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STOCKHOLM In light of the complicated political and economic scenario internationally, the Rio +20 negotiations will be difficult. The idea is to reinforce, among the countries that are attending the United Nations C onference in June, performance goals with accountability. One of the leading experts in the international debate on sustainable development, Maurice Strong believes that the creation of system to monitor the agreements and measures adopted by the countries should be a priority.
- We must acknowledge that there are limitations to the agreements that can really be made - Strong said to GLOBO, speaking in the corridors of the Swedish Parliament at the closure of the Stockholm +40 Conference.
The Canadian coordinated the first United Nations event to ever discuss the concept of sustainable development, in Stockholm in 1972. He was also the secretary-general of Rio 92. Before holding key UN positions, Strong worked in the oil industry and was one of the founders of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). At the age of 83, Strong now lives in China, where he is a consultant and an emeritus professor at the University of Beijing. He is getting ready to attend Rio+20.
What are your expectations for Rio+20?
MAURICE STRONG: We have to acknowledge that the political and economic situation today is nowhere nearly as favorable as it was back in 1992. So we will have to overcome this barrier. I think it is important to acknowledge that there are limitations to the agreements that can really be made in such a short period in Rio. Therefore we have to launch initiatives that will be continued afterwards. Rio+20 should be the start of a new continued process and not a definitive event in itself.
What are the priorities for the conference?
STRONG: There are a series of priorities. One of them is a system to measure accountability, as governments have already made major promises in the past, in Stockholm (in 1972), in Johannesburg (in 2002) and at the 1992 Summit (in Rio). They were wonderful promises. If the countries had done all the things they promised, we wouldn't be in such a big mess today. Accountability means that there is a process by which real government commitments are measured against what they are actually doing, and include a way to report this. Governments should have their performances audited according to international standards.
How important is it to monitor what governments are doing?
STRONG: By monitoring the performance of governments against the promises they have made in the past we can give people a basis for observing how badly governments are failing or how well they are doing their job. A system for measuring accountability would be very important. It would also be important to strengthen the legal system. A system under which governments that have been affected by actions of other governments can pursue their rights outside of their own country. This principle was established here in Stockholm in 1972 (at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment). And it could be reactivated at Rio+20. This would give people the opportunity to claim compensation against damages.
Is this a similar system to that of the World Trade Organization?
STRONG: Not quite similar, but along those lines. However, it will not be easy to reach an agreement on these issues.
Which agreements are more likely to be reached?
STRONG: A system for measuring accountability is quite viable and necessary. Another thing we need is a funding system, because the money is not in the hands of governments, but in the hands of the people. I have created proposals for an "Earth Bonus", bonds that can be sold to ordinary people, paying interests, to finance sustainable development in a profitable way. It is not easy to get money from countries. And the developing countries are insisting, and quite justifiably so, that we need funding and technical assistance with technology transfers to be able to contribute solutions to the environmental problems.
You have already mentioned that ideas aren't the problem, the real question is action. Compared to previous conferences, is Rio+20 more likely to result in action?
STRONG: Probably less than would be reasonable. The reason for this is that people are concerned about political and economic problems. In the meantime, scientists inform us that the situation is even more difficult than it already was, making the issue even more urgent. And the possibility of any real action is even more remote than ever before. Unfortunately. Perhaps we can turn things around. The ones who can turn things around are the people. There should be a popular mass movement. Social media and the Internet give us the opportunity to do this, but I don't think that we will see this movement until we experience what I call the revolution, a civil society revolution.
What has changed in terms of sustainable development in the world between 1972 and now?
STRONG: There is a much greater understanding and awareness, about the problems as well as how to address them. But even so there is not enough will to act. As I said before, the issue is not the ideas, but the will to act. There is a lack of will.
What will be the role of Brazil at Rio+20?
