As I reflect on our first week in Washington DC, my mind is alive with the voices of the people we have met and the incredible images of the places we have visited. It is difficult to reconcile the impact the city has had on me in such a short time.

If the United States is the flagship of the world’s economic and political powers then Washington is certainly the engine room. On my morning commute to work I pass the White House and the Washington Monument. The first home to the leader of the free world and arguable one of the most powerful individuals; not only of our time but in the course of human history. The second, rising up above the heights of any other structure in the capital - a tribute to the country’s first president and the father of modern democracy.

Our first week has brought us into contact with many of Washington’s most influential people both past and present; from CEO’s and chairpersons of iconic institutions to political leaders and social entrepreneurs. The generosity with which these people shared their time and wisdom was truly remarkable. Informed and passionate, the diversity of the perspectives and opinions which we encountered was striking. Yet more special was the sense of common purpose that seemed to unify the efforts of those whom we met.

America is certainly blessed with a wealth of culture and history. As we begin to examine the intricate dynamics at play in the political and business spheres we realize just how much there is to assimilate. As ambassadors of our communities and county we have been granted an extraordinary opportunity to absorb all that contributes to the strength of American society and endeavor to create within ourselves the skills and capabilities necessary to contribute to providing the multifaceted solutions needed to address the African continent’s challenges.