World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

“The Art of Presidential Persuasion” with Talmage Boston
2024-09-05 17:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Bricker Graydon LLP: Scripps Center, 312 Walnut St #1800, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202, United States
REGISTER HERE

Buy his newest book, How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/How-the-Bes…
The President of the United States shapes the national and world order. How he has achieved this over our history has come largely by his ability to persuade others to follow his leads. Given we are in a Presidential election year, the art of persuasion will be a key aspect to who wins the outcome.
In this presentation, Mr. Talmage Boston, presidential historian, will describe the powers of persuasion used by eight of the greatest presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Reagan.
Come hear presidential historian Talmage Boston deliver this important message on September 5, as he discusses his new book, How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents—which has been endorsed by the country’s leading presidential historians, including Pulitzer Prize winners Jon Meacham, Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Annette Gordon-Reed.
How the Best Did It takes the leadership lessons gained from our greatest presidents and makes them instructive today for all leaders who seek to enhance their performance.

Want to get promoted without being seen as a self-promoter? Do what Washington did.
Want to reduce conflict among your group’s factions? Do what Jefferson did.
Want to know how to take the high road when major problems arise? Do what Lincoln did.
Want to expand your power into entirely new areas of influence? Do what Theodore Roosevelt did.
Want to move the needle steadily until ultimate goals are achieved? Do what Franklin Roosevelt did.
Want to have your team work like a well-oiled machine? Do what Eisenhower did.
Want to grow in expertise while leading? Do what Kennedy did.
Want to inspire optimism throughout your enterprise? Do what Reagan did.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP DIGITAL LITERACY & BICOMMUNAL COMMUNICATION
2024-08-11 - 2024-08-26 | KY
We need home hosts! Click here to learn more!
The On-Demand Youth Leadership Program (ODYLP): Digital Literacy is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), administered by Legacy International. We will have 20 youth leaders from Cyprus!
The Digital Literacy program will empower participating youth to…

Learn to use digital media to promote active citizenship and democratic principles through storytelling, audiovisual techniques, engaging campaigns, and facts-based approaches.
Recognize manipulation, misinformation, and disinformation in the digital information space and avoid its spread.
Use their social media presence to promote positive actions and shared values in their communities – from environmental stewardship to the prevention of gender-based violence.
Be aware of emerging trends in technology, like artificial intelligence, that affect digital spaces and democratic communication
Lead in their communities by promoting positive community action and understanding the responsibilities of citizenship and the power of civic engagement.
Build opportunities for mentorships with US-based organizations and school partnerships.

Home stays are a crucial component of this program that enrich the intercultural experience by allowing these leaders to become more deeply immersed in our local culture. They are also a unique opportunity for host families to learn from and form a long-lasting friendship with an individual from a different country without even leaving Cincinnati!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Home hosts needed for short stay with high school aged TechGirls!
2024-07-26 - 2024-07-31 | KY
Click here to learn more!
TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women (ages 15-17). The students have been selected and provided security screening by the US Department of State to participate in a 3-week program during the month of July. They are focusing on building understanding of careers in tech fields and relationships with incredible local companies in the region. The students are from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, and Tunisia.
They will be in Cincinnati/NKY from July 26th-31st and we need individuals, couples, or families who are willing to host one or two of these amazing on these dates.
Volunteered in the past? Email Melissa Mcdonald, Director of Global Education, at mmcdonald@cincyworldaffairs.org
First time Volunteer? Fill out the form
Here are some photos from last year!

VIRTUAL EVENT: Dan Schnur Political Report: July 2024
2024-07-18 20:00 - 21:00 | Virtual Event
REGISTER HERE

Event Overview

Thursday, July 18th, 2024
5:00 p.m. PST/ 8:00 p.m. EDT
It’s nearly impossible to find intelligent political analysis in today’s hyper-polarized and ideologically segregated information sphere. From Fox News to MSNBC — political commentators focus more on inflammatory bickering than the deep issues shaping all American political life. The Dan Schnur Political Report offers a different way to consume political information. Dan moves beyond the partisan noise to analyze the core issues and critical headlines shaping our world. Dan not only offers a fresh perspective to understand politics, he invites everyone into the conversation.

