Date: 22/02/05
Source: Ministry of Trade and Industry
Title: Mpahlwa: Media Launch of Participation at the World Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan
Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa for the Media Launch of South Africa's Participation at the World Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan
The Honourable Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sue van der Merwe, The Honourable Ambassador of South Africa Ben Ngubane, The Honourable representative from the Embassy of Japan,Toru Hayashi, Representatives from Toyota, Prof Johan van Zyl and Mr Hiroyuki Niwa, Representatives of national departments and provinces, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen
Since time immemorial, people have been gathering in markets at the intersections of major trading routes to exchange goods, services, information. A by-product of these interactions between people, who often travelled long distances to visit these markets was dialogue, an exchange of knowledge and an interaction between cultures.
This is the tradition from which the World Expos originate. Since London's Great International Exposition in 1851, World Expo's have seen the unveiling of new ideas and have been a platform for countries to showcase what they have to offer the world. Since 1992, South Africa is proud to form part of this tradition. As a member of the Executive Committee of the International Bureau of Expositions, we play a role in ensuring that this time-honoured practice continues on a global scale with more and more countries, particularly from Africa and the developing world participating and contributing to this exchange of ideas.
South Africa participated in the International Expositions in Seville, Spain in 1992 and Lisbon, Portugal in 1998, and in the last World Exposition in Hanover, Germany in 2000. In line with South Africa's participation in and commitment to the international Community, we have decided to take part in, and are indeed excited about participating in the first World Expo of the 21st Century which takes place from March to September 2005 in Aichi, Japan.
As part of the African Pavilion in Global Common 5, we will have the opportunity to show Japan and indeed the world, once again what we as a country have to offer. In the context of the 2005 World Expo theme of Rediscovering Nature's Wisdom, we will continue to participate in the global dialogue on sustainable development following from the WSSD Johannesburg Summit. Indeed, as the host country of the last WSSD summit, we have a responsibility to actively engage in discussions and exchanges on sustainable production and sustainable trade.
Since our emergence into the global economy after years of isolation we have had to face severe challenges in this tough arena. But we firmly believe in addressing these challenges through continued dialogue in the World Trade Organisation and other multilateral fora, as well as bilaterally with our partners. Participating in large international events such as the World Expo 2005 ensures that our voice continues to be heard and our contribution is felt. I have the distinct impression that the world is noticing that Africa is moving ahead and that it is solving its own problems, and that we speak for ourselves. Participation in events such as the World Expo and others ensure that our voice is heard.
From the earliest footprints of humankind to the celebration of our first decade of freedom, we will tell the world our story. We will focus on those aspects of our country that speak to the Expo's theme of Nature's Wisdom, including tourism, the environment, water and forestry, science and technology, arts and culture, minerals and energy. By showcasing places of interest and laudable projects, the provinces will demonstrate our diversity. Artists and performers from each province will entertain visitors throughout the Expo. We have chosen a musical theme to do this. From the beat of the heart to the ebb and flow of the tides, humanity and nature share a common rhythm - The Rhythm of Life. Nowhere is this eternal synergy between humanity and nature more profound than on the continent of Africa. Humankind has its origins in Africa and from Africa the primal rhythm of life vibrates outwards with a vital and vibrant energy that is as ancient as the crocodile and as imposing as the towering mountains. Through the sub-themes of beat, tempo, melody and harmony, South Africa will be taking the Rhythm of Life to Japan, and to the world. We will demonstrate how we have learnt by listening to the land and how land is the lifeblood of our country. Beat - the legacy of the land will show the world our unique relationship with the land and her resources, describing a relationship of respect, preservation and responsibility. With 11 official languages, countless dialects and interwoven cultural heritages our country has unique wisdom to offer the world. We will show the profound depths of our cultural diversity - its expression and celebration in our art and our culture. But most importantly we reveal to the world how it is the voice of the people that ultimately sang the melody of political change and transformation. This is the melody. The tempo is the instrument of change and under this theme we will show the world the many ingenious political, industrial and social developments that have allowed us to transform a divided country into a unified and progressive global player. From our peerless banking system, to our mining industries, from our enthusiasm for new technologies to our innate entrepreneurial spirit. We can show the world how to thrive in diversity; how communication between cultures is possible; and how South Africa can serve as a universal beacon of light, hope and wisdom. That is the harmony. 15 million visitors are expected to visit the Expo and carry home an impression from the pavilions they have seen. A positive experience imprinted in their memories, aided by select brochures, links to websites and interesting souvenirs will go a long way in creating a positive image about South Africa as a tourist destination and a business destination. Our planned events and attractions will create media awareness. The significance of this event taking place in Japan is not only related to the fact Japan is South Africa's third largest trading partner, but also in Japan's unique perspective and contribution to the global dialogue. Beyond the commercial benefit of our participation, we will also benefit from the wisdom of Japan, Asia and the world in finding solutions to both global and local challenges facing us in the 21st century. We as a country and a region can learn a lot from what Asia has been able to achieve. Through the success of one country an entire region has been successful and shares in a common success. Our relationship with Japan is going from strength to strength over the last decade, and we are proud to support them in making this World Expo a resounding success. South Africa is taking the Rhythm of Life to Japan. Through the assistance of the host country Japan, all the participating national government departments, our nine provinces, and our private sector partners, I believe the experience of the South African pavilion will create an innovative experience which will etch itself in the mind of all visitors long after the Expo has ended in six months time. (Minister Mpahlwa highlighted the role Ambassador Ngubane has played in championing this project and giving it shape, form and direction. We are here today because of his outstanding contribution. Minister Mpahlwa singled out Toyota as the major partner and thanked them for their contribution to South Africa's participation in the World Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan. Thank you.
