The main topic of the conference will be building a "green economy" for the
eradication of poverty in developing countries, with an emphasis on energy,
water, food, cities, green employment, the oceans and disasters. The conference
will also address how to prepare for the era after 2015, the target year for the
UN's millennium goals, and how to make the subject of sustainable development an
integral part of the international system.
The Israeli pavilion will showcase Israel's achievements in green
technology, promotion of sustainability in Israel and Israeli foreign aid. This
week, for instance, Israeli Prof. Daniel Hillel won the 2012 World Food prize
for his work in developing the micro-irrigation system, thus contributing to
food security. Israel shares its expertise with the world in the framework of
foreign aid (through MASHAV, Israel's Agency for International Development
Cooperation), its economic and professional relations with other states and its
activities in the international arena.
For example, the UN General Assembly adopted an Israeli proposal for
a resolution in the field of "agricultural development technologies" to provide
a solution to global challenges arising from poverty and the food crisis. Furthermore, last year Israel hosted an international preparatory meeting ahead
of the conference that addressed green agriculture and sustainable development
to eradicate poverty and hunger in the world. Delegates from 28 countries
attended.
UN Under secretary Sha Zukang, who visited Israel during this meeting,
noted in his speech and at meetings with Israeli leaders Israel's contribution
to the world in these areas and asked that Israel participate in the Rio
conference and share its experience and expertise.
Two Israeli side events will take place in Rio: one on the subject of
environmental agriculture and the eradication of poverty; and the other on
solutions for municipal water systems. Israel's Jewish National Fund (JNF-KKL)
will manage a study center on forestation and water, and Israeli experts will
participate in international panels.
An interministerial professional steering committee was set up by the
Ministry of Environmental Protection to coordinate Israel's preparations for the
conference.