Washington, DC - 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 Wednesday, April 20, the ten recipients of the inauguralEmerging Young Leaders Awardwill be acknowledged in a public ceremony at the State Department for their efforts to create constructive social change.

The 2016 awardees are:

  • Ahmad Shakib Mohsanyar, Afghanistan
  • Thinzar Shunlei Yi, Burma
  • Samuel Grzybowski, France
  • Nino Nanitashvili, Georgia
  • Jessel Recinos Fernandez, Honduras
  • Zulfirman Rahyantel, Indonesia
  • Asha Hassan, Kenya
  • Hillary Briffa, Malta
  • Basel Almadhoun, Palestinian Territories
  • Ahlem Nasraoui, Tunisia

Biographies and photos are available here.

These ten remarkable young people will visit the United States for an intensive program, April 13–May 5, specially tailored to explore leadership practices in the non-profit, government, and private sectors, and to broaden their networks of resources and support.  The exchange program provides skills and training to set awardees on paths for increased collaboration on global issues affecting youth, particularly those involved in combating extremism, empowering voices, and building peace.