NEW YORK – Prince Harry’s latest philanthropic endeavor aims to unite global business leaders and philanthropists in a collective effort to drive prosperity in Southern African communities, particularly focusing on empowering young people.
Scheduled for early October, Harry’s charity organization Sentebale, co-founded by Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in 2006, will convene leaders from Google’s charitable branch and other prominent companies and organizations for a series of meetings and discussions in Lesotho and Johannesburg.
This gathering marks Harry’s return to Southern Africa for the first time since 2019, reaffirming his dedication to philanthropic causes in honor of his late mother, Princess Diana. Alongside the leaders, Harry will collaborate with local entities already engaged in devising solutions to remove impediments hindering the success of young individuals in the region.
Through extensive work in the area and established ties with local communities, Harry stated in a news release that Sentebale has gained a deep understanding of the region’s youth – their aspirations, concerns, and exceptional creativity.
Initially focused on assisting children and young people in Lesotho and Botswana impacted by HIV/AIDS, Sentebale now seeks to address broader youth issues in the region, including healthcare, economic disparities, and climate challenges. Named ‘forget-me-not’ in the Sesotho language, the organization was formed by the princes in memory of their late mothers.
The upcoming session follows a previous gathering in Miami and will feature a panel discussion alongside private work sessions, culminating in a site visit to Lesotho, known as the “mountain kingdom.”
Emphasizing the urgency of investing in digital skills, education, and job creation for economically vulnerable youth, Sophie Chandauka, Sentebale Board Chair, welcomed the Duke’s return to Southern Africa and collaboration with global and local partners to engage this crucial demographic.
Prince Harry’s participation in various humanitarian and philanthropic events during the United Nations General Assembly Week adds momentum to this new initiative, highlighting his continued commitment to creating positive change in underserved communities.
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