Special Envoys for the Conference, Mr. Trevor Manuel, South African Finance Minister and Ms. Heidemarie Weiczorek-Zeul, German Minister for Development Cooperation. Following presentations by panelists, interactive discussions took place among representatives of Member States, inter-governmental organizations, UN agencies, civil society and the business sector. Pre-conference events The Conference was preceded by a high-level retreat on the global financial crisis, hosted on 28 November by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Emir of Qatar. The retreat was attended by some 30 Heads of State or Government and ministers from both developed and developing countries, as well as high-level representatives of the major institutional stakeholders. The retreat was meant to serve as a “bridge” between the discussions on the financial crisis that had taken place among smaller groups of countries and the wider membership of the United Nations. A Global Forum of Civil Society was held from 26 to 27 November on the theme “Investing in people-centered development” and attracted participation of more than 250 civil society organizations and networks. In addition, an International Business Forum, held on 28 November focused on mobilizing private sector resources for development and was attended by more than 200 participants from the private sector. Side events More than 50 side events took place at the Conference site. In the spirit of Monterrey, the organizers were Governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations and the business sector. The issues of inclusive and innovative financing for development featured prominently in several side events. High-level speakers included: HRH Princess Maxima of the Netherlands, the President of Tanzania. Source: http://www.un.org/esa/desa/desaNews/v13n01/global.html#Doha For more information: http://www.un.org/esa/ffd/doha/index.htm Press and NGO reactions to the Doha Conference The press noted that few leaders of Western countries attended the meeting. The meeting was also marked by the absence of the heads of the Bretton Woods institutions (World Bank and IMF). The United States aid chief still thought the meeting was worthwhile, and welcomed the outcome. Other, such as the Eurodad network criticised it. Conference website: http://www.un.org/esa/ffd/doha/ 2015 - Third international Conference in Addis Ababa The Third International Conference on Financing for Development was held in Addis Ababa from 13 to 16 July 2015. It adopted the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA). Details of the conference are at the UN official site. See also Development Assistance Committee Aid effectiveness Washington Consensus United Nations Millennium Campaign References External links The Monterrey Consensus UN Department of Economic and Social