State Department Fellowships Milestone Anniversaries; Additional Aid for Ukraine; Secretary Blinken meets with African Diaspora and Exchange Alumni; and more.

U.S. Department of State sent this bulletin at 08/23/2022 04:17 PM EDT

The Week at State | August 15-21

Screenshot of video of The Week At State showing Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Ned Price

Take a look at The Week at State video for a review of key events of the past week, including Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken's meeting with representatives of the African diaspora and alumni of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in D.C. following his travels to South Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. The Secretary also delivered remarks at an event in honor of the anniversaries of State Department Fellowships. Visit our YouTube channel for more videos.

Honoring the Anniversaries of Department of State Fellowships

Secretary Binken stands in the middle of a group photo in an auditorium with Pickering, Rangel, Payne, FAIT, Powell Fellows

Last week, Secretary Blinken celebrated milestone anniversaries for the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship, the Charles B. Rangel Fellowship, USAID Payne Fellowship, and the Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship. These programs have enriched the State Department, foreign policy, and development work in ways that are immeasurable, but incredibly powerful. The Secretary also announced two new programs: The Colin Powell Leadership Program for the civil service and the William D. Clark, Sr. Fellowship for Diplomatic Security. These programs will join the arsenal of programs aimed at building a State Department that represents America and leads on the global stage. Read Secretary Blinken's remarks honoring the anniversaries of State Department fellowships and watch the video of the event.

United with Ukraine

$775 Million in Additional U.S. Military Assistance For Ukraine

"Today I directed a $775 million drawdown of arms and equipment from U.S. military stockpiles for Ukraine’s defense. The United States continues to stand with Ukraine and its brave defenders. #UnitedWithUkraine," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read his press statement on the latest drawdown.

Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra at the Kennedy Center

Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield giving remarks at the Kennedy Center.

"Music is a way to tell the world just who we are - tonight, we celebrated what it means to be Ukrainian & free. Proud to welcome the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra on behalf of @potus/@SecBlinken to @kencen with @OMarkarova, David Rubenstein, + @KenCenPrez. #SlavaUkraini!" Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield on Twitter.

The Importance of Journalism in Ukraine

Journalist Roksolana Bychai is on screen reflecting on her work in Ukraine.

Media workers and human rights defenders play a vital role fighting disinformation and documenting abuses in war and conflict. They often face increased risk of harassment and attacks. Watch the spotlight video of journalist Roksolana reflecting on her work in Ukraine.
#DemocracyAllies #StandWithUkraine

Global Food Security

Additional U.S Contribution to the World Food Programme

Russia Food Security Graphic on disruptions of agricultural production, supply chains and trade

The United States will contribute more than $68 million to purchase Ukrainian wheat to further combat global food insecurity, adding to the more than $5.4 billion in humanitarian contributions from the United States this year. Read Secretary Blinken’s press statement.

Alliances and Partnerships

Secretary Blinken Presents U.S. Instruments of Ratification to Sweden and Finland

In front of a large grey, steel, open vault door, Secretary Blinken stands next to four other smiling officials.

"On August18 I deposited the U.S. Instruments of Ratification with the Depositary for the North Atlantic Treaty, as the last step in the U.S. ratification process for Finland and Sweden to join @NATO," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Watch the spotlight video of Secretary Blinken presenting the U.S instruments of ratification for Sweden and Finland accession for NATO.

Education and Culture

Secretary Blinken Meets with the African Diaspora Youth and Exchange Alumni

Members of the African Diaspora Youth and Exchange Alumni eating in front of a black and orange banner that reads: “Africa’s Fine Dining Experience”.

"Sub-Saharan Africa is a major force for the future. I met with young members of the African diaspora this week because the partnerships we hope to build extend beyond government. For us, this is not about what we do for Africa, but what we do with Africa," Secretary Blinken on Twitter (watch the spotlight video). Read his remarks To African Diaspora Youth and Exchange Alumni, or watch the video.

Our Workforce

Secretary Blinken meets with Under Secretary Uzra Zeya and Staff

Secretary of State Antony Blinken waves to team members assembled in an auditorium.

"Energized to welcome @SecBlinken to meet in-person and virtually with our 1,000+ person Under Secretariat for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights team for a wide-ranging conversation. Thank you, Secretary Blinken, for sharing your time with the team!" Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya on Twitter.

Holidays and Commemorations

World Humanitarian Day

Women wearing brightly-colored necklaces transport on their heads sacks and boxes of aid donated by USAID.

Around the world, #ItTakesAVillage of humanitarians to deliver life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities. Today on #WorldHumanitarianDay, and every day, we honor humanitarians who risk their lives to help those in need. Read Secretary Blinken’s press statement on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day.