You are cordially invited to attend the Asia and Pacific Forum on Poverty, at ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines on 5-9 February 2001.

The Asia and Pacific Forum on Poverty is part of ADB's Poverty Reduction Strategy. It is a means of intensifying the debate on poverty reduction issues in the Region among representatives from governments, the private sector, non-government organizations (NGOs), international and bilateral development/aid organizations. It will be held once every three years. At the Forum, Member countries and ADB will review their efforts to reduce poverty, in the context of underlying causes of poverty and hindrances to poverty reduction, the debate of which is essential for finding new ways to attain poverty reduction goals.

Participants at the Forum will come from governments, NGOs, the private sector, development agencies, and the research institutions. Prominent leaders from NGOs and community-based organizations will be invited to the proceedings. The total number of participants will be about 200.

Further details on the Forum will be posted as they become available.

Media Center

A Media Center adjacent to the Forum venue will be set up for journalists to assist them in reporting on the Forum.

Registration

Media can pre-register by sending an e-mail to Cristina Espino (cespino@adb.org) with personal data (name, address, phone number and e-mail address) and name of the media organization.

Pre-registered media will still have to register at the Forum in order to be given IDs.

IDs must be worn at all times and will entitle you to attend the plenary and parallel sessions.

Queries

Please contact Omana Nair, External Relations Officer, with any queries. Her e-mail address is onair@adb.org.