Cooperativa Tecnico Scientifica di Base
Bio-economy and development. Beyond the crisis, a New World
Lead organizer:
COBASE ? Cooperativa Tecnico Scientifica di Base
Room:
T-11
Bio-economy is an environmental and economic theory and practice by which you can proceed towards a new ecological and social development. With bio-economy you can define new areas of research and develop new programs for an appropriate use of natural, biological and renewable resources to overcome poverty and produce safe and wholesome food, but also materials, energy and other products. In this regard, we propose to launch a bio-economy strategy in view of the world's population increase (up to 9 billion inhabitants in 2050) and the scarcity of natural resources.
15:30 - 17:00
Business Taking the Lead: Meeting the Challenge of Sustainable Energy
Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)
Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)
Business Taking the Lead: Meeting the Challenge of Sustainable Energy
Lead organizer:
Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE)
Room:
T-8
How do we achieve universal access to modern energy services, double the rate of improvement in energy efficiency and double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix? Companies in the renewable energy, energy efficiency and natural gas sectors can deliver the technology solutions that will help countries achieve the vision of the UN Secretary General?s Sustainable Energy for All.
This panel of private sector executives will discuss:
? What policy incentives will ensure a greater access to clean energy?
? Where does public sector finance best leverage and unlock private sector investments?
? What partnership opportunities can the clean energy business community offer at Rio ? to improve the energy efficiency of our building stock? To expand energy access through renewable and distributed forms of energy? To deploy smarter technologies to better connect our communities?
This panel of private sector executives will discuss:
? What policy incentives will ensure a greater access to clean energy?
? Where does public sector finance best leverage and unlock private sector investments?
? What partnership opportunities can the clean energy business community offer at Rio ? to improve the energy efficiency of our building stock? To expand energy access through renewable and distributed forms of energy? To deploy smarter technologies to better connect our communities?
15:30 - 17:00
Putting Green Economy into practice
Switzerland
Switzerland
Putting Green Economy into practice
Lead organizer:
Switzerland
Room:
P3-3
Switzerland has proposed an international Green Economy Roadmap as an outcome of the Rio+20 Conference. The side event will illustrate how Green Economy can benefit both developed and devel-oping countries and share some practical experiences of policies and instruments for assisting the transformation towards a green economy. The first example shares some success stories in promoting the development and implementation of Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) through the Marrakech Task Force on SPP and gives an outlook on how the work will be continued under the lead of UNEP. The second example provides lessons from the longstanding collaboration of Switzerland with UNIDO and UNEP in establishing a network of Cleaner Production Centers in developing countries which has facilitated the transfer of know-how and technology for improving production processes and resource efficiency. The last example will address the issue of sustainable agriculture and the necessity of land tenure rights.
15:30 - 17:00
Mexico's contribution to sustainable development
National Water Commission
National Water Commission
Mexico's contribution to sustainable development
Lead organizer:
National Water Commission
Room:
T-9
Environment is a priority in the national agenda. We are investing human and economic resources to make the difference in different issues.
It is our interest to share with the international community some progresses to reach by this Ministry and other involved actors in specific issues such as:
? Climate change
? Water
? Food security
? Short- lived climate forcers
It is our interest to share with the international community some progresses to reach by this Ministry and other involved actors in specific issues such as:
? Climate change
? Water
? Food security
? Short- lived climate forcers
16:00 - 17:30
Women Leading the Way: Mobilizing for an Equitable, Resilient and Thriving Future
Women's Earth and Climate Caucus
Women's Earth and Climate Caucus
16:00 - 17:30
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
Women Leading the Way: Mobilizing for an Equitable, Resilient and Thriving Future
Lead organizer:
Women's Earth and Climate Caucus
Room:
UN2 (Barra Arena)
This side event will address leveraging women?s leadership for sustainability solutions. Women are at the nexus of a thriving and just global future: they are disproportionately impacted by
environmental and economic problems and yet demonstratively central to the most important solutions. We will be highlighting women worldwide as innovators and agents of change in
mitigating and adapting to climate change and environmental degradation, while also demonstrating a way forward with cross-sector and cross-cultural solutions. Given the urgency of global warming, we are addressing how to accelerate a whole-systems, global women?s climate movement.
environmental and economic problems and yet demonstratively central to the most important solutions. We will be highlighting women worldwide as innovators and agents of change in
mitigating and adapting to climate change and environmental degradation, while also demonstrating a way forward with cross-sector and cross-cultural solutions. Given the urgency of global warming, we are addressing how to accelerate a whole-systems, global women?s climate movement.
17:15 - 18:45
SPACE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
SPACE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Lead organizer:
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Room:
P3-3
Under the title ?SPACE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT? this side-event will focus on the Contribution of Space-based Information and Technologies to Support the Implementation of Rio+20 Outcomes and Actions.
The proposed side event will focus on space and its contributions that would lead to a convergence on the use of space-based technologies for sustainable development and assist in identifying the next actions that would embrace Rio+20 outcomes.
The proposed side event will focus on space and its contributions that would lead to a convergence on the use of space-based technologies for sustainable development and assist in identifying the next actions that would embrace Rio+20 outcomes.
