About us

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) Civil Society Secretariat was launched in April 2001 to act as a management resource to prepare South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world for the Global Forum. The WSSD Global Forum takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 19 August to 4 September 2002. More than 50 000 delegates from around the world are expected to attend.

The Secretariat ensures the organisation, preparation and implementation for the Summit. It also acts as advisor to the political leaders. The Secretariat co-ordinates political, environmental and economic content for discussion by civil society delegates during the Summit.

Political Governance

The Secretariat is answerable to a political governance body – the Multi-stakeholder Forum - elected by local civil society groups. The major groups in the Multi-stakeholder Forum are Civics, the Disabled, Faith, Labour, Non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Women, and Youth,

The Multi-stakeholder Forum has elected a management committee (CS Manco) to provide guidance to the Secretariat. The CS Manco meets regularly to review the work of the Secretariat.

Structure of the Secretariat

The Secretariat has five divisions, each led by an executive head. The divisions are:

1. The Office of the chief executive (CEO) - responsible for overall strategic management and fund-raising. Furthermore, the CEO has the duty to regularly report to the CS Manco.

2. Events and Logistics - responsible for ensuring that every detail is taken into account regarding arrangements for registration and accreditation, accommodation, transportation and cultural events.

Events and Logistics is also managing a cluster of activities that take place. These activities are:

• The Opening Ceremony;
• The Exhibition; and
• The Cultural Programme;

3. The African Process - which ensures maximum participation of Africa’s civil society. This division is also responsible for ensuring that Africa – and South Africa’s - issues are at the top of the agenda.

4. The International Process – which works with international organisations, ensuring that issues important to Civil Society in each global region are placed on the agenda. After all, the success of the Summit will depend on the extent to which the world as whole is represented.

5. Operations - responsible for managing human resources, IT and financial systems of the Secretariat.

The Secretariat’s Objectives

The objectives of the Secretariat can be summarized as follows:

1. To ensure proper preparations for the Global Forum
2. To ensure that the Summit has an unimpeachable legacy – the legacy of sustainable development on the whole planet
3. To ensure that South Africans benefit directly and indirectly from the business opportunities that the Summit will bring
4. To give delegates an unforgettable experience by encouraging them to tour the country and witness its natural beauty.

Handy Facts

[A]

Global Forum of the World Summit on Sustainable Development:

Dates:

Pre-Summit : 19 to 23 August 2002

Opening Ceremony : 23 August 2002

Global Forum : 26 August to 4 September 2002

Venue: The Johannesburg Expo Centre (Nasrec)

Expected: Civil Society delegates.

[B]

World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)

Date: 26 August – 4 September 2002

Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Sandton, Johannesburg

Expected: heads of state, representatives of business, diplomats and civil servants.

Contact us

E-Mail: [email protected]

Fax: +27-11-403 0790