IVLP: Combating Illegal Fishing off the Coasts in Lakes of Africa
2024-05-30 - 2024-06-02 | KY
With delegates from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Morocco, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Review best practices for law enforcement to deter foreign fishing vessels from engaging in illicit activity;
Observe best practices in sustainable fisheries management and product traceability (from extraction to commercialization), and address the key role of maritime domain awareness (MDA) and interagency coordination;
Explore state, local, and federal strategies for addressing IUU fishing;
Encourage collaboration between government agencies, environment and policy NGOs, think tanks, fisheries-related industry representatives, and other relevant U.S. stakeholders to deter IUU fishing in exclusive economic zones (EEZ); and to
Facilitate conversation and collaboration on the successful creation and implementation of enforcement frameworks, agendas, roadmaps, and/or joint programs particularly as they relate to overlapping and/or disputed territorial claims.

IVLP: Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists: Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation I
2024-05-30 - 2024-06-03 | KY
Dinner hosts needed Thursday, June 30!
With delegates from Angola, Egypt, Japan, Nigeria, Republic of Turkiye, Romania, Sierra Leone, Ukraine, Zambia.
The Department of State has outlined the following specific objectives for the project:

Examine efforts at the federal, state, and local levels to counter the current threat
posed by dissemination of disinformation and misleading reporting;
Explore ways to verify reliable sources of information and counter misinformation;
Discuss how influencers use social media and new technologies to amplify messages,
disseminate information, and connect with a target audience; and
Consider ways to foster a discerning audience of media consumers and to build trust
among media, the government, and citizens.

This program is named after Edward R. Murrow, a pioneer in radio and television journalism in the mid-twentieth century. Murrow became well known especially for his live reports from the rooftops of London in 1940 during the Battle of Britain, or “the Blitz.”
You can read more about him here

IVLP: U.S. Energy Policy: Security, Independence, and Innovation
2024-05-27 - 2024-05-30 | KY
With delegates from Egypt, Estonia, Hungary, India, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Phillipines, Saudia Arabia.
Themes for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Review national and international energy initiatives, security measures, and policies related to resource regulation and development;

Discuss current energy considerations and deliberations with stakeholders and influential leaders in commercial industry, think tanks, lobby organizations, and citizen interest groups;

Highlight strategies for energy resource management, diversification, affordability, consumption reduction, technological advancement, research, and development;

Examine ways to maintain and increase energy security by diversifying energy sources; bolstering energy infrastructure; and forging international collaboration;

Explore ways to transition away from fossil fuels to the use of renewable energy sources including an examination of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides for investment into domestic energy production while promoting clean energy;

Examine how federal, state, and local programs are used to incentivize and foment climate action in the United States with an eye toward meeting its net zero commitments under the Paris Agreement; and

Examine the role of academia and research institutions in energy innovation and security.

(VIRTUAL EVENT) Great Decisions: Climate Technology and Competition
2024-05-16 14:15 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Will the United States and China, with other powerful countries following suit, approach current and future climate initiatives with an increased commitment to trade protectionism and nationalism by various measures including trade restrictions? Or could a growing spirit of international accord develop to confront the “common enemy” of climate change?
Moderator: Jeffrey S. Morton, the Pierrepont Comfort Chair in Political Science at Florida Atlantic University and a Fellow at the Foreign Policy Association.

Register here for this virtual event on Zoom!

Global Impact Celebration: In Honor of Rich Lauf Global Studies Grant
2024-05-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Somerhaus Event Space, 1415 Republic St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202, United States
To celebrate the recipients of the World Affairs Council’s inaugural Richard I. Lauf Global Studies Grant, we cordially invite you to Somerhaus in OTR on Wednesday, May 15th.
The winning grantees will be joining and sharing about their Global Impact, Local Action projects from the five schools who won: Aiken High School, Holmes High School, St. Ursula Academy, St. Xavier High School, and Winton Woods High School. Food and drinks will be provided as well as a scheduled program.
The Global Studies Grant in Honor of Richard I. Lauf was a grant opportunity for students, educators, and school organizations alike to create or expand on a project that benefitted their school or community based on the United Nations Global Goals. All projects were implemented in Spring 2024. This is Global Impact, Local Action.
The grant recipients were announced at the 17th Annual International Education Summit this past December, 2023.
The following projects have since been implemented:
– Aiken High School: Appreciation of Cultural Diversity Through Memoir Story Time
– Holmes High School: Operation Compassion
– St. Xavier High School: Global X-plorers Club: Celebrate Cincinnati
– St. Ursula Academy: Recycling Initiatives at SUA
– Winton Woods High School: Taking Action with International Coffee
We look forward to seeing you there as we hear from the students and educators about their projects in action!

