During the opening week of the United Nations General Assembly, The Africa-America Institute will host its 30th Annual Awards Gala Monday, Sept. 22 in New York City.
Hosted by CNN International anchor Isha Sesay, U.S. and African leaders and top diplomats will gather to celebrate achievements of African leaders of the diaspora. The black-tie affair will begin with a reception and a dinner presentation of honors will follow.
“We are deeply honored to present these distinguished awards to extraordinary African leaders and General Electric for their tremendous achievements in being on the frontlines of spurring economic productivity and development in Africa through research, development banking and investment in workforce development,†said Amini Kajunju, President and CEO of The Africa-America Institute. “We will salute and celebrate all of our honorees.â€
The Awards Gala theme this year is “Powering Africa’s Future through Regional and Global Partnerships,” and will focus on how education empowers African youth to reach their full potential while being catalytic in society’s socioeconomic transformation through regional and global partnerships.
A moderated panel discussion called “Conversation on Africa†with honorees will also take place to explore fostering greater regional and global partnerships for development.
Honorees are as follows:
- H.E. President Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire and former chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), will be honored with the AAI 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Vivienne Yeda Apopo, Director-General of the East African Development Bank (EADB), will receive the AAI 2014 Business Leader Award.
- Professor Thandika Mkandawire, chair of African development, London School of Economics, will be presented with the AAI 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award.
- General Electric will receive the AAI 2014 Corporate Responsibility Award.
The Africa-America Institute (AAI) is a premier U.S.-based international education and policy organization dedicated to strengthening the human capacity of Africans and promoting the continent’s development through higher education and skills training, convening activities, partner engagement, and research.
Visit The Africa-America Institute’s Website for more details on the event and follow @AAIAfrica on Twitter for updates.