nrg4SD One Stop Info Shop

Welcome to Rio +20
This one stop shop information pack prepared by the nrg4SD Secretariat contains
important material for delegates attending the UN Conference on Sustainable
Development Rio +20 via nrg4SD.
We encourage you to take some time to read the information regarding the activities
of nrg4SD at Rio +20 on our website (including the 2012 General Assembly and the
World Summit of Federated States and Regions) and information on logistics -
venues, maps, shuttle bus service, registration and personal safety. This information
is updated in real time as we receive it and you will probably find answers to most of
your questions here. Please take some time to also visit the official UN website
dedicated to Rio +20 for more information.
Background information
UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio +20
The UN CSD Rio+20 will take place from 20 - 22 June 2012. The Conference is
concerned with two major themes (I) a green economy in the context of sustainable
development and poverty eradication, and (II) an Institutional Framework for
Sustainable Development. It also includes three objectives: (1) secure renewed
political commitment for sustainable development, (2) assess the progress to date
and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits
on sustainable development, and (3) address new and emerging challenges. These
themes and objectives were defined in the resolution of the UN General Assembly of
December 2009 which called for Rio+20.
In the words of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon himself, "Rio +20 is one of
the most important conferences in the history of the United Nations” and a once-in-ageneration
opportunity to gear the world on sustainable development path.". More
than 18,000 of you have grasped the importance of the UN Conference on
Sustainable Development and registered for the Conference. More than 100 heads of
state or government have already confirmed their attendance and the Brazilian host
government is expecting fifty thousand people.
Agenda 21 and the 9 Major Groups
Various actors have a direct involvement in Rio +20. Besides UN Member States and
multiple UN bodies, there are nine Major Groups representing the voices of nonstake
actors. Agenda 21, the outcome of the first Rio Conference in 1992 (also
known as UNCED) established the concept of these Major Groups defining them as:
Women, Children and Youth, Farmers, Indigenous Peoples, NGOs, Trade Unions,
Local Authorities, Science and Technology, Business and Industry. Familiarising
yourself with the concept of Major Groups is important because the UN General
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