UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging world leaders to back up their promises for sustainability with action in order to achieve ‘economic, environmental and social prosperity’ all over the world.

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Growing global movement for change

Reported by egovmonitor.com, Mr Ban has claimed that now that all the speeches at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) are over, the work should be in motion to implement all the promises made.

“Rio+20 has affirmed fundamental principles – renewed essential commitments – and given us new direction,” he said. “From governments to the world’s biggest companies, from philanthropic organisations to youth volunteers, they are part of a growing global movement for change.”

$513 billion committed to sustainable practices

Some $513 billion was committed to sustainable practices, energy/food security and much more. Furthermore, 700 ‘concrete commitments’ were registered from governments, businesses, industries, financial institutions and civil society.

This could generate an increase in demand for sustainable services like interior cladding for commercial or domestic property, solar power, wind energy.

Journey towards a sustainable future

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Rio+20’s Secretary-General Sha Zukang concluded a separate speech by saying the whole world should be united in order to achieve a sustainable future. Zukang stated, cited by irna.ir:

“Sustainable development is the only option for humanity, for our shared planet, for our common future. Let the commitments of Rio be with us all, as we continue our journey towards a sustainable future.”

Author: Ashley Curtis   Date Written: 25 June 2012