Thursday , 28 May 2015 – 08:00 – 18:00 Description :               Over the past decade, the AfDB has had more active involvement with civil society organizations (CSOs) and other non-state actors than in the past. As the Bank’s policies have evolved to focus increasingly on promoting poverty reduction through a participatory approach emphasizing accountability, transparency, good governance, and outreach and communication, CSOs have become a part of the AfDB’s country operations and regional policies and programs. The Bank’s Ten Year Strategy (2013-2022) offers opportunities for renewed forms of engagement and collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs). The Framework for Enhanced Engagement with Civil Society Organizations, adopted by the Bank in 2012 aims to reinforce the partnership with CSOs and to enable the Bank to strengthen development results through improved collaboration with CSOs and strengthened mechanisms of participation and coordination.

Venue : Chandelier, Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire                 Panelists :                   Mr. Mamadou Goita, President, CSO Coalition, AfDB Mr. Seth Osafo, AfDB African Negotiator of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Mr. Aloysius Uche Ordu, Board Member, Partnership for Transparency Fund Ms. Saran Daraba Kaba, Executive Secretary, Mano River Union, Sierra Leone Mr. Neil Cole, Executive Secretary, Collaborative Africa Budget Reform Initiative, South Africa Ms. Christine Andela, Coordinator, CSO Platform, Cameroon Mr. Jeff Gutman, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution, USA     Ms. Lisa Elges, Programme Leader, Berlin Issues for Discussion : This forum will seek to strengthen the partnership between the Bank and CSO’s across Africa, by proving a platform for dialogue and information exchange around important issues concerning ‘Integrating post-2015 agendas in Africa: the role of CSOs’. Rapporteur : Ms. Zeneb Toure, AfDB Articles - CSOs in dialogue: Expanding engagement with civil society to advance Africa’s climate-smart development - The AfDB strengthens its links with civil society: working towards positive, rapid progress in Africa Photos It is important to remember that the so-called “New Africa” is made up of 54 countries in five regions.

Africa is not a single monolithic whole. The only safe generalisation is that Africa is planning, managing and starting to finance its own destiny. Donald Kaberuka, AfDB President SubscribeEmail alertsAnnual Meetings E-Newsletter #afdbam2015 Tweets Useful InformationYour StayContact us Meetings VenueSofitel Hôtel Ivoire Complexchandelier saint medard Wendell Nelson started playing acoustic guitar and singing at age 13 in a family bluegrass group. chandeliers earl shiltonAt age 19, Wendell discovered his love for country music. chandelier rental kelownaHe became a charter member of the Country Store Opry which was started in 1967. In 1970, he recorded at Bradley's Barn in Nashville, TN. Later that year he moved to Baltimore, MD and played local clubs in that area prior to his employment with General Motors.

Wendell is retired and now resides in Franklin, WV. He is the lead singer for the Country Store Opry. A country girl from the start, Carolyn Simmons grew up on a farm in Friends Run just outside of Franklin, WV. She married Donnie Simmons and has one child and two grandchildren. Music has always been a huge part of her life either singing harmony with her father and sisters as the Bowers Family or playing piano for the Friends Run Church. As part of the Country Store Opry, she utilizes that harmony with each band member while playing an acoustic guitar. Some of her favorite solo country songs are Coal Miner's Daughter and You're Lookin' at Country. Grey grew up on a farm in Pocahontas County near Cass, WV. When he was six years old he was stricken with double pneumonia and the doctor recommended harmonica playing in order to strengthen his lungs. His father purchased a harmonica for him and ensured that he played it every day for therapy. Grey served in the military during the Korean War and was assigned to the Army Security Agency.

During this time he purchased several Hohner harmonicas. Grey earned a Masters degree from William and Mary in 1962 and spent the next 35 years in the education field. He and his wife, Mary Catherine, a retired teacher of special needs children, now reside on their farm in Brandywine, WV. They have two sons and one grandson. "On Top of Ol' Smokey" Danny started playing guitar at the age of 8. He grew up playing Bluegrass Gospel music with his family and played in his church band. By age 12, he started working with other instruments: Bass, Piano, Electric Guitar, and Banjo. At the age of 18 he started playing lead guitar full time with Carolyn & the Pilots Gospel Quartet. Later he played with several other Gospel groups. For the last 20 years, he has played lead Guitar, keyboard, and Pedal steel in several different Country bands, as well as the house band for the Crystal Springs Jamboree. Danny has had the opportunity to work with some great musicians in various recording studios.

He has also had the privilege of opening shows for David Allan Coe and Bill Anderson. He is currently working with the Country Store Opry Band from Petersburg, WV. which he enjoys very much though his roots are in Bluegrass. He loves playing "old" country music on his Telecaster guitar. He is grateful to his wonderful parents for getting him started in music and thanks God for his talent and all the people that have given him a chance and reason to keep playing. Jeff has played drums since the age of 8 and is known for his versatility and love of working in different musical contexts. As a performer, Broschart has toured and recorded with artists such as Mixed Company, Centerpiece, Linda Lee, Gloryland Band, Ginsangers, Linda Wagner, Pam Roberts, and the Appalachian Jazz Ensemble. Jeff is currently teaching drums in his home studio on the shores of Scotts Lake near Beverly, WV. Debbie Kendrick Phillips started singing at age 9 with Mom and Dad and her brother Danny at church in Ohio.

She has been part of many Gospel Trios and Quartets down thru the years, traveling and singing in many states including Colorado, Oklahoma, Va. WV and surrounding areas. She loves to sing Gospel ,Southern Gospel and Classic Country music. Debbie feels it a blessing to have the opportunity to sing on stage with the wonderful people of the Country Store Opry. She is extra blessed that her brother, Danny and husband, Mark are part of the band. Mark Phillips started playing guitar at age 8. His dad taught him some chords and he was self taught from there. He plays bass guitar and drums. He has played bass professionally since 1974. His music background includes rock, classic country, and contemporary Christian. He has played for several local bands in Elkins WV including The American Theater and Crystal Springs Jamboree. He has also played up and down the east coast. Mark now plays bass guitar for the Country Store Opry and the music ministry at the Elkins Family Worship Center, Church of God.