The UN Conference on Sustainable Development, known as Rio + 20 in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the first Earth Summit, has released a “draft zero” of the outcomes document.

This draft zero contains the following material outcomes in addition to a multitude of aspirational goals:

• a call for a global policy framework requiring all listed and large private companies to consider sustainability issues and to integrate sustainability information within the reporting cycle.
• an international knowledge-sharing platform to facilitate countries’ green economy policy design and implementation,
• establish a capacity development scheme to provide country-specific advice and, where appropriate, region and sector-specific advice to all interested countries and to assist them in accessing available funds.
• transforming of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development into a Sustainable Development Council that will serve as the authoritative, high-level body for consideration of matters relating to the integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development.
• establish a UN specialized agency for the environment with universal membership of its Governing Council, based on United Nations Environment Program (this is especially bracketed text which may yet change)
• propose to build on the Sustainable Energy for All initiative launched by the Secretary-General, with the goals of providing universal access to a basic minimum level of modern energy services for both consumption and production uses by 2030; improving energy efficiency at all levels with a view to doubling the rate of improvement by 2030.
• implement an international observing network for ocean acidification and to work collectively to prevent further ocean acidification
• strengthening the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), to step up efforts towards a more robust, coherent, effective and efficient international regime for chemicals throughout their lifecycle.
• establish a 10-Year Framework of Programmes on sustainable consumption and production

Several among the 128 paragraphs include such statements as  “We strongly encourage business and industry to show leadership in advancing a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.”

The Conference is being held from 20 – 22 June in Rio de Janeiro. A number of world leaders are expected to attend. A copy of the complete draft zero outcomes document, which may be subject to significant changes over the next five months, can be found at http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/index.php?page=view&type=12&nr=324&menu=23