ΒΑRACK OBAMA latest news

This is a natural time of year for lists—best of’s, top 10’s, your 2019 wrapped. But while I work on getting my favorite books, songs, and films of the year in order, I wanted to share a different kind of list with you: the Year in Hope.   The Year in Hope is a collection of stories from 2019 that showed us the best of who we are: A class of third graders surprising a classmate with gifts after he lost his home in a fire. Breakthrough treatments for Ebola that dramatically increase prospects for survival. An educator who brought the families of low-income and refugee students into the classroom to help broaden perspectives and invigorate their children’s education. And of course, there was Greta, who proves every day what she told me when we met earlier this year: “No one is too small to make a difference and change the world.” Take some time to read and reflect on these stories. I think you’ll come away with a little more optimism about the new year—and with a renewed sense that each of us can do our part to create the future we want. That’s my hope, anyway. —Barack     Donate to empower rising leaders bringing hope to their communities. DONATE Hi there, I’ve just returned from our inaugural Leaders: Asia-Pacific convening in Kuala Lumpur. Over five days of speakers and events, I got to know the changemakers charting the future of this exciting region—and that future looks brighter than ever. Now, you can watch the inspiring highlights from our week in Kuala Lumpur. Catch the recap video of Leaders: Asia-Pacific at obama.org.   Whether watching a spirited dialogue between Mrs. Obama and Julia Roberts on empowering young girls and women or listening to President Obama and his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng reflect on growing up in Indonesia and Hawaiʻi—or simply sharing a warm meal and good conversation with the Leaders that make up our inaugural class—this convening reminded me that when we connect people with the same desire to improve their world, dramatic change is possible. That’s what our Leaders program is all about. Although we’ve said our goodbyes and are now headed home, this event was just the beginning of a year-long journey for the 200 Leaders. With new connections and knowledge gained in Malaysia, Leaders will continue to connect with one another through virtual programming and benefit from continued workshops, trainings, and support. Keep an eye out for updates from these talented and tenacious changemakers soon—and until then, watch some of my favorite moments from our uplifting week. —Bernadette Bernadette Meehan Chief International Officer   Donate today to support our work with emerging leaders in the Asia-Pacific and around the globe.   DONATE