Reframing Diplomacy and Community: A Look Back at July
July was a vibrant month of global connections and community engagement for the World Affairs Council. Through the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)*, we welcomed international leaders to foster dialogue, share innovation, and build lasting partnerships across sectors.
Advancing Innovation: Science, Tech, and Business
David Knox of Blue North with delegates from the Freedom 250: U.S. Science and Technology Entrepreneurship.
We kicked off the month hosting the “Freedom 250: U.S. Science and Technology Entrepreneurship” delegation from Angola, Israel, Malaysia, Nepal, Republic of Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Delegates examining government, academic, and private sector roles in tech advancement included a deputy director from Angola’s energy ministry, a tech commercialization vice president, government and digital agency leaders, a green tech CEO, and a Saudi Aramco division head. They engaged with key regional hubs including the 1819 Innovation Hub, Cincinnati Innovation District, Blue North, CincyTech, and Alloy Growth Lab.
Delegates from the “Responsible Business Practices” IVLP group with Fifth Third Bank’s Hammad Siddiqi, Vice President, Community Impact Manager.
Shortly after, an all-female delegation from Georgia arrived for the “Responsible Business Practices” project to explore corporate governance, sustainable supply chains, and workforce development partnerships. Comprising specialists in private sector engagement, fund directors, corporate sustainability managers, microfinance leaders, business angel network directors, and logistics communications managers, the group met with Northern Kentucky University’s Haile College of Business, Cincinnati State, the Association for Supply Chain Management, Dexa Drones, and Fifth Third Bank.
Tackling Global Challenges: Opioid Abuse Reduction
“Strategies to Prevent and Reduce Opioid Abuse” IVLP group with leaders from Hamilton County.
Closing out the month, delegates from ten countries gathered for “Strategies to Prevent and Reduce Opioid Abuse.” This project focused on cross-sector collaboration, law enforcement coordination, and detention initiatives. The distinguished cohort, which featured police inspectors, justice researchers, law enforcement officers, education officials, strategic analysts, detention leaders, hospital psychiatrists, health advisors, policy strategists, and a Member of the Scottish Parliament, connected with the Hamilton County Addiction Response Coalition, CPD Specialized Teams, the County Coroner’s Office, local courts, and regional recovery centers.
Local Engagement: Young Professionals Ice Cream Social
Beyond our international programming, our Young Professionals Advisory Group hosted a successful fundraiser at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Factory 52. Featuring the custom “Diplomat’s Delight” sundae, the gathering brought together long-time supporters and new friends from local partner organizations. Thanks to strong community turnout and Jeni’s generous donation of 25% of proceeds, the evening raised $292.38 to support our ongoing mission.
Young Professionals gathered at Factory 52
*This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by World Affairs Council –Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky.
