18 Sep 2018

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi is in St. Petersburg, Russia for the Second Eurasia Women’s Forum.

A news release from the ministry says the two-day forum, scheduled for September 20-21, is expected to reflect on issues of women empowerment and their role in politics, the development of the digital economy, innovative development of the social sphere, environmental security, strengthening of international cooperation as well as promotion of charity and humanitarian projects.

The forum’s programme corresponds with the provisions of the declaration: “Transformation of our World: Agenda for Sustainable Development for 2030” adopted by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution of September 25, 2015, says the release.

It says international organisations such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the World Bank, the World Health Organisation and International Labour Organisation are expected to conduct the forum’s  plenary sessions.

The release says the forum, hosted by the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Member States of the Commonwealth of Independent States is expected to attract participation of women parliamentarians, representatives of the executive authorities, international organisations, business community, scientific community, public organisations, charity and humanitarian organisations as well as authoritative figures of the international women’s movements from more than 100 countries.

“It is understood that the Inaugural Eurasia Women’s Forum held in September 2015 was a huge success given that it drew a powerful public response and demonstrated the steadily increasing role of women in resolving social, economic and humanitarian problems and in strengthening peace and security,” states the release.

Dr Venson-Moitoi is expected to meet with the chairperson of the Russian Council of the Federation as well as ministers and senior Russian Federation government officials prior to her return on September 23.

The release states that during Dr Venson-Moitoi’s absence, Mr Kgotla Autlwetse will be the acting minister. ENDS