In accordance with its role of coordinating regional preparatory processes for major global conferences and summits on sustainable development , ECA embarked on a series of activities during the past year to facilitate Africa 's participation in the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development ( UNCSD ) also referred to as 'Rio+20 ' to be held in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil in January 2012 . In this context , the Eleventh Session of the Regional Coordination Mechanism of United Nations Agencies and Organizations Working in Africa ( RCM-Africa ) provided a platform to raise awareness and mobilize the necessary support to ensure Africa 's effective preparation for the Rio+20 Conference .