Pretoria - Environmental Affairs Minister Dr Edna Molewa is expected to attend the third BRICS meeting of Ministers of Environment in Tianjin, China, this week.
The Ministers of Environment are set to deliberate on the development of the environmental technology platform, particularly in relation to clean rivers, and the BRICS City Partnership for Environmental Sustainability Initiative (CPESI), which is proposed by the People’s Republic of China.
“The Minister will also deliberate on global environmental issues, including the entering into force of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and enhancing cooperation in the field of biodiversity for the implementation of the objectives of the conservation, sustainable use and equitable sharing of benefits, in line with the Convention of Biological Diversity,” the Department of Environmental Affairs said on Wednesday.
The BRICS City Partnership Initiative is scheduled for adoption.
The CPESI identifies water, air, solid waste management and green finance in cities as the priority areas for development, thus encouraging cooperation between BRICS Member States to realise Sustainable Development Goal 11, which calls for “making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.
Minister Molewa said that the rolling out of Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for developing countries, has to emphasise the importance of the means of implementation, including financial assistance through continued Official Development Assistance (ODA).
“It is important that developed countries honour their historic obligations and responsibilities, as part of the commitments made in the context of the global partnership for development, which itself also needs to be expanded and strengthened.
“We must work together in mobilising sufficient, adequate and predictable financial resources for the implementation of these programmes, particularly in Africa and other developing countries,” Minister Molewa said.
The BRICS Forum comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and focuses on key strategic global issues such as the global economy, trade, peace and security and reform of multi-lateral institutions.
The meeting will be held on Thursday and Friday. – SAnews.gov.za
