Guests attending AAI’s Awards Gala in 2012.

AAI’s social media network can begin voting on September 15 for the question to be asked during a moderated high-level discussion on  the gala theme, “Powering Africa’s Future through Regional and Global Partnerships” at the 30th Annual Awards Gala.

The Awards Gala will be held on Monday, September 22, at Gotham Hall, in New York City.

Hosted by Shaka Ssali of Voice of America’s “Straight Talk Africa”, the moderated conversation will feature three gala’s honorees Vivienne Yeda Apopo, Director-General of the East African Development Bank (EADB); Professor Thandika Mkandawire; and Jay Ireland, President and CEO of General Electric Africa.

The top three questions are:

QUESTION 1
Submitted by Adeola Otunuga
With the recently completed U.S. Africa Leader Summit, how can African countries best drive employment growth in their various countries?

QUESTION 2
Submitted by Doro Chika
The arrival of the 21st century brings a new potential member to global and regional partnerships with Africa—millennials of the African diaspora. Numerous studies describe this group as being intelligent and having an insatiable hunger for success. What partnerships have created avenues to engage this talented demographic and provide incentives for them to become involved in Africa’s development? Are there leadership opportunities? Additionally, if these avenues do exist, what are some prominent examples that partnerships can emulate?

QUESTION 3
Submitted by Rolf Dietrich ‏@rolfd  (From Twitter)
#AAI2014: Is “Brain-Drain” still an issue or has global mobility overcome the problem?

The question with the most “votes” in Facebook’s comment section or on Twitter will be asked during the conversation. The winner will receive two complimentary tickets to attend the black-tie gala.

Voting for the “best question” will end on Wednesday, September 17. The winner will be announced on Facebook and Twitter on September 17. All entrants are encouraged to become a Facebook fan and follow @AAIAfrica.

The winner will be responsible for their travel and accommodations in New York City.