World Affairs Council of Austin

Bridging the Seas Pune India Artist Exhibit Opening Reception
2023-02-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, 78754, United States
Join the Asian American Resource Center, Austin Pune Sister City Committee, and the World Affairs Council of Austin at this community event and opening reception for Bridging the Seas — a collaborative exhibition showcasing work by the artists Supriya Kharod, Rama Tiru, Mithu Deb, and Manasi Joshi. Straddling the distance between Austin, TX and Pune, India, this special reception will include food, music, and art.
Bridging the Seas represents the collective embrace of cross-cultural heritage, intersectional identity, and the transitory experience of Indian artists living and working in Austin, TX.
Register and learn more about the artists and the exhibit here.
Register to volunteer here.

Kozmetsky Forum on Global Political Risk, Emerging Markets and Finance Featuring Yves Dubus, Belgian Trade and Investment Commissioner
2023-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 | St. Edwards University, Mabee Ballroom, Ragsdale Building, 3001 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin and the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University host a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will feature Yves Dubus, Belgian Trade and Investment Commissioner.
Mr. Dubus is a Belgian career diplomat since 2008. He was posted in Guangzhou, China, as Trade & Technology Commissioner for 5 years, before being posted in Houston, Texas, in August 2013.
His primary mission is to foster trade and investment relations between the Wallonia and Brussels Regions of Belgium and the Southern States of the United States of America. Through official channels and privileged partnerships, he maintains an extensive network of contacts to facilitate the creation of new companies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Prior to his public career, he held various positions in the private sector working in IT between 1988 and 2008, first, in the development of new businesses linked to the deregulation of the airlines industry in Europe, and second, in the development of new technologies, and new business models, linked to the development of the Internet. In 2000, he was the General Manager of Travelprice, the first ever online travel agency in Belgium, and later served as VP of Professional Services, in Munich, for Siemens Mobile Travel Services. Yves holds a Master’s Degree in Political Sciences from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Services provided by the Belgian Trade Commission in Houston include market intelligence and assessments, as well as assistance for the development of business plans for Belgian companies in the USA, and the facilitation of access to government authorities for American companies investing in the Wallonia and Brussels Regions of Belgium.
Off-campus guests can obtain a $5 campus visiting parking permit at: https://stedwards.nupark.com/portal/Account/VisitorLogin
If you should require assistant on obtaining a parking permit, please contact Mr. Don Vansandt [donaldv@stewards.edu]

Globalist Coffeehouse: What’s next – U.S. international relations in 2023
2023-02-23 18:30 - 19:30 | La Madeleine, 9828 Great Hills Trail, Suite 650, Austin, 78759, United States
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing. February’s topic will be: What’s next – U.S. international relations in 2023? We will be meeting in the private dining room at La Madeleine, 9828 Great Hills Trail.
What are – and will be – the critical issues in the world of international relations for 2023? Of course, there is Ukraine and the ongoing war. How will Russia proceed in the war? Will negotiations continue to be stalled or will peace eventually be restored? What will be the Russian response to Finland and later possibly Sweden joining NATO?
Then there is the tension over China’s increasingly assertive role in the Taiwan Straits and South China Seas. Will China be able to “manage/control” Kim Jong-un in North Korea?
And in the Middle East, we see Netanyahu’s ruling coalition’s aggressive position toward the Palestinians and the West bank. Moving on to Africa there are terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab. Finally, there is Latin America with demonstrations on the left and right in countries from Brazil to Peru.
What is your opinion? What will be the “next” challenge for the U.S., including some things not mentioned above or perhaps not yet even imagined?
Do join us for what will be a very lively conversation.

For more details contact:
Ellen Murry, Globalist Coffeehouse Co-chair: ellen@wacaustin.org
Polina Anastassieva, Globalist Coffeehouse Co-chair: polina@wacaustin.org

