*EPF114 09/09/2002
Transcript: Development Summit Plan Reflects Common Vision, Says Dobriansky
(Time now for action to make sustainable development a reality) (380)

The United States lauded the final plan approved by the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg as reflecting "our common vision to come together in defense of basic principles of assisting our fellow men and women."

In a closing statement at the end of the Johannesburg summit on September 4, Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky said that now is the time for action to make this vision a reality.

Only concrete actions, Dobriansky said, can protect children against water-borne diseases, save delicate African ecosystems, empower small-hold farmers with the capacity to feed their families, and prevent the transmission of the HIV virus from mother to child.

Following is the transcript of the closing statement to the World Summit on Sustainable Development by Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky:

(begin transcript)

Delegation of the United States of America to the
World Summit on Sustainable Development
Johannesburg, South Africa
August 26 - September 4, 2002

Closing Statement by Paula Dobriansky
Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs
September 4, 2002

Mr. President,

We are now completing a long road, part of a journey that will continue, that has gone through virtually every continent - from Stockholm, to Rio, to Doha, to Monterrey, to Bali, to Johannesburg.

This journey is appropriate, because what we have approved today is truly a global document. It reflects our common vision to come together in defense of basic principles of assisting our fellow men and women; protecting our earth's natural resources and habitats; upholding human rights, fundamental freedoms and gender equality; and ensuring basic human needs through economic development, or in the visionary words of our South African host: People, Planet and Prosperity.

So far, these are words. Words are good - actions are better. Only concrete actions can:

-- Prevent children from contracting water-borne diseases;
-- Allow families to cook meals indoors without risking fatal respiratory illnesses;
-- Protect delicate African ecosystems;
-- Empower small-hold farmers with the capacity to feed their families; and
-- Prevent the transmission of deadly virus to children from HIV-positive mothers.

Mr. President, you have brought us to the brink of a new era of sustainable development. The world is in your debt. Let us move now from Rio to Johannesburg to the future.

Thank you.

(end transcript)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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