CATALYSTS OF CHANGE: An Open Dialogue with the Legendary Leaders of Asia OVERVIEW

A New Initiative by the World Bank, GDLN and ASEAN

The East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank, the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) Asia Pacific and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) are pleased to announce a unique program “Catalysts of Change: An Open Dialogue with the Legendary Leaders of Asia”, offering emerging young leaders in Asia an opportunity to learn from their seniors who laid the foundation for the region’s well renowned economic success. 

For the opening session on December 21, 2007, ASEAN Secretary General, Ong Keng Yong, and World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, James Adams will provide an overview of the region’s record and look at lessons from the past and challenges for the future. The first in-depth discussion scheduled for February 2008 will be with Fidel V. Ramos, former President of the Philippines, who steered his country into a period of rapid economic growth during a time of political transition. Other inspiring leaders will be announced shortly. Interviews will be conducted by World Bank East Asia and Pacific Communications Manager, Peter Stephens.

From different cultural backgrounds, facing different economic, social and political challenges, this generation of leaders is exceptional in the contribution they made to their country and the region’s growth and stability – serving as catalysts of change that helped produce the most dramatic development progress in history.

To accommodate the busy schedule of these leaders, sessions will be held as confirmed throughout 2008. Young leaders in both the public and private sectors from 13 countries in the Asia Pacific region (Indonesia, Cambodia, Japan, Sri Lanka, Laos, Singapore, Fiji, PNG, Vietnam, Mongolia, Australia, Thailand, Philippines) will be invited to participate, connecting via videoconference to view a development focused interview with these leaders via the GDLN. Following the interview, participants will have an opportunity to pose questions. At the end of the series participants will be encouraged to submit a 750 word essay on the main lessons and how they plan to apply them to their own work.  A prize of US $750 will be awarded to the three most insightful essays.

Contact Form

Your Name:

Your Email:

Organization:

Location (City, Country):

Subject:

Message: