A Chat with a Renaissance Woman

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet (second from right) with Executive Director Annette Heuser (right), Aspen Institute Executive Vice President Elliot Gerson and moderator Julia Sweig of the Council on Foreign Relations

The Bertelsmann Foundation joined forces with the Aspen Institute's Council of Women World Leaders to host 7 June a one-on-one wide-ranging conversation with former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. Bertelsmann Foundation Executive Director Annette Heuser introduced the former president by noting her background as a pediatrician, epidemiologist and Chile's first female health minister, defense minister and president. Dr Julia Sweig of the Council on Foreign Relations moderated the conversation.

President Bachelet spoke about the disadvantaged role worldwide of women and children, and urged the audience to support female-led organizations, particularly those in Haiti that are not receiving international financial support or recognition. She also addressed US-Latin American relations, acknowledging that Washington's global responsibilities and interests prevent South and Central America from being a priority in the US capital except in times of regional crisis. Nevertheless, she advocated more recognition by the US for the progress its southern neighbors have made in recent decades.

On the financial crisis, the president spoke of Chile's relatively strong position thanks to years of saving under her administration. Although urged to use proceeds from the sale of copper, which was selling at a high price during her presidency, Ms Bachelet opted instead to follow the Norwegian model of establishing a sovereign fund with the extra national income. As a result, the global economic downturn did not have as strong an impact in Chile as in other countries. This was particularly useful in the aftermath of the strong earthquake that rocked central Chile earlier this year. President Bachelet noted that that disaster had struck six regions of Chile in which 80 percent of the country's population lives.

Finally, President Bachelet admitted that she was considering writing a memoir based on 40 journals with notes that she preciously guards. No final decision on a book has been made, but the audience encouraged the idea.

More than 100 representatives of Washington's think-tank, Latin American-studies and media communities attended the conversation with President Bachelet, which was held at the National Press Club.

The entire event is available online (see Web link on the right).