"In our society, the meaning of marriage is universal - it's a declaration of love and commitment to a special person, " Labour MP Louisa Wall, who introduced the legislation, said.

BBC: New Zealand legalises same-sex marriage

Also on Saturday, 37 CEOs from the finance sector announced their commitment to natural capital in the launch of a most interesting Natural Capital Declaration.

FORBES: Rio+20: Are We There Yet?

Well I wouldn't disagree with that basic principle, indeed the Downing Street Declaration enshrined those very principles that where there is a genuine renunciation of violence, a genuine commitment to democracy there there can be participation in the democratic process.

BBC: Northern Ireland

Ten years ago, the international community came together to highlight the importance of dialogue among cultures and its commitment to diversity by unanimously adopting the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity.

UNESCO: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

They will also endorse a high level declaration of principles around open government, which is voluntary and non-binding, and will express our commitment to exemplifying best practice on transparency, accountability and civic engagement.

FORBES: Open Government Partnership: An Interview with Maria Otero, Under Secretary of State