; and (2) a list of countries in which such programs were executed to support the purposes described by subsection (a)(3). 11. Supporting regional integration through a young Middle East leaders initiative program (a) Statement of policy It is the policy of the United States— (1) to provide educational and professional opportunities to Middle Eastern youth through scholarships, leadership programs, and cultural exchanges that create and sustain mutual understanding with other countries and cultivate people-to-people ties; and (2) to support the long-term prosperity and stability of Negev Forum countries, key partners in regional integration, and other regional actors by improving educational and professional opportunities for young people in the Middle East and North Africa and to promote youth participation in civil society, governance, and politics. (b) In general There is established in the Department of State the Young Middle East Leaders Initiative (referred to in this section as the YMELI program ). (c) Administration The YMELI program shall be jointly administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. (d) Purpose The YMELI program shall seek to build the capacity of young leaders in Negev Forum countries, key partners in regional integration, and other regional actors to address issues in the areas of energy diversification, education and coexistence, business development and investment promotion, food and water security, health, regional security, and tourism, including through efforts— (1) to support young leaders by offering professional development, training, and networking opportunities to increase the educational capacity of youth in the Middle East and North Africa in such areas