2023 Central Texas Academic WorldQuest™ Competition
2023-02-18 10:00 - 13:00 | TX
REGISTER your high school team here before February 9th at 5:00 pm if your team is ready to compete in the Central Texas Academic WorldQuest™ (AWQ) competition.
Each year, Academic WorldQuest™ seeks to inform and engage high school teens and their teachers across the country in global affairs. More than 4,000 students participate and test their knowledge of international affairs, global current events, and foreign policy. The winning high school teams at each local competition becomes eligible to participate at the Carlos and Malú Alvarez National Academic WorldQuest™ Competition in Washington DC. Our competition consists of 10 rounds of 10 questions about specific global themes. Each team is comprised of currently enrolled students from the same high school. All high schools located in our five-county metro region (Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson) are eligble to send a team to compete.
The partner organizations for the competition are the World Affairs Council of Austin, Austin Community College, the Center for European Studies, and Hemispheres: The International Outreach Consortium at the University of Texas at Austin.
What is it?
Academic WorldQuest™ is a flagship youth education program of the national network of World Affairs Councils. It is a team competition that engages more than 4,000 high school students annually across the United States to test their knowledge of global issues and foreign policy. In the competition, four-person teams compete by answering multiple-choice questions divided into ten unique and engaging thematic categories. AWQ is a terrific opportunity to engage students in global affairs in a competition against fellow high school students in the Austin metropolitan area. We have had great success and participation in this competition in past years and want to make it even bigger!
Join the competition!
Date: Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Austin Community College’s Highland Campus from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Registration Information
Teams consist of four high-school students and at least one alternate team member. High Schools may register teams of 4 students in grades 9 – 12, however; the contest is especially relevant to students in World Geography, AP Human Geography, and Economics. REGISTER YOUR TEAM HERE BEFORE 5:00 pm on February 9, 2023.
How do we prepare?
Academic WorldQuest™ competition student study guide is available here.
2022-2023 AWQ Topics

Battle of the Century: Autocracy vs. Democracy
Economic Sanctions – A Double-Edged Sword
The Future of Supply Chains
Combating Global Food Insecurity
Atrocity Prevention and Accountability
Great Decisions

Russia and the U.S.
Changing Demographics
Industrial Policy
Myanmar and ASEAN
Quad Alliance
Outer Space
Biden’s Agenda
Climate Change
Drug Policy in Latin America

Country in Focus: Ethiopia
The Arctic Council: Frozen Cooperation
The Future of the World’s Wildlife
Current Events

Assessing the Impact of the Covid19 Pandemic on U.S. and Global Mental Health, Lessons Learned and Recommendations for the Future
2023-02-16 12:00 - 13:30 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin and the Kozmetsky Center, in collaboration with the Carter Center in Atlanta, is pleased to present Dr. Eve Byrd, Director, Mental Health Program, Carter Center on the topic Assessing the Impact of the Covid19 Pandemic on U.S. and Global Mental Health, Lessons Learned and Recommendations for the Future.
The Carter Center was established by President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter with the purpose of supporting human rights and the alleviation of human suffering seeking to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy and improve health. Dr. Eve Byrd became director of the Carter Center’s Mental Health Program in Atlanta in 2017. Prior to joining The Carter Center, she was a faculty member of the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University and served as executive director of the Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression, Department of Psychiatry at the Emory School of Medicine. She has held leadership positions both nationally and locally in work aimed at eliminating stigma and improving access to care for people with behavioral health disorders.
Eve Byrd earned a doctorate of nursing practice with a concentration in health systems leadership and implementation science from Emory University’s School of Nursing, where she also earned a master of science in nursing with a concentration in psychiatric/mental health nursing. She earned her master of public health in health policy from Emory’s School of Public Health and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Emory and in psychology from Florida State University. Register in advance for the ZOOM Webinar at: https://stedwards.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YiAS_DUqR326gajY-AyzYw

Globalist Coffeehouse: The Future of Cryptocurrency
2023-01-19 18:30 - 19:30 | Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
We will be meeting in person in the semi-private dining room at the Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar. This month’s topic is:
The Future of Cryptocurrency
As we begin the new year and while there is a variety of cryptocurrencies out there, one has been at the forefront of them all. FTX, and specifically the founder Sam Bankman-Fried, is facing eight criminal counts, two of which include money laundering and conspiracy to avoid campaign finance regulations. This event has now been implicated in a downward spiral for the rest of the global cryptocurrency market – from Africa (Nigeria and Kenya) to Latin America (El Salvador) and Asia (Vietnam and Singapore). By November, Bitcoin, which is the world’s largest cryptocurrency, had fallen around 65%. The entire fiasco has now been deemed as “Lehman moment” referencing the 2008 investment bank collapse.
Are there any specific measures that should be taken in order to ensure this does not happen again? Will the crypto world learn that regulation does not equal unfairness? Certainly, confidence in the industry has been shaken, but it has also led global regulators to “tighten their screws if you will.” The risk is high, and yet, according to Changpeng Zhao, who runs Binance, the biggest crypto exchange, regulations are necessary and should be done properly. He also agreed that the analogy comparison to the 2008 financial crisis was probably an accurate one. So, what is the future of Cryptocurrency?
Please join us for a very lively discussion on a global phenomenon with real implications for the world’s economy. We also recommend a recent very informative PBS Nova program on this topic: Crypto Decoded.

