U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 2022; Launch of the Office of China Coordination; Commemorating Hanukkah; and more.

U.S. Department of State sent this bulletin at 12/20/2022 02:00 PM EST

The Week at State | December 12 - 18

Screenshot of video of The Week At State showing President Biden seated, wearing a blue suit and tie.

Take a look at The Week at State video for a review of key events of the past week, including President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Secretary Blinken participating in the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. Visit our YouTube channel for more videos.

U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit

President Joe Biden and Secretary Blinken sitting amongst officials with African country flags behind them

President Biden invited leaders from across the African continent to Washington, DC on December 13-15 for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. The 3-day summit continued efforts to strengthen ties with African partners based on principles of mutual respect and shared interests and values. Delegations from all 49 invited African countries and the African Union, alongside members of civil society and the private sector attended the summit. The President, Vice President, and members of the Cabinet, including Secretary Blinken, engaged extensively with leaders throughout the Summit. The first day kicked off with a focus on the vital role of civil society and the strength of our African diaspora communities in the United States. The second day focused on increasing two-way trade and investment at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum. The third and final day was dedicated to high-level discussions among leaders, with President Biden opening the day with a session on partnering on Agenda 2063—the African Union's strategic vision for the continent. Read more about the Summit below.

African and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum

Secretary Blinken speaks at a podium. A banner behind him reads "U.S. Africa Leaders Summit Washington, D.C. | 2022"

"The African and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum at the #USAfricaLeadersSummit22 was an important dialogue between U.S. officials and the African diaspora. I'm looking forward to seeing the innovative ideas we discussed grow and blossom into life-changing and saving solutions," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Watch Secretary Blinken's remarks at the African and Diaspora Young Leaders Forum.

U.S-Africa Business Forum

"[The] U.S.-Africa Business Forum brought together partners to build a more prosperous and resilient future. Thanks to all the stakeholders who committed to creating jobs and driving inclusive and sustainable growth on both sides of the Atlantic," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Watch Secretary Blinken's remarks at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum Lunch.

Working with Congress on U.S.-Africa Partnerships

Secretary Blinken speaks before a crowd of Congressional leaders and African delegations at the U.S. Capitol.

"@StateDept is committed to working with Congress to expand and modernize U.S. partnerships across Africa on economic prosperity, democracy and human rights, health, food security, and climate. Thanks @SpeakerPelosi for welcoming African leaders today. #USAfricaLeadersSummit22," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit: Strengthening Partnerships to Meet Shared Priorities released by the White House.

Secretary Blinken Closes Out the U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit

Reporters raise their hands and ask questions of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken at a press conference for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.

@SecBlinken closed out the #USAfricaLeadersSummit22 by reaffirming our commitment to help our African partners in the areas of health security, food insecurity, climate crisis, and more. Watch Secretary Blinken's remarks at the closing of the U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit.

China Policy

Launch of the Office of China Coordination

Secretary Blinken and Deputy Secretary Sherman cut the ribbon to the new Office of China Coordination at the Department of State.

"[On December 16] we launched @StateDept's new Office of China Coordination. This office draws on expertise from across the Department to help implement our comprehensive strategy to responsibly compete with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) while advancing an affirmative vision for the region and the world," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Watch Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel share details on the new Office of China Coordination.

Global Health Security

Unveiling the New Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy

"Global health threats can spread quickly across borders, endangering lives and livelihoods. The @StateDept must be equipped to address these threats, which is why I notified Congress of my plan to establish a Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy," Secretary Blinken on Twitter. Read Secretary Blinken's press statement on plans for a Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy.

Global Women's Issues

U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally

On December 12, the Department of State released the updated U.S. Strategy to Prevent & Respond to Gender-Based Violence Globally. The launch and implementation of the updated strategy will guide the U.S. commitment to prevent and respond to #GBV.

Our Workforce

Welcome to Diplomats' Hometowns!

Picture of a man in a suit, with the map of the U.S. and the city Portland, Oregon marked by a star.

Diplomats come from all corners of the United States. They come from hamlets along the Oregon coast, from Florida cities, from Appalachian Mountain towns and from lots of places in between. Here, six U.S. diplomats talk about how their hometowns influence them — every day — as they pursue foreign policy goals.

Holidays and Commemorations

Chag Hanukkah Sameach

Happy Hanukkah graphic with a photo of a silver menorah with lit yellow candles.

"Chag Hanukkah sameach. I wish you and your family peace and light this holiday season," Secretary Blinken on Twitter.

See You Next Year!

Best wishes for a safe and warm holiday season. We'll be back with The Week at State on January 3, 2023!

See you then,

The Week At State team

An image of a pen with the words "From the Secretary's Desk"

Useful links

News, information, and guidance about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Travel advisories and updates on international travel for U.S. Citizens from the Department of State
Did you know that you can invite a representative from the Department of State to speak at your school, business, agency or organization? Learn about what we do through the firsthand experience of one of our representatives.

Read More at State.gov

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