It has been twenty years since over 170 countries agreed to address questions of inequality, famine and ecological destruction at the first Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Despite some successes in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Africa still faces significant challenges in balancing the three pillars of sustainable development – social, economic and environment. From the outset the continent sought to develop a common position ahead of Rio+20, or the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Yet many of Africa’s priorities will not see progress as the watered down text remains devoid of any ambition and programmes for implementation. News stories reflecting Africa’s position include:

Africa After Rio+20
Africa Consensus Statement to Rio+20
Rio+20: Zuma challenges world leaders
Rio+20: Africa sets sustainable development priorities
Rio+20 African delegates meet in New York to Discuss ‘one voice for Africa’
Africa: Speaking Out at Rio+20