WSSD review session sets the world on a common path towards a better future

The WSSD Review session, known as the Commission on Sustainable Development Thirteen (CSD 13) ended on 22/04/05 with the adoption of a agreement that defines a common international agreement on water, sanitation and human settlement. This session was held at the United Nations in New York , USA from 11 to 22 April 2005.

"The outcomes of CSD 13 reaffirm our resolve that this is the African century. The adopted agreement confirms the world community's resolve to turn the tide against practice that will ultimately deny us and our future generations a save and healthy planet" said Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism , Marthinus van Schalkwyk as he reflected on South Africa's impression on the outcomes of CSD 13.

Delegates at CSD 13 included representatives from over hundred fifty country countries with Ministers of portfolios that include the environment, finance, development, housing, water, etc, Also attending was over five hundred civil society and business representatives. The involvement of all stakeholders in all aspects of this CSD process is considered a significant achievement since it sets the trend for upcoming CSD sessions that will focus on areas like energy, climate change, etc.

Ministers of Environmenal Affairs and Tourism , Water Affairs and Forestry and Housing led South Africa 's delegation. Also attending was the Western Cape MEC of Environment and Development Planning, Tasneem Essop, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Metro, Amos Masondo, who was also attending in his capacity as President of the international local government network, ICLEI, Valli Moosa in his capacity as President of the world conservation union, IUCN, Reuel Khoza from Eskom and Cosatu Deputy General Secretary Bheki Ntshalintshali.

"In South Africa we have committed to clear the backlog of water by 2008 and sanitation by 2010 and intend to have eradicated informal settlements by 2015. We now have commitment from the global community that we will get support in the form of funding, capacity and technology transfer as we strive to realise these goals" said Buyelwa Sonjica, Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry as she emphasised the significance of the outcomes of CSD 13.

"Knowing that this year, 2005, is the third anniversary of the World Summit on Sustainable Development and the fifth anniversary of the Millennium Development Goals, we believe that CSD13 will help us to strengthen the links between the WSSD targets and the Millennium Development Goals. At the Millennium Declaration Review scheduled to take place in September 2005 we will start discussions against the appreciation that there must be emphasises on obstacles like financing and capacity gaps in efforts to address challenges in Africa" further added Minister of Housing, Lindiwe Sisulu.

Some of South Africa 's highlights at CSD 13 included:

• Monday, 18 April 2005 when the Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel was a joint moderator of a panel of Finance Ministers . This session informed discussions related to economic benefits of implementing sound policies on water, sanitation and human settlements at country, regional and global levels; and
  
• Receipt of the "Champions of the Earth" award from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Tuesday, 19 April 2005 . This award recognises President Mbeki and the people of South Africa 's commitment and contribution towards cultural and environmental diversity as well as implementation of globally agreed sustainable development efforts.