The Rio declaration on environment and development: an assessment
In 1992 the historic UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, popularly known as the Earth Summit) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil witnessed unprecedented political will and commitment among governments to make a paradigm shift to sustainable development. Acknowledging the twin crises of poverty and the environment UNCED concluded that the prevailing economic model was unsustainable. The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development that emerged from intense discussion, debate and negotiations was thus the framework of principles adopted by Heads of States and Governments for that paradigm shift. Almost 20 years later, as governments, civil society organisations and international institutions prepare for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in June 2012 to be held again in Rio, there is growing questioning by the North, and even rejection by some governments of the North, of some of the most fundamental of the Rio principles. The spirit of Rio 1992 was generally one of multilateralism, cooperation and solidarity based on the fundamental principle of common but differentiated responsibilities even though the North had shown reluctance in crucial issues such as reforms in global economic systems and taking the lead in changing consumption and production patterns. Today, that spirit is ebbing as competition and inequities dominate international relations. The objectives of Rio+20 is "to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development". This report provides a summary of the negotiation history of the Rio Declaration can contribute to that objective.
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