17:30 - 19:00
Sustainable aviation for generations to come
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Sustainable aviation for generations to come
Lead organizer:
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
Room:
T-4
This side event, held by ICAO in conjunction with aviation stakeholders, will highlight aviation?s role across the sustainable development agenda, will focus on the sector?s sustainability benefits including economic and social, and will outline how it is meeting its various environmental commitments. A specially commissioned ICAO film focused on air transport and sustainability will be screened and a high-level ICAO representative will give a short presentation, to follow up on the key messages in the film. Thereafter, the side event will run a roundtable discussion where various stakeholders will be asked to outline the main challenges for the sector and potential solutions ahead, with a particular focus on the green economy in the context of sustainable development.
17:30 - 19:00
Let's Go Land Degradation Neutral - The Role of SLM in a Green Economy
Korea Forest Service
Korea Forest Service
Let's Go Land Degradation Neutral - The Role of SLM in a Green Economy
Lead organizer:
Korea Forest Service
Room:
T-3
The reason why DLDD and deforestation are considered as the major global environmental issues is their direct link with poverty and food security. Growing food demand for the future is of great challenge if these problems are not stopped and reversed. Thus, in order to eradicate poverty and protect the environment at the same time, it is crucial to conceptualize activities and strategies that would safeguard the land from deforestation and degradation. Such undertakings will only be possible through the concerted effort of various stakeholders at all levels. Hence, this side event dealing with the role of sustainable land and forest management is proposed with the aim of fulfilling ?zero-net land degradation? in the context of a green economy. Setting of measurable sustainable development targets and actions toward the achievement of a land-degradation neutral world will be the major contribution of this side event in the UNCSD Rio+20.
17:30 - 19:00
Five projects and 20 proposals from the Social Economy leaders to chan
Mont-Blanc Meeting association
Mont-Blanc Meeting association
Five projects and 20 proposals from the Social Economy leaders to chan
Lead organizer:
Mont-Blanc Meeting association
Room:
T-8
The MBM want the Social Economy to be taken into account as an essential element to be integrated in the outcome of UNCSD/Rio +20. The MBM side-event in Rio de Janeiro will consist in presenting a document containing 20 proposals gathered into 5 projects. This document was elaborated and adopted by nearly two hundred and forty managers of social economy coming from more than forty countries. It aims at promoting social economy in the world and their implementation can be immediate. Leaders of associations, foundations and cooperatives of the whole world will show, by their presence, their willingness to carry and defend the values of the SE in which they believe, as one of the elements needed to solve the current crisis.
17:30 - 19:00
Access to sustainable electrification: bridging the financial and entr
Fonds pour le développement énergétique durable
Fonds pour le développement énergétique durable
Access to sustainable electrification: bridging the financial and entr
Lead organizer:
Fonds pour le développement énergétique durable
Room:
T-11
Access to electrification based on renewable energy sources is at the crossroads of two major objectives, which have mobilized the United Nations for two decades ? the Millennium Development Goals (extreme poverty eradication); climate change mitigation (development of new renewable energies).
The Copenhagen Conference and the proposed Green Climate Fund did open the path, that Cancun and Durban followed. Today, universal access to modern and sustainable energy is fully identified as the major condition for human, social and economic development of the poorest regions of vulnerable countries.
However, investment is lagging behind the level needed to ensure fulfilment of universal access. Bridging the financial and entrepreneurial gaps needs additional and innovative resources and the mobilization of national and international investors.
The side event will feature exchanges on existing experiences, best practices, identification of new mechanisms, the presentation of the CDM PLUS project, etc.
The Copenhagen Conference and the proposed Green Climate Fund did open the path, that Cancun and Durban followed. Today, universal access to modern and sustainable energy is fully identified as the major condition for human, social and economic development of the poorest regions of vulnerable countries.
However, investment is lagging behind the level needed to ensure fulfilment of universal access. Bridging the financial and entrepreneurial gaps needs additional and innovative resources and the mobilization of national and international investors.
The side event will feature exchanges on existing experiences, best practices, identification of new mechanisms, the presentation of the CDM PLUS project, etc.
17:30 - 19:00
Green economy and inclusive growth for a sustainable future
Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Green economy and inclusive growth for a sustainable future
Lead organizer:
Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Room:
T-10
The event ?Green economy and inclusive growth for a sustainable future? is focused at discussing the key elements of green growth from various perspectives and contributing further to the existing knowledge on the concept of green growth, since the concept is still evolving and there is no clearly agreed upon definition of a green economy. The event would, through a framing presentation on ?Roadmap for transitioning India towards a green economy?, focus on issues relevant for India for transitioning towards a green economy. The challenges confronting the Indian economy in ensuring rapid and inclusive growth are several ? be they in terms of constraints related to land, water or energy availability, access to appropriate technologies, adequate finance, requisite capacities and skill sets. The presentation would be followed by a discussion on both developed and developing country perspectives around key issues, enabling frameworks and mechanisms necessary to accelerate green growth globally.
17:30 - 19:00
NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Lead organizer:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Room:
P3-E
Since the Rio 1992 Earth Summit, there has been much progress in the field of socio-economic development. However, the world has also witnessed a drastic rise in social inequalities and environmental degradation as well as biodiversity loss resulting from continuous unsustainable economic models. In addition, inadequate governance systems as well as lack of implementation of international obligations related to sustainable development and of various environmental agreements jeopardize the achievement of sustainable development.
