What is WSSD?

Alternatively known as the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) or simply the Johannesburg Summit, WSSD will be a ten year review of all progress (and setbacks!) since the creation of Agenda 21 at the first Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janiero, Brazil in 1992. This important event will assess the current state of sustainable development, highlight obstacles, and begin to define new solutions for the future.

WSSD will be held August 26th to September 4th, 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre. Only organizations accredited to UN ECOSOC, UN CSD, or WSSD will be allowed to send members to attend. (See Accreditation & Logistics in Summit Logistics section for details.)

A separate event, the Civil Society Global Forum, will be held the week before, approximately 20 km away at the NASREC expo center, and indoor/outdoor facility. This event is open to anyone, and is expected to draw over 50,000 people.

Nearby will also be Ubuntu Village, in the New Wanderers Stadium on the outskirts of Sandton. A demonstration and presentation area for major groups, Ubuntu will also house an International Best Practice Exhibition as well as a host of cultural and entertainment activities.