In December 2011 IPIECA attended the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Regional Preparatory Meeting for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. The meeting was for member States of the UN ECE and representatives of major groups, UN agencies and other international bodies to identify the specific challenges and priorities of the region with regard to Rio+20, including policy recommendations and good practices.

A number of key proposed outcomes for Rio+20 arose from the input of different delegations including the fact that the green economy cannot have a one-size-fits-all approach and any agreement in Rio will have to take into account the individual economic and political circumstances of countries. Policies supporting a green economy should not result in increased discrimination or barriers to international trade and investment. Many called for a green economy roadmap with specific goals, objectives and actions at the international level. A recurring point was the need for data, research, indicators and monitoring in order to assess progress in achieving sustainable development. Many highlighted that the removal of inappropriate or perverse subsidies is necessary and emphasised the importance of energy efficiency, energy-efficient buildings and sustainable energy access for the poor, as well as of the security of energy supply. The importance of engaging the private sector was emphasised. Public policy has to be aligned with private incentives and create a long-term policy framework upon which the private sector can base its decisions. Public-private partnerships were stressed as a significant part of the policy mix to build sustainable infrastructure which could help to sustain the economic recovery. One key proposed global policy framework is for global and listed enterprises to make sustainability part of their policies and to conduct material accounting as part of their published accounts, based on global standards such as the Principles for Responsible Investment.

Brian Sullivan, IPIECA Executive Secretary took part in a Business Action for Sustainable Development 2012 panel session which looked at the role of the private sector in sustainable development alongside Stephan Contius, German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Alessia Sabbatino, UN Global Compact Network and Daniel Ziegerer, Swiss Federal Office for the Environment. Brian outlined how collaborative action between governments and the private sector can address sustainability challenges, deliver essential societal services and create the right legal and regulatory frameworks to enable sustainable development. He highlighted that the challenge for the oil and gas industry is to continue to find and provide essential fuels in ways that are environmentally and socially responsible, and provide energy products that contribute to global economic and social development. Brian emphasised that to achieve this the industry is working with governments, business, academia and communities around the world, referencing a few of the many partnerships that the oil and gas industry is involved in, including the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights, the Global Initiative with the UN International Maritime Organization, the UNEP-WCMC Proteus partnership and finally the UNEP’s Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles.