By Salwa Jandoubi UNITED NATIONS, June 12 (KUNA) -- State of Kuwait participants in UN Conference on Sustainable Development, known as Rio 20+, by a government delegation headed by Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
The June 20-23 conference, held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, features participation of over 100 heads of state and government or their representatives, regional and international organizations, private sector and NGOs.
The participants will be discussing best means to eliminate poverty, social equality and environment protection.
Kuwait's high-level participation "affirms the State of Kuwait interest in development and environment, especially that it is party in the major international environment accords, and is committed with its objectives and principles," Kuwait's permanent envoy to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi told KUNA Tuesday.
Kuwait has great interest in environment and development, said Al-Otaibi, and has presented many national reports over what have been accomplished of the Millennium Development Goals (MNGs).
A delegation of Kuwait is taking part in the June 13-15 preparatory meetings for the Rio 20+ meetings in Brazilia, with focus on progress on sustainability dossiers and realization of greener policies and practices worldwide.
Al-Otaibi said preparatory meetings might be extended "because differences over the final political document still exist.
"What has been agreed upon in New York does not exceed 20 percent of issues to be discussed, therefore member states might have tough negotiations before reaching an agreement over the document," added al-Otaibi.
Discussions would cover themes such as shift to greener economies, eradication of poverty, promoting use of renewable energy sources, along with promotion of social equality, women empowerment, and establishing and restoring peace and security across the world.
The Rio 20+ is "historic event," said Ambassador Al-Otaibi because it would be held 20 years following the Rio Conference in Brazil The forthcoming conference, he noted, would be a "historic opportunity" for the member countries to renew political commitment they made in 1992. (more) sj.bs KUNA 122155 Jun 12NNNN