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One Year Later, Young Burmese Leaders Graduate

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Learn more about Chris Walsh.
Chris Walsh
Director, Global Policy
George W. Bush Institute

Today, the inaugural class of the Bush Institute’s Liberty and Leadership Forum will celebrate their graduation from the year-long program, which focuses on the principles of liberal democracy, economic freedom, and principled leadership. The 18 graduates are from Burma, and represent young men and women who are devoted to their country making a full transition to democracy. Their commitment is so deep that one participant remains imprisoned while another has been forced into hiding – we regret they couldn’t be with us today and our thoughts are with them.

Their Liberty and Leadership program began last summer with a three-week summer seminar in the United States, including coursework at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas and a four-day tour of Washington, D.C. After returning home, the young leaders continued with an intensive year-long curriculum, hands-on development of their skills, and a practical application of the lessons they learned.

While on a path toward democracy, Burma’s destination is far from guaranteed. One key to success is ensuring that today’s young democracy advocates in Burma are prepared to be tomorrow’s political and civil society leaders. With the knowledge and skills they have gained from the program, the men and women of the 2014 Liberty and Leadership Forum class will have many of the tools they need to succeed.

(To view a live-streaming of their graduation ceremony at 5 p.m. CST on June 25, 2015, click on this link.

Chris Walsh is the program coordinator for Human Freedom at the George W. Bush Institute.