A Strong Network: 19 Current Ministers and Governors in the Region among JVI Alumni

The JVI can count on a very strong alumni network. Since the JVI was established in 1992, nearly 1,500 courses and seminars have been offered to over 25,000 individuals, mostly public sector officials, with almost 40,000 course participants in total. But how many are currently heading either a central bank, or a ministry of finance or economy? Earlier this year, the JVI conducted an analysis to find out.

As of December 2015, nineteen current governors and ministers from the JVI target region, as well as one president, had attended courses at the JVI. This impressive figure does not include former governors and ministers, deputies, or those who went on to have high-flying careers in other organizations.  

On average, these governors and ministers spent some 20-30 days at the JVI and participated in 1–5 courses, ranging from financial programming to advanced macroeconomics and other specialized courses. Three of them participated in the JVI’s unique Applied Economic Policy Course or its predecessor the Comprehensive Course in Applied Market Economics, taught jointly by several international organizations and Austria.

We asked some governors and ministers about their experience at the JVI to ascertain what they valued the most and how it helps their institutions.

Regarding the JVI’s approach and knowledge they praised the “high academic standards, focus on practical aspects of policy formulation and implementation, as well as the flexibility of the learning framework” including the JVI’s “huge stock of knowledge, strict discipline, and excellent methods of education”. They also welcomed the “professional approach” and “well-organized workshops.”

On the trainers and teaching modalities, they commended the “highly skilled personnel”, and “up-to-date interactive learning methods and modern multimedia facilities.” The networking function was another important theme as the JVI “offers a unique opportunity to establish partnership relations and exchange experience with associates from other states” and to “establish long lasting professional connections and personal friendships.”

When asked what role the JVI plays in their institutions, the ministers and governors said that JVI training “provides their participants with a review of the world’s best experiences in addressing the most important issues of today’s economy.” It also “gives the opportunity to receive a successful combination of both theoretical and practical knowledge, easily comprehend the international experience from developed countries, and share the abundant knowledge that the academic staff masters.” They also pointed to the large impact of JVI training on individuals and the policymaking process, as it serves “as a useful resource for professional advancement” and “without a doubt it has helped us to advance swiftly by incorporating knowledge and practical experience gained at the JVI courses in our daily operations.”

We hope the fact that many JVI alumni have gone on to become governors and ministers or other high-level officials inspires others to make best use of the training opportunities offered at the JVI.

Daniel Stirrat, Administrative/HR Assistant, JVI