24 Mar 2015

The Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) chairperson,  Lawrence Yule and secretary general Carl Wright are in Botswana to meet with the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane as part of the preparations for the upcoming CLGC conference.

The Commonwealth conference is a flagship event held every two years in different regions of the Commonwealth of which the 2015 edition will be in Gaborone from June 16- 19.

Briefing the media about the conference in Gaborone on March 23, Mr Tsogwane said the conference would provide a platform for member countries to share experiences on local governance and sustainable economic development.

He said they expect the conference to enrich professional knowledge on governance issues and enhance councilors’ knowledge on such issues.  “The conference will also provide a platform for sharing of ideas and best practices which are expected to promote new ideas and different approaches to issues of local government financing, women empowerment amongst others.”

In his remarks, Mr Yule said the conference would look at improving lives of billions of people in the Commonwealth countries and would also help shape CLGF policies towards the implementation of the development goals.


He further thanked the government of Botswana through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Botswana Association of Local Authorities (BALA) who are also organising the event.

BALA president, Mr Mpho Moruakgomo concurred that it was a privilege and honour for Botswana to host the event. Mr Moruakgomo stated that now that the conference would be held in Botswana, it would create an opportunity for councilors and staff to partake in the event.

He said they would take advantage of the event and ensure that all the relevant stakeholders participate in it. The conference is expected to attract 600 participants from the Commonwealth countries. ENDS