Business Role in Development Seen as Stronger than Ever Before, Media Coverage of Rio+20 Corporate Sustainability Forum Shows

(New York, 14 August 2012) - The UN Global Compact Office today released a summary of media coverage of its Rio+20 Corporate Sustainability Forum, held on 15-18 June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, in conjunction with the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).

The Forum brought together nearly 2,700 participants from over 100 countries in an effort to provide a launching ground for greater private sector and investor involvement in sustainable development, and to call on governments to take steps that would support corporate sustainability around the globe. In addition, more than 260 journalists, representing print, broadcast and online media from over 20 countries received Forum accreditation.

Reflecting the Forum's diverse media attendance, coverage of the event was extensive, totalling hundreds of articles, editorials, blog posts and broadcasts (TV and radio) referencing the event and its multiple announcements, deliverables and outcomes.

Generally, coverage of the Forum typically offered variations on the following set of messages:

• Business is playing a bigger role in advancing sustainable development than ever before and business representation in Rio is significant.
• Corporate leaders are increasingly supporting the sustainability agenda, as evidenced by more than 200 corporate commitments made at the Forum.
• Energy and climate, water sustainability, natural capital accounting and sustainability reporting are key issues for business engagement moving forward.

Download the full version of the media coverage report (PDF, 9MB).

Media Contacts

Matthias Stausberg
Spokesperson
UN Global Compact
stausberg@un.org
+1-917-367-3423

Kristen Coco
Manager, Public Affairs & Media Relations
UN Global Compact
cocok@un.org
+1-917-367-8566