19 October 2011: The UN launched a new Office for Sustainable Development (UN-OSD) at a ceremony on 19 October 2011, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The new Office is a joint project of the UN, the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Environment, Yonsei University, and the City of Incheon. It will be managed by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and housed at Yonsei University.

The launch was attended by various dignitaries, including Yoo Young Sook, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Korea, and Il Sun Yang, Provost of Yonsei University.

Speaking at the launch, UNCSD Secretary-General Sha Zukang said it is fitting for the Office to be located in the Republic of Korea, which is a green growth leader. Nils Ferrand, Consultant, told participants that the goal of the new Office is to improve and accelerate implementation of sustainable development worldwide. The Office will support developing countries’ preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) and subsequently will seek to advance implementation of the outcomes of Rio+20. [IISD RS Sources] [UN Press Release]