Former President Mogae goes to Washington D.C. for Three Months

source: Republic of Botswana TAUTONA TIMES of 8/8/2010
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
“Democracy, Development, Dignity, Discipline and Delivery”


C12) 31/7/10: Former President Mogae goes to Washington D.C. for Three Months

His Excellency the Former President Mr. Festus G. Mogae leaves for Washington his Saturday, 31 July 2010, to start a three-month residential Distinguished African Scholar award at the Woodrow Wilson International centre for Scholars. The award starts on 2nd August 2010 and ends on 29th October 2010.

The award is for the Former President to carry out full-time independent research at the Centre. He will become part of a community of scholars whose collegial interactions with each other, and with the Washington policy community, characterize the Centre’s unique environment.
In addition to joining with other scholars in common scholarly activities, he is expected to work from his office at the Centre to attend the Work-in-Progress sessions and offer a presentation of his work publicly.

The Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars was established in 1968 as the United States memorial to its 28th president – Woodrow Wilson. The Centre seeks to commemorate both the scholarly interests and the public concerns of Woodrow Wilson by fostering advanced research and linking the world of learning with the world of public affairs.

Mr. Mogae will be attached to the African program which was established at the Centre in 1999 with the support of the Ford Foundation. The Africa Program serves as one of Washington, DC’s leading forums for informed debate about the multiple challenges and opportunities that face Africa, and about American interests in- and policy toward – the continent.

The program also serves as a bridge for academics, diplomatic practitioners, policymakers, and the private sector, from Africa and the United States, who share a common interest in developing informed and effective policy decisions on Africa. The Africa Program proceeds from the perspective that Africa is important to the United States. Economically, the United States is drawing an ever-increasing share of oil imports from Africa. The vast African market holds important economic potential for American commerce and industry.

Besides hosting fellows and scholars and organizing conferences and forums in Washington, D.C, the African Program also organizes a forum designed to enhance Congress’s familiarity with African issues and publishes an occasional papers series.