Closing Statement -- World Summit on Sustainable Development

Mr. President:

We are now completing a long road, part of a journey that will continue, that has gone through virtually every continent -- from Stockholm, to Rio, to Doha, to Monterrey, to Bali, to Johannesburg.

This journey is appropriate, because what we have approved today is truly a global document. It reflects our common vision to come together in defense of basic principles of assisting our fellow men and women; protecting our earth’s natural resources and habitats; upholding human rights, fundamental freedoms and gender equality; and ensuring basic human needs through economic development, or in the visionary words of our South African host: People, Planet and Prosperity.

So far, these are words. Words are good -- actions are better. Only concrete actions can:

• Prevent children from contracting water-borne diseases;
• Allow families to cook meals indoors without risking fatal respiratory illnesses;
• Protect delicate African ecosystems;
• Empower small-hold farmers with the capacity to feed their families; and
• Prevent the transmission of deadly virus to children from HIV+ mothers.

Mr. President, you have brought us to the brink of a new era of sustainable development. The world is in your debt. Let us move now from Rio to Johannesburg to the future.  Thank you.