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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200731T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200731T140000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20200805T230620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200805T230620Z
UID:5837-1596200400-1596204000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:H.E. Dirk Wouters\, Ambassador of Belgium to the USA among featured speakers in July
DESCRIPTION:July — \n13th at 3:15pm Making Sense of a World in Crisis — Through the Eyes of a Foreign Policy Expert featuring Richard Haass\, President of the Council on Foreign Relations // \n16th at 10am Intelligent Manufacturing in Europe Series featuring Poland\, Hungary\, Slovakia\, and Czech Republic // \n16th at 1pm Qatar and the Gulf Crisis featuring Kristian Coates Ulrichsen\, Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and an Associate Fellow of Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Program // \n29th at 11am Dubai’s Leading Freezone Can Become Your Gateway to Growth & Expansion // \n30th at 10am Intelligent Manufacturing in Europe Series featuring Germany\, Austria and Belgium // \n30th at 12pm Doing Business in Kenya\, Tanzania and Ethiopia featuring Daniel Gaines\, Commercial Service-Kenya; Ned Rauch-Mannino\, Senior Advisor for Global Markets; Patricia Wagner\, Commercial Service-Tanzania; and Christopher Wilkens\, Commercial Service-Ethiopia // \n30th at 1pm Belgium\, Europe and the United States featuring H.E. Dirk Wouters\, Ambassador of Belgium to the USA //
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/h-e-dirk-wouters-ambassador-of-belgium-to-the-usa-among-featured-speakers-in-july/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Business,cultural,diplomatic,Europe,Geopolitics,Global Business Series,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/HE-Dirk-Wouters-e1596668669221.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200630T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200630T160000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20200617T212917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200617T212917Z
UID:5725-1593529200-1593532800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:US and Iran: Sanctions\, Oil and the Global Pandemic
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin\, in partnership with the World Affairs Council of San Antonio and the World Affairs Council of South Texas\, invite you to a conversation on the current situation in Iran.  This program will feature Dr. Paul Pilar\, Iran Project and Dr. Sussan Siavoshi\, Trinity University. \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/us-and-iran-sanctions-oil-and-the-global-pandemic/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:diplomatic,Geopolitics,Global Trade,Middle East
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/US-Iran-Relations-Webinar-e1592427696797.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200422T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200422T193000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20200305T001529Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200326T223957Z
UID:5554-1587578400-1587583800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:The Firebird: The Elusive Fate of Russian Democracy
DESCRIPTION:EVENT POSTPONED DUE TO EUROPEAN TRAVEL LIMITATIONS \n  \nThe World Affairs Council of Austin\, the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute\, the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St Edwards University\, and Center for Russian\, East European and Eurasian Sudies at the University of Texas are pleased to present the Kennan Conversation with Andrei Kozyrev.  Mr. Kozyrev will provide attendees with an eyewitness account of the collapse of the Soviet Union\, the struggle to create a democratic Russia in its place\, and how the promise of a better future led to the tragic outcome that changed our world forever. \nAndrei Kozyrev was foreign minister of Russia under President Boris Yeltsin from August 1991 to January 1996. During the August 1991 coup attempt against Mikhail Gorbachev\, he was present when tanks moved in to seize the Russian White House\, where Boris Yeltsin famously stood on a tank to address the crowd assembled. He then departed to Paris to muster international support and\, if needed\, to form a Russian government-in-exile. He participated in the negotiations at Brezhnev’s former hunting lodge in Belazheva\, Belarus where the leaders of Russia\, Ukraine\, and Belarus agreed to secede from the Soviet Union and form a Commonwealth of Independent States. Kozyrev’s pro-Western orientation made him an increasingly unpopular figure in Russia as Russia’s spiraling economy and the emergence of ultra-wealthy oligarchs soured ordinary Russians on Western ideas of democracy and market capitalism. \n  \nAbout the Kennan Conversation \nFor 45 years\, the Wilson Center’s Kennan Institute has worked to improve American understanding of Russia and the surrounding region. Located in Washington\, DC\, the Institute is the nation’s premier national research center devoted to Russia\, producing policy relevant knowledge\, and providing a non-partisan environment to study and debate issues concerning the region. Starting in 2016\, the Kennan Institute recognized the need to connect directly with audiences outside of the Washington beltway to answer their questions about Russia. \nThe Kennan Conversation program takes our experts on Russia and the region to meet with and engage local audiences across the United States who are fascinated by what they read and hear in the news\, but often do not have the opportunity to hear directly from leading experts. We seek out local partners to identify audiences and conduct outreach to local media and other groups interested in learning more about this part of the world.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/the-firebird-the-elusive-fate-of-russian-democracy/
LOCATION:TX\, United States
CATEGORIES:Austin Center for Global Trade,author,diplomatic,educational,Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/andrei_kozyrev.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200227T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200227T191500
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20191224T023434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200220T025613Z
UID:5269-1582826400-1582830900@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:The Shifting Role and Impact of Diplomacy in a World in Disarray
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin welcomes Nicholas Kralev\, Executive Director of the Washington International Diplomatic Academy\, who will discuss the shifting role and impact of diplomacy in a world in disarray. \nNicholas Kralev is an author\, journalist and entrepreneur specializing in diplomacy and international affairs\, whose work of more than 20 years has taken him to almost 100 countries. \nHe is the founding executive director of the Washington International Diplomatic Academy\, an independent organization that provides practical professional training in diplomacy and international affairs. \nA former Financial Times and Washington Times diplomatic correspondent\, he witnessed firsthand the conduct of American diplomacy while accompanying U.S. Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton\, Condoleezza Rice\, Colin Powell and Madeleine Albright on their travels around the world. \nHe is the author of “America’s Other Army” and “Diplomats in the Trenches\,” as well as the host of the TV series on diplomacy “Conversations with Nicholas Kralev.” His work has been published in The New York Times\, The Atlantic\, Foreign Policy Magazine and the Huffington Post. He has appeared on NPR\, CNN\, BBC\, Fox News and local stations across the globe. \nHe holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School and speaks five languages. \n  \nEVENT LOCATION ON CAMPUS MAP \nPARKING REGISTRATION LINK \n  \n  \n \n  \n  \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/the-shifting-role-and-impact-of-diplomacy-in-a-world-in-disarray/
LOCATION:St Edwards University St Andre Apartments Multipurpose Room\, 3001 South Congress Avenue\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:author,cultural,diplomatic,Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Kralev.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200219T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200219T133000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20200122T214310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20200122T214310Z
UID:5450-1582113600-1582119000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Strategic Security Challenges in the Middle East: Perspectives on a ‘Second Arab Spring’ and the U.S.-Iran Confrontation
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to partner with the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University in offering a presentation by Theodore “Ted” Karasik\, PhD\, Senior Advisor at Gulf State Analytics.  Dr. Karasik will share his perspective on the security challenges in the Middle East\, the potential of a Second “Arab Spring” and the recent diplomatic and military confrontation between the United States and Iran. \nFor the past 30 years\, Dr. Karasik worked for several U.S. agencies involved in researching and analyzing defense acquisitions\, the use of military power\, and religio-political issues across the Middle East and Eurasia including the evolution of violent extremism and financing networks. From 2006 until 2016\, Dr.Karasik lived in Dubai\, UAE where he worked on Arabian Peninsula foreign policy and security issues surrounding cultural awareness\, cybersecurity\, maritime security\, counter-terrorism\, and infrastructure and national resilience. \nDr. Karasik was formerly a Senior Political Scientist in the International Policy and Security Group at RAND Corporation serving as Director of Research for the RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy. He earned his PhD in History from the University of California\, Los Angeles in four fields: Middle East\, Russia\, the Caucasus with additional concentration in Cultural Anthropology focusing on tribes and clans from Central Asia to East Africa. Dr. Karasik has been a frequent commentator for major Arab news media (Al Arabiya\, Al Jazeera\, Sky News Arabia\, and others).
