Rio+20 - The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
The Prime Minister at Rio+20
The Prime Minister speaking at the Australian Government's Rio+20 side event on 20 June 2012
Photo: David Foote
Australia's delegation to Rio+20 was lead by Prime Minister Julia Gillard who joined around 100 other world leaders at the three-day Rio+20 conference, conducting bilateral meetings with (among others) the US, Sweden and Nepal. Prime Minister Gillard joined leaders from Indonesia, the Seychelles, Colombia, Granada and Antigua and Barbuda at a blue economy event hosted by The Nature Conservancy–where she announced that Australia would commit $33 million to help developing countries in the Asia–Pacific sustainably manage their oceans, fisheries and coasts.
Speaking later at the United Nations Women Leaders forum, the Prime Minister announced Australia would provide $500,000 over two years to support the role of women in building and restoring peace in the Asia-Pacific region. (Read the transcript) N-Peace connects women in civil society organisations and government to share ideas on issues related to women, peace and security. The funding will also support the 2012 N-Peace awards which showcase women who have showed leadership as peace advocates and men who support women’s empowerment for peace and security.
Prime Minister Gillard also announced the development of global indigenous land and sea managers network at Australia’s standing room only, official side event (see story below) before witnessing the signing of a treaty to establish the Global Green Growth Institute. The new international organisation is designed to promote green growth partnerships between governments, business and non-government organisations.
The Prime Minister also agreed a strategic partnership between Australia and Brazil, (Read the media release) with a view to strengthening ties and growing a shared role of the two countries in the world. She also found time to thank Australian stakeholders for their participation at Rio+20 during a surprise visit to the final Australian government stakeholder briefing at Rio Centro.
Land and Sea Managers’ Network announced at Rio+20
Fighting to save Cape York sea turtles
Photo: Kerry Trapnell
While attending Rio+20 Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced a new global network to link Indigenous peoples’ expertise and modern technology to improve the way we manage our environment.
Australia joined with early partners Brazil, Norway and New Zealand to announce the development of the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Land and Sea Managers Network (World Indigenous Network). Other countries are invited to join in the development of the network.
The World Indigenous Network will connect Indigenous peoples and local communities around the world to share experiences and skills in managing their land and sea environments. The overall aim for the network is to encourage:
- Better conservation of biological diversity and sustainable use of natural resources
- Improved social cohesion
- Increased economic opportunities and poverty alleviation.
The network will be formally launched at the inaugural World Indigenous Network Conference in Darwin, Australia, from 26-31 May, 2013. The conference will bring together Indigenous and local community land and sea managers from around the world to help shape the initiative and share practical examples of successful knowledge exchange.
More information on the network can be found at www.worldindigenousnetwork.net .
Additional Rio+20 Announcements and Commitments made by the Prime Minister
20 June 2012
- Speech at the launch of the Indigenous peoples and local communities land and sea managers network, Rio de Janeiro
- Remarks at the launch of the Global Green Growth Initiative, Rio de Janeiro
- Australia signs treaty establishing Global Green Growth Initiative
- Australia announces global indigenous network
- Transcript of joint press conference with the United Nations Secretary General
21 June 2012
- Address to the Rio+20 Nature Conservancy "Blue and green economy" breakfast, Rio de Janeiro
- Media release: Brazil-Australia strategic partnership
- Intervention at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio de Janeiro
- Address to the High Level Summit of the Women Leaders’ Forum on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Sustainable Development, Rio de Janeiro
- Media release: Australia to help boost gender equality in Asia-Pacific
- Media release: Australia to support sustainability of the Asia-Pacific oceans
- Transcript of doorstop interview, Rio de Janeiro
22 June 2012
Australia at Rio+20
Download the document below for daily summaries of news and announcements from Rio+20.
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