UNDPI EVENTS IN BONN FROM 1-5TH SEPTEMBER 2011
Media Release - Regional Conference on Sustainable Development Regional and strategy session on Rio+20
August 19, 2011
CSOs to remain vigilant to protect and advance the gains of Rio
Bangkok - Some 50 civil society representatives from around Asia gathered in Bangkok on August 17, 2011 to exchange knowledge, experience, views and strategies on the issues around sustainable development and the upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012, also known as the Rio+20 Summit.
At this strategy session, internationally-renowned environmental and social justice advocate Dr. Vandana Shiva urged civil society organizations (CSOs) to continue to exercise creativity, vigilance, and solidarity to defend the gains made at Rio twenty years ago and promote alternatives from below.
The inputs from Wanhua Yang of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Neth Dano (ETC Group), Paul Quintos (Ibon International), Uchita de Zoysa (Center for Environment and Development ) stimulated the sharing of critical analyses of the green growth paradigm and the current infrastructure for sustainable development.
In addition to critiquing the still neoliberal underpinnings of the green economy approach as promoted by multilateral institutions including the UN, the CSOs present highlighted the importance of indigenous and grassroots knowledge in saving the planet. Participants also expressed grave concern over the incoherence and market-oriented bias of the current infrastructure for sustainable development. They challenged the United Nations to give more space for CSO participation in the Rio+20 process.
After a set of workshops and a plenary debate, the participants came up with a statement that will feed into the official regional preparatory meeting for Asia and the Pacific in Seoul in October; an action plan to raise awareness and strengthen engagement with policy makers on sustainable development issues from the community up to the national, regional, and global levels; and a working group that will promote the Bangkok statement and action plan up to Rio+20 and beyond.
The regional strategy session was organized by the Asia Pacific Research Network, Ibon International, and the Reality of Aid-Asia Pacific at Suan Dusit Place Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.#
Please find two presentations made by Uchita de Zoysa;
global_and_regional_overview_of_rio20_-_uchita_de_zoysa_17th_aug.pdf | |
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transition_to_a_sustainable_economy.pdf | |
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Climate Sustainability Workshop & UNCSD2012 (Rio+20) Consultation
Date and
Time: 5 April 2011, 2 p.m.
Venue: Room 202, AIT Conference Center
Participants: AIT Faculty, Staff, Students and Guests
THE SESSION
In 2012, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD2012) will be convened. Better known as Rio+20 Summit, its declared objective is to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development, and address new and emerging challenges. The Conference focuses on two themes:
(a) a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and
(b) the institutional framework for sustainable development.
This day-long session combines an exploration of the emerging vision of Climate Sustainability as it relates to the intertwined challenges of Climate Change and Poverty Eradication facing our region and the world; with an open exchange of ideas on what Rio+20 must aspire to achieve.
THE KEYNOTE
Uchita de Zoysa in his book “It Has to Be Climate Sustainability” says: "Climate change is a destiny determining phenomenon and all people need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities. But, half of the world's population remains under poverty, deprived of their rights towards basic human needs. Meanwhile, the wasteful lifestyles and irresponsible behaviour of the rich and powerful continues to endanger the life of all humans on earth. A small privileged group continues to negotiate for a climate deal separately. (They) talk about the sustainability of the planet, marginalizing the rest of the population (stopping them from)determining their own destinies. A new world order is emerging, but the people are not involved in designing it... (If) a better world order needs to be built upon the aspirations of the people - essentially based on equitable opportunities for all to find peace, prosperity, sustainability, wellbeing and happiness - then, it has to be climate sustainability!”
THE PANEL
A diverse panel of experts representing a variety of backgrounds will offer perspectives on the Climate Sustainability concept as a rights-based approach to resolving climate challenges. Participants will be able to engage the keynote speaker and the panel on new and emerging issues, such as the green economy in the context of poverty eradication and sustainable development, and relevant institutional frameworks. The dialogue will aim to include views on how to respond to unsustainable consumption and production patterns in a changing climate; options for redesigning the economy in equitable and sustainable ways; social responsibility and accountability in a green market place; and how to garner political commitment towards sustainable development. The participants will be able to explore emerging thinking on Climate Sustainability as way forward.
