The International Conference, whose theme is “The Role of Traditional Institutions. Arts and Cultural Development and Sustainable Rural Development,” is the premier gathering place for all those working on the land and the national question, and development issues in the conference and beyond.

It is a chance to assess where we are, evaluate recent developments, and lessons learnt, and take stock of the situation as it affects our people, particularly in rural areas. We seek to chart a positive course forward collectively. The conference will bring together Traditional leaders, the House of Traditional Leaders, traditional leaders from abroad, ministers of government, academics rural and urban women and youth and other stakeholders to deliberate on these and other relevant issues to formulate recommendations and implement a coherent program of action to sustain and promote rural development in particular. The conference objectives will be a cornerstone of the workshops and seminars during this event.