High-level Closing Plenary World Summit of Legislators
Remarks by Mr. Sha Zukang, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Secretary-General of the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20)
17 June 2012, Rio de Janeiro
Honorable Members of Parliament from across the world:
It is a great honour to attend the closing of this event.
Parliaments have a vital role to play. As elected representatives of your constituencies, you enact legislation, approve budget and held executive branch accountable for their action.
But your role goes beyond legislation and monitoring. You represent your communities and you are often the link to your local constituencies.?
During the preparatory process of Rio+20, we have had the benefit of support and guidance from many members of parliament.
Your insights have helped shape the outcome document.
Indeed, some of you are also members of official delegations, having direct impact on the negotiation process.
The results of your discussion here are additional inputs to the Rio+20 process.?
On behalf of the United Nations, let me express my deep appreciation for your leadership, vision and outstanding commitment.
We not only count on you for guidance and support for Conference preparations, but also for the implementation of its decisiona.
Your recommendations will provide further guidance on the follow-up process.
Looking ahead, we hope to be able to continue relying on your support.
Let us work together in shared efforts toward a better future – a future we all want.