Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Wendy Sherman, will deliver a keynote speech “The New Decade: Seizing Opportunities from a Transforming Africa” on March 28 at the United States Institute of Peace. Undersecretary Sherman recently concluded visits to five key African states – Kenya, Nigeria, Angola, Zambia, and Malawi. Sherman’s first visit to Africa as undersecretary focused on strengthening strategic partnerships on political reform, security, and social development as well as expanding economic opportunities.

She will be joined by Tara Sonenshine, Executive Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace who will give introductory remarks and Raymond Gilpin, Director for Sustainable Economies, United States Institute of Peace, who will moderate the session. 

Undersecretary Sherman will share her observations about the importance of a holistic approach to sustained political and social development, and economic growth, and how the U.S. government is partnering with Africans as they work to bring about a more prosperous and stable Africa.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. at the United States Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Media planning to attend can contact Hilary Renner in the Bureau of African Affairs at rennerh@state.gov or Allison Sturma in USIP’s Office of Public Affairs and Communications at asturma@usip.org.