Our 31 Global Teen Leaders (GTLs) from 15 countries and five continents came together for the first time in person in New York City last night at the 2011 Just Peace Summit Opening Reception. Collectively they traveled thousands of miles - from far away places like Fiji and Bangladesh, South Africa and India - to share their work and their lives with each other for seven days.

There were many highlights of the evening, but the two that stood out were the gathering of past GTLs who worked together just days before to get their fellow GTL, Mahmoud Jabari, released from prison after he was unjustly arrested while covering a demonstration in Hebron as a photo journalist. Their effort was successful and Mahmoud was released, however he was not allowed to travel to the United States to be with us and share his story in person - although we tried! In this day of technological advances, this didn't stop us from having him in the room with us - Skype to the rescue! Mahmoud Skyped in during the reception and had the opportunity to thank his dedicated and loyal GTL family for coming to his rescue. Needless to say the 2011 GTLs were overwhelmed by what they were about to become a part of - a global family who cares deeply about one another.

The second highlight was the introduction of the 2011 GTLs to the world. From raising millions of dollars to fight children's neurological disease, to taking on literacy and environmental issues, the new GTLs shared their accomplishments while the audience was in awe. In fact one or two people were overheard saying something like, "Wow, what was I doing when I was a teenager - nothing like this!"

And, thank you Chef Don Pintabona and his extraordinary culinary team from Valentino's on the Green, for serving up some of the most delicious bites of food for everyone...it was a night to remember all around!