A Just Transition to a Green Economy: The Impact on Businesses, Workers & Government
2022-09-28 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Cincinnati Marriott RiverCenter, 10 W Rivercenter Blvd., Covington, KY, 41011
The shift to a greener economy has the potential to create employment across a range of sectors. As our nation shifts its focus to sustainability, there will be job losses in certain carbon-intensive sectors and new jobs requiring new skills and talents.
Join us for a conversation with national thought leader Kevin Cassidy, as he shares insights on Just Transition, a vision-led, unifying and place-based set of principles, processes and practices that build economic and political power to shift from an extractive economy to a regenerative economy.
About the Speaker: Kevin Cassidy is Director and Representative to the Bretton Woods & Multilateral Organizations for the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for the United States. The United States office of the ILO has been in Washington, DC since 1920, and is a specialized agency of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote decent work for all women and men, by bringing together workers, employers and governments. The US is the largest development partner of the ILO. The US government works closely with the ILO primarily through the Department of Labor, the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 from 5PM-7PM

5PM Cocktail Reception
6:15PM Speaker and Q&A Portion
7PM Event Concludes

Tickets:

Free for WAC Members
$20 for Non-Members
$10 for Students & Professors

This event is made possible by a generous grant from the World Affairs Councils of America and the International Labour Organization.

Society and Cyberthreats: Risks to National Security in a Global Economy
2022-10-19 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual Event
Join us for a Virtual Event on Wednesday, October 19th at 6:30 PM via Zoom Webinar, Society and Cyberthreats: Risks to National Security in a Global Economy.
Today, we transact vast amounts of data through smart-devices for work, home life, and everything in between. Data is the ‘new oil’ and cybersecurity has evolved into a primary focus for malicious actors—some of whom are foreign State actors and often very well organized, coordinated, with the objective of achieving strategic outcomes. To better understand this landscape of cyberthreats, we bring together this panel discussion on Society and Cyberthreats to examine our country’s cyber strategies.
We are joined by Dr. Harknett and Ms. Guider to start by asking some simple questions to better understand Cyberthreats in our daily lives beyond our mere distant awareness about coercion, militarized crisis, and war:

Is cybersecurity more of a technology or people problem?
How have the nature of cybersecurity threats changed in the recent decade(s)?
How has the training/education curriculum evolved in response to the changing global cybersecurity threats?

Guest Panelists:
Kathy Guider, Vice President Veracity IIR, retired FBI Special Agent
Richard Harknett, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Professor & Director, School of Public and International Affairs (SPIC), Co-Director, Ohio Cyber Range Institute(OCRI), Chair, Center for Cyber Strategy and Policy (CCSP)

International Education Summit
2022-11-11 08:00 - 13:30 | NKU Student Union Ballroom, 20 Kenton Dr., Highland Heights, KY, Highland Heights, KY, 41076, United States
The 16th Annual International Education Summit (IES) will return to in-person this year! We are excited to offer interactive informative workshops for students with sessions focused on Climate Action. This year’s Summit will provide numerous opportunities to engage with international and local educators, community partners, and business leaders, etc. We look forward to welcoming you and your students to NKU!

Book Reading by Enock Sadiki, Global Guide Fellow
2023-01-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Roebling Point Books & Coffee – Covington, 306 Greenup St, Covington, KY 41011

Book Reading by Enock Sadiki, Global Guide Fellow
2023-01-08 16:00 - 17:00 | Roebling Point Books & Coffee, 601 Overton St, Newport, KY 41071

World Affairs Council Annual Meeting
2023-01-25 12:00 - 13:00
Let’s Celebrate The Mission Together!

We look forward to reflecting on the 2022 community impact as we could not have done it without your support this year.
In 2023, we need YOU more than ever! In whatever way we can safely accomplish it, the Council is going to continue creating international connections, raising awareness on imperative global topics, and developing empathy within students.
We hope you’ll join us to discover how you can support this important global but local work.

