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Programme 25^th - 26^th May 2011

Wednesday 25^th May: More than Numbers

The symposium opened with a key note address delivered by HE Ernest Rwamucyo, Rwandan High Commissioner, on behalf of Her Excellency the First Lady of Rwanda, Jeanette Kagame. The address outlined the considerable investments and achievements being made in Rwanda, a densely populated country facing considerable natural resource constraints, to drive development, with a focus on education, gender equality and reproductive health.

The presentation provided an excellent introductory illustration and practical policy approaches, to the synergistic challenges at the centre of the key symposium themes. Additional speakers brought diverse insights and regional perspectives to issues relating to population, environment and consumption footprints, contributing to the first day’s theme of 'More than numbers.' A lively and popular panel discussion 'Population growth: problem or hype?' provided an energetic and - at times - heated end to the first day.

Thursday 26th May: From Numbers to Action

The second day of the conference ‘From numbers to action’ proved to be just as dynamic, provoking discussion on connections at both national and regional levels between wealth inequalities and issues relating to ageing and migration, as well as consideration of effective public health interventions, economic planning challenges beyond 2015, and policy and research directions. A highlight was provided by keynote speaker Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of UNFPA, who resolutely made the case that empowering the world’s 2 billion young people is critical. On 27 May a smaller follow-up meeting was attended by 64 experts who were speakers and delegates of the symposium, to explore ongoing opportunities for advocacy, public policy engagement and collaboration.

You can download a copy of the conference programme here