The video below is available with closed captioning on YouTube.
I am delighted to welcome you to the State Department for the Active Citizen Summit which is giving a new generation of leaders the tools they need to drive political, economic, and social change.
The democratic transitions that have swept across the Middle East and North Africa are creating a new era of opportunity. It is now up to you to make decisions about what kind of communities and countries you want. You hold the key to a brighter future. But it won’t be easy. With this change comes an array of new challenges. It’s up to you to hold your governments accountable, to move from protest to politics, and to find new ways to move past old divisions.
The United States understands the value of connecting with young leaders in the Middle East and North Africa. We want to be your partner and friend as you make your way in this new era.
That is why I am excited that you are spending this week engaging with fellow leaders from the United States, and discussing what it takes to be an active citizen and a responsible partner. You are building bridges that I hope will last a lifetime.
So I look forward to hearing more about your ideas, your perspectives, and your visions for the future. Thank you for all that you have done, and all that you will do to create a more peaceful and prosperous world.