Tunis, Tunisia – Designed to meet the challenges of high unemployment, corruption and inflation, the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) recently conducted a Leadership Academy for Development (LAD) for a group of Tunisian business, government and civil society leaders, CIPE said today.
“Tunisians have sacrificed quite a bit to make the transition to democracy, and are understandably eager to see democracy begin to deliver for them,” CIPE Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Greg Simpson said. “Economic growth is essential, led by a robust and diverse private sector. The LAD helps equip current and future leaders to navigate that process to engage in effective policymaking.”
CIPE, along with the Mediterranean School of Business and Stanford University’s Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), led by Dr. Francis Fukuyama, conducted the workshop from January 15 through 19.
Over four intensive days, Fukuyama and economist Dr. Elena Panaritis trained a group of 32 carefully selected participants, most under 45 years of age, how to be more effective reform leaders and help the private sector be a more constructive force for economic growth and development. Using case studies and discussions to emphasize practical approaches to hard problems, they learned to better weigh a broad range of factors, set priorities, sequence actions and build coalitions. At the same time, participants built relationships beyond their own sectors and fields, creating a cadre of problem solvers and reformers at all levels who can work together in the future.
Both CIPE and CDDRL officials noted that the level of engagement and quality of the Tunisians participating were impressive. “With this kind of leadership, we’re optimistic about where Tunisia is headed,” Simpson said.
In Tunisia, the LAD responds to an urgent need. Despite impressive progress in many areas, policy makers, civil society, business people, and every day citizens face multiple challenges in the country, including high unemployment, rising prices, corruption, and worsening quality of life for many citizens. Tunisia is also at the beginning of a decentralization process, including its first local elections, which are planned for May 2018.
This was the first LAD in Tunisia, with another planned for April. The course took place at the Mediterranean School of Business (MSB) campus. Senior Program Officer Pamela Beecroft, and Tunisia Representative Ali Ayadi attended, as well as MSB founder Mahmoud Triki, Dean Leila Triki, Project Director Hédi Larbi and Project Coordinator Noura Bakkour.
Published Date: January 22, 2018