SIjo Workshop: You Know Haiku, Now Try Sijo
2023-01-25 18:00 - 19:00
Elizabeth Jorgensen, Arrowhead Union High School
– Incorporating Sijo into the classroom will be discussed
– Professional Development (1.5) contact hours
– Resource material available for completing the workshop
– As stand-alone or complement to Asynchronous Sijo Teacher Workshop.
Most American students have written haiku poems. The 3 line, 17 syllable Japanese poetic form is a staple in elementary, middle and high schools. Haiku poems are a good introduction to both poetry and Japanese culture. However, there is another type of East Asian poetry called a sijo that is longer, and that can further challenge students to play with language, write poetry, and share their stories with the world. Participants will learn the history, structure, and themes of sijo, as well as make a plan for how to teach sijo poetry in the classroom. Instructors will learn about the benefits and logistics of entering students into sijo-writing competitions and have time to write and workshop their own poems.
Details about all Sijo programs at https://easc.osu.edu/sijo

NCTA Workshop: Folding it into the Curriculum: Origami and STEAM in the K-12 Classroom
2023-01-31 17:30 - 20:30
Presenters:
· Ann Marie Davis, Associate Professor, The Ohio State University
· Angie Stokes, NCTA Alumni, Wayne Trace Junior/Senior High
· Tammy Taylor, NCTA Alumni, Twin Valley School District

Through hands-on activities, films, lectures, and discussions, learn how origami illuminates new and exciting directions in the classroom from social-emotional learning to cross-curricular teaching. Come learn about the modern applications of paper-folding, a journey that takes us around the globe and to the stars and back! In this workshop, we will explore the “art of the fold” by investigating the multi-disciplinary aspects of origami in the classroom. While folding math and science into the curriculum, we will also consider the history of origami and paper-making in East Asia, paper-folding in Japan, and functional origami in modern scientific design. While supplies last, origami sets will be sent to workshop participants.

Free and Open to the Public

Mason Symphony Orchestra: Broadway to Bollywood
2023-02-11 19:30 - 21:30
A great night at a great venue! This musical theater-themed concert is sure to get you humming along and tapping your feet! Enjoy themes known and unknown, from East and West, with guest artist, Rahul Deshmukh on tabla and Broadway artists Melanie Woodruff and Henry Benson!
Due to generous, significant and substantial support of the City of Mason, we are able to offer you this concert for only $15. Come early for “happy hour” and enjoy our young artists’ pre-concert entertainment. Then take the party inside to the concert (refreshments purchased at Great Wolf Lodge are permitted inside the concert hall — please note Great Wolf Lodge is a CASHLESS venue).

Program to include:
Arrangements of music by A.R. Rahman
Testament by Reena Esmail
Selections from your favorite musicals

Lunar New Year Gala by M3C
2023-02-18 17:00 - 21:00
This momentous event is our opportunity to celebrate the most important holiday in Asian culture together. We want to bring the business community of Cincinnati (and beyond) together to mix, mingle and enjoy a fine evening of Asian cultural celebration.

Book Reading with Enock Sadiki
2023-02-21 18:30 - 20:00 | Roebling Point Books & Coffee – Newport Location, 601 Overton St, Newport, KY 41071

Interactive Intercultural Learning
2023-02-28 16:00 - 17:00
In this FREE session, become a student as Jill guides you through several interactive intercultural learning (ICL) activities, designed to build cultural awareness and understanding in the classroom.
Each activity can be replicated in a variety of content areas at the middle and high school levels. Prepare for laughs. Just bring 2 pieces of paper and a writing utensil and we’ll see you on Zoom. Register to join here!

Global Ties U.S. National Meeting
2023-03-29 - 2023-03-31
The Global Ties U.S. National Meeting is the premier gathering of international exchange and public diplomacy professionals and supporters from government agencies, the private-sector, nonprofit organizations, and academia. Held in the Washington, DC-area, the National Meeting brings together participants across three days to gain high-level insights on trends affecting the international exchange and public diplomacy field, engage in in-depth professional development opportunities, and build networks to strengthen our missions focused on citizen engagement in foreign affairs.
The last few years have been extraordinary for our country and the world. We’ve collectively adjusted, again and again, how we work and communicate. Yet through it all, we’ve seen the remarkable strength and resiliency of the people and relationships that are at the core of our Global Ties Network and our international exchange missions. We’ve seen the power of local, national, and global communities in action. All of these are reasons why this year’s theme is (Re)Building Community: Globally & Locally.
From sharing ideas and innovations that are making our organizations stronger, to investing in new leaders and partners who will continue our work into future generations, we are (re)affirming our commitment to citizen diplomacy and (re)building our community, here and around the world. We hope you’ll join us at the Global Ties U.S. 2023 National Meeting to (re)connect, (re)engage, and (re)discover ​the power and potential of our exchange and public diplomacy community.

