Concept and Values

GLF exists to promote good governance – democratic institutions, open markets, human rights and the rule of law – and to contribute to the prevention and resolution of conflict through mediation.

Concept

GLF Members form a network of former Presidents, Prime Ministers, senior ministers and other distinguished leaders who make their experience available discreetly to political leaders in power today. They work in small teams, in their personal capacity, offering advice to Heads of Government on any issues of concern to them.

In an era in which effective governance is critical to the success of developing countries, new governments are bringing renewed hope to their peoples. But after years in the political wilderness national leaders often have had no experience of government or of working within an open society with free markets and democratic institutions. Once they are elected they face awesome challenges, expectations that cannot be fulfilled and a deluge of advice from international organizations, consultants and special interest groups.

This is where GLF can help. It comes with no agenda of its own (or of any other government or organization). It offers a leader impartial advice on specific issues, given directly by former Heads of Government drawing on their own personal experience.

But what makes GLF unique is that the advice is given strictly confidentially, with no publicity. This bypasses protocol, ensures privacy and facilitates the establishment of a relationship of trust. It ensures that if a leader is helped to take a successful initiative he can take all the credit for it, strengthening and reinforcing his credibility. In this way GLF acts as a personal, peer-to-peer, private advisory service – a trusted confidante - for Heads of Government.

Principles

The Global Leadership Foundation is a group of former leaders from around the world who work discreetly on governance and conflict issues in troubled countries. Its core principles are: Discretion, Trust, Integrity, Neutrality and Independence.

GLF works with Governments, not with opposition parties (unless requested to do so by a Head of Government);

GLF does not publicize the countries in which it works unless a leader with whom it is working wishes to make GLF’s involvement public;

GLF works closely with the UN and the World Bank/IMF and with other INGOs working in the field of conflict prevention and development.

What GLF offers

Every project is different. GLF offers advice on aspects of

Governance

• Efficient administration
• Strengthening democratic institutions
• Effective legislation
• Policy reform in specific sectors e.g. health, education
• Security sector reform
• Parliamentary practice
• Presidential office management

Politics

• Constitution making
• Political participation/ election management
• Domestic institutional difficulties
• Divided societies
• Relationships with the international community
• Mediation, domestic or international

Economics

• Attracting foreign investment
• Relationships with international organizations
• Regulation and deregulation of prime industries
• Budget process and coordination of economic policy
• Evaluation of proposals from third parties