The UNCSD will address economic, social and environmental dimensions of implementation of the sustainable development framework. To tackle this challenge, two overarching themes have been defined, namely, Green Economy in the context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication; and Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development. IUCN works with many partners in projects that put nature at the centre of strategies and action plans to improve the quality of life using a people-centred approach and fair distribution of resources. The UNCSD is an opportunity to share lessons learned and discuss strategies for scaling up successful models.
The UNCSD will address economic, social and environmental dimensions of implementation of the sustainable development framework. To tackle this challenge, two overarching themes have been defined, namely, Green Economy in the context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication; and Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development. IUCN works with many partners in projects that put nature at the centre of strategies and action plans to improve the quality of life using a people-centred approach and fair distribution of resources. The UNCSD is an opportunity to share lessons learned and discuss strategies for scaling up successful models.
17:30 - 19:00
Towards Sustainable Food Security in the Sahel
Lead organizer:
Niger
Room:
T-6
The objetcives of the side event are:
To present the report on the implementation of Agenda 21 by Niger: progresses made and challenges
-To present a comprehensive approach to achieve sustainable development, especially with regards to food security : the 3N Initiative
Contribution to the Conference
- Presentation of an example of implementation of Agenda 21 in one of the most vulnerable countries
- Presentation of a comprehensive approach taken by a developing country to achieve sustainable development, in particular through tackling the issue of food insecurity. This approach is a response to the emerging challenges of food crises, adaptation to climate change, access to water, among others.
To present the report on the implementation of Agenda 21 by Niger: progresses made and challenges
-To present a comprehensive approach to achieve sustainable development, especially with regards to food security : the 3N Initiative
Contribution to the Conference
- Presentation of an example of implementation of Agenda 21 in one of the most vulnerable countries
- Presentation of a comprehensive approach taken by a developing country to achieve sustainable development, in particular through tackling the issue of food insecurity. This approach is a response to the emerging challenges of food crises, adaptation to climate change, access to water, among others.
17:30 - 19:00
Green energy for a green economy
HELIO International
HELIO International
Green energy for a green economy
Lead organizer:
HELIO International
Room:
T-5
It is well known that developing sustainable energy resources are important for social and economic development as well as to promote low-carbon and resilient societies. In order to implement sustainable energy policies it is essential to monitor the effectiveness of these national policies and identify areas for improvement, taking into consideration social, economic, environmental, technology and governance issues. It is also essential to base large-scale implementation with good plans and practices.
This side event will present a toolbox of methodologies and indicators that can be used to monitor progress and highlight both development and investment opportunities in the energy sector to support the growth of a green economy. It will also show good practices in strategies and practices in transition to green energy. Examples of recent pilot studies will be presented.
This side event will present a toolbox of methodologies and indicators that can be used to monitor progress and highlight both development and investment opportunities in the energy sector to support the growth of a green economy. It will also show good practices in strategies and practices in transition to green energy. Examples of recent pilot studies will be presented.
17:30 - 19:00
Civil Society and Knowledge Community: Dialogues around IFSD
Asian Energy Institute
Asian Energy Institute
Civil Society and Knowledge Community: Dialogues around IFSD
Lead organizer:
Asian Energy Institute
Room:
P3-F
The event has the objective to stimulate discussion on the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) and knowledge community in the context of the second theme of UNCSD-institutional framework for sustainable development (IFSD). It will try to harness in best possible manner the diverse knowledge and experience of the participants, accommodating different opinions and interests and providing the tools and the space for productive brainstorming of future role and direction of CSOs. The role of CSOs exists at all levels ? international, regional, national, sub-national and local ? and may be increasingly mobilized and organized through innovative methods. So far, partnerships registered with the Commission on Sustainable Development have been limited in terms of geographical scope showing a lack of visibility of local initiatives. Yet, undeniably, many innovations start at the local level and there is renewed attention to scaling up local development innovations and mainstream key lessons learnt.
17:30 - 19:00
17:30 - 19:00
Please note that this Side event is taking place outside RioCentro in the Barra Arena.
[Read more]
New ways to build a more sustainable production and consumption model
Lead organizer:
Akatu Institute
Room:
UN6 (Barra Arena)
Considering that one of the key topics of Rio+20 is the transition to Green Economy, a model that provides for human wellbeing and social equality while at the same time significantly reduces the environmental risks and ecological scarcity, this is an opportune moment to reflect on the necessary changes in the consumption and production methods.
In this context, Akatu Institute, in partnership with Pão de Açúcar Group, proposes a workshop that will bring together private enterprise, civil society and governments to help publicly launch 10 ways to build more sustainable consumption and production methods. Based on this benchmark, the participants will work to jointly create more sustainable business models, and also identify the necessary conditions for their implementation, considering the changes in consumer behavior, public policies and civil society actions that must support the consolidation of the business.
In this context, Akatu Institute, in partnership with Pão de Açúcar Group, proposes a workshop that will bring together private enterprise, civil society and governments to help publicly launch 10 ways to build more sustainable consumption and production methods. Based on this benchmark, the participants will work to jointly create more sustainable business models, and also identify the necessary conditions for their implementation, considering the changes in consumer behavior, public policies and civil society actions that must support the consolidation of the business.
