The Scotland Malawi Partnership hosted a unique and groundbreaking conference in November 2005. Held at the Scottish Parliament, the conference (entitled 'Malawi After Gleneagles: A Commission for Africa Case-Study') brought together around 200 delegates, including politicians, academics, journalists and representatives of NGOs and civil society, from both Scotland and Malawi.

The two day conference was opened with addresses from the Honorary Presidents of the Partnership, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and The President of Malawi, His Excellency Dr Bingu wa Mutharika.

Presiding Officer George Reid, who chaired the opening session, welcomed the delegates and First Minister Jack McConnell delivered a keynote speech.

The conference was widely hailed as a resounding success, with delegates particularly noting the high quality of debate on several highly topical issues. The conference has also been praised for bringing together representatives of government and civil society in a spirit of cooperation and meaningful discussion which is rarely seen elsewhere.

Sir David Steel, Chair of the Planning Committee, succinctly summed up the conference and the relationship between the two countries: This is not a government to government activity. It is a people to people one, schools to schools, health authorities to health authorities, business to business and so on. It is a real twinning partnership at all levels. In Scotland, Malawi will always remain the warm heart of Africa.

Reports of the Conference can be downloaded here: 'Malawi After Gleneagles: A Commission for Africa Case-Study'. Hard copies can be purchased for six pounds, including post and packaging. E-mail the Scotland Malawi Partnership for more details.

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