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/strategic-security-challenges-in-the-middle-east-perspectives-on-a-second-arab-spring-and-the-u-s-iran-confrontation/
LOCATION:St. Edwards University\, Carter Auditorium\, 3001 S. Congress Ave\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:diplomatic,educational,Geopolitics,Middle East
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Karasik-HQ-photo-e1579728007842.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200212T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200212T190000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20200102T225940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250723T195745Z
UID:5276-1581529500-1581534000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Ireland Briefing
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to feature at our next members-only meeting an evening with Ireland’s Consul General Claire McCarthy and Vice Consul Paul Breen.  During this special meeting\, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about current events in Ireland as well as Ireland’s inititiatives in Austin\, America and the world. \n \nJoin us and meet your fellow members and hear how to become more engaged in Central Texas’ international community. \nPlease RSVP via your emailed invitation. \nIf you are not yet a member\, please visit our membership page to sign up
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/ireland-report/
CATEGORIES:diplomatic,educational,Europe,Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Irish-flag-Ireland-434x231-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190913T114500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190913T130000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20190826T031359Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190828T010517Z
UID:4923-1568375100-1568379600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:European Politics and the State of Transatlantic Affairs
DESCRIPTION:On September 13th\, Mr. Karl Matthias Klause\, Head of the Economic Section of the German Embassy in Washington DC  will offer an overview on transatlantic trade\, European politics\, and the importance of the EU-US relationship to Texas.  Mr. Klause’s responsibilities at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany include economy\, trade\, business\, finance\, science\, transport\, and agriculture.  \nAgenda \n11:45 AM Registration\n \n12:00 PM Speaker Introduction by Roland Pena\, Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce\n \nRemarks on European Politics and the State of Transatlantic Affairs offered by Mr. Karl Matthias Klause followed by Q&A \n1:00 PM Event Concludes \nReserve your seat now for this informative session on the current state of transatlantic affairs.\n \nEvent partners include:  \n \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/european-politics-and-the-state-of-transatlantic-affairs/
LOCATION:BBVA Bank\, 1703 W. 5th\, Ste. 500\, Austin\, TX\, 78703\, United States
CATEGORIES:diplomatic,Europe,Geopolitics,Global Business Series,Global Trade,Luncheon Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Karl-MatthiasKlause.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190828T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190828T190000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20190607T002302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190611T145935Z
UID:4695-1567015200-1567018800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:The European Union - Turmoil or Transition? BREXIT vs. Regionalism
DESCRIPTION:Are you curious about the state of the European Union?  Reserve your seat now for our next World Spins Series event:  The European Union – Turmoil or Transition? BREXIT vs. Regionalism \nYves Dubus \n  \nOur guest speaker\, Mr. Yves Dubus\, Belgian Trade Commissioner in Houston\, will help us understand what is taking place in Europe.  As you read in the news headlines\, the United Kingdom is still trying to resolve Brexit.  Italy’s left-right coalition government struggles to maintain its commitment to the EU.  Germany’s political realignment and transition to new leadership will have a long term impact on policy and budgetary needs.  Many French cities have seen historic protests every weekend since last year.  Hungary and Poland want to chart a new path for the EU.  Catalan nationalism has been contained for now in Spain.  Is Russia fueling all the unrest?   Interested in learning more?   Join us: \n \n6:00 PM Registration\n \n6:05 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A \n7:00 PM Event Concludes \n  \n  \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/eu-turmoil-or-transition/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Business,cultural,diplomatic,educational,Europe,Geopolitics,World Spins Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/EU-queque-2019.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190724T141500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190724T143000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20190719T170154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190725T104425Z
UID:4847-1563977700-1563978600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Austin-Pune Official Sister City Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:The Austin-Pune Sister City Committee\, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce\, the City of Austin and World Affairs Council of Austin invite you to the official signing ceremony launching the Austin-Pune Sister City relationship.  Pune is the eighth largest city in India with a population of 4 million.  Austin and Pune’s economies rely heavily on the IT and manufacturing sectors.  Additionally\, Pune is considered the cultural capital of the state of Maharastra and the education capital of India or “the Oxford of the East.” \n \nThe Honorable Mayor Mrs. Mukta Shailesh Tilak will be welcomed by the Honorable Mayor Steve Adler and both will make remarks about the future of this relationship. \nNo RSVPs required\, please join us! \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/austin-pune-official-sister-city-ceremony/
LOCATION:Austin City Hall\, 301 W. Second Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,Business,cultural,diplomatic,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/India.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190717T174500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190717T190000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20190615T024234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190615T025927Z
UID:4593-1563385500-1563390000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:World Spins Series: Venezuela Humanitarian Crisis Briefing
DESCRIPTION:Over the last three years\, approximately 3.4 million people have fled Venezuela for other countries around the world. It is estimated that of these\, approximately 2.7 million have fled to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean with the total number expected to exceed 5 million people by the end of 2019. This migration is the largest to affect the Western Hemisphere in modern history\, creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.  Access to health care\, education\, food and nutrition\, and safety and security are among the highest priorities. The Resource Foundation will provide a briefing on the situation on the ground and strategies to provide support to those affected. \nThe World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to host our guest speaker\, Marcela Lopez-Macedonio\, Esq.\, President & CEO of The Resource Foundation.  Ms. Lopez-Macedonio is responsible for driving the strategic execution of The Resource Foundation and its programs. Building on her ties to Latin America and her decades of experience working with families\, corporations\, and organizations to achieve sustainable growth\, Marcela focuses on ensuring TRF’s mission is met now and in the future. \nPrior to joining The Resource Foundation\, Marcela worked as an Attorney at the New York City law firm of Goldfarb\,\nAbrandt\, Salzman & Kutzin\, where for over five years she assisted high net worth clients navigate complicated trust\nand estate issues and litigation. She often lectured on estate and tax planning and was published in the Practicing\nLaw Institute’s Trust and Estates publication and still found time to volunteer with The Resource Foundation. \nMarcela holds a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and B.A. degrees in Political Science and French from\nRutgers University. She is fluent in English and Spanish\, proficient in French\, and has a basic understanding of\nPortuguese. \nAgenda \n5:45 PM Registration and networking \n6:05 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A \n7:00 PM Event Concludes \nJoin us!
