Rio Preparation Forum: Discourse on Sustainable Development
Type
Workshop
Location
New York, United States of America
Date
Price
$0.00
Event Focal Point Email
nyo@unitar.org
Contact Number
212-963-9196
Registration
Public – by registration
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-Face
Language(s)
English
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The UNITAR Rio Preparation Forum (RPF) provides a holistic and interdisciplinary examination of all three interconnected pillars of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental in the context of the upcoming United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20, to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 20-22 June 2012. The RPF creates mechanisms for engagement between representatives of governments, private companies and civil society. Moreover, by bringing together experts from various disciplines, the RPF enhances awareness and knowledge of the complexities of sustainable development issues and provides them with the necessary tools to participate in the negotiation process.
Rather than a well defined concept, sustainable development is a discursive field allowing for articulation of economic, environmental and political differences. Indeed, the sustainable development paradigm, by emphasizing the complex links between social, economic, political and environmental factors, introduces a new layer of dilemmas to the issues of equity, development and environment. This complexity invites discourse. In a broader sense, Rio +20 and the discourse on sustainable development can be envisaged as a rally point of public debate, knowledge building practices, political strategies and spiritual aspirations.
In this context, the New York Office of UNITAR in collaboration with the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is organizing a half-day workshop on the discourse of sustainable development.
The workshop on “Discourse on Sustainable Development” will be a knowledge-building workshop and, at the end of the workshop, participants will be able to
- Understand the objectives of the Rio Conference;
- Have an enhanced knowledge of the different stakeholders’ position and discourse;
- Identify the challenges and obstacles to be overcome to draft a strong outcome document and foster consensus;
- Have a broader, holistic and culturally-sensitive understanding of the concept of sustainable development.
The workshop will feature two sessions, organized as round table discussions: one introductory session presenting the variety of discourse on sustainable development, with a specific focus on an intergovernmental Islamic view of sustainable development and another session on the ethics of sustainable development gathering representatives of different faiths focusing on this issue.
As an informative and interactive face-to-face event facilitated by UNITAR and the OIC, the workshop will feature renowned experts from government, academia, and civil society on sustainable development. Participants will have an opportunity to network with their counterparts from other missions and to discuss matters of interest with speakers.
The workshop will be open to members of permanent missions to the United Nations in New York who are in charge of the sustainable development portfolio. Representatives of governments, international organizations, the United Nations system, civil society and private sector with academic or professional interest on the topic will also be encouraged to participate.
The workshop will take place on Monday, 4 June 2012 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Conference Room C at United Nations Headquarters (NLB), New York.
For queries regarding the workshop, please contact:
UNITAR
One United Nations Plaza, Suite DC1-603
New York, NY 10017-3515
Email: nyo [at] unitar.org (nyo[at]unitar[dot]org)
Phone: (212) 963-9196; Fax: (212) 963-9686 or 0995