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WHAT IS JOHANNESBURG EARTH SUMMIT 2002?
Aug 26-Sept. 4
Ten years after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, the world's nations will gather again in Johannesburg to review progress and plan for the future. The World Summit on Sustainable Development, will bring together tens of thousands of participants, including heads of State and Government, national delegates and leaders from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses and other major groups to focus the world's attention and direct action toward meeting difficult challenges, including improving people's lives and conserving our natural resources in a world that is growing in population, with ever-increasing demands for food, water, shelter, sanitation, energy, health services and economic security.WHY NOW? At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, the international community adopted Agenda 21, an unprecedented global plan of action for sustainable development. But the best strategies are only as good as their implementation. Ten years later, the Johannesburg Summit presents an exciting opportunity for today's leaders to adopt concrete steps and identify quantifiable targets for better implementing Agenda 21.
WHEN & WHERE IS IT? The Summit will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26 August to 4 September 2002. The Summit will be held in the Sandton Convention Centre, just outside Johannesburg. A non-governmental forum will take place at the nearby Gallagher Estate.
WHO WILL BE GOING? Broad participation and inclusiveness are key to the success of sustainable development. All sectors of society have a role to play in building a future in which global resources are protected, and prosperity and health are within reach for all of the world's citizens. In addition to governments, there will be active participation by representatives from business and industry, children and youth, farmers, indigenous people, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, scientific and technological communities, women and workers and trade unions. These represent the Major Groups identified in Agenda 21.
GETTING INVOLVED : If your organization wants to participate at the Johannesburg Summit or the global preparatory committee meetings (PrepComs), it must first be accredited with the United Nations. Individuals wishing to participate should be affiliated with an accredited organization. Click here for more information on registration and accreditation for Major Groups.
WHO IS ORGANIZING THE SUMMIT? The tenth session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (known as CSD10) is acting as the Preparatory Committee for the Summit which is the central organising body. CSD10 is having four preparatory meetings for the Summit during 2001-2002, known as PrepComs. These meetings are being held as follows:
PrepCom 1: 30 April - 2 May 2001,New York
PrepCom 2: 28 January - 8 February 2002, New York
PrepCom 3: 25 March - 4 April 2002, New York
PrepCom 4: 27 May - 7 June 2002, Jakarta, Indonesia
CSD10 sessions are steered by a Bureau which consists of 2 representatives from each region of the world (10 members in total). The Bureau for CSD10 has meetings between the CSD10 Sessions to guide the process and raise political awareness and support for the Summit amongst member governments and major groups.
SECRETARY GENERAL'S ADVISORY PANEL
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, has convened a Panel of Eminent Persons to explore the challenges of sustainable development and make recommendations to him for meeting them through the Summit process. The work of this Panel is also intended to assist member states, especially in the context of the substantive preparatory process culminating in the final global preparatory session to be held in Indonesia in May 2002. The Secretary-General has asked Panel members to help raise political awareness of the Summit process, both generally and within their own individual spheres of influence and impact.
LOGISTICS: Logistical organization of the Summit within South Africa is being managed by the Johannesburg World Summit Company (JOWSCO), on behalf of the Government of South Africa. For information about logistical issues related to the Summit, including events and exhibitions during the Summit outside the Sandton Centre, travel, accommodation and tourism in the area, visit the JOWSCO website: www.joburgsummit2002.com
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
* The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), also known as the Earth Summit
* Agenda 21
* The Commission on Sustainable Development
* Earth Summit +5
