Hosted by
The UNESCO Center for Peace
Date: June 29-30, 2012
Background: UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
UNESCO works to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values. It is through this dialogue that the world can achieve global visions of sustainable development encompassing observance of human rights, mutual respect and the alleviation of poverty, all of which are at the heart of UNESCO’S mission and activities.
UNESCO Center for Peace, promotes the ideals of UNESCO and is located in Frederick Maryland (U.S.)- We have been building strong alliances in the Washington, DC metro area since 2004. Major partners include the Frederick County Public Schools, Hood College and Frederick Community College.
Since then, the center has become a cultural anchor for the region, celebrating community diversity, contributing on current issues and events, engaging policy makers, and working with all stakeholders to further understanding of peace, acceptance and tolerance.
Our Mission
As Member of the Wold Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers and Associations, our UNESCO Center for Peace works to create the conditions for" dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values."
Yearly The UNESCO Center for Peace host students around the world for a two week summer camp called the International Model U. N (IMUN) for students ages 14 to 22. The mission of the United Nations and UNESCO Center for Peace are reflected through our IMUN summer camp, which serves as a forum in which students from around the world can gather to discuss some of the major challenges facing the world today, in fields such as the international peace, economic progress, human rights and security. It aims to educate participants about civics, effective communication, globalization and multilateral diplomacy. It serves as a “mock” UN for students.
Our camp promotes important values such as personal and mutual responsibility and respect, integrity, sense of idealism, compassion and service, personal challenge, celebration of difference, international and intercultural understanding.
Summit Goal
To host the First Lady’s “Youth Infusion” Summit in Annapolis Maryland in April 2013. Our goal for the Summit is to bring several First Ladies together to meet with the next generation leaders from the ages of 16-25. The Countries of the First Lady’s are: Ghana, Senegal, Liberia, Nigeria, Benin, Ethiopia, Gambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone
If we are going to impact future cultures we will need young people who have a vision for what can happen when they enter into their destinies with a motive to solve problems.
If leadership means influence then young people are definitely leaders. They influence other people and lead new trends, fashion, technology and more. It’s so important that we see the importance of developing those new young leaders. Soon the young adults of today will become the new CEO’s and leaders of our governments, businesses and organizations. We need to see their development as an investment. It is so important that we spend time to develop young people. They are driven and passionate to make a difference. The younger you learn something how more valuable it will be for your future.
The Summit will be two days consisting of a Conference / Youth Expo on the first day and a Gala on the second day. The Conference will be a general meeting with breakout sessions for each First Lady to discuss their country’s needs and hear the concerns and creative solutions that this generation of young leaders have and to see how they may assist each country.
The Youth Expo will exhibit creative technologies, solutions and entrepreneurial ideas of the young adults which should stimulate economic growth, assist in health and agricultural initiatives as well as media, arts and entertainment. Each young exhibitor’s information will be an idea or technology that can be immediately implemented in many of the countries the First Lady’s represent.
The Gala will provide a venue for a unique cultural experience of all the countries led by the First Ladies. During the Gala opportunities to purchase cultural products will be provided.
On the third day the First Lady’s will be invited to meet with Maryland State’s Leaders and tour several historic sites. A dinner with the Governor or Secretary of State and state officials will conclude their visit.
Venue for Summit: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Annapolis
210 Holiday Court, Annapolis, MD 21401
Meeting with Government Officials: Proposed brunch/dinner with Governor O’Malley, Meeting with the Secretary of State, Meeting with County Executives. Invitations will go to White House Officials, Ambassadors, etc.
Tour of Banneker Douglas Museum: The Museum is significant because to the connection with the Slave Trade
Mr. Guy Djoken: President of UNESCO Center for Peace
Dr. Cheryl Hill: 15 years working with Maryland State Government, 6 years working for Governors and the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives, currently working in Africa
Mr. Kola Fajana: Seven years working as contractor at the Pentagon, currently self employed and involved with African Initiatives
Ms. Mariama Sire Dione Conde: President of the African Women for Good Governance (AWGG)
Ms. Dawn Lucas: Americorp, Fredrick County MLK Day Event Coordinator
Mr.& Mrs. James Cooper: Financing and Program Development experience. They also have over 6 years working on international projects.
Ms. Stella Onuoha: Political Consultant, Public Relations expert.
Mr. Bamikole “Banks” Omishore: Political and Business expert, Social Media Consultant and Public Relations expert.
Mr. Serge Atontsa: UNESCO Center for Peace Executive Secretary
Ms. Linord Rachel Moudou: President Racine Heritage Foundation
Dr. Yonnas Kefle: UNESCO Center for Peace Advisor on African Affairs
Stakeholders: Governor’s Office, Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, the Governor’s African Commission, The Africa Trade Office, The Department of Business and Economic Development, Eduserc, KidtalkRadio, various Diaspora organizations, Women in NAACP, W.I.N., The Office of the First Lady (U.S.)