Register here!

IVLP: Renewable Energy as an Economic Driver
2024-05-08 - 2024-05-10 | KY
Delegates are from Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Jordan, Lebanon, Lithuania, Namibia, Pakistan, Republic of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Serra Leone, & South Africa.

Themes for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Provide an overview of U.S. policies at the federal, state, and local levels that drive innovation in clean energy;

Explore how supply diversification can increase geopolitical stability, reduce potential malign influence, and contribute to resilience;

Explore innovations in renewable energy and in the energy grid from economic, environmental, and security purposes;

Study how the development and installation of alternative energy technologies can provide employment and economic opportunity for marginalized communities;

Examine how renewable energy innovation hubs and clean energy accelerators serve as economic drivers; and

Examine the role of universities and think tanks in incubating new technologies, including technology transfer from academic to business applications.

Virtual Panel Event: Child Protective Services in the US and Tajikistan: Relevance, Laws, Agencies, and Programs
2024-04-25 08:00 - 09:00 | Virtual Event
Join us in partnership with the Northern Kentucky’s Public Administration Master’s Program for this exciting panel who will engage in a dialogue about child protection services and the relevant laws, agencies, and programs in the United States and in the Republic of Tajikistan. Important laws include the Child Abuse Protection and Adoption Reform Act in the USA and the Family Code of the Republic of Tajikistan. A variety of agencies (federal, state, and local) are involved in protecting children’s rights in the USA and in Tajikistan. Panelists will discuss some of the key policies, programs, and services that these agencies offer and some of the challenges that they face. The goal of this panel is to learn from each other while at the same time identifying the cultural differences that may help explain some of the uniqueness in implementing child protection services in these two countries.

We are excited to have the following panelists:

Dr. Amy Halbrook is a professor of Law and Director of the NKU Chase law Center Clinic. She has represented clients in a wide range of court proceedings, including child protection, high-conflict custody, juvenile justice, school discipline and in many other related matters. She teaches the Children Law Center Clinic course, Family law, Juvenile Law, Children and Law, Mediation and Client-Centered Practice.

Dr. Saidmukhtorov has a Ph.D. in International Public Law, from Russian People’s Friendship University. He is currently the Head for the International Law program, at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan. He has an extensive background in children’s law in Tajikistan, and has served as a legal counsel and legal specialist for various private corporations and the government of Tajikistan. He has offered numerous seminars on children rights and legal issues in Tajikistan and in Russia, and deliberated as a lawyer on many cases related to children’s rights in Tajikistan.

Judge Kari Bloom serves as the administrative judge of the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Juvenile Division, overseeing its day-to-day operations. Prior to being elected to the Court of Common Pleas in 2021, she served as an attorney in the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office and also as a legislative liaison and parole attorney in the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. Judge Bloom has testified on behalf of juvenile justice issues in the Ohio General Assembly and has served on several statewide boards and commissions including the Ohio Supreme Court Juvenile Justice Committee. She participated in systemic policy work to increase access to courts, reconcile conflicting laws, collect and disperse criminal sentencing data, and rectify the lasting effects of “tough on crime” legislation.

The event will be a Zoom Webinar and will be recorded and posted on our Youtube for those who cannot attend.

Tickets on Sale Now: One World Gala & Global Trivia Competition
2024-04-12 18:00 - 22:00 | The Transept, 1205 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
We are excited to host you at our most popular annual fundraiser! Join us on April 12, 2024 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at The Transept in Over-The-Rhine!
Our 11th Annual One World Gala & Global Trivia Competition promises to be the most exciting event of the century – and an evening of fun and global connections that showcases our beloved City’s global sparkle! So dress your best for an evening of fun!
Supporting this event shows your commitment to preparing students to be globally competent in the 21st century global environment. For more than 100 years, the World Affairs Council has been committed to providing public school students with access to global learning opportunities. Click here for more information.

