Date: 25/02/2004
Source: Department of Arts, Culture Science and Technology
Title: B Sonjica: 3rd Meeting of Group on Earth Observations
SPECIAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE THIRD MEETING OF THE GROUP ON EARTH OBSERVATIONS (GEO) DELIVERED BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, MS BUYELWA SONJICA, Cape Town International Convention Centre 25 February 2004
Co-Chairpersons of the Group on Earth Observations, Deputy Minister Yuki, Admiral Lautenbacher
Director-General Mitsos and Director-General Adam
Delegates to the Third Meeting of the Group on Earth Observations
Dear Colleagues and Friends.
Thank you very much for affording me the honour to address the opening session of this important gathering. In our world, which today unfortunately very much has become a threatened world, frequently plagued by the scourges of poverty, disaster and terror, it has become imperative to enhance the world's collective ability to access and utilise data and information in support of policy- and decision-making. The objective of the Group on Earth Observations to develop a new comprehensive, co-ordinated and sustainable Global Earth Observation System of Systems, which will optimally harness earth observation as instrument to address global social, economic and environmental challenges, is, thus, one, which my Government wholeheartedly supports.
Dear colleagues, in the ever-increasing globalised society in which we live, where boundaries between states and peoples continue to disappear, the universal impact of human and natural disaster does not discriminate in terms of colour, creed or nationality. There has, however, unfortunately not yet been a similar globalisation of successes in common endeavours to address the ills of our world. I am, however, hopeful that the unique partnership and commitment constituted by the Group on Earth Observations will be an example to inspire renewed and intensified international collaboration in promoting global sustainable development. Within this context it is indeed essential for the GEO to be guided by the commitments made by our Heads of State and Government at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in adopting the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
In a forum such as today's it is of course also important to recall another landmark global commitment - that of the Millennium Development Goals to eradicate poverty as agreed to by world leaders at the Millennium Summit in 2000. South Africa's President, His Excellency Mr Thabo Mbeki, has frequently urged global solutions for globalised problems such as poverty, underdevelopment, disaster and disease. I am therefore encouraged that the GEO partnership, with a contribution to attainment of the Millennium Development Goals explicitly stated at the heart of its objectives, is aligned with this vision of our President. We are indeed expectant that the potential of the Group on Earth Observations to foster a renewed global commitment to multilateralism and formation of truly global partnerships in finding human solutions to human problems will be fully realised.
Dear Colleagues, it is my understanding that over the next three days, you will be deliberating in detail the core elements of the implementation plan for development of the envisaged new global earth observation system of systems. I have no doubt that the impressive assembly of experience and expertise brought together in this forum, equips GEO well for this task. When considering an appropriate theme for my address this afternoon, which could potentially serve to enrich your discussions, I, thus, thought it would be useful to share with you some thoughts on the unique challenges posed to developing countries in the optimal application of Earth observation as instrument for sustainable development. Secondly, in conclusion, I would briefly like to address a theme close to my heart, the special role of women in promoting sustainable development, specifically within the context of interface with science and technology, including of course Earth observation.
I am aware that the critical question of cost, especially the availability at minimum and affordable rates of Earth observation data to developing countries has featured prominently on the agenda of the GEO since its first meeting in Washington D.C. The constraints impeding developing countries' optimal application of Earth observation do of course also go beyond the question of cost. The need for a concerted international effort to invest in and strengthen the Earth observation capacities of developing countries, both in terms of infrastructure and human capital is equally vital. Again I must congratulate the GEO for its commitment to capacity building as evidenced by the work of the dedicated Subgroup working on this theme. Whilst the sharing of data and the co-ordination of observation activities are important, the creation of a comprehensive new global observation system will indeed only be successful if the capacities in developing countries are meaningfully reinforced.
Dear friends, when we commit to strengthening global Earth observation capacity it is of course imperative that we also consider the availability of appropriate resources to support this effort. Whilst I have no doubt that the consideration of resources will progressively become an important part of the discourse within GEO, it is important that we start contemplating as soon as possible the development of financing mechanisms and instruments, which could avail the resources necessary to enable the creation of an optimally effective, comprehensive global observation capacity. Such international financing instruments will of course complement national investments by states in their domestic observation capacities and not lessen in any manner countries' respective national responsibilities. The coincidence between the need for resources and the favourable enabling global political environment is such that I am, however, convinced that it will not be over ambitious or too farfetched to consider the creation of a dedicated international Earth observation financing instrument, for example, to be based on the model of the Global Environmental Facility. Dear colleagues, may I leave this suggestion with you as a mere thought which may serve where appropriate to inspire your deliberations in the days and weeks to come. It is, however, my concern that where other global partnership initiatives have faltered the lack of resources was frequently at fault - it is imperative that we ensure the GEO does not run this risk of a similar fate.
