Rio+20 demonstrates that we’re “headed in the right direction”

As more than a week of activities at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) concluded yesterday, I think everyone who contributed thought leadership, put their and their organization’s support behind conference goals, and supported the sessions should be happy with where the conference ended: that is, happy that change is happening and that we are headed in the right direction, but not, in my opinion, content to think the work is done.

As you know from our messages over the past week, Rio+20 set out to help shape new policies to promote global prosperity, reduce poverty, and advance social equity and environmental protection.  Along those lines, those of us who participated in a related conference over the past several days—the Rio+20 Corporate Sustainability Forum (CSF)—had three specific goals in mind:

• Set the stage for further growth for companies engaged in sustainable development
• Demonstrate that many solutions for sustainable development already exist
• Demonstrate concrete, tangible action on a massive scale

We concluded Monday night with most attendees having the impression that the CSF has largely achieved those goals and raised the bar on innovation and collaboration.  A document outlining priorities in several key areas— including water, finance, energy and climate, etc.—will be delivered to the Secretary General of the UN this week. 

Throughout the week, hundreds of commitments have been posted by companies on the United Nations website. Personally, I am impressed with what has been achieved, however, I think all the participants would agree that this is not enough. We need to take the message of "scaling" what has been discussed here to companies that intend to make sustainability a priority. We must share these ideas, so that others have confidence in their own ideas and approaches, and to share leading practices that can be adapted. At the end of the day, we believe that business must drive this change. Government can and should play a role and provide help and support, but, ultimately, business has to get it done.

I believe the contingent of Deloitte member firms at Rio+20 contributed quite effectively to the conferencey— from participating in side events to moderating panels and presenting positions that facilitated round table discussions. The Deloitte brand in this area is strong and well respected. This is a good base upon which to build as Deloitte member firms develop their business and support sustainable development for clients.


Dave Pearson
Director, Internal Sustainability
Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited



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