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The Open World Experience: Shared Perspectives on Professional Development and Civil Society in Lithuania

2 June 2005

The Open World Leadership Center is pleased to announce its first conference for program alumni in Lithuania.  Entitled “The Open World Experience: Shared Perspectives on Professional Development and Civil Society in Lithuania,” the conference will take place on June 2 – 3, 2005, at the Reval Hotel and the American Center in Vilnius.

The Open World Program provides emerging leaders the opportunity to experience American political, business, and community life firsthand.  In February 2003, Congress expanded eligibility for Open World exchanges beyond Russia to the 11 other Freedom Support Act countries and the three Baltic republics.  In May 2003, Open World’s board of trustees selected Lithuania as one of three pilot expansion countries.  To date 97 Lithuanians have come to the United States on Open World, traveling in February and September 2004.  The delegates included a parliamentary adviser, mayors, borough administrators, NGO leaders, educational specialists, journalists, and business executives.  These participants have come from all regions of the country.

The Open World Program also strives to extend the catalytic effect of the 10-day visit by fostering continued communications among program participants.  The alumni conference in Lithuania will provide Open World alumni a unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas and information, build and renew contacts, and evaluate the impact of the program on their own professional development and on civil society building in Lithuania.  

The Open World Leadership Center is working closely with the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius on the development of the conference.  In addition, American Councils for International Education is handling much of the conference logistics, with assistance from Lithuania-US Initiatives (LUSI).