ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- The Fourth African Development Forum (ADF) is scheduled for October in Addis Ababa with the theme of "Governance for a Progressing Africa," according to local media on Friday.

    The forum, to be held on Oct. 11-15, is being co-sponsored by the African Development Bank and the African Union.

    The forum will discuss and examine ways of improving governancein Africa and make concrete recommendations on mechanisms for instituting and monitoring good governance.

    About 1,000 delegates from all over Africa, including presidents, activists, business people, journalists and academics,are expected to gather in the Ethiopian capital to participate in the forum.

    Improved governance was chosen as this year's theme in recognition of the essential role it can play in transforming Africa's economies. It is one of the key pillars of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, said a press release of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

    The ADF presents a unique opportunity to connect African decisionmakers with the best policy advice, informed by credible analytical work and relevant experiences.

    The forum, an ECA initiative intended to advance an Africa-driven development agenda, is to initiate dialogue, build consensus and mobilize partnerships around African stakeholders' goals.

    All three previous forums have helped launch new initiatives and activities, as well as important blueprints that have had wideranging impacts. Enditem