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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

International conference focuses on the future of small states

17 February 1999

More than 130 participants from around the world are gathering in St Lucia from 17-19 February 1999 for a conference to discuss how to overcome the vulnerability of small states. The conference, organised jointly by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the World Bank, has attracted Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers, Vice-Presidents and senior government Ministers from 20 small states.

International trade, loans, investment, insurance and disaster management will feature prominently. Delegates will grapple with these issues in addressing proposals on how small countries can reduce their vulnerability and fully participate in the benefits from globalisation.

The St Lucia conference is part of the programme of work of the Commonwealth Secretariat / World Bank Joint Task Force on Small States. The aim of this group is to report to the World Bank Development Committee in Washington DC and to Commonwealth Heads of Government at their next meeting, later this year, on practical proposals for the special and differential treatment of small states by the international development community.

To ensure effective consultation and dialogue, major multilateral organisations such as the European Union, IMF, UNDP, UNCTAD, WTO and major development banks are represented at senior levels. Bilateral donors, regional organisations, the private sector and academic institutions will also take part in these discussions.

Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division, Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
United Kingdom.
Tel: 0207-839 3411;
Fax: 0207-839 9081;
Telex: 27678

99/12 17 February 1999

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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081
Email: info@commonwealth.int