Peace be upon you, welcome to you all, I am tremendously gratified to see such a distinguished audience for this great occasion, which bears the name of that most generous of men, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah protect him.
Our meeting today, in the presence of an elite gathering of prominent Arab and international personalities, highlights the international nature of the environment issue, and the single destiny shared by mankind. More importantly, it confirms the possibility of cooperation between all nations, as well as non-government organisations, in taking constructive steps toward providing future generations with a safer and more dignified life.
We are all aware of the magnitude of the environmental threat faced by our planet. We are aware, too, of the fact that the efforts currently being exerted by the international community are insufficient to combat this threat.
The Kyoto agreement on global climate change is now facing new obstacles. We have to face facts; advanced industrialised countries must accept the majority of responsibility for cleaning up the environment because their plants are emitting most of the pollutants. They are not doing enough to deal with hazardous waste. Regrettably, some developed countries do not want to take responsibility under the pretext that it would undermine the progress of their economy, and affect the welfare of their society. This is both unfair and selfish.
If developed countries do not commit to the Kyoto agreement this year, it will aggravate the greenhouse effect and render future efforts to control it more difficult. Any leniency in dealing with environmental risks opens the door for more evils, and the continuation of global climatic change leads to the depletion of natural resources, the spread of diseases in animals and humans, desertification and drought, and flash floods. This will result in socio-ecological imbalance. The Kyoto agreement is the foundation for the progress of civilised life on our planet.
Our country has given utmost priority to the environment, thanks to the wisdom of the President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Our concern for the environment goes hand in hand with our development plans for the country. We were aware from a very early stage of the global significance of environmental issues, and we have not only called upon the international community to pay greater attention to those issues, but have also played a leading role in international efforts to protect the planet.
As befits its universal significance and the importance of its objectives, the Sheikh Zayed International Prize for the Environment is organised in cooperation with several international organisations, the main ones being the UN Environment Programme and the UN Development Programme.
Today, we honour individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the protection of the environment, not for material gain, but for God, their conscience and the prosperity of mankind.
Mr. Carter's work to protect the environment, his contribution to the international peace process and his efforts to alleviate the effects of poverty and disease are recognised and appreciated by all. He has used his reputation and position for the service of humanity, and is a worthy winner of the first prize.
The second prize is awarded jointly to Dr. Mohammed Al Kassas from Egypt, and the World Commission on Dams for their outstanding research and work, especially on barren land, water resources and bio-diversity.
In recognition of the fact that non-governmental and voluntary organisations play a key role in spreading environmental awareness and influencing international policy, the third prize is awarded jointly to Yolanda Kakabadse, President of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and Mr. Stephan Schmidheiny, head of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
I congratulate all the winners and wish them further success. I hope that our recognition of their efforts will encourage all those who serve mankind.
In conclusion, I would like to thank all those who contributed to today's seminars, particularly the international jury, the technical advisory committee, the Higher Committee, the UN Environment Programme and the UN Development Programme.
Once again, I welcome you and wish you all great success.
May peace, mercy and the blessing of Allah be upon you.
