From Rio (1992) to Johannesburg (2002): Success or Failure at the World Summit on Sustainable Development?

Abstract

This editorial presents an analysis of the process which saw its beginnings at the Summit in Rio (1992) and has been continued at the recent Johannesburg Summit (2002). The process establishes as its priority target the implementation of a model of sustainable development that opens the door to solving some harsh realities, so typical of today’s world scene, such as wide–spreading poverty and progressive deterioration of the environment.
First of all, a review is presented of the results afforded by the celebration of the Summit in Rio (1992) and a description of the problems that should be faced in Johannesburg (2002), and, given their relevance, special reference is made to the basic proposals formulated not only by the United Nations but also by the European Union. Finally, the Summit’s performance is analysed and its poor results are evaluated. The editorial article criticises the strategy which has once more been used by the block of developed nations, with the United States and the European Union at its head, to defend the interests and privileges of a minority, so ruling out any possibility of taking a decisive attitude to solving grave problems such as those mentioned, whose effects are suffered by the majority of the world’s population.