Please join us in welcoming Richard Levin, visiting evaluator from South Africa, for Participatory Development Evaluation, Leadership and the Construction of Capable Developmental States in Africa: Lessons from South Africa.  

This professional development seminar is co-sponsored by Washington Evaluators and American University's Key Executive Leadership Program, and will be held on Wednesday, July 6 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at American University (Watkins Building, Room 114). Cold refreshments will be provided. Directions to the Watkins Building have been included, below.

Participatory Development Evaluation, Leadership and the Construction of Capable Developmental States in Africa: Lessons from South Africa

Abstract

The global financial crisis in the early 21st century saw a return to the state as the focus for resolving societal challenges. Nevertheless, across the globe, governments appear unable to address the complex challenges associated with contemporary life, especially when they have to negotiate rather than impose solutions. African 21st century states and governments must break with post-colonial models. The African Union’s Vision 2063 identifies capable developmental states as essential for Africa to confront and solve its key challenges including poverty, inequality, unemployment and environmental degradation. States and governments have strong leadership roles to play, and participatory development evaluation provides tools to generate solutions which may be far more important than growing large, control and domination-oriented state apparatuses. 

Presenter

Dr. Richard Levin is Principal of the South African National School of Government, and currently a visiting professor at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. 

Directions

If driving, there are two paid parking garages on campus: SIS Building, Katzen Arts Center. The SIS building is slightly closer to the Watkins Building (appx. 7 min walk). If taking the metro, you can take the AU Shuttle (located just outside the Tenleytown-AU Station) to the last stop, which is across from the Watkins Building.

Please RSVP so we know how many attendees to expect.

Metro Shuttle Directions.docx

Campus Map-Shuttle, Parking, Dining Info 2.10.2015.pdf