U.N. issues call to action ahead of Rio+20

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UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (UPI) -- Action is needed at the upcoming sustainability conference in Brazil to encourage sustainable development and a green economy, an official said.

Brazil hosts an international conference on sustainable energy developments. The theme of the Rio+20 Conference, which begins Wednesday, is the promotion of a green economy and building an institutional framework for sustainable development.

Sha Zukang, U.N. under secretary-general for economic and social affairs and lead delegate for Rio+20, issued a call for action during an interview with the U.N. News Center.

"At Rio, world leaders need to renew their political commitments for sustainable development and adopt an ambitious and yet practical outcome that equals the magnitude of today's challenges," he said. "It cannot be another talk shop."

Deliberations are expected to continue through Friday as delegates work on reaching an agreement on the draft outcome document for the conference.

Planners last week said 20 percent of the text of the outcome document was settled.

Sha said the world is watching for major developments at the conference.

"Rio can deliver agreement on specific initiatives and commitments that can accelerate progress and advance well being," he said. "This can only happen by delivering actions, not just words."