Good night, welcome, and congratulations to our Mandela Washington Fellows!
Welcome additionally to all of our alumni, colleagues, and mates of this Fellowship. It is an honor to have you ever be a part of us this night.
Tonight, we rejoice this latest group of outstanding leaders—dynamic women and men from Uganda and the DRC—who’re about to embark on the transformative journey that’s the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
Each of you represents the way forward for your nation, and the promise of Africa.
You have been chosen due to the work you’re doing in your respective fields, your initiative, and your daring imaginative and prescient on your communities.
The United States believes in you, and we’re supporting you, as a result of your success will contribute to the long-term prosperity and safety of our nations, this area, and the world.
Since its inception, the Mandela Washington Fellowship—part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)—has empowered greater than 6,000 younger Africans to strengthen financial alternative, democratic governance, and peace. This fellowship has at all times been about genuine and results-driven partnership. And that dedication stays sturdy.
As you put together to journey to the United States, know that you’re not solely college students and professionals—you’re ambassadors. You will share your cultures, your values, your experiences—and you’ll be taught from Americans who, such as you, are dedicated to fixing issues, advancing objectives, and creating alternatives by way of exhausting work, cooperation, and innovation. We are assured that these collaborations will forge a brighter future for all our nations.
It is on this spirit that the United States prioritizes sturdy, significant partnerships. We are working to assist personal enterprise, to improve regional safety, to advance non secular freedom, and to promote self-reliance—not dependency. We consider in outcomes. We consider in accountability. And we consider in you—the subsequent technology—as a result of you’ve got the vitality and braveness to innovate, assist transparency, to raise up your communities, and to increase alternatives.
As Fellows, you’ll improve your abilities in public administration, enterprise, and civic management, however much more importantly, you’ll be a part of a world community of change-makers who’re decided to construct freer, safer, and extra affluent societies. You’ll return home empowered, with recent concepts, deeper partnerships, and a renewed dedication to serve.
Tonight, we additionally acknowledge the deep and enduring ties between the United States, Uganda, and certainly the DRC. Our relationships are strongest when constructed on attaining actual outcomes for our individuals. The United States will proceed to assist your efforts to drive development, protect stability, and be certain that all residents have a voice and a future.
To our Fellows: As you board that airplane to America within the coming weeks, carry with you the satisfaction of your accomplishments, the hopes of your communities, and the power of your convictions. You are usually not alone. You are part of a fellowship and partnership grounded in management, civic engagement, and alternative.
We are happy with you. And we glance ahead to seeing all that you’ll accomplish—not simply within the subsequent six weeks, however within the years to come. Thank you.
The put up Ambassador’s Remarks to Mandela Washington Fellowship Pre-Fellowship Orientation appeared first on U.S. Embassy in Uganda.
