Saturday, 9 March 2013

News Release: The Fifth Tokyo International Conference For African Development Ministerial Meeting




The Fifth Tokyo International Conference for African Development Ministerial Meeting (TICAD V)

Theme: " Hand In Hand For A More Dynamic Africa"

When: 15th -17th March 2013
15th March 2013 : Senior Official meeting
16th – 17th March 2013 : Ministerial meeting


Where: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Who: Ministers and delegations of African countries and TICAD co-organizers, namely the African Union Commission (AUC), Government of Japan, the United Nations, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office of the Under Secretary General and Special Advisor on Africa (UNOSSA) and the World Bank, along with representatives of other partner countries, international and regional organizations, the private sector and civil society organizations.

The Meeting will be co-chaired by the Government of Ethiopia and the Government of Japan. It consists of four plenary sessions, namely “ Outcome documents of TICAD V”, “Inclusive and Resilient Society-Contribution of TICAD to the MDGs process-“, “Peace and Stability in Africa-Pressing issues-“, “Trade and Investment in Africa-Opportunities and Challenges-“. Each plenary session will be co-chaired by respective TICAD co-organizer.

Objectives: African ministers and delegates from Japan and African countries, along with representatives of other partner countries, international and regional organizations, the private sector and civil society organizations will convene to review progress made in the implementation of the Yokohama Action Plan.

TICAD has evolved into a major global platform for African development. The forthcoming TICAD V will provide an excellent opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the TICAD process over the last 20 years and renew political will and commitment to TICAD’s continued partnership in support of Africa’s development.

Background:
In preparations for the Fifth Tokyo International Conference for African Development (TICAD V), scheduled to be from 1-3 June 2013, Yokohama, Japan. The TICAD V Follow-Up Ministerial Meeting will be held in Addis Ababa from 14-16 March 2013, on two levels.

Organized under the theme “Hand in Hand for a More Dynamic Africa”, TICAD V will discuss the “Yokohama Declaration 2013”, outlining principles for advancing African development among TICAD stakeholders, as well as the “Yokohama Action Plan 2013”, laying out a road map for action oriented initiatives centered around six main pillars, namely achieving private sector-led growth, accelerating infrastructure development for growth, transforming farmers into main actors for growth , promoting sustainable and resilient growth, creating an inclusive society for growth, and realizing a peaceful and stable continent and generate hope for growth. TICAD V is expected to be attended by representatives from many African countries, including heads of State and government.

It will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the TICAD process, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, and affirm that TICAD has evolved into a major global platform for African development.

Ms. Afrah M. Thabit
Communication Officer,
African Union Commission
Cell: +251) 911-200922
E-mail: Thabitma@africa-union.org; afraht@hotmail.com

News Release: Ending Violence Against Women Critical To Ending AIDS





(Message from UNAIDS Executive Director on International Women’s Day)

Ending violence against women is not only an urgent human rights need—it is critical to ending AIDS. Up to 7 out of 10 women experience violence in their lifetime. Violence or the fear of violence can prevent women from negotiating safer sex. At the same time women living with HIV are often more vulnerable to violence, which can stop women from getting the HIV care and treatment they need.

Today, half of all people living with HIV are women. Every minute one young woman is infected with HIV. This is not acceptable. Only when we value a girl’s health and welfare as highly as a boy’s, only when we listen and act equally to women’s voices—then can we have a chance at ending this epidemic.

On this International Women’s Day, I am counting on you to stand together as caring communities. Let us reach for shared dignity, mutual respect and a renewed commitment to end violence against women and girls.

Michel Sidibé
Executive Director,
UNAIDS.