Press Releases: U.S. Department of State Honors Global Emerging Young Leaders


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

April 18, 2017


In recognition of the positive role young people play in building sustainable peace, the U.S. Department of State is honoring outstanding young leaders from around the world. On Thursday, May 4, the ten recipients of the second annual Emerging Young Leaders Award will be acknowledged in a public ceremony at the State Department for their efforts as partners for peace and drivers of economic growth and opportunity.

The 2017 awardees are:

Naomi Bugre, Malta
Chamathya Fernando, Sri Lanka
Gharsanay IbnulAmeen, Afghanistan
Raj Kumar, Pakistan
Amel Mohandi, Algeria
Jahongir Olimov, Tajikistan
Noé Petitjean, Belgium
Luu Thi Quyên, Vietnam
Moises Salazar Vila, Peru
Hanna Tams, Jerusalem

These ten remarkable young people will visit the United States for an intensive program, April 30-May 13, specially designed to explore their leadership capacities, strengthen their knowledge of management strategies in the non-profit, government and private sectors, learn and share best practices, and broaden their networks of resources and support. The exchange program provides skills training to set awardees on paths for increased collaboration on global issues affecting youth, particularly those involved in combating extremism, empowering youth, and building peace.

Learn more about the award and exchange program at exchanges.state.gov/eyl.

The Emerging Young Leaders award ceremony will take place on May 4 at the U.S. Department of State, and will be open to credentialed members of the media. Interested media should contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at eca-press@state.gov. Follow the conversation online with #EYLeaders and @ECAatState.