40th Anniversary Gala Celebration

November 16, 2023

Willard InterContinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C.

On November 16, 2023, the National Council held a special evening celebration of the 40th anniversary of its establishment as a Washington-based, non-profit, educational NGO. As the Council commemorated four decades of promoting educational and cultural understanding, it honored and recognized outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to building bridges between the United States and the Arab region. There were also keynote remarks by HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud during the program as well as music, entertainment, and a unique silent auction in support of the Council's educational mission.

HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Remarks: Transcript, Video
Presentation of U.S.-ARAB BRIDGE-BUILDING AWARD to General (Ret.) David Petraeus: Video
Presentation of PUBLIC SERVICE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD to H.E. Mohamed M. Abou El Enein: Video
Presentation of LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD to Dr. John Duke Anthony: Video
Presentation of DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AWARD to Dr. Mohamed El-Erian: Video

Full Gala Program:

Speakers and Honorees:

HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud
King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies Chairman
Keynote Speaker

General (Ret.) David Petraeus
KKR Partner and KKR Global Institute Chairman
U.S.-Arab Bridge-Building Award

H.E. Mohamed M. Abou El Enein
Deputy Speaker Egyptian Parliament
Chairman of Cleopatra Group
Public Service Achievement Award

The Honorable Dina Powell McCormick
BDT & MSD Partners Vice Chair and President of Global Client Services
Distinguished Achievement in Service Award