As the nation reflects on 250 years of Independence

Domestic political and economic strength is the foundation of America’s international credibility and global leadership. Only by reinforcing its domestic pillars can America continue to inspire confidence abroad, mobilize global partnerships, and lead with legitimacy in the international arena. Political resilience, economic competitiveness, and social cohesion are not merely internal strengths—they are the foundation of America’s credibility as a global leader. As the nation reflects on 250 years of independence, the true test of its future lies in sustaining institutions that embody pluralism, prosperity, and ethical governance. By fortifying its domestic pillars, America ensures that its voice in the world is not only powerful but principled, inclusive, and enduring.

We begin with gratitude.

The United States of America, celebrating 250 years of independence in 2026, stands as a beacon of resilience, opportunity, and shared destiny. For millions, it has been a land of promise — a place where dreams can be nurtured, where voices once silenced can find expression, and where new generations can build upon the legacy of those who came before.

For Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha, an immigrant who has benefited from the opportunities this nation provides, gratitude is not passive. It is active, transformative, and rooted in responsibility. Gratitude becomes a call to action: to strengthen the foundations of America at home so that it may stand taller, stronger, and more competitive in the world.

In December 2025, Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha established the Global Greater Washington International Relations Committee, a dynamic economic development zone encompassing Northern Virginia, the Greater Washington, the Greater Baltimore, the Greater Richmond Region, the Greater Philadelphia Region, and the Greater Hampton Roads. This initiative was created to mobilize cross-regional and sectoral actors—governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and diaspora networks—toward the shared mission of fortifying America’s domestic resilience to enhance America’s global competitiveness. By weaving together economic corridors and cultural diplomacy, the Committee positions the Global Greater Washington region as a strategic hub of economic prosperity, regional and external competitiveness, global economic diplomacy, governance innovation, and international credibility.

GGWIRC America in 2040 Leadership Vision

The America in 2040 Leadership Vision, a Regional Politico-Economic Development Plan, is conceived as a roadmap — one that blends U.S. global leadership priorities with local, regional, and international partnerships.

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Global Executive Chair

Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha, PhD

Global Executive Chair, Executive Committee

Global Greater Washington International Relations Committee

Dr. Jean Narcisse Djaha, Global Executive Chair of the Executive Committee of the Global Greater Washington International Relations Committee

Visionary Leadership: Serves as the chief architect of the committee’s mission, shaping its long-term vision and ensuring that the Global Greater Washington International Relations Committee’s international agenda reflects principles of pluralism, equity, and shared prosperity.

Strategic Agenda Setting: Defines and directs the global governance priorities, aligning regional initiatives with international standards and frameworks to strengthen Washington’s role as a hub for diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.

Institutional Harmonization: Ensures that the committee’s work integrates economic, cultural, and diplomatic dimensions, creating a cohesive platform for international engagement across governments, NGOs, academia, and business.

Coalition Building: Mobilizes diverse stakeholders—local, national, and transnational—to co-create initiatives that advance collective identity, creative activism, and governance transformation.

Ethical Oversight: Embeds ethical protocols and governance charters into all committee operations, safeguarding transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation.

He is widely recognized as an international economic development leader, a distinguished political scientist, a highly acclaimed & respected young global thought leader, a renowned social impact leader, and a prolific author, initiating and steering major intercontinental platforms, NGOs, and coalitions across public, private, and social sectors.

He served as the Founding President and Global Chair of the African Council on Foreign Relations, Founding President and Executive Chairman of the Africa-Israel Economic Cooperation Committee, and CEO of Djaha & Company.

The Committee

Global Greater Washington International Relations Committee is more than a network—it is an economic and political zone composed of six regions across the United States — Greater Baltimore, Greater Washington, Northern Virginia, Greater Richmond Region, Greater Philadelphia Region, and Greater Hampton Roads to engage economic development organizations, local government leadership institutions, public policy organizations, major multi-sector corporations, community foundations, major global foundations, international leadership organizations in good conversations that builds bridges between regions, industries, organizations, institutions, and individuals—fostering domestic resilience and strength that drives regional and global competitiveness, while enhancing America’s leadership on the world stage beyond its 250 years of independence.

Our Strategic Objectives

Building bridges between regions, industries, organizations, institutions, and individuals

Regional Economic Integration

Building connections across our regions and sectors for shared growth and position Global Greater Washington as a gateway as a hub for international collaboration where leadership meets global vision, Global Greater Washington becomes a laboratory for prosperity and innovation

Global Competitiveness

Driving private cross-sector capital investments

Securing public sector commitment for regional sustainable development and international competitiveness

Domestic Resilience Capacity

Strengthening econonomic and political institution leadership to engange in dialogues that link local strengths with international potential and opportunities

Our Regions

Greater Baltimore

Greater Washington

Greater Hampton Roads

Greater Philadelphia

Greater Richmond

Northern Virginia

Our Initial Funding

Our foundational infrastructure—website development, project concept design, business planning, and initial partner outreach—was made possible through a seed grant from the Africa–Israel Economic Cooperation Committee, our parent organization. This early support enabled us to establish GGWIRC’s core framework and position the initiative for strategic growth. We are now seeking multi-sector partnerships and co-investment opportunities to scale programs, strengthen governance, and deliver measurable impact across the Global Greater Washington region —Greater Baltimore, Greater Washington, Northern Virginia, Greater Richmond, Greater Philadelphia, Hampton Roads and globally.

Africa–Israel Economic Cooperation Committee