Overview

The Infrastructure Dialogues comprises a series of regular events and an interactive website highlighting relevant topics and issues within the infrastructure sector. The dialogues are held at the DBSA and selected delegates are invited to attend.  The format for the seminars is:

• High level informed speakers who will present on the topic. There are generally three speakers per dialogue representing the private sector, the public sector and an academic/specialist.
• A strong facilitator with knowledge of the topic being discussed.
• Pre-circulation of a briefing note and relevant materials for the topic being discussed
• Structured discussions around specific issues pertaining to the topic with a view to contributing to developing a common understanding and position within the sector.
• A dialogue summary that sets out the issues raised and positions developed within the discussions.
• An evaluation at the dialogue event and an opportunity to comment online after the event.
• All materials are circulated via email and are available on the website to those registered.

All interested stakeholders are welcome to register to receive all materials, presentations, summaries and to continue the dialogues on the website

Purpose

The purpose of the Infrastructure Dialogues is to provide a high level and regular platform for discussion and a sharing of views and perspectives between senior government, private sector and civil society stakeholders in the infrastructure sector.  The desired outcome of the collective outputs of the Dialogues is an improved climate for policy and decision-making, and strengthened cooperation within the Infrastructure Sector.

Participation

Participation in the dialogues will be by invitation per topic, but a wider group of interested stakeholders will be able to engage by receiving the all the input documents, presentations and the discussions from the dialogue electronically.

The Infrastructure Dialogues are hosted by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), the  Business Trust Support Programme for Accelerated Infrastructure Development (SPAID) and the South African Cities Network (SACN).

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is one of several development finance institutions in South and Southern Africa. Its purpose is to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development by funding physical, social and economic infrastructure. DBSA’s goal is to improve the quality of life of the people of the region. For more details see www.dbsa.org.

The Business Trust Support Programme for Accelerated Infrastructure Development (SPAID) combines the resources of business and government to accelerate the achievement of the government’s infrastructure development targets. In addition SPAID provides a platform to improve understanding and dialogue between senior public and private sector stakeholders in the infrastructure sector. SPAID is an initiative of the Business Trust in partnership with the Presidency of the South African government. For more details see www.spaid.co.za.

The Business Trust combines the resources of business and government in areas of common interest to accelerate the achievement of national objectives. It focuses on creating jobs, building capacity and combating poverty. For more details see www.btrust.org.za

In conducting its work, the South African Cities Network (SACN) secretariat is guided by a programme framework that encourages cities to define city development strategies that adopt a long term view on urban challenges. SACN promotes an inter-governmental approach to planning; and a strategic focus on mobilizing city partners. The objective of any city development strategy is to ensure an integrated approach to development and economic growth in SA cities. For more details see www.sacities.net

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