BoV sponsors Commonwealth People's Forum

Bank Of Valletta, the official bank for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this month, has announced it will also be sponsoring the Commonwealth People's Forum between November 21 and 25.

The theme for this forum is "Networking Commonwealth People". The forum aims to provide a space for interaction among Commonwealth civil society organisations, and between such organisations and government. The 2005 Commonwealth People's Forum will include civil society meetings, exhibitions, and cultural activities.

The sponsorship was presented by BoV chief executive officer Tonio Depasquale to Godfrey DeMarco, chairman of the steering committee of the Commonwealth People's Forum 2005 at the bank's Sliema head office.

Mr Depasquale said: "We are fully aware of the logistical implications of this unique event, which has already confirmed participation of over 300 delegates. We are pleased to note that the profile of this year's edition of the Commonwealth People's Forum is further strengthened by the fact that, for the first time, the event will have a round table dialogue between civil society representatives and foreign ministers present in Malta.

"This year's edition of the Commonwealth People's Forum will address several important topics, namely the millennium development goals, sustainable development, and economic justice with specific focus on such topics as globalisation and fair trade," Mr Depasquale explained. "A Children's Day and a Gozo Day involving Gozo associations of NGOs are also part of the programme of events."

The organisation of the 2005 Commonwealth People's Forum is being overseen by a Steering Committee comprising key leaders from Maltese civil society and government, and five members of the Commonwealth Foundation's Civil Society Advisory Committee from the Fiji Islands, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania.

The theme will be explored in more depth in the civil society meetings through five issue-based sub-themes: "Networking Commonwealth People... to build a strong civil society"; "Networking Commonwealth People... to achieve economic justice "; "Networking Commonwealth People... in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals"; "Networking Commonwealth People... using ICTS to address poverty"; and "Networking Commonwealth People... to promote sustainable development".

The exhibition will run from November 21 to 23. Organisations will display examples of their work and demonstrate the contributions they are making to development and democracy and networking in the Commonwealth.

As in previous years, the CPF will feature a very vibrant cultural programme from November 21 to 25, comprising tours to heritage sites, performances by bands, choirs and culture groups.