International Conference on Poverty Reduction Strategy in the New Millennium: Emerging Issues, Experiences and Lessons Held in Beijing

　　During May 23-24, 2006, the International Conference on Poverty Reduction Strategy in New Millennium: Emerging Issues, Experiences and Lessons, jointly organized by IPRCC and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) was convened in Beijing. The conference was co-hosted by International Center for Agricultural and Rural Development of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and co-sponsored by UNDP, DFID, National Nature Science Foundation of China, CICETE and Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. The 100-plus participants to the conference included policy-makers, researchers and practitioners from 12 countries throughout Asia, Africa, America and Europe and representatives from 11 international organizations, bilateral institutions and NGOs. Liu Jian, Director of LGOP, Joachim von Braun, Director General of IFPRI and the representative of Khalid Malik, Resident Representative of UNDP in China presented at the Opening Ceremony and delivered remarks. Zhang Lei, Managing Director of IPRCC hosted the ceremony.
　　The conference elaborated on the poverty related situation and issues emerging in the new millennium, evaluated and exchanged experience and lessons on economic growth, social development and poverty reduction in various countries. The participants provided the conference with invaluable insights and new ideas around the Role of Government and Civil Society, Local Governance and Public Provision, Rural/Urban Dynamics, Factor and Output Market, Poverty Reduction Policy in Lagging (Less-Developed) Regions, Targeted approach and safety nets, NGOs and Poverty Reduction and International Experiences and Collaboration, all of which would be conducive for next step of joint actions and sharpened targeting of the poor.