Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power opens Irish Aid Global Development Conference at the University of Limerick

Minister of State for Overseas Development Peter Power opens Irish Aid Global Development Conference at the University of Limerick

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power, will this week open a major international conference on global development, which is sponsored by Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development.

 The Sustainable Global Development conference will draw more than 160 academics and practitioners working in international development and development education to the University of Limerick on October 15 and 16. 

The conference is designed to promote exchanges and learning around global development issues in third-level institutions, and will feature papers, symposia, educational workshops and audio-visual presentations by attendees from Africa, Latin America, Asia and Europe.

Among the key themes to be discussed over the two-day event are education in developing countries, peace-building, sustainable healthcare and rural and urban development. More than 70 papers reflecting the latest research and practice in international development issues will be presented.

The keynote address will be delivered by Roger Riddell, author of ‘Does Foreign Aid Really Work’, who is regarded among the world’s foremost experts on effectiveness of overseas development aid.  Other speakers include Ana Valadez who is an indigenous rights and biodiversity campaigner and activist.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Minister Power said “I am pleased to welcome 160 committed academics and practitioners from across the world to my home city of Limerick - and to the University of Limerick in particular - to discuss global development and education.

“Universities and other third-level institutions have a key role to play in development and in educating the next generation of development workers and academics. These are the people who will ensure that the focus on the fight against poverty, hunger and injustice in the developing world is maintained in the years to come.

“This conference is part of Irish Aid’s commitment to promote global development studies and development education in Irish third-level institutions. As we know in Ireland, education is a key driver of social and economic success, and the research and practical experience that will be shared over the course of this conference will prove invaluable.”

According to the conference convenor, Dr Roland Tormey, Department of Education and Professional Studies, University of Limerick, “This event will generate knowledge about development and sustainability that will improve people’s lives both in Ireland and in some of the world’s poorest countries. 

“The events leading up to the conference have already had a marked impact upon the University of Limerick and the learning that will happen here over these two days will be brought back to governments, to development workers and to charities in order to improve their work”.

Registration for the Sustainable Global Development Conference is now open.

For more information on the conference and to register for the event please visit the website http://paulo.ul.ie/developmentconference2009/

For further information on Irish Aid visit www.irishaid.gov.ie

Photos from this event will be sent to your picture desk by Press 22.

For further information about the Sustainable Global Development Conference at the University of Limerick contact:

Christine Brennan

Acting Press Officer

Corporate Affairs Division

University of Limerick

Ph : 061 20 2219

Mobile : 086 781 8441

For further information about Irish Aid contact:

Fionnuala Quinlan

Press Officer

Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs

087-9099975

fionnuala.quinlan@dfa.ie

Ends+++

13th October 2009

Press Office