Durban - As political leaders begin their talks on what should be the outcomes of this year's climate change conference in Durban, they should do so with the knowledge that they have the entire humanity in their hands, President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday.
"I am personally of the view that with the presence of the necessary political will, we can find the solution we seek. It is therefore important for us to think beyond our national interests, as difficult as that may be," he said in his address to the 3rd Nobel Laureates symposium on global sustainability.
Zuma also used the gathering to tell Heads of State and environmental ministers that poor countries, particularly in Africa, believed their development goals were being hampered by the actions of developed countries that were largely responsible for global carbon emissions.
"Humanity has never been so profoundly aware of climate change, its impact and the necessity to radically reduce the emissions to save the next generations. The developing world and Africa in particular are hardest-hit by climate change.
"COP17 presents us with an opportunity to shape the global response to this critical question of climate change."
Zuma, who will later officially open a session of ministers and Heads of State at the conference, reminded world leaders that even if COP17 managed to find solutions to the challenge of climate change, finance for mitigation and adaptation remained a critical issue for most African states.
Also, any agreement on the future response to climate change should take into account what science said and what the technological requirements were for a proper response action.
The outcome should also advocate for institutions that would place food security, health and the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, he said.
The High Level Segment is expected to kick off this afternoon with the opening speeches of environmental ministers and some Heads of State. The first week was used to tidy up negotiation texts to an extent that the arrival of ministers permits for the final decisions leading to an agreement, accord or protocol.
