at the Johannesburg Summit. In addition, key elements of a political declaration by heads of state had been identified. These covered issues such as health, water and sanitation, energy and natural resource programmes which were not only priorities in sustainable development but also important dimensions in the struggle against poverty. One of the goals of the World Summit would be to agree on action to achieve measurable progress in these areas.

Globalisation was an area of concern that many people expect to be addressed in Johannesburg. Public policymakers faced the challenge of benefiting from globalisation while preserving important social, cultural and environmental values. Such a job was too great to be left to governments alone, and empowered citizens, local communities and civil society groups had a role to play in decision-making. Rapidly expanding cities and towns could play an important role in mediating the effects of globalisation by generating diverse cultural and social opportunities as well as employment and economic opportunities. For that to happen, strong accountable public institutions that facilitated broad participation in decision-making and social policies were required.

Doha and Monterrey Achievements
The meetings in Doha, Qatar and in Monterrey, Mexico had laid the groundwork for the success of the World Summit. Doha added an important “development” angle to global trade negotiations and Monterrey resulted in the “Monterrey Consensus” a new spirit of partnership between developed and developing countries in macroeconomic and financial areas. The World Summit faced the challenge of building on the Doha and Monterrey achievements by translating the ideologies of Agenda 21 into concrete plans and programmes.

In a broader sense, the success of the World Summit would depend on three critical factors: political will, practical initiatives and partnerships. A major shift in the political mind-set of many governments was required and the importance of raising public awareness and improving understanding of sustainable development concepts could not be underestimated. Sustainable development called for a new ethic of global responsibility that must permeate every level of public and private life.

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Dr. Uriarte quoted from a lecture given by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Anan at the London School of Economics and Political Science in February:

“Agenda 21 and all that flowed from it can be said to have given us the ‘what' –what the problem is, what principles must guide our response. Johannesburg must give us the ‘how' – how to bring about the necessary changes in state policy; how to use policy and tax incentives to send the right signals to business and industry; how to offer better choices to individual consumers and producers; how, in the end, to get things done.”

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