Microsoft, supported by the Scottish parliament and the Scottish Executive, will host its high level Government Leaders Forum at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, 30 - 31 January. Hosted in the UK for the first time, the aim is to discuss the various 21st century challenges facing European communities, and the contribution that technology can make to education, governance and economic development.
The event provides a platform for Prime Ministers, Ministers, EU Commissioners and policy advisers from across Europe to come together and discuss a range of current global issues. Over the two days there will be a variety of speeches, panel discussions and working sessions looking at topics such as e-government, digital learning, employability and skills, designed to help address some of these complex issues.
His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, The Duke of York, who is the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment will open the forum on the Tuesday morning (30 January) and there will also be a speech from the First Minister of Scotland, the Rt Hon Jack McConnell MSP. In addition, key note speeches will be given by Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation, and The Right Honourable Gordon Brown, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer UK, with contribution from the many European leaders outlined below.
Forum speakers
Tuesday 30 January
Theme: Employability
- His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York
- The Right Honourable George Reid MSP, Presiding Officer, Scottish Parliament
- Jean-Philippe Courtois, President, Microsoft International
- The Honourable Massimo DÂ’Alema, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Italy
- Wim Kok, Minister of state, and former Prime Minister, The Netherlands
- The Right Honourable Jack McConnell MSP, First Minister of Scotland
- Heinz Zourek, Director General for Enterprise and Industry, European Commission
- Danuta Hubner, Commissioner for Regional Policy, European Commission
- Sali Berisha, Prime Minister, Albania
- Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, President, Iceland
Wednesday 31 January
Theme: Government partnerships at all levels
- Gerri Elliot, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Public Sector, Microsoft Corporation
- Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation
- The Right Honourable Gordon Brown MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, UK
- Augusto Lopez Claros, Editor of the 2006-2007 Global Competitiveness Report and Chairman & Founder of the International Consulting Network
- Eberhard Sinner, State Minister, Bavaria, Germany
Jean-Philippe Courtois, President Microsoft International said: "The Government Leaders Forum is a great opportunity for the most influential leaders in Europe to come together and discuss the main issues confronting businesses and governments in the 21st century. We are delighted to welcome Prince Andrew and Gordon Brown MP to address the event, and look forward to an informative few days."
The First Minister of Scotland, the Rt Hon Jack McConnell MSP said: "It is an honour for Scotland to host this important event - and to welcome government and business leaders from Europe and beyond. I am confident they will be charmed by our beautiful country and its friendly welcome.
"The themes of this conference - engaging with the citizen, the importance of learning to economic prosperity, and mobility of labour, are all interesting for our Scottish government.
"We are looking forward to sharing our experiences in how democratic institutions, businesses and citizens can work together to build a prosperous, sustainable future for all."
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