We are privileged that the South African city of Johannesburg follows in the footsteps of Stockholm and Rio de Janeiro in having the honour to host the peoples of the world as they engage afresh the urgent challenge of sustainable development.
Ten years ago, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the 'Rio Earth Summit', brought together leaders and nations of the world in this historic city to change the course of history.
Here, the world declared with one voice: "Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature."
In the opening lines of Agenda 21, the nations of the world pronounced that:
" Humanity stands at a defining moment in history. We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration of ecosystems on which we depend for our well being. However, integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve this on its own; but together we can - in a global partnership for sustainable development."
Ten years ago, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the 'Rio Earth Summit', brought together leaders and nations of the world in this historic city to change the course of history.
Here, the world declared with one voice: "Human beings are at the centre of concerns for sustainable development. They are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature."
In the opening lines of Agenda 21, the nations of the world pronounced that:
" Humanity stands at a defining moment in history. We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing deterioration of ecosystems on which we depend for our well being. However, integration of environment and development concerns and greater attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve this on its own; but together we can - in a global partnership for sustainable development."