Important Websites

Policy

One way the Major Group participates in Rio+20 is by contributing to policy. Currently there are three task forces aligned with the objectives of Rio+20. These task forces worked towards developing the 'draft zero' document by 1 november 2011 deadline, which was a document outlining the Major Group for Children and Youth position on the thematic issues. Now we are working to turn this document into lobbying points that will be used in the negotiations.

What did the draft zero document from MGCY say? View our contribution here.
Here's an overview of what we're lobbying for:
Want an overview of our key points? View our summary document here.

If you want to get involved in policy, join a task force.

We need minds who are interested in the topics and have a passion for pushing forward policy. Here's an overview of each task force and how to get involved. Together we will advocate for change and together we will succeed.

Green Economy in the context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication

The Green Economy aims to create an economic model that fully integrates sustainable development and poverty eradication. MGCY believes it is a system that can improve human wellbeing and social equality within the carrying capacity of the planet. We have developed youth‐specific policy recommendations, such as youth employment through green jobs for youth, and lobby for these to be adopted.

Here's a summary of what the MGCY Green Economy Task Force has been lobbying for. Download our lobby points here:  https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8JPPa5V9sClLUp2TVlNejgyMk0/edit

  • Youth unemployment must be reduced through the creation of green jobs with a living wage and the stronger consideration of the impact of employment policy on youth.
  • Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) must equip the next generation of youth with skills, training and capacity to help create the Green Economy.
  • A 'low carbon future' that promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency with SMART targets needs to be prioritized. It should be supported by the removal of harmful subsidies that result in unsustainable practices.
  • The creation of a Global Technology Sharing Facility that enhance sharing of information to enable prior assessments and monitors technology at the global scale.
  • We need strong legislative and executive actions by governments to promote the sustainable development of our Blue Economy, including 'no-take zones', a moratorium on mineral exploration in the Arctic and proper mechanisms for shared water resources conflicts.
  • A transition towards a green, fair and people-centered agriculture that promotes sustainable food systems that preserves the environment. Respect of traditional farming and indigenous knowledge.

Join the Green Economy Task Force: http://bit.ly/Youth-Green-Economy_Taskforce

Institutional Frameworks - Governance

The MGCY believes there is need for reform in the governance for sustainable development. We believe that the establishment of ombudspersons for future generations and the greater participation of all stakeholders provide concrete solutions to shift the focus of our decision-making from short-term benefits to the long-term interests of younger and future generations.

Here's a summary of what the MGCY Governance Task Force has been lobbying for. Download our lobby points here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8JPPa5V9sClWGVodWRoS2RLVWM/edit

  • The establishment at national level of Ombudspersons for Future Generations and of an independent Office of the UN High Commissioner for Future Generations.
  • Increase participation of all stakeholders, particularly youth, in sustainable development processes and the adoption of principle 10 of the Rio 1992 Declaration with the inclusion of a compliance mechanism, on the model of the Aarhus Convention.
  • The establishment of a World Environmental Court to take decisions related to the noncompliance of national obligations under international environmental law.
  • The establishment of an Intergovernmental Panel on Sustainable Development that functions that will design the sustainable development research agenda for the 21st century.
  • The immediate establishment of a Council on Sustainable Development as a subsidiary to the UN General Assembly, with the authority to adopt legally binding decisions.
  • The establishment by 2015, of a permanent, legally-binding Global Commons Trust.
  • Upgrading UNEP into a new UN Environmental Organisation with the status of specialised UN agency with the capacity to supervise all environmental sustainability initiatives within the UN.

Join the Governance Task Force: http://bit.ly/Youth-IFSD_Taskforce

Objectives

The MGCY objective for Rio+20 is commitment to the implementation of sustainable development, guided by a number of goals. The MGCY are creating a vision of these goals that integrate existing arrangements, include the seven critical issues, and have an action-oriented approach. The MGCY also advocates for improved monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Here's a summary of what the MGCY Objectives Task Force has been lobbying for. Download our lobby points here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8JPPa5V9sClVWxKWG1RSXp4eGc/edit

  • All agreed upon commitments from previous CSD cycles must be implemented and incorporated into National Sustainable Development Strategy. IFIS must incorporate and implement policy recommendations from Rio+20.
  • The adoption of a 10 Year Framework of Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production by 2013 and ensuring its integration into policies and law by 2015.
  • Institutions that work on economic, social and human rights issues must integrate the environment perspective into their work, though interagency networks to facilitate communication and coordination among all UN actors.
  • Benefits: redefined enforcement of SD agreements, donor coordination, effective monitoring and evaluation of policies, identification of implementation gaps, assessments of progress, and new forum for emerging challenges.
  • The water-food-energy security nexus must be incorporated in the Rio+20 discussions, particularly when developing strategies for the green economy. This will promote an efficient use of resources to avoid worsening crises that impact youth and children.
  • Member states must establish evaluation and monitoring mechanisms to determine the effectiveness of policies from agreements made at the SD summits.
  • Developing an integrated regional reporting system with clear SD indicators to build accountability and ownership of policy solutions.

Join the Objectives Task Force: http://bit.ly/Rio-Youth-Objectives_Taskforce