Kazakhstan Delegates Visit to discuss Data-Drive Prevention Policy in Public Health - Need Homestays
2023-04-07 - 2023-04-15
The World Affairs Council is hosting a delegation from Kazakhstan traveling on The Open World Leadership Center’s exchange program to discuss data-driven prevention policy in public health. The group will be in the region from April 7-15, 2023 and are looking for volunteers who can host the group in their home for the week. Please let us know if you are interested by filling out this application (less than 1 minute) and email Emily Rose, International Programs Lead, at erose@cincyworldaffairs.org for more information.
The Open World Leadership Center administers the Open World program, one of the most effective U.S. exchange programs for countries of the post-Soviet era. The program has enabled more than 29,000 current and future leaders from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to meaningfully engage and interact with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and thousands of other Americans, many of whom are the delegates’ direct professional counterparts.

Global Education Networking with Ohio Council for Social Studies
2023-05-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 720 E Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Inviting all Ohio/KY educators (or future educators and friends) interested in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, social studies, history, culture, languages, or international studies to join us for a FREE networking with the Ohio Council for Social Studies (OCSS). Our Director of Global Education, Melissa McDonald, and the Southwest Representative with OCSS, Elijah Fenwick-Sanders will be there to welcome everyone. Complimentary snacks and drinks provided. Free parking!
Date: Thursday, May 18th
Location: Greater Cincinnati Foundation, 720 E Pete Rose Way #120 Cincinnati, OH 45202
Time: 4-6 PM
FREE Snacks, Drinks (including drinks sponsored Bircus), and Downtown Parking

Friendship Force International Meet N Greet
2023-05-21 18:00 - 20:30
Friendship Force International. (www.friendshipforce.org). Our local branch is Friendship Force of Greater Cincinnati (www.friendship force cincinnati.org). Friendship Force was started in the 70s as a way for private citizens to practice international diplomacy with home stays in order to fulfill the mission of “promoting global understanding across the barriers that separate people”. There are about 300 Friendship Force clubs in over 50 countries today.
Here’s a link to a 3-minute video that explains how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3VIrWIxHl0&t=3s.
You’re invited to the general membership meeting/pot luck on Sunday, May 21 at 6 pm at Northern Hills United Methodist Church, 6700 Winton Rd. (Finneytown).

Beijing's Global Media Offensive: China's Uneven Campaign to Influence Asia and the World
2023-05-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
**Partner event with World Affairs Council – Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky & World Affairs Council Orange County – This is FREE for any students (high school, university, etc.) & World Affairs Council members. For non-members, the ticket price is $10/person. The link to register is here.

The US role in the world: Ukraine, Russia, Taiwan & China
2023-05-25 08:00 - 17:00 | Greydon Law Offices, 312 Walnut Street, Suite 1800, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
Centennial Series Strategic Issues Forum
The World Affairs Council is thrilled to launch its Centennial Series under the theme 100 Years of Global Issues – Looking Back and Look Forward – History Repeating Itself with this important strategic issues forum.

