The ICLEI-convened Rio+20 Global Town Hall kicked off yesterday, bringing together global actors to coordinate policy positions and inputs into the Rio+20 process, and pushing for greater recognition of the role of cities in enhancing sustainable development. Today the World Summit of Federated States and Regions is being held, which will launch a declaration of commitments from subnational governments for the green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication. Under this agreement signatories will commit to specific targets and initiatives within the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainable development.

The first day of the meeting saw a discussion on cities and sustainable development with contributions coming from local authorities and business. The discussions placed a special focus on China. Later in the day an outlook on cities and biodiversity was held, as well as a review of common tools and measures for resource efficient cities. Speaking at the meeting Kang Un-Tae, Mayor of the City of Gwangju (South Korea), said that energy efficiency is the key to resource-efficient cities. The role of the private sector in moving to sustainability was also discussed.

Taking place in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), just minutes away from the Rio+20 venue, the meeting provides a space for dialogue, networking and interacting within the context of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development. Cities, local government associations and major city networks, UN agencies, national governments, business, the science community, NGOs and others are attending and providing their input and perspective to the proceedings. The Global Town Hall runs until 22 June 2012 and will conclude with the release of local and subnational government associations’ messages from Rio+20.

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