World Learning Launches Project in Support of Mongolia’s Young, Emerging Leaders

Publication Date: September 22, 2016
Publication Location: ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA
Contact: Kathryn Schoenberger   |   [email protected]

World Learning is proud to officially launch its new Leaders Advancing Democracy (LEAD)-Mongolia Program in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). LEAD-Mongolia is introduced to support U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Jennifer Zimdahl Galt’s initiative to support the country’s next generation of democratic leaders. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry previously announced this program during his visit to Mongolia on June 5, 2016 as he encouraged young Mongolian leaders to use their voice to further their country’s democratic efforts.

The launch event took place on September 21, 2016 in Ulaanbaatar to celebrate the program’s inauguration and encourage interested emerging leaders to apply.

“We’re honored to partner with USAID on this important initiative,” says World Learning President, Carol Jenkins. “Our project creates a partnership whereby Mongolia’s best and brightest emerging leaders are given a unique opportunity to breathe life into their own vision of positive change. This is accomplished through a variety of leadership programs, international exchanges, and civic education activities.” Carol Jenkins traveled from Washington, DC to attend the event and make remarks alongside U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Jennifer Zimdahl Galt.

Over the next two years, LEAD-Mongolia will work with 90 emerging leaders from a variety of sectors, connect Mongolian emerging leaders with counterparts in the region, and develop a civic education curriculum for teachers at the high-school level. World Learning is working together with non-profit partners International Republican Institute (IRI) and Center for Citizenship Education (CCE) to achieve these goals.

“We want emerging leaders aged 25 to 40 with enthusiasm and a unique vision for positive change,” explains LEAD Project Director, Adam LeClair. “We’re keen to support the next generation of change agents whose leadership will combat indifference and forge a common vision for the successful democratic trajectory of their country. We also encourage emerging leaders from all paths of life to apply. That’s is why we’ve spoken to organizations representing diverse populations and interests including youth groups, policy advocates, gender-focused groups, disabled persons organizations, LGBTI rights groups, and others.”

World Learning is an international non-profit organization working to promote leadership, empower people and strengthen institutions in over 75 countries through education, development, and exchange programs. It has been active in Mongolia since 2000 through its Experiment in International Living, SIT Study Abroad programs, and international exchanges.