Blog Daily Listings RSS https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog-daily-listings-rss/112041/posts en Join the Conversation: Discussion on the Obama Administration’s Strategy towards sub-Saharan Africa https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2012/07/27/join-conversation-discussion-obama-administration-s-strategy-towards-sub-saharan-afr Note: Planning to watch live and engage in the discussion on Monday, July 30th at 11:30 a.m. EDT? Watch at WhiteHouse.gov/Live and ask questions now through a webform, or on Twitter live using the hashtag #WHChat.

On Monday, the White House Office of Public Engagement is hosting an event to discuss President Obama’s Presidential Policy Directive on Sub-Saharan Africa, which he signed on June 14th 2012. This new U.S. strategy toward sub-Saharan Africa is another step in deepening our partnerships with the nations and peoples of the region. Administration officials will be discussing the core components and strategic priorities outlined in the Presidential Policy Directive: (1) strengthen democratic institutions; (2) spur economic growth, trade, and investment; (3) advance peace and security; and (4) promote opportunity and development.

Here's how you can particpate:

Administration officials participating in this event include: Grant Harris, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for African Affairs, Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs at the U.S. State Department, Earl Gast, Assistant Administrator for Africa at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Joseph McMillan, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, and Florizelle B. Liser, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa at Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

For additional information, see the Fact Sheet on the Obama Administration’s efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.

 Learn More:

]]> Fri, 27 Jul 2012 17:56:24 -0400 <a href="/blog/author/karen-richardson">Karen Richardson</a> whr-228271 Open for Questions: President Obama’s trip to the U.N. General Assembly with Ben Rhodes https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/09/20/open-questions-president-obama-s-trip-un-general-assembly-ben-rhodes This week, President Obama is traveling to New York for the U.N. General Assembly. While he’s there, the President is meeting with leaders from some of our closest allies and partners to discuss our shared approach to pressing economic and security challenges. He’s working with leaders from around the world to forge global cooperation on key global challenges, including the transition in Libya and the launch of a new Open Government Partnership.

On Wednesday, the President will address the UN General Assembly, where he will address the historic progress that has been made around the world over the past year and discuss the opportunities ahead to enhance international security and peace. In remarks at the Clinton Global Initiative, the President will focus on the urgent need to create jobs and the need for Congress to pass the American Jobs Act.

On Friday, Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting, will answer your questions on a range of issues that the President will discuss at the U.N. General Assembly this week.  Be sure to tune in and ask your questions.

]]> Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:49:56 -0400 <a href="/blog/author/karen-richardson">Karen Richardson</a> whr-225451 Join a Dialogue with Young African Women Leaders https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/06/17/join-dialogue-young-african-women-leaders Next week, the First Lady will travel to Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa and Gaborone, Botswana during an official visit to Africa. During the trip, which will go from June 21 – 26, Mrs. Obama will deliver the keynote address to a U.S.-sponsored Young African Women Leaders Forum in South Africa.  Forum participants include young women from across sub-Saharan Africa, like Toyosi and Annah, who are leading or involved in social and economic initiatives in their own countries.  The Forum will build on the Obama Administration’s ongoing engagement with the next generation of African leaders and the momentum of the August 2010 President’s Forum with Young African Leaders held at the White House.

On Monday, June 20 at 8:30 AM EDT, join us for a pre-Forum overview and discussion with Edward Kemp, Deputy Director for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs in the Bureau of African Affairs;  and Larry Garber, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Africa at USAID and me.

Here's how you can join us to discuss the First Lady’s Forum and talk about the issues that matter to you and your community:

Keep up with the First Lady at http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/youngafrica, where you can find updates on this trip as well as engage in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter (#YoungAfrica).

Karen Richardson is a Deputy Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement.

]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:14:57 -0400 <a href="/blog/author/karen-richardson">Karen Richardson</a> whr-194066