Thank you Mr. Chair,
On behalf of the NGO Major Group, we call for an outcome document that galvanizes action based
on the common good for all. To briefly answer the questions.
Question 1.Question 1. Governments should commit publicly to specific measures improving
transparency, participation, and accountability by developingan action plan to help bring
governments in line with the Bali Guidelines for Rio Principle 10. Governments should also adopt the
principle of non-regression, to prevent the weakening of environmental protections.
Question 2. We call for politically binding, concrete commitments to green public procurement
policies by all authorities at all levels. Also, we call for the adoption of legal rights for ecosystems to
exist, thrive and evolve.
Question 3. We call for the inclusion of forests as a critical area – as they are vital for the green
economy and biodiversity. We call for zero net deforestation by 2020 and for practical initiatives,
such as a pledge from all countries to systematically support credible tropical forests certification.
To make agriculture conducive for human wellbeing and the welfare of farm animals and to protect
natural resources, the UN Committee on World Food Securityshould be mandated to guide
implementation and propose actions, based on the findings of the International Assessment of
Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development.
Regarding energy, we demand an abolition of subsidies to fossil fuels and other harmful causes.
Question 4. We endorse the statement by the Youth Major group on beyond GDP indicators
Question 5. We support proposals for a set of Sustainable Development Goalsand corporate social
and environmental responsibility and accountability. This is to be operationalized in an
internationally agreed green economy roadmap or action plan with specific goals, robust stakeholder
engagement and principles to guide implementation, transparency and monitoring mechanisms. In
addition, the 10YFP on SCP negotiated at CSD-19 should be implemented.
Question 6: We call for a global Financial Transaction Tax to fund the transition to a Green and Fair
Economy governed by an international multi-stakeholder body. Rio+20 should adopt a new
mechanism for technology assessment, to evaluate the social, ethical, environmental and economic
impacts of new technologies. Geo-engineeringshould be banned.
Question 7: Rio+20 should establish an SD Council to rigorously review agencies and countries’
progress towards SD, with enhanced stakeholder participation. We also call for the establishment of
Ombudspersons for Future Generations to serve as advocates and auditors at the heart of
governments at all levels.
Thank you.
