President of Brazil calls for worldwide commitment to sustainable development

Speaking at the  inauguration of the Brazilian Pavilion, the opening event of the Rio+20 United Nations Sustainable Development Conference, president Dilma Rousseff declared that it was time for all countries to make a commitment to the goals of sustainable development, adding a warning that the developed nations had to do so even though they face an economic crisis.

“We do not think you respect the environment only when economies are expanding. On the contrary, growth, conservation and preservation are all intrinsic to the concept of development, especially in times of crisis,” said the president. “The environment is not an addendum or garnish, it is part of a grand vision that embraces including and growing, a vision that we all want to include preserving and conserving.”

Dilma went on to say that commitments made at Rio+20 were voluntary.

“We consider sustainability one of the central pillars of our concept of development,” she declared.

The Brazilian Pavilion covers some 4,000 square meters. It is built of recycled containers. Inside there are multimedia expositions on governmental projects and programs. There is space for conference rooms.

Around the pavilion are four exposition areas, showcasing government themes: innovation, sustainable technology and social inclusion. Among the programs presented is a housing program for low-income families (“Minha Casa, Minha Vida”), clean water (“Água Doce e Cultivando Água Boa”) and modern methods of farm production (“Embrapa” – the government’s Farm Research Corporation”).

Dozens of other countries have set up pavilions, highlighting action plans aimed at achieving social welfare and economic and environmental sustainability (the pavilions are located in the Parque dos Atletas, Barra da Tijuca and in front of Riocentro)

On June 20, Dilma will return to Rio+20 for meetings with other heads of state and government. The event closes on June 22.