Brussels, 07/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - From 13 to 17 November, Brussels will host the European Development Days organised by the European Commission to bring the international development community together around Africa, chosen as the focal point for this high level event. This is the first time that no fewer than sixteen Heads of State and Government will attend, as well as the President of the World Bank, various directors of UN Funds and Agencies, Foreign Ministers, Development Ministers and also ambassadors of EU Member States, representatives of NGOs and of African and European business circles, and also development experts from national development agencies.
European Development Commissioner Louis Michel believes this initiative will meet two major concerns. “The objectives of this new initiative are enhancing public awareness about development cooperation issues and strengthening the effectiveness of EU development assistance in view of the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals”, he said, adding that it is essential for European citizens to feel the need to engage in a strengthened partnership with the developing countries, and with Africa in particular. He felt that contribution to the mobilisation of the young generations is a key element for the future.
The high level forum on Africa and governance (on 15 and 16 November) will be a high point of this international gathering. It will be introduced by the president of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, S. E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, Aminata Traore, former Culture minister for Mali and founder of the African Social Forum, Danald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank, and Commissioner Louis Michel.
The European Development Days will also host the first EU/Africa business forum (on 16 and 17 November) organised with three things in mind: improving the business and investment climate through improved governance, allowing the private sector to be a player in the dialogue between the European Commission and the Commission of the African Union on questions relating to Africa, and making Africa more attractive to the European private sector.
An artistic exhibition, a festival of African cinema, workshops and round tables will be part of the very full programme of these European Development Days. On 17 November, Louis Michel will award the national prizes of the “Youth and Development” competition - a Commission initiative for students of 16 to 18 years of age in the 25 EU Member States, organised by the European Schoolnet. The prizewinners and their teachers will accompany Commissioner Louis Michel on his visit to an African country in spring 2007. (an)
The detailed programme of the European Development Days may be consulted at the following address: http: //http://www.eudevdays.eu/opencms/homepage_en.html. (an)