For more details contact:
Ellen Murry: ellen@wacaustin.org
Polina Anastassieva: polina@wacaustin.org

Member Holiday Social
2022-11-29 18:00 - 20:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
We appreciate your support of our programs throughout 2022. Join your fellow World Affairs Council of Austin members for a celebratory toast, snacks, and camaraderie on Tuesday, November 29th.

Members received their invitations in November.
If you would like to become a member and receive an exclusive invitation, join here.

Globalist Coffeehouse: The Global Food Crisis - what are the solutions?
2022-11-17 18:30 - 19:30 | Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
As we enter a season of “culinary extravagance” we should perhaps think about the food crisis that is impacting people throughout the world. In 2021 acute food security affected 193 million people globally, and in North Africa, almost half – a million people are facing starvation and death.
The U.S. provides $2 billion annually or half of the world’s food aid. But our generosity is undermined by the fact that food aid must be purchased in the U.S. and transported on U.S.-flagged ships. While 25,000 people are now dying daily of hunger, the U.S. throws away 96 billion pounds of food each year – or 320 pounds per person.
There are several factors that overlap. Global food prices rose to new heights in 2021, due to COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions. Around 21 million refugees face “conflict food insecurity,” from North Africa to Yemen, and most recently in Ukraine.
The temperate lands of the Global North have control over many primary commodities, crops, and minerals grown in the Global South, through the control of seeds, fertilizer, and distribution. Russia and Ukraine together account for 33% of the world’s exports of wheat, and Russia is the leading exporter of nitrogen fertilizers globally.
And then there is climate change, from devastating floods in Pakistan and typhoons in the Philippines to hurricanes in Central America. China has seen both drought and flooding, leaving parts of the Yangtze unnavigable. Drought in North Africa and Yemen in the Middle East acerbates “conflict food insecurity.”
What are the solutions? Certainly, ending the war in Ukraine and shipments resuming from both there and Russia is a near-term option. Many others see a future in genetically modified plants; Bill Gates calls them “magic seeds.” Some believe that supporting and underwriting conventional breeding to improve crop yields, is the future. With this process, there has been a 50% increase in crop yields from 1981 to 2000 and it continues today. Finally, many would say that we need another breakthrough like the one that produced the “Green Revolution,” but those crops are dependent upon expensive fertilizers. At the present, people are dying of starvation.
Please join us for what will be a very lively discussion about a subject critical to our future as a people and even a planet.

For more details contact:
Ellen Murry: ellen@wacaustin.org
Polina Anastassieva: polina@wacaustin.org

U.S. & Texas 2022 Midterm Election Analysis
2022-11-16 12:00 - 13:00 | St. Edwards University, Carter Auditorium, 3001 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78704, United States

Kozmetsky Forum on Market Opportunities in Southeast Asia featuring Senior Commercial Officer, Francis “Chip” Peters
2022-11-08 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin and the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University host a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will feature Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mr. Francis “Chip” Peters discussing Market Opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Join the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University, the World Affairs Council of Austin, and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council to learn more about the rapid growth in these vital markets.
Francis “Chip” Peters is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and is responsible for advocating for U.S. commercial interests, promoting inbound investment, and organizing trade promotion activities. His previous assignments with the U.S. Commercial Service include Dubai, Chengdu, Nairobi, Bangkok, and Shanghai. Prior to his government service, Chip worked for 15 years in international sales and marketing in the high-tech sector. He also served as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, West Africa. He holds an M.A from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Chulalongkorn University. He is married with two adult children.

The New EU-US Data Privacy Framework and Europe’s Digital Agenda: What Texas Businesses Need to Know
2022-11-07 17:30 - 20:00 | McGINNIS LOCHRIDGE, 1111 W. 6th St., Bldg. B, Ste. 400, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The EU is driving an aggressive digital agenda intended as a “third way” between China’s state controls and the USA’s “wild west.” What began with controls on personal data (GDPR) is expanding into other arenas of digital data. Attend this seminar and networking event to learn what Texas companies need to know about collecting personal data of EU citizens and selling or buying digital goods or services to or from EU businesses.

