In order to achieve the goals and objectives defined in chapter 3 of the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Johannesburg Plan of Implementation)a on sustainable consumption and production, a 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production patterns covering the period 2012-2022, based on Agenda 21,b the Rio Declaration on Environment and Developmentc and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, should have the following vision, objectives and goals:

(a) Fundamental changes in the way societies produce and consume are indispensable for achieving global sustainable development. All countries should promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, with the developed countries taking the lead and with all countries benefiting from the process, taking into account the Rio principles, including, inter alia, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities as set out in principle 7 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. Governments, relevant international organizations, the private sector and all major groups should play an active role in changing unsustainable consumption and production patterns;

(b) Support for regional and national initiatives is necessary to accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production in order to promote social and economic development within the carrying capacity of ecosystems by addressing and, where appropriate, decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation by improving efficiency and sustainability in the use of resources and production processes and reducing resource degradation, pollution and waste. All countries should take action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries, through mobilization, from all sources, of financial and technical assistance and capacitybuilding for developing countries;

(c) The 10-year framework should affirm a common vision that:

(i) Supports sustainable, inclusive and equitable global growth, poverty eradication and shared prosperity;

(ii) Addresses basic needs and brings a better quality of life;

(iii) Enhances the ability to meet the needs of future generations and conserves, protects and restores the health and integrity of the Earth's ecosystems;

(iv) Promotes gender equality and the active participation of groups including, inter alia, women, children and youth, indigenous peoples and those living in the most vulnerable situations;

(v) Reduces the use of hazardous materials and toxic chemicals and the generation of wastes, such as non-biodegradable materials and the emission of pollutants;

(vi) Protects natural resources and promotes a more efficient use of natural resources, products and recovered materials;

(vii) Promotes life cycle approaches, including resource efficiency and sustainable use of resources, as well as science-based and traditional knowledge-based approaches, cradle to cradle and the 3R concept (reduce, reuse and recycle) and other related methodologies, as appropriate;

(viii) Promotes the creation of new economic opportunities for all countries, with particular attention to developing countries;

(ix) Promotes a competitive, inclusive economy delivering full and productive employment and decent work for all and fostering efficient social protection systems;

(x) Serves as a tool to support the implementation of global sustainable development commitments, the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the implementation of targets and goals agreed under relevant multilateral environmental agreements.