Virtual Event: Entering 2024: Rethinking America’s Place in the World with Ambassador Barbara Stephenson
2024-03-28 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
In partnership with UNC Global Affairs and Gulf Coast Diplomacy:
How do we understand America’s place in a changed and changing world? Join retired U.S. Ambassador Barbara Stephenson, vice provost for global affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to understand the implications of the rise of China and why America’s moment to lead has not passed. Stephenson will share her recommendations for what America can do to remain the world’s largest economy and most influential actor. After her presentation, she will be prepared to answer questions from those in attendance.

Background:
Barbara Stephenson is vice provost for global affairs and chief global officer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s oldest public university. She is a distinguished diplomat, former U.S. ambassador and career Foreign Service Officer.

Stephenson was appointed UNC-Chapel Hill’s first vice provost for global affairs in 2019. In that role, she leads the university’s global strategy in support of its core mission of teaching, research and service to the state of North Carolina. Under her leadership, the university has realized the Global Guarantee, the university’s promise that a global education is available to every student; strengthened relations with strategic global partners; elevated UNC Chapel Hill’s global reputation; and brought the world to Carolina with increased global programming and cultural exchange.

Stephenson is a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy and the American College of National Security Leaders; a board member of the World Affairs Councils of America; and a member of the advisory board of Global Ties U.S.

Stephenson holds a PhD, MA, and BA in English literature from the University of Florida.

The virtual event is set to start at 12:30pm EST/ 11:30CT.

Volunteer Opportunity: Dinner Hosts for Home Hosting!
2024-03-17 16:00 - 19:00 | KY
Sign up to volunteer here!
We are proud to announce that we are hosting a TESOL group from March 12th-20th! One of the opportunities we provide for both delegates and our community is home hosting, an evening in which we ask people to open their homes for dinner for our delegates. Whether it’s a home meal or an outing to your favorite restaurant, food acts as a conversation starter, breaking down barriers and fostering international connections! We will have delegates from Togo, Mexico, Guatemala, Vietnam, Costa Rica, Egypt, Tanzania, Philippines, Indonesia, Montenegro, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan. The TESOL exchange (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is for international English language educators and program administrators. They will be visiting Cincinnati to learn about environmental conservation and sustainability.

Green Drinks: Happy Hour in Partnership with Green Umbrella!
2024-03-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Esoteric Brewery, 918 E McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH, 45206, United States
Once a month Green Umbrella has a monthly social event, offering a networking opportunity with sustainability leaders across Greater Cincinnati. World Affairs Council is proud to be collaborating with this amazing nonprofit Thursday, March 14th, along with our TESOL group who will be in Cincinnati to learn about environmental conservation and sustainability. This free event is open to anyone interested in climate action issues and getting involved in local sustainability initiatives. We kindly ask you register here. Hope to see you there!

2024 Global Ties National Meeting in DC
2024-03-05 08:00 - 2024-03-08 17:00 | KY
Join us March 5-8 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA as we explore Diplomacy in Action: Raising Community Voices through interactive sessions, dynamic keynotes, evening receptions, and more. The registration deadline is Friday, February 23 – secure your spot by January 19 to receive an early-bird discount! Register Here ! If you have questions, check out our FAQs page, and if you don’t find what you need there, reach out to NationalMeeting@GlobalTiesUS.org.
From the Global Ties website:
The Global Ties U.S. National Meeting is the premier annual 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 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 2024 National Meeting theme is Diplomacy in Action: Raising Community Voices.
International exchange programs have long been a way to humanize foreign affairs. They are also a powerful platform to create a greater sense of civic engagement, community pride, and appreciation of diverse cultural groups. This theme dives into the critical, socio-cultural impact of our work and is also a call to action to ensure we’re reflecting the rich diversity of the United States. Exchange programs are for everyone, and by expanding access to global engagement and raising diverse voices, we can make our communities and our world stronger.
By weaving our theme into session programming, we aim to convey how we’re engaging, amplifying, and raising these diverse voices to build community, expand access to global opportunities, and advance our mission to power individuals, communities, and nations to build trust through international exchange.

