The first Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) / Mandela Washington Fellowship Conference for West Africa was recently held, with Ambassador Cretz extending a warm welcome to attendees. The conference gathered fellows from various sectors, including government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations.
Ambassador Cretz expressed appreciation to IREX for organizing the event and acknowledged the dedication of the West Africa YALI Advisory Board members. "We all recognize that such positions require sacrifices," he stated, emphasizing gratitude for their commitment.
Addressing the Mandela Washington Fellows, Ambassador Cretz assured them of continued support from the U.S. Government. He highlighted ongoing efforts to foster networking, professional development opportunities, community service involvement, and reinforcing their roles as change agents and leaders.
The ambassador noted the success of previous fellows, mentioning initiatives like the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative and the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative. "You are trending," he remarked.
Entrepreneurship emerged as a key theme during discussions. Ambassador Cretz emphasized its importance in free market economies and acknowledged partners like the Tony Elumelu Foundation for supporting young entrepreneurs.
The conference provided a platform for participants to connect with peers and experts while addressing issues such as women's role in development, sustainable development in West Africa, good governance and security, energy, and Ebola.
Looking ahead, two West Africa Regional Leadership Centers will open in Accra and Dakar with U.S. Government support alongside local and international partners. These centers aim to provide leadership training while fostering regional community belonging among young Africans.
In conclusion, Ambassador Cretz encouraged attendees to carry forward their enthusiasm beyond the conference into their future endeavors: "I look forward to learning how you will be promoting change after this conference."