Institute of Development Studies

Washington Alumni Reunion June 2009

On 5 June, the Washington DC area alumni organised an intimate gathering to discuss their views on development. Mariko Higashi (MP10) arranged a venue at the International Finance Corporation and Susan Fleck (MP9) pulled together the participants.  Joaquim Tres (MP14) also helped with the organisation. Those who attended included Chris Miller (MP27), Darshani Patel (MAGov04) and Hiro Hatashima (MP14). Susan Fleck gave a presentation entitled Roots of the Economic Crisis, and then everyone discussed their current work.

The DC Alumni discussed the best way they could share their understanding and experiences on development,  possibly by writing an article that reflects the thoughts of many IDS alumni covering decades of collaborative knowledge. They also discussed the question North American alumni place importance on: 'what is the most important issue facing the development world and what should be done about it?' Initially they decided to circulate emails to each other, with the future possibility of creating a social networking site. Chris Miller said he would be happy to lead on this.

The DC Alumni also talked about the best way to connect with other each other, and especially with graduates who face challenges to find stable work. The possibility of creating an IDS social network site could also be used for the purpose of advising and networking with each other.

Darshani Patel said she'd work to connect the World Bank IDS Alumni in Washington with others. It was agreed that a lunch three times a year would take place at the IFI. They are looking for suggestions for a restaurant around Farragut Square. September will be the month for the next lunch date to be decided and you will find out here!