THE PROCESS
The first half of the session introduces participants to the emerging concept of Climate Sustainability, and the debate at international forums such as UNCSD2012. The second half of the session is an opportunity for interactive exchange of views with a panel that will respond to the keynote presentation from their own unique perspectives.
The first half will open with a brief introduction to the speaker and panelists, and an outline of the process, followed by Uchita de Zoysa's vision of Climate Sustainability. The second part will invite each panel guest to share their view on the practical relevance of the presented rights-based approach to resolving issues identified. The panel will then respond to participant's questions, followed by a brief concluding statement aimed at defining aspirations that need to be considered by UNCSD2012 negotiators.
THE AGENDA
Time
Topic
Speaker/s
14.00-14.10
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Faiz Shah
14.10-15.00
Keynote address: "It has to be climate sustainability"
Followed by discusion
Mr. Uchita de Zoysa
15.00-15.15
Coffee break
15.15-16.15
Regional Consultation on UNCSD2012: Panel discussion and dialogue
Chairperson: Prof. Jayant K Routray
Moderator: Dr. Faiz Shah
Panelists: Mr.Uchita de Zoysa, Dr. Sandro Calvani, Dr. Riaz Khan, Ms. Leena Wokeck
16.15-16.30
Closing remarks
Prof. Jayant K Routray
For registration please send an email to [email protected]
Venue: Room 202, AIT Conference Center
Participants: AIT Faculty, Staff, Students and Guests
THE SESSION
In 2012, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD2012) will be convened. Better known as Rio+20 Summit, its declared objective is to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development, and address new and emerging challenges. The Conference focuses on two themes:
(a) a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and
(b) the institutional framework for sustainable development.
This day-long session combines an exploration of the emerging vision of Climate Sustainability as it relates to the intertwined challenges of Climate Change and Poverty Eradication facing our region and the world; with an open exchange of ideas on what Rio+20 must aspire to achieve.
THE KEYNOTE
Uchita de Zoysa in his book “It Has to Be Climate Sustainability” says: "Climate change is a destiny determining phenomenon and all people need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities. But, half of the world's population remains under poverty, deprived of their rights towards basic human needs. Meanwhile, the wasteful lifestyles and irresponsible behaviour of the rich and powerful continues to endanger the life of all humans on earth. A small privileged group continues to negotiate for a climate deal separately. (They) talk about the sustainability of the planet, marginalizing the rest of the population (stopping them from)determining their own destinies. A new world order is emerging, but the people are not involved in designing it... (If) a better world order needs to be built upon the aspirations of the people - essentially based on equitable opportunities for all to find peace, prosperity, sustainability, wellbeing and happiness - then, it has to be climate sustainability!”
THE PANEL
A diverse panel of experts representing a variety of backgrounds will offer perspectives on the Climate Sustainability concept as a rights-based approach to resolving climate challenges. Participants will be able to engage the keynote speaker and the panel on new and emerging issues, such as the green economy in the context of poverty eradication and sustainable development, and relevant institutional frameworks. The dialogue will aim to include views on how to respond to unsustainable consumption and production patterns in a changing climate; options for redesigning the economy in equitable and sustainable ways; social responsibility and accountability in a green market place; and how to garner political commitment towards sustainable development. The participants will be able to explore emerging thinking on Climate Sustainability as way forward.
THE PROCESS
The first half of the session introduces participants to the emerging concept of Climate Sustainability, and the debate at international forums such as UNCSD2012. The second half of the session is an opportunity for interactive exchange of views with a panel that will respond to the keynote presentation from their own unique perspectives.
The first half will open with a brief introduction to the speaker and panelists, and an outline of the process, followed by Uchita de Zoysa's vision of Climate Sustainability. The second part will invite each panel guest to share their view on the practical relevance of the presented rights-based approach to resolving issues identified. The panel will then respond to participant's questions, followed by a brief concluding statement aimed at defining aspirations that need to be considered by UNCSD2012 negotiators.
