Women, Faith and Development Blog

Opening Procession and Welcome

Summit begins with a procession led by dance troupes from the Coyaba Dance Theater and Wesley Dancers, followed by a welcome by the Cathedral Dean, the The Very Reverend Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III. Joining Dean Lloyd on stage are the distinguished Co-Chairs of the Summit including the keynote speaker, The Honorable Madeleine Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State, The Right Honourable Kim Campbell, Prime Minister, Canada (1993), The Reverend Dr. Ishmael Noko, General Secretary, Lutheran World Federation, and Her Excellency Mary Robinson, former President, Republic of Ireland.

Former President Robinson spoke on behalf of the Co-Chairs. She said that this is a historic gathering because of it has brought together 126 leaders from all parts of the world, such as New Zealand, Kenya, and Argentina.  Leaders from the faith and development sectors will address the purpose of the conference and launch the Women, Faith and Development Alliance. Robinson acknowledged that if one wants a developing country to make progress in fighting poverty, one must empower girls and women.  At tomorrow's gathering, women, faith, and development leaders will work together to make tangible commitments and find ways to collaborate.

 

Women, Faith, and Development Alliance: Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW, Washington D.C. 20016