Strategies based on the narrow pursuit of economic growth without due regard for equity and related environmental, social and human rights considerations, will both fail in their economic objectives, and risk damaging the planet and the fundamental rights of people.

Officially known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development [Britannica backgrounder], the 1992 Rio Conference was a groundbreaking push for a unified effort towards sustainable development. Commencing this June in Rio de Janeiro, Rio+20 is intended to act as a twenty year anniversary thrust to further the goals of the first conference and address new concerns threatening efforts towards sustainable development. The conference will focus on two primary themes: 'a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication' and 'the institutional framework for sustainable development.' The UN has also made public a collection of issue briefs [briefs collection] ahead of the conference which identify some of the specific resources and goals that will be at issue in the conference.