Creative Well-being for Educators Workshop with Art Equals
2024-02-28 16:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for an inspiring and interactive Creative Wellbeing Educator Workshop, aligned with the UN Global Goal #3: Promoting Well-being at All Ages. Led by local artist and leader, Charlotte Reed with Art Equals, this hands-on session is designed to empower educators with creative tools and techniques to foster holistic well-being. Discover innovative approaches to promote mental, emotional, and physical health through art, engaging activities, and mindful practices. Elevate your teaching skills and contribute to the global effort of ensuring well-being for everyone, at every stage of life. Don’t miss this opportunity to blend creativity and education for a brighter, healthier future!
Charlotte Reed is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Social Work and received her Master of Arts in Art Therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Charlotte’s dedication to healing with a more holistic approach has also led her into further studies of ecotherapy, contemplative therapy, and a focus on the mind-body connection. Charlotte’s passion for making art accessible to others comes from her own experience as an artist overcoming the challenges of visual impairment. Working in ceramic sculpture, mixed media, bookmaking, and fiber arts, she has exhibited her work in galleries and shows in the Greater Cincinnati Area including the Hyde Park Art Show.

Whiskies of the World
2024-02-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Lost & Found, 22 E 14th St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Buy tickets here! Discover the world of whiskey like you’ve never seen it before! The World Affairs Council brings you Whiskies of the World to come enjoy unique whiskeys curated by Lost & Found OTR matched with light appetizers from around the globe to give guests an unforgettable tasting experience. Join us to celebrate the launch of our new website!
Whiskey + food pairing include:

Hatozaki, Japan + miso butter popcorn seasoned with togorashi
Red Breast 12 Year, Ireland + Irish Cheddar Toastie with beer braised onions
New Riff Single Barrel, Kentucky + “Old Fashioned” Candied Nuts

General Admission Ticket $50

Includes 3 drams from around the world and crafted culinary bites
Introduction to swirl whiskey like a pro along with history and tasting notes for each
Centennial World Affairs Council glass

VIP Admission Ticket $100

Includes 3 drams from around the world and crafted culinary bites
Introduction to swirl whiskey like a pro along with history and tasting notes for each
Centennial World Affairs Council glass
World Affairs Council special take away gift + 1 cocktail during event

Hint for the Average Socialite: All guests attending the event must be 21 years or older.
A big thank you to our volunteers and organizations: NiNES and Japan American Society of Greater Cincinnati

Multicultural Networking: Inclusivity in STEAM
2024-02-01 16:00 - 17:30 | 1819 Innovation Hub
The World Affairs Council has been selected by the U.S. Department of State to host an international delegation. These international delegates have been chosen by their Embassies and the U.S. Department of State to participate in the State Department’s premier exchange program, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). These delegates are participating to learn more about Inclusivity in STEAM in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky and the role of non-profits in the area in fostering interest in STEM and how it is used as an economic booster.  They will meet with a variety of leaders to build diplomatic and economic ties to our region.
Here are additional objectives for the international delegation’s visit:

Examine the evolution and advancement of U.S. women and underrepresented minorities in STEAM;
Illustrate policies, organizations, and educational institutions that champion the interests of women and underrepresented minorities in STEAM;
Explore mentorship initiatives and professional development opportunities for women and underrepresented minorities in STEAM careers; and
Provide networking and interactive opportunities with professional counterparts at scientific and artistic associations, universities, and agencies across the United States.

Annual Meeting at Digital Futures
2024-01-24 08:30 - 09:30 | Digital Futures, 3080 Exploration Ave, Cincinnati, OH
During this year, the World Affairs Council has provided a wide variety of educational and professional opportunities for students and teachers; expanded our international exchanges; and continued to provide webinars with foreign affairs speakers. Despite the year’s challenges, we remain committed to serving our community and helping to diminish boundaries and are looking forward to a year of expanded programming as we begin our return to in-person programming!
We look forward to reflecting on the 2023 community impact and we could not have done it without your support this year.
In 2024, 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.
The event will be held at Digital Futures room 140 with light breakfast included.
Click here to register!

International Education Summit: Changing the World Together as Young People
2023-12-07 08:00 - 14:00 | Northern Kentucky University, Nunn Dr, Highland Heights, KY, 41099
We are proud to announce the 17th Annual International Education Summit which will be held December 7th at Northern Kentucky University titled,
“Changing the World Together as Young People“.
Student? Teacher? Do you want to solve the world’s biggest issues?
This is the field trip you WANT to attend.
Noel Ifeyani Alumona, an international social development expert, will keynote the event. He started the Shaping the Future Project which provides young people a platform to connect with experts, mentors, and resources to help solve the world’s biggest challenges. Learn how when he was just in high school how his passions brought him to be where he is today. You can do it too!
“I used to think the summit was just a big lecture, and now I think it was a great opportunity to network with people in careers that I am interested in,” says Samuel, attendee from 2022 International Education Summit.
For only $20 (lunch included), you can expand your future possibilities.
Scholarships are available!
Learn more below or by clicking here.
Still need convincing to attend?

