Entente Cordiale Day · News
As part of the preparations for the admission of American universities and students into the Entente Cordiale University Challenge on 4 July 2026—coinciding with the 250th Anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence—our Founder recently completed an inspiring visit to the United States.
We are deeply grateful for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended throughout this historic journey. The visit included meaningful exchanges with distinguished representatives from:
Institutions Visited
These meetings mark an important milestone in the international development of Entente Cordiale Day and reflect our shared commitment to strengthening academic cooperation, leadership, friendship, and mutual understanding between Europe and the United States.
We are especially grateful to the many American universities and institutions that have already expressed their confidence in this initiative through their letters of support. This visit provided a unique opportunity to celebrate these partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and build further momentum for the launch of American participation in the Entente Cordiale University Challenge.
United States · 2026
Columbia University
Entente Cordiale Day Founder Maître Yves Djimi with Professor Emmanuel Kattan from the Provost's Office and Director of the Alliance Programme, in front of the Alexander Hamilton statue on campus.
Lafayette College
Entente Cordiale Day Founder Maître Yves Djimi with President of Lafayette College Dr Nicole Hurd, holding the sword of the Marquis de Lafayette.
MIT Sloan School of Management
Entente Cordiale Day Founder Maître Yves Djimi was warmly received by Dawna S. Levenson, Assistant Dean, Office of Admission.
The White House
Entente Cordiale Day Founder Maître Yves Djimi was warmly received by Jim Goyer, Director of the White House Public Liaison Office, Jack Mantua, Senior Associate White House Public Liaison Office, and Emory Cox, G7-G20 Diplomatic Advisor to the US President Donald J Trump.
The White House
Entente Cordiale Day Founder Maître Yves Djimi at the White House.
George Washington University
Maître Yves Djimi was warmly received by Dr Terry Murphy, Deputy Provost, and Jeffrey Brand, Associate Provost, Special Programs.
George Washington University
Entente Cordiale Day Founder Maître Yves Djimi with representatives of George Washington University.
Georgetown University
Entente Cordiale Day Founder Maître Yves Djimi met with Andrew Koenig, Assistant to the President for Administration and Director of Special Programs.
University of Virginia
Entente Cordiale Day Founder Maître Yves Djimi was warmly received by Stephen Mull, Vice Provost for Global Affairs, and Dr Philipp Trella, Associate Vice Provost, Director, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs.
University of Virginia
Entente Cordiale Day Founder Maître Yves Djimi on the grounds of the University of Virginia.
James Madison's Montpelier
At President James Madison's home in Montpelier, Virginia, Entente Cordiale Day Founder was warmly received by Toyosi Ogunseye, President of the Presidential Precinct, Laura Douglas, Director of Advancement, and Katie Crawford-Lackey, Historian at Madison's home.
Mount Vernon
At President George Washington's Mount Vernon home, Entente Cordiale Day Founder was warmly received by Doug Bradburn, CEO of Mount Vernon, and Kenneth Hill, Senior Major Gift Officer.
We are delighted by the remarkable enthusiasm that is growing across the United States and look forward to welcoming American universities and students into the Entente Cordiale University Challenge.
Our sincere thanks go to every institution, partner, and individual who contributed to the success of this memorable visit. We are especially pleased to move forward with our American friends and partners under the leadership of Jaden Zhu, President of the Entente Cordiale Day USA Team.
Together, we are building a vibrant transatlantic community of future leaders, united by dialogue, academic excellence, friendship, and a shared commitment to shaping a better future.