Former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi were among the prominent global leaders invited to the 2024 International Leaders Forum, held alongside the Democratic National Convention in the United States.
Peter Obi made this known through a statement and accompanying photos shared on his social media accounts on Wednesday. He revealed that the invitation came from the Board of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), which selected him, Osinbajo, and another distinguished Nigerian to join a select group of global leaders at the forum.
The event, which took place in Chicago, Illinois, from August 19-22, 2024, brought together around 200 esteemed political figures from over 91 countries, including former heads of government. These leaders were invited to share their experiences, foster relationships, and tackle the challenges currently facing democratic institutions and values worldwide.
In his statement, Obi expressed his gratitude for the invitation, saying, “I am honoured and grateful to Senator Thomas Daschle and the Board of NDI for this gracious opportunity. Over the years, NDI has identified and invited key senior politicians and policymakers from across the globe to observe and engage with a vital aspect of the United States of America’s democratic process.”
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He highlighted that the International Leaders Forum (ILF) serves as a platform for leaders from various backgrounds and ideologies to connect over shared experiences, identify unique challenges, and collaborate on strengthening democratic norms and institutions.
The forum featured insightful presentations and discussions with top U.S. political figures, including Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Jamie Harrison and former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Participants also engaged with international dignitaries such as the Prime Minister of Kosovo, the former Prime Minister of Denmark, and the former NATO Secretary General.
Obi noted that the ILF provided a valuable opportunity for leaders from Africa’s emerging democracies to learn from global counterparts and exchange insights on building resilient and sustainable democratic systems.