Event Details:
This will be a forum about strategic issues for the United States relating to the war in Ukraine, including especially the possible scenarios on how the war will could end and what its each of those endings could mean for Russia’s and China’s relationships with the U.S. and Europe. A related issue – reparations – also touches on a topic of a speech given during the inaugural year for the predecessor of the World Affairs Council in 1923 about WWI reparations. Sen. Portman, who prior to his retirement in January served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will share his views on these important topics followed by an opportunity for attendees to present their questions.
**Space is limited. Register early.**
Sen. Portman Biography:
Rob Portman’s career in public service spanned three decades and included service in three presidential administrations as well as two terms in the United States Senate and six terms in the United States House of Representatives.
In the George W. Bush administration he served in two cabinet-level jobs, as Director of the Office of Management and Budget as well as United States Trade Representative. Under President George H.W. Bush, he served as Associate Counsel to the President and Director, White House Office of Legislative Affairs.
Known for his civility, successful bipartisan policymaking, work ethic, and grasp of a broad range of complex issues, over 220 of Portman’s bills were signed into law by Presidents Biden, Trump and Obama during his tenure in the Senate. He served as the lead Republican negotiator on the bipartisan infrastructure law that is making historic improvements to our nation’s roads, ports, rails, bridges, broadband and more.
He played a key role in U.S. foreign policy through his seat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as co-chair and founder of the Senate Ukraine Caucus. He made ten trips to Ukraine since the Revolution of Dignity in 2014 and is a key advocate for congressional support of Ukraine against Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression.
Portman currently serves as the Founder of the Portman Center for Policy Solutions at the University of Cincinnati and a Distinguished Visiting Fellow in the Practice of Public Policy at the American Enterprise Institute.
Rob was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he still lives today with his wife, Jane. Together they have three adult children: Jed, Will, and Sally.

Global Potluck Picnic
2023-06-10 11:00 - 14:00 | Miami White Water Park, Miami Whitewater Park - Woodland Mound Picnic Area in Fox Ridge Shelter: 8250 Old Kellogg Rd Cincinnati, OH 45255
Come network this Transparency & Accountability in Government International Delegation

Join us and get to know this international group from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Paraguay traveling on the U.S. Department of State’s premier exchange program, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
FREE Event and open to all ages! Simply bring your favorite family dish to share….click to sign-up HERE!

Location:
Miami Whitewater Park – Woodland Mound Picnic Area in Fox Ridge Shelter:
8250 Old Kellogg Rd Cincinnati, OH 45255

The US role in the world: Ukraine, Russia, Taiwan & China ft. Senator Rob Portman
2023-06-14 11:30 - 13:00 | Bricker Graydon Offices 312 Walnut Street – 18th floor Cincinnati, OH 45202, 312 Walnut Street - 18th floor, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
Centennial Series Strategic Issues Forum

The World Affairs Council is thrilled to launch its Centennial Series under the theme 100 Years of Global Issues – Looking Back and Look Forward – History Repeating Itself with this important strategic issues forum.
Event sponsored by Bricker Graydon
Event Details:
This will be a forum about strategic issues for the United States relating to the war in Ukraine, including especially the possible scenarios on how the war will could end and what its each of those endings could mean for Russia’s and China’s relationships with the U.S. and Europe. A related issue – reparations – also touches on a topic of a speech given during the inaugural year for the predecessor of the World Affairs Council in 1923 about WWI reparations. Sen. Portman, who prior to his retirement in January served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will share his views on these important topics followed by an opportunity for attendees to present their questions.
**Space is limited. Register early.**
Sen. Portman Biography:
Rob Portman’s career in public service spanned three decades and included service in three presidential administrations as well as two terms in the United States Senate and six terms in the United States House of Representatives.
In the George W. Bush administration he served in two cabinet-level jobs, as Director of the Office of Management and Budget as well as United States Trade Representative. Under President George H.W. Bush, he served as Associate Counsel to the President and Director, White House Office of Legislative Affairs.
Known for his civility, successful bipartisan policymaking, work ethic, and grasp of a broad range of complex issues, over 220 of Portman’s bills were signed into law by Presidents Biden, Trump and Obama during his tenure in the Senate. He served as the lead Republican negotiator on the bipartisan infrastructure law that is making historic improvements to our nation’s roads, ports, rails, bridges, broadband and more.
He played a key role in U.S. foreign policy through his seat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and as co-chair and founder of the Senate Ukraine Caucus. He made ten trips to Ukraine since the Revolution of Dignity in 2014 and is a key advocate for congressional support of Ukraine against Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression.
Portman currently serves as the Founder of the Portman Center for Policy Solutions at the University of Cincinnati and a Distinguished Visiting Fellow in the Practice of Public Policy at the American Enterprise Institute.
Rob was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he still lives today with his wife, Jane. Together they have three adult children: Jed, Will, and Sally.

