The President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will organize this meeting to highlight the relevance of industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9). Resilient infrastructure and sustainable industrialization are key enablers of poverty eradication and can promote inclusion, connectivity and equality within societies. However, it can be complex and expensive to develop, especially in countries in Africa and countries in special situations. The Special Meeting will aim to bring the challenges involved to the attention of national, regional and international actors, and to forge solutions to bridge the gaps in infrastructure and industrialization across countries. This is an initiative supported by a range of UN entities including FAO, OHRLLS, OSAA, UNCTAD, UNDP, UNECA, UN-HABITAT, UNIDO and WIPO, and engaging other organizations such as the African Development Bank, the Africa Union, NEPAD and representatives from academia, civil society and the private sector. Two preparatory meetings will consider key messages and relevant practice and policy. The preparatory meetings take place on 26 March, in Dakar, Senegal, on the margins of the AU/ECA joint conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and from 24-26 April, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, on the topic of 'Agriculture and Agro-industries Development towards Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems'.

date: 31 May 2017
location: New York City, US
contact: President of ECOSOC
www: http://www.un.org/pga/71/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2015/08/memo-meeting-with-President-of-ECOSOC.pdf
https://www.un.org/ecosoc/en/events/2017/2017-special-meeting-ecosoc-“innovations-infrastructure-development-and-promoting