The latest issue of UNDESA's newsletter features an overview of developments in March related to the Rio+20 Conference, including UNCSD Secretary-General Sha Zukang's visit to Brazil, during which he discussed logistical and substantive matters with officials involved in Rio+20 preparation.
1 April 2012: The latest issue of “DESA News,” the newsletter of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), presents an overview of developments in March related to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), including the intensifying negotiations on the “zero draft” of the Rio+20 outcome document.
The newsletter also highlights UNCSD Secretary-General Sha Zukang’s visit to Brazil, during which he discussed logistical and substantive matters with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Environment and other officials involved in Rio+20 preparation. Addressing the Senate and the Brazilian Commission for Rio+20, he summarized his expectations for a successful outcome at Rio+20, including: attendance by over 120 Heads of State and Government; adoption of a focused political document; agreement on specific commitments and initiatives for achieving coherence, integration and implementation; and the launch of innovative partnerships.
Other articles address: the upcoming eleventh annual session of the Committee of Experts on Public Administration focusing on local government strategies for more results-oriented public governance; and the 27 February event organized by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on partnerships for more and better jobs for young people. [Publication: DESA News, vol. 16, no. 4]