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Prominence for civil society organisations:
Biggest fora to attract an array of participants
by Uditha Kumarasinghe
 Deputy Speaker Chandima Weerakkody said that 268 foreign institutions
and 190 local institutions have already confirmed their participation in
the Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) at Chaya Tranz, Hikkaduwa from
today till November 14.
The CPF’s prime objective is to give prominence to civil society
organisations and create opportunities for dialogue between civil
society, the government and private sectors and youth, the Deputy
Speaker who is a member of Sub Committee on Media and Publicity of the
CHOGM 2013 Task Force told the Sunday Observer yesterday.
The issues brought up at the CPF will be presented for discussion at
the Civil Society Round Table scheduled to be held at the BMICH on
November 15.
The Deputy Speaker said nearly 75 countries are scheduled to
participate in the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) at the Cinnamon
Grand from November 12 - 14. The total representation of the CBF would
be around 1,400 which includes 638 foreign delegates and 733 local
delegates. Ten state leaders are also due to attend the CBF.
The CBF, the premier business event in the Commonwealth brings
together Heads of Government, Ministers and top business leaders from
around the world. It would provide an opportunity for high level
dialogue on trade and investment among business and government leaders
from the Commonwealth and beyond.
The Forum will be opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and will be
addressed by Commonwealth Heads of Government.
Weerakkody said nearly 40 countries have already pledged their
participation in the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) at the International
Convention Centre, Hambantota from November 10 - 14.
The total participation of CYF would be around 350 which includes 102
foreign and 50 local participants.
The CYF would open avenues for youth leaders to exchange ideas and
cultures, build their skills and network and identify the most vital
challenges and opportunities facing youth today. |
