PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BRIEFED ON PREPARATIONS BY INDONESIA, SOUTH AFRICA

Commission on Sustainable Development

Acting as the Preparatory Committee for

 World Summit on Sustainable Development

13^th Meeting (AM)

PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

BRIEFED ON PREPARATIONS BY INDONESIA, SOUTH AFRICA

This morning, the Preparatory Committee for the World Summit on Sustainable Development heard presentations from Indonesia and South Africa on preparations for the Committee’s fourth session, as well as the Summit itself.

Makarim Wibisono, the Permanent Representative of Indonesia, reported on the status of his country’s preparations as host of the Committee’s fourth and final session, to be held at the ministerial level from 27 May to 7 June in Jakarta.  No effort would be spared, he said, to ensure a productive gathering, which would make a positive contribution to a successful Summit.  The venue of meeting will be the Jakarta Convention Center, located in the city centre.  Further information was provided through an information booth at Headquarters, as well as on the official Web site for the meeting -- www.pc-wssd.com.

A video presentation was then made, followed by a briefing on logistical arrangements, which included information on, among other things, visa requirements, medical services, transportation arrangements and hotel accommodations.

Presenting South Africa’s preparations for the Summit, to be held from

26 August to 4 September in Johannesburg, was Crispian Olver, who took the Committee through most of the logistical and practical arrangements for the Summit.  He said the Summit’s scope would include the official Summit, the Global Forum, to facilitate participation of the major groups, the Ubuntu Village, the “nerve centre” of the Summit, and the Ubuntu Exhibition, to showcase best practices in sustainable development technologies.  The main venue for the Summit would be the Sandton Convention Centre, located in the heart of Johannesburg.

He added that cultural programmes during the Summit would include a South African film festival, jazz festival, art exhibitions and a United Nations Food Fest.  He also presented information on the social and tourism programmes during the Summit, as well the expected human imprint on Johannesburg as a result of the Summit.  Further information was available at the delegation’s booth as well as on the following Web sites -- www.joburgsummit.com, www.satourism.org.za and www.joburgsummit2002.com.

The next meeting of the Committee will be announced.

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