UNIDO Holds High-level Dialogue on Accelerating Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth in Africa

VIENNA, AUSTRIA – The Director-General of UNIDO, Mr. Kandeh K. Yumkella, will lead a high-level dialogue on “Accelerating Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth: Transforming African Countries into Tiger Economies”, on 22 September 2008 during the High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on Africa’s Development Needs.

President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania and Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia, are expected to deliver the keynote statements. Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro, UN Deputy-Secretary-General, will open the high-level dialogue with statements to be given by Mr. Stefano Manservisi, Director-General of the European Commission’s Development Cooperation, Ambassador Olukorede Willoughby, Chief Executive Officer of the New Economic Partnership for Africa Development (NEPAD), Mr. Namanga Ngongi, President, AGRA, Ms. Patricia Francis, Executive Director, International Trade Centre, Mr. Abdoulie Janneh, Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africa, and Mr. Charles Gore, Special Coordinator, UNCTAD. Mr. Cheick Sidi Diara, Under Secretary General, Office of the Special Adviser on Africa will give the concluding remarks.

Drawing on relevant experiences from the newly industrialized countries in Asia and elsewhere, the high-level dialogue will discuss how the current growth momentum in Africa can transform African countries into tiger economies and thus accelerate the process of wealth creation and poverty reduction in the continent. The panel of speakers will also discuss how international and regional cooperation, including South-South cooperation, can help facilitate inclusive and equitable growth in Africa; how the requirements of rapid economic growth and environmental protection can be reconciled; how domestic financial resources may be better harnessed for development; how increased participation in international trade can boost the growth momentum in Africa; and how agricultural development can stimulate broader economic growth while enhancing food security, reducing poverty, and preserving the environment.

The meeting is being organized by UNIDO in cooperation with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

For more information, please contact:
Mr. George Assaf
UNIDO Spokesperson, UNIDO
Tel.: +43-1-26026-3489