Last week I was invited to address a gathering of developing-world leaders in Geneva, Switzerland.
What a powerful week!
The Geneva Institute for Leadership and Public Policy helps developing-world leaders craft policy to help the poor in their nation have a chance at transformation. Leaders attended this year's conference from 13 nations including Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, etc.
Our Kenyan co-director Habiba and I presented a daily case study of their work with villages in central Kenya. Habiba knocked it out of the park!
Some personal highlights:
- I roomed with the delegate from Libya, Najii, an attorney who will be on the likely National Transition Council post-Khadafi. He called his brother on his cell daily to hear about the opposition progress.
- I began a warm friendship with the delegate from Afghanistan, Walizada, the Econ Director from Kabul. His 18-year-old son was tragically killed just over a year ago when a suicide bomber detonated his vest outside an embassy in Kabul. We shared family pictures on our phones, and shared heartache over his unspeakable loss.
- I spent time time with the delegate and presidential candidate from Malawai, Chris Daza. He is making his run for the presidency in Malawi's upcoming elections.
- I learned much from such presenters as Jerry Regier, former staff member under three US Presidents.
Here are a few personal pics from the conference:
1) Najii has the Libyan flag draped over his shoulders:
2) Walizada is rockin' my Oakley sunglasses while we're out sightseeing in Geneva:
3) Delegates from 3 continents chatting between sessions:
4) Chris Daza, delegate and presidential candidate from Malawi:
5) Delegates working on a system to analyze for policymaking:
6) The delegate from Somalia regailing us with Somali poetry at the Talent Show:
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