Durban to host World Economic Forum

THERE is a full programme of events planned around the 27th World Economic Forum (WEF) which takes place from 3-5 May at the ICC Durban.

More than 1100 delegates are expected to attend the event, amongst which are 21 heads of state, Forum member companies, representatives from government, international organsiations, civil society, academia, media and the arts.  The theme of the Forum is “Driving economic transformation in Africa through inclusive growth models.”
The Forum will comprise a three-day programme that will include high level sessions, working lunches, workshops and televised panels. The South African delegation attending the Forum will include national Ministers, limited provincial and City leadership including eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede, as well as members of the private sector invited by the Presidency. The WEF has will hold its next Africa meetings at the ICC in 2019 and 2021.

Side events taking place, to be hosted in partnership by eThekwini Municipality and the Province, include the Youth Breakfast Discussion on 3 May from 6.30m to 8.30am. The breakfast will engage with young leaders on the role the youth can play in supporting Africa to achieve ‘inclusive growth’. Participants will include the WEF Young Global Leaders and Global Shapers, local young professional and youth from local tertiary institutions. A welcome reception will also be hosted on 3 May.
A Thought Leadership Breakfast will be held on 4 May and will focus on the role of South Africa and other key African Markets in Africa’s developmental agenda. It will include a discussion panel to be attended by relevant stakeholders. A Mokete/cultural event will be held on 4 May and is the official cultural soiree and will be hosted by the President of South Africa.
The Made in Africa 2017 Fashion, Arts and Culture Pop-Up Market is also scheduled to take place under the theme: Designed in Africa. Made in Africa. For the World. The programme will include exhibitions, panel discussions, master classes and a fashion/cultural showcase.

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Acting Deputy City Manager for Economic Development and Planning, Phillip Sithole said there were numerous benefits for the City as the host of the prestigious event.
These included the estimated 3 000 visitors expected to travel to Durban for the conference as well as significant trade, investment and tourism marketing opportunities and profiling of Durban.

“The City won the bid to host this event, beating other bidding cities. As a result, a number of high profile investors are coming to our City. International media will also be covering the event. It is a good opportunity to change perceptions of the City as well as attract investment,” Sithole said.

Governance and Human Resources chairwoman Barbara Fortein said when conferences were hosted in the City it created a positive ripple effect. “We see increased hotel occupancy, restaurants are visited and jobs are created even if it is in the short term,” she said.