Heads of State to consider the strategic direction of the NEPAD Agency

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24 July 2010, Kampala - The 23rd New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) will be held today at the Commonwealth Banqueting Hall, Speke Resort, Munyonyo within the context of the 15th African Union (AU) Summit.

This being the first HSGOC meeting since the landmark 14th AU Summit Decision on the establishment of the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency (NEPAD Agency), the African Heads of State will discuss progress on the transition process of the NEPAD Agency as a key outcome of the integration of NEPAD into the AU.

The Chairperson of the NEPAD HSGOC, H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia will chair the meeting whilst the H.E. President Bingu wa Mutharika of the Republic of Malawi and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H. E. Dr. Jean Ping will deliver key-note statements.

Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki the Chief Executive Officer of the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency will brief the African leaders on the activity report of the Agency for February to June 2010.

The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Mr. Gordon Brown will make brief remarks on issues concerning the economic development and partnerships whilst the Hon. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Canada, Mr. Peter Kent is expected to speak on the outcomes of the G8 and G20 Summits of June 2010.

The 23rd HSGOC will run from 9:00am to 12:00 Noon in the Banqueting Hall, Speke Resort, Munyonyo within the context of the 15th African Union (AU) Summit.