“The Journey of My Life: From a Barefoot Schoolboy to President” Book Reading with H.E. Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete

Images from the event.

©Goldman: Courtesy of NYU Photo Bureau

On September 20th, NYU Africa House was proud to present a book reading of The Journey of My Life: From a Barefoot Schoolboy to President by H.E. Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania (2005 to 2015), Africa House Visiting Scholar in Residence (Spring 2018).

Video from the event.

Event Program:

4:00–5:30 pm: Book Reading by H.E. Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete

Welcome Remarks by: Professor C. Cybele Raver, Deputy Provost, New York University

Moderated by: Professor Yaw Nyarko, Director of Africa House, New York University

5:30–6:00 pm: Audience Q & A

6:00–7:00 pm: Networking Reception

NYU Africa House Former President in Residence Program:

In April 2018, H.E. Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete joined New York University as the Inaugural Former President in Residence at Africa House for a 3-month residency. Dr. Kikwete collaborated with members of the NYU community and wrote his memoirs with NYU Africa House staff and Student Research Assistants. This book reflects on his forty years in public service, his ascension to the presidency, leadership skills for the next generation of leaders, and his vision for the future of Africa. Dr. Kikwete shared his vast knowledge and experiences with NYU faculty, students, and various departments across the University, and further developed his ongoing work with NYU’s College of Nursing and Miracle Corners of the World (MCW).

Biography of H.E. President Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete:

Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete is a Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania (2005 to 2015). He previously held various key positions as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance and Minister of Energy and Minerals from 1994 to 2005. During and after his presidency, he continued to be active and instrumental in championing a development agenda with a special focus on women and children. Dr. Kikwete has served as the Co-Chair of the UN Commission on Information and Accountability on Women’s and Children’s Health, Chairperson of the United Nations High-Level Panel on the Global Response to Health Crisis, and Chairperson of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).

After his retirement, Dr. Kikwete assumed leadership roles in different capacities as Co-Chair of the UN High-Level Advisory Group on Every Woman Every Child; Member of the UN Lead Group on Scaling Up Nutrition, the Global Ambassador for Immunization, Member of the World Malaria Council; Commissioner of the International Education Commission for Financing Global Education Opportunity; Co-Chair of the World Refugee Council; African Union High Level Representative on Libya and; and is the Chairman of the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation.