The Foreign Service Journal, June 2023

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JUNE 2023 27 over the next three years toward developing renewable energy projects and health care systems, increasing trade and invest- ment, expanding internet access and literacy, increasing food supply, strengthening democratic institutions, and improving security. We crafted and negotiated a vision statement with African Union leadership that outlined the contours of the strengthened partnership, reaffirming our commitment to work collaboratively with African governments, businesses, and publics to realize the vision. Among the extensive new and existing deliverables were a core set of announcements. • President Biden announced support for a permanent African Union seat on the G20, furthering the commitment to more inclusive and responsive international institutions. • Vice President Harris announced more than $100 million toward the expansion of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) to support youth and innovation across the continent, while also drawing on support from the private sector, the diaspora, and educational institutions. Senegalese Foreign Minister Aïssata Tall Sall (left) with the author at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022. COURTESYOFDANABANKS