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/world-spins-series-venezuela-humanitarian-crisis-briefing/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Americas,diplomatic,Geopolitics,World Spins Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Venezuela-2017-e1560571124209.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190604T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190604T120000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20190521T153937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190521T162759Z
UID:4629-1559637000-1559649600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Paving the Way for the Next Generation of U.S.-Japan Collaboration
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON)\, a binational advisory panel to the governments of Japan and the United States\, the World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to a symposium for industry leaders\, educators\, government officials and citizen diplomats to examine developments in science\, technology and business. \nPlease join us for a discussion of how Americans and Japanese can work together to solve shared challenges\, and how to nurture the next generation of U.S.-Japan leadership. \n8:30-9:00 a.m.               Registration \n9:00-9:25 a.m.               Welcome Remarks \n\nHarry Hill\, Outside Director and Member of the Board\, New Business Development\, Oak Lawn Marketing\, Inc.; Chair\, U.S. CULCON Panel\nAmbassador Ryozo Kato\, Former Ambassador to the United States; Chair\, Japan CULCON Panel\nHideo Fukushima\, Consul-General of Japan in Houston\n\n9:25-10:30 a.m.             Blazing Trails in Space and Beyond* \n\nModerator: Dr. Patricia Maclachlan\, Professor of Government and Asian Studies and the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Professor of Japanese Studies\, University of Texas at Austin\nDr. Moriba Jah\, Associate Professor\, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences\, Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department\, The University of Texas at Austin\nMs. Josefina Salazar\, Brooke Owens Fellow\, University of Texas at Austin\nRepresentative of NASA (invited)\n\n10:30-10:45 a.m.            Coffee Break \n10:45-11:50 a.m.            Shaping the Future: High Tech and Design Innovations* \n\nModerator: Dr. Kaoru (Kay) Shimizu\, Research Assistant Professor\, Department of Political Science\, University of Pittsburgh\nMr. Spencer Cronk\, City Manager\, City of Austin (invited);\nMr. Ben Ramirez III\, Vice President and Executive Director\, Center for Global Trade at the World Affairs Council of Austin; CEO of Cogitare Global\, LLC;\nDr. Motohiro Tsuchiya\, Professor\, Graduate School of Media and Governance\, Keio University; Deputy Director\, Keio Global Research Institute (KGRI)\nMr. Brian Kursar\, Chief Technology Officer\, Toyota Connect (invited)\n\n11:50 a.m.-12:00 p.m.    Closing Remarks \n\nSheila Smith\, Senior Fellow for Japan Studies\, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR); Vice Chair\, U.S. CULCON Panel\nFumiaki Kubo\, Professor\, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics\, University of Tokyo; President\, Japanese Association for American Studies; Vice Chair\, Japan CULCON Panel\n\nSimultaneous English-Japanese interpretation will be provided \nRSVP Required by May 28: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegistration Closes May 28\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*additional panelists TBA
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/paving-the-way-for-the-next-generation-and-u-s-japan-collaboration/
LOCATION:AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center\, 1900 University Ave\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,cultural,diplomatic,educational,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/CULCON.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190226T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190226T203000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20190112T031920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190211T205101Z
UID:4345-1551207600-1551213000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Security and Economic Priorities for Africa: Assessments and Recommendations for Developing United States-Africa Policy
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin\, in partnership with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edward’s University\, is pleased to present Dr. Monde Muyangwa\, Director of the Africa Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars based in Washington\, D.C.  Dr. Muyangwa\, among the leading experts on the diverse continent of Africa\, has visited more than 30 African countries and leveraged her experience to address the continent’s most critical issues\, as well as U.S.-Africa relations. Previously the longtime Academic Dean at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies at the National Defense University\, she has been a professor\, a nonprofit leader\, a development consultant and a Rhodes Scholar. \nDr. Muyangwa’s presentation will focus on providing a broad ranging assessment of security and economic priorities for the continent of Africa and offer her recommendations for the U.S. policy community in crafting policy that  might contribute to building productive U.S.-Africa relationships in the future.  She will also offer her perspective on potential contributions that the private sector\, and civic\, and religious institutions can make to foster sustainable development\, elevate living standards\, and promote peace and security on the continent. \n  \n \nDr. Muyangwa holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and a B.A. in Politics\, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford\, as well as a B.A. in Public Administration and Economics from the University of Zambia. She is a widely cited authority on governance\, security\, and development issues who challenges dominant narratives about the continent. \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/security-and-economic-priorities-for-africa-assessments-and-recommendations-for-developing-united-states-africa-policy/
LOCATION:St. Edwards University\, Jones Auditorium\,  3001 South Congress\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:Africa,Business,diplomatic,educational,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/monde_muyangwa.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190220T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190220T203000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20190202T051140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20190315T204315Z
UID:4205-1550689200-1550694600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Preventing Conflict - The Role of Diplomacy and Development in Reducing Insecurity
DESCRIPTION:The world is experiencing a 25-year peak in violent conflict\, trapping millions of innocent men\, women and children in cycles of poverty and displacement. More than 550\,000 people die from violence every year in places like Syria\, Yemen and South Sudan\, while the annual humanitarian need globally has increased from $3.5 billion to over $20 billion since 2004. In 2016\, only 2 percent of official development assistance to fragile countries was dedicated to conflict prevention. Yet\, we know these programs work: they enhance security and promote stability that can break devastating cycles of violence. \nCongress has introduced the Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act of 2018 to help solve this problem. This landmark bipartisan legislation would create for the first time a U.S. government-wide strategy to prevent and reduce violent conflict in some of the world’s most fragile environments. \nThe panelists have spent their careers at the highest levels of the U.S. government and on the frontlines of conflict zones working to prevent and resolve deadly violence through diplomacy\, defense\, and humanitarian and development work. They will share reflections from their experiences working in complex environments and offer ideas for preventing violent conflict globally. \nABOUT OUR PANELISTS \nAmbassador Ryan Crocker served 37 distinguished years in the U.S. Foreign Service\, including as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan\, Iraq\, Pakistan\, Syria\, Kuwait and Lebanon as well as Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Ambassador Crocker received the Presidential Medal of Freedom\, America’s highest civilian award\, in 2009\, and he was elected to the Mercy Corps Board of Directors in 2013. \nWilliam McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral\, who served as the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command where he led a force of 69\,000 men and women and was responsible for conducting counter-terrorism operations worldwide. He is a recognized national authority on U.S. foreign policy and has advised presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and other U.S. leaders on defense issues. He also previously served as the University of Texas System chancellor. \nGhilda Chrabieh is the Middle East Deputy Regional Director for Mercy Corps. \nDafna H. Rand leads Mercy Corps’ policy and advocacy and research teams\, manages the organization’s research agenda\, and oversees Mercy Corps’ engagement with global institutions. Prior to joining Mercy Corps\, Dr. Rand held a number of leadership positions in government and academia\, most recently as the Deputy Assistant Secretary\, Bureau of Democracy\, Human Rights\, and Labor at the U.S. Department of State. \n**Refreshments will be provided** \nEntire event filmed and available for viewing here: \n \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/preventing-conflict-the-role-of-diplomacy-and-development-in-reducing-insecurity/