THE AGENDA
Time
Topic
Speaker/s
14.00-14.10
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Faiz Shah
14.10-15.00
Keynote address: "It has to be climate sustainability"
Followed by discusion
Mr. Uchita de Zoysa
15.00-15.15
Coffee break
15.15-16.15
Regional Consultation on UNCSD2012: Panel discussion and dialogue
Chairperson: Prof. Jayant K Routray
Moderator: Dr. Faiz Shah
Panelists: Mr.Uchita de Zoysa, Dr. Sandro Calvani, Dr. Riaz Khan, Ms. Leena Wokeck
16.15-16.30
Closing remarks
Prof. Jayant K Routray
For registration please send an email to [email protected]
Workshop on Climate Sustainability & Rio+20 Youth Consultation Dialogue
“Youth
Driving a Sustainable World”
Designing and Living Sustainable Lifestyles - Ruling Tomorrow for a Better World - Imagine All the People – Happy
08.30AM-6.30PM on 13th February 2011 at AOD Auditorium, 29, Lauries Road, Colombo 4
Conducted by: Centre for Environment and Development
Supported by: Global Sustainability Solutions
Organized by: Green Lanka Youth Platform
Hosted by: Academy of Design, Sri Lanka
Contact: [email protected]
Telephone: 0779151035 (Darren)
Telephone: 0775812578 (Shiran)
Telephone: 0776613841 (Sahan)
Entrance Tickets: Rs. 500.00
Course Book:Rs. 350.00
PROGRAMME
08.30am – 09.00am Registration
09.00am – 9.30am Introduction by Green Lanka Youth Platform - “Youth Driving a Sustainable World”
09.30am – 10.30am Keynote Address by Mr. Uchita de Zoysa - “It has to be CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY”
10.30am – 10.45am Tea Break
10.45am – 11.15am Documentary Film “The Story of Stuff”
11.15am – 12.45pm The Dialogue “Youth Driving a Sustainable World”
12.45pm – 01.30pm Lunch Break
01.30pm – 01.45pm Introduction to the Consultations by Mr. Uchita de Zoysa
01.45pm – 02.00pm Forming Groups Coordinated by GLYP
02.00pm – 04.00pm Group Dialogues Facilitated by GLYP -
“ Designing and Living Sustainable Lifestyles”
Consultation Dialogue 01: Energy for a Low Carbon Future
1. How can we liberate from fossil fuel dependency?
2. How can we regulate unsustainable consumption and production patterns?
3. Is a zero emission future possible?
4. What kind of sustainable lifestyles do we want to live on earth?
“Ruling Tomorrow for a Better World”
Consultation Dialogue 02: Environmental Law & Governance
1. Can law and governance ensure environmental protection and sustainable development?
2. Can self governance and voluntary regulations become a successful way to promote sustainable development?
3. What kind of local, national and global governance systems that would be required for sustainable futures to prevail?
4. How do we want our sustainable livelihoods to be governed?
“Imagine All the People – Happy”
