The Danish Institute for International Studies, DIIS, has the pleasure of inviting you to a presentation and discussion with Myles Wickstead, Head of Secretariat for the Commission for Africa, who will be speaking on: The Africa Commission’s Work and RecommendationsTuesday 19 April 2005, 15.00-16.30Danish Institute for International Studies Main Auditorium Strandgade 71, Ground Floor, 1401 Copenhagen K About the Commission for Africa The Commission for Africa was launched by British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2004. It comprised 17 Commissioners, the majority leading Africans. The task was to produce a report defining the challenges facing Africa and providing clear recommendations on how to support the changes needed to reduce poverty. Our Common Interest, the report of the Commission for Africa was presented on 11 March 2005. An executive summary is available at: http://www.commissionforafrica.org. In this summary it is stated that “African poverty and stagnation is the greatest tragedy of our time. Poverty on such a scale demands a forceful response. And Africa – at country, regional, and continental levels – is creating much stronger foundations for tackling its problems. Recent years have seen improvements in economic growth and in governance. But Africa needs more of both if it is to make serious inroads into poverty. To do that requires a partnership between Africa and the developed world which takes full account of Africa’s diversity and particular circumstances. For its part, Africa must accelerate reform. And the developed world must increase and improve its aid, and stop doing those things which hinder Africa’s progress. The developed world has a moral duty – as well as a powerful motive of self-interest – to assist Africa. We believe that now is the time when greater external support can have a major impact and this is a vital moment for the world to get behind Africa’s efforts. The actions proposed by the Commission constitute a coherent package for Africa. The problems they address are interlocking. They are vicious circles which reinforce one another. They must be tackled together. To do that Africa requires a comprehensive ‘big push’ on many fronts at once. Partners must work together to implement this package with commitment, perseverance and speed, each focusing on how they can make the most effective contribution” (p. 11). About the Speaker Myles Wickstead has been the Head of the Secretariat to the Commission for Africa since it was formed in February 2004. He has a long history of working in Africa and from 2000-2004 was based in Addis Ababa as British Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti (non-resident). Previously he has been Head of the British Department Division in Eastern Africa, based in Nairobi 1993-1997. In the field of development his career has included positions as Head of the European Community and Food Aid Department at the Overseas Development Administration (1990-1993); Coordinator of the 1997 British Government Development White Paper "Eliminating World Poverty"; and on the Executive Board of the Counsellor (Development) Washington (1997-2000). Practical Information The seminar will be held in English. Participation is free of charge, but registration is required by e-mail to no later than 18 April 2005 at 12.00 noon. |
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