9 October 2026

Joan Lombardi/ USA: Director, the Early Opportunities Initiative, Professor and Senior Adviser at the Stanford University Center for Early Childhood

I join Ghassan and all of you in my sorrow in hearing about Youssef. He was an amazing advocate, champion, peacemaker, colleague and friend. I knew him best during his years with the CG and later when he served as a mentor to the Global Leaders for Young Children. He used to ask, “What is a leader, whose concept of leadership are we talking about”.  

Youssef was a champion for children with a great heart and a wise soul. I remember him singing to all of us, I remember his passion, his laughter and his wisdom.

His light shines on.

In prayer and with love.