17:30 - 21:00
UN-Water Day (part 2)
UN-Water
UN-Water
UN-Water Day (part 2)
Lead organizer:
UN-Water
Room:
P3-6
Recognizing progress, taking action for the future we want
(Please note that this is a full day event)
UN-Water is the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism for all freshwater related issues. Building on a long history of inter-agency coordination, UN-Water was established in 2003 to facilitate synergies and joint efforts among UN entities in the area of water. UN-Water seeks to: promote coherent actions of the UN System on water issues, especially at country level; contribute to the global policy debate on water issues; contribute to the knowledge base on water and serve as an entry point for water-related indicators, data and information; and identify emerging issues and provide a platform for strategic discussion on how to prepare for and cope with them more effectively.
The objectives of the Water Day are:
1. To demonstrate to the broad range of stakeholders, particularly decision makers, that some of the major challenges facing humanity today are water related.
2. To identify major water issues connecting with the themes of the Rio+20 Conference.
3. To focus on the means of implementation, particularly focusing on the action areas where the United Nations can act together through UN-Water.
The Water Day will bring the UN-Water contribution to the Rio+20 Conference, building on the UN-Water Statement for the Rio+20 Conference submitted to the Rio+20 Secretariat in November 2011 and on the UN-Water Deliverables for Rio+20 submitted in March 2012 through the United Nations High Level Committee on Programmes.
At the Water Day UN-Water will release its Report on Water Resources Management, specifically produced for Rio+20, and it will engage in high level panel discussions on the relevance of water in the Rio+20 outcomes and beyond, and on the role of the human right to water and to sanitation. Finally, 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation will be introduced, as a first concrete step to follow on the Rio+20 outcomes.
(Please note that this is a full day event)
UN-Water is the United Nations inter-agency coordination mechanism for all freshwater related issues. Building on a long history of inter-agency coordination, UN-Water was established in 2003 to facilitate synergies and joint efforts among UN entities in the area of water. UN-Water seeks to: promote coherent actions of the UN System on water issues, especially at country level; contribute to the global policy debate on water issues; contribute to the knowledge base on water and serve as an entry point for water-related indicators, data and information; and identify emerging issues and provide a platform for strategic discussion on how to prepare for and cope with them more effectively.
The objectives of the Water Day are:
1. To demonstrate to the broad range of stakeholders, particularly decision makers, that some of the major challenges facing humanity today are water related.
2. To identify major water issues connecting with the themes of the Rio+20 Conference.
3. To focus on the means of implementation, particularly focusing on the action areas where the United Nations can act together through UN-Water.
The Water Day will bring the UN-Water contribution to the Rio+20 Conference, building on the UN-Water Statement for the Rio+20 Conference submitted to the Rio+20 Secretariat in November 2011 and on the UN-Water Deliverables for Rio+20 submitted in March 2012 through the United Nations High Level Committee on Programmes.
At the Water Day UN-Water will release its Report on Water Resources Management, specifically produced for Rio+20, and it will engage in high level panel discussions on the relevance of water in the Rio+20 outcomes and beyond, and on the role of the human right to water and to sanitation. Finally, 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation will be introduced, as a first concrete step to follow on the Rio+20 outcomes.
18:00 - 19:30
High Level Policy Forum on Development of Framework for Green Economy
Republic of Korea
Republic of Korea
High Level Policy Forum on Development of Framework for Green Economy
Lead organizer:
Republic of Korea
Room:
P3-A
The side event titled ?High Level Policy Forum on Development of Framework for Green Economy? aims to identify key challenges toward green economy and explore possible policy frameworks to promote green economy with the high-level policy makers.
The side event will provide a good chance to policy makers and key stakeholders to enhance awareness of challenges and opportunities in green economy, possible policy options to shift conventional resource-intensive economic structure towards green economy, specifically in the key sectors of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns, resource efficiency and green infrastructure.
Through this event, participants will share policy experiences of countries in different circumstances and seek policy frameworks to promote green economy beyond Rio+20.
The side event will provide a good chance to policy makers and key stakeholders to enhance awareness of challenges and opportunities in green economy, possible policy options to shift conventional resource-intensive economic structure towards green economy, specifically in the key sectors of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) patterns, resource efficiency and green infrastructure.
Through this event, participants will share policy experiences of countries in different circumstances and seek policy frameworks to promote green economy beyond Rio+20.
19:00 - 21:00
Urban an subnational territories: key elements of a sustainable future
United Cities and Local Governments
United Cities and Local Governments
Urban an subnational territories: key elements of a sustainable future
Lead organizer:
United Cities and Local Governments
Room:
T-1
At a moment where half of humanity lives and works in cities around the world and where previsions expect this proportion to increase to 70% by 2050, the role of urban governance and sub-national levels of governments in the global agenda is becoming increasingly important.
Given the need to go beyond clusters and sectoral approaches, local and subnational authorities are calling for a more human centered debate and for an integrated framework to assessing sustainable development.
Local and regional authorities as the closest level of government to the people can play a pivotal role in bringing all actors together and linking up all levels of governance: local, subnational, national and international to build new models of governance and a more equitable and sustainable development for all. International and national strategies for sustainable development should take into account local realities and trends with the active assistance of local governments.
Given the need to go beyond clusters and sectoral approaches, local and subnational authorities are calling for a more human centered debate and for an integrated framework to assessing sustainable development.
Local and regional authorities as the closest level of government to the people can play a pivotal role in bringing all actors together and linking up all levels of governance: local, subnational, national and international to build new models of governance and a more equitable and sustainable development for all. International and national strategies for sustainable development should take into account local realities and trends with the active assistance of local governments.
