Focus on the world's poor in October

The main objective of the commemoration of IDEP, which will be held from October 15 to 31, is to promote awareness and dialogue on poverty in Botswana.

Although a number of activities have been planned for the two-week commemoration, the main event - at which the Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning Duncan Mlazie will be the main speaker, will be held in Gaborone on October 22. The UN has recommended October 17, but this date will fall on a Wednesday this year, a day designated as Cabinet Day in Botswana.  The specific objectives of IDEP 2007 include mobilising broad-based alliances against poverty and the dissemination of information on poverty with regard to how it is understood. IDEP will also be an opportunity to review progress made and what challenges confront Botswana, the statement says. IDEP will reflect on key policies, strategies and programmes to reduce poverty, while promoting dialogue on poverty as a human development challenge.