The Future We Want: The legal outomes of Rio+20

Abstract

The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD), also known as RIO+20, took place from 20-22 June in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio+20 was the successor to the 1992 Earth Conference, where both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity were opened for signing. Rio+20 was preceded by over one year of negotiations. The outcome document, entitled "The Future We Want," was signed by 191 states, and outlined a plan that, inter alia, sets sustainable development goals and other measures to improve food security, provide more effective ocean management, and promote the transition to a global green economy. "The Future We Want" was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly on 24 July 2012.