6 July 2011, Geneva, Switzerland. UNITAR Executive Director took part in the meeting of Principals of ‘ECESA Plus’ that gathered in Geneva on 6 July. One of the main objectives of the meeting was to advance preparations by the UN system for the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+20. More specifically, the focus of the meeting was on concrete suggestions and contributions of UN organizations for the outcome document and initiatives to be launched in Rio next year. More information on the meeting is provided on the webpage of the Executive Committee on Economic and Social Affairs (ECESA).

The ECESA Plus created in 2010 brings together over 40 organizations including relevant UN system agencies, the World Bank, IMF, the Rio Convention secretariat and the ECESA Members with a view to fostering joint efforts in preparation for Rio+20. This meeting of ECESA Plus was chaired by Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Mr. Sha Zukang, in his capacity as Convener of ECESA Plus and Secretary-General of the Conference on Sustainable Development.

Specialized in strengthening capacities of individuals through learning, and skills development, UNITAR has implemented and is planning a number of initiatives in the preparation of the Rio+20 conference.

Photo credits: UN Photo