This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Commonwealth Local Government Conference comes to Scotland
14/03/2005
The Commonwealth Local Government Conference offers an
excellent opportunity to promote Scotland - and the work of
Scottish Councils - on the international stage, Finance
Minister Tom McCabe said today.
Delegates and speakers from across the world will be in
Scotland for the Commonwealth Local Government
Conference.
Aberdeen is hosting the conference from 15-17 March. It
will focus on promoting, sustaining and re-energising local
democracy. There will be speakers from countries including
Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka. One
of the highlights will be the presence of Archbishop
Desmond Tutu on 17 March.
Welcoming the delegates and speakers to Scotland, Tom
McCabe, Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform
said:
"I am delighted to welcome delegates from across the
Commonwealth to Scotland. I am also delighted that
representatives from the highest level of national and
local government will be at the conference in Aberdeen.
"This event provides a unique opportunity for those
involved in local government to meet, discuss key issues
and learn from international experience.
"This is a timely event for Scotland to host as we
endeavour to renew local democracy. It is important for us
to consider, and stimulate discussion with others, why
local democracy is important, how it can be strengthened in
our communities, and what benefits it will bring.
"This conference offers an excellent opportunity to
promote Scotland. Our constitutional arrangements are
maturing and there is no doubt we - and local government -
are looking forward to engaging with our Commonwealth
colleagues."