Ambassador Teferi Melesse attended the forum for members of the Westside Young Leaders Academy (WYLA) and Lewisham Young Leaders Academy (LYLA) in the United Kingdom and called on young black leaders to be a voice for Africa.

The Ambassador said, “As future leaders and company owners, you need to envisage forging partnerships with African businesses and supporting local initiatives. You must build bridges and foster collaboration among the diaspora, Africans on the continent, and friends of Africa worldwide.”

Taking note of the 60th Anniversary of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the predecessor of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa a couple of days ago, the Ambassador added, “As members of the young leadership academy of African descent, you have a unique perspective, one that bridges the gap between your ancestral roots and the opportunities that exist in your current homelands.

Other keynote speakers include Andrew Mouhammad and David Okoro Directors of Young Leaders Academy, Meti Tamrat, Director of Public and International Relations at the Addis Ababa City Administration, Tsegaye Didana, CEO of TCD Consulting and Becky Abadula, CEO of Deborah Foundation.