On Monday, July 21, 2014, Ambassador Andrew Young received Cote d’Ivoire Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Daouda Diabate at the offices of the Andrew J. Young Foundation in downtown Atlanta, Georgia USA.

Ambassador Diabate traveled to Atlanta from Washington, D.C. to personally deliver a letter from Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan on behalf of his Excellency M. Alassane OUATTARA, President of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire. The letter notified Ambassador Young of Cote d’Ivoire’s decision to confer upon him the Commandeur de l’Ordre National Award, the nation’s highest civilian honor. This ceremony will be a highlight of the October 8, 2014 Inaugural Launch Celebration of the IUGB Foundation.

The letter reads in part: “Our decision was informed by the recommendation of the International University of Grand-Bassam, (IUGB). This award is in recognition of your unrelenting services to the global community as: Civil rights leader; Congressman; Businessman; Peacemaker; Advocate for African economic development; a friend of Cote d’Ivoire to whom you devoted years of services; and a person of trust and high esteem among world leaders and people.”

In his brief remarks, Ambassador Diabate reaffirmed Cote d’Ivoire’s appreciation for all Ambassador Young has done for Cote d’Ivoire, Africa and the world at large. He noted the 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement in the United States and the central role played by Ambassador Young. Ambassador Diabate also congratulated Ambassador Young on the recently opened civil rights museum in Atlanta.

Ambassador Young thanked Ambassador Diabate and asked that his sentiments be passed on to President Ouattara and Prime Minister Duncan, stating his appreciation of this high honor and his long standing fondness of Cote d’Ivoire. He noted his involvement and support for the concept of the International University of Grand-Bassam in the early days of the relationship between Atlanta/GSU and Cote d’Ivoire.

Vice President and COO Mr. Samuel Koffi gave Ambassador Young a brief update on the University, noting growth in enrollment and our optimism for the future. IUGB Foundation Executive Director, Ambassador John F. Hicks thanked Ambassador Young for agreeing to receive this award from Prime Minister Duncan at the IUGB Foundation’s Inaugural Launch Celebration.

iugbfoundation.org