The Belgo British conference brings together around 100 politicians, business people, academics, journalists, and other opinion-formers each year for two days of open, challenging debate - with a purpose. An independent board, under the two conference chairs, Count Georges Jacobs (Delhaize) and André Villeuneuve (Euronext-Liffe), determines the themes and format of the Belgo-British conference.

The conference, which is organised from the British Embassy Brussels, is the result of a long standing and valuable partnership with the Belgian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Egmont-Royal Institute for International Relations, the British Council and the FCO.

The theme for the 2008 conference, held on 12 and 13 November, was "Natural Resources: Challenges and Opportunities".  We explored how the wealth natural resources generate can promote political stability and sustainable development rather than fuel conflict.
A report of the proceedings is in preparation and will be available the week beginning 8 December.

Key speeches were made at the Conference by:

- Karel De Gucht, Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Caroline Flint, British Minister for Europe
- Louis Michel, EU Commissioner

For further information please contact the conference organiser:

Gaynor Kerr
Tel: +32 2 287 62 62
Mobile: +32 (0)478 96 69 80

Information on previous conferences can be found on the British Council website