Is it possible to eradicate poverty? What steps should be taken to ensure an environmentally sustainable future for our planet? Rio+20 is a United Nations conference that draws in participation from all over the world attracting members of governments, the private sector as well as NGO’s amongst the thousands of guests who attend. The primary reason being to develop strategies to reduce poverty, advance social equity and ensure environmental protection as we look to the future. In this collection Open University academics reflect on its progress and prospects, and demonstrate that international gatherings of political leaders are not (fortunately?) the only game in town.