Abstract

This short article is the Italian version of the FEEM input to the open and transparent process launched by the UN to prepare a draft text, based upon all preparatory inputs, that will serve as the basis for the outcome document of the Rio + 20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, to be held in Brazil in June 2012. Twenty years after Rio, Rio + 20 will address gaps and challenges from the twofold perspective of a green economy in the context of sustainable development & poverty eradication and of the institutional framework for sustainable development. This article highlights the main challenges ahead, identifi es key methodological issues to be addressed from an economic research perspective - illustrating relevant FEEM work to advance research in this fi eld, and provides a few policy insights.