LOCATION:ACC Eastview Campus MultiPurpose Room 8500\, 3401 Webberville Road\, Austin\, TX\, 78702\, United States
CATEGORIES:diplomatic,educational,migration,peace and conflict
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180905T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180905T193000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20180131T211606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180830T234121Z
UID:3355-1536170400-1536175800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Trump-Putin\, US-Russia and World Order
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to host Sharyl Cross\, PhD\, Director of the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University and Global Policy Scholar at the Kennan Institute\, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington\, D.C.  Dr. Cross will provide an overview of US-Russia relations and the impact on geopolitics. \n \nAgenda \n6:00 PM Registration and networking \n6:15 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A \n7:15 PM  Additional networking \n7:30 PM Event Concludes \n  \nSharyl N. Cross\, PhD\, was appointed director of the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University and Global Policy Scholar at the Kennan Institute\, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington\, D.C.\, in 2013.  Dr. Cross was Professor at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany from 2005-2013 where she was Director of Academics for both the Program in Advanced Security Studies and Senior Executive Seminar\, and previously had been appointed Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. \n\nShe earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California\, Los Angeles\, and was a resident fellowship scholar and consultant at the RAND Corporation completing programs in Russian area and policy studies. Dr. Cross was a Senior Fulbright Scholar and Professor in Moscow serving on the faculty of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MGIMO) and the Institute of USA and Canada Studies\, Russian Academy of Sciences. She has published widely in leading academic and policy sources on US/NATO-Russia security Issues\, Russian foreign policy\, Sino-Russian relations\, religious dimensions of security\, and sources of violent extremism and terrorism.  Dr. Cross has briefed/consulted for the U.S. State Department\, U.S. Congress\, Office of the Secretary of Defense\, and among senior policy and defense institutions throughout Europe and Eurasia. \nShe is currently co-directing a project on Religion and International Security together with faculty of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and with support of the Public Diplomacy Engagement section of NATO.  Her most recent book is China\, Russia\, and Twenty First Century Global Geopolitics\, co-authored with Dr. Paul Bolt\, Oxford University Press\, 2018.   Full bio here.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/china-russia-and-twenty-first-century-global-geopolitics/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,Austin Center for Global Trade,author,diplomatic,educational,Europe
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180625T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180625T133000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20180620T173306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180627T033900Z
UID:3672-1529929800-1529933400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:CANCELED: Mexico's Perspective on NAFTA Negotiations
DESCRIPTION:DUE TO A FAMILY MEDICAL EMERGENCY\, OUR SPEAKER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL TO AUSTIN \n  \nThe World Affairs Council of Austin in collaboration with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce\, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy\, and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council\, presents an exclusive executive briefing on the NAFTA negotiations featuring Guillermo Malpica Soto\, Head of the Trade and NAFTA Office in the Ministry of Economy at the Embassy of Mexico in Washington D.C. \nMr. Malpica will provide an update on the NAFTA negotiations\, Texas-Mexico trade\, and energy issues. His responsibilities include leading the energy negotiations in the NAFTA discussions. \nGuillermo Malpica Soto has served as Mexico’s Director General for International Trade in Services and Investment in Mexico’s Ministry of Economy since 2008. Since then\, he has been instrumental in formulating Mexico’s position in these areas in multilateral\, regional and bilateral fora\, including the Doha Round in the World Trade Organization\, the OECD\, ALADI\, APEC\, TISA\, the Pacific Alliance and the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). He also led the negotiation of bilateral investment agreements (Agreements for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments) with Singapore\, Kuwait\, the United Arab Emirates\, Turkey\, Haiti\, Saudi Arabia\, Qatar and Ukraine. \nMr. Malpica served as Counsellor in Mexico’s Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization in Geneva in 2007\, and as Economic Affairs Advisor in the NAFTA Office of the Ministry of the Economy in Ottawa\, Canada in 2006. \n  \n \n  \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/mexicos-perspective-on-nafta-negotiations/
CATEGORIES:Americas,Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,diplomatic,educational,Global Business Series,Global Trade,Law and regulations
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180417T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180417T213000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20180131T222930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180402T182519Z
UID:3352-1523991600-1524000600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Challenges to the Western Liberal Order
DESCRIPTION:The Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University\, in collaboration with the World Affairs Council of Austin\, is  offering a series of sessions titled “Challenges to the Western Liberal Order”.  The session on Tuesday April 17th will feature leading policy officials and academics representing nations of the transatlantic community\, Russia and China to discuss challenges to the rules and traditions and values of the existing Western liberal order.  Forum participants will explore the pressures on domestic and international political and financial institutions and communities to adapt to the changing global power configuration and rapidly evolving international security\, economic\, financial and social developments. \nFeatured international speakers include: \nDr. Jamie Shea\, Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Challenges\, NATO and Professor at the London School of Economics\, \nDr. Gao Fei\, Assistant President and Dean\, China Foreign Affairs University\, \nAmbassador Vesko Garcevic\, Professor of Practice of International Relations\, Boston University\, \nDr. Dmitry Suslov\, Program Director Valdai Group and National Research University Higher School of Economics Moscow and \nDr. Igor Zevelev\, George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies. \nThis will be the fourth conference event on transatlantic security funded by a U.S. Department of Education Title VI National Resource Program grant in cooperation with the Center for European Studies and Center for Russian\, East European\, and Eurasian Studies at University of Texas\, Austin.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/challenges-to-the-western-liberal-order/
LOCATION:St. Edwards University\, Jones Auditorium\,  3001 South Congress\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:cultural,diplomatic,educational
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180312T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180312T143000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20180321T180802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180321T180802Z
UID:3451-1520861400-1520865000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Cities without Borders: From Austin to Bologna and the EU to Central Texas
DESCRIPTION:Join the European Union\, the City of Austin\, and the World Affairs Council of Austin for a gathering of those working in and with cities interested in exploring the growing opportunities available for international city-to-city cooperation. The meetup will showcase Austin’s partnerships with Bologna\, Italy and Lulea\, Sweden around sustainable development\, economic development\, and cultural relations. We’ll also introduce EU and Central Texas trade reps working to expand their respective international trade relationships. \nIn addition to a sandwich lunch and networking\, the meetup will include: \n\nBrief remarks by Austin and Bologna representatives participating in the EU’s International Urban Cooperation initiative\nBrief remarks by Austin and Lulea representatives participating in their economic and cultural partnership\nCultural presentation from Austin’s House of Songs\nConcluding remarks by representatives from the European Union\n\nWe very much hope that you’ll be able to join us! \n#EUatSXSW
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/cities-without-borders-from-austin-to-bologna-and-the-eu-to-central-texas/
CATEGORIES:Business,cultural,diplomatic,educational,Europe,Global Trade,International Trade Center,Luncheon Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/eu.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180311T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180311T150000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20180227T191714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20180227T191714Z
UID:3425-1520776800-1520780400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Conversation with Leo Varadakar\, T.D. Prime Minister of Ireland
