The Mercy Global Action Network (MGAN) has been active in the period before and after Christmas in following up on the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).

A letter was sent by almost all Mercy Congregations around the world to their political leaders asking them to ensure that civil society groups are involved fully in the implementation of The Future We Want – the outcome document from the Rio+ 20 Conference. A copy of the letter sent to Prime Ministers, Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Environment and UN Permanent Representatives in countries where Mercy operates is attached here.

Already the replies are coming in from politicians and diplomats around the world. H.E. Ms. Anne Anderson, Permanent Representative of Ireland to the United Nations replied as follows:

The specific outcomes you mention with respect to the development of the High Level Political Forum and the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals are key priorities for the period ahead. As you will be aware, Ireland together with the European Union continues to recognize the importance of the role of Major Groups to the outcome of Rio and with this in mind supports and looks forward to the effective implementation of The Future We Want.

With regard to the Post 2015 Development agenda and the UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel, you may be aware that there is now a web platform through which Civil Society can engage with the panel. This can be accessed at www.worldwewant 2015.org/post2015hlp.

In the meantime I would like to assure we will continue to support the participation of Major Groups and Civil Society as the processes are formalized.

MIA wishes to support and thank the Irish Government and its officials for its active engagement in the Rio + 20 process and its follow-up and looks forward to ongoing discussion to ensure that constructive dialogue continues.  Aine O’Connor rsm and her colleagues at the UN will also continue to lobby Member States to realize this formal engagement of Major Groups and civil society through provision for funding, capacity building, and guaranteed access.

Messages to: Mary Purcell – Assistant Director Mercy Global Action