Issued by the Government and Information System
5 September 2002
The Ministers of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and Foreign Affairs hailed the World Summit as an outstanding success. Speaking at the end of the summit yesterday the Ministers, in a joint statement expressed that the World Summit on Sustainable Development has opened the way for the world to take new strides in the foremost challenge of our time - the eradication of poverty and closing the gap between rich and poor, combined with protection of the environment.
The Minister's statement continued: " What mattered as representatives of over 180 countries grappled with a whole range of complex and interrelated issues was that there should, at the end of it all, be a critical mass of agreement on a new agenda for practical action that could decisively alter the global framework for sustainable development.
Critical in managing Summit preparations and discussions, and in implementing its decisions, is the active participation of civil society. Partnership between governments and civil society organisations, including NGO's, CBO's and business will be strengthened.
We set ourselves the task of ensuring a balance of the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social and environmental - and a focus on poverty eradication. It was essential to mobilise new resources and new energy behind a practical implementation plan.
In the give and take of negotiations not all that everyone might have wanted on particular issues was possible. But that critical mass of global agreement and commitment has been won and with it far-reaching practical programmes, new resources and strengthened means of implementation.
MAJOR NEW AGREEMENTS
It is the view of government that the biggest success of WSSD has been in getting the world to turn the ambitious development plan goals of the Millennium Declaration to halve world poverty by 2015 into a concrete set of programmes, and to mobilise funds into those programmes.
WSSD brought to the fore the need to pay particular attention to the most marginalized sectors of society, including women, youth, indigenous peoples and people with disabilities.
The Implementation Plan includes programmes to deliver water, energy, health care, agricultural development and a better environment for the world's poor.
New targets will have enormous impact on the global agenda.
MAKING IT HAPPEN TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THE POOR
In a departure from previous global conferences and summits, WSSD shifted the focus of world leaders from policy debates to the real task of 'making it happen' and achieving high-level commitments by heads of state and leaders from business and civil society to meet the goals set.
As testimony to this many concrete actions, partnerships and funding targets were announced by countries and stakeholders. Over 300 partnerships were launched including 32 energy initiatives, 21 water programmes and 32 programmes for biodiversity and eco-system management.
SOUTH AFRICA AND JOHANNESBURG A PROUD HOST
Concluding the statement the Minister of Environmental Affairs Valli Moosa stated that we are proud as South Africans that we were able to host one of the largest gatherings of the UN and the world's peoples, in pursuit of objectives that are profoundly relevant to our own programme of reconstruction and development. Some of our own programmes already surpass targets and time frames set by the WSSD. But our own reality of stark poverty and inequality demands that we intensify all our programmes.
We can be sure that, as our guests return home, they will take with them special memories of a warm people and a country alive with possibilities.
We are also proud of those whose peaceful marches and other activities not only highlighted the strong views they hold on global matters, but also showed the practical meaning of our constitutional right to free expression.
Congratulations to all South Africans, the citizens of Johannesburg, the security services and airport staff, employees in JOWSCO and government, the media, employers and employees in the hospitality and other industries, and all who worked together to make the WSSD a success. Special thanks and congratulations to the thousands of volunteers, the performers and those whose arts and crafts brought home to every visitor a graphic presentation of who we are as a people.
In the final analysis, South Africa and other developing countries may not have got everything they wanted. Nor can anyone be totally satisfied with the outcome. But the most critical issue is that out of Africa and out of Johannesburg has emerged a new agenda for practical action.
WSSD OUTCOMES FACT SHEET: BREAKING NEW GROUND, SECTOR BY SECTOR
WATER
Major new partnerships which will help reach the water and sanitation targets were announced. The European Union Water Initiative will help millions in Africa gain access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.
ENERGY
Energy has for the first time in a major Summit been raised as a central concern of the global community. A link to the Millennium Declaration Goals will mean global action co-ordinated by the UN. Countries collectively agreed to focus on developing renewable sources of energy including promoting technology transfer and financing projects in developing countries.
AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY
There is a new focus on food security as a global challenge. It addresses in an integrated way blockages of trade, vulnerabilities arising from climatic change and interventions to enable greater productivity. WSSD has sharpened attention to the poorest areas where the vulnerabilities are even greater.
HEALTH
Important goals and targets from previous conventions and summits are strengthened. The WTO/TRIPS agreement on intellectual property rights has been confirmed facilitating access to affordable drugs for major health problems, including TB, malaria and HIV/AIDS.
The implementation plan brings new focus on children and takes into account fundamental freedoms, including those of women. WSSD prompted the formation of a new global partnership joining role-players from all sectors in action to promote healthy environments for children to grow up.
HOUSING As part of the response to rapid urbanisation in developing countries WSSD fostered on integrated approach to sustainable urbanisation with emphasis on improving the quality of life of slum dwellers through informal settlement upgrading programmes.
BIODIVERSITY
Agreements on biodiversity will bring great benefits to developing countries. Targets were achieved despite strong opposition from some developed countries and biodiversity protection will be extended to the oceans, it was agreed
TRADE
In a far-reaching agreement clarity has been reached on the relationship between the WTO rules on trade and the system of global environmental governance as two systems of equal status
Contact:
Onkgopotse JJ Tabane
Head of Ministry and Communications
Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
082 465 6166