The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

On July 9, 2011, the world bears witness to a historic moment: the birth of the Republic of South Sudan. While citizens across South Sudan will be celebrating their long sought after independence, the new country must deal with a considerable set of obstacles to nation-building. From providing basic services to its citizens, to drafting a new constitution, to maintaining security amid internal and external threats, the new government of South Sudan faces challenges ahead.

This half-day conference will focus on what secession means for the people of South Sudan. The opening panel features Traci Cook of NDI, who will unveil new focus group findings on citizen expectations post-independence. She will be joined by John Prendergast of the Enough Project, who will have just returned from the celebrations in South Sudan, and Jok Madut Jok via video-conference from Juba, where he is currently serving as undersecretary in the government of South Sudan's Ministry of Culture and Heritage. The conference will conclude with a keynote address by Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, also just back from the independence celebrations, on how the U.S. and international community can best contribute to peace and development in the region.

You may participate in this event in two ways. You can register to attend the event, or you may watch the live webcast and submit questions to the speakers beginning at 2:30pm EST on July 14, 2011 at www.usip.org/webcast.