"It would be a significant step in the right direction if a decision were to be reached on the establishment of an International Environmental Organisation at the Sustainable Development Summit Meeting in June.

The Hungarian Government would support the setting up of such an organisation in harmony with the intentions of the European Union" – announced the State Secretary for Environmental Affairs of the Ministry of Rural Development. Zoltán Illés added, "For such an organisation to operate efficiently, it requires a mandate, suitable instruments and a financial budget."

In preparation for the "RIO+20" summit meeting, the Ministry of Rural Development organised a civil forum, to which 200 non-governmental organisations received an invitation. Topics under discussion at the event included the issue of global environmental administration, the green economy, and the effects of climate change on water management.

At the forum, the State Secretary for Environmental Affairs reminded those present that a long preparation process precedes the "RIO+20" international summit meeting. Hungary has joined the United Nations' "Friends of Water" Group, in addition to which the Ministry is organising several debates and conferences in preparation for the summit.

At the preparatory forum, the representatives of the non-governmental organisations also voiced their opinions on the RIO+20 summit. Greenpeace urges immediate responses to the most pressing issues affecting the environment, such as global warming and the challenges facing sustainable development. The representative of the WWF drew attention to the fact that if the nations of the world do not find a rapid and reassuring solution, then the exhaustion of the water, food and energy supply will endanger both the planet and the people it sustains.

At the forum, the Deputy-Commissioner for Fundamental Rights responsible for the protection of the interests of future generations spoke of the fact that an irreversible process has begun with regard to climate, the earth's productivity and biodiversity. Sándor Fülöp added, the state of the planet has deteriorated catastrophically since the first Rio conference 20 years ago.

The UN General Assembly decided in 2009 to organise a high-level international summit meeting in 2012 entitled UN Sustainable Development Conference. It was proposed by Brazil that the summit should mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, and this is why it is also referred to as the "RIO+20" summit.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)