Events

Student Leaders Alumni Conference

The third annual Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders Alumni Conference was held in Abu Dhabi from February 5-8, 2006. The conference, “Leadership and Civic Engagement,” hosted outstanding student leaders from throughout the Middle East and North Africa who had participated in a 6-week program at select U.S. universities during the summer of 2005.

MEPI’s Student Leaders program, administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, offers undergraduate student leaders a unique program of extensive study and field visits to strengthen their leadership skills and knowledge of civic issues and democratic processes in the United States.  Each Student Leader returns home empowered with new skills and a determination to apply those skills for positive change in their communities.  Previous MEPI Student Alumni have started student newspapers, created student councils, and established programs to tutor underprivileged youth.  

The Abu Dhabi conference reinforced and expanded upon the students' U.S. experience with advanced training and tailored instruction.  Business, civil society, and political experts from the Middle East and North Africa served as mentors, offering first-hand experiences and guidance on effective leadership and civic engagement in this region. 
Through interactive sessions, the MEPI alumni shared their own experiences in civic engagement since their summer program.  The interaction reinforced the value of strong local and regional networks in affecting change.  These extraordinary future leaders plan to continue their efforts.