Hon Speaker, the process towards finding an outcome for the 17th Conference of Parties, COP 17, is still under discussion. As you are aware, Mexico is still president of the 16th Conference of Parties, COP 16, until the start of COP 17 on 28 November 2011. Thereafter, South Africa will take over the presidency.
In the meantime, South Africa will work closely with Mexico towards reaching a good and favourable outcome, especially for the developing world, which, primarily, bears the brunt of climate change aggravated by high levels of poverty. The outcome will also be informed by consultations with other key international players as well as participation in the various meetings on the issue in order to build a consensus towards the outcome. Part of the outcome will, certainly, include the implementation of the Cancun Agreements which were the outcome of COP 16.
In the main, South Africa will seek to address the ultimate objective of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is to reduce human-induced greenhouse gases. This, however, should not work against poverty eradication. Furthermore, South Africa will work towards strengthening multilateralism and finding ways to ensure that issues of development are taken into account.
South Africa will be seeking an outcome that is fair, equitable, implementable and effective. We have appointed an interministerial committee that is helping the country to prepare for this significant event, at both the logistical and content levels. We will do our best to give the world a good, productive and successful conference. I thank you.