Rio+20: Final Declaration

1. We, the heads of State and Government and high
level representatives, having met at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20-22 June
2012, with full participation of civil society, renew our commitment
to sustainable development, and to ensure the promotion of
economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future for our planet
and for present and future generations.

2. Eradicating poverty is the greatest global
challenge facing the world today and an indispensable requirement for
sustainable development. In this regard we are committed to free humanity
from poverty and hunger as a matter of urgency.

3. We therefore acknowledge the need to further mainstream
sustainable development at all levels integrating economic, social and
environmental aspects and recognizing their interlinkages, so as to
achieve sustainable development in all its dimensions.

4. We recognize that poverty eradication, changing
unsustainable and promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and
production, and protecting and managing the natural resource base of
economic and social development are the overarching objectives of and
essential requirements for sustainable development. We also reaffirm the
need to achieve sustainable development by:

• promoting sustained, inclusive and equitable economic
  growth,

• creating greater opportunities for all,

• reducing inequalities,

• raising basic standards of living;

• fostering equitable social development and inclusion;

• and promoting integrated and sustainable management of
  natural resources and ecosystems that supports inter alia economic,
  social and human development while facilitating ecosystem conservation,
  regeneration and restoration and resilience in the face of new and
  emerging challenges.

5. We reaffirm our commitment to making every effort to
accelerate the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals,
including the Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) by 2015.

6. We recognize that people are at the center of sustainable
development and, in this regard, we strive for a world which is just,
equitable and inclusive, and we commit to work together to promote sustained
and inclusive economic growth, social development

7. We reaffirm that we continue to be guided by the purposes
and principles of the Charter of the United Nations

8. We also reaffirm the importance of freedom, peace and
security, respect for all human rights, including the right to development
and the right to an adequate standard of living, including the right to
food, the rule of law, gender equality and women’s empowerment
and the overall commitment to just and democratic societies for development.

9. We reaffirm the importance of the
Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, as well as other international instruments relating to
human rights and international law. We emphasize the responsibilities of all
States, in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, to respect,
protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without
distinction of any kind to race, colour, sex, language or religion,
political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth,
disability or other status.

10. We acknowledge that democracy, good governance and the
rule of law, at the national and international levels, as well as an
enabling environment are essential for sustainable development,
including sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development,
environmental protection and the eradication of poverty and hunger. We
reaffirm that to achieve our goals of sustainable development. We need
institutions at all levels that are effective, transparent, accountable and
democratic.

11. We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening
international cooperation to address the persistent challenges related
to sustainable development for all, in particular in developing countries.
In this regard, we reaffirm the need to achieve economic stability and
sustained economic growth, promotion of social equity, and protection
of the environment, while enhancing gender equality and women’s
empowerment, and equal opportunities for all, and the protection,
survival and development of children to their full potential, including
through education.

12. We resolve to take urgent action to achieve sustainable
development. We therefore renew our commitment to sustainable development,
assessing the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation
of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development and
addressing new and emerging challenges. We express our determination to
address the themes of the Conference, namely a green economy in the context
of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and the institutional
framework for sustainable development.

13. We recognize that people’s opportunities to influence
their lives and future, participate in decision making and voice their
concerns are fundamental for sustainable development. We underscore that
sustainable development requires concrete and urgent action. It 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.

A. Reaffirming Rio principles and past action plans

14. We recall the Stockholm Declaration of the United
Nations Conference on the Human Environment adopted at Stockholm on 16 June
1972. 15. We reaffirm all the principles of the Rio Declaration on
Environment and Development, including, inter alia, the principle of common
but differentiated responsibilities, as set out in Principle 7 of the Rio
Declaration.

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“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I  [Jesus] have overcome the world.” John 16:33