13 September 2011: The UN is inviting representatives from nine key constituencies, known as major groups, to submit ideas on how the world can progress towards sustainable development, in view of broadening participation in the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20).

Suggestions coming from Women, Children and Youth, Indigenous Peoples, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Local Authorities, Workers and Trade Unions, Business and Industry, the Scientific and Technical Community, and Farmers, will be considered for a compilation document that will serve as the basis for negotiations at UNCSD. The submission deadline is 1 November 2011, after which a compilation text will be prepared that will be the basis for a zero draft for the negotiations. Countries and other stakeholders will consider the compilation document at the second inter-sessional meeting scheduled to take place from 15-16 December 2011, in New York, US.

Rio+20 Secretary-General Sha Zukang urged everyone to contribute their best innovative ideas. Representatives from organizations or coalitions that do not fit in any of the major groups can send in their inputs through the Rio+20 website.

Governments, civil society, businesses and other major groups have also been invited by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to share examples of green economy success stories. [UN Press Release] [Rio+20 Webpage for Submitting Input] [UNEP Webpage on Green Economy Success Stories]