29 May 2012: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told negotiators that issues can no longer remain unresolved in the text of the draft outcome document for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20). Ban was addressing delegates to the third and final round of “informal informal” negotiations on the zero draft of the outcome document, at UN Headquarters, New York, on its opening day. The consultations will run until 2 June.

Ban repeatedly emphasized the “responsibility” of those in the room and their leaders to reach agreement. “There comes a time in the life of every global leader to think about the interests of all humankind,” he said, noting that while “nobody expects countries to sacrifice national self-interest,” those very self-interests are interdependent.

Ban underlined that the Rio+20 outcome should, inter alia, identify: a process to define sustainable development goals (SDGs); a new institutional framework; and mechanisms that stimulate economies to create decent jobs, provide social protection, and support a healthy environment. He called on negotiators to work with the 80-page Co-Chairs’ suggested text (CST) and streamline it further in order to make Rio+20 a resounding success.

Delegates to the negotiations met in two working groups throughout the day and evening to discuss sections of the CST. [IISD RS Meeting Coverage] [Statement of UN Secretary-General] [UNCSD Press Release] [UN Press Release]