Date: 30/11/2011

Source: The Department of Communications

Title: SA: Ndabeni: Address by the Deputy Minister of Communications, at the COP17 resource efficiency technologies conference, Durban

Programme Director
Ladies and Gentleman
Guests in other countries,

Tomorrow the world will be commemorating the World AIDS day through different activities that seek to contribute effectively and positively against the spread of HIV& AIDS. I now greet u under the theme that says “SA is taking responsibility on the path to eliminating HIV & TB epidemic"

Ladies and gentlemen let me welcome you to this evening session of the Resource Efficiency Day here at COP17, in particular those who are joining us from around the globe via remote participation. I offer you a warm welcome to South Africa and I hope you are enjoying your stay. Allow me to extend a word of appreciation to the UNFCCC Secretariat for organising this event and also thank TechAmericaEurope for making this possible.

Colleagues, without participating organizations, speakers and mostly ITU this could not have been successful and meaningful starting from the provision of the defined program up to what we will conclude on. You will note that this is a very special and unique event in this conference. What makes it unique is its focus on realistic solutions and technological applications that can drive the transition to a low carbon economy

Participants, this evening we will be shown presentations showcasing how technology and innovation is being used to promote resource efficiency here in South Africa, demonstrating how we, as a Newly Industrialised Country, are leading by example.
Presenting to us this evening we have 3M on their green building partnership with Major Telecom Operator; WWF, First Solar and Philips the role of renewable energy and energy efficiency to development industrial development; 3M on sustainable projects within 3M; and First Solar on the potential of solar energy. But in addition, this event is a real application by itself, as it provides a real example of the use of technologies to open up the discussions, make this conference more global and to reduce our carbon footprint. For these reasons let me tell you that it is a real pleasure to open up the conversation today. I will belistening carefully to the stories shared today during the event.


I wish you a very enjoyable evening.