Consultation Dialogue 03: Green Economy to Eradicate Poverty
1. What is a green economy? And what are the objectives of a green economy?
2. Can a green economy replace the greed and consumerism in the marketplace?
3. How can a green economy eradicate poverty and create wellbeing for all?
4. What are the pillars of an ideal world of equity, wellbeing and happiness?
04.00pm – 04.30pm Tea Break
04.30pm – 06.00pm Presentation of Group Findings & Debate
06.00pm – 06.20pm Closing Remarks By Mr. Uchita de Zoysa
06.20pm – 06.30pm Vote of Thanks by GLYP
Designing and Living Sustainable Lifestyles - Ruling Tomorrow for a Better World - Imagine All the People – Happy
08.30AM-6.30PM on 13th February 2011 at AOD Auditorium, 29, Lauries Road, Colombo 4
Conducted by: Centre for Environment and Development
Supported by: Global Sustainability Solutions
Organized by: Green Lanka Youth Platform
Hosted by: Academy of Design, Sri Lanka
Contact: [email protected]
Telephone: 0779151035 (Darren)
Telephone: 0775812578 (Shiran)
Telephone: 0776613841 (Sahan)
Entrance Tickets: Rs. 500.00
Course Book:Rs. 350.00
PROGRAMME
08.30am – 09.00am Registration
09.00am – 9.30am Introduction by Green Lanka Youth Platform - “Youth Driving a Sustainable World”
09.30am – 10.30am Keynote Address by Mr. Uchita de Zoysa - “It has to be CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY”
10.30am – 10.45am Tea Break
10.45am – 11.15am Documentary Film “The Story of Stuff”
11.15am – 12.45pm The Dialogue “Youth Driving a Sustainable World”
12.45pm – 01.30pm Lunch Break
01.30pm – 01.45pm Introduction to the Consultations by Mr. Uchita de Zoysa
01.45pm – 02.00pm Forming Groups Coordinated by GLYP
02.00pm – 04.00pm Group Dialogues Facilitated by GLYP -
“ Designing and Living Sustainable Lifestyles”
Consultation Dialogue 01: Energy for a Low Carbon Future
1. How can we liberate from fossil fuel dependency?
2. How can we regulate unsustainable consumption and production patterns?
3. Is a zero emission future possible?
4. What kind of sustainable lifestyles do we want to live on earth?
“Ruling Tomorrow for a Better World”
Consultation Dialogue 02: Environmental Law & Governance
1. Can law and governance ensure environmental protection and sustainable development?
2. Can self governance and voluntary regulations become a successful way to promote sustainable development?
3. What kind of local, national and global governance systems that would be required for sustainable futures to prevail?
4. How do we want our sustainable livelihoods to be governed?
“Imagine All the People – Happy”
Consultation Dialogue 03: Green Economy to Eradicate Poverty
1. What is a green economy? And what are the objectives of a green economy?
2. Can a green economy replace the greed and consumerism in the marketplace?
3. How can a green economy eradicate poverty and create wellbeing for all?
4. What are the pillars of an ideal world of equity, wellbeing and happiness?
04.00pm – 04.30pm Tea Break
04.30pm – 06.00pm Presentation of Group Findings & Debate
06.00pm – 06.20pm Closing Remarks By Mr. Uchita de Zoysa
06.20pm – 06.30pm Vote of Thanks by GLYP
climate_sustainability_youth_workshop__pogramme_.pdf | |
File Size: | 350 kb |
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CALL TO JOIN AS COLLABORATOR
Can a Green Economy Provide Foundations for Equity and Sustainability on Earth?
PROPOSED SIDE EVENT FOR UNCSD PREPCOM-2 (7/8 March 2011, new York)
A. THEMATIC FOCUS: Green economy within the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication
B. PROPOSED SIDE EVENT THEME: Can a Green Economy Provide Foundations for Equity and Sustainability on Earth?
C. OBJECTIVES OF THE SIDE EVENT
1. To bring to focus the equity issues of a green economy and sustainable market place
2. To highlight the critical importance of poverty eradication in achieving sustainable development
3. To lobby for an international agreement on Sustainable Consumption and Production as pre-requisite for sustainability on earth
4. To promote a global peoples’ sustainability movement post Rio+20
5. To create a holistic vision on climate sustainability as the way forward
D. CONTENT OF THE SIDE EVENT
Since 1992, international negotiations on sustainability have not brought us the desired results. The climate is changing and the poor are still trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. Rio+20 needs to be a result oriented event and not another talk-shop. Meanwhile civil society is fragmented and the lack of a global sustainability movement prevents greater political progress towards the Rio92 commitments. This event will consider how Rio+20 can provide greater hope for a sustainable world by combining a renewed commitment to eradicating poverty with an agreement on sustainable consumption and production, a vision for climate sustainability, and renewed hope for a global sustainability movement.
During the dialogue the speakers and participants will attempt to bring greater clarity into the concept of a Green Economy (GE). GE is herewith proposed to be an economic system that ensures social equity, protects the ecological balance and creates economic sufficiency. In other words GE should be the replacement of the current economic order of inequity, destruction and greed that has kept half of the global people in poverty and created a potential climate catastrophe. The core idea of a GE should be to enforce Sustainability as in wellbeing of all people and the biodiversity.
