The consultative meeting was officially opened by H.E. Minister Sufian Ahmed from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (unofficial transcript). Opening statements were also delivered by the DAG Co-Chair Mr. Howard Taylor and by Mr. Eugene Owusu on behalf of the UN Country Team (UNCT).
Breakout sessions held on the first day focused on: Financing, Growth and Economic Development; Social Sector Development; Capacity Building and Good Governance; and Opportunities, Challenges and Partnerships to deliver the GTP. (summary of key issues)
Acknowledging the ambitious nature of the GTP, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi noted that should there be a financing gap, priority would be given to reaching the MDGs.
He also stressed that not only was the GTP more ambitious than the PASDEP, but that it would require more continuous engagement over than years as the plan is implemented.
ETHIOPIA
Development Partners Group