Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Against the backdrop of the British Prime Minister's new Commission for Africa and the UK's preparations for chairmanship of the G8 and presidency of the EU next year, the Most Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane, the Archbishop of Southern Africa, has been invited to attend high level discussions on AIDS in Africa.

Hosted by the Royal African Society and the Overseas Development Institute, the 20 May round table at Pall Mall, London, will develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

In their invitation to the Southern African archbishop, Lord Holmes of the RAS and Baroness Jay of the ODI said, "We are glad that HIV/AIDS and Africa will be at the top of the UK's agenda for the next two years. We see this time as most propitious for an in-depth discussion, involving policymakers and leaders of private industry, about how best to help African countries cope with the long term impact of the devastating epidemic and appropriate policy and strategic choices for the British Government and private sector partners."

The discussion will examine key areas of impact such as the public service, economy, food security and national security. The importance of youth and women will be addressed. Specific policy options and recommendations for action will also be examined, as will the role of the private sector.

The invitation adds: "Given its high level nature and the important contribution that each participant will be able to make, we are keen to keep the round table to a maximum of 25 people.

The archbishop has also been invited, by the director of studies at St George's House at Windsor Castle, to a consultation on 10 June. Founded in 1966 by the Duke of Edinburgh, St George's brings together leaders in their respective spheres to discuss issues of importance in private and without publicity. This time the theme for discussion is "Can the Faith Communities Better Tackle the AIDS Crisis?

The Archbishop says he is honoured by both invitations and deeply gratified that AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa is being taken so seriously. "It is hugely encouraging when high powered players in the northern hemisphere begin operating within the spirit of Ubuntu. I am told that there are 14 million children orphaned by AIDS in the region and that the figure will be closer to 25 million within six years."

Source: Press Release, Tulleken & Associates