Twenty years after the landmark 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development, or “Rio+20” aims to renew political commitment for sustainable development at the highest levels. This global conference will assess progress in implementing past global commitments and address daunting new environmental challenges.

The official discussions will focus on two main themes: how to build a green economy to achieve sustainable development and lift people out of poverty; and how to improve international coordination for sustainable development. It is a historic opportunity to define pathways to a sustainable future – a future with more jobs, more clean energy, greater security and a decent standard of living for all.

UNCDF is joining this opportunity to think globally so that all actors can all act locally to secure a common future.

With a presence in 40 of the 48 world’s least developed countries, UNCDF assists national governments create new opportunities for poor people and their small businesses by increasing access to microfinance and investment capital. UNCDF provides seed capital and technical assistance and helps least developed countries promote sustainable, inclusive growth by ensuring that formal financial systems include products and services appropriate and accessible for poor people; and by ensuring decentralized financial systems support local governments tasked with delivering the basic services.

The Rio+20 sustainable development conference, to be held in Rio de Janeiro on 20- 22 June, is expected to be the largest event in the history of the United Nations.

The Outcome Document "The Future We Want" can be found at www.uncsd2012.org/thefuturewewant.html.