Think tank dialogue on green economies

A green economy can only be achieved with a country-specific approach. This was the conclusion of a discussion between think tanks from Brazil, China, Senegal and Germany. adelphi invited participants to the event as part of the Rio+20 preparatory meetings.

Achieving a green economy is an entirely different challenge for developing countries than for industrialised and emerging nations, particularly with regard to social equity. While approaches in industrialised countries are well aligned with energy and climate policies, developing and emerging nations expect further development and growth. “Global transformation processes must be more committed to allowing for various national prospects for a green economy,” stated adelphi’s Managing Director, Alexander Carius. In addition, the approaches should also accord greater attention to unintended effects, for example in the agricultural sector in developing countries.

This was also one of the main conclusions of an animated debate between renowned think tanks, which adelphi had organised in New York as part of the second informal preparatory meeting ahead of the Rio+20 conference. Imme Scholz (Bonn), Aron Belinky (Sao Paulo), Professor Qi Ye (Peking) and Professor Adebayo Olukoshi (Dakar) discussed the relevant requirements and outlined the prospects of a sustainable economic development in their countries. As well as a country-specific approach, the participants called for a strong political commitment and political leadership, such as in China. It was decided that this was just as important as a widespread dialogue, rooted in public opinion, on social and long-term transformation processes.

The Rio+20 sustainability conference will take place from 20 to 22 June in Rio de Janeiro. The conference aims to give impetus to country-specific green economy activities and commit the community of states to a global development partnership. Decisions on “Green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty reduction” and “UN reforms in the area of sustainability” are expected.