November 27, 2007. Plenary Sessions

Plenary Session I
UN and WFO

Family and Poverty: Trends and patterns of economic and non-economic aspects of inequality, their causes and consequences. The way forward.
This session discussed the way forward to implement policies to reduce inequalities, therefore poverty as: 1. Readdressing the worldwide asymmetries deriving from globalization. 2. Incorporating in policies and programs specific measures to guarantee access by marginalized groups to assets and opportunities. 3. Expanding and improving opportunities for employment, not only job creation, but also promotion of decent work. 4. Promoting social integration and cohesion as a key to development, peace and security having in mind that social integration requires the full participation of all groups in the social, economic, political and cultural spheres.

Moderator: Dr. Deisi Kusztra - World Family Organization - President
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Nikhil Seth - United Nations Office for Economic and Social Council Support and Coordination - Director
Keynote Speaker: H.E. Mme. Gisèle Madaila - Minister of Family - Federal Government of Belgium

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Plenary Session II
First Ladies Roundtable

Preventing Maternal, Newborn and Child Mortality: First Ladies at National and Local Level Mobilizing for Action
Family and children in the globalized world – similarities and differences among regions

This Session presented a broad overview of the current global situation regarding maternal, newborn and child health. In particular, it will focus on the key challenges and priority actions required to meet the commitments embodied in the Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 of reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality at Local Level. The session counted with National and Local First Ladies as well as former First Ladies willing to participate in the World Family Organization efforts to promote new events and actions, and support the existing ones, comprising governments, ngos, professional associations and academia, civil society, private sector and donors.
This session also discussed the similarities and differences among regions regarding to family and children.

Moderator: Mrs. Jolanta Kwasniewska, Communication without Barriers Foundation - President
Panelist: Her Excellency Mrs. Maria Kaczynska – First Lady of Poland
Panelist: Her Excellency Mrs. Štefka Kucan - Former First Lady of the Republic of Slovenia
Panelist: Mrs. Marina Taniguchi - Former First Lady of Curitiba City - Brazil