Mvelaphanda Group chairperson Tokyo Sexwale has joined the prestigious Brookings Institution’s International Advisory Council (IAC).
Founded 90 years ago in Washington DC, the Brookings Institution is known for independent research and influential advice to policymakers in the United States and around the world, his office said in a statement on Thursday.
The IAC, established by Brookings Institution president Strobe Talbott, consisted of a group of 24 distinguished individuals from around the world who helped to provide the United States think tank with global insights on its mission and research agenda.
Talbott previously served as deputy secretary of state under President Bill Clinton.
Commenting on Sexwale’s selection, Talbott said: ”We are honoured to have Mr Sexwale on our International Advisory Council.”
”In designing this group, we set our sights on leaders who are truly global in their interests, activities and impact.”
Sexwale was certainly in that category. Not only was he a major figure in the business world, but he had been a participant in ”one of the most inspiring political transformations of our time”.
Sexwale said he was ”extremely pleased to be working with the Brookings Institution on issues such as globalisation, environmental sustainability and the twin challenges of pervasive poverty and insecurity”.
”Brookings has become one of the most influential organisations working on the global challenges facing South Africa and the world, and I look forward to helping them set research priorities at this important time in world affairs,” he said. — Sapa