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WSSD: Coal and Sustainable Development
Conference, 29 August 2002, Johannesburg
MINISTER MLAMBO-NGCUKA LAUNCHES THE "CLEAN SOWETO
AIR FUND" AT COAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
will be conducting a "Coal and Sustainable Development"
Conference a parallel event to the Johannesburg World
Summit on Thursday, 29 August 2002 from 8:30 am till
17:00 pm at the Eskom Convention Centre, Midrand, in
Gauteng.
Speaking on the significance of this event, the Minister
of Minerals and Energy, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said,
"I hope to have as one of the tangible outputs,
of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the
establishment of a global partnership for the upliftment
of those low-income households that are still dependent
of the combustion of coal
for cooking and heating. As a concrete demonstration
of this partnership I will launch the Clean SOWETO Air
Fund".
This event promises to be an excellent opportunity
for highlighting the potential for the sustainable use
of coal on the international agenda as well as realising
the much needed partnership of the coal industry stakeholders
to make it happen.
The Department considers that the international debate
on the mitigation of the harmful effects of the utilisation
of Coal will establish useful lessons and add impetus
to the implementation of clean coal technologies and
low smoke fuels, particularly into low-income households.
The Minister
has therefore decided to host this roundtable discussion
on mitigating the effects of coal combustion.
However, the successful outcome of such a challenge
will only be met if delegates are provided with a thorough
overview of the matters related to mitigating the harmful
effects of coal combustion. During the programme, the
morning sessions will focus on coal's potential and
its impact on people and the environment.
The afternoon sessions will focus on the obstacles
and opportunities for clean coal technologies as well
as solutions for developing countries.
After the morning and afternoon presentations by key
role players in the coal industry, provision has been
made for panel discussions with questions from the floor.
As an outcome of the roundtable discussion we hope to
obtain substantive comment on a draft Declaration from
this
Conference. When finalised it will be circulated internationally.
Date: Wednesday, 28 August 2002
Issued By: Department of Minerals and Energy
Communication Chief Directorate
Enquiries:
Mr Kanyo Gqulu
Chief Director: Communication/Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 317 9537
Cell: 083 293 3377
E-mail: yonelas@mepta.pwv.gov.za
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