EDD 2006

In November 2006, the first edition of the European Development Days took place in Brussels, Belgium. The themes of this first edition were governance and Africa and up to 20 heads of state or government took part in the forum. EDD06 confirmed the role of Europe, not only as the world’s primary donor of development aid, but also as leader in the international debate on development cooperation.

Prominent figures in attendance includes Reverend Desmond Tutu; President of the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz; European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel; Saïd Djinnit, African Union, Commissioner for Peace and Security; and President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

All in all, there were 14 High Level Panels organised for the more than 3000 delegates. In addition to this, the Development Village brought together stakeholders and decision-makers for spontaneous discussion, and the range of side events organised to complement the main forum meant that there truly was something for everyone at EDD06.

It was the great success of EDD06 that laid the foundations for all subsequent editions of the European Development Days.

Dates:

9-13 November 2006 (3 days)

Turnout:

3 000 delegates

Highlights:

• A ‘Former Presidents’ roundtable took place, in which former presidents shared experiences of democratic transitions.

• There were important bilateral meetings on the situation in the Horn of Africa (piracy).

• There were 70 exhibitors represented in the Development Village.

•Philippe Douste-Blazy, Minister of Foreign Affairs (France) gave a plenary address on the UNITAID initiative.