President Jacob Zuma is greatly honoured to be requested by the United Nations Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki Moon to serve as co-chair of the second panel on climate change sustainability.
The president will share the responsibility with Excellency Tarja Kaarina Halonen, the President of Finland.
The panel will have a special focus on climate change as a sustainable development challenge, addressing its three pillars, namely economic, social and environmental. It is also expected to focus on related issues of food security, energy and poverty eradication.
The first meeting will be held on 19 to 25 September in New York.
"We are honoured to serve, and view this assignment by the United Nations as recognition of the key role that the African continent should play in key international interventions and processes," said President Zuma.
"South Africa's hosting of the Conference of the Parties 17 (COP17 summit) in 2011, and the presence of Minister in the Presidency, Mr Trevor Manuel in the high level advisory group on climate finance, among others shows South Africa's commitment to the goal of achieving sustainable development in the world," said President Zuma.
Enquiries:
Zizi Kodwa
Cell: 082 330 4910
Source: The Presidency
President Zuma honoured to serve on United Nations panel
