Newsweek Names Sirleaf Among Top Ten Global Leaders

Newsweek has compiled a list of the ten world leaders "who have managed to win serious respect." Included on that list is our first speaker at The Richmond Forum this season, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. The magazine dubbed President Sirleaf as "The Rebuilder," citing her work to restore her devastated West African nation after 14 years of brutal civil war that left as many as 250,000 Liberians dead and destroyed much of the nation's infrastructure.

According to Newsweek, "The country has boosted school enrollment by 40 percent, restored power and running water in urban centers, and turned its timber and diamond industries into thriving--and legitimate--trades. Sirleaf also slashed Liberia's external debt from $4.9 billion in 2006 to $1.7 billion today."

A limited number of season subscriptions are still available for $155, which includes all five programs. The season's other speakers are former first lady Laura Bush, Emmy-winning news anchor Anderson Cooper, geneticist George Church, and endurance artist David Blaine.

Subscriptions can be purchased online or by calling 804-330-3993.