In addition to Durban, the next key step in the international agenda on sustainable development is the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), that will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 4-6 June 2012. This event will focus on two key themes: (a) a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication ; and (b) the institutional framework for sustainable development.
Within the preparatory process of Rio+20, the Secretary General of the Club de Madrid, Carlos Westendorp, met with Mr. Brice Lalonde – Executive Coordinator for Rio+20 and Mr. Tariq Banuri – Director of the Division for Sustainable Development (DSD) / UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) Secretariat.
It was in this framework that the UN Secretary-General launched the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability (GSP) which main objective is to reflect on and formulate a new vision for sustainable growth and prosperity, along with mechanisms for achieving it. The Club de Madrid very much welcomes that two members of the GSP are Club de Madrid members and key renowned figures on sustainability issues, Han Seung-soo (Prime Minister of Korea, 2008-2009) and Gro Harlem Brundtland (Prime Minister of Norway, 1986-1989 / 1990-1996). The Club de Madrid will work with them and its other Members to support this process and ensure a meaningful contribution to the outcomes.
