Important Websites
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What is Rio+20?
Rio+20 is the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD), following 20 years after the original 1992 'Earth Summit' in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio+20 will also be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 20-22, 2012.
What will happen at Rio+20?
The objectives of the conference are: Securing renewed political commitment for sustainable development Assessing progress and implementation gaps in summit outcomes on sustainable development Addressing new and emerging challenges The themes of the conference are: A green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; Institutional framework for sustainable development.
In Rio but don't know what to do?
You can find all information you need here
What are the Major Groups?
At the first Earth Summit in 1992 (the UN Conference on Environment and Development, or UNCED), it was recognized that sustainable development could not be achieved by governments alone. It would require the active participation of all sectors of society and all types of people – consumers, workers, business persons, farmers, students, teachers, researchers, activists, indigenous communities, and other communities of interest.
The "Major Groups", which were identified in Agenda 21 are: women, children and youth, indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, workers and trade unions, business and industry, the scientific and technological community, and farmers. These groups have participated in meetings of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), and in related sustainable development processes such as the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
How can young people participate at Rio+20?
The UN defines 'youth' as persons between the ages of 15 and 24 years, without prejudice to other definitions used by Member States. 'Children' are considered to be persons under the age of 14. All young people can participate through the Major Group of Children and Youth.
What is the Major Group of Children and Youth?
The Major Group for Children and Youth seeks to coordinate global preparations toward Rio+20 and strengthen the voice of its constituents at the intergovernmental level. You can find out more here: www.uncsdchildrenyouth.org
Young people interested in participating at Rio+20 should link up with the organizing partners for Children and Youth as soon as possible in order to receive important information and updates pertaining to the Conference and its preparatory process. You should also see the website for more information: www.uncsdchildrenyouth.org/ Rio+Twenties, one of the organizing partners for the Children and Youth sector, has prepared a Participation Guide for young people designed to make the Rio+20 process understandable and provide the tools to effectively involve young people. The guide offers specific information for youth, identifies ways to make a real difference and shares a lot of best practices, tips and tricks and existing examples on youth activism.
What about people under 18 years old?
For the purposes of UN conferences and meetings, only individuals over the age of 16 may hold a UN grounds pass. Participants may seek accreditation to Rio+20 (if needed) until 20 February 2012 and pre-register for the Conference online here until 20 May 2012. Participants under 16 years of age may participate in UN conferences and meetings, though only with a designated chaperone. Both participant and chaperone must be pre-registered through an accredited organization.
My organization is working with children and youth. How can it join the MGCY?
Joining the MGCY is very easy: you need to join the online "Youth Space" by signing up to this mailing list. For more information of what it implies to join the MGCY and on the general functioning of the MGCY please download the MGCY Processes and Procedures Document. You can also find out more about the Major Group of Children and Youth here: http://uncsdchildrenyouth.org/
Can individuals join the MGCY?
Yes–if you are below the age of 30. To get individual membership you need to join the online "Youth Space" by signing up to this mailing list.
Is there a Brazilian mailing list?
If you are in Brazil, we recommend writing to the Portuguese mailing list to briefly introduce yourself and to also say how you want to get involved. Lista de e-mails para jovens e crianças brasileiros interessados em se envolver nos processos da Rio+20. Informações em Português: https://groups.google.com/group/juvrio20/.
I am not accredited… what should I do?
There are a number of ways by which you can inform the Rio+20 process, including submitting case studies, registering partnerships, and participating in the national preparatory processes. Requests for these types of participation are typically posted on the official Rio+20 website, and are regularly shared with the Major Groups organizing partners for distribution within their networks. If you are not already in close contact with the organizing partners for your Major Groups sector, you are advised to connect with them as soon as possible in order to receive the latest information and updates. You should also regularly check the website: http://uncsdchildrenyouth.org/
I still have questions…who should I contact?
Check out: http://uncsdchildrenyouth.org/contact-us