Today we begin in earnest on the 16-month road to Johannesburg. Along the way, our governments will review progress on challenges and goals we declared in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro . But perhaps more importantly, we also have the opportunity to look toward the future. New technologies, new benefits from trade and investment, new scientific knowledge that we can bring to bear on our sustainable development goals, are before us.
Globalization is integral to discussions of sustainable development.
The freer and more rapid movement of people, information and money have dramatic implications for the goals of Agenda 21 . Globalization can bring remarkable benefits. But many people are also concerned about ensuring that such benefits are spread widely, and potential risks are avoided. There are two main themes that I would like to emphasize. First the role of the private sector.