The Globalization Myth: Why Regions Matter with Shannon O'Neil
2023-06-21 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event

Camp Covington
2023-06-26 09:00 - 2023-06-29 13:00
Our Global Summer Camp begins with Covington Independent Public Schools. We will start with 9th District Elementary and Glen O’Swing with our Global Guide Fellow, Rojina!

Around the World with Nepal
2023-07-20 14:00 - 15:00 | 11850 Enyart Rd. Loveland Ohio 45140, 11850 Enyart Rd., Loveland Ohio 45140, OH, 45140, United States
Join us at the Cincinnati Public Library- Symmes Township Location, for a family-friendly, interactive learning experience to discover more about Nepal. Through hands-on activities children will discover more about life and culture in Nepal. We will learn some simple games everyone can play and hear the inspiring story of courage from our Global Guide. All families are welcome for this exciting event!

TechGirls Exchange - International high schools visit in July
2023-07-22 - 2023-07-26
The World Affairs Council is hosting a delegation of high schools students from Eurasia traveling on TechGirls. The group will be in the region from July 22-26, 2023 and are looking for volunteers who can host the group in their home for the week. Please let us know if you are interested by filling out this application (less than 1 minute) and email Emily Rose, International Programs Lead, at erose@cincyworldaffairs.org for more information.
Since 2012, TechGirls has trained and mentored 528 teenage girls (ages 15-17). The program began supporting girls from the Middle East and North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, and Yemen). In 2019, the program expanded to include young women from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan). In 2022, the program underwent a global expansion to begin serving girls in six world regions (Western Hemisphere, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and Eurasia, East Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, and South and Central Asia).
TechGirls connects and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing them access and opportunities to advance their skills and pursue their dreams.

Dinner Hosts Needed (Volunteer) with Foreign Policy Delegation
2023-09-04 13:00 - 17:00
Become a volunteer with the Council!
We have a 20-person international delegation coming for the Labor Day holiday on September 4th from a multitude of countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Japan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Republic of Korea, Republic of Turkey, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and Tunisia. They are traveling on the U.S. Department’s of State’s premier exchange program, International Visitor Leadership Program, to discover and learn about US Foreign Policy Decision Making.
**We are seeking up to 6 host families who would be willing to host at minimum 3 visitors for Labor Day.
Learn more about hosting below!

Foreign Policy Delegation Reception and Information Exchange
2023-09-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, 300 Buttermilk Pike #330, Fort Mitchell, KY, 41099
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST

Northern Kentucky Chamber Of Commerce
300 Buttermilk Pike Suite 330
Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017

Join us for this reception and information exchange as the NKY Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the World Affairs Council – Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, hosts a 20-member delegation from the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for a discussion on US Foreign Policy Decision Making.

The program will look at foreign policy from a local level perspective, immigration in the Midwest, and tariffs in the Midwest. Program objectives include:

• Examine the process and key players in formulating, articulating and implementing foreign policy in the U.S. federal system.
• Review U.S. foreign policy priorities and trends in U.S. international relations.
• Explore the domestic political and economic forces that influence U.S. foreign policy decisions
• Discuss how social media is transforming the practice and formation of foreign policy.

Members of the 20-member delegation are traveling from a multitude of countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Japan, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Republic of Korea, Republic of Turkiye, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and Tunisia.

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States. Each year nearly 5,000 International Visitors come to the U.S. on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).

