U.S Hosts Summit for Young Middle East, African Leaders

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

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