DESCRIPTION:SXSW\, the Consulate General of Ireland in Austin and the World Affairs Council of Austin are pleased to announce a conversation featuring Taoiseach Leo Varadkar\, with Evan Smith of the Texas Tribune.  During the event attendees will learn how tech made Ireland become one of the most open and globalized economies in the world. Mr. Varadkar will also discuss Irish innovation at this year’s SXSW and how the Irish tech sector is increasingly impacting the US economy. \nLeo Varadkar was elected in June 2017 as Ireland’s youngest ever Taoiseach (Prime Minister). Born in 1979\, the son of an Indian father and Irish mother\, Mr. Varadkar personifies the dynamic\, youthful and diverse Ireland of today. He is one of the few LGBT Heads of Government in the world. Having studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin\, Mr. Varadkar qualified as a medical doctor but soon ventured into the world of politics\, in which he has risen rapidly to the leadership position he holds today. He heads a Government that is shaping the Ireland of the 21st Century\, a country at the heart of the European Union\, and an island at the center of the world. Mr. Varadkar is visiting the United States to further deepen and advance the bilateral relationship between the two countries; he will attend SXSW before meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington DC later in the week. \nMr. Varadkar is the only Head of Government speaking at SXSW in 2018. Ireland is one of the oldest international participants at SXSW.   Event is available to all SXSW badge holders.  www.sxsw.com
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/conversation-with-leo-varadakar-t-d-prime-minister-of-ireland/
LOCATION:Hilton Hotel\, 500 E. 4th Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Business,diplomatic,educational,Europe,Global Trade,International Trade Center
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20171207T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20171207T140000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20170823T191326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171120T181019Z
UID:2946-1512649800-1512655200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Invisible:  Surviving the Cambodian Genocide
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University\, we will offer a lecture by Dr. Fran Pilch\, Professor Emeritus of the United States Air Force Academy.  Dr. Pilch’s lecture will incorporate insights from the course she developed for the Air Force Academy entitled “War Crimes\, Genocide\, and Human Rights\,” and extensive research included in her book released on this topic in 2017. \nDr. Pilch’s lecture will concentrate on the actual accounts of survivors of Pol Pot’s genocide which claimed the lives of an estimated two million people—more than one-fourth of the total Cambodian population. \nDr. Pilch served as a Fulbright-Hays Scholar in South Africa and a Fulbright Scholar in Mongolia\, where she taught International Law at the School of Diplomacy\, National University of Mongolia\, in Ulaanbaatar.  In 2011-12\, she was named the Case Carnegie Colorado Professor of the Year.  She was awarded her B.A. from the University of Connecticut and her M.A. and Ph.D. in International Relations from Yale University. \n  \n \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/invisible-surviving-the-cambodian-genocide/
LOCATION:St. Edwards University\, Carter Auditorium\, 3001 S. Congress Ave\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,author,cultural,diplomatic,educational
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cambodia.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20171207T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20171207T130000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20170713T201410Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171205T022904Z
UID:2839-1512646200-1512651600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:A Conversation with Ambassador Thomas Pickering about the Iran Nuclear Deal
DESCRIPTION:Join the World Affairs Council of Austin for a luncheon featuring Ambassador Thomas Pickering\, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. \nSince President Trump set the stage for eventual US withdrawal from the nuclear agreement\, how the Congress now deals with sanctions against Iran will define the nature and pace of US potential withdrawal. What’s next with the Iran deal? How might a US withdrawal impact relations with Europe and the Middle East? \nThe program will be conducted in an interview style with an opportunity for questions from the audience. The discourse will focus on the Iran Deal and its implications for the region and global peace. Roy E. Casagranda\, PhD and Professor of Government at Austin Community College will conduct the interview. \n  \nRecent Opinion by Ambassador Thomas Pickering published in San Antonio Express News on November 30\, 2017: \nU.S. must be wary in choosing sides\, Saudi Arabia vs. Iran\n \n##################### \nAmbassador Thomas R. Pickering is Vice Chair of Hills & Company. He holds the rank of Career Ambassador\, the highest in the U.S. Foreign Service. In a diplomatic career spanning five decades\, he was U.S. ambassador to Israel\, the Russian Federation\, India\, El Salvador\, Nigeria\, and Jordan. From 1989 to 1992\, he was Ambassador to the United Nations in New York\, and he then served as Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. Earlier in his career\, he was Special Assistant to Secretaries of State William P. Rogers and Henry Kissinger. He also served in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/a-conversation-on-iran-with-ambassador-thomas-pickering/
LOCATION:ACC Eastview Campus MultiPurpose Room 8500\, 3401 Webberville Road\, Austin\, TX\, 78702\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ambassador,Business,diplomatic,educational,Global Trade,International Trade Center,Luncheon Series,Middle East
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20171108T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20171108T213000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20170823T190120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171105T022302Z
UID:2944-1510167600-1510176600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Perspectives on Cuba’s Future:  Exploring Policy Options & Paths for the U.S.-Cuba Bilateral Relationship
DESCRIPTION:Held in collaboration with the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University\, this session will feature leading specialists of the academic and business communities on various aspects of Cuban society\, economy and foreign policy offering a diversity of perspectives on Cuba and the United States-Cuba bilateral relationship.  Our objectives for this evening event are to heighten student and public awareness of political and economic circumstances in contemporary Cuba\, and to explore various policy options for achieving long-term desired end-states in the United States relationship with our geographically close neighboring nation of Cuba.  The session will devote significant focus to assessing the state of Cuba’s economy\, investment opportunities and potential contributions of the American and Texas private sector and civic engagement to Cuba’s future and the development of the United States relationship with the island of Cuba.  Our confirmed expert contributing speakers: \n\nCarmelo Mesa-Lago\, Professor Emeritus of Economics\, University of Pittsburgh\nRafael Velazquez Perez\, Professor of Law at the University of Holguín (Cuba) and University of Vigo (Spain)\nEmilio Morales\, President and CEO of The Havana Consulting Group in Miami\nMargaret Crahan\, Senior Research Scholar and Director of the Cuba Program at the Institute of Latin American Studies at Columbia University (former Director of the Kozmetsky Center\, St. Edward’s University)\nJorge R. Pinon\, Director\, Latin America and Caribbean Energy Program\, Jackson School of Geosciences\, The University of Texas\, Austin\n\nThe forum will be in the Jones Global Events Center from 7:00-9:30 PM. \n\nCarmelo Mesa-Lago is Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Economics and Latin American Studies University of Pittsburgh\, has been a visiting professor in 8 countries and lecturer in 39\, founder and editor for 18 years of Cuban Studies\, and author of 95 books pamphlets and 318 articles published in 7 languages in 34 countries\, on Cuban economy\, social security and comparative economic systems. Recent books on Cuba: Market\, Socialist and Mixed Economies: Comparative Policy and Performance (Johns Hopkins\, 2002); La economía y el bienestar social en Cuba a comienzos del siglo XXI (Colibri\, 2003); Cuba’s Aborted Reform (with Jorge Perez-Lopez\, U. P. Florida\, 2005); Cuba en la era de Raúl Castro: Reformas economico-sociales y sus efectos (Colibri\, 2012); Sistemas de Protección Social en America Latina: Cuba (ECLAC\, 2013); Cuba Under Raul Castro: Assessing the Reforms (with J. Perez-Lopez\, Lynne Reinner\, 2013)\, and main author of Voices of Change in Cuba from the Expanding Non-State Sector (forthcoming University of Pittsburgh Press\, Fall 2017). He has worked throughout Latin America as an ECLAC regional advisor\, consultant with most international financial organizations\, several U.N. branches and foreign foundations. Was President of LASA\, is member of the National Academy of Social Insurance and has received: ILO International Prize on Decent Work (shared with Nelson Mandela)\, Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung Senior Prize\, two Senior Fulbrights\, Arthur Whitaker and Hoover Institution Prizes\, Distinction of ASCE\, Best Cuban Educator of the Year\, LASA Proze for excellence on research on Cuba\, University of Pittsburgh Bicentennial Medallion\, Homage for his life work on social security (OISS\, CISS) and the Cuban economy (ICS\, Encuentro\, FIU); selected among the 50 most influential Iberoamerican intellectuals of 2014; finalist in Spain’s Prince of Asturias Prize on Social Sciences 2009\, 2014\, 2015 \n\nDr. Rafael Velazquez Perez received his PhD in Sustainable Development and Environmental Strategies from the University of Extremadura and a second PhD in International Private Law from the University of Vigo. He has been a visiting scholar to the law faculty of University of Holguin (Cuba)\, University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires (Argentina) and the University of Columbia in New York. His most recent works include authorship of a book “Inversiones extranjeras sostenibles” and an editorial\, “Las inversions extranjeras sostenibles en la litigacion commercial internacional: formas de solucion de conflictos” (Memorias – 14º Encuentro Internacional de Derecho Ambiental). He has also co-authored “La obligacion de alimentos en el Derecho internacional privado de la Unión europea” (Quantex\, Orense\, 2009\, pp. 271)\, and “Fundamentos de Derecho procesal civil internacional” (Quantex\, Orense\, 2009\, pp. 217).  