The new partnership for Africa's Development: Debates, opportunities and challenges

The southern African Universities Social Conference (SAUSSC) was established in 1977 as an organisation dedicated to academic research and the dissemination of relevant information among universities in the region. It operates primarily, but not exclusively, for and with social scientists in an effort, ultimately, to make an impact on significant policy developments in Southern Africa. In the past, annual (and, since 2001, biennial) conference"s have covered topical issues of special importance to the region such as environmental factors in development, structural adjustment programmes, the impact and implications of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, corruption and good governance, democracy and cooperation, and debt relief and poverty alleviation initiatives. The 23rd Conference held in Pretoria, South Africa from 7-10 December, 2003 explored the issues, opportunities, and challenges inherent in the New Partnership for Africa's Development - the NEPAD initiative. The Conference sought to examine the extent to which NEPAD differs from previous plans for the development of the continent and its areas included an historical context for the initiative; concerns surrounding democracy and political governance; socio-economic development models; peace, security, and human rights; sectoral policies and priorities; institutional capacity and reform orientation; regional networks and integration; and resource mobilization. This book comprises a collection of papers, which will, hopefully, serve to inform public and specialist opinion in the region and beyond.