DELEGATE PARTICIPANT LIST

Ms. Martina GUARNASCHELLI (Argentina)
Secretary of Embassy and Third Class Consul, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Tanzim ANWAR (Bangladesh)
Diplomatic Correspondent, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, National News Agency of Bangladesh
Mr. Mahdi OBSIEH BOUH (Djibouti)
Director of Bilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Ms. Helen NEIDER VEERME (Estonia)
Advisor on Strategic Border Management Cooperation, Estonian Police and Border Guard Board
Ms. Telupe TEPAUKIE (Fiji)
UN Desk Officer/Acting Senior Adviser-UN Division, Government of Tuvalu
Mr. Tero Heikki Artturi SUONIEMI (Finland)
Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to Green Party, Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to Green Party
Ms. Christina Rebecca OKELLO (France)
Bilingual reporter, Radio France Internationale
Prof. Tomohiko SATAKE (Japan)
Associate Professor, Department of International Politics, Economics and Communication, Aoyama Gakuin University
Ms. Tolkunai ERKINBEK KYZY (Kyrgyz Republic)
Attaché/Desk Officer for U.S.A., Third Political Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic
Ms. Albina SUINALIEVA (Kyrgyz Republic)
Third Secretary of Economic Diplomacy Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic
Mr. George EL JALLAD (Lebanon)
Head of the Americas/UN Desk, Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, Beirut Lebanon
Mr. Gi Bum KIM (Republic of Korea)
Associate Research Fellow, Korea Institute for Defense Analyses
Ms. Suheyla DEMIR (Republic of Turkiye)
Chief Editor, World News Desk, Haber Global TV
Mr. Hakki UYGUR (Republic of Turkiye)
President, Center for Iranian Studies
Ms. Tsioane MOTSAI (South Africa)
International Relations Coordinator, African National Congress(ANC)
Mr. Tebogo THOTHELA (South Africa)
Director: Parliamentary Counsellor to Gauteng Premier, Gauteng Office of the Premier
Mr. Fei Fan LIN (Taiwan)
Board Member, New Frontier Foundation
Mr. Yeh Chung LU (Taiwan)
Professor and Chair, Department of Diplomacy, National Chengchi University
Mr. Pheeradej KUMSAMOOT (Thailand)
Member, Bhumjaitai Party
Mr. Taha BOULAARES (Tunisia)
Head of Department of Multilateral Cooperation at the Directorate General of the International Cooperation, Ministry of Interior

Location
Northern Kentucky Chamber Of Commerce
300 Buttermilk Pike Suite 330
Ft. Mitchell, KY 41017
St. Elizabeth Board Room
Event Schedule
8:30am – 9am: Registration/Networking/Breakfast
9am – 11:00am: Program

Pre-registration is required.

Afghanistan: The Women Left Behind
2023-09-13 17:00 - 19:00 | University of Cincinnati College of Law, 2925 Campus Green Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45219
Centennial Series Strategic Issues Forum
The World Affairs Council is thrilled to launch its Centennial Series under the theme 100 Years of Global Issues – Looking Back and Look Forward – History Repeating Itself with this important strategic issues forum.

Event co-sponsored by World Affairs Council, U.S. Institute of Peace, and Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights
Event Details:

**Please click here for general registration.
**Teachers and students are FREE to attend. Please register by clicking here.
You are invited to a candid conversation with Belquis Ahmadi, Senior Program Officer with the U.S. Institute of Peace and a head nurse and administrator in Kabul during the Soviet withdrawal and through the rise of the Taliban. Since 2001, she has spent years on the ground in Afghanistan leading efforts by USAID, the Red Cross and other organizations to strengthen women’s rights, civil society, the rule of law and democracy, all to fill the information gap.
The 22nd Anniversary of 9/11 has passed. The US withdrawal of combat forces from Afghanistan in 2021, our nation’s longest war, took a massive toll in human lives and resources. Those events continue to have a lasting impact for the world and on foreign policy.
Come with us as we take a look at some of the struggles and successes of nations as they try to rebuild after devastating wars. Belquis will discuss the effects on people’s everyday lives, women and human rights issues, and what needs to be done inside Afghanistan to build a case against the Taliban. What is the outlook for Afghanistan, as the Taliban leadership makes decisions? What will happen to the gains made in education, women’s rights, healthcare and infrastructure? How do future foreign policy and relationships in the Middle East look? How does the struggle for democracy play out? In 1923 our predecessor organization had a debate about the Middle East and human rights between Palestine and Turkey. History will repeat itself as we discuss this topic again one hundred years later.
**Space is limited. Register early.**

