This is a report of the proceedings of - Asian Strategy & Leadership ...

50ProgrammeTHE ASIA THINK TANK DIALOGUE REPORTRebuilding Confidence, Restoring Livelihoods20 th February 2009, Excelsior Hotel, Hong Kong9.00am – 9.30am9.30am – 10.30amArrival of Participants / Morning Coffee / Informal Interactions.Welcoming Remarks & Introductions byMr. Sam Moon, Acting Executive Director, Building a Better Future Foundation andDr. Michael Yeoh, Chief Executive Officer, Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute(ASLI)Scene SettingSpecial Address by Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister, Thailand.Dr. Thaksin initiated numerous projects to help rural communities in Thailand asPrime Minister. He will share his experiences and insights on working with the ruralpoor and his vision on how we can collectively overcome rural poverty throughpractical, implementable projects. Dr. Thaksin will also share his vision for theBuilding a Better Future Foundation.10.30am – 11.00am11.00am – 12.30pmMorning Refreshments / Informal Interactions.Global Economic Crisis – Impact on Rural Development and PovertyThe global economic crisis has an impact on jobs, business and investor confidenceand will ultimately affect rural communities. Rural poverty may increase as pricesof agriculture commodities fall. This session will evaluate the impact of the crisis onAsia in general and on specific countries. How severe will the impact be on ruralcommunities? What are the economic challenges to address?Speakers:• Prof. Emeritus Dr. Mohamed AriffExecutive Director, Malaysian Institute of Economic Research.• Dr. Raymond AtjeHead of Economics, Centre for Strategic & International Studies, Jakarta.• Dr. Omkar L. ShresthaVisiting Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singaporeand former Deputy Country Director in Vietnam for Asian Development Bank.• Mr. Partha Rudra, Programmes Director, National Foundation for India12.30pm – 2.00pm2.00pm – 3.30pmLunch.Case Studies – Sharing of Country Experiences and Perspectives onHow Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Programmes haveSucceededThis session will look at specific approaches taken by some countries inaddressing rural poverty as well as rural development programmes. The UnitedNations Millennium Development Goals have provided a useful benchmark onglobal standards to be achieved to overcome poverty and ensure sustainabledevelopment. The United Nations Human Rights approach to development andpoverty can be another yardstick as could other countries’ experiences.Speakers:• Dr. Denison JayasooriaPrincipal Research Fellow, Institute of Ethnic Studies,National Universityof Malaysia / Human Rights Commissioner Malaysia andformer Executive Director, Social Strategic Foundation Malaysia.• Dr. Josef T. YapPresident, Philippines Institute for Development Studies, Manila.