Draft Agenda
5:30 pm Welcome and Expert Panel Remarks Offered by:
Phillip Schmandt, Partner, McGINNIS LOCHRIDGE (BIO and Practice Areas)
Bradley Joslove, Partner, BERSAY (BIO and Practice Areas)
Frédéric Lecomte, Partner, BERSAY (BIO and Practice Areas)
6:30 pm Q&A
7:00 pm Networking
8:00 pm Event Concludes

Globalist Coffeehouse: Latin American Relations - Where is the U.S. now and what is its role in the future?
2022-10-27 18:30 - 19:30 | Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken toured Latin America to reaffirm its commitment to the allies amid concerns that neglect of the hemisphere has let China make economic inroads. He hopes that Latin America’s new leaders will continue to maintain a free-enterprise-friendly approach to nurture U.S. ties.
Meanwhile, many counties have their own challenges to consider. In Brazil, everyone waits anxiously to see what will happen with the country’s election results. In Venezuela, a total of seven Americans, five of which were held in captivity for over five years, were recently released in a prisoner swap. In Ecuador, prison gang violence has overwhelmed an under-resourced and overcrowded system leading to a state of emergency in three provinces. In Columbia, peace talks between its government and the National Liberation Army are set to resume. In Chile, the country just recently elected its youngest-ever president, a former student activist. That is in addition to the fact that Peru is the number two copper producer in the world.
With an increasingly ambitious China, the largest importer of goods and services from Brazil and Chile, and the second largest from Argentina and Peru, and the trend toward authoritarianism in this part of the world (actually a global trend), what are the options for the U.S. in the future? How can we solidify our relationships with Latin American countries?

Please join us for what will be a lively discussion about a topic that evolves regularly.
For more details contact:
Ellen Murry: ellen@wacaustin.org
Polina Anastassieva: polina@wacaustin.org

TransAtlantic Immigration Update featuring Dorothee B. Mitchell, Partner, Foster LLP and Honorary Consul of Germany
2022-10-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Foster LLP, 912 S. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite 450, Austin, United States
Join the EACC Texas, GACC South & World Affairs Council of Austin for European American networking and a TransAtlantic Immigration Update with Dorothee B. Mitchell, Partner, Foster LLP & Honorary Consul of Germany and Robert Hull, Consul General of Ireland in Austin.

Germany’s Zeitenwende: Setting New Priorities in Foreign, Security, and Energy Policy
2022-10-18 18:00 - 19:30 | EVENT FILLED TO CAPACITY, Austin, 78705
In collaboration with the German-Texan Heritage Society and the American Council on Germany, the World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to meet Ambassador (ret.) Stefan Schlüter and learn more about Germany’s Zeitenwende: Setting New Priorities in Foreign, Security, and Energy Policy.

Abassador (ret.) Stefan Schlüter served in the German Foreign Office until the summer of 2017 and is now a Program Director at the Diplomatic Academy in Berlin. After studying political science at the University of Hamburg, Mr. Schlüter joined the German Foreign Office in 1979. His first foreign assignments brought him to Buenos Aires and Algiers. From 1986 to 1990 he served as the spokesman of the German Embassy in Tel Aviv before returning to the Foreign Office in Bonn as desk officer for the Maghreb countries. From 1992 to 1995 he served as Deputy Consul General in Los Angeles before returning to Bonn as Deputy Director for the southern part of Latin America. From 2000 to 2004, he was posted to the United States a second time and served as Deputy Consul General in New York City before moving to Buenos Aires as Deputy Chief of Mission. In 2007 he returned to the Foreign Office in Berlin to assume the position of Director for Conflict Prevention, Peace-Building, Democracy Promotion and State-Building, promoting German projects in this field world-wide. In 2010 he was appointed Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean Region, residing in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago before moving on to his last assignment as Consul General in San Francisco in 2014.

Kozmetsky Forum on Building a Broad Experiential Internship Portfolio
2022-10-04 12:00 - 14:00 | St. Edwards University, Carter Auditorium, 3001 S. Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in partnership with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University, offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will focus on developing a diverse internship portfolio.
Carlos Balderas is currently a Global Supply Manager, HUB Coordinator for Tesla. A native of Austin, Texas, Carlos Balderas graduated from St. Edward’s University in 2002 with a degree in Humanities. He served the State of Texas as HUB Coordinator for 15 years under the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Texas Department of Transportation. Mr. Balderas established HUB Programs at each of these agencies, which generated a growth for minority and women-owned businesses. He has also worked with and coordinated initiatives with various community partners and local and state representatives for the purpose of increasing minority and women-owned participation in state government. In addition, he is a member of El Amistad, Round Rock’s oldest organization, aimed at providing scholarships to seniors in the community.

