In anticipation of Rio +20 conference on sustainable development to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 20 to 22 June 2012, organizers are making arrangements to host a global dialog that aims to encourage diverse public participation preceding and during the main event.

“Rio+20 is our best chance to define pathways to a sustainable future,” Rio+20 Secretary-General Sha Zukang has said as the campaign launched and ceremony flags were raised last year.

Pre-registration is now open for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and major groups in consultative status with ECOSOC, in the CSD Roster or previously accredited to the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). NGOs and major groups not yet accredited have an opportunity to participate in the conference by submitting a request for accreditation at http://www.uncsd2012.org/registration before 20 February 2012.

A number of on-site side events sponsored by governments, major groups, UN system and other inter-governmental organizations will be organized during the 3rd Preparatory Committee Meeting of UNCSD (13 -15 June 2012), Four Days of Dialogue on Sustainable Development (16 -19 June 2012) and during Rio+20.

A call for proposals is now open for the Rio+20 SD-Learning, a capacity building event being held in conjunction with Rio+20, from 13 to 22 June 2012. SD-Learning will consist of multiple courses on crucial aspects of sustainable development, aiming at providing participants with practical knowledge and hands-on training from experts around the world.

The Future We Want – Zero draft of the outcome document is now available on the Rio+20 website. Participating member states will consider this renewed resolution for creating a prosperous, secure and sustainable future for our people and our planet.

The flurry of activities will continue in preparation for an event that the Rio+20 Secretary-General Sha Zukang says, “World leaders, along with thousands of participants from the private sector, NGOs and other groups, will come together to shape how we can reduce poverty, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection on an ever more crowded planet.”