Discover how you can learn skills to apply to real life scenarios through workshops by our keynote speaker and local organizations such as Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Art Equals, and LaSoupe.
Network with some of the most fascinating, international leaders at the Rich Lauf Career Fair in the community. You get to shake hands with them at this event!
Want a head start in your education or career as a high school student. This is the event for you! Learn more by clicking here.
Apply for the inaugural Richard Lauf Global Studies Grant. You can win up to $1000! (Click here for more information).

We look forwarding to talking with you about attending this annual event for high school students! If you have any questions, please email Melissa McDonald, Director of Global Education, at mmcdonald@cincyworldaffairs.org.

Apply Now! Richard Lauf Global Studies Grant Due November 27th!
2023-11-27 | KY
You cannot teach a man anything. You can only help him discover it within himself
-Galileo Galilei

To honor the legacy of Richard Lauf, the World Affairs Council is proud to announce five grants of up to $1000 for students and educators. For 59 years, Richard devoted his time and passion to world affairs, now hoping to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Who can apply?
Students, teachers, or student organizations.
What do I have to do to apply?
GLOCAL is the main focus for this project: Think Globally, Act Locally.
Support, expand, or strengthen an initiative of existing projects/clubs or create new initiatives that benefit your school or community based on the United Nations Global Goals. Click here for more information and to apply!
Step 1: Research ways to “take action” based on the UN Global Goals. Connect with a teacher to assist in your initiative.
Step 2: Write out your project description that aligns with the “take action” in your research.
For example, a student/teacher could receive up to $1000 to start or expand a student club. The club must meet at least two times a month to research local issues for their school or community. This will then be followed up by an initiative which will be reported back to the World Affairs Council. Funds could be used to get snacks for the meetings and for the selected project. This is only one example, we encourage you to also be creative!

How much funding can you receive?
Five grants of up to $1000 will be awarded!
What is the deadline to apply?
Submissions are due November 27, 2023.
Click here for more information and to apply!

Climate Migration with United States Institute of Peace
2023-11-09 16:00 - 17:00 | KY
Register Here
The links between climate change, conflict, and human mobility are complex. In 2022, disasters internally displaced 32.6 million people, more than at any other time over the last decade. Most of these displacements occurred in areas that are fragile or conflict-prone. In fact, ninety percent of all refugees come from places that are some of the most vulnerable to climate-related impacts. Right now, these fragile regions already grapple with increased food insecurity, unemployment, and competition over resources – particularly water. In what ways does climate change exacerbate such situations? In what ways may that lead to conflict or forced migration?
In partnership with Green Umbrella, we invite students, educators, and community members for an evening exploring Climate Conflict and Climate Migration with Kayly Ober, Senior Program Officer for U.S. Institute of Peace.
Kayly Ober is a senior program officer for the climate, environment and conflict program at USIP. In this role, she leads research and analysis on climate change, migration and displacement as well as transboundary water and conflict issues.
Prior to USIP, she was the senior advocate and program manager of the climate displacement program at Refugees International. She also served as a member of the Task Force on Displacement established under the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage. She has worked on climate change and migration issues for more than 15 years, during which time she has held positions at organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, the Overseas Development Institute, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and the World Bank, where she authored the flagship report “Groundswell: Preparing for Internal Climate Migration.”
Ober holds a master’s in environment and development from the London School of Economics and a bachelor’s in international studies from American University. She is currently completing her doctorate in geography at the University of Bonn, where her dissertation analyzes policymaking and governance structures around the climate change-adaptation-migration nexus.

Virtual Information Session for the International Education Summit
2023-11-06 16:00 - 17:00 | KY
We invite local educators, students, and community partners to join us in exploring the UN Global Goals from a “glocal” perspective. This info session will cover the details of the Summit including our new Lauf Global Studies Grant. We will also discuss the outcomes from the summit including:

To expand students’ awareness and provide experiences for them to make an impact in their community through the Global Goals
To enhance students’ understanding of global education and career pathways

Register Here!

