Former US President Barack Obama will visit Greece in June as part of the Obama Foundation Leaders program, his non-profit organization has announced.
On Tuesday, Obama announced a new class of 105 emerging change-makers from Africa, Asia-Pacific and Europe participating in the program. These so-called “Obama Leaders,” who represent 75 nations and territories, will meet with the former President in Athens. The convening will mark the culmination of the six-month program.
The Barack Obama Foundation Leaders program aims to inspire, empower and connect regional cohorts of changemakers to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities and throughout their region.
President Obama’s deep roots in Africa and across the Asia Pacific have informed his values and faith in the passion of this generation of leaders across these regions. The Europe Leaders program also builds upon the legacy of the Obamas, with a focus on shared values and ethical leadership.
Obama to speak about democracy and leadership in Greece
During his stay, Obama will participate in the SNF Nostos Conference from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) June 21-23.
In a statement on Tuesday, SNF said Obama “will join SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos for a one-on-one keynote conversation focused on how to strengthen our democratic culture and the importance in investing in the next generation of leaders.”
This marks Obama’s second appearance at the SNF. In 2016, during his last international trip while in office, he delivered a stirring, memorable speech from the stage in Stavros Niarchos Hall.
During that visit, Barack Obama praised the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization by posting a video on the White House Twitter account.
The former U.S. President appeared with the Parthenon in the background saying that, “One of the great joys being a president is the ability to travel, get to know cultures and meet people. This is important not only for our national security but to also understand ourselves.”
“We have the Parthenon behind us and it was here in Athens that ideas such as democracy and the notions of citizenship and the rule of law began to develop,” Obama says.
Watch the video below:
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