RIO+20

The EESC has been very actively involved in the run-up to Rio, enabling civil society dialogue in preparation of the Conference and at the Conference.
We were committed to contributing to the EU's position and to mobilising EU civil society in order to push EU and world leaders towards an ambitious outcome.

... "New role of national level: SD facilitators. Sustainable Development can only be achieved with a broad alliance of people, governments, civil society and private sector, all working together to secure the future we want for present and future generations...” (para 13, The Future We Want).

..."Seize an opportunity to ask the public what it wants – build on strongest engagement ever at such an international SD conference (Rio+20: >10.000 people of 30.000) to launch an open dialogue and consultation on what the EU needs to ensure that SD is clearly defined (targets), design an effective strategic vehicle, supported by enabling mechanisms, and has active support from key stakeholders (civil society, companies/business, local/regional governments, scientific/research community, etc.)..."

... "The method of democracy – inasfar as it is that of organised intelligence – is to bring … conflicts [of interest] out into the open where their special claims can be seen and appraised...” (John Dewey). We are all stakeholders!