Synthesis of energy-related issues highlighted in national reports of Rio+20

Building on the results of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, world leaders and thousands of stakeholder participants came together in June of 2012 at Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, to chart a path and build focused commitment to “The Future We Want” – to reduce poverty, advance social equity, and ensure
environmental protection for our planet. In preparation for the conference, 72 countries conducted participatory consultations to review progress, challenges and gaps in efforts related to Rio+20 themes. More than 60 countries prepared National Reports reflecting those proceedings and highlighting relevant policies and programmes in key areas.

This report is a synthesis of the energy issues discussed in the national reports, intended to help strengthen implementation of the Rio+20 directions and commitments. It identifies lessons and best practices across all regions, underscoring the nexus of energy-related concerns with other sustainable development factors. It addresses in particular the issues relating most directly to the three focal areas of the UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative: access to energy services, improving energy efficiency, and
increasing the use of renewable energy sources.