State Secretary Hans Winkler in the lead-up to a meeting on "Security and Development in Southern Africa"

Kigali, 6 June 2008 - "Unfortunately, there is no master plan as to how we can help societies damaged by conflict find their own course towards achieving peace and security, justice, the development of reliable institutions and the re-establishment of trust between various groups within society. However, the purpose of this conference - which is an Austrian initiative organised in close cooperation with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Centre for Conflict Resolution in Cape Town - is to identify and mark the road forward," declared State Secretary Hans Winkler in the lead-up to the Security and Development in Southern Africa Conference to be held from 8 to 10 June, 2008, in Johannesburg.

"Safeguarding peace and ensuring human security is one of the major objectives of the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) programme. Poverty can only be overcome if there is peace and stability. Better living conditions, in turn, help to ensure that conflict does not emerge," emphasised Winkler.

"Southern Africa is facing numerous challenges: continued poverty, the rapid spread of HIV-AIDS and its consequences, crime, natural disasters and violent disputes are often hotbeds of conflict. Political, economic and social strategies are as important as peace-keeping measures in addressing them," asserted Winkler, highlighting the increasing significance and necessity of strengthening regional cooperation.

The ADC has been a partner of SADC for many years. It has supported numerous programmes and projects aimed at building stable social and political structures, as well as the creation of tools for the management of conflict and the instigation and management of non-violent social change.

During the two-day conference academic and political experts from Africa, the EU and the United Nations will address the following themes:

• Structures and trends as regards peace-keeping in Southern Africa
• Roles and tasks of the African Union, the SADC, the EU and the UN
• Women’s contribution to human and political security in the region
• Peace missions to Africa
• Options for permanent long-term support by international organisations and donors

The SADC is a regional organisation that aims to achieve the economic and political integration of Southern Africa. Its members are Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Republic of South Africa, Swaziland and Tanzania.

Contact:

Federal Ministry for
European and International Affairs
Office of the State Secretary
Katharina Swoboda
Tel.: ++43 (0) 50 1150-3469
E-Mail: katharina.swoboda(at)bmeia.gv.at
http://www.mfa.at