United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development

13-22 June 2012, Rio de Janeiro

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: 17 May 2012
Document created by the Federal Government of Brazil Hosts of Rio+20

For more information visit http://www.rio20.gov.br or follow us: Twitter: @BrazilGovNews

Facebook: Brazil Gov News

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

Rio+20: General Questions

What is Rio+20, and what does the name mean?
Rio+20 is the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, which will be held from 13-22 June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, bringing together leaders from 193 countries, representatives from major international organizations and civil society, to discuss the future of global sustainable development. Rio+20 belongs to a family of UN conferences that take place every other decade to discuss long-term solutions for some of the worlds most pressing issues. Previous conferences of this type include the Conference on Human Environment (Stockholm 1972), the Conference on Environment and Development (Rio de Janeiro 1992) and the World Conference on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg 2002). Rio+20 gets its name from the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Rio-92), but also because it will focus on the kind of world we hope to have in the next 20 years, and the areas for growth needed to achieve that end. Rio+20 will also assess the progress made over the last 20 years.

How will the Conference be structured?

Rio+20 will be structured into three segments: Preparatory Committee (13-15 June 2012) - The Conference begins with the last meeting of the Preparatory Committee, where parties will proceed with the final round of negotiations on the documents to be adopted at Rio+20. Two other meetings of the Committee were held in New York in May 2010 and March 2011, besides many other intersessional, informal and regional meetings. Sustainable Development Dialogues (16-19 June 2012) Representatives from international civil society organizations will meet for four days to debate key issues related to sustainable development. High-Level Segment (20-22 June 2012) - During the last three days of Rio+20, heads of state and government will meet to make the final decisions of the Conference.

For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br

2 / 11

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

Who is responsible for organizing the conference?

Rio+20 is a conference held by the United Nations, with Brazil as host country and its president. The Rio+20 Secretariat is responsible for the conferences preparatory process and is housed within the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. This group is headed by Secretary-General Sha Zukang who is also the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs. The Rio+20 Secretariat is also supported by two executive coordinators: Ms. Elizabeth Thompson, a former Minister for Energy and Environment of Barbados; and Mr. Brice Lalonde, a former Minister for the Environment of France, with support from the Rio+20 Board of Directors, which meets regularly in New York and decides matters related to the organization and the content of the Conference. Logistical preparations are being conducted by Brazils National Organizing Committee, working under Brazils Ministry of External Relations and based on the host country agreement signed with the United Nations. The Committee is responsible for the planning and implementation of the measures including the management of resources and contracts related to official Rio+20 events, transportation, communications and security, among others. Brazil has also created a National Commission for Rio+20 to coordinate positions and to promote the dialogue between national and local governments, and the civil society.

What are the main objectives of Rio+20?

The primary goal of Rio+20 is to renew public and private commitment for the three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental sustainability. In accordance with a decision by the UN General Assembly, Rio+20 will focus on two themes: A green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and The institutional framework for sustainable development. In short, Rio+20 aims to strengthen the balance between the environmental, economic and social pillars of sustainable development as well as to improve the international governance on the subject.

For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br

3 / 11

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

What is sustainable development? What is inclusive green growth?

Sustainable development is a model for development that takes into consideration a balanced, integrated approach towards environmental, economic and social issues. In short, it means coordinating economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. The green economy concept allows multiple interpretations and it is not yet a consensus. Brazil, for example, prefers to build on the idea of an inclusive green economy, that takes into account the social pillar. Examples of an inclusive green economy can be found in public policies in Brazil and a number of countries, including programs to transfer income and foster environmental conservation/recovery, support to populations engaged in recycling of solid waste, dissemination of best agricultural practices based on technologies accessible to small establishments and family farmers, and the efficient use of clean and renewable energy sources.

How will Rio+20 be different from the original Rio-92 Conference?

