Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when will the Earth Summit 2012 take place?

The Summit will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20th – 22nd June 2012

Who is Stakeholder Forum?

Stakeholder Forum is an international organisation working to advance sustainable development and promote democracy at a global level. Our work aims to enhance open, accountable and participatory international decision-making on sustainable development.

For more information on Stakeholder Forum, please visit our website www.stakeholderforum.org.

What is Stakeholder Forum’s role in the Summit?

Stakeholder Forum has a long history of involvement in World Summits on sustainable development, dating back to the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. You can find out more about our history here.

As a major objective of Stakeholder Forum is to enhance stakeholder engagement in global policy-making processes on sustainable development, we are therefore committed to making Rio+20 a success. As such, we played a key role in advocating for the Summit and are also seeking to enhance global involvement in the Summit both through this website and also through other activities such as workshops, events and specific work programmes relating to the thematic issues of the Summit 

Stakeholder Forum does not fulfil any official Secretariat functions for the Summit. This role is undertaken by the UN Division of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), who also run a website with logistical and process information about the UNCSD: http://www.uncsd2012.org

What does ‘Rio+20’ refer to?

The UN Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012 is also referred to as ‘Rio+20’ because it will take place in 2012, twenty years on from the original ‘Earth Summit’, the Rio Conference on Environemnt and Development (UNCED) that took place in Rio in 1992.

Why is the UNCSD also called ‘Earth Summit 2012’?

Many people are also referring to the UNCSD as ‘Earth Summit 2012’. Officially, the Conference is not yet a ‘Summit’, and a number of governments are reluctant to refer to it as a Summit. However, as there is significant momentum to revive the ‘spirit of Rio’ from twenty years ago, especially among civil society, there is widespread support for referring to the Conference as ‘Earth Summit 2012’. This website has been developed in that spirit.

Who will be attending the summit?

The summit will be attended by politicians and heads of state/heads of government from member countries as well as officials from member countries and international institutions. Members of Civil Society Organisations will also be present as will members of the media.

What does the Summit aim to achieve?

The Summit has been established with the aim of providing the time and space for global leaders to come together and define a sustainable development pathway that leads to a future in which the whole global population can enjoy a decent standard of living whilst preserving our ecosystems and natural resources.

To this end, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development has a number of objectives and themes. Click here to find out more.

How can I get involved in the Summit?

Stakeholder Forum has set up this site as an information hub to provide updates, background information and analysis towards Rio+20. It is intended this site will also act as a platform to connect organisations and stakeholders interested in engaging in the preparatory process. Here you will find ways to get involved in the lead up to the Summit and support global efforts towards achieving sustainable development.

It should be noted that the best way to get involved in the Summit is through an organisation, stakeholder group or a campaign. If you are not currently involved through any of these channels then you should either get involved in existing efforts, or you could think about setting up your own initiative. Stakeholder Forum can provide you with the relevant background information, alert you to stakeholder engagement processes and also link you up with other organisations. But widespread mobilisation is down to you!

How can I stay informed about developments relating to the Earth Summit?

To receive regular news and updates, users can sign up to the Stakeholder Forum’s Earth Summit Network News mailing list.

What will the process be in the lead up to the summit?

The lead up to the summit is punctuated by the Preparatory Committees (prep coms), of which there will be three. There will also be three intercessional meetings held between the prep coms. These meetings help to define the agenda of the conference and also serve as an interaction point between officials and civil society actors.

Organising Partners for each Major Group, as identified by the United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD), will play a key role organising opportunities for engagement on policy issues amongst their respective Major Groups. Stakeholder Forum will also be working with various civil society stakeholders providing a bridge between those who have a stake in sustainable development and the Summit through conducting national, regional and international consultations.

To find out more about the process and view a roadmap of key dates in the build up to Rio+20 click here.

 

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