February 14, 2001 (4:30 p.m. EST) No. 21

AGENDA 2003: A NEW SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Pierre Pettigrew, Minister for International Trade, today released Agenda 2003, a second triennial Sustainable Development Strategy for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT). Agenda 2003 sets out a framework to integrate the concept of sustainable development into all departmental policies and activities, taking into account the unique circumstances under which the Department operates in Canada and within its 160 missions and offices abroad.

"In Agenda 2003, we confirm our commitment to sustainable development," said Minister Manley. "The Department has a unique role in promoting sustainable development internationally. The respect that Canada enjoys abroad offers a clear opportunity to make a difference -- to carry the concerns and concerted efforts of Canadians to the international arena in the interest of a sustainable future for all."

Minister Pettigrew added: "Sustainable development is increasingly integrated into Canadian trade policy. Through trade negotiations and global environmental leadership, DFAIT works on behalf of all Canadians toward a more secure, a more prosperous, and a more sustainable world."

Agenda 2003 sets six major goals aiming to bring sustainable development concerns into DFAIT's policy making, programming and operations:

Improve departmental mechanisms to ensure that sustainable development is an operating premise at the Department.

Strengthen the linkages between trade promotion and policy and the protection of the environment.

Promote sustainable development in the Department's international activities.

Explain how sectoral interactions (social, economic, environmental, human security, human rights) impact on sustainable development.

Implement the sustainable development aspects of the Northern Dimension of Canada's Foreign Policy, released in June 2000.

Prepare for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.

The text of Agenda 2003 may be accessed at

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/sustain/SustainDev/10855_DFAIT_S.D._Ev8.pdf

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sanjeev Chowdhury

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Sylvie Bussières

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874