Under the theme “Unity in Diversity, Strength in Unity,” the African Unity Ambassadors Ball honored a distinguished group of leaders and trailblazers on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Fairmont Hotel in Northwest.
This year hosted by actor Boris Kodjoe, the annual gala features members of the African diplomatic community and showcases esteemed individuals, diplomats, and leaders who share a common vision of a prosperous and interconnected Africa.
One of this year’s honorees was Herman Bekele, an Ethiopian-American inventor and scientific researcher, who at 15 years old was named Time Magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year for his skin-cancer research. As part of this year’s honor, Bekele received a personalized lab coat.
Other honorees included: Ambassador Johnny Carson, for his strategic approach to African diplomacy; Kofi Annan, for his global impact; and Ambassador Andrew Young and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, were lauded for their leadership and contributions to African development.
Further, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian public health official and director of the World Health Organization, received the Nelson Mandela award for his leadership during the pandemic and commitment to global health equity.