TURIN (ILO News) - Over 260 international microfinance experts will meet in Turin (17 July - 4 August) for the 3-week programme "Boulder Microfinance Training", the most prestigious microfinance training event in the world, which has been hosted since the International Year of Microcredit 2005 by the International Training of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Turin, Italy.

Widely recognized as a viable mechanism to foster entrepreneurship development and hence, social inclusion, particularly in the least developed regions of the world, microfinance has a proven track record in the alleviation of poverty and hunger in many countries where it has improved the lives of those most in need. "Microfinance contributes to fulfilling aspirations for decent work that individuals, families and communities are demanding worldwide", according to François Eyraud, Director of the ILO's Training Centre.

Coordinated by Robert Peck Christen, Director and CEO of the Boulder Institute of Microfinance in the USA who masterminded the event, the programme is structured into 52 courses (150 parallel sessions) conducted - in English and French by 55 top-notch experts on the subject - will emphasize best practices and specific tools to achieve long-term financial sustainability and growth.

The opening ceremony will take place on Monday 17 July 2006 at 9.30 hrs. International Training Centre of the ILO Viale Maestri del Lavoro 10 Turin, Italy

For further information please contact: ILO Turin Press Office Email: press@itcilo.org

Niloufer Mukhi (Ms) Tel: +39 338 936 7978

Alessandro Amerio Tel: +39 347 703 9929