Earth Summit focuses on PPPs

Seeking to demonstrate actions over words, the Earth Summit in South Africa today focused on public-private partnerships as a way to promote sustainable development.

US Agency for International Development director Andrew Natsios arrived in Johannesburg to discuss a €90.8m US proposal to cut hunger in Africa with help from regional trade groups and industry partners.

The initiative was the first of several to be highlighted at the summit by the United States, which is facing criticism for President George Bush’s decision not to attend.

European Union Development and Aid Commissioner Poul Nielson and other EU officials were also talking about upcoming project launches in areas of water management and helping the “energy poor”.

Western governments rejected criticism from some activists that involving the private sector in fighting poverty and protecting the environment amounted to a shirking of responsibility.

“Partnerships are a complement to (government) commitments, not a substitute for them,” said Danish Environment Minister Hans Christian Schmidt, representing the 15 nation EU.

However, he added that a “robust and credible follow-up mechanism” should be established so that governments can make sure the partnerships deliver results.

“This is the only way we can secure transparency,” he said.

Plenary sessions involving delegates from 191 nations were winding down today, with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson among the final speakers.

In the former Irish president’s remarks, she was to underline how human rights standards have become central to the issues of both environment and development in the decade since the first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.