One of the main outcomes of the Rio+20 Conference was the agreement by member States to launch a process to develop a set of sustainable development goals (SDGs) that could be a useful tool for pursuing focused and coherent action on sustainable development. Member States resolved to establish an "inclusive and transparent intergovernmental process open to all stakeholders, with a view to developing global sustainable development goals to be agreed by the General Assembly.".

The UN General Assembly will on 16 October 2012 hold a special event in order to provide an initial opportunity for all member states and other participants to engage in discussions on how to develop the SDGs, in light of the relevant terms agreed within the Rio+20 outcome document.

The discussions were moderated and led by a panel of speakers from the fields of scientific research and policymaking who will contribute their perspectives and analyses in three main areas (see below).

It is expected that this event will inform the initial discussions of the Open Working Group and set a fruitful direction for future discussions on the development of the SDGs.

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How do YOU see the development of the Sustainable Development Goals? Let us know by addressing the three (3) questions below, either through the Facebook discussion, or by using the Twitter hashtag #SDGs. Kindly be short and concise.

The main questions and issues raised from this online conversation were brought to the panelists during the event on 16 October 2012.