The U.S. Department of State Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues, Abby Finkenauer, will travel to Germany and Austria from June 11-20, 2024, to underscore the United States' dedication to enhancing youth leadership and civic participation in Europe.
In Germany, Special Envoy Finkenauer will start her time in Bonn where she will observe the climate talks and meet with young climate leaders. In Frankfurt, Special Envoy Finkenauer will meet with emerging journalists, as well as members of student governments, youth unions, other civil society organizations, and Consulate General Frankfurt's Youth Advisory Council to advance dialogues on civic participation and leadership. In Chemnitz, she will participate in America Day celebrations, where she will deliver remarks highlighting the significance of youth participation locally and internationally. She will also connect with over one hundred high school students through the MeetUS Program, a cultural and language outreach initiative led by U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Germany and Austria.
In Austria, the Special Envoy will be in Vienna and locations in Lower Austria where she will meet with young women civic leaders and entrepreneurs, as well as leaders from youth NGOs. In addition, she will visit one of Austria's premier agricultural schools and speak with this year's cohort of the Austria to America Program, a U.S. Embassy exchange initiative that introduces young Austrians to U.S. political processes and democratic dialogue. Alongside the Austrian State Secretary for Youth Claudia Plakolm, Special Envoy Finkenauer will participate in various engagements highlighting the enduring bilateral cooperation between the United States and Austria and emphasizing the critical role of youth in shaping the future of transatlantic relations.
