Republic of Moldova

Moldova began its preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20, with UN's support

CHISINAU, November 25, 2011—The Government of the Republic of Moldova launched its process of preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 during a conference organized with UNDP support. Participants - representatives of Government, Parliament, academic sector, NGOs and experts - reviewed the country’ progress and prospects in promoting sustainable development, green economy, environment protection and reducing poverty. As part of the preparations process, Moldova will create a national platform for the promotion and integration of sustainable development principles and green economy in all social-economic sectors, a communications campaign and a National Report for the UN Conference.

The objective of the Rio+20 Conference to take place in 2012 is to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development, and address new and emerging challenges which will take place in Rio in 2012.

“We all recognize that development led by growth is essential – but to be sustainable over time for present and future generations, it must not deplete human capital, knowledge capital, natural capital and produced capital available to society over time. A green economy has to seek to secure growth and development, while at the same time improving human well-being, providing decent jobs, reducing inequalities, tackling poverty and preserving the natural capital upon which we all depend”, said Kaarina Immonen, UN Resident Coordinator in Moldova, at the launch event. “For the lower or middle income countries like Moldova, the challenge will be to maintain their low ecological footprints while accelerating sustainable growth and human development. It is important to position economies now for the eventual greener global market.”

The UN will support Moldova in its preparations leading up to Rio+20 Conference and in the framework of the new UN-Moldova Partnership framework which will be signed in the near future.

More about the UN Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 at http://www.uncsd2012.org/rio20/