Malawi Mayors at World Summit in Ghana

Mayors from over 90 countries have gathered in Accra, Ghana to discuss among other issues how the Cities could adopt the Fast Track Approach to the fight against HIV/Aids.

Blantyre City Mayor Noel Chalamanda and his Lilongwe City counterpart Mayor Willeeward Chapondera are attending the meeting under the sponsorship of the UNAIDS and National Aids Commission.

The 4th World Summit of Mayors and Leaders from Africa and of African Descent at Accra International Conference Centre aims at solidifying the international alliance between Africa and the diaspora, develop partnerships between municipalities and other stakeholders and address economic and social development issues.

The theme of the summit which has gathered over 20 000 delegates, is Cities leading sustainable human development and economic empowerment for Africa and the diaspora.

Opening the summit on Monday, Lord Mayor of Accra Dr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuje said it was important for Mayors and other African leaders to discuss issues affecting people in the continent.

Vanderpuje said there was need to advocate and be proactive in promoting city twining, sharing best practices, arrange training programmes for professionals.

He also said development of people should be on the agenda of African leaders apart from promotion of investment and tourism, ending HIV and Aids, provision of food, shelter, water and end restlessness and end racism.

Chalamanda in an interview from Ghana, described the summit which ends on Wednesday as a great opportunity to sell Blantyre to outside world in areas of investment and tourism.

Said Chalamanda: “Leaders from diaspora have come home to help in infrastructure development, education and help Africa to rise. Definitely, I would be very glad to invite some of these big names to Blantyre.”

Among notable people in attendance at the three day summit are former president of Ghana Gerry Rawlings, Mayor Frank of City of Prairie View in Texas, USA, Marcus Garvey’s grandson Dr.Julius Garvey, Hollywood actor Richard Grant.

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