The debate will address the key question “Can a Green Economy Provide Foundations for Equity and Sustainability on Earth?” Therefore the debate will investigate (a) the merits to move into a new or GE? (b) the challenges of a green economy? (d) the opportunities of a green economy? (c) the prerequisites for a transition to Green Economy?
E. METHODOLOGY
The workshop will be organized by the Centre for Environment and Development (CED), members and partner organizations of the ‘Climate Sustainability PLATFORM’, with other leading sustainability networks and stakeholder organizations as collaborators. The dialogue will bring together researchers, activists, policy makers and entrepreneurs and the dialogue will be delivered in the following methodology;
F. INTENDED IMPACT
G. EVENT ORGANISER
Centre for Environment and Development (CED) – Sri Lanka
H. COLABORATING PARTNERS
(Note: Other collaborating organizations will be confirmed closer to the event)
I. RESOURCE PERSONS
J. CONTACT INFORMATION
Event Organiser
Mr. Uchita de Zoysa
Executive Director - Centre for Environment & Development (CED)
Address: 253/10, Thilakaratne Mawatha, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Tel/fax: +94 11 2768459 mobile: +94 777 372206
E-mail: [email protected]
skype: uchita.de.zoysa
Event Contact in NY
Mrs. Gail Karlsson
Address: 258 Broadway 5A, New York, NY 10007, USA
Cell Phone: +1 646 549-0717
Tel: +1 212 267 4239
Fax: +1 419 781 2862
Email: [email protected]
PROPOSED SIDE EVENT FOR UNCSD PREPCOM-2 (7/8 March 2011, new York)
A. THEMATIC FOCUS: Green economy within the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication
B. PROPOSED SIDE EVENT THEME: Can a Green Economy Provide Foundations for Equity and Sustainability on Earth?
C. OBJECTIVES OF THE SIDE EVENT
1. To bring to focus the equity issues of a green economy and sustainable market place
2. To highlight the critical importance of poverty eradication in achieving sustainable development
3. To lobby for an international agreement on Sustainable Consumption and Production as pre-requisite for sustainability on earth
4. To promote a global peoples’ sustainability movement post Rio+20
5. To create a holistic vision on climate sustainability as the way forward
D. CONTENT OF THE SIDE EVENT
Since 1992, international negotiations on sustainability have not brought us the desired results. The climate is changing and the poor are still trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty. Rio+20 needs to be a result oriented event and not another talk-shop. Meanwhile civil society is fragmented and the lack of a global sustainability movement prevents greater political progress towards the Rio92 commitments. This event will consider how Rio+20 can provide greater hope for a sustainable world by combining a renewed commitment to eradicating poverty with an agreement on sustainable consumption and production, a vision for climate sustainability, and renewed hope for a global sustainability movement.
During the dialogue the speakers and participants will attempt to bring greater clarity into the concept of a Green Economy (GE). GE is herewith proposed to be an economic system that ensures social equity, protects the ecological balance and creates economic sufficiency. In other words GE should be the replacement of the current economic order of inequity, destruction and greed that has kept half of the global people in poverty and created a potential climate catastrophe. The core idea of a GE should be to enforce Sustainability as in wellbeing of all people and the biodiversity.
The debate will address the key question “Can a Green Economy Provide Foundations for Equity and Sustainability on Earth?” Therefore the debate will investigate (a) the merits to move into a new or GE? (b) the challenges of a green economy? (d) the opportunities of a green economy? (c) the prerequisites for a transition to Green Economy?