Apart from being a permanent partner for the Caribbean\, Argentina Environmental Foundation (Fundama)\, he is a member of the Scientific Society of Constitutional Law of the National Union of Jurists of Cuba and of the World League of environmental lawyers. \n  \n\n \nDr. Margaret E. Crahan is a Senior Research Scholar and Director of the Cuba Program at the Institute for Latin American Studies at Columbia University. From 2007-09 she was the Kozmetsky Distinguished Professor and Director of the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University\, from 1982-1994 she was the Henry R. Luce Professor of Religion\, Power and Political Process at Occidental College and from 1994-2008 the Dorothy Epstein Professor of the City University of New York.  She serves on the Executive Committee of the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights and is a member of the Boards of St. Edward’s University and the Latin American Program of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.  In 2013 she was recognized by the government of Brazil for her work on human rights.   Dr. Crahan has received grants from the Fulbright Program\, Social Science Research Council\, American Council of Learned Societies\, Open Society Foundations\, the Ford Foundation\, and the National Endowment for the Humanities\, among others.   She has visited Cuba over 50 times since 1973 for research.  Dr. Crahan has published over one hundred articles and books including Human Rights and Basic Needs in the Americas; Religion\, Culture and Society: The Case of Cuba; The City and the World: New York’s Global Future and The Wars on Terrorism and Iraq: Human Rights\, Unilateralism\, and US Foreign Policy (with Thomas G. Weiss and John Goering). \n  \n\nEmilio Morales is President & CEO of HAVANA CONSULTING GROUP (THCG and Tech\, LLC)\, a Miami-based consulting firm specializing in market intelligence and strategy for U.S. and non-U.S. persons doing business in Cuba. Born and raised in Cuba\, Mr. Morales was formerly the Head of the Strategic Marketing Planning Department for the Marketing Division for CIMEX Corporation\, Cuba’s largest state enterprise holding company\, with more than 80 subsidiaries across Cuba engaged in 35 different retail and wholesale businesses and annual revenues of more than US$2.2 billion. Prior to CIMEX\, Morales worked for the Cuban government on a range of bilateral projects in Argentina\, Canada\, Mexico\, and South Africa.   Recognized for his unique insights into the dynamics of the Cuban market and economy\,  Morales has produced dozens of related research papers and written over 50 articles on various sectors of the Cuban economy\, including remittances\, the market for mobile phones\, real estate opportunities\, tourism\, energy\, logistics and transportation\, health care services and biotechnology\, agriculture\, food industry\, retail opportunities\, sugar industry\, exports of rum and cigars\, and Cuba’s growing opportunities for entrepreneurs (known in Cuba as cuentapropismo).  He has also conducted several studies on the Cuban economic model\, including studies on Cuba’s internal economic consumption in various sectors (both at the state and non-state levels).  Morales is the author of two books: “Cuba: A Silent Transition to Capitalism?” (2009) and “Marketing without Advertising: Brand Preference and Consumer Choice in Cuba\,” Routledge Advances in Management and Business Studies\, 2011. \n\nJorge R. Piñon is the Director at Latin America and Caribbean Energy Program\, Jackson School of Geosciences\, The University of Texas at Austin and Interim Director\, Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy\, Jackson School of Geosciences\, The University of Texas at Austin. Piñon began his thirty-two-year career in the energy sector when he joined Shell Oil Company’s supply and transportation organization in 1975. He was president and CEO of Transworld Oil USA prior to joining Amoco Corporation in 1991 as president of Amoco Corporate Development Company Latin America. In this position Piñon represented the business development and joint venture efforts in Latin America between Amoco Corporation and state oil companies. In 1994 he was transferred to the downstream oil sector to serve as president of Amoco Oil de México and president of Amoco Oil Latin America\, based in Mexico City. He was a member of the board of INROADS de Mexico\, an organization developing underserved youth in business and industry and preparing them for corporate and community leadership. In 1997\, while vice-president and member of the board of directors of the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico -AMCHAM-\, Piñon received the “Yiacatecutli” award for distinguished service in the promotion of U.S.-Mexico business relations. With international experience in business development\, joint ventures and relationship management in emerging and transitional markets\, and a network of senior energy contacts in Latin America; he is recognized as an independent analyst of regional energy issues\, as well as the geopolitics of oil and natural gas in Latin America. He has conducted research and country risk assessments as a Visiting Energy Fellow at the University of Miami’s Center for Hemispheric Policy (2005-2010) and at Florida International University’s Latin American and Caribbean Center (2010-2011) prior to joining the University of Texas at Austin in 2012. He holds a degree in International Economics and a certificate in Latin American Studies from the University of Florida\, Gainesville.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/perspectives-on-cubas-future-exploring-policy-options-paths-for-the-u-s-cuba-bilateral-relationship/
LOCATION:St. Edwards University\, Jones Auditorium\,  3001 South Congress\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:Americas,Business,diplomatic,educational,Global Trade
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20171106T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20171107T140000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20171028T155631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171028T155631Z
UID:3124-1509955200-1510063200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Democratic Reform in Europe
DESCRIPTION:The LBJ School of Public Affairs\, and the Center for European Studies – the University of Texas at Austin\, in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Austin present a conference on Democratic Reform in Europe. \nThis conference will bring to Austin the leading figures of the new movement for Democratic Reform in Europe\, including the former finance minister of Greece and author of the global bestseller\, Adults in the Room\, Yanis Varoufakis\, the recent French presidential candidate\, Benoit Hamon\, the rising Labour MP from Yorkshire\, Chi Onwurah\, the former Vice Prime Minister of Poland\, Grzegorz Kolodko. These leaders will join distinguished academic experts including Kunibert Raffer (University of Vienna)\, Giuseppe Sacco (LUISS University of Rome)\, Brendan O’Leary (University of Pennsylvania)\, Jorge Uxo (University of Madrid) and Henning Meyer of Social Europe\, among others. \nThis is the fourth in a biennial series of Texas conferences on European issues\, which have in past years explored the crisis of the Eurozone\, the Greek crisis and the relationship of the South American Summer to European problems. It will engage senior American experts as well\, including Michael Lind\, Jeremi Suri and James Galbraith of the University of Texas at Austin\, Damon Silvers\, Policy Director of the AFL-CIO\, and Pavlina Tcherneva of Bard College\, a leading advocate of Modern Monetary Theory. \nAn additional  focus of this conference is the emergence of young leaders in addressing the European crisis. These will include Philip Pilkington of Ireland\, Clara Mattei of Italy and the New School\, Daniel Munevar (a Colombian resident in Sweden and former adviser to the Greek finance ministry)\, and Tuomas Malinen of the University of Helsinki\, Finland. \nKeynotes will be given by Benoit Hamon and Chi Onwurah\, and a special panel will be devoted to the Democracy in Europe Movement\, led by Yanis Varoufakis — who is\, in addition\, a former member of the faculty of the LBJ School. \nFree and Open to the Public.  Agenda and RSVP here.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/democratic-reform-in-europe/
LOCATION:Bass Lecture Hall\, 2315 Red River Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78712\, United States
CATEGORIES:author,diplomatic,educational,Europe,Law and regulations,Luncheon Series
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ORGANIZER;CN="UT Center for European Studies":MAILTO:ces@austin.utexas.edu
