Special Representative to Muslim Communities to Host “Generation Change” Event

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman

For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                September 4, 2010

2010/1208

NOTICE TO THE PRESS

Special Representative to Muslim Communities to Host “Generation Change” Event

Special Representative to Muslim Communities Farah Pandith will host a special “Generation Change” event prior to the Secretary’s Iftar dinner as part of the celebrations for the Holy Month of Ramadan on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at 5:00 p.m., in the Loy Henderson Auditorium at the U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.

Consistent with the Secretary’s commitment to engaging the “next generation” at the grassroots level, this year’s Iftar will feature many guests chosen because they represent some of the best and most innovative American Muslim leaders under the age of 30.  These young American Muslim leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators will come together from all around the country for a special “Generation Change” event immediately prior to the Secretary’s Iftar, where they will have the opportunity to listen to special speakers and engage in breakout discussions.  Discussions will focus on issues these young people have identified as important to their generation, as well as key ways to become a “change maker” for their generation. 

Secretary Clinton will deliver a video address at approximately 5:05 p.m., and Special Representative Pandith will deliver brief remarks at approximately 5:00 p.m., followed by special guest speakers Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, creator of “The 99”, Ms. Hana Siddiqi and Ms. Kauthar Umar, co-producers of “New Muslim Cool”, and comedian Ahmed Ahmed.

The remarks are pool-press-coverage for cameras and stills and open-press for writers.