Lots that happened in Durban at this conference has been forgotten, since it took place only ten days before September 11th. It was the usual bash-Western-Civ-and-the-Israelis hate-fest, blaming us for all the ills of the world. The Administration didn't pay it much heed, sending only an assistant-under-deputy-Secretary-of-State as representative.
I do remember that. I thought it was a very good move. I also recall some reporting about the lavish displays of food while just a short distance away there was a poverty stricken settlement of South Africans.
I think even the Canadians walked out in disgust.