"Unlike many summits that have taken place in the past where there is just talking," Beckett said, "this summit will set the stage for ensuring a program for action for the further implementation of Agenda 21, agreed to by all governments in Rio. The so-called Type 2 partnerships, which will be negotiated only between those directly involved -- some of them including non-governmental organizations -- will be both new and an integral part of the implementation plan."

Beckett's government comes to this Summit with a mixed record on sustainable development. Britain is one of the few countries that can claim to have made environmental progress since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. And while it fares well in comparison to other European countries with regard to climate change, increasing development aid, and giving the lead on debt relief for the poorest countries, the country's domestic environmental policy has been less than satisfactory in areas of transportation and waste management. UK also has a dismal track record on illegally logged wood.

"Its fair to say that we haven't done nearly enough yet in some areas and in others we have made remarkable progress," Beckett said. "On the international front we have played a very effective role and carried forward a lot of targets on sustainable development. We have also made huge progress in improving domestic water quality and air quality."

Beckett's team at this summit comprises of a strong executive presence that has attracted considerable criticism from the environmental groups. The British delegation includes the chief executive of Thames Water and chairman of mining giant Rio Tinto amongst other business leaders.

Countering the accusations from some environmentalists here that Tony Blair, British Prime Minister, has been uncritically endorsing corporate perspectives on the global economy, Beckett said that Blair's position has been misunderstood.

"He recognizes the importance of business just as much as he does of other groups like non-governmental organizations. This is evident in the Type 2 partnerships that he supports. Last year he commissioned five projects involving business and other stakeholders. Business is important in getting results on sustainable development and they should be involved."

Beckett is of the view, that where governments are failing to invest in clean water and sanitation, corporations can fill the gap with schemes that are not exploitative.

Beckett who was elected to the position of Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2001, and is a former Labor Party leader, has a strong track record of negotiating successfully. She was the lead negotiator in Bonn and Marrakech, both of which produced moderately successful outcomes.

Beckett believes that there is plenty of supporting evidence that this summit can be made to succeed where others failed. "I think this will succeed because we are trying to build on a continuum of work," she said. "The Doha Declaration was better than many people would have thought. And Monterrey's Financing for Development Conference again did make substantial progress. We can never, of course, get everything accomplished but we have moved into new territory. The new Africa Partnership has been welcomed by most countries and all of this has taken us into new territory that we urgently need to get into if are serious about sustainable development."