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Scottish delegation for world summit
06/08/2002
The Scottish civic delegation which will represent
Scotland at the World Summit on Sustainable Development was
announced today.
Making the announcement, First Minister Jack McConnell
said:
"The Scottish Executive and Civic Scotland are committed
to implementing action on sustainable development following
the World Summit in Johannesburg. It is vital therefore
that we are there to help shape that action and learn from
successes from across the world.
"Securing sustainable development through better jobs,
education and the environment matters greatly to Scots and
particularly Scotland's young people. The Scottish civic
delegation represents the key groups who can take the
practical steps to make sure that happens in the
future.
"We have listened to what Scots have to say, especially
our young people, and I intend to meet with the Youth
Parliament before I attend the Summit. This event is all
about the future so involving young Scots in preparing for
their future must be our main aim.
"The Scottish civic delegation will make sure that the
views of Scots are heard and that Scotland's participation
brings real benefits on the ground in Scotland."
Members of the Scottish civic delegation are:
- Stephanie Wiseman, Scottish winner of the joint WWF
and governmental 'Our World' Competition, representing
young people, with whom the First Minister will visit
an eco-school in South Africa;
- Ian Russell, Chief Executive, Scottish Power,
representing Scottish business;
- Kevin Dunion, Chief Executive, Friends of the Earth
Scotland, representing environmental groups;
- Belinda Miller, Environmental Strategy
Co-ordinator, Aberdeen City Council, representing
Scottish local authorities;
- Dr Donald Bruce, Director of Society, Religion and
Technology Project of Church of Scotland, representing
bodies involved in overseas development;
- Damien Killeen, Director, The Poverty Alliance,
representing groups which work for social justice.
Fred Dinning, ScottishPower's Corporate Environment
Director, said:
"I am delighted that ScottishPower has been asked to
form part of the Scottish Civic Delegation. Moving towards
sustainable development is a critical issue for
business.
"We in the electricity industry have been directly
exposed to these issues for a number of years now -
tackling fuel poverty, moving towards more environmentally
sustainable energy sources and addressing the role of major
industry in education and life long learning.
"These are issues which all businesses will need to take
on board if they are to thrive and prosper in the 21st
century.
"I welcome this opportunity to help shape the future of
our society and to promote the role of business in
partnership with the Scottish Executive in securing the
aims of environmental improvement, social justice and
sustainable development."
In addition to the Summit, which begins later this
month, the First Minister's programme for Johannesburg will
also include:
- A visit to a township school to promote the
successful eco-schools programme and discuss how ties
between Scottish and South Africa schools and young
people can be strengthened;
- A major speech on environmental justice, at a
seminar which will also be addressed by South African
Environment Minister Valli Moosa;
- A business visit to promote the strong link between
leading Scottish higher education institutions, and
overseas investment in research and development
facilities in Scotland and high-quality jobs.
The Scottish Executive will pay the travel,
accommodation and subsistence costs of Kevin Dunion,
Belinda Miller, Dr Donald Bruce and Damien Killeen. The
First Minister plans to be accompanied by only three
Scottish Executive support staff at the World Summit.