Liberia Appeals for Global Support to Build on its Early Post Conflict Success

Also available:
Audio Press Call with Luigi Giovine,
Country Manager, Liberia, World Bank

Media Contacts:
In Washington: John Donaldson (202) 473-1367
jdonaldson@worldbank.org
Ana Elisa Luna Barros (202) 473-2907
alunabarros@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, February 8, 2007 - The Government of Liberia will chair a forum in Washington DCfor some of its major development partners to discuss progress on the country’s economic reform program and development needs for the future. 

The government, in office since January 2006, has made significant gains. Economic reforms have increased government revenues by nearly 50 percent in the past year, and the economy grew at a rate of 8 percent, with similar growth predicted for the coming year. The forum seeks to find ways to secure these achievements and address the longer-term challenge of building a functioning economy and a capable state.

This event will be co-hosted by the African Development Bank, the European Commission (EC), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations, the United States and the World Bank.  Participants will include Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka, EC Commissioner Louis Michel, IMF Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato, UN Special Representative to the Secretary General Alan Doss, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and World Bank Group President Paul Wolfowitz.

Media opportunities:

Joint Press Briefing - Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf & President Paul Wolfowitz

Date: Monday, February 12, 2007

Time: 3.45 p.m.

Location: MC 13-800, World Bank Office

1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, DC.

Opening Session and keynote speeches

Date:  Tuesday, February 13th

Time:  9:00 – 10:30 am

Location: Preston Auditorium, World Bank Office

1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, DC.

Closing Press Conference

Date:  Wednesday, February 14th

Time:  6:00 pm

Location:  Preston Auditorium, World Bank headquarters

1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, DC.

Media interested in attending should request accreditation by sending an email to newsbureau@worldbank.org.