STATEMENT BY HER EXCELLENCY, MS BARBARA CREECY, MINISTER OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA FOR THE FIFTH SESSION UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSEMBLY, LEADERSHIP DIALOGUE – 22 FEBRUARY 2021

The global health emergency brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic that we are faced with, calls for review of our plans and priorities so that we respond accordingly and with urgency. Whilst the pandemic is having a profound negative impact on our sustainable development efforts and our collective efforts to eradicate poverty and combat environmental degradation, it also presents an unprecedented opportunity to reset the global economy on a pathway towards a more equitable and more environmentally sustainable and low-carbon developmental trajectory.