19:30 - 21:00
The Global Transition to a New Economy- mapping a green and fair world
The New Economics Institute
The New Economics Institute
The Global Transition to a New Economy- mapping a green and fair world
Lead organizer:
The New Economics Institute
Room:
P3-F
The presentation will provide a vision of what a green and fair economy may look like, in different contexts, around the world. In particular, the presentation will include the launch of the Global Transition to a New Economy map (please see www.gtne.org). Gus Speth will provide a keynote speech on what an economy that delivers on social justice and operates within environmental limits looks like in the United States.
19:30 - 21:00
Building Ecocities - Geodesign and Citizen Participation
Ecocity Builders
Ecocity Builders
Building Ecocities - Geodesign and Citizen Participation
Lead organizer:
Ecocity Builders
Room:
P3-B
Urbanization has been identified by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as one of the top environmental issues of the 21st Century. Given the environmental changes associated with Climate Change and the vulnerability of urban areas, urban resilience is a key component of overall sustainability.
Ecocity principles, tied to citizen participation and multidisciplinary sustainable development frameworks and networks, can produce quantifiable benefits to cities and citizens, often reducing or eliminating the need for more expensive urban infrastructure interventions while simultaneously boosting community health and economic resilience. We will demonstrate how the use of next generation web technologies, cloud computing, global information systems and large scale knowledge-bases can increase and amplify efficiency and resilience, as well as boost citizen participation, to conceive a new, more public infrastructure ?a robust network of urban interventions with tangible benefits to the health and well-being of every citizen.
Ecocity principles, tied to citizen participation and multidisciplinary sustainable development frameworks and networks, can produce quantifiable benefits to cities and citizens, often reducing or eliminating the need for more expensive urban infrastructure interventions while simultaneously boosting community health and economic resilience. We will demonstrate how the use of next generation web technologies, cloud computing, global information systems and large scale knowledge-bases can increase and amplify efficiency and resilience, as well as boost citizen participation, to conceive a new, more public infrastructure ?a robust network of urban interventions with tangible benefits to the health and well-being of every citizen.
19:30 - 21:00
Occupy nature
ENDA Tiers Monde
ENDA Tiers Monde
Occupy nature
Lead organizer:
ENDA Tiers Monde
Room:
T-11
Justice first!
All environmental interventions must promote justice!
Rights, Recourse, Representation!
Nature belongs to everyone.
All environmental interventions must promote justice!
Rights, Recourse, Representation!
Nature belongs to everyone.
19:30 - 21:00
Oceans at Rio+20: Toward Implementation of the Rio Ocean Commitments
International Coastal and Ocean Organization, Secretariat of the Global Ocean Forum
International Coastal and Ocean Organization, Secretariat of the Global Ocean Forum
Oceans at Rio+20: Toward Implementation of the Rio Ocean Commitments
Lead organizer:
International Coastal and Ocean Organization, Secretariat of the Global Ocean Forum
Room:
T-7
Oceans, coasts, and small island developing States (SIDS) have taken a prominent role in the Rio+20 discussions and will likely factor centrally into the Rio+20 outcome. States, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society have voiced strong support for addressing ocean issues and supporting the role of oceans and coasts in achieving sustainable development goals. Many in the global community have also stressed the need to continue to work towards previously unfulfilled global commitments on oceans, coasts, and SIDS.
This event will address perspectives of States, UN-agencies and civil society on the Rio+20 outcome, host discussions on how to reach a strong oceans outcome (including a viable implementation framework for Rio+20 commitments), and will also serve as a follow-up to the high-level oceans event, "Advancing Oceans and Coasts at Rio+20 and Beyond" (scheduled for June 16), and the thematic oceans half-day organized by the Brazilian government and the Rio+20 Executive Coordinators.
This event will address perspectives of States, UN-agencies and civil society on the Rio+20 outcome, host discussions on how to reach a strong oceans outcome (including a viable implementation framework for Rio+20 commitments), and will also serve as a follow-up to the high-level oceans event, "Advancing Oceans and Coasts at Rio+20 and Beyond" (scheduled for June 16), and the thematic oceans half-day organized by the Brazilian government and the Rio+20 Executive Coordinators.
19:30 - 21:00
The Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
The Global Atlas for Solar and Wind Energy
Lead organizer:
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Room:
T-10
19:30 - 21:00
The human being: the core of a sustainable city
AVSi Foundation
AVSi Foundation
The human being: the core of a sustainable city
Lead organizer:
AVSi Foundation
Room:
P3-E
Education, employment and social inclusion of new generations are recognized as essential components for sustainable cities. The focus on the development of each single person, his/her family and community is key to foster the active protagonism of city dwellers, their associations and institutions, which, along with the private sector, are essential for city planning and development.
These are the main lessons we propose to share at the side-event, derived from the innovative multi-year and multi-stakeholder partnership in an integrated urban development intervention in Brazil involving local and national Governments ( Bahia State , Ministry of Cities), international donors ( Government of Italy, World Bank) , local CSOs and Institutions, international NGOs (AVSI Foundation) and Cities Alliance. The quality of the results and of the partnership has now spurred Brazil, Italy, and Cities Alliance to associate with Mozambique in an urban upgrading project in Maputo, inspired and guided by the Bahia approach.
