2019 Global Youth Ambassadors Leadership Summit a Success!

World Business Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities International are proud to share the 2019 Global Youth Ambassadors Leadership Summit just concluded on Saturday, July 27. A joint program of Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), the Global Youth Ambassadors Leadership Program is an intensive leadership program in Chicago designed to build the next generation of global leaders.

Ten girls from Chicago and 14 from its sister cities were selected this year. The girls from Chicago live in Brighton Park, Bronzeville, Edison Park, Galewood, Logan Square, North Lawndale, West Englewood, West Lawn and Wicker Park. As the largest and most active sister cities organization in the U.S., CSCI is committed to strengthening ties between Chicago and its sister cities around the world.

“Through its 29 sister city relationships, the City of Chicago demonstrates its commitment to building a strong network of global partners, while reflecting our biggest strength – the diversity of our city,” said Andrea Zopp, president and CEO of WBC. “The Global Youth Ambassadors Leadership Summit bolsters our relationships around the world by creating an international network of young leaders.”

The 14 international participants are from Chicago’s sister cities including:

• Belgrade, Serbia
• Birmingham, United Kingdom
• Bogota, Colombia
• Busan, Republic of Korea
• Delhi, India
• Durban, South Africa
• Gothenburg, Sweden
• Hamburg, Germany
• Lahore, Pakistan
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Osaka, Japan
• Paris, France
• Shanghai, China

During the week-long Summit, participants met with women leaders in Chicago representing a diverse cross-section of industries, with topics centered on activism, advocacy and leadership. Highlights throughout the week included panel discussions with women leaders in tech, international affairs, the environment, and media.

The girls had the opportunity to meet with activists who are working to create change and improve their communities. Conversations of advocacy centered on mental and menstrual health and women’s rights, as well as the state of media with women in broadcasting. Additionally, the girls met with women of influence in Chicago, where they had the opportunity to hear their stories of success and ask for guidance on leadership. They also visited the DuSable Museum of African American History, one of the few independent institutions of its kind in the United States.

On the final day of the Summit, the girls presented group projects as a capstone to the week at City Council Chambers. In addition, they were matched with professional female mentors who they will engage with for the year following the Summit.

The Global Youth Ambassadors are selected through a competitive application process. There is no cost for them to attend, and travel expenses are covered for those traveling from Chicago’s sister cities.

For more information on the Global Youth Ambassador Leadership Summit visit:http://chicagosistercities.com/GlobalYouthAmbassadors