PM Attends Rio Plus 20 Environment Summit

Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, departs today, June 18, for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, referred to as Rio+20, in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Accompanying the Prime Minister are the Hon. Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Water, Housing, Environment and Climate Change; and Ms Onika Miller, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Rio + 20 Summit brings together a number of world leaders as well as participants from national governments, the private sector, NGOs and other groups to formulate a comprehensive approach to sustainable economic growth, fight poverty, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection.

The Summit Agenda will focus on two broad themes: a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication; and the institutional framework for sustainable development, with specific reference to seven priority areas for action – decent jobs, energy, sustainable cities, food security and sustainable agriculture, water, oceans and disaster readiness.

Among other things, the Prime Minister is scheduled to speak at three major events during the Summit; this includes the Women Leaders’ Forum, which she will address on Thursday, June 21.  Later the same day, Mrs. Simpson Miller will deliver Jamaica’s policy statement, while on the following day, June 22, the Prime Minister will speak at the High Level Round Table Session of the summit.

While in Brazil, the Prime Minister is also expected to officially open the new Jamaican Embassy in Rio.

Mrs. Simpson Miller returns to the island on Sunday, June 24.  During her absence, Dr. the Honourable Peter Phillips, Minister of Finance and Planning will be in charge of the government.

Contact:    Communications Unit-OPM

Tel:               926-0244

Fax:              920-4684                                        

Email:           opm.news@opm.gov.jm