These are the main lessons we propose to share at the side-event, derived from the innovative multi-year and multi-stakeholder partnership in an integrated urban development intervention in Brazil involving local and national Governments ( Bahia State , Ministry of Cities), international donors ( Government of Italy, World Bank) , local CSOs and Institutions, international NGOs (AVSI Foundation) and Cities Alliance. The quality of the results and of the partnership has now spurred Brazil, Italy, and Cities Alliance to associate with Mozambique in an urban upgrading project in Maputo, inspired and guided by the Bahia approach.
19:30 - 21:00
Speak Truth to Power: Listening to the demands of future generations
Global Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA)
Global Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA)
Speak Truth to Power: Listening to the demands of future generations
Lead organizer:
Global Campaign for Climate Action (GCCA)
Room:
T-4
Throughout history, young people have been the drivers of change, often standing up for what?s right in direct opposition to the established norm. From organised struggles for democracy and civil liberties, to peaceful protests calling for new economic ideals, youth voices have transformed the socio-political landscape of the 21st century. Now, with the future of life on Earth at stake, the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development calls out for young people across the world to lead the charge and we have brought some of the most prominent voices together to speak truth to power and make their voice heard to those that can influence the outcome of Rio+20 and ensure that young people have the future they want and deserve.
19:30 - 21:00
Biotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Public Research and Regulation Initiative (PRRI)
Public Research and Regulation Initiative (PRRI)
Biotechnology and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Lead organizer:
Public Research and Regulation Initiative (PRRI)
Room:
T-9
The world is facing very daunting challenges. Over 1 billion people are malnourished, often resultingin chronic diseases and premature deaths. Agriculture burdens the environment through pesticides,fertilizers, irrigation, ploughing and conversion of natural habitats. This situation will be compoundedby the further growth of the world population. By 2050 the world will have to produce 60-70% morefood, feed, fibre and biomass on a smaller agricultural area and under the stress of climate change.
Farmers will have to produce more with less impact on the environment. In other words, to increase yieldper hectare, to make better use of water, to be less dependent on pesticides and fertilisers, to enhance nutritional value, etc. As was already recognised in the Earth Summit in 1992, this immense challenge cannot be solved by conventional approaches alone, but requires the involvement of new technologies such as modern biotechnology.
Farmers will have to produce more with less impact on the environment. In other words, to increase yieldper hectare, to make better use of water, to be less dependent on pesticides and fertilisers, to enhance nutritional value, etc. As was already recognised in the Earth Summit in 1992, this immense challenge cannot be solved by conventional approaches alone, but requires the involvement of new technologies such as modern biotechnology.
19:30 - 21:00
Voices from Europe: Build a Living Economy
Worldwatch Institute
Worldwatch Institute
Voices from Europe: Build a Living Economy
Lead organizer:
Worldwatch Institute
Room:
T-6
This event explores the road towards sustainable prosperity by various means. Voices from Europe will debate and present research results on green economy and policy advices for Rio+20. These voices represent businesses, NGOs and intellectuals from Europe. To reach a broad audience, the advices from Europe will be communicated using different media, including scientific presentations, video, art and music that will be integral to the event supporting and strengthen key policy advices.
19:30 - 21:00
Trends and Conflicts in the Extractives Sector: Designing Public Policy for a More Sustainable Future
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
Trends and Conflicts in the Extractives Sector: Designing Public Policy for a More Sustainable Future
Lead organizer:
CEDHA (Centro de Derechos Humanos y Ambiente)
Room:
T-5
The real and perceived social and environmental impacts of extractive industries are today presenting a monumental global challenge, to balance sustainable growth, with the inevitable depletion and massive use of natural resources, all of this while attempting to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for affected communities and other stakeholders. Governments receiving much of the global investment occurring today for mining prospecting and extraction, have in many cases shown that they are unprepared from a policy and management perspective to tackle the challenges of providing socially and environmentally effective investment frameworks, proper policy guidance, monitoring systems, or reporting mechanisms to ensure a more sustainable approach to mining. Mining companies meanwhile, have made a strong push to offer Corporate Social Responsibility-type responses to concerned stakeholders in local communities.
19:30 - 21:00
Water and food security: How to reduce vulnerabilities and empower
United Nations Association Finland
United Nations Association Finland
Water and food security: How to reduce vulnerabilities and empower
Lead organizer:
United Nations Association Finland
Room:
T-8
The rights to water and food are basic human rights and key issues to be taken into account when aspiring to achieve tangible results for green economies in the context of poverty eradication and in setting the Sustainable Development Goals.
The panel discussion stimulates the debate by offering a variety of perspectives that illustrate the importance of mainstreaming inclusive multi-stakeholder cooperation into all actions both at national and international level. The panel focuses on examples, which illustrate how to increase policy coherence and cross-sectoral cooperation as well as the influence of marginalized groups in dealing with the linkages between food security and the management of fresh water and marine resources.
The panel discussion stimulates the debate by offering a variety of perspectives that illustrate the importance of mainstreaming inclusive multi-stakeholder cooperation into all actions both at national and international level. The panel focuses on examples, which illustrate how to increase policy coherence and cross-sectoral cooperation as well as the influence of marginalized groups in dealing with the linkages between food security and the management of fresh water and marine resources.
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
09:00 - 10:30
ScenaRio 2012: 30,000 young voices for a sustainable future
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
ScenaRio 2012: 30,000 young voices for a sustainable future
Lead organizer:
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Room:
T-8
A unique initiative, ScenaRio 2012 will enable 30,000 young people and 100 personalities to share perspectives on the multiple issues linking the environment, development and governance.
