FIU presents Good Governance in Times of Crisis

With a focus on building and strengthening governance throughout the world, FIU’s Center for Democracy and Good Governance will present a conference this week examining good governance in times of crises.

The two-day event will include 25 civil society leaders from Cuba as well as former Bulgarian Prime Minister Georgi Bliznashki, former Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc, and former Uruguay President Luis Alberto Lacalle. Other panelists from Latin America, the United States, Europe and South Africa will also share their experiences and perspectives.

“This conference will bring together distinguished governmental leaders and scholars from throughout the world who have both worked to build good government in their countries and have analyzed the process of how best to do so,” said Allan Rosenbaum, director of FIU’s Institute for Public Management and Community Service and professor of public administration. “In doing this, the conference provides a rare opportunity for those participating in it to return to their home countries and help build institutions that respond all the more effectively to the needs of all citizens.”

Participants will discuss the role played by national and regional legislative bodies, political parties and the executive branch in good governance. Particular emphasis will be given to comparative experiences from Eastern Europe and Latin America. The conference, which is sponsored by the State of Florida Legislature, will be hosted Jan. 21-22 at the Marriott Biscayne Bay Hotel in downtown Miami. The following week, the Cuban participants will travel to Tallahassee, Fla. for the opportunity to observe Florida state government.