Development models used throughout the world have lost their ability to respond to new challenges and lead to crises that affect the three pillars of sustainable development - environmental, social and economic. The evaluation was made by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), Ambassador Luiz Alberto Figueiredo.

For Figueiredo, the conference, which begins next month in Rio de Janeiro, is the opportunity for countries to take a look at the next 20 years and change current models.

"There is a crisis in the three pillars of sustainable development and not without reason. Something is not being done correctly. If we continue doing the same thing all the time, nothing changes. Either it perpetuates or worsens the situation. Rio+20 is essential for us to understand and respond to these crises" he said, during a debate on the event with representatives from the media, held on May 11 in Rio de Janeiro.

Figueiredo said that this change must involve new patterns of production and consumption, able to integrate social, environmental and economic dimensions. "There can be no sustainable development when there is hunger, economic stagnation and environmental destruction. The three areas have to be addressed together", he said.

The ambassador pointed out that decisions to implement changes need to involve not only governments attending the conference, but society as a whole, including households and businesses in the private sector which, he said, play a fundamental role in the process.

He noted that events such as Rio+20 take place "at best" once every ten years and he emphasized the urgency of change. "We cannot let this opportunity pass by. Now is the time to really decide the future we want", he said.

Source: Agência Brasil