19 June 2012: The World Summit on Federated States and Regions adopted a declaration on the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. Discussions during the Summit addressed best practices in transitioning to a green economy, and various themes related to sustainable development, such as: energy and transport; protection of ecosystems, forests and water; and measures and indicators for a new development model.

The Summit, which was held on 19 June 2012, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, was organized by the state of Rio de Janeiro, in partnership with Regions-United/FOGAR, the network of regional governments for Sustainable Development (nrg4SD), and the Climate Group.

In the declaration adopted by the Summit, titled “Federated States and Regional Governments Committed to a New Paradigm for Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication: The Declaration of Rio de Janeiro,” the federated states and regional governments urge countries to: permanently integrate the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development; agree on an institutional framework adapted to the needs of the 21st century; and establish sustainable development goals (SDGs) that complement the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Underlining the importance of the green economy in enabling a transition to prosperity, poverty eradication and sustainable development, the declaration also calls for the adoption of a set of common ambitious development goals, principles and standard metrics.

The federated states and regional governments also call for a series of commitments related to sustainable development governance and leadership, including in relation to creating or strengthening independent sustainable development councils and establishing independent ombudspersons or high commissioners for sustainable development and future generations, in their jurisdictions.

The declaration concludes by calling on countries to commit to a common roadmap for transitioning to a green economy, which should include a set of minimum steps to guarantee a fair transition. [UN-NGLS News Release] [Publication: Federated States and Regional Governments Committed to a New Paradigm for Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication] [World Summit of States and Regions website]