Thousands of Global Citizens Gather Through Rio+Social to Address Sustainability Challenges and Build a Better World

Today, on the eve of Rio+20, the historic United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio+Social is catalyzing a global, online conversation among corporate and digital media leaders, civil society, celebrities, and government representatives to share solutions for pressing global challenges such as access to energy, affordable health care, a clean and safe environment, and education.  The United Nations Foundation, Mashable, 92nd Street Y, Ericsson, Energias de Portugal (EDP), LiveAD, Planeta Sustentável, Virgin Unite, and United Postcode Lotteries, are convening individuals from all walks of life and countries around the world both in person and online through Rio+Social, a ground-breaking, global event on the nexus of social media, technology, and sustainability.

“There has never been a better time for the community of global citizens to engage in the global conversation about sustainability and the Earth’s future,” said Aaron Sherinian, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations at the UN Foundation. “Social media and technology have brought our world closer together, and the Rio+Social community is a powerful symbol of what we can achieve when we come together to work on common goals and find innovative solutions. You don’t have to be a world leader to make a difference.  Each of us can connect with the UN and take action right now to create a better future.”

By leveraging technological innovations that have become available since the original Earth Summit in 1992, Rio+Social is a critical step in opening this dialogue from the closed-door meetings of Rio+20 to people all over the globe.  As the event’s Twitter hashtag #RioPlusSocial trends globally, Rio+Social is successfully leveraging social media to engage audiences, transfer solutions, and inspire networks to take collective action towards a common goal of building a sustainable world.

For more information on Rio+Social and to watch the livestream, visit www.rioplussocial.com.

Tweet this: Together we can build a sustainable future. #RioPlusSocial #Futurewewant

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About Ericsson
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of communications technology and services. We are enabling the Networked Society with efficient real-time solutions that allow us all to study, work and live our lives more freely, in sustainable societies around the world.  Our offering comprises services, software and infrastructure within Information and Communications Technology for telecom operators and other industries. Today more than 40 percent of the world’s mobile traffic goes through Ericsson networks, and we support customers’ networks servicing more than 2 billion subscribers.  We operate in 180 countries and employ more than 100,000 people. Founded in 1876, Ericsson is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2011, the company had revenues of SEK 226,9 billion (USD 35.0 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ, New York stock exchanges.

About EDP
EDP – Energias de Portugal – is a global energy company engaged in the electric utilities and gas sector.  EDP is the third largest producer of wind energy in the world and, for the second year running, is the world’s leader in the electricity sector of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes.  EDP Group today serves as a benchmark in the global energy market, as a result of its solid vision for the company and the sector and also a philosophy of growing integration and the pursuit of excellence that is firmly rooted in the EDP culture.

About LiveAD
LiveAD is a creative agency that believes in the potential of relevant contemporary ideas, enlarging them through the integrated use of digital media and PR.  It is currently working with the following brands: Nike, Doritos, C&A, Grendene, Multishow, Lacoste, Itau, Ketel One, J&B and Baileys. LiveAD is a member of the Society of Digital Agencies (SoDA), a group made up of the world’s key digital agencies.  LiveAD has been recognized on Facebook Studio Awards in 2012, Cannes Lions Festival in 2009 and 2010 and 2011 SXSW Interactive finalist.

About Mashable
Mashable is a leading source for news, information and resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable’s 20 million unique visitors and 6 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities.

About Planeta Sustentável
Planeta Sustentável generates information about sustainability in 38 magazines and dozens of websites, books, maps, large and small events, courses and apps. It was launched by Editora Abril, the largest publisher in Brazil, in 2007. It reaches 21 million readers across different age and social groups and is recognized as the most influential sustainable platform in the Portuguese language.

About United Nations Foundation
The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach.  Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals.  For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.

About the United Postcode Lotteries
The mission of the United Postcode Lotteries (Nationale Postcode Loterij in The Netherlands, Svenksa PostkodLotteriet in Sweden and People’s Postcode Lottery in the UK) is to raise funds for people and the planet. These charity lotteries have raised over 5 billion euros (about 6.5 billion USD) for charities.  The Postcode Lottery Green Challenge is the annual international sustainability competition of the United Postcode Lotteries. It encourages and aids the invention of great new green products and services by inviting entrepreneurs from around the world to send in their business plans from May 1 – July 31, 2012.  The winning idea will receive 500,000 euros (about 630,000 USD) plus expert advice bringing their entrepreneurial vision to reality. Another 200,000 euros (about 250,000 USD) is available to be divided among one or two of the other finalists.

About Virgin Unite
Virgin Unite connects people and entrepreneurial ideas to make change happen, revolutionize the way government, business and the social sector work together, and make business a force for good. With the publication of Richard Branson’s latest book, Screw Business as Usual, Virgin Unite launched a global effort among business leaders to promote a philosophy of putting people and planet at the center of business.

About 92nd Street Y
92nd Street Y is a world-class nonprofit community and cultural center that connects people at every stage of life to the worlds of education, the arts, health and wellness, and Jewish life. Through the breadth and depth of 92Y’s extraordinary programs, we enrich lives, create community and elevate humanity. More than 300,000 people visit 92Y’s New York City venues annually, and millions more join us through the internet, satellite broadcasts and other digital media. A proudly Jewish organization since its founding in 1874, 92Y embraces its heritage and enthusiastically welcomes people of all backgrounds and perspectives. 92Y is an open door to extraordinary worlds.