§ Baroness Mallalieuasked Her Majesty's Government:
When will they report on the outcome of the fourth preparatory committee for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which was held in Bali from 24 May to 7 June. [HL4694]
§ Lord WhittyThe fourth preparatory committee meeting for the World Summit on Sustainable Development gives us a basis for the final run-up to Johannesburg. Progress was made on a programme of action, which includes the importance of sanitation in eradicating poverty and meeting the Millennium Development Goal on safe drinking water. Broad agreement was also reached on key issues such as the urgent need to restore fish stocks and address illegal fishing and on the important role non-governmental actors can play in achieving sustainable development. The meeting also recognised the need for a strong focus on Africa.
Other difficult issues remain outstanding such as how the summit can address trade and finance issues to complement the Monterrey Consensus and the Doha Development Agenda. There are also specific targets on sanitation, biodiversity loss and energy which have yet to be agreed. The UK will continue to work constructively with partners to ensure a succesful outcome for Johannesburg, including concrete actions and coherent work programmes on energy, water and sustainable patterns of consumption and production.