From Crisis to Action: Leadership Lessons from Paraguay’s Finance Minister

How does a country move from the edge of economic collapse to regional stability—and what lessons does that hold for tomorrow’s changemakers?

Carlos Fernández Valdovinos, Minister of Economy and Finance of Paraguay, has spent the past two decades helping lead his country through crisis, reform, and renewal. From default and double-digit inflation in the early 2000s to major fiscal and institutional reforms today, Paraguay’s story offers powerful lessons for future policymakers and leaders across the Global South.

Join us for this special CID Speaker Series event as Minister Fernández Valdovinos shares behind-the-scenes insights from his work as Chief Economist, Central Bank Governor, and now Minister. He’ll discuss what it means to lead with credibility under pressure, why political timing matters more than you think, and how governments can balance ambition with pragmatism in uncertain times.

After the talk, stick around for an informal career chat in Perkins Conference Room, where you’ll have the chance to ask questions, hear more about his professional journey, and connect directly.

This event is hosted by Harvard’s Center for International Development and will be held in a hybrid format. All are welcome. Harvard ID holders are encouraged to attend in person, while non-HUID guests are invited to join via livestream or access the event recording afterward.