outreach informal 2 day 6

Much of the discussion of this initiative so far has focused primarily on the developing countries and how the first goal could be achieved, writes Derek Osborn, Stakeholder Forum This is rightly seen as the top priority for those, mostly in the developing countries, who are still without access to adequate energy at present… More

The events at Fukushima took place at a time of global revival in nuclear power development, with an estimated 360 GW of additional generating capacity projected to be developed by 2035, on top of the 390 GW already in use, writes Christine Loh, CEO of Civic Exchange. The renewed interest arose mainly due to technological advances in nuclear power, and its potential as a low carbon energy source… More

The Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) initiative was launched in September 2011 by the UN Secretary General, writes Simon Trace, CEO of Pratical Action. The 3 key objectives of the initiative, to be achieved by 2030, are:.. More

National implementation of the Rio conclusions: The Role of National Sustainable Development Councils

As June approaches, it will be increasingly important to consider how the various initiatives and agreements agreed at Rio+20 can be carried forward and implemented on the ground writes Derek Osborn, Stakeholder Forum. The primary responsibility for implementation will, of course, remain at national level… More

Rio+20 can and should deliver concrete commitments on fossil fuel subsidy reform

A global consensus is emerging on the need to eliminate the estimated US$750 billion – but potentially US$1 trillion – in public funds spent each year on fossil fuel subsidies, writes Traci Romine, Oil Change International. This year, Rio+20 presents an important opportunity to solidify this consensus and turn political commitments into action. More

The undersigned agencies would like to bring the following urgent issues to the attention of the United Nations Secretary General’s High Level Group on Sustainable Energy for All and of governments who can support effective sustainable outcomes for people living in poverty and speed the transition towards a zero-carbon global energy sector… More

The Board of Directors of Stakeholder Forum for a Sustainable Future – an international organisation working to advance sustainable development – is pleased to announce the appointment of Farooq Ullah as the new, incoming Executive Director… More

Book by Hesphina Rukato, former Co-chair of Stakeholder Forum International Advisory Board (2000-2001), former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NEPAD Secretariat (2005-2009), and Advisor for Environment and Tourism to the South African Government (2002-2005)… More

Last week, London was the epicentre of clean energy access, with a meeting of the High Level Group from the UN’s Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) initiative and the Third Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), which had 23 energy ministers from leading economies attending, writes Pascoe Sabido, Friends of the Earth. To pull these two important meetings together, Friends of the Earth and the All Party Parliamentary Climate Change Group brought together participants from both, to join civil society organisations from North and South, in exploring how to reach Rio+20 with a shared clean energy access vision… More

Momentum seems to be gathering around the Rio+20 energy discussions, thanks to the UN Secretary General’s initiative on Sustainable Energy for All, writes Clare Coffey, ActionAid UK. The initiative sets out three specific objectives on doubling renewables and energy efficiency improvement rates, as well as securing universal access to energy. The three objectives could well be reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals, which are tipped as being the main outcome of the June Summit… More

From rolling blackouts to radioactive soil, post-tsunami reconstruction faces many challenges, writes Warren Karlenzig, Common Current. But the path to recovery is looking distinctly green. I’ve returned from a sobering United Nations-led tour of six tsunami-damaged communities and two radiation-impacted cities in northern Japan. The obvious conclusion: the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident is forcing Japan to go green… More

The Rio+20 negotiations took a positive upswing on Friday. Finally there was an atmosphere of hope on what could, and should, be achieved, writes Farooq Ullah, Stakeholder Forum. In the spirit of progress, many countries took positive steps to move from previously entrenched positions, and appeared to be open to meaningful negotiations. The discussions on the Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development (IFSD) took a step back in order to take two steps forward… More

Quote of the day

With all our knowledge and creativity should we not be able to act in a bold and courageous manner and create the IFSD for the future? Or will the legacy of those at Rio+20 be – ‘they had the chance to change, but not the courage to do so’.

Jan-Gustav Strandenaes, Stakeholder Forum

Outreach is a multi-stakeholder magazine which is published daily at Rio+20 Intersessional and Preparatory Meetings. The articles written are intended to reflect those of the authors alone or where indicated a coalition’s opinion. An individual’s article is the opinion of that author alone, and does not reflect the opinions of all stakeholders.

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