Basis for sustainable development

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, better known as Rio 2012 or Rio+20, was hosted by Rio de Janeiro between June 20 and 22. Rio+20 was a 20-year follow-up to the memorable 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) which was also held in Rio. The conference was organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon highlighted a “zero hunger challenge”. He invited all countries to work for a future in which each individual has enough nutrition and where all food systems are strong. “In a world of plenty, no one – not a single person – should go hungry,” Mr Ban emphasised. “I invite all of you to join me in working for a future without hunger… Zero hunger would boost economic growth, reduce poverty and safeguard the environment. It would foster peace and stability.”

Cardinal Reinhard Marx, president of the Commission of the Bishops Conference of the European Union (COMECE), encouraged world leaders to put the human person as the basis for sustainable development during the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development. In a communiqué, addressed to the participants at the conference in Brazil, Cardinal Marx underscored the importance of balancing the social, economic and environmental needs of the present without ruining future generations. “Sustainability is applied to a solidarity that extends beyond space and time,” he stated. “The development of a framework for a ‘green economy in the context of sustainable development’ (GESDPE) that is being sought by the Conference and a corresponding policy must be judged by whether and to what extent they will meet the basic needs of all people, especially the poor and marginalised as well as future generations.”

After underlining the need for a global sustainable agricultural sector and the importance of cooperation among nations to safeguard a “sound global governance system,” the German prelate ended his statement by saying that development is not “uni-dimensional”.

Moreover, he said that following those needs for sustainable development would effect a conversion of heart and mind in developed, more prosperous countries. “Instead of being driven by materialism and self-interest we need to become generous and show solidarity. We need to work on a new culture with respect for Creation, for solidarity and justice, for true and authentic human development,” he affirmed. “The world expects that their leaders in Rio will embrace their responsibilities and will be accountable for their commitments. The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the EU wishes them the courage to decide in favour of just solutions”.

Will wealthy nations show their solidarity with poorer nations?