World Bank Chief Economist John Page Keynote Vital Voices Shanghai Symposium 'Women as an Economic Force'
WASHINGTON, Sept. 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an effort to build greater connections between Chinese and African women, Vital Voices Global Partnership, with the support of Standard Chartered Bank, will bring 18 African women to Shanghai, China over September 9-12, 2007, for a an intensive three-day program to develop partnerships that will further economic development and encourage trade while fostering accountability and encouraging social responsibility. The 18 African women will spend the week with other female Chinese senior executives and business owners on working together to build stronger economic relations while promoting positive trade practices between China and the Africa.
The program, which will take place at the Eton Hotel in Shanghai, will be keynoted on September 10 by John Page, Senior Economist with the World Bank, whose address will focus on Setting the Stage: China & Africa: Trade and Economic Development.
As the key sponsor to the event, Katherine Tsang, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited, said, "We are delighted to work with Vital Voices in providing the right platform for such a meaningful discussion on the development African and Chinese women's roles in leadership and business. This is very much aligned to our Bank's Diversity & Inclusion global initiative of creating and sustaining a meritocracy based on contribution which operates within a highly-diverse and inclusive culture.
"Vital Voices has gathered some of the most influential and experienced thought leaders and practitioners in the business world today and I, for one, am looking forward to hearing their views on the continually developing roles of women in the business world."
"Today we are witnessing a new era of Chinese investment throughout Africa," said Alyse Nelson Bloom, Vice President of Vital Voices and key organizer of this program. She added, "China is now the third largest trading partner with the continent, and is continuing to strengthen its ties with many African countries. While these new economic partnerships are being cultivated, it is critical that women come together to establish relationships to promote positive growth and development." In order to ensure the inclusion of women at the decision making table, Vital Voices will bring women from key African countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe to promote alliances between Chinese and African emerging entrepreneurs and business leaders in various sectors.
The African delegation of women will also connect with their Chinese counterparts to discuss economic development in China and Africa, while protecting human rights and promoting positive business practices.
The aim of this program is to develop an ongoing working group of women leaders that will lead the way for positive partnerships and fair business practices for Africa and China. As the economic ties between the two continue to grow, it is imperative that there is dialogue addressing the positive change these relations will have while ensuring that economic development is not achieved at all costs. These women will forge partnerships to ensure positive results for both China and Africa.
In addition to Standard Chartered Bank and Vital Voices, support for this program has come from the U.S. Department of State, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Orrick, a global law firm.
Katherine Tsang, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited and American Consul General Kenneth Jarrett will provide opening remarks at the Symposium.
NOTE: Representatives of the Media are welcome to attend this session, which begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 a.m.
Additional Symposium speakers include Ambassador Ruth Davis, Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, Amanda Ellis, Head of Gender Entrepreneurship Markets, IFC, Saadia Zahidi, Author and Economist, the World Economic Forum, Sheila Wong, Head of Corporate Affairs, Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited, Eileen O'Connor, Attorney, Orrick and former CNN White House Correspondent, Brenda Wong, General Manager of SME Banking, Standard Chartered Bank (China) Limited, Michael Useem, Professor of Management and Director of the Center for Leadership and Change at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and author of The Go Point: When It's Time To Decide among other books, and leading African and Chinese business leaders.
Vital Voices Global Partnership (VVGP) is an international nonprofit 501-c-3. It believes in the transforming value of women's participation in society and invests In advancing emerging women leaders who are true pioneers of economic development, political participation, and human rights in their countries. VVGP helps them build the capabilities, connections, and credibility they need to unlock their potential as catalysts of global progress. To fulfill its mission, VVGP builds leadership capacity, facilitates strategic partnerships, recognizes women leading change and enhances their credibility, and fosters global connections among women. It's Global Leadership Network of women has become the vital voices of our time.
