March 2011: The Secretariat of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) has invited Major Groups to submit input and contributions to the Conference for two purposes.

In the first request, the Secretariat notes the invitation, on 8 March 2011, by the Preparatory Committee for the UNCSD to all member States, relevant UN system organizations and relevant stakeholders to provide inputs and contributions in writing by 1 November 2011 for inclusion in a draft Conference outcome document. The UNCSD Bureau then requested contributions from stakeholders. Contributions must cover the objective and the two themes of the Conference, as specified in UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution A/64/236. The Conference objective is “to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assessing the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development and addressing new and emerging challenges.” The themes of the Conference are “a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication” and “the institutional framework for sustainable development.” Stakeholders’ contributions should be submitted by 1 November 2011, either by e-mail (uncsd2012@un.org) or by fax (+1 212-963-1267).

In addition, the Secretariat has invited members of the Major Groups to share their initiatives in support of the UNCSD, to be listed online. Information about initiatives, campaigns, petitions, or meetings being hosted in preparation for the UNCSD are invited. Those wishing to share their initiatives can do so either via the Major Groups Organizing Partners or directly on the Conference website. [UNCSD Secretariat Announcement]