Workmanlike plan agreed to fight against poverty and fight for Sustainable Development says Klaus Toepfer

4 September - Nations accept environment's key role in delivering a healthier and cleaner world. Satisfactory is how Klaus Toepfer, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), today described the outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).

Massive destruction of great ape habitats likely over the next 30 years unless current trends reversed

3 September - News comes as UK Government, United Nations Foundation and International Fund for Animal Welfare give cash backing to GRASP Partnership.

Trade and environment task force stengthened in Johannesburg

3 September - The second phase of a joint UNCTAD-UNEP Capacity-building Task Force on Trade, Environment and Development (CBTF) was launched today at WSSD. Representatives from UNCTAD, UNEP and the WTO highlighted their collaboration on capacity-building activities on trade, environment and development.

"The children of the world are disappointed… because too many adults are too interested in money and wealth to take notice of serious problems that affect our future."

2 September - Children from Ecuador, Canada and China, selected by their peers, addressed Heads of State at WSSD. They delivered the feelings of young people who attended the International Children’s Conference (ICC) held in Victoria BC, Canada, in May 2002. ICC was attended by 400 children from 80 countries.

Multi Million Dollar Backing for International Coral Reef Action Network Gives Big Boost to Coastal Communities and Wildlife

1 September - A big boost for coral reefs and the livelihoods of those millions of people who depend on them was announced today. The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Foundation said they would be giving a total of $ 3 million to support the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN).

Putting Energy into Sustainable Development - UNEP launches new Global Clean Energy Network at Johannesburg World Summit

1 September - The goal of bringing new and less polluting energy sources to billions of deprived people around the world came a step closer today as UNEP launched a pioneering global network of "sustainable energy" centres. Speaking at the launch, Klaus Toepfer, UNEP's Executive Director said, "The provision of environmentally sound energy services are integral to poverty alleviation and sustainable development."

New Global Virtual University to promote environmental and development education

1 September - In an agreement signed today at the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted NOK 15 million (US$2 million) to the creation of a new United Nations University (UNU) branch at UNEP/GRID-Arendal: the Global Virtual University (GVU).

Business and UN team up to recognise sustainable partnerships

30 August - The United Nations and ICC: the world business organization today named ten business partnership programmes from around the world which are making an outstanding contribution to sustainable development.

Innovative business approach helps provide clean energy to world's neediest

30 August - A report jointly released today by the United Nations Foundation and UNEP, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development details how an innovative approach is bringing affordable, clean, and efficient energy technology to the rural communities in Africa, Brazil and China.

Government of Canada increases funding to the United Nations Environment Programme and its water quality program.

29 August - Canadian Environment Minister David Anderson and Canadian Minister of International Cooperation Susan Whelan today announced Government of Canada funding to strengthen international environmental protection. Canada is increasing its contribution to UNEP by $5.7 million over four years, more than double its current contribution, to influence environmental governance.

Mountain Sustainable Development: international partnership event.

27 August - Klaus Töpfer, UNEP Executive Secretary, envisaged the Partnership to be the best type II outcome of the WSSD, and confirmed UNEP's commitment to it and other partnerships including those related to water and oceans. He said that cooperation between FAO and UNEP had been enhanced by the Year of Mountains.

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) opens at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

26 August - During the WSSD's Opening Plenary, Klaus Toepfer, UNEP's Executive Director, noted progress since Rio in achieving sustainability. However, he said new scientific evidence of global environmental change necessitated quantum increase in efforts. He characterized WSSD as a Summit of implementation, accountability and partnership. Text - Video