On 2 May 2012, Group III organised a conference at the EESC in Brussels entitled 'Think Green: The Opportunities of Sustainable Development and the Green Economy'. Within the general context of the forthcoming Rio + 20 UN conference on sustainable development in June 2012, the objective of the Group III event was twofold. Firstly, to provide a historical overview of the debate on sustainable development, to analyse current challenges, future opportunities and possible solutions. Secondly, to exchange views on best practices among existing civil society projects promoting the green economy. The conference also provided the opportunity to raise the visibility of the EESC opinions and work of the Committee at large, on the topic of sustainable development. The conference brought together approximately 180 participants, including Group III members and wider civil society representatives.