Rio+20 informals and prep-comms

Analysis of the most recent text on food security

COA Admin June 16, 2012 0 Comments

By Nimisha Bastedo, Anna Odell, Clara de Iturbe and Lara Shirley Having watched the development of the issue of food security in the negotiating text from the original release of the Zero Order Draft to the current negotiating text, we have identified some key areas that are particularly relevant and/or contentious in the facilitator’s suggested text. We have examined the text in depth, and...

Why send a group of students half way around the world to Rio+ 20? – because the future needs them there.

guest June 16, 2012 2 Comments

By Ken Cline Language pertaining to the interests of future generations is found in dozens of international agreements and proclamations. From the original definition of sustainable development in the Brundtland Report to the treaties signed in Rio 20 years ago, safeguarding the interests of future generations has been a central tenet of international environmental law practice and sustainable...

If I were a delegate….

Maria Escalante June 15, 2012 0 Comments

by Maria Alejandra Escalante If I were a delegate at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, I would not be the kind of delegate I saw at the negotiations on Sustainable Consumption and Production, Water and Climate Change during Prepcom III. I would not be like them because they induce morbidity, disengagement, lethargy and utter silence. A silence that betrays the people these delegates...

Urgency and Emergency

COA Admin June 14, 2012 0 Comments

A conversation with a delegate By Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler The shuttle to the UN conference center only stops in front of the major hotels, where the important country delegates are staying. Hot air rises to upper-income accommodation. After the walk or taxi ride to the nearest hotel, it’s another hour by bus to get to the convention center. Most days I think that time will...

Earth in Brackets’ address to the Co-Chairs on behalf of MGCY

Youth Civil Society June 14, 2012 0 Comments

We reiterate our concerns about the slow pace of the negotiations, and about the lack of urgency from Member States to express real commitment in the outcome text. We want to call attention to the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, which could be a cornerstone achievement of Rio + 20. Member states have to be held accountable for this agreement by...