ASIA’S FUTURE, PM'S WIFE’S NEXT AGENDA IN DHAKA

By P. Vijian

DHAKA, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Economically hard-pressed Bangladesh will set the
tone this year for Asia's future, inviting intellectuals across the world to
debate on poverty, security, governance and environment -- key themes
confronting the imbalanced region.

In Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, the Malaysian prime minister's wife, Rosmah
Mansor, would join a galaxy of eminent personalities like former First Lady of
Japan Akie Abe and Cherie Blair, top British human rights lawyer, to deliberate
on the region's future.

She will deliver her keynote address at the 'Imagining Another Future for Asia:
Ideas and Pathways for Change', a symposium organised by the Asian University
for Women (AUW).

"Our objective is to draw the attention of the wide disparity in Asia and seek
wider cooperation among Asian countries.

"Some parts of Asia are very successful like Malaysia, while some like
Bangladesh, are still struggling.

"We want to send a message to world leaders that the future is with young
people, half of whom are women. And, education and equality are critical in
solving problems," AUW founder and acting vice-chancellor Kamal Ahmad told
Bernama Tuesday.

After touring wealthy Arab capitals earlier this month, Rosmah will arrive in
Dhaka, to empathise Asia's woes, a region that is a gravity of economic growth,
but also home to the worst human catastrophe, largely due to unparallel economic
progress and population growth.

Tackling poverty, illiteracy, inequitable distribution of wealth and protecting
the environment, another pressing issue, are deadly features of Asia, despite
its constant economic success story.

The Manila-headquartered Asian Development Bank estimates 1.7 billion people
live on less than US$2 (RM6) daily worldwide, and two-thirds of the world's poor
live in Asia and the Pacific region.

Rosmah will visit Dhaka, also grappling with economic hardship, from Jan 19-20,
along with 30 Malaysian delegates.

Her itinerary includes a series of meetings that include Bangladesh Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina and Blair.

Marina Mahathir, Malaysia's well-known socio-political commentator, will also
participate in the symposium.

The Chittagong-based AUW, designed solely for women, will convene the three-day
international symposium from Jan 20-22 in Dhaka.
-- BERNAMA