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20171025T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20171025T193000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20170817T021539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20171102T001342Z
UID:2926-1508954400-1508959800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Hot Topic: China’s Increasing Role in the Middle East
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to have David Oualaalou (pronounced Walalou\, known also as Dr. O) discuss China’s growing influence in the Middle East.  Dr. O is a global-affairs consultant\, analyst\, blogger\, author\, educator\, and former international security analyst in Washington\, DC. \nHis 15 years of experience in support of the US government’s foreign policy initiatives have given him a valuable perspective. His duties included providing regional orientation\, mediating cultural differences among the U.S. and its allies\, helping parties understand differing religious beliefs and values\, assisting with foreign internal defense\, offering insights into countries’ politics and economics\, and disseminating information to high-level officials during negotiations with foreign officials of targeted countries. Similarly\, he framed U.S. government policies and interests within the proper cultural and political context of countries engaged while facilitating cultural\, political\, economic\, and religious awareness between the U.S. and its counterparts. \nDavid worked in the field with elite U.S. military forces carrying out operations at the behest of U.S. policymakers. On many occasions\, he worked in and visited many countries in the Middle East and around the world in an official capacity representing the United States government. He speaks Arabic/French fluently\, grasp the depth of the Middle East’s economic\, social\, cultural\, and religious interactions\, and\, from both abstract and practical perspectives\, know how the region’s internal politics work. His assignments took him to Afghanistan\, Bolivia\, Cambodia\, Canada\, Denmark\, Djibouti\, England\, Finland\, France\, Germany\, Holland\, Iraq\, Ivory Coast\, Japan\, Kuwait\, Mexico\, Poland\, Romania\, Saudi Arabia\, Spain\, Sweden\, Switzerland\, Thailand\, and Yemen. \nDavid has written numerous analyses on global affairs issues which have appeared in many newspapers and online journals\, including the Slovak Atlantic Commission (SAC)\, an affiliate of the European Atlantic Council\, The HuffPost\, the Waco Tribune-Herald\, South China Morning Post (SCMP) in Hong Kong\, Eurasia Daily\, Journal on European Perspectives of the Western Balkans\, Defense Alert Journal\, MSN News\, Al-Jazeera\, Middle East & North Africa (MENA) Forum\, Security News Wire\, and Freedom and Justice Gate Journal in the Middle East\, among others. \nDavid has an international audience that spans the political spectrum. Some of his 140 plus articles have been translated into Arabic\, Chinese\, Farsi\, French\, German\, Malay\, Russian\, Spanish\, Thai\, Turkish\, and Vietnamese. \nDavid is the author of the Ambiguous Foreign Policy of The United States toward the Muslim World: More Than a Handshake (2016). His forthcoming book\, Volatile State: Iran in the Nuclear Age due for release in Jan/2018. Currently\, he is working on his third book\, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: the Hidden Truth. David has also co-authored other books including: Dying to Eat: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Food\, Death\, and the Afterlife\, (January\, 2018). \nDavid’s academic\, linguistic\, and cultural background\, coupled with his substantial experience\, has proved vital to understanding the geopolitical trends and the political\, economic\, and security risks organizations face when operating overseas. His insights are key to organizations’ long-term strategic planning and access to new markets not only in the Middle East but also in the world writ large. \n  \nAgenda \n6:00 PM Registration and networking \n6:15 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A \n7:15 PM  Additional networking \n7:30 PM Event Concludes
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/chinas-increasing-role-in-the-middle-east/
LOCATION:ACC Highland Business Center 2nd Floor Boardroom\, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road\, Austin\, TX\, 78752\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,author,Business,diplomatic,educational,Middle East
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170926T164500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170926T181500
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20170817T023244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170919T201338Z
UID:2930-1506444300-1506449700@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Truth Stranger Than Fiction?  How Thrillers are a Window into how U.S. Foreign Policy Really Works
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with the Austin School Lecture Series\, the World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to feature a presentation by Todd Moss\, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs\, now senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington DC and a nonresident scholar at Rice University’s Baker Institute in Houston.  Todd’s work focuses on US-Africa relations\, energy policy\, and private investment. Previously\, he has been a professor at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Georgetown University and has worked at the World Bank and the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). He’s the author nonfiction books including African Development: Making Sense of the Issues and Actors (2011) and Oil to Cash: Fighting the Resource Curse with Cash Transfers (2015).  Todd also writes an international thriller series for Penguin’s Putnam Books about a State Department crisis manager including The Golden Hour (2014)\, Minute Zero (2015)\, Ghosts of Havana (2016)\, and The Shadow List (2017). \nAgenda \n4:45 PM Networking \n5:15 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A \n6:15 PM Event Concludes
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/truth-stranger-than-fiction-how-thrillers-are-a-window-into-how-u-s-foreign-policy-really-works/
LOCATION:ACC Eastview Campus MultiPurpose Room 8500\, 3401 Webberville Road\, Austin\, TX\, 78702\, United States
CATEGORIES:Africa,author,cultural,diplomatic,educational
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ToddMoss-e1502940687327.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170425T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170426T170000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20170206T204539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170417T210229Z
UID:2530-1493146800-1493226000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Russia & the West: Significance\, Challenges\, and Potential
DESCRIPTION:In collaboratation with the World Affairs Council of Austin\, the Kozmetsky Center will co-sponsor a conference on Russia & the West: Significance\, Challenges\, and Potential. Distinguished experts of the United States\, European\, and Eurasian academic\, policy and private sector communities will assess contemporary and future security and economic relations between Russia and the West. \nSpeakers will share perspectives on the importance of Russia’s bilateral and multilateral relationships with Western nations\, immediate and longer-term strategic interests and priorities\, economic and security aspects of Russia’s relationships with Western countries\, significance that should be assigned to values in defining these relationships\, and overall implications of Russia’s relationships with Western nations for the contemporary and potential emerging geopolitical world order. \nOpening Forum on April 25th from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm \nBilateral and Multilateral Relationships on April 26th from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm \nDimensions of Security & Economic Relationships on April 26th from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm \nThe program will take place in Jones Auditorium on the St. Edwards University campus.  No RSVPs necessary for these events.  Speaker and program information is available here.\nThis will be the third conference event on transatlantic security funded by a U.S. Department of Education Title VI National Resource Program grant in cooperation with the Center for European Studies and Center for Russian\, East European\, and Eurasian Studies at University of Texas\, Austin.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/russia-the-west-significance-challenges-and-potential/
LOCATION:St. Edwards University\, Jones Auditorium\,  3001 South Congress\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:Business,cultural,diplomatic,educational,Europe,Law and regulations
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170131T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170131T193000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20170113T180804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20170113T180804Z
UID:2269-1485885600-1485891000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Ukraine between the EU\, US and Russia: The Quest for Security and Development
