Two leading Welsh politicians will be taking Wales’s message to the Johannesburg summit later this month, but this week they will discuss the implications at an open meeting at the National Eisteddfod.

Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales Ceredigion MP Simon Thomas and European Parliamentary Leader Jill Evans MEP will be taking Wales's message to the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development which starts on 26 August, but will first discuss its implications for Wales, and also Wales's role in the summit, in an open meeting on the Eisteddfod Maes, on Thursday, August 8.

Invitations have been sent out to a variety of organisations and societies in Wales, including the National Assembly for Wales's First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, to attend the discussion on the Maes. It is also open for the public to participate.

The Johannesburg Summit is a follow up to the first earth Summit held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ten years ago, and aims to review the progress made over the last ten years.

Simon Thomas MP said:

"Rio was full of goodwill and good intentions but has subsequently lacked in action and results.

"The summit needs to recognise the importance of smaller nations such as Wales - the success of the summit depends on the goodwill and cooperation of these smaller nations and regions. This summit is therefore an opportunity to turn globalisation and world politics on its head, and for leading nations to empower smaller ones to take action on sustainable development."

Jill Evans MEP said:

"There has been limited progress since Rio. Hopes for success at the Johannesburg Summit have declined every time the parties to international agreements failed to fulfil their promises and powerful countries like the United States try to highjack the process. So a great deal is at stake in Johannesburg and only political will can make it successful."

"The debate on sustainable development in Johannesburg must focus on respect for all people - their values, cultures and environment. It is not just about economic growth but about changing the global agenda so that economic and trade policies serve rather than dictate social, environmental and cultural objectives. It is a unique opportunity to improve the conditions of life for people everywhere in the world, including Wales."

"Wales has an important role to play in promoting environmental, social, economic, linguistic and cultural diversity. Sustainable Development is more than just the environment - it also includes cultural developments."

The open meeting will be held at the Societies Tent on the Eisteddfod Maes, 2.30-4.00pm, Thursday, August 8.

Diwedd/Ends.