Dear colleagues, as Deputy Minister responsible for Science and Technology it would be amiss for me not to address the pivotal role to be played by science and technology, and by research and innovation in contributing to the strengthening of global Earth observation capacity. I do not need to remind this audience of the powerful new global consensus, which had emerged from the World Summit on Sustainable Development on the utility of science and technology as instrument for Sustainable Development. For GEO to realise its objective it will indeed be imperative to support and integrate with its activities the strengthening of a concerted North-South knowledge generation partnership in Earth observation. Indeed, the scientific communities from both developed and developing countries should contribute actively to the design and future assessment of the new system of systems. The harnessing of scientific expertise to optimise the value addition to earth data collection and delivery of relevant and useful information services and products is of course equally important. I have indeed no doubt that the full and meaningful participation of all of our scientific communities will be essential for the success of GEO.
I had promised that I would like to share with you in conclusion a few observations on the role of women in promoting sustainable development, especially within the context of interface with science and technology. Dear friends, across the world the heaviest burdens of poverty and underdevelopment are most frequently carried by women. Similarly, in those societies, which have been most successful in eradicating poverty and improving the well-being of their citizens, the contributions of women have been most crucial. There is a saying that teaching a man to read and write produces a literate citizen, teaching similar skills to a woman produces a literate society. True words indeed. Across the world, most of our scientific communities continue, however, to suffer from important gender imbalances. The field of Earth observation is no different. May I, thus, encourage you to not only integrate and harness within the GEO programme of action the special role-played by women in promoting sustainable development, but to also include within your work a special focus to develop and optimally utilise the potential and expertise of our many women experts in the field of Earth observation.
Dear Colleagues, may I finally join Director-General Adam in welcoming you to South Africa and the beautiful city of Cape Town. I would also like to urge you, that as important the GEO deliberations may be, to also find the time, perhaps even prolonging your visit, in order to explore our country and its rich and diverse tapestry of cultures and landscapes. May you too be touched by the warmth of our proudly South African welcome.
I wish all a successful and fruitful Third Meeting of the Group on Earth Observations. I am confident that your work over the next few days will provide a successful foundation for the Second Earth Observation Summit to be hosted by the Government of Japan at the end of April. South Africa is indeed proud and privileged to participate in this unique global undertaking.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Arts Culture Science and Technology
25 February 2004
Source: Department of Arts, Culture Science and Technology
Title: B Sonjica: 3rd Meeting of Group on Earth Observations
SPECIAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE THIRD MEETING OF THE GROUP ON EARTH OBSERVATIONS (GEO) DELIVERED BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, MS BUYELWA SONJICA, Cape Town International Convention Centre 25 February 2004
Co-Chairpersons of the Group on Earth Observations, Deputy Minister Yuki, Admiral Lautenbacher
Director-General Mitsos and Director-General Adam
Delegates to the Third Meeting of the Group on Earth Observations
Dear Colleagues and Friends.
Thank you very much for affording me the honour to address the opening session of this important gathering. In our world, which today unfortunately very much has become a threatened world, frequently plagued by the scourges of poverty, disaster and terror, it has become imperative to enhance the world's collective ability to access and utilise data and information in support of policy- and decision-making. The objective of the Group on Earth Observations to develop a new comprehensive, co-ordinated and sustainable Global Earth Observation System of Systems, which will optimally harness earth observation as instrument to address global social, economic and environmental challenges, is, thus, one, which my Government wholeheartedly supports.
Dear colleagues, in the ever-increasing globalised society in which we live, where boundaries between states and peoples continue to disappear, the universal impact of human and natural disaster does not discriminate in terms of colour, creed or nationality. There has, however, unfortunately not yet been a similar globalisation of successes in common endeavours to address the ills of our world. I am, however, hopeful that the unique partnership and commitment constituted by the Group on Earth Observations will be an example to inspire renewed and intensified international collaboration in promoting global sustainable development. Within this context it is indeed essential for the GEO to be guided by the commitments made by our Heads of State and Government at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in adopting the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation.
In a forum such as today's it is of course also important to recall another landmark global commitment - that of the Millennium Development Goals to eradicate poverty as agreed to by world leaders at the Millennium Summit in 2000. South Africa's President, His Excellency Mr Thabo Mbeki, has frequently urged global solutions for globalised problems such as poverty, underdevelopment, disaster and disease. I am therefore encouraged that the GEO partnership, with a contribution to attainment of the Millennium Development Goals explicitly stated at the heart of its objectives, is aligned with this vision of our President. We are indeed expectant that the potential of the Group on Earth Observations to foster a renewed global commitment to multilateralism and formation of truly global partnerships in finding human solutions to human problems will be fully realised.
