House Chair, the world will again be watching South Africa in anticipation when we host the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties, COP, in a little over two weeks. This specific conference will shape the future of the global climate change regime and hopefully voice Africa's concerns. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we stand out above the rest in the way we do things when we host this conference.
Climate change is a multilateral and global issue. It should therefore be addressed in a co-operative manner to ensure that a more viable and long- term climate change approach originates from the conference. The extensive involvement of the global community and business, as well as nongovernmental organisations, is of paramount importance.
While there remains a North-South divide regarding the unlikely second commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, South Africa can pursue debate around vital issues that will include all countries' committing to furthering the global fight against climate change. It is most important to voice Africa's concerns and to include those who are most vulnerable.
South Africa will be entering the negotiations as the host nation and therefore as a leader. Previous lessons learned from the COP meetings should be taken into account. While it is an exciting time being the host nation of a major international gathering, the time post the conference is most vital. This will be the time for government to lead South Africa into a more rigorous fight against the effects of climate change and to further educate all South Africans regarding the issue.
Cope has confidence that we will be successful in hosting another major international event. We wish the negotiating team, the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, and the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, the best in this important endeavour. Make us proud! Thank you very much. [Applause.]