In 2024, the American Councils community marked the 50th anniversary of advancing international education, cultural exchange, language immersion, professional development, and educational innovation. From Eastern Europe and the Southern Caucasus to Central Asia and West Africa, our global network came together with partners, volunteers, and alumni to celebrate half a century of fostering mutual understanding and connections across borders.
These regional celebrations showcased powerful testimonials from alumni, including the 50th anniversary conference in Washington, DC, “Public Diplomacy and International Education in the 21st Century.” Here are some highlights from celebrations that took place in American Councils offices around the globe.
Albania
In Tirana, Albania, Ms. Lisa Choate, President and CEO of American Councils, opened the anniversary event with reflections on the organization’s history and mission. She spotlighted success stories of alumni and expressed gratitude to key partners, including the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Tirana, Peace Corps, the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), Ministry of Education and Sports of Albania, Municipality of Tirana, and the American Chamber of Commerce of Albania. The event gathered representatives from the Albanian government, Tirana Municipality, university rectors, deans, and alumni from exchange programs to celebrate the importance of exchanges between the U.S. and Albania
Armenia
The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia, hosted an event that brought together over 150 U.S. Government (USG) alumni and 50 organizational partners. During the celebration, Dr. Alexander Markarov, an alumnus of the Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP) and one of the 50 Alumni for 50 Years honorees, was presented an award by Ambassador Kristina Kvien, in recognition of his leadership in higher education at Yerevan State University.
Czechia
In Prague, Czechia, the U.S. Embassy hosted the anniversary celebration at the residence of Chargé d’Affaires Christy Agor. Ms. Agor delivered remarks emphasizing the critical role of international education in fostering mutual understanding. The event also featured a presentation by a Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program alumnus, who shared insights on the impact of cultural exchange.
Kyrgyzstan
In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, the anniversary was celebrated with USG alumni and the U.S.-Central Asia Education Foundation (U.S.-CAEF) Alumni Association. The event honored Elnura Osmonalieva, the inaugural David P. Patton Distinguished Alumni Awardee and one of the 50 Alumni for 50 Years honorees. The celebration also saw the attendance of 50 Alumni for 50 Years honorees Arystan Moldabekov from Kazakhstan and Anisa Atalova from Kyrgyzstan.
Poland
In Warsaw, American Councils Poland hosted the “Challenges of Today” conference with students and alumni from the FLEX and Open World programs. Guests attended sessions on inclusive leadership and community building, mental health and wellness, challenges in the labor market, and mindfulness among young people. Special guests included Brad Vick, Deputy Cultural Affairs Attaché of the U.S. Embassy in Poland, and Piotr Zimoch from the Polish Alumni Association.
Romania
In Bucharest, an anniversary reception was attended by partners, alumni, and friends, including Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec, representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Romania, the Embassy of Germany, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Ministry of Education, and various academic institutions. A highlight of the evening was the recognition of two outstanding Romanian alumni featured in the 50 Alumni for 50 Years initiative: Adrian Neculiță and Andrei Olteanu.
Senegal
In Dakar, Senegal, the 50th anniversary event was hosted at the West African Research Center (WARC) with local staff, Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program alumni, and current U.S. students in Senegal on the YES Abroad program. YES alumni and YES Abroad participants shared their experiences and discussed how exchange programs have impacted their personal and professional growth. Ndeye Maty Diop, a YES alumna from Senegal, was honored as a 50 Alumni for 50 Years honoree for her pioneering work empowering young women.
Tajikistan
In Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the anniversary celebration was attended by over 100 guests, including Ambassador Manuel Micaller, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan, and Mr. Amonullo Fayzullozoda, Head of the International Relations Department at the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan. Their opening remarks emphasized the lasting collaboration between American Councils and local institutions in promoting educational and cultural exchanges in Central Asia. The event also celebrated Jahona Akbarova, an EducationUSA alumna and 50 Alumni for 50 Years honoree, along with American Councils Tajikistan's key partners, including the coordinators of the American Space-Vahdat Extension.
Ukraine
In Kyiv, the American Councils Ukraine office hosted the "Support Ukraine with American Councils” fundraiser to champion Ukraine’s freedom and future. Yarema Bachynsky, Country Director of American Councils in Ukraine, gave opening remarks highlighting the organization’s efforts in civic engagement, education reform, and strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations. Tetiana Vakulenko, Director of the Ukrainian Center for Education Quality Assessment (UCEQA) and a 50 Alumni for 50 Years honoree, highlighted American Councils’ efforts to benefit millions of Ukrainians through more transparent university admissions and better access to higher education through national standardized testing. Kostiantyn Kvurt, Chairman of the Board of Internews Ukraine, discussed the impact of the USAID RADA: Next Generation (RANG) program in enhancing parliamentary development and civic engagement. Yevhen Kudriavets, the First Deputy Minister of Education and Science, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to improve Ukraine’s education system. Iryna Borovets, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affair and 50 Alumni for 50 Years honoree, spoke about American Councils’ role in creating opportunities and increasing capacity in Ukraine’s public diplomacy. The event included a silent auction featuring unique artisan items and experiences, which raised funds for charities focused on education, veteran reintegration, medical aid, and humanitarian assistance.
Thank you to our friends, partners, and supporters around the world.
To our friends, partners, alumni, and colleagues around the world, including bakers who made delicious American Councils themed cakes, those who could join celebrations in person and those who watched from afar, thank you for making our 50th anniversary so special. And thank you for helping American Councils reaffirm its commitment to creating a better world through excellence in academic, professional, and cultural exchange, language acquisition, educational development, and research.
Here's to American Councils’ past and the next 50 years of international collaboration.