The World Bank and OSI coorganized this conference, hosted by the Government of Hungary, to support Roma integration and address Roma poverty in Central and Eastern Europe.

Prime ministers from a number of Central and Eastern European countries were invited. Other participants included NGOs (both Roma and non-Roma), civic groups, and international organizations. The event was designed to raise public awareness about the unique economic development challenges facing Roma in the region and to identify policies and programs that effectively address poverty and discrimination.