Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma says a positive outcome from the upcoming COP 17, to be hosted in South Africa, is especially important for Africa as it is vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Zuma was speaking at the end of his visit to Perth, Australia, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Themed “Building National Resilience, Building Global Resilience”, CHOGM was held from 28 – 30 October, while the traditional “retreat” of the Heads of State or Government took place at the State Reception Centre, Kings Park, over the same period.
As incoming President of COP 17/CMP 7, CHOGM 2011 presented opportunities and platforms for South Africa to interact on the issue of climate change, with many delegations emphasising that the Durban conference must produce a credible, fair, equitable and balanced outcome.
Zuma joined fellow Heads of Government in considering issues of Commonwealth reform; the grouping’s interface with the G20; food security; climate change, youth, gender and sustainable development.
Zuma also had the opportunity to participate in frank discussions with his counterparts on these and other Commonwealth issues.
He used the gathering to conduct some bilateral engagements with various Commonwealth countries including Malaysia, Nigeria, Australia, Trinidad and Tobago, Kenya and Singapore.
South Africa is one of five Commonwealth member states participating in the G20 grouping.
The country, together with Australia, India, Canada and the UK, was requested to highlight the plight of developing countries, especially small developing states, at the next meeting of the G20 in Cannes, set for 3 -4 November.
Heads of Government also acknowledged the need to urgently address the question of food security in a separate declaration. Other issues, such as revitalising development priorities, cooperation to secure global economic recovery, improving gender equality, and promoting the voice and role of youth were also thrashed out at the forum. – BuaNews
