| High-Level Segment of Heads of State and Government: UNCTAD XII - Briefing Note |
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Date and venue Monday, 21 April 2008, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Accra, Plenary Hall
Background
The High-Level Segment will be an integral part of UNCTAD XII, the theme of which is ‘Addressing the Opportunities and Challenges of Globalization for Development’. It will focus attention on the African host region with a view to contributing to its development processes and economic progress in those areas within the competence of UNCTAD. The idea is to bring together a group of concerned policy and decision makers at the highest level of Heads of State and Government in an environment of international cooperation for an interactive dialogue and consensus building for the region.
Purpose
It is generally recognized that trade and economic development did not figure prominently in the Millennium Development Goals. The High-Level Segment will thus provide a vehicle to strengthen the action of the international community in those areas. As the focus of the segment will be trade and development, it would be expected, as an outcome, to identify actions and directions to accelerate the momentum of Africa’s progress and to strengthen the engagement of the international community with regard to new commitments and new initiatives or in support of already planned initiatives. The High-Level Segment will also serve as a means of drawing the attention of decision and policy makers, at the highest level, to the economic aspects of Africa’s needs and at the same time showcase the potential and capacity of UNCTAD to contribute and make a difference.
Main theme
Trade and development for Africa’s prosperity: Action and direction
Participants
Invited panellists include Heads of State and Government from Algeria, Brazil, China, Germany, Ghana, India, Malaysia, the Russian Federation, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and the United Kingdom. They also include the President of the European Commission.
Conduct
The High-Level Segment will be chaired by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and moderated by the Secretary-General of UNCTAD. Other Heads of State and Government who indicate their wish to attend will be invited to interact with the panel members. The Segment will be followed by a luncheon, possibly with a special invitee as speaker.
Format
The event will last approximately three hours. It will be organized in three phases:
1. The panel will be introduced by the moderator, and each member will make a 10-minute presentation on the theme.
2. Following the presentations, there will be a short dialogue among the panellists, facilitated by the moderator.
3. The floor will then be open for other Heads of State and Government in the audience to address the panellists.
4. The moderator will make a short closing summary.
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