WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 2010—Law firm Duane Morris LLP is pleased to announce that the firm will now be home to the Washington, D.C. office of the Global Center for Development and Democracy, a nonprofit organization led by a board of directors composed of world leaders. The GCDD's move to Duane Morris' offices at 505 9th Street, N.W. in downtown Washington, D.C. is an important step for the GCDD's establishment of a greater presence in the nation's capital.
Founded by Alejandro Toledo—president of Peru from 2001 to 2006—the Center is devoted to formulating specific public and private policy recommendations that address the interrelationships between poverty, social inclusion, economic growth and democracy. The group targets both local and global initiatives to promote sustainable development in countries around the world and, in particular, Latin America. The GCDD also has offices in Lima and Madrid.
Former President Toledo has attracted an impressive group of leaders as members of the GCDD board, including, among others: Jacques Chirac, former President of France; Javier Perez de Cuellar, former Secretary General of the United Nations; Vicente Fox, former President of Mexico; Fernando Henrique Cardoso, former President of Brazil; Ivonne Baki, former President of the Andean Parliament; Shimon Peres, former President of Israel; Enrique Iglesias, former President of the Inter-American Development Bank; Rodrigo Rato, former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; and former presidents and prime ministers of numerous other countries, including Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama and Spain. Barry Featherman is the GCDD's executive director.
"This is a great opportunity for the organization to move into the nerve center of the Western world," said former President Toledo. "We thank Duane Morris for its hospitality and kindness in extending the offer to host us, and anticipate great success as a result of this new endeavor."
"The Center is working to build a solid foundation for economic growth in Latin America and lift thousands out of poverty, a truly worthy cause," said Thomas Schmuhl, a Duane Morris partner who played a key role in facilitating the move. Schmuhl, who is co-chair of Duane Morris' International Practice Group, said, "This is the beginning to what we hope will be a strong and enduring association between the Center and Duane Morris."
"We are pleased and honored to host the Center, which has already garnered the attention and enthusiasm of leaders throughout the international community," said Doug Woloshin, managing partner of Duane Morris' Washington, D.C. office. "We look forward to forging a close relationship with the organization as it establishes a greater presence in Washington and continues its efforts in Latin America."
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