Scots’ Super Six for Johannesburg world summit

First Minister Jack McConnell yesterday announced the names of the super six that will accompany him to the summit. They are:

w	Stephanie Wiseman, Scottish winner of the joint WWF and governmental ‘Our World’ Competition, representing young people;

w	Ian Russell, Chief Executive, Scottish Power, representing Scottish business;

w	Kevin Dunion, Chief Executive, Friends of the Earth Scotland, representing environmental groups;

w	Belinda Miller, Environmental Strategy Co-ordinator, Aberdeen City Council, representing Scottish local authorities;

w	Dr Donald Bruce, Director of Society, Religion and Technology Project of Church of Scotland, representing bodies involved in overseas development and

w	Damien Killeen, Director, The Poverty Alliance, representing groups that work for social justice.

First Minister Jack McConnell said "The Scottish Executive and Civic Scotland are committed to implementing action on sustainable development following the World Summit in Johannesburg. It is vital therefore that we are there to help shape that action and learn from successes from across the world”.

"Securing sustainable development through better jobs, education and the environment matters greatly to Scots and particularly Scotland’s young people. The Scottish civic delegation represents the key groups who can take the practical steps to make sure that happens in the future.

"We have listened to what Scots have to say, especially our young people, and I intend to meet with the Youth Parliament before I attend the Summit. This event is all about the future so involving young Scots in preparing for their future must be our main aim.

"The Scottish civic delegation will make sure that the views of Scots are heard and that Scotland’s participation brings real benefits on the ground in Scotland."

Fred Dinning, Scottish Power's Corporate Environment Director, said:"I am delighted that ScottishPower has been

asked to form part of the Scottish Civic Delegation. Moving towards sustainable development is a critical issue for business.

"We in the electricity industry have been directly exposed to these issues for a number of years now - tackling fuel poverty, moving towards more environmentally sustainable energy sources and addressing the role of major industry in education and life long learning.

"These are issues which all businesses will need to take on board if they are to thrive and prosper in the 21st century.

"I welcome this opportunity to help shape the future of our society and to promote the role of business in partnership with the Scottish Executive in securing the aims of environmental improvement, social justice and sustainable development."

In addition to the Summit, which begins later this month, the First Minister’s programme for Johannesburg will also include:

A visit to a township school to promote the successful eco-schools programme and discuss how ties between Scottish and South Africa schools and young people can be strengthened;

A major speech on environmental justice, at a seminar which will also be addressed by South African Environment Minister Valli Moosa;

A business visit to promote the strong link between leading Scottish higher education institutions, and overseas investment in research and development facilities in Scotland and high-quality jobs.