Issued by: Ministry of Social Development
26 October 2001
The Minister of Social Development, Dr. Zola Skweyiya, will hold a Conference with the United Nations agencies with the aim of building cooperation on Social Development matters including policy and programmes on poverty alleviation, HIV/AIDS, children, older persons, women, and the youth.
The Conference will take place on Monday 29th October 2001, at 08:30, in Pretoria, Espada Ranch, Lynnwood Road.
"This is the first international gathering of its kind with the UN agencies and is very significant. Amidst the on-going process of globalisation, a sustainable solution to the huge socio - economic challenges facing the country and the Department in particular, requires closer international cooperation particularly with the United Nations. Given their vast resources and expertise on policy and programmes, we are convinced that the international community in general and the UN system in particular, could play a critical role in helping us resolve our socio - economic problems as they did in assisting us attain our democracy," the Minister said.
The Minister will outline a number of policy and programme achievements and challenges relating to :
On their part the UN agencies will also outline their various programmes and policies regarding socio - economic development.
Amongst the speakers will be the Resident Co-ordinator and Head of UN Agencies, Mr. John Ohiorhienuan.
The Conference also concludes Social Development Month which was launched on the International Day of Older Persons on the 1st October 2001.
Enquiries : Mbulelo Musi
Cell : 083 602 5795