President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at a public lecture in Durban mid this month aimed at advancing regional integration and promoting the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Vision 2050.
The Presidency announced that Ramaphosa will address the event at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville Campus on Friday, August 14, as part of South Africa’s hosting of the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government.
According to presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the lecture will create a platform for dialogue on the region’s long-term development agenda.
“The public lecture is an opportunity for people from different sectors of society to participate in discussions about the regional integration agenda and strengthen public ownership of SADC’s Vision 2050,” he said.
Held under the theme, Translating SADC Vision 2050 into Action: Pathways Towards Solidarity, Equality and Shared Prosperity, the lecture will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders, diplomats, students and members of the public to discuss practical measures for strengthening regional cooperation.
Discussions will focus on industrialisation, infrastructure development, market integration, peace and security, human capital development, good governance and inclusive economic growth across Southern Africa.
Magwenya said the event would also assess progress made towards achieving the regional vision while identifying challenges and opportunities requiring accelerated action.
“Against the backdrop of global uncertainty, climate-related shocks, economic pressures and the need to strengthen regional resilience, the public lecture will provide an important opportunity for policymakers, academics, business leaders, regional experts, diplomats, students and members of the public to engage on how SADC can move from aspiration to implementation and deliver tangible improvements in the lives and livelihoods of the people of Southern Africa,” he said.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa’s keynote address will reaffirm SA’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and driving the implementation of SADC Vision 2050 in pursuit of solidarity, equality and shared prosperity.
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