MAMA KONATE

5 December 2011

Dear friends and colleagues,

During this African COP we honor the life and share great sadness in the passing of Mama Konate. He served as Director-General of the Mali Meteorological Service, permanent representative of Mali with WMO, former Chair of the LDC Group and the Expert Group on Technology Transfer, Chair of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and UNFCCC Focal point for Mali.

He was widely known for his constructive and engaging approach to the problems of his country and our world.

There is a saying in South Africa, when an activist has passed, that we must pick up the spear that has fallen.

Mama’s spear was the most powerful of all weapons – his voice, his wisdom and his great humanity. Mama’s spear will be as sorely missed as it will be difficult for any of us to pick up and carry. We must do good in Durban.

May his beautiful soul rest in love and peace.