To Brazil, which in 2007 proposed the Rio+20 and will be chairing the meeting, it is essential that the discussions are guided by the principle of non-regression, which does not accept setbacks regarding concepts and international commitments previously made. This principle becomes even more important in the face of global challenges that require adopting innovative and bold solutions that meet the needs of the three pillars of sustainable development in a comprehensive and balanced manner.

The results should ensure that all countries feel capable of implementing the decisions adopted in Rio based on the creation of proper conditions - the necessary financial, technology and training resources - to implement them, thus building a shared vision of valid sustainability for the next decades. It is important to point out that Rio+20 is a Conference about sustainable development and not just about the environment. The challenge of sustainability therefore represents an exceptional opportunity for changing an economic development model that has yet to fully include concerns about social development and environmental protection.

To Brazil, the discussions in Rio+20 should serve to boost the connection of the general objectives expressed in the concept of sustainable development with economic reality, thus becoming an instrument for implementing commitments to sustainable development. To enhance and disseminate the concept of “green economy”, Brazil proposes that Rio+20 address the “inclusive green economy,” highlighting the importance of the social pillar and summarizing the purpose of the Conference (“green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication”). From this perspective, the discussions would focus on a sustainable development cycle with the incorporation of billions of people to the economy, with the consumption of goods and services within sustainable standards.

The “inclusive green economy” already finds an example in public policies of various countries, in the form of programs in areas such as income transfer; activities to promote environmental conservation or recovery; support for segments of the population that get their income from solid waste recycling; dissemination of good agricultural practices using technologies accessible to small farms and family farmers; and training in more energy efficient technologies.