• Introduction

Introduction

The Small Countries Financial Management Programme brings together officials from finance ministries, central banks, and regulatory bodies in small developing countries for a two-week executive education programme designed to stimulate fresh approaches to the challenges they and their countries face.

The intensive learning experience in the Isle of Man and Oxford gives participants access to some of the best practitioners and professors in the world from Oxford, Harvard and other leading universities, and allows them to share their own insights with counterparts from other small countries.

Along with acquiring enhanced knowledge and new ways of approaching seemingly intractable problems, the 25-30 participants develop a sense of shared purpose and community of interest. A strong focus on financial integrity, prudent regulation, and economic management is complemented by sessions to improve leadership skills and the capacity to negotiate effectively.

Alumni of the 2009 and 2010 programmes are now acting as catalysts for change within their governments, so that the benefits are stretching beyond those accruing the the individual officials who attended the programme. They are applying the lessons they learned on the programme as they cope with global financial uncertainty, while also seeking to cooperate with international organisations and standard-setting bodies.