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Statement Switzerland after the adoption of the Rio Outcome Document „The Future
We Want“, 22.6.2012
Excellencies,
Secretary-General,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me first thank again the host government of Brazil for hosting this conference in the marvellous
city of Rio de Janeiro and let me acknowledge the impressive diplomatic skills of the
Brazilian presidency which has helped to achieve agreement on the outcome document
which we have just adopted.
We have come together here in Rio at the Conference for Sustainable Development to take
the necessary political decision for the future we want and the future we need. Switzerland
has approached this conference with the ambition to take clear decisions reflecting a common
vision and a strong common commitment for a green economy that promotes development
and poverty eradication. We have aspired to take the decision here in Rio to effectively
strengthen the international framework for sustainable development and international environmental
governance.
UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon mentioned this conference a historic opportunity. We
made progress but we missed the historic opportunity.
We have agreed on a negotiated document which reflects a compromise but not the vision of
the future that we need. We have avoided major steps back and we have made some progress
in specific areas. We have reiterated our commitment to sustainable development. But
the big vision, the strong commitment, and important concrete elements are still missing. The
full recognition of reproductive health and rights is just one example.
Let me express my sincere hope that our debates here in Rio will catalyze action that goes
beyond the agreed outcome document. Let us build upon and strengthen the positive steps
of this conference. Let us build together, for the benefit for all and especially the poorest, a
green economy. Let us concretize the general statements through concrete policies and actions.
Sustainable development and green economy are not a threat, they are an opportunity,
they are a need, they are a must.
