(November 9, 2011) - With deep sadness, the Bretton Woods Committee acknowledged the passing on November 5, 2011 of Henry Owen, co-founder and principal force behind our organization for 20 years until his retirement in 2006.

Henry’s professional life began in World War II where he served in the Navy in the Pacific, where he came to appreciate Japan’s and Asia’s growing role on the world stage. Later, as a both scholar and diplomat, he served as Ambassador for Economic Summits under President Jimmy Carter. He also worked at the State Department’s Policy and Planning section and led the foreign policy division of the Brookings Institution.

Among his many laudable attributes, Henry was an idea man and a creator of new initiatives. He was a total believer in the axiom that 'there is no limit to what you can accomplish if willing to let others take the credit.' He was one of the principal architects of economic summitry that has come to overshadow other venues as the most important forum for global decision making. He was also an important force behind the influential Trilateral Commission which helped cement Japan’s role in the ‘Western’ system. In his home town of Washington, he created a local charity to mentor and provide tuition support for inner city kids to attend private District schools.

Earlier than most in the foreign policy establishment, he recognized the fundamental link between international economics and diplomacy. He saw the vital role that funding for development lending and balance of payments support play in maintaining both global financial and political stability. He devoted untiring efforts to ensuring the multilateral financial institutions would receive the support they required.

Right up to his death he remained in close touch with Committee leaders and staff. Only weeks before his passing, he dictated a letter to Robert Zoellick, president of the World Bank, pledging new help on Capitol Hill. In his last days he was pleased to receive a personal response from Zoellick warmly welcoming his efforts. Others at the Committee will ensure his pledge is kept.

Henry Owen Memorial Award
Through the generous contributions of members and friends, the Committee launched the Henry Owen Memorial Award in 2013 to honor our co-founder and friend.

The Award will celebrate innovative policy proposals in the field of international economics from promising graduate-level students by providing a modest prize – based on winning essays – and cultivating opportunities for these emerging leaders to interact with Committee members. By launching the Owen Memorial Award, we hope to inspire new generations of thoughtful young people to follow Henry’s example as both scholar and diplomat.

Read about the inaugural Award winners.

Contact Randy Rodgers, Executive Director of the Bretton Woods Committee, for more information about how you can contribute to the success of the Owen Memorial Award.