Statement by the Incoming COP17/CMP7 President as the World prepares for Durban Negotiations

As the incoming COP President, South Africa is represented at the June Sessions of the UNFCCC taking place in Bonn, 6-17 June 2011, by the Ambassador at Large for Climate Change, Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko who is consulting with all the Parties and encouraging them to work together towards a credible outcome.

The 17th Conference of the Parties to the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 7th Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP17/CMP7) will be held in Durban from 28 November to 9 December 2011. 

The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, will be the President of COP17/CMP7, while the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, is mandated to lead the South African delegation to the COP17/CMP7.

“It is not South Africa that will deliver a deal in Durban; it is all the Parties working together in a Party-driven process, in the spirit of give-and-take that must deliver a credible outcome which the Global citizenry will be proud of,” said Ambassador Nozipho Mxakato-Diseko.

The Ambassador is also engaging with observers and stakeholders.

The June Session of the UNFCCC in Bonn is being attended by more than 3000 participants from 183 countries, including government delegates, representatives from Business and industry, environmental organisations and research institutions. The aim of the meeting is to prepare for the COP17/CMP7 in Durban at the end of the year.

For further information please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
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10 June 2011