268. A quarter of a century has passed since the Brundtland report introduced the concept of sustainable development to the international community. Since then, the world has gained a deeper understanding of the interconnected challenges we face and the fact that sustainable development provides the best opportunity for people to choose their future. This makes ours a propitious moment in history to make the right choices and move towards sustainable development in earnest.

269. The High-level Panel on Global Sustainability has made concrete proposals on the way forward in three key areas: empowering people to make sustainable choices, working towards a sustainable economy and strengthening institutional governance to support sustainable development. Active follow-up is now crucial. The Panel looks to the Secretary-General to implement the recommendations that fall within his authority and to take the full set of recommendations to the United Nations family as a whole. The Panel also looks to the Secretary-General and the United Nations to use the convening power of the Organization to advance the recommendations in the wider international community, including Governments at all levels, international organizations, civil society, the scientific community and the private sector.

270. The Panel has benefited from interaction with delegates and other stakeholders engaged in the process leading to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, known as Rio+20, and hopes that the proposals set out in the present report will contribute to a productive outcome in Rio de Janeiro. Beyond that, the Panel’s greatest aspiration is to see the report serve as a source of inspiration for people all around the planet.

271. The members of the Panel are from 22 countries. While serving in an expert capacity, they represent a variety of constituencies and perspectives. The Panel is united in its conviction that the time for action is now, and that the actions called for herein will make for a future worth choosing.