Feature Stories
The Plenary Hall during the Summit. (Photo credit: UN DPI)
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- Summit Final Press Release
- Highlights of Summit Commitments
- Summit Action Agenda
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- PARTNERSHIPS
- Partnership initiatives are an important outcome of the WSSD, and IAEA-led partnerships help equip countries with the tools they need to work for a sustainable future.
- Protecting Coastal Areas, Partnership programme in Africa
- Building Country Profiles, Partnership programme in Brazil
- Energy Indicators, Partnership in environmental protection
- Sustainable Water Management, Partnership in hydrology
- IAEA EVENTS@WSSD
- Holds Parallel Event on Control of Insect Pests
- Presents Energy Partnerships
- Moderates Water Side Event
- IAEA Factsheets:
- Managing Water Resources Using Isotope Hydrology
- Capacity Building for Sustainable Development
- Indicators for Sustainable Energy Development
- Nuclear Power and Sustainable Development
- Improving Human Health
- Improving Productivity in Agriculture
- Web Links:
- Department of Nuclear Applications
World Summit Ends, Marking New Beginning
IAEA Initiates Partnership Proposals for Environment, Water, Energy
Staff Report
4 September 2002
The World Summit on Sustainable Development concluded this week, 4 September
2002, in Johannesburg, South Africa with renewed commitments among governments,
citizen groups, and businesses for urgent and sustained action to cut poverty,
protect the environment, and improve access to water, energy, food, and
health services.
"Governments have agreed here on an impressive range of concrete commitments
and action that will make a real difference for people in all regions of the
world," said UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the closing press conference. "The
Summit represents a major leap forward in the development of partnerships." Mr.
Annan described the Summit as marking a beginning, not an end, saying that the
true test of Summit achievements will be the follow-up actions it generates.
The IAEA participated in the Summit, focusing attention on the contributions
of nuclear science and technology to the goals of sustainable development.
New IAEA partnership proposals have been initiated in the areas of environment,
freshwater, and energy. Through its participation at the World Summit,
the IAEA demonstrated how nuclear science and technology offers valuable
tools to address many of the issues at the root of poverty.
The Summit's major document was a Plan of Implementation, which sets targets
and timetables for action on a wide range of issues. They include halving
the proportion of people who lack access to clean water or proper sanitation;
increasing access to modern energy services; preserving biodiversity; and
developing food security strategies in Africa.
Participation and interest in the Summit ran high. More than 100 Heads
of State took part, joining more than 9000 delegates, 8000 non-governmental
organizations, and 4000 members of the press.