World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

International Education Summit: Changing the World Together as Young People
2023-12-07 08:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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

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
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.

Beijing's Global Media Offensive: China's Uneven Campaign to Influence Asia and the World
2023-05-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual

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).

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

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 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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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.
