Action for a Strong and Prosperous Africa at the BA
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Alexandria, 12 December 2004-
Listening to African Civil Society is the title under which the Bibliotheca Alexandrina is hosting the Commission for Africa meeting, 14-16 December 2004. The conference is one of a series of five events taking place across Africa to secure the contribution of civil society to discussions about the opportunities for development that lead to a strong and prosperous Africa. Possible areas for the commission’s action include: governance, peace, security and the building of effective states, as well as increasing transparency and reducing corruption. The commission also operates in fields of human development, culture, inclusion and the improvement of healthcare systems for all Africans.
The Commission for Africa was established in spring 2004, to support and generate ideas and actions for a strong and prosperous Africa. It is an independent body with seventeen Commissioners, nine of whom are African. It will report in spring 2005. The challenge for the Commission for Africa is to set out comprehensive, coherent and practical proposals for action by the international community which, with Africa leading the way, can accelerate and sustain Africa’s growth and development. It aims to help promote and fashion a new relationship between the rich world and Africa; one of common objectives and of partnership in action.
The conference is organized by Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD) International; a global network of individuals and non-governmental organizations, committed to sustainable development. Participants will view a proposal presented by LEAD, to carry out consultations among civil society in West, Central and North Africa. LEAD is an independent, not-for-profit organization, established in 1991 by the Rockefeller Foundation to create, strengthen and support networks of people and institutions promoting change towards sustainable development—development that is economically sound, environmentally responsible and socially equitable.
First day speeches will include presentations by Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Dr. Julia Marton-Lefevre, Executive Director of LEAD, Rt. Hon. Paul Boateng MP, Chief Secretary to the British Treasury and Dr. Youssef Boutros Ghali, Egyptian Minister of Finance.