Road to Rio: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back?

This first section of this chapter examines the developments towards the UNCED that was organised at the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the UNCHE. I demonstrate that, during this period, actors other than States, especially IOs and NGOs, are de facto recognised by States as global actors with respect to the issues related to sustainable development. The second section examines the outcomes of the UNCED and the significance of what is referred to in these documents as “global commitments for sustainable development” as well as “global partnership for sustainable development.” In addition, the second section refers to some farsighted scholars who noticed the emergence of a “law of sustainable development” given the developments around the UNCED. Lastly, the third section summarises the progress made during this decade with respect to the secondary and primary social conventions of GLSD.