Highlights from the Leaders conference in Athens

A man with a deep skin tone clasps his hands on the right side of his face looking at a woman with medium-light skin, as she gestures and smiles. They sit at a white table covered with sticky notes, bottles of water, and other materials.

Welcome to the Obama Foundation Leaders convening with President Obama in Athens, Greece!

The Power of our Network

At the Obama Foundation, we believe in the promise and potential of the next generation of leaders. That’s why over 100 changemakers from across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe joined President Obama for a week-long leadership and cultural experience.

We were thrilled to bring together our network to equip them with the tools and support they need to keep tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time.

During the week, Leaders exchanged ideas, workshopped solutions, and built meaningful connections.

At the end of the convening, the Leaders completed their program experience with the Obama Foundation and graduated into the Obama Foundation Leadership Network, our global community of program alumni.

From Athens, Greece, to the South Side of Chicago, we are committed to investing in the next generation of emerging leaders—and President Obama is too!

President Obama joins over 100 Obama Leaders in Athens, Greece

An afternoon with President Obama

President Obama spent time with the group, listened to the challenges leaders face and learned about the opportunities to advance their work.

President Obama sits in a circle with people of varying skin tones. He is gesturing with his left hand while speaking. Behind him is a banner that reads "Obama Foundation Leaders Asia-Pacific."

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President Obama smiles as he listens to a group of people of varying skin tones talk. To his right are two members of the Obama Leaders Europe cohort of varying skin tones. They are also smiling. In the background there is a banner of the Obama Leaders Europe medallion.

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President Obama sits in a room with the members of the Obama Leaders Africa cohort. They are wearing bright colors and are of varying skin tones. The Obama Leaders Africa medallion is in the background.

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A woman of fair skin tone speaks into a microphone. She is surrounded by people of varying skin tones and President Obama. They are all sitting in yellow chairs. Behind them is the Obama Foundation Athens 2023 logo.

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A Cultural Immersion

Set above the Mediterranean Sea and the mountainous skyline of Athens, Leaders gathered for an evening of traditional Greek experiences at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. From cuisine to music to dance, the group continued building connections while getting a deeper understanding of Greek culture.

Valerie Jarrett smiles while having a conversation with a man who has a deep skin tone. In the background there is a table with food and flowers.

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A troupe of traditional Greek dancers of varying skin tones are holding hands while dancing. They are on a terrace and wearing bright colors.

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A group of people of varying skin tones are talking on the terrace. One woman is using a wheel chair. In the background is the city of Athens.

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A troupe of traditional Greek dancers of varying skin tones, hold hands while they dance in groups of two. In the background there are people standing and watching.

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The view from the terrace at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. It oversees the city of Athens and the Acropolis.

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A group of people of varying skin tones are outside talking. Their hair is blowing in the wind.

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A woman of light skin tone listens while sitting at a table. In front of her there are various drinking glasses. In the background there are book cases with books on them and other participants of varying skin tones.

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Valerie Jarrett stands in front of a group of people of varying skin tones sitting at tables. She smiles as she speaks into a microphone. In the background, the wall is lined with book cases and books and a sign that reads "Obama Foundation Athens 2023."

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Meet our Leaders

Meet Obama Foundation Europe Leader Adrijana Hanusic Becirovic

Africa

The Leaders Africa program seeks to build a growing network of innovative changemakers who will drive positive change in their communities.

Learn more

Asia-Pacific

Discover more about Obama Foundation Leaders Asia-Pacific.

Learn more

Europe

A six-month, virtual leadership development journey that seeks to empower and connect emerging leaders from across Europe.

Learn more

United States

The Leaders USA program is a six-month, non-residential leadership development program that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders across the country.

Learn more

YOUR SUPPORT TURNS HOPE INTO ACTION

Donate to the Barack Obama Foundation to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation to change their world.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

An illustration of four people with a range of light to deep skin tones lifting one another up on top of a paper plane. The background is pink.

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