Green Economy Summit - 18 to 20 May 2010

12 May 2010

South Africa’s Green Economy Summit will take place from 18 to 20 May 2010 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The summit will be convened under the overarching theme: “Towards a resource efficient, low carbon and pro-employment growth path”. The summit is hosted by the Departments of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, Science and Technology as well as Trade and Industry.

President Jacob Zuma will deliver a key note address on the opening day of the summit, Tuesday, 18 May 2010.

The South African government has identified the green economy as one of the key elements in the new growth path as well as the industrial policy action plan. The South African government affirms that a global transition to a low-carbon, resource efficient and sustainable economy has a potential to create jobs across many sectors of the economy, and indeed can become an engine of development. On behalf of the economic sectors and employment cluster, the Green Economy Summit is therefore scheduled to gather valuable insights on key focus areas and issues requiring attention in the short, medium and long term.

Ministerial addresses on the opening day of the summit will be delivered by Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Economic Development, Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry, Geoffrey Doidge, Minister of Public Works and Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology.

Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Buyelwa Sonjica will cover elements of the draft green economy plan.

It is envisaged that over 500 participants from government, business, non-governmental organisations and the environmental sector will be in attendance.

For further information on the summit click on http://www.sagreeneconomysummit.co.za

Media is invited for the duration of the summit. Media accreditation is required.

A press conference will be convened on Tuesday, 18 May 2010. Details will be communicated in due course.

To confirm attendance and obtain accreditation contact:

Judith van der Merwe
Tel: 012 310 3309
Cell: 083 321 2617
E-mail: jvdmerwe@deat.gov.za

Ernest Mulibana
Tel: 012 310 3990
E-mail: emalibuna@deat.gov.za

Please note your identity document and press card is required for accreditation purposes.

For media queries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs
12 May 2010