Abby Finkenauer, the U.S. Department of State’s Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, will embark on a diplomatic visit to Sri Lanka and Nepal from November 12-15, 2024. The visit underscores the United States’ ongoing commitment to empowering young leaders across South Asia, promoting civic engagement, and addressing critical issues such as youth leadership, cultural preservation, and community resilience.
In Sri Lanka, Finkenauer will observe the positive impact of U.S. partnership programs in education, leadership, and civic engagement. Her activities will include joining U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung to meet with the U.S. Embassy’s Youth Forum and alumni of the Emerging Leaders Academy, a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-supported initiative that promotes leadership and civic participation among underrepresented groups. Finkenauer will also engage with the Women in Motion program, which helps young women pursue careers in the creative industries, and visit successful young entrepreneurs who have benefited from U.S. skills-building initiatives.
In Nepal, Finkenauer’s itinerary includes meetings with young political leaders and U.S.-exchange program alumni to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing youth leadership. She will participate in a roundtable with social media influencers to address issues such as cyberbullying and misinformation, and connect with members of the U.S. Youth Council to discuss foreign policy priorities. The visit will also feature Finkenauer’s attendance at a mock election program, providing a platform for young people to engage in simulated democratic processes.
The trip aims to strengthen partnerships with youth leaders in South Asia and reinforce the United States’ collaborative efforts in addressing global youth issues.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
