State Department Hosts Active Citizen Summit 2.0 for Young Middle East and North African Leaders
Media Note
Washington, DC
March 26, 2014
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Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
The United States Department of State, in partnership with the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), is
hosting a 22-day Active Citizen Summit 2.0 for 18 young leaders from across the Middle East and North Africa. This program will include young economic and social
entrepreneurs and civil society leaders who will spend 16 days in Chicago, Illinois and 6 days in Washington, DC from
March 26 to April 16, 2014. The Summit officially kicks off on March 27 in Chicago with remarks from Near Eastern
Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Richard Schmierer; Secretary Kerry’s Special
Adviser on Global Youth Issues, Zeenat Rahman; and a high level representative from the Chicago Mayor’s Office.
The Summit will incorporate unique opportunities for fellows to explore relevant topics and engage in professional
development around the theme of youth entrepreneurship. Fellows will engage in interactive leadership and communications
trainings, professional internships, substantive policy discussions, and informal relationship building. They will work
toward developing action plans for the future and sustainable follow-on initiatives that will strengthen entrepreneurial
and business opportunities in their communities and countries back home.
The Active Citizen Summit provides an exciting opportunity to positively respond to the opportunities and challenges facing youth in the Middle
East and North Africa. The program’s goals are: 1) to expand skills and knowledge for civic and business engagement; 2)
to provide a deeper understanding of and appreciation for American business and culture; 3) to connect with a variety of
organizations that might serve as potential partners in the implementation of their action plans; and 4) to build
lasting relationships with each other as well as with American counterparts that will create foundations for future
endeavors.
For more information, please contact: Dina Badawy, U.S. Department of State (202) 647-4148, BadawyDA@state.govand Andy Rabens, U.S. Department of State (202) 647-4558, RabensAC@state.gov
ENDS