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Ottawa, Canada, February 5, 2007 – One of Africa’s most distinguished advocates for transparency and good governance, John Githongo, will be in Ottawa on Thursday, February 7, to offer unique insights into ordinary Kenyans’ courageous struggle for democracy and the changes needed for a stable future. The lecture is part of IDRC’s special 2007-2008 Speaker Series that is focusing on the challenge of shaping democratic institutions in developing countries. The event will be held at IDRC’s new head office located at 150 Kent Street (at Albert), February 7, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p. m. in the 8th floor auditorium. French and English simultaneous interpretation will be available.

Mr. Githongo made international headlines in 2003 when President Mwai Kibaki – who had been elected in 2002 on a pledge to fight corruption – named him to lead the charge. IDRC previously supported Mr. Githongo’s work to eradicate corruption when he was first appointed as Kenya’s champion on governance and ethics. In 2005, two years after accepting the position, he was back in the international spotlight, this time for resigning while on travel in the UK. In January 2006, Mr. Githongo released a report outlining large-scale government fraud among Kenya’s political elite.
The IDRC Speaker Series features provocative presentations on issues of social justice and international development from speakers with worldwide reputations. Previous lecturers have included Nobel Prize laureate Amartya Sen, former British diplomat Rory Stewart, and former president of Chile, His Excellency Ricardo Lagos.

The event is open to the media. Spaces are limited and journalists are encouraged to register by calling Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé at 613-236-6163, ext. 2343.

For more information on the IDRC Speaker Series, visit www.idrc.ca/speakerseries-githongo

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About IDRC
Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is one of the world’s leading institutions in the generation and application of new knowledge to meet the challenges of international development. For more than 40 years, IDRC has worked in close collaboration with researchers from the developing world to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.


For information:
Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé
(+1 613) 236-6163, ext. 2343
(+1 613) 816-7620
ibourgeault-tasse@idrc.ca

2008-02-05

News 15 of 30