Chairperson, I have no doubt that as a country we are ready to host COP 17 and that we will put on a great event for the thousands of people who will be descending on Durban. I certainly hope and trust that I won't be proven wrong.
The real question, however, is whether the world is ready for COP 17, and on that front I have less faith.
This will be the fifth COP that I have attended over the past decade and, unfortunately, they have not left me inspired with a sense that the international community is resolute in its commitment to avoiding dangerous climate change.
Minister, your position as President of the COP is an unenviable one, as I believe that we have reached a stalemate in many of the most pressing issues facing these negotiations.
As an African COP though, I believe that we cannot compromise on the overriding message, namely that we want to see a legally binding commitment that will see real reductions in the greenhouse gases that threaten the livelihoods of so many people on this continent. It is time for the world to truly hear the voice of Africa on this issue. I thank you. [Applause.]