Media Room Information Kit

Overview

Canada believes that sustainable development involves the integration of environmental, economic and social activities and policies in a way that development of one of these three areas does not compromise the development of another. This approach aims to bring about a higher quality of life for more individuals and communities, both now and in the future.

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) is an opportunity to re-energize global action on sustainable development.

Canada believes that rather than launching negotiations on new agreements a successful Summit requires cooperation at all levels, as well as a focus on practical action to implement existing commitments. This practical action can only be achieved through the concerted effort of both developed and developing countries, and the active participation of non-government organizations, the private sector, youth, aboriginal peoples, and individuals.

Given the extensive number of sustainable development issues that will be dealt with at the Summit, Canada is focusing its efforts on where it can most effectively contribute:

Global sustainable development with an emphasis on Africa

Canada recently announced a commitment of $6 billion in new and existing resources over five years in support of Africa's development, including the $500 million Canada Fund for Africa. New initiatives will bring together governments, the private sector and civil society to promote African innovation, human development and critical infrastructure services. Highlights from the Canada Fund for Africa include:
• efforts to foster economic development by eliminating tariffs and quotas on imports from the 48 Least Developed Countries, of which 34 are in Africa;
• strengthening institutions and governance with an investment of $28 million to support the development of skills and expertise in the public sector;
• $9 million to strengthen the role of the parliamentary system;
• $6 million to improve local governance;
• doubling Canada's investment in basic education to $100 million each year by 2005;
• contributing $50 million towards the development of an HIV vaccine; and
• contributing $50 million to help eradicate polio.

Partnerships

The complexity of the sustainable development challenges confronting humanity requires partnerships and the engagement of all levels of society. In order to draw upon the energy and enthusiasm of the private sector, non-governmental organizations, the research community and developing countries, Canada will promote partnerships to provide innovative Canadian approaches and technologies to work hand-in-hand with developing countries to help alleviate poverty. By working together, partners can help bring about practical, cost-effective solutions to issues such as urban sustainability, capacity building and knowledge sharing on subjects from forest management to sustainable mining.

Health and Environment

Canada is pressing for Summit outcomes that address the link between environmental issues and human health in policy-making and actions, the lack of which hinders both social and economic development. Canada has played a leadership role in promoting a better understanding of the links between health and environment through numerous international events. In March 2002, Canada hosted the first Meeting of Health and Environment Ministers of the Americas (HEMA) where participants identified the need for further action on a number of issues including integrating water resources management, improving air quality, and improving chemicals management. Canada also hosted the 2002 G8 Environment Ministers Meeting where the relationship between health and environment was a key area of discussion. The June 2002 Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation hosted by Canada launched a cooperative agenda to protect children's health from environmental threats. These and other continued efforts improve our ability to create a better quality of life for more people.

Governance

Environmental governance is essential for providing efficient and effective implementation of sustainable development. It is about the rules and structures through which we address environmental issues. Canada has been at the forefront of the global dialogue on international environmental governance issues and has achieved international consensus on key steps that will strengthen the United National Environment Programme (UNEP). For the past two years, Canada's Minister of the Environment, the Honourable David Anderson, has been President of the Governing Council of UNEP. At the WSSD Canada will press for strengthened international environmental governance to pave the path to deliver results.

Canada is also placing particular emphasis on issues related to the sustainable management of natural resources, notably forests.

For more information about Canada at the WSSD, consult Canada's World Summit Web site at www.wssd-smdd.gc.ca.

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