Dear Colleagues, it is my understanding that over the next three days, you will be deliberating in detail the core elements of the implementation plan for development of the envisaged new global earth observation system of systems. I have no doubt that the impressive assembly of experience and expertise brought together in this forum, equips GEO well for this task. When considering an appropriate theme for my address this afternoon, which could potentially serve to enrich your discussions, I, thus, thought it would be useful to share with you some thoughts on the unique challenges posed to developing countries in the optimal application of Earth observation as instrument for sustainable development. Secondly, in conclusion, I would briefly like to address a theme close to my heart, the special role of women in promoting sustainable development, specifically within the context of interface with science and technology, including of course Earth observation.
I am aware that the critical question of cost, especially the availability at minimum and affordable rates of Earth observation data to developing countries has featured prominently on the agenda of the GEO since its first meeting in Washington D.C. The constraints impeding developing countries' optimal application of Earth observation do of course also go beyond the question of cost. The need for a concerted international effort to invest in and strengthen the Earth observation capacities of developing countries, both in terms of infrastructure and human capital is equally vital. Again I must congratulate the GEO for its commitment to capacity building as evidenced by the work of the dedicated Subgroup working on this theme. Whilst the sharing of data and the co-ordination of observation activities are important, the creation of a comprehensive new global observation system will indeed only be successful if the capacities in developing countries are meaningfully reinforced.
Dear friends, when we commit to strengthening global Earth observation capacity it is of course imperative that we also consider the availability of appropriate resources to support this effort. Whilst I have no doubt that the consideration of resources will progressively become an important part of the discourse within GEO, it is important that we start contemplating as soon as possible the development of financing mechanisms and instruments, which could avail the resources necessary to enable the creation of an optimally effective, comprehensive global observation capacity. Such international financing instruments will of course complement national investments by states in their domestic observation capacities and not lessen in any manner countries' respective national responsibilities. The coincidence between the need for resources and the favourable enabling global political environment is such that I am, however, convinced that it will not be over ambitious or too farfetched to consider the creation of a dedicated international Earth observation financing instrument, for example, to be based on the model of the Global Environmental Facility. Dear colleagues, may I leave this suggestion with you as a mere thought which may serve where appropriate to inspire your deliberations in the days and weeks to come. It is, however, my concern that where other global partnership initiatives have faltered the lack of resources was frequently at fault - it is imperative that we ensure the GEO does not run this risk of a similar fate.
Dear colleagues, as Deputy Minister responsible for Science and Technology it would be amiss for me not to address the pivotal role to be played by science and technology, and by research and innovation in contributing to the strengthening of global Earth observation capacity. I do not need to remind this audience of the powerful new global consensus, which had emerged from the World Summit on Sustainable Development on the utility of science and technology as instrument for Sustainable Development. For GEO to realise its objective it will indeed be imperative to support and integrate with its activities the strengthening of a concerted North-South knowledge generation partnership in Earth observation. Indeed, the scientific communities from both developed and developing countries should contribute actively to the design and future assessment of the new system of systems. The harnessing of scientific expertise to optimise the value addition to earth data collection and delivery of relevant and useful information services and products is of course equally important. I have indeed no doubt that the full and meaningful participation of all of our scientific communities will be essential for the success of GEO.
I had promised that I would like to share with you in conclusion a few observations on the role of women in promoting sustainable development, especially within the context of interface with science and technology. Dear friends, across the world the heaviest burdens of poverty and underdevelopment are most frequently carried by women. Similarly, in those societies, which have been most successful in eradicating poverty and improving the well-being of their citizens, the contributions of women have been most crucial. There is a saying that teaching a man to read and write produces a literate citizen, teaching similar skills to a woman produces a literate society. True words indeed. Across the world, most of our scientific communities continue, however, to suffer from important gender imbalances. The field of Earth observation is no different. May I, thus, encourage you to not only integrate and harness within the GEO programme of action the special role-played by women in promoting sustainable development, but to also include within your work a special focus to develop and optimally utilise the potential and expertise of our many women experts in the field of Earth observation.
Dear Colleagues, may I finally join Director-General Adam in welcoming you to South Africa and the beautiful city of Cape Town. I would also like to urge you, that as important the GEO deliberations may be, to also find the time, perhaps even prolonging your visit, in order to explore our country and its rich and diverse tapestry of cultures and landscapes. May you too be touched by the warmth of our proudly South African welcome.
I wish all a successful and fruitful Third Meeting of the Group on Earth Observations. I am confident that your work over the next few days will provide a successful foundation for the Second Earth Observation Summit to be hosted by the Government of Japan at the end of April. South Africa is indeed proud and privileged to participate in this unique global undertaking.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Arts Culture Science and Technology
25 February 2004
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