WASHINGTON — A Treasury economist rummaging in the department’s library has stumbled on a historical treasure hiding in plain sight: a transcript of the Bretton Woods conference in 1944 that cast the foundations of the modern international monetary system.

On May 17, the Bretton Woods Committee brought together more than 155 financial sector leaders, development experts, government officials, and others for its 29th Annual Meeting, From Vicious to Virtuous: The Cycle of Debt, Stability, and Growth. During the meeting, participants examined the interconnectivity between managing sovereign debt, ensuring political and financial stability, and jump-starting economic growth.

On May 19, 2011, the Bretton Woods Committee held its twenty-eighth Annual Meeting. The program was held at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, DC, with the theme Risks to the Global System. Participants heard from distinguished speakers regarding development challenges, international financial risks, and the need to meet global responsibilities.