July 2012: The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has created a platform to highlight the emerging coalitions, networks, partnerships, and other initiatives taking action on energy, water, cities, and other key sustainability challenges discussed at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20). The “Cloud of Commitments” is expected to evolve into a platform working toward transparency, engagement, assessments, and accountability for the commitments highlighted.

Some of the commitments featured include: the partnership between Marriott International and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) to catalyze sustainable hotel development in emerging markets where water and energy resources may be limited; the Global Centre for Public Service Excellence’s goal to strengthen the capacities of developing countries to design, identify and implement effective policies and processes that support the delivery of efficient public services; and Croatia’s commitment to achieving 100% sustainable forest management in its State-owned forests. [Cloud of Commitments]