New York — The Africa-America Institute will hold its 23rd annual awards gala on Sept. 19, in recognition of the people of Tanzania for the country's significant progress in the areas of education and conservation, and honoring leading Americans and Africans for their contributions to Africa and the world.
AAI, a leading New York-based international education and policy organization, will present the African National Achievement award to Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who will accept on behalf of the people of Tanzania. Paul Tudor Jones II, businessman and founder of The Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund in Tanzania, will serve as Gala Chair. Jones, founder of the Robin Hood Foundation, will introduce President Kikwete.
Reginald Mengi, a Tanzanian businessman and the owner and Executive Chairman of IPP Group, will serve as the gala's co-chair.
The country will be recognized for its work in promoting access to education at every level, longstanding commitment to conservation, and success in creating an increasingly business-friendly environment.
Other awards will include: AAI Award for International Development and Diplomacy to Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Compact with Iraq; AAI Distinguished Trustee Award to Peggy Dulany, Founder and Chair of The Synergos Institute; and AAI Distinguished Alumnus Award to Gidion Kaino Mandesi, Executive Director of the Disabled Organization for Legal Affairs and Social Economic Development (DOLASED) in Tanzania.
The AAI Awards Gala is the largest Africa-focused black-tie event in New York City.
ABOUT AAI:
AAI is a New York-based international education and policy organization with offices in South Africa and Mozambique and an alumni presence throughout the African continent. Since 1953, AAI has worked to educate and train African leaders and professionals and foster greater understanding between Africa and the United States. Today, AAI counts more than 23,000 alumni, including Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, Namibian Prime Minister Nahas Angula, and New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) CEO Firmino Mucavele.
CONTACT: Shanta Bryant Gyan 646.290.8211• shanta@sbgcommunications.com • www.aaionline.org