OREANDA-NEWS. June 14, 2016. "The world has never been wealthier than it is today. Yet, the levels of inequality remain high and keep increasing. To reverse this trend, collective action is needed from governments, multilateral institutions, the private sector, civil society and all stakeholders." This was the message from African Development Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina, who is co-chairing the 22nd International Economic Forum of the Americas-Conference of Montreal in Montreal, Canada, from June 13-16, 2016.

The Conference of Montreal is an annual forum where issues concerning economic globalization are addressed, with a particular focus on relations between the Americas and other continents. The theme of the 2016 edition is "Shaping a New Era of Prosperity".

"My vision is to help open a new era of shared prosperity for all, and in particular for Africans, by spurring sustainable and inclusive growth," President Adesina wrote in a pre-conference message. "An era where every man, woman, youth, has an opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, economic growth. To this end, we have to promote business-friendly reforms for the private sector to flourish; social policies to ensure that no one is left behind; and good governance, including increased accountability from decision-makers."

The Bank Group President is expected to meet with Canadian and Quebec Government Ministers and heads of industry on the sidelines of the Forum. It will be the President's first official mission to Canada since assuming office on September 1, 2015.

Each year, the Conference of Montreal bringing together Heads of State and Government, the private sector, international organizations, civil society and the media.

Irina Bokova, Director-General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Glenn Hutchins, a leading private equity investor, are co-chairing the conference alongside the Bank Group President.