Source: Ministry of Trade and Industry
Title: Mpahlwa: Media Launch of Participation at the World Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan
Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa for the Media Launch of South Africa's Participation at the World Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan
The Honourable Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sue van der Merwe, The Honourable Ambassador of South Africa Ben Ngubane, The Honourable representative from the Embassy of Japan,Toru Hayashi, Representatives from Toyota, Prof Johan van Zyl and Mr Hiroyuki Niwa, Representatives of national departments and provinces, Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen
Since time immemorial, people have been gathering in markets at the intersections of major trading routes to exchange goods, services, information. A by-product of these interactions between people, who often travelled long distances to visit these markets was dialogue, an exchange of knowledge and an interaction between cultures.
This is the tradition from which the World Expos originate. Since London's Great International Exposition in 1851, World Expo's have seen the unveiling of new ideas and have been a platform for countries to showcase what they have to offer the world. Since 1992, South Africa is proud to form part of this tradition. As a member of the Executive Committee of the International Bureau of Expositions, we play a role in ensuring that this time-honoured practice continues on a global scale with more and more countries, particularly from Africa and the developing world participating and contributing to this exchange of ideas.
South Africa participated in the International Expositions in Seville, Spain in 1992 and Lisbon, Portugal in 1998, and in the last World Exposition in Hanover, Germany in 2000. In line with South Africa's participation in and commitment to the international Community, we have decided to take part in, and are indeed excited about participating in the first World Expo of the 21st Century which takes place from March to September 2005 in Aichi, Japan.
As part of the African Pavilion in Global Common 5, we will have the opportunity to show Japan and indeed the world, once again what we as a country have to offer. In the context of the 2005 World Expo theme of Rediscovering Nature's Wisdom, we will continue to participate in the global dialogue on sustainable development following from the WSSD Johannesburg Summit. Indeed, as the host country of the last WSSD summit, we have a responsibility to actively engage in discussions and exchanges on sustainable production and sustainable trade.
Since our emergence into the global economy after years of isolation we have had to face severe challenges in this tough arena. But we firmly believe in addressing these challenges through continued dialogue in the World Trade Organisation and other multilateral fora, as well as bilaterally with our partners. Participating in large international events such as the World Expo 2005 ensures that our voice continues to be heard and our contribution is felt. I have the distinct impression that the world is noticing that Africa is moving ahead and that it is solving its own problems, and that we speak for ourselves. Participation in events such as the World Expo and others ensure that our voice is heard.
From the earliest footprints of humankind to the celebration of our first decade of freedom, we will tell the world our story. We will focus on those aspects of our country that speak to the Expo's theme of Nature's Wisdom, including tourism, the environment, water and forestry, science and technology, arts and culture, minerals and energy. By showcasing places of interest and laudable projects, the provinces will demonstrate our diversity. Artists and performers from each province will entertain visitors throughout the Expo. We have chosen a musical theme to do this. From the beat of the heart to the ebb and flow of the tides, humanity and nature share a common rhythm - The Rhythm of Life. Nowhere is this eternal synergy between humanity and nature more profound than on the continent of Africa. Humankind has its origins in Africa and from Africa the primal rhythm of life vibrates outwards with a vital and vibrant energy that is as ancient as the crocodile and as imposing as the towering mountains. Through the sub-themes of beat, tempo, melody and harmony, South Africa will be taking the Rhythm of Life to Japan, and to the world. We will demonstrate how we have learnt by listening to the land and how land is the lifeblood of our country. Beat - the legacy of the land will show the world our unique relationship with the land and her resources, describing a relationship of respect, preservation and responsibility. With 11 official languages, countless dialects and interwoven cultural heritages our country has unique wisdom to offer the world. We will show the profound depths of our cultural diversity - its expression and celebration in our art and our culture. But most importantly we reveal to the world how it is the voice of the people that ultimately sang the melody of political change and transformation. This is the melody. The tempo is the instrument of change and under this theme we will show the world the many ingenious political, industrial and social developments that have allowed us to transform a divided country into a unified and progressive global player. From our peerless banking system, to our mining industries, from our enthusiasm for new technologies to our innate entrepreneurial spirit. We can show the world how to thrive in diversity; how communication between cultures is possible; and how South Africa can serve as a universal beacon of light, hope and wisdom. That is the harmony. 15 million visitors are expected to visit the Expo and carry home an impression from the pavilions they have seen. A positive experience imprinted in their memories, aided by select brochures, links to websites and interesting souvenirs will go a long way in creating a positive image about South Africa as a tourist destination and a business destination. Our planned events and attractions will create media awareness. The significance of this event taking place in Japan is not only related to the fact Japan is South Africa's third largest trading partner, but also in Japan's unique perspective and contribution to the global dialogue. Beyond the commercial benefit of our participation, we will also benefit from the wisdom of Japan, Asia and the world in finding solutions to both global and local challenges facing us in the 21st century. We as a country and a region can learn a lot from what Asia has been able to achieve. Through the success of one country an entire region has been successful and shares in a common success. Our relationship with Japan is going from strength to strength over the last decade, and we are proud to support them in making this World Expo a resounding success. South Africa is taking the Rhythm of Life to Japan. Through the assistance of the host country Japan, all the participating national government departments, our nine provinces, and our private sector partners, I believe the experience of the South African pavilion will create an innovative experience which will etch itself in the mind of all visitors long after the Expo has ended in six months time. (Minister Mpahlwa highlighted the role Ambassador Ngubane has played in championing this project and giving it shape, form and direction. We are here today because of his outstanding contribution. Minister Mpahlwa singled out Toyota as the major partner and thanked them for their contribution to South Africa's participation in the World Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan. Thank you.
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