Brown to attend Third Global Greens Congress in Senegal

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown will deliver a major address at the Global Greens Congress 2012 in Dakar, Senegal.

"There has been a rapid rise of support for the Greens in Africa and there are now more than 20 Green parties across the continent," Senator Brown said.

"This is the third Global Greens Congress, after the conference in Canberra in 2001 established the process, and is the first to be held in Africa. The second Congress was held in Sao Paolo, Brazil, in 2008."

"In April 2001, 800 Greens from 72 countries came together in Canberra and set up the Global Greens charter. This time Greens from up to 100 countries will attend the Congress," Senator Brown said.

The agenda of the Dakar Congress includes climate change, the push for real democracy in north Africa, the need for fundamental economic reform, and the safeguarding of the world's biodiversity, particularly marine environments.

Senator Brown will deliver a major speech, in part on global democracy, at the event to be held from 29 March to 1 April. Senator Rachel Siewert will also attend the Congress. Senator Brown departs Australia this evening and Senator Christine Milne will be acting leader through to 2 April.