3-1-2002
The UN General Assembly decision to bring closer World Summit on Sustainable Development, well accepted as South Africa moves swiftly with plans
The United Nations General Assembly's decision to move closer the dates for the World Summit on Sustainable Development to start on the 26 August to the 4 September , In Johannesburg have been welcomed as a necessary decision by Minster of Environmental Affairs and Tourism , Mr Valli Moosa.
"We welcome the decision of the UN General Assembly and the spirit of resolution A/56/561 , and are encouraged by the continued support from the continent and the world in preparations for the Summit, we are certain that this decision will not have any bearing on the South African logistical preparations as we are well ahead on schedule, the UN consulted with us before taking that decision, and such is greatly appreciated" Said Valli Moosa.
The rationale of the decision of the general Assembly is related to the 1st Anniversary of the September 11 2001 US attacks.
"To avoid the last day of the Summit coinciding with the first anniversary of the 11 September attacks in New York, the Second Committee has brought forward the Summit by one week, the Summit will now begin on Monday 26 August and conclude on Wednesday 4 September. The high level segment involving the meeting of world leaders will take place over the last three days from 2-4 September 2002." Said a statement issued by the United Nations".
Meanwhile the Department of Environmental Affairs and the various Government departments are finalising plans from the implementation of programmes in recognition of 2002 as South Africa's Year of Sustainable Development; the Year declared by Cabinet on 7 November is aimed at raising the awareness and mobilising of South African around agenda issues facing the Summit.
The recognition of the years is expected to kick off with a schools and students outreach programme in the beginning of February.
As part of the awareness campaign the UN General Assembly has further "requested the Secretary General to launch public Information campaign to raise global awareness of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, including through reprioritisation of the budget of the Department of Public Information and voluntary contributions" said a UN statement.
For a full text for the United Nations General Assembly Resolution go to
http://www.johannesburgsummit.org/html/whats-new/date-change.pdf
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Issued by the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism