Distinguished delegates,

The CSD was established to monitor and improve on the Rio commitments. However as a number of delegates have said, it is failing to do so, and is in danger of becoming irrelevant to the challenges we face.

We need to move from talkshop to workshop.

We need concrete outcomes at CSD 17, not just outputs of talk.

We want CSD 17 to result in action orientated policies on the most important issues identified at CSD 16 such as: strategic environmental assessment of biofuels, GMOs and nanotechnology, water and sanitation.

If we do not commission these now in this Review year we will not be in a position to make informed policy in the Policy year.

Closing Poem

L'Afrique :
Terre des Nations ! de Couleurs ! de Biodiversité ! de Ressources !
Tu fais aussi partie du monde.

Africa : Land of Nations ! of colours ! of biodiversity ! of resources !
You too are part of the world

Oh Afrique !
Protégeons nos Eaux, Forêts, Terres !
Mobilisons les moyens de les valoriser !

Oh Africa !
Let’s protect our waters, forests, and lands !
Let’s find the ways to empower them !

Entendez les cris des mères et des filles d'Afrique
Entendez les cris des femmes et des enfants du monde … HUM - OHO !
Voyez en l’Afrique un partenaire!
Un autre monde est possible.

Hear the cries of the mothers and daughters of Africa
Hear the cries of the women and children of the world… HUM – OHO !
Please see a partner in Africa!
Another world is possible.

Oh Délégués, et Décideurs !
Pensez à vos Enfants,
Demain est déjà là !
Luttons ensemble contre la Sécheresse, contre la Désertification !
Nous pouvons surmonter la Crise Alimentaire !
Nous pouvons amorcer le Développement Durable !
Nous ne pouvons pas attendre la Crise prochaine.

Oh delegates, and deciders !
Please think about your children,
Tomorrow is already there !
Let’s fight together against Drought, against desertification!
We can overcome the food crisis!
We can be the origin of Sustainable Development!
We cannot wait for another crisis!

Réveillez-vous, Réveillez-vous, Réveillez-vous !!!

Please, Wake up, wake up, wake up !!!