CANCELLED Conversation with Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Al Saud, The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the U.S.
2023-10-19 12:00 - 13:00 | KY
Centennial Series Strategic Issues Forum

**This event was cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. It will be rescheduled for 2024.
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. Register HERE
Event Details:
You are invited to a candid conversation with the Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the U.S., Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. She is the first woman in the country’s history to serve in the role of Ambassador and presented her credentials in 2019.
A graduate of The George Washington University with a B.A. in Museum Studies, HRH Ambassador Reema has focused on women’s empowerment, particularly in Saudi Arabia, throughout her career. Among many appointments, she served as President of the Mass Participation Federation and was the first woman to lead multi-sports federation in Saudi Arabia. HRH Princess Reema has also served as a member of the World Bank’s advisory council for the Women’s Entrepreneurs Financial Initiative in 2017 and has founded several businesses and non-profits all working to expand opportunities for Saudi women with the Kingdom. She has worked to break down barriers for women to vote, receive equal pay, travel freely without a male companion, and even exercise in public.
She will discuss her country’s Vision 2030 plan, human rights, the Saudi-American partnership, and more.
During the World Affairs Council’s Centennial Series Celebration, we look back to a 1923 discussion between Palestine and Turkey by a predecessor of our organization and welcome HRH Ambassador Reema’s analysis of her country and the Middle East today.
**Please Note: This virtual event will be off the record for the press and will not be recorded.**
About Special Guest Speaker:
Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was appointed Ambassador to the United States on February 23, 2019 by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. She is the first woman in the country’s history to serve in the role of Ambassador. She presented her credentials to President Donald Trump on July 8, 2019.
From 1983 to 2005, Princess Reema lived in Washington, DC, while her father Prince Bandar served as Saudi Ambassador to the United States. She attended George Washington University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Museum Studies.
Princess Reema returned to Saudi Arabia, where she focused on private sector initiatives and the empowerment of women in the Kingdom. In 2000, She co-founded Yibreen, a women’s gym. From 2007 until 2015, Princess Reema was the Chief Executive Officer of Alfa International Company Limited – Harvey Nichols Riyadh, a multi-brand luxury retail company, where she collaborated with leading female recruitment agency, Glowork, and commissioned a study on Obstacles for Women in the Workplace, which set the tone for female inclusion in retail, and resulted in opening the first workplace nursery in a retail store, enabling more women to work while caring for children. In 2013, she founded Alf Khair, a social enterprise aimed at elevating the professional capital of Saudi women through a curriculum developed to enable financial self-sufficiency.
In 2016, Princess Reema left the private sector to begin a career of public service as Vice President of Women’s Affairs at the Saudi General Sports Authority where she developed policies and programs that benefited women and children throughout Saudi Arabia. After a successful year, she was promoted to Deputy of Development and Planning in January 2018. In October 2018, she was also appointed President of the Mass Participation Federation, making her the first woman to lead a multi-sports federation in the Kingdom, a role that she occupied until her appointment as Saudi Ambassador to the United States.
Princess Reema is excited to take her leadership role to the world stage as Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States.
As part of her philanthropic work, Princess Reema became a founding member of the Zahra Breast Cancer Awareness Association in 2007, which set a Guinness World Record by forming the World’s Largest Human Awareness Ribbon at the Princess Noura University in Riyadh in 2015.
Princess Reema has served as a member of the World Bank’s advisory council for the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative since 2017. She has been a member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee since 2017, and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Women in Sports Commission since 2018.
In 2014, Fast Company recognized Princess Reema as the Most Creative Person of the year for “Inviting Women into the Workforce.” Foreign Policy Magazine recognized her as a Leading Global Thinker for the same year, placing her high up in the “Moguls” category.
She was featured on the Forbes lists of the 200 Most Powerful Arab Women and Most Powerful Arab Women in Saudi Arabia lists for 2014.

2023 Climate Candidate Forum - Cincinnati Council & School Board
2023-10-04 17:30 - 19:00 | KY
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.

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

Educator Professional Development Webinar: Inclusion and Peace Building
2023-09-21 16:00 - 17:00 | KY
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.

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.

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.
