Rio20 FAQ

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United Nations Conference

on Sustainable Development13-22 June 2012, Rio de Janeiro

Frequently Asked QuestionsUpdated: 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: @BrazilGovNewsFacebook: Brazil Gov News

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RIO+20 HOST COUNTRY FAQ As of 10 May 2012

For more information,

visit: www.rio20.gov.br3 / 11

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 countryagreement 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.

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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 theconsequences 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.

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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, thewebsite details Brazils position on the Conferences main topics, practical

information on travel arrangements, accommodations and transportation in

Rio de Janeiro.

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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.

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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.

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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 16-

19. 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 thelocation 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

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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 Conference-

related 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 on-

demand.

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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.

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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: @BrazilGovNewsFacebook: Brazil Gov News

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