Rio-92, held in the first years of the post-Cold War period, created a global perception that environmental protection and economic and social development are not contradictory. Rio-92 was also the point of arrival of relevant international negotiations such as the UN Conventions on Climate Change, on Biological Diversity and to Combat Desertification. Rio+20 will take place amid the worsening of the economic and financial crisis started in 2008, increasing rates of unemployment and exclusion and a growing number of environmental problems, linked to pressures on natural resources and the consequences of climate change. Rio+20 should be the starting point for negotiation processes that provide long-term solutions to these challenges, and at the same time ensure a balanced approach to the social, economic and environmental pillars of sustainable development.

Will Rio+20 focus on more theoretical discussions on sustainable development, or will it produce practical solutions?
Rio+20 is expected to achieve realistic solutions for sustainable development that make economic, social and environmental sense. While there will be a conceptual dimension to the Conference, the goal is to promote actions that can stimulate economic recovery, create jobs and have a positive impact on global economic activity and avoid declaratory positions that are not possible to achieve. National governments play a key role and local governments will also be fundamental. Another essential factor will be the continuous empowerment of civil society through the mediation of social movements, workers and business organizations, academia, and non-governmental organizations. The role of individuals should also not be underestimated, particularly because they are at liberty to exercise their freedom of choice, which endows them with considerable power in the evolution of sustainable development. For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br

4 / 11

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

Will Rio+20 discuss new ways to measure growth within countries taking sustainable development in consideration?
New indicators for growth are very much on the agenda of Rio+20. While GDP is the most common means to measure the wealth of a country, it does not explain how people live, how wealth is distributed in that country or how natural resources are affected, focusing only on the output of goods and services. Rio+20 presents an opportunity for governments and civil society leaders to further discuss more inclusive ways of measuring country development.

Will Rio+20 be a new stage for further negotiations of the Climate Convention? Will it propose a new global agreement to combat climate change? A new UN Convention?
Rio+20 is not a new stage for climate convention negotiations. The international negotiations on climate change will proceed on the tracks created by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and the Kyoto Protocol. Rio+20 will host debates on issues related to sustainable development, which include climate change, but it does not set out to substitute the existing legal regime. The same applies to the other Rio Conventions (Biological Diversity and Desertification Combat).

Is there any page or official website of the conference?

There are two official websites for Rio+20: o http://www.uncsd2012.org/ - Maintained by the United Nations, the website contains updated information on the Conference and its preparatory process, information on participant accreditation, in depth briefs on the substantive themes of the Conference such as green economy and sustainable development. o http://www.rio20.gov.br/ - Created by the Brazilian government, the website details Brazils position on the Conferences main topics, practical information on travel arrangements, accommodations and transportation in Rio de Janeiro.

For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br

5 / 11

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

Brazil at Rio+20
What is Brazils vision on the Conference?
Brazil believes that Rio+20 represents an exceptional opportunity to change the current economic development model, which has yet to fully integrate social development and environmental protection. To enhance the concept of "green economy," Brazil will emphasize the importance of the social pillar in an "inclusive green economy". From this perspective, as host country, we will work to ensure that discussions focus on a sustainable cycle of development, with the incorporation of billions of people into the economy and the consumption of goods and services within sustainable patterns. Our aim is to ensure that all countries participating in the Conference feel capable of implementing the decisions adopted in Rio with the necessary financial, technological and training resources to build a shared vision of sustainability.

What results is Brazil expecting from Rio+20?

Brazil will measure the success of Rio+20 based upon the Conferences ability to make advances in the following areas: Final incorporation of poverty eradication as an essential element for achieving sustainable development; Full inclusion of the concept of sustainable development in decision-making by actors on the economic, social and environmental pillars, in order to overcome sectoral views that still persist 20 years after the definition of sustainable development as a global priority; Strengthening of multilateralism, with the clear message of the need to adjust the structures of the United Nations and other international institutions to the challenge of sustainable development; International recognition of the reorganization in progress, with its effects on global governance.