DESCRIPTION:Since the beginning of Euromaidan Ukraine finds itself entangled in a deep crisis that dramatically alters the situation in the country\, its internal (socio-economic\, regional) dynamics and international positioning vis-à-vis its neighbors and also other significant regional and global players. The depth of the crisis was evident since its start on November 30th\, 2013 but the scale of the crisis has markedly grown since Russian federation has carried out the annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and has begun its intervention in Donbas shortly afterwards. The crisis\, which originally mostly had features of an internal one\, has quickly internationalized\, becoming a conflict\, indeed\, with varying levels of intensity and at some points resembling an actual war. Throughout this period of time Ukraine has been faced with a number of urgent and critical challenges. It had to: engage in a military conflict with Russian troops and their proxies in Eastern Ukraine; cleanse the political system and introduce real\, meaningful reforms; reinvigorate its fledgling (and scarred by war) economy. In living up to dealing with all these tasks Ukraine must find a right format of dealing with some of the international players\, the most significant among them being Russian Federation\, the European Union and the United States of America.  RSVP HERE. \n  \nVolodymyr Dubovyk is an Associate Professor at the Department of International Relations and a Director of the Center for International Studies at the Odesa I. Mechnikov National University. Among his teaching and research interests are U.S. foreign policy\, U.S. – Ukraine relations\, Black Sea regional security\, foreign policy of Ukraine. He has had his fellowships at the Kennan Institute\, W. Wilson International Center for Scholars in 1997 and 2006-07 (Fulbright)\, at the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM)\, University of Maryland in 2002\, has been a visiting faculty at the University of Washington (Seattle) in 2013 and is a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at St. Edwards university/University of Texas\, Austin in 2016-2017 study year. Volodymyr was a member of various professional associations over the years\, he participates in PONARS Eurasia (New Approaches to Research and Security in Eurasia)\, project based in George Washington University.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/ukraine-between-the-eu-us-and-russia-the-quest-for-security-and-development/
LOCATION:ACC Highland Business Center 2nd Floor Boardroom\, 5930 Middle Fiskville Road\, Austin\, TX\, 78752\, United States
CATEGORIES:cultural,diplomatic,educational,Europe
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20161129T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20161129T130000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20160616T030409Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20161122T024131Z
UID:1982-1480419000-1480424400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Country Briefing Featuring Macedonia's Ambassador to the USA\, H.E. Mr. Vasko Naumovski
DESCRIPTION:H.E. Mr. Vasko Naumovski\, the Republic of Macedonia’s Ambassador to the USA\, will join World Affairs Council of Austin members for an exclusive political and trade briefing.  Due to high interest\, this event is filled to capacity. \n  \n  \nWorld Affairs Council of Austin members receive exclusive invitations to private events.  Membership information is available at: www.wacaustin.org/membership
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/country-briefing-featuring-macedonias-ambassador-to-the-usa-h-e-mr-vasko-naumovski/
CATEGORIES:Ambassador,Business,cultural,diplomatic,educational,Europe,Global Trade
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20161103T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20161103T193000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20161018T173828Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20161031T015544Z
UID:2229-1478194200-1478201400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:NATO's Critical Importance for United States and Global Security
DESCRIPTION:“NATO’s Critical Importance for United States and Global Security: Regional Security Challenges to the East and South” \nThis session will offer an overview and assessment of NATO’s major contemporary regional challenges followed by a roundtable exchange with attendees.  EVENT FILLED TO CAPACITY. \n  \nDespina Afentouli currently serves as Program Officer for Partnerships\, Cooperative Security and Open Door policies\, regional coordinator for South Caucasus & Central Asia\, and Program Officer for Greece at NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division. Before joining NATO\, from 1986 to 2001\, Despina Afentouli had extensive experience as a foreign policy and European affairs journalist and columnist including serving as European Affairs Editor at the Athens News Agency (1997-2001)\, editor-in-chief of the Greek edition of the Economist Intelligence Unit reports ( 1996-1999)\, diplomatic correspondent for STAR Channel (1995-1996) and Messimvrini Daily\, (1995-1996)\, political correspondent at Kathimerini Daily (1989-1994)\, and Foreign Affairs editor\, Athens Municipal Radio (1986-1989). Ms. Afentouli studied Law at Athens University (BA) and earned an MA degree in Political Communication at the University of Paris-I (Sorbonne). She was a member of the European Association of Journalists and served as Secretary General of the European Network of Women Journalists (1994-98).  She is the author of four books (“A journey in Greek foreign policy”\, Athens\, Potamos\, 2005/”EMU: The day after”\, Athens\, Dromeas\, 1999/ “The Europe we want”\, Athens\, I. Sideris\, 1997/”May ’68: Twenty years after”\, Athens\, Odysseas\, 1988) and of numerous articles on international relations and foreign policy.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/natos-critical-importance-for-united-states-and-global-security/
LOCATION:EVENT FILLED TO CAPACITY\, Austin\, 78705
CATEGORIES:diplomatic,educational,Europe
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20161012T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20161012T190000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20160817T230558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160901T191715Z
UID:2126-1476293400-1476298800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Iran - Post Sanctions
DESCRIPTION:With a population of 80 million\, a diverse economy and an incredible demand for all things new and luxurious Iran has been described as the next “big thing”.  However\, a year after reaching a deal to end some of the internationally imposed sanctions challenges prove as formidable as opportunities.  This is particularly true in the aviation sector where Iran tried to acquire close to 300 new airplanes placing orders with Boeing and Airbus. \nBe sure to register to learn more from Ali Dadpay\, PhD\, Advisory Board Member of the United States-Iran Chamber of Commerce (USIRCC).   USIRCC utilizes its strategic position to advance American and Iranian business interests within legal and regulatory parameters. \n  \n  \n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/iran-post-sanctions/
LOCATION:ACC Highland Business Center Board Room\, ACC Highland Business Center\, 2nd Floor Board Room\, 5930 Middle Fiskville Rd\, Austin\, TX\, 78752\, United States
CATEGORIES:Business,diplomatic,educational,Global Trade,Law and regulations,Middle East
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20160623T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20160623T163000
DTSTAMP:20260520T033017
CREATED:20160616T024156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160616T031217Z
UID:1980-1466694000-1466699400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Embassy Briefing Featuring South Africa's Ambassador to the USA\, H.E. Mr. MNINWA JOHANNES MAHLANGU
DESCRIPTION:H.E. Mr. Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu\, South Africa’s Ambassador to the USA\, will join World Affairs Council of Austin members for an exclusive political and trade briefing. \nAmbassador Mahlangu is one of the leaders who played a critical role in the process leading up to the first democratic South Africa. Between 1991 and 1994\, he was a negotiator at the Congress for Democratic South Africa (CODESA) and the Multiparty Negotiation Forum. In 1993\, he became the Co-Chairperson of these bodies. From 1993 to 1994 he was a member of South Africa’s Transitional Executive Council. \nAfter the first democratic elections in 1994\, he joined the National Assembly in the Parliament of South Africa as a representative of the African National Congress. He became a member of the Constitutional Assembly (CA)\, the body that drafted the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. As a member of the CA\, he chaired the Core Group of the Theme Committee on Chapter 4 dealing with Parliament. During his tenure as a Member of the National Assembly he also served as Chairperson of House Committees. \nIn 2002\, he was elected Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament. After the third democratic elections in 2004\, he was re-elected Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council. In 2005 he was elected the Chairperson of the NCOP and was re-elected in 2009. He served in this position until the fifth democratic elections in 2014. \nHe has represented South Africa in many international platforms\, including the UN and G20 Speakers Conferences. He was the leader of the South African Parliament’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament. His duties in this continental body included serving in the Committee on Rules\, Privileges and Discipline. He has held the positions of Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Africa Region) and President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (International) respectively. \n  \nWorld Affairs Council of Austin members receive exclusive invitations to private events.  Membership information is available at: www.wacaustin.org/membership
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/embassy-briefing-featuring-south-africas-ambassador-to-the-usa-h-e-mr-mninwa-johannes-mahlangu/
LOCATION:EVENT FILLED TO CAPACITY\, Austin\, 78705
CATEGORIES:Africa,Ambassador,cultural,diplomatic,educational,Global Trade
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END:VCALENDAR