Scotland-Malawi Partnership Conference concludes at Holyrood
107/2005 | 5 November 2005
Sir David Steel speaking in the Chamber |
Delegates have made recommendations on what can be done to tackle the challenges facing the African Republic of Malawi at a conference organised by the Scotland-Malawi Partnership in the Scottish Parliament.
The conference’s conclusions were summed up this afternoon by the Rt Hon Sir David Steel KT, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee.
Speaking in the Parliament’s Debating Chamber, Sir David reflected on the themes that had emerged during the two-day event, including the urban-rural divide in Malawi and the importance of empowering women.
He reminded delegates of the long-standing links between Scotland and Malawi and said that the conference was part of a process that must continue for decades to come.
Sir David Steel said: “This is not a government to government activity. It is a people to people one, schools to schools, health authorities to health authorities, business to business and so on. It is a real twinning partnership at all levels.
“We close this conference with Scotland and Malawi having refreshed their historic links and with a new determination to benefit each other. For us in Scotland, Malawi will always remain the warm heart of Africa.”
Seodi White, Malawi National Coordinator of Women and Law in Southern Africa, spoke of the need to empower women |
Plenary sessions took place in the Main Chamber today covering Infrastructure, Growth and Poverty Reduction; Aid, Trade, Debt and Investment, and Accountability, Media and Civil Society.
The two day conference was opened yesterday with addresses from Co-Presidents of the Partnership, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and The President of Malawi, His Excellency Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.
Presiding Officer George Reid, who chaired the opening session, and First Minister Jack McConnell also welcomed delegates.
Speakers from the European Commission and the UN Research Institute for Social Development then discussed issues, including aid and the way forward for Malawi, and in the afternoon the floor was opened to delegates for comment and debate on the topic of Health.
Around 200 delegates, including political, academic and media representatives from Malawi, took part in the conference.
It was the last in a series of nine Africa-related events to take place in the Scottish Parliament this year.
Pictures of the day
Images can be obtained free of charge from the Parliament’s photography team on 0131 348 6269.
Footage of the day
The event will be archived online at www.holyrood.tv. Any requests for footage should be addressed to the Parliament’s Broadcasting unit on 0131 348 5148.
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