The ScenaRio 2012 team is currently consulting the world youth through a quantitative study covering 30 countries (including developing and least developed countries). In each country, 1,000 young citizens aged 16-29 will be consulted, representing the main socioeconomic characteristics of the national youth.
In parallel, the ScenaRio 2012 team is also interviewing a panel of 100 personalities with a strong personal commitment towards sustainability issues. Specially created for the project, this panel includes opinion-makers from ten complementary spheres of influence (academia, business, culture, media, nonprofit, politics, spirituality, sports, UN and youth) and respects gender parity and geographic balance.
ScenaRio 2012 has the official support of six UN Agencies and is a member of the UNCSD Major Group for Children and Youth.
The ScenaRio 2012 team is currently consulting the world youth through a quantitative study covering 30 countries (including developing and least developed countries). In each country, 1,000 young citizens aged 16-29 will be consulted, representing the main socioeconomic characteristics of the national youth.
In parallel, the ScenaRio 2012 team is also interviewing a panel of 100 personalities with a strong personal commitment towards sustainability issues. Specially created for the project, this panel includes opinion-makers from ten complementary spheres of influence (academia, business, culture, media, nonprofit, politics, spirituality, sports, UN and youth) and respects gender parity and geographic balance.
ScenaRio 2012 has the official support of six UN Agencies and is a member of the UNCSD Major Group for Children and Youth.
09:00 - 10:30
UNCSD follow up: the role of parliaments
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
UNCSD follow up: the role of parliaments
Lead organizer:
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
Room:
T-10
A look at the legisaltive, oversight and representational role of parliaments as key actors to be engaged in the global re-think and accelerated action that are required to achieve sustainable development.
09:00 - 10:30
The trade dimension in the follow-up to the Rio plus 20 Summit
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
The trade dimension in the follow-up to the Rio plus 20 Summit
Lead organizer:
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Room:
T-6
The emergence of greener economies has been the consequence of several drivers including, increasing regulatory and policy changes put in place to deal with negative externalities, difficulties faced in responding to ever increasing demands over natural and energy inputs, changes in consumption patterns, corporate responses to environmental and social considerations, as well as competitiveness, efficiency and image variables.
In discussions leading the Rio+20 Conference, considerable political and negotiating efforts focused on the concerns that the green economy raises in trade contexts, for example: the emergence of green protectionist temptations and recent trade-related conflicts.
Opportunities are seen in the trade of environmental goods and services, higher investment levels and in the emergence of greener sectors in both developed and developing countries, such as organic agriculture, biodiversity based production, ecotourism and clean energy generation.
At the Rio+20 Summit, a shift in emphasis will start occurring from negotiations to the implementation of agreed outcomes. It is time to start exploring concrete proposals on innovative cooperation frameworks and capacity building initiatives by leading UN agencies and other assistance providers that will implement those outcomes.
In discussions leading the Rio+20 Conference, considerable political and negotiating efforts focused on the concerns that the green economy raises in trade contexts, for example: the emergence of green protectionist temptations and recent trade-related conflicts.
Opportunities are seen in the trade of environmental goods and services, higher investment levels and in the emergence of greener sectors in both developed and developing countries, such as organic agriculture, biodiversity based production, ecotourism and clean energy generation.
At the Rio+20 Summit, a shift in emphasis will start occurring from negotiations to the implementation of agreed outcomes. It is time to start exploring concrete proposals on innovative cooperation frameworks and capacity building initiatives by leading UN agencies and other assistance providers that will implement those outcomes.
09:00 - 10:30
Know our Ocean, Protect our Marine Treasures, Empower Ocean Citizens
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
Know our Ocean, Protect our Marine Treasures, Empower Ocean Citizens
Lead organizer:
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)
Room:
T-9
The ocean, our common heritage, covers over 70% of the globe?s surface. The ocean shapes Earth?s climate and influences the distribution of ecosystems, biodiversity, and thus food availability across the globe. This single, contiguous body of water is an absolutely essential component of human lives. Yet, despite the scientific research promoted via international cooperation over the past 50 years, the ocean remains relatively unexplored. Moving towards sustainable development of the ocean requires strengthening global scientific efforts to fully comprehend and protect coastal and marine environmental health, as well as to conserve biological diversity, and mitigate the impact of ocean threats. Sound ocean management requires developing the appropriate tools and mechanism to protect ocean resources, biodiversity and to sustain livelihoods that are compatible with healthy ecosystems. Finally, the transition towards such a blue-green approach will require a shift in human behavior which can only be instrumented through ocean education and awareness-raising leading to the emergence of a true ?ocean citizenship?.
09:00 - 10:30
L'Economie Verte en Afrique : Experiences et Initiatives des Etats
Lead organizer:
Morocco
Room:
P3-E
Ces dernières années, le Maroc ainsi que d?autres pays africains sont rentré dans le verdissement de leur économie. Plusieurs chantiers ont été d?ores et déjà lancés et visant à instaurer un développement durable.
Le Side Event sera une occasion pour partager l?expérience de certains pays africains y compris le Maroc avec les délégations des autres pays et les organismes internationaux.
