The ceremony assembled members of government, diplomats, donors, NGO’s representatives, academics, journalists and other sectors from the civil society.

The main purpose of the 2001 edition of the report is to analyze the human development situation in the country, with special emphasis on gender desegregation. The report makes important recommendations related to gender concerns in the country and how to overcome the major constraints.

Based mainly on data published by national sources, the report shows that the human development in the country is 0.362 in 2001, compared to 0.346 in 2000. This evolution is largely attributed to the rise in the education index.

In his statement during the launching, Mr. Pascoal Mocumbi stressed that the Government is committed to keep its attempts in improving access to education for women and health care as well.

Mrs. Marylène Spezzati, UNDP Resident Representative, presented an overview of the history of the Human Development Report and elaborated on development to date.

The stalled or slow socio-economic trends in Africa have in turn discouraged the incorporation of gender issues in development, stated Mrs. Marylène Spezzati. The result, she added, is that the issue of gender equality is often relegated to a secondary position.

The huge majority of participants agreed that the national human development reports, prepared at the country level by nationals for nationals are more likely to reflect the key development concerns close to home and could play a major role in encouraging national debate on development issues.

If Mozambique continues to use Mozambique as a reference, argued one academic, we can easily measure through these reports in what extent we are progressing towards development.

As traditionally, the report was prepared by a multi-sectoral team: the National Institute of Statistics, the Southern Africa Research and Documentation and Eduardo Mondlane University under UNDP co-ordination.

The first report published in 1998 was titled: Peace and economic growth: Opportunities for human development.

In 1999, it was titled Economic Growth and human development: Progress, obstacles and challenges.

The third report in 2000 was titled, Education and human development: Trajectory, lessons and challenges for 21st century.

The launching ceremony was convened at the Eduardo Mondlane University and its Vice Reiter, Mr. Venâncio Massinga, chaired it. Mr. João Loureiro, Steering Committee President, spoke on behalf of the authors before the presentation done by Mrs. Iraê Lundin.

The session closed with a women art exhibition and poetry.