STRONG: Well, Brazil is the host, with a recently installed government. It has an important role because the government doesn't want an unsuccessful conference. And Brazil is now an influential country, even more so than it was in 1992. Thus Brazil could set an example and do some things in its own country, demonstrating a real commitment.
English version: Shawn Blore
- We must acknowledge that there are limitations to the agreements that can really be made - Strong said to GLOBO, speaking in the corridors of the Swedish Parliament at the closure of the Stockholm +40 Conference.
The Canadian coordinated the first United Nations event to ever discuss the concept of sustainable development, in Stockholm in 1972. He was also the secretary-general of Rio 92. Before holding key UN positions, Strong worked in the oil industry and was one of the founders of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). At the age of 83, Strong now lives in China, where he is a consultant and an emeritus professor at the University of Beijing. He is getting ready to attend Rio+20.
What are your expectations for Rio+20?
MAURICE STRONG: We have to acknowledge that the political and economic situation today is nowhere nearly as favorable as it was back in 1992. So we will have to overcome this barrier. I think it is important to acknowledge that there are limitations to the agreements that can really be made in such a short period in Rio. Therefore we have to launch initiatives that will be continued afterwards. Rio+20 should be the start of a new continued process and not a definitive event in itself.
What are the priorities for the conference?
STRONG: There are a series of priorities. One of them is a system to measure accountability, as governments have already made major promises in the past, in Stockholm (in 1972), in Johannesburg (in 2002) and at the 1992 Summit (in Rio). They were wonderful promises. If the countries had done all the things they promised, we wouldn't be in such a big mess today. Accountability means that there is a process by which real government commitments are measured against what they are actually doing, and include a way to report this. Governments should have their performances audited according to international standards.
How important is it to monitor what governments are doing?
STRONG: By monitoring the performance of governments against the promises they have made in the past we can give people a basis for observing how badly governments are failing or how well they are doing their job. A system for measuring accountability would be very important. It would also be important to strengthen the legal system. A system under which governments that have been affected by actions of other governments can pursue their rights outside of their own country. This principle was established here in Stockholm in 1972 (at the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment). And it could be reactivated at Rio+20. This would give people the opportunity to claim compensation against damages.
Is this a similar system to that of the World Trade Organization?
STRONG: Not quite similar, but along those lines. However, it will not be easy to reach an agreement on these issues.
Which agreements are more likely to be reached?
STRONG: A system for measuring accountability is quite viable and necessary. Another thing we need is a funding system, because the money is not in the hands of governments, but in the hands of the people. I have created proposals for an "Earth Bonus", bonds that can be sold to ordinary people, paying interests, to finance sustainable development in a profitable way. It is not easy to get money from countries. And the developing countries are insisting, and quite justifiably so, that we need funding and technical assistance with technology transfers to be able to contribute solutions to the environmental problems.
You have already mentioned that ideas aren't the problem, the real question is action. Compared to previous conferences, is Rio+20 more likely to result in action?
STRONG: Probably less than would be reasonable. The reason for this is that people are concerned about political and economic problems. In the meantime, scientists inform us that the situation is even more difficult than it already was, making the issue even more urgent. And the possibility of any real action is even more remote than ever before. Unfortunately. Perhaps we can turn things around. The ones who can turn things around are the people. There should be a popular mass movement. Social media and the Internet give us the opportunity to do this, but I don't think that we will see this movement until we experience what I call the revolution, a civil society revolution.
What has changed in terms of sustainable development in the world between 1972 and now?
STRONG: There is a much greater understanding and awareness, about the problems as well as how to address them. But even so there is not enough will to act. As I said before, the issue is not the ideas, but the will to act. There is a lack of will.
What will be the role of Brazil at Rio+20?
STRONG: Well, Brazil is the host, with a recently installed government. It has an important role because the government doesn't want an unsuccessful conference. And Brazil is now an influential country, even more so than it was in 1992. Thus Brazil could set an example and do some things in its own country, demonstrating a real commitment.
English version: Shawn Blore
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