WHEREAS, In 1976, The French American Foundation was founded under the auspices of Presidents Gerald Ford and Valéry Giscard d’Estaing to advance dialogue between France and the United States. Five years later, the Young Leaders Program was established and became the Foundation’s flagship program; and
WHEREAS, The Young Leaders Program is grounded in the belief that informed dialogue across cultures will lead to progress in solving the most pressing issues of our time, serving to give Young Leaders the tools to both protect the historic French American relationship and to grow together as leaders in today’s world; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the two-year program, Young Leaders participate in two five-day seminars, one in France and one in the United States, where they engage in meaningful dialogue and build lasting relationships with leaders across both nations; and
WHEREAS, In October 2026, the Young Leaders Program will convene its United States seminar in Philadelphia, during a historic year as the City continues to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, has celebrated the nation’s Semiquincentennial throughout 2026 by hosting six FIFA World Cup matches, the 2026 MLB All-Star Games, 52 Weeks of Firsts, and numerous other events and programs that highlights the City’s history, culture, and global significance; and
WHEREAS, During their time in Philadelphia, the Young Leaders cohort will have the opportunity to experience major institutions including City Hall, the Navy Yard, the 76ers Training Facility, the National Constitution Center, and the Barnes Foundation; and
WHEREAS, This legislative body is pleased to welcome the French American Young Leaders cohort to Philadelphia and recognizes the Program’s commitment to fostering dialogue, leadership, and friendship between Frace and the United States; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes
the French American Foundation’s Young Leaders Program as its 2026 cohort convenes in Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the French American Foundation’s Young Leaders cohort as evidence of the sincere respect of this legislative body.
End