On Monday, June 26 the 2017 class of the Bush Institute’s Liberty and Leadership Forum graduated. The 2017 class, the third class of graduates from Burma (Myanmar) is made up of 20 Young Leaders who are contributing to Burma’s transition to democracy.
The Bush Institute’s Liberty and Leadership Forum equips young leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to lead in countries where transitions to democracy are occurring. It uses a curriculum focused on the principles of liberal democracy and economic freedom, lessons from other democratic transitions, and practical leadership skills.
The Liberty and Leadership program begins with a three-week summer seminar in the United States, including coursework at the Bush Center, and a four-day experience tour of Washington, D.C. Through a combination of an intensive year-long curriculum, hands-on skill development, and practical application, the men and women of the Liberty and Leadership Forum will be equipped to help support democratic change in their home country.
The selection of Burma for the first three classes of the Liberty and Leadership Forum builds on President and Mrs. Bush’s history of standing with Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the brave men and women of Burma’s pro-democracy movement. While now on a path toward democracy, Burma’s destination is not yet 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.