E. METHODOLOGY
The workshop will be organized by the Centre for Environment and Development (CED), members and partner organizations of the ‘Climate Sustainability PLATFORM’, with other leading sustainability networks and stakeholder organizations as collaborators. The dialogue will bring together researchers, activists, policy makers and entrepreneurs and the dialogue will be delivered in the following methodology;
- Lead Presentations
- Panel Presentations & Panel Respondents
- Moderated Dialogue
- Workshop Findings Report
F. INTENDED IMPACT
- Creating greater clarity and sensitivity on the green economy debate
- Creating awareness on the key emerging issues on the sustainable development agenda
- Drawing attention to commitments on eradicating poverty and ensuring equity in the UNCSD agenda
- Generating greater support for forming an agreement on SCP in 2012
- Creating linkages between Climate Sustainability and the Rio+20 Agenda
- Creating a common platform to bring together stakeholders in a sustainability movement
G. EVENT ORGANISER
Centre for Environment and Development (CED) – Sri Lanka
H. COLABORATING PARTNERS
- Climate Sustainability PLATFORM - Global
- Northern Alliance for Sustainability (ANPED) – Europe & North America
- Citizens Network Sustainable Development (CitNet) - USA
- Asian Institute for Technology (AIT) – Thailand
- Responsible Business Initiative (RBI) – Pakistan
- Munasinghe Institute for Development (MIND) – Sri Lanka
- Global Sustainability Solutions – Global
- Integrative Strategies Forum (ISF) – USA
- International Coalition Sustainable Production and Consumption (ICSPAC) - Global
(Note: Other collaborating organizations will be confirmed closer to the event)
I. RESOURCE PERSONS
- Moderator & Introductory Speech: Mr. Uchita de Zoysa Profile: He is the Executive Director of the ‘Centre for Environment and Development’, Convener of the ‘Climate Sustainability PLATFORM’, and a member of the 'National Advisory Committee on Climate Change' in Sri Lanka. He is the author of several books including the ‘It has to be CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY’ and 'The Asian Review on Sustainable Consumption', and has contributed to many books on the environment and sustainability. He is the author of several books including the “It has to be CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY”. He has authored several international and national reports including the 'Asian Review on Sustainable Consumption' for UNEP, contributed to many international books on the environment and sustainability, and has played a leading role in the formulation of global independent sector collective agreements such as the 'The NGO Alternative Treaties' for UNCED and the “Oslo Declaration on Sustainable Consumption”. He also was a member of the International NGO Steering Committee of the UNCED 1992 and played a leading role in the formulation of global independent sector collective agreements such as the 'The NGO Alternative Treaties.
- Lead Speaker: Prof. Mohan Munasinghe Profile:is former Vice Chair of the 2007 Nobel Prize winning UN IPCC-AR4.. He is Chairman of the Munasinghe Institute of Development (MIND), SL; Professor of Sustainable Development at the University of Manchester, UK; Distinguished Guest Professor at the Peking University, China; and Honorary Senior Advisor to the Sri Lanka Govt. He has served as Senior Energy Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka, Advisor to the United States President’s Council on Environmental Quality, and Senior Advisor/Manager, World Bank. He has won many international prizes, for work on sustainable development, sustainomics, energy, economics, climate change, IT and water. He has authored 92 books and over three hundred and fifty technical papers. He is a Fellow of several international Academies of Science, and serves on the editorial boards of over a dozen professional journals.
- Panel Speakers & Respondents: Confirmed: Dr. Faiz Shah (AIT), Dr. Maja Göpel(ANPED), Drs. Simone Bilderbeek de Lovera (GFC), Mr. Jeffery Barber (ISF), Mrs. Gail Karlsson (CitNet). Note:Other panel speakers and respondents will be drawn from the regions, stakeholders and major groups, and collaborating organizations who are attending the UNCSD PrepCom-2. A full list of names will be provided upon confirmation of the event, and closer to the event.
J. CONTACT INFORMATION
Event Organiser
Mr. Uchita de Zoysa
Executive Director - Centre for Environment & Development (CED)
Address: 253/10, Thilakaratne Mawatha, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Tel/fax: +94 11 2768459 mobile: +94 777 372206
E-mail: [email protected]
skype: uchita.de.zoysa
Event Contact in NY
Mrs. Gail Karlsson
Address: 258 Broadway 5A, New York, NY 10007, USA
Cell Phone: +1 646 549-0717
Tel: +1 212 267 4239
Fax: +1 419 781 2862
Email: [email protected]