Rio+20 - The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Australia at Rio+20
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 20-22 June 2012
Overview
Australia has been actively engaged in the preparatory process for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) which will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 20-22 June 2012. Rio+20 will be one of the biggest international gatherings of 2012, and the largest event in the history of the United Nations.
Rio+20 presents an opportunity to re-direct and re-energise political commitment to the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic growth, social improvement and environmental protection.
Australia has worked hard to implement national sustainable development initiatives, such as a National Strategy for Sustainable Development in 1992, national environment law in 1999 (which is now undergoing a reform process) and ongoing marine bioregional planning, to name a few.
Australia is also working hard in our region to support other countries become more sustainable, for example through our aid programs that cover such things as food and water security and disaster recovery.
But the job of sustainable development locally, nationally and internationally continues and we look forward to working on more solutions that will put our country, our region and our planet on a more sustainable path.
Australia’s preparations for Rio+20 are co-led by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Australia’s priorities at Rio+20
The outcomes of Rio+20 will drive the global sustainable development agenda for the next decade. Australia’s priorities at Rio+20 are:
- Oceans issues
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Indigenous peoples
- Food security
- Gender equality
- Mining
- Disaster risk reduction
Themes of the Rio+20 Conference
The conference will focus on two themes:
- A Green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication
- The institutional framework for sustainable development
Factsheets
Download our factsheet series to find out more about Rio+20, Australia's involvement at the Conference and how you can get involved.
Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Download PDF (360 KB) | Download Word (88 KB)
Find out about the Rio+20 conference, the objectives and themes of Rio+20, who will be going and the role Australia will be playing.
The Basics of Rio+20
Download PDF (331 KB) | Download Word (108 KB)
This factsheet is the beginners guide to Rio+20. It outlines the purpose of Rio+20 and provides a brief glossary of significant issues.
Young people and Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
Download PDF (341 KB) | Download Word (87 KB)
This factsheet, specifically targeted at young people, outlines how they can get involved in activities around sustainable development.
More factsheets
Key dates
- 20-22 June: Rio+20
Latest news
- Rio+20, Tuesday 19th June
The plenary was told by the Brazilian Foreign Minister, Antonio Patriota, that they had developed a text that would be recommended to leaders.
More information
- United Nations Rio+20 website
The Rio+20 website provides a calendar of key events, advice about how to be involved through UN processes and the outcomes of preparations to date. - Stakeholder Forum
The Stakeholder Forum is an international multi-stakeholder organisation working on sustainable development. It is a source for information and regular updates on a range of international events taking place in the lead up to Rio+20. - Contact us at uncsd2012@environment.gov.au
