President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

New York Times Magazine on ‘Saving the World’s Women’

Aug 21st, 2009 10:57 AM UTC
By Chris Scott

This week’s issue of the New York Times Magazine is devoted almost entirely to the topic of women’s issues around the globe. Featuring a cover story by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn called “The Women’s Crusade” the magazine also includes an interview with Secretary Clinton — who just wrapped up a trip to Africa—as well as a Q&A with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

You can check out all of the articles here.

-Chris Scott

Liberia Slashes its Debt with Historic Buyback Deal!

Apr 16th, 2009 10:30 AM UTC
By Virginia Simmons

Liberia bought back $1.2 billion in debt today at a 97% discount, “the steepest ever negotiated on developing country commercial debt.”

From the World Bank:

“The deal was concluded with the payment of $38 million to retire 25 outstanding commercial claims. The World Bank contributed half of this money through the International Development Association (IDA) Debt Reduction Facility, and Germany, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States contributed the other half.

“The successful resolution of this inherited debt, which had ballooned through interest and penalty charges during a period when my country was wracked by civil war, is an important step on our road to recovery,” said Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. “This puts us on a firmer footing to attract investment and accelerate economic growth.”

Expect more from ONE soon on this amazing update.

-Virginia Simmons