A cet égard, le Side Event connaîtra la présentation des initiatives du développement durable et la projection des films et des reportages en relation avec l?économie verte et le Développement durable.
Le Side Event sera une occasion pour partager l?expérience de certains pays africains y compris le Maroc avec les délégations des autres pays et les organismes internationaux.
A cet égard, le Side Event connaîtra la présentation des initiatives du développement durable et la projection des films et des reportages en relation avec l?économie verte et le Développement durable.
09:00 - 10:30
Social science support to policies promoting the social dimension of sustainable development in a changing climate
Norwegian National Commission for UNESCO
Norwegian National Commission for UNESCO
Social science support to policies promoting the social dimension of sustainable development in a changing climate
Lead organizer:
Norwegian National Commission for UNESCO
Room:
P3-B
The world is facing severe economic, social and environmental problems that are posing serious threats to sustainable development. Climate change alone can lead to a surge in social challenges such as reduced food production, reduced livelihoods and mass migration.
While there has been increased recognition of the need for natural sciences to contribute to a knowledge base for informed policy decisions regarding prevention and mitigation of environmental and climate change, the role the social sciences can and should play in providing knowledge to society on the consequences of these inevitable changes have largely been down-played or even ignored. At the same time, the need for social science to contribute to sustainable development is recognized in chapter 35 of Agenda 21 and in the negotiations for the outcome document for ?Rio + 20?. There is a clear need for a better and more informed dialogue between social scientists and the decision-makers.
While there has been increased recognition of the need for natural sciences to contribute to a knowledge base for informed policy decisions regarding prevention and mitigation of environmental and climate change, the role the social sciences can and should play in providing knowledge to society on the consequences of these inevitable changes have largely been down-played or even ignored. At the same time, the need for social science to contribute to sustainable development is recognized in chapter 35 of Agenda 21 and in the negotiations for the outcome document for ?Rio + 20?. There is a clear need for a better and more informed dialogue between social scientists and the decision-makers.
09:00 - 10:30
Resilient Cities - Fostering Local Action for Sustainable Development
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)
Resilient Cities - Fostering Local Action for Sustainable Development
Lead organizer:
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR)
Room:
T-1
Cities are home to half of the world?s population and in the coming years, this number is expected to grow by 70%. As engines of economic growth, innovation and job creation, cities play a pivotal role for sustainable development to be realized. Cities have also become one of the main contributors to many environmental problems. Emerging sustainable development challenges such as disaster risks are brought by rapid urbanization, unsustainable development practices and climate change. More than half of the world?s largest cities, with populations ranging from 2 to 15 million, are currently located in areas of high risk of seismic activity. Furthermore, almost a billion people live in slums or marginal and informal settlements without access to basic services and they are often in high-risk areas. If not addressed properly and in time, disasters will continue to pose significant threats to people?s lives and assets and development actions. It is critical for all stakeholders concerned to bring about a sea change in how we address urban disaster risks.
09:00 - 10:30
Accelerating clean and sustainable energy access for all in Africa
Lead organizer:
South Africa
Room:
P3-F
Energy is essential for socio-economic, human and technological development. Access to energy remains a fundamental and key ingredient to achieve sustainable development. Access to clean modern energy services is equally an enormous challenge facing the African continent. Africa accounts for about 3% of world energy consumption, the lowest per capita modern energy consumption in the world. However, solving the challenges facing the provision of universal energy access in Africa will require improve energy efficiency practices, harness untapped renewable energy potential and accelerate the introduction of Independent Power Producers. The South African Government is committed to reducing carbon emissions and provide clean energy sources.
09:00 - 10:30
Strengthening Students of Sustainability: Interdisciplinary Approaches
Princeton University
Princeton University
Strengthening Students of Sustainability: Interdisciplinary Approaches
Lead organizer:
Princeton University
Room:
T-5
This side event will introduce two approaches that universities in both developed and emerging economies are using to promote the interdisciplinary training of their students on critical environmental issues. Speakers will represent the Princeton Energy and Climate Scholars (PECS), and the Pontifícia Universidade Católica (PUC) do Rio de Janeiro?s Interdisciplinary Center for the Environment (NIMA).
PECS is a group of Princeton University graduate students from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds focusing on energy and/or climate related research who meet frequently to discuss their research and important environmental issues.
PUC NIMA?s Sustainable University project takes a holistic approach to transforming the university into a model for sustainable development, from the classroom to the entire campus.
Representatives from both groups will introduce the concept behind their organization, how they differ from traditional student environmental organizations, and how these interdisciplinary models can be applied to other institutions.
PECS is a group of Princeton University graduate students from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds focusing on energy and/or climate related research who meet frequently to discuss their research and important environmental issues.
PUC NIMA?s Sustainable University project takes a holistic approach to transforming the university into a model for sustainable development, from the classroom to the entire campus.
Representatives from both groups will introduce the concept behind their organization, how they differ from traditional student environmental organizations, and how these interdisciplinary models can be applied to other institutions.
09:00 - 10:30
Measure What Matters: a coherent global framework - aligning performance indicators for global sustainable development, national beyond GDP metrics and improved corporate reporting
Prince Accounting for Sustainability Project
Prince Accounting for Sustainability Project
Measure What Matters: a coherent global framework - aligning performance indicators for global sustainable development, national beyond GDP metrics and improved corporate reporting
Lead organizer:
Prince Accounting for Sustainability Project
Room:
T-4