Liberia is Moving Forward and Here's Your Chance to Participate

Exciting things happening in Liberia right now, especially at the Ministry of Finance. I am pleased to announce the Liberian Minister of Finance, Dr. Antoinette Sayeh, will be speaking at a CGD event later this month. Minister Sayeh will offer an overview of recent developments in Liberia covering debt relief, Liberia's Poverty Reduction Strategy, and overall economic progress; a moderated discussion will follow. Liberia recently reached its HIPC decision point, a huge milestone in the long process towards comprehensive debt relief. In April, Liberia will release its Poverty Reduction Strategy, laying out priorities and goals for the next three years (for earlier analyses of Liberia's development progress, see the CGD essay co-authored by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and myself and my prior working paper on prospects for economic growth in Liberia. Minister Sayeh will be speaking on Friday morning April 11 from 9:00-10:30 at a Dupont Circle location to be announced. Save the date and watch for details on the CGD events page or sign up for CGD event invitations here.I am also happy to announce that the Government of Liberia is looking for more Liberia Fellows! Do you want to do your part to help Liberia in this crucial stage of development? Here's your chance! Liberia needs a small number of the most committed and talented people to spend a year in Monrovia assisting senior government officials. The newest Liberia Fellows will be graciously funded by CGD's Chairman of the Board, Mr. Edward W. Scott, Jr. and the Nike Foundation. Our current Liberia Fellows are doing great work and we are thrilled that the program has doubled in size since its inception last summer! The job posting lays out the fellowship requirements and how to apply. Diaspora Liberians are particularly encouraged to apply. Good luck!Editor's notes:1) Liberia's Minister of Finance, Dr. Antoinette Sayeh, will be speaking at Jury's Washington Hotel on Friday, April 11 at 9 am. A panel discussion will follow. Click here for more information and to register. Also of interest: CGD and the Mortara Center for International Studies will host a public event on Africa's Economic Growth: Past Lessons and Future Prospects on April 14, 2008.2) The most recent round of applications for the Liberia Fellows closed on Monday, April 7. A new call for applicants will be issued towards the end of 2008. Interested individuals are encouraged to learn more about the program from current participants by tracking the Scott Family Fellows: Views from Liberia blog.