For Brazil, which instruments can be adopted to ensure that the results of the conference have an actual impact?
The balance between the three pillars of sustainable development economic, social, and environment can be strengthened during Rio+20 through the establishment of Sustainable Development Goals that determine priority areas for national efforts and international cooperation. It would also be desirable to define an international governance framework that ensures the concept of sustainable development is properly considered as a paradigm for all the organizations and specialized agencies of the United Nations system. For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br 6 / 11

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

What are the Sustainable Development Goals advocated by Brazil?

Brazil believes that Sustainable Development Goals should guide international solutions to priority issues related to sustainable development. These goals will have an important role in guiding the policies and initiatives of governments, international organizations, multilateral development banks and other public and private actors, leading to the adoption of more sustainable patterns. In order to be effective, Brazil believes that the Goals should be translated into concrete, quantifiable and verifiable targets with established deadlines. Priority areas for Brazil include, but are not limited to, the following: The eradication of extreme poverty Food and nutritional security Access to decent work Access to appropriate sources of energy Social equity (inter- and intra-generational, between countries and at national level) Gender equity and the empowerment of women Micro-entrepreneurship and microcredit, Innovation for sustainability Access to clean water

Does Brazil support the creation of a new international environmental agency?

Perfecting international environmental governance does not mean pre-judging or excluding the need to strengthen the other pillars of sustainable development. In Brazils view, the discussions on governance for sustainable development and environmental governance are neither alternative nor opposing but complementary. Accordingly, Brazil defends the idea that the results of Rio+20 should include the strengthening of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), but not the creation of a new international environmental agency.

Is Brazil preparing side events or any other activities at the Conference?

Yes; the Brazilian Government will host a number of side events at Rio+20 within Riocentro, including debates and presentations related to specific topics of the Conference. Other activities, including direct engagement with civil society and the general public, will take place in locations close to the main conference center and in select venues in downtown Rio. A complete schedule of Rio+20 side events and activities will be made available in the weeks prior to the Conference.

For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br

7 / 11

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

What are the Dialogues on Sustainable Development scheduled for June 16-19? Which topics will be addressed?
The "Dialogues for Sustainable Development" will be held at Riocentro from June 1619. No government official will take part as a panelist. The series, which is being organized by the Brazilian government in partnership with the UN, aims to: (i) promote the exchange of experiences and ideas among different sectors of the international civil society (academic community, members of nongovernmental organizations, local governments, entrepreneurs, youth, etc.) on topics related to sustainable development; and (ii) bring the conclusions and recommendations coming out of the Dialogues to the debates of the High Level Segment. The dialogues are structured around ten key topics: Food and nutrition security Sustainable development for fighting poverty Sustainable development as an answer to the economic and financial crises Sustainable energy for all The economics of sustainable development, including sustainable patterns of production and consumption Sustainable cities and innovation Unemployment, decent work and migrations Water Oceans Forests To promote broad and democratic participation, a digital platform for discussions was created (www.riodialogues.org).

What conference facility will be used for Rio+20? Will the civil society events take place in the same area as the UN meetings?
Riocentro Convention Center will be the primary venue for Rio+20 and will be the location where plenary sessions, official intergovernmental negotiations and side events will take place. Only accredited participants will be granted access to the facilities. Riocentro is located in Barra da Tijuca, a neighborhood in the West side of Rio de Janeiro, 40 km from the city center. Civil society events open to the general public will take place near the main conference facilities and in nearby venues in downtown Rio

For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br

8 / 11

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

Will there be a dedicated Brazil pavilion?

Yes; Brazil will have a dedicated pavilion at Rio+20 to showcase sustainable development in action through Brazils national and local initiatives. The Pavilion will be located in Parque dos Atletas (Athletes Park), an area right across Riocentro reserved for exhibitions.

