WSSD: Minister Skweyiya Informs Global Civil Society that the Summit was a Success

The South African Minister of Social Development Dr Zola Skweyiya today (September 4, 2002) informed the Global Civil Society Forum that the World Summit on Sustainable Development was a success because it was able to deal
with the most pertinent issues facing the majority of the World populace, particularly poverty, water and sanitation as well as food and nutrition.

"The World Summit on Sustainable Development was indeed a major success in ensuring that pertinent issues facing the poorest of the poor in the World are dealt with, but most importantly targets to solve them are agreed upon
as part of the implementation programme. These issues are poverty, water and sanitation, food security and corporate accountability," said the Minister.

Dr Skweyiya was addressing the closing plenary session of representatives of the steering group on the Global Civil Society, which included NGO's and other civil society structures from across the globe.

The Minister reiterated the commitment of the South African Government to strengthen and work closely with civil society in South Africa and indeed the entire African continent in ensuring that the political declaration
agreed upon and the Implementation Plan are realized.

During the question period most of the participants expressed support including a commitment to ensure that decisions taken are implemented and they commended the South African Government for the hospitality and
assistance it gave to the civil society delegates especially those from the African continent and the South.

Issued by: Ministry of Social Development

4 September 2002
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