More Ministers, including those from the Arab region and Member States of the European Union have started to inscribe for the General Debate at UNCTAD XIII. The theme of the Conference -- Development-centred globalization: Towards inclusive growth and sustainable development -- is expected to be addressed in the General Debate which will run throughout the Conference from 22 to 27 April. Confirmed high profile political figures from the Arab region include HE Qatar's Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, as well as Tunisian President, His Excellency Dr. Moncef Marzouki among others. Among the EU Ministers inscribed to speak are H.E. Mr. Paul Magnette, Minister of Cooperation and Development of Belgium, H.E. Mr. Christian Friss Bach, Minister for Development Cooperation of Denmark, and H.E. Ms. Hautala Heidi, Minister for International Development of Finland. The Ministers will also be participating in a number of other events at the Conference, such as the third World Investment Forum, the Women in Development special event, and the various Round Tables that will discuss and elaborate on aspects of the four sub-themes of the Conference, such as the Round Table on "Strengthening all forms of cooperation and partnerships for trade and development, including North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation." Also confirmed for the Conference are EU dignitaries such as H.E. Ms. Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland, and H.E. Ms. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland. UNCTAD XIII will take place at the "Qatar National Convention Centre", Doha and will be held for the first time in the Arab region. It will provide an opportunity for wide-ranging debate and reflection on the state of the global economy and the major economic challenges facing developing countries, particularly in light of recent economic and social crises. The conference will be preceded by a series of events, among which are the third World Investment Forum (20-22 April), which will be attended by political decision makers and by high-level officials of global corporations, including Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Chairman of the Board of Nestlé. The Civil Society Forum (17-25 April) will gather some 400 representatives of non-governmental organizations from around the world. And the first Global Services Forum (19 April) will unite actors in this economic sector and government officials.
