The overall objective of the regional preparatory process is to provide guidance and to facilitate consultations in order to ensure the coordination of Africa's preparations for the Conference in an effective and efficient manner. The intent is to arrive at a consensus on Africa's key sustainable development concerns and priorities, to effectively articulate them and to ensure that they are adequately reflected in the Conference outcomes. The Regional Preparatory Meeting will be divided in two parts: an Expert Segment (20-21 Oct.) and Ministerial level (24-25 Oct.)