11 July 2012: European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik commented that the outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20) was not what the EU had desired, but was better “than no agreement at all.” He addressed the outcomes on green economy, the social dimension, engagement of civil society and the private sector, means of implementation, sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the institutional framework for sustainable development (IFSD).
Potočnik was addressing the 482nd plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee, on 11 July 2012.
On green economy, Potočnik highlighted the Rio outcome document’s recognition of the need for broader measures of progress than gross domestic product (GDP) and the significance of corporate sustainability reporting. He noted the strengthening of social aspects of sustainable development, including on decent work, green jobs and social protection. Emphasizing that the outcomes of Rio+20 cannot be achieved without a “whole-scale, constructive mobilization of civil society,” he welcomed civil society participation at Rio+20. He stressed that engagement of the private sector is fundamental to providing financial resources at the necessary scale.
Potočnik highlighted that in most cases, the EU did not achieve the timelines sought for achievement of operational goals and targets, with some notable exceptions, including on the substancial reduction of marine litter by 2025. He said the EU’s focus on sustainable energy, water, oceans, land and biodiversity, and food security, should come to bear on the development of the SDGs, calling for the EU to engage in the process to develop SDGs that are coherent with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). He welcomed the strengthening and upgrading of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and the establishment of a High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, replacing the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD).
He concluded but stressing that although “Rio+20 has not gone as far as most of Europeans would have wanted … the power to turn Rio+20 into a success lies in our hands.” [European Commission Press Release]