The U.S. Department of State, in conjunction with several U.S. Government agencies, will host the eleventh annual U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Forum, commonly known as the AGOA Forum, June 14-15, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is the United States Government's signature trade initiative with sub-Saharan Africa, and is the parent legislation of the Forum.

The 2012 AGOA Forum will focus on enhancing infrastructure development in Africa in promoting an improved business climate and effective regulation that will encourage private-public partnerships, increasing regional economic integration through strategic development of regional transportation corridors, regional power pools, and power generation capacity that can be shared across borders.

The forum will also highlight opportunities for U.S. exports in infrastructure related products and support for U.S. investment in the sector and as well encourage the adaptation of renewable energy and energy efficient products.

The annual AGOA Forum is a mix of programs and events that will take place during the month of June and it will be preceded by a two-day civil society program June 12-13 in Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, the United States has welcomed decision by the Executive Board of UNICEF to make all UNICEF audit reports publicly available on the internet beginning later this year.

“UNICEF has set a new standard for transparency in the UN system. This groundbreaking decision is a first, and we and others are determined that it will not be the last. Every agency in the UN system is a public institution and, by opening its doors to public scrutiny, will ensure enhanced public confidence” said Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations during the debate.

Susan Rice pressed further that the US would continue to encourage other UN entities to move toward full, public disclosure, urging the UN General Assembly to move quickly to meet this important new standard.