Which steps will the Brazilian government take to make the Conference more sustainable?
Brazils National Organization Committee will hold Rio+20 to the highest standards of sustainability; the committee is working to ensure that carbon emissions resulting from the Conference are offset by mitigation and compensation measures. Among the measures to be implemented: Exclusive use of biodiesel-fueled generators; Intelligent use of paper and an online portal for distribution of Conferencerelated documents; Use of sustainable services and material, such as plastic or bioplastic cups; and Selective waste collection.

Infrastructure and Media Planning

Will the Brazilian delegation host press conferences or other events specifically for media participants?
Yes; the Brazilian delegation will host a number of press briefings and other media activities throughout Rio+20. Briefings will be webcast via the Rio+20 website and an updated press schedule will be provided in the weeks prior to the Conference.

Is there virtual access to the event? Will there be a video broadcast center?
Yes; Rio+20 will be accessible via the Internet. Updates on Conference activities, including multimedia content, will be posted daily to the host country website (http://www.rio20.gov.br) and on dedicated Twitter and Facebook channels. Plenary sessions and daily press briefings will be webcast live and later made available ondemand. For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br

9 / 11

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

How will the media center be organized, and how close is it to the main meeting areas for Rio+20?
With capacity for at least 500 journalists, the Rio+20 international media center will offer computers with high-speed Internet connection, shared printers and laptop workspaces. The media center will be located within the main conference area in Riocentro.

Will there be free WiFi connections?

Yes; free WiFi connections will be provided at Rio+20 throughout Riocentro, the main conference venue.

Will Rio+20 be fully accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes; the National Organizing Committee is working to ensure the highest level of accessibility in all official Rio+20 conference facilities, including closed captioning services during plenary sessions. The City of Rio de Janeiro is also expanding public transportation options for people with disabilities, through fully accessible subway stations and a greater number of specially equipped buses. The Conference website is also fully accessible to visually impaired users.

Will there be public transportation during the conference?

Yes; public transportation will be available at Rio+20. Registered participants will have access to shuttle buses running to and from the main Conference and civil society event areas, hotels and Galeo International Airport. The general public will also be able to purchase special transit cards allowing multiple trips on city buses, subways and ferries.

How do I book hotels in Rio de Janeiro?

Hotels in Rio de Janeiro are quickly filling up as most Conference participants finalize their travel plans. It is strongly advised that participants book accommodation as soon as possible. A list of Rios hotels, B&Bs, inns and flats is available on the host country website at: http://www.rio20.gov.br/useful_information/no-rio-1/acomodacoes. Brazils Rio+20 Organizing Committee will provide assistance to official country delegates seeking accommodations during the period of the Conference through a dedicated travel agency.

For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br

10 / 11

RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

Are there enough hotels and meeting facilities in Rio to adequately support Rio+20?
Rio de Janeiro has a successful history of accommodating large numbers of visitors and tourists during mega-events such as Carnival and New Years Eve, which attract tens of thousands of people every year. While lodging options are not unlimited, we do believe that the facilities will accommodate the needs of Rio+20. In addition to the hotels concentrated within the most popular tourist areas, Rio de Janeiro also offers a wide variety of alternative accommodation options such as vacation rentals, flats, inns, bed and breakfasts and hostels located in different neighborhoods.

Will Brazil waive the usual visa requirements for Rio+20 participants?
A visa for entry into Brazil may be required. Attendees are strongly advised to seek information on requirements from Brazilian diplomatic or consular missions in their home countries. For a full list of Brazilian diplomatic and consular missions, please visit: http://www.itamaraty.gov.br/o-ministerio/o-brasil-no-exterior. Where a visa is required, applicants are strongly advised to apply as early as possible. Please note that visas for citizens of certain countries must be used within 90 days of the issue date. Brazilian authorities will do their utmost to facilitate access for all participants. Special visa arrangements will be made for the accredited participants from countries where no Brazilian mission exists. The details on such arrangements will be provided by the host country authorities.

For more information visit http://www.rio20.gov.br or follow us: Twitter: @BrazilGovNews

Facebook: Brazil Gov News

For more information, visit: www.rio20.gov.br

11 / 11