Heading to Africa

Message from Secretary John Kerry, U.S. Department of State One of the most fulfilling parts of being Secretary of State is the chance I get almost everywhere I go to meet young leaders as I travel around the world – to see and get to know firsthand the people who will shape the future of their countries. That’s why I wanted to let all of you know why I’m heading back to Africa this week. On this trip, I’ll visit Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola. Thanks to the YALI Network, though, you can join us from anywhere. Be sure to follow @JohnKerry and use the #YALICHATon Twitter to be part of the conversation. As you know better than anyone, Africa right now is facing an important set of choices: in so many places on the continent, everything's moving from a land of great potential to one of realized promise, while a few other places are wrestling with the struggle to either ride that momentum forward or get pulled back into the old cycles of conflict. All of you will have that chance in your lifetimes to really tip the balance. On my trip I look forward to seeing the progress in Africa first-hand and to talking about – in person – the work the United States is doing with Africa to help address the more difficult issues still challenging the continent. I'm a big believer that for too long, America’s ties to Africa were defined by challenges, rather than opportunities. While you know all too well that there's still work to be done, it’s clearly a different world today – due in no small part to young leaders like you. Every day you work hard to make your community, your country and your continent a better place, whether that’s through creating economic opportunity, promoting educational opportunity, advancing open societies or fighting for the basic dignity of every human being. As you continue to collaborate in new and exciting ways, and share your ideas, I want you to know that America will work with you towards shared prosperity across the continent. That includes efforts like the YALI Network, a powerful tool for young African leaders like you to connect with the United States and to get to know one another. Keep up the great work, and please send me some feedback if you have a minute or two, so I can hear from you. I'll be sure to read it. John John Kerry Secretary of State U.S. Department of State P.S. If you know of anyone who should be part of the YALI Network, encourage them to sign up here:a<"http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstate.us3.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3Dae561a12869798ead43e29e8e%26id%3Da8208054be%26e%3D4653b1b5b0&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFwEsIeMML_oMf8OQ0_JBgx93HeKQ/>