Belquis Ahmadi, U.S. Institute of Peace Biography:
Belquis Ahmadi has over 20 years of experience working in Afghanistan on issues related to gender, human rights, civil society development, rule of law, governance and democracy. Ahmadi’s extensive experience includes senior management positions under large USAID programs in Afghanistan, evaluation of USAID gender and democracy and governance programming, and analysis and design of gender and human rights programming, and training and mentoring Afghan civil society and government candidates. She has also published extensively on democracy, governance and women’s rights in Afghanistan.
From November 2010 to March 2014, Ahmadi worked on the USAID-funded Regional Afghan Municipalities Program for Urban Populations Regional Command East (RAMP UP), implemented in 14 provinces. In this role, Ahmadi managed the technical work of the program to ensure high quality results and deliverables. In addition, she developed core skills training modules to integrate and mainstream gender in all aspects of governance, service delivery, and leadership to over 200 municipal officials in fourteen provinces.
From 2006 to 2009, Ahmadi served as senior human rights advisor in Afghanistan. In this role, she provided leadership and management oversight of resources, including budget, planning, and program monitoring; designed and implemented activities promoting women’s rights through the use of religious arguments, providing analysis of the Shiite Personal Status Law, as well as providing advice and guidance in drafting of the Law on Elimination of Violence Against Women; and oversaw the preparation of training materials for programs.
From 2000 to 2004, Ahmadi served as program coordinator for Global Rights Partners for Justice in Washington D.C., managing their Afghanistan program. From 1987 to 1999, Ahmadi worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross, CARE International, and the Agency Coordinating Body for Afghan Relief (ACBAR) in Afghanistan. Ahmadi earned her LLM in International Human Rights Law from Georgetown University Law Center and her LLB of Law from Kabul University.
Photo featured above:
When Afghan women step out of their homes, everywhere they look they see a range of Taliban restrictions affecting all aspects of society and their lives — from education and employment to public services and access to justice. This interactive graphic depicts what they see through their burqas — the breadth of the Taliban’s gender apartheid — and serves as a portal to learning more about Taliban restrictions on women’s social and political life. Along with a description of the types of restrictions the Taliban have imposed, clicking on an “X” links to USIP’s documentation of the relevant decrees, orders and edicts issued by the Taliban since they took power in August 2021.
Original artwork by Ahmad Fahim Hakim
Please click here for an interactive graphic illustrating how the Taliban are attempting to erase Afghan women from public life.

Educator Professional Development Webinar: Inclusion and Peace Building
2023-09-21 16:00 - 17:00
In this workshop, we will discuss the relationship between conflict and displacement, and the unique experiences and challenges faced by women, youth, and people with disabilities who are displaced. The workshop will conclude with a small group activity and a plenary discussion on how to incorporate lived experiences into curriculum.

Sponsored by: World Affairs Council – Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, U.S. Institute of Peace, Cleveland Council on World Affairs, and World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana

Register for FREE here.

About Elizabeth Murray:

Elizabeth Murray is a senior advisor on peacebuilding and inclusion at the U.S. Institute of Peace. She leads the Institute’s efforts on disability-inclusive peacebuilding and advises on programming and research in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.

Murray first joined USIP in 2008 to work on the Institute’s grantmaking in Colombia. She has led USIP’s grantmaking in several countries and has managed programs and research in Sudan and Central African Republic. In addition to the inclusion of people with disabilities in peacebuilding, her thematic interests include national dialogues, political transitions and migration.

Prior to joining USIP, Murray managed educational programs at the Kennedy Center and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international politics and Latin American studies from Georgetown University, a master’s degree in conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University, and a graduate certificate in international migration studies from Georgetown University.

Cincinnati International Children's Day
2023-09-23 11:00 - 16:00 | Burnet Woods
2023 ICD poster – PDF (1)

2023 Climate Candidate Forum - Cincinnati Council & School Board
2023-10-04 17:30 - 19:00
World Affairs Council, Green Umbrella, and partners present a candidate forum about climate action and policy in Cincinnati for candidates running for local office.
Join us at this public forum where City Council and School Boards candidates will have the opportunity to share their position and plans on issues related to climate, environmental justice, and resilience.
All Cincinnati City Council and School Board candidates who have successfully filed their petitions have been invited. This event follows up on the “Candidate Education Night: Sustainable Action in Cincinnati” event in July.
The event is free and open to candidates, their staff, and the general public, but requires RSVP. Please register at this site and reach out to Savannah Sullivan, Senior Director of Programs, with any questions (savannah@greenumbrella.org).
We also invite Cincinnati residents to submit questions they want candidates to answer. Submit your questions here by September 22nd.
