The Andrew Young Foundation proudly hosted its first-ever Peace and Reconciliation Conference in Nassau, Bahamas. This milestone gathering brought together friends, supporters, and partners to deepen understanding of the Foundation’s mission, highlight current initiatives, and share an inspiring vision for the future.
The week began with a warm and elegant welcome, as Peter McMahon, General Manager of the Grand Hyatt, hosted Ambassador Andrew Young and invited guests to a reception. Guests enjoyed a joyful and relaxed atmosphere filled with meaningful connections and celebration.
The conference took on an especially celebratory tone as attendees gathered to honor Ambassador Young’s 94th birthday. The evening was marked by the presence of the Honorable Philip Edward Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; the Honorable Herschel Walker, United States Ambassador to the Bahamas; the Honorable Fredrick Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the Honorable Wendall K. Jones, Ambassador of The Bahamas to the United States, along with several other distinguished dignitaries. Guests were treated to vibrant cultural entertainment provided by the Bahamian Tourist Board, whose dancers filled the evening with infectious joy, rich tradition, and the colorful spirit of Bahamian heritage.
Participants also enjoyed a memorable visit to the historic Sapodilla Estate, graciously hosted by the Ministry of Tourism. The experience offered a deeper appreciation for the rich history and cultural legacy of The Bahamas, further enriching the spirit of connection and learning that defined the conference.
The conference continued with a powerful and intimate session of “Reflections and Discussions with Ambassador Young”. After sharing insights into the Foundation’s future direction, Ambassador Young opened the floor for a candid conversation—welcoming questions from attendees. In a moment that many will cherish, he reflected on his time as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and as Mayor of Atlanta, offering stories that were thoughtful, humorous, and deeply personal.
To close the conference, guests gathered for a gospel brunch, where God was glorified through song, praise, and worship. During this special occasion, Ambassador Young was honored with the Acts 9:15 Global Peace Ambassador Award, presented by the Honorable Bishop C.B. Peter Morgan, Co-Chair, Board of Governors, Word of Life Christian Fellowship / Word of Life Ministries International, and the Honorable Dr. Richard C. Demeritte, Co-Chair, Board of Governors, Word of Life Christian Fellowship / Word of Life Ministries International. Inspired by Acts 9:15, this distinguished honor recognizes individuals who serve as vessels of influence, bridge-builders, and champions of peace through diplomacy, humanitarian service, leadership, and faith-driven action.
This inaugural conference marked a significant step forward for the Andrew Young Foundation—creating space for dialogue, strengthening community, and reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, reconciliation, and global understanding.
