Post Rio Agenda – How to strengthen inter-regional cooperation

Nicholas Hanley Head of Unit International Relations Direction General Environment European Commission

Rio outcome – first reaction from Europe • Was it a success or failure? Only time will tell.

• Europe positive engagement to ensure them the promise of "THE FUTURE WE WANT" is realized.

• A sound basis for further work toward sustainable development.

Guiding principles

Rio outcome reaffirms the principles for sustainable development including poverty eradication, sustainable consumption and production, and protection and managing nature resources.

The social, economic and environmental pillars are as equally valid today as they were in 1992.

A different world since 1992 The implementation of Rio+20 agenda requires us to be aware that we are in a very different world today than that of 1992 – some trends positive and some negative. • Success in some regions in making real progress

with achievement of Millenium Development Goals; • Many countries emerging from developing country

status, major changes in the share and distribution of global wealth;

• Continuing pressure of population, consumption, resource stress and climate change.

Implementing Rio+20

The Green Economy

• An agenda for all countries whatever their state of development – resource efficiency is the only option for a sustainable future.

• Achieving this requires eco-innovation, technology transfer and real business commitment.

• Are we measuring success in the right way? beyond GDP agenda.

Implementing Rio+20

Sustainable Development Goals, the future of Millenium Development Goals and the Post 2015 Development Agenda. How do we bring these together?

Implementing Rio+20

• Progress essential in a range of critical sectors. Ocean resources, land degradation, water, energy, food security, sustainable consumption and production, cities, etc.

• Ongoing challenges in Rio conventions climate, biodiversity and desertification.

Implementing Rio+20

Means of Implementation Overseas development aid flows from developed to developing countries cannot be the sole answer. A broader mix of finance and investment required • Own resources • Private sector • IFIs Blending of instruments will be important

Implementing Rio+20

Institutional Framework

Improved leadership from the heart of the UN:

• High-Level Forum

• Role of UNEP – upgrading

• Accross all UN agencies.

Regional Co-operation

• Asia-Europe co-operation will be important particularly with the Green Economy agenda

• Europe will seek to discuss common agenda with all partners

• Planned communication on EU follow-up will be a transparent way of sharing our ideas

• How do the Asian countries see the follow-up?