No registration required, please join us. This session will be held on-campus at the Carter Auditorium, Executive Board Room, JBWS 180.

Diana Negroponte, author of Master Negotiator: James A. Baker, III’s Role at the End of the Cold War
2022-10-02 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
*****EVENT CANCELLED ***
We are pleased to feature Diana Villiers Negroponte as our special guest speaker.
Author and professor, Diana Negroponte has focused on the Cold War and how it ended. In between teaching at Fordham, George Washington and Georgetown Universities, she researches and writes. In 2015 the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies offered her a fellowship to write her book Master Negotiator: James A. Baker, III’s Role at the End of the Cold War.

While teaching at Fordham University she began Seeking Peace in El Salvador: The Struggle to Reconstruct a Nation at the End of the Cold War, Palgrave Macmillan (212) and later translated into Spanish and published in El Salvador, En Busca de La Paz en El Salvador, Editorial Delgado (2016). She retained her focus on Latin America becoming a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution where she wrote reports on New Directions in Brazilian Foreign Relations (2007), The Merida Initiative and Central America: Challenges of Containing Public Insecurity and Criminal Violence, (2009) and edited a book The End of Nostalgia: Mexico Confronts the Challenges of Global Competition (2013).
She has received numerous awards, including Soroptimist International’s Advancing the Status of Women Award, the Salvation Army of Mexico’s Award for Outstanding Community Service, Rotary Club of Honduras’ Woman of the Year and the Belgium King’s Chevalier de l’Ordre de Leopold.
Her current work is focused on Britain’s future after BREXIT and teaching a master’s seminar on international conflict management at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
A copy of her book can be purchased separately, on websites such as Amazon.

Application Deadline for Texas CEOs B2B Meeting with Japanese CEOs
2022-09-29 12:00 - 12:30 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to apply by September 29th for the web-based online CEO Business Meetings in February 2023.
Targeted Innovation Sectors:

Aerospace; Robotics; Robot System Integrators; Factory Automation; AI/Deep Learning; IOT
Targeted Eco Tech Sectors:
Energy (Clean, Green, Sustainable, New); Carbon Neutral; Efficiency Improvement; New Material (Eco-friendly, Sustainable)
Intended for: Decision-makers (CEOs, Directors, GMs, etc.) in above companies who are:
Seeking to increase added value through technological collaboration.
Involved in manufacturing of equipment, devices, parts or materials, and would like to have business meetings with Japanese corporate decision-makers.
Considering technical collaboration or joint development with Japanese companies, and/or OEM in the above industries.
Apply to express your interest in joining this CEO network enhancing opportunity on/before noon on 29 September 2022 by contacting Ben Ramirez – bramirez (at) wacaustin (.) org

Business Opportunity with Malaysia
2022-09-27 17:30 - 19:30 | Indeed Tower, 200 W. 6th Street, Austin, Texas, 78701, United States
With extensive trade links and diversified economic sectors, Malaysia is one of the fastest-growing nations in Southeast Asia. Ranked among the top emerging markets for investment and recognized for its protection of investors as well as its responsiveness to facilitating business needs, Malaysia offers unique opportunities for investment and business growth.
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin and our partners – the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, City of Austin, and other Austin Chambers of Commerce – as we explore business and investment opportunities with Malaysia. Network with globally-established companies and representatives from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). This reception and panel discussion focuses on the Malaysian market as it relates to Austin businesses and investment opportunities.
This event features a fireside chat-style discussion by Malaysian business representatives, networking opportunities, free drinks, and Malaysian-themed appetizers, all within a social business environment. Bring your business cards to participate in the interactive game and win a prize! Join us for this fun and educational networking event.
REGISTER HERE
Event Agenda
5:30 | Check-In and Refreshments
6:00 | Welcome
6:10 | Panel Discussion
6:40 | Q&A
6:50 | Games & Prizes
7:00 | Networking
7:30 | Closing Remarks
Know Before you Go

Parking at the Indeed Tower garage is a flat fee of $10 after 4 PM.
Bring your business cards.
Dress code for this event is business casual.

World Order, Challenges, Transition, Chaos? Western and Global Perspectives on Conflict in Ukraine
2022-09-26 12:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
On February 24, 2022 Russia invaded Ukraine resulting in major population displacement, thousands of civilian and military casualties, jeopardizing global energy and food supplies and threatening potential escalation of clashes involving a major world nuclear power. Please join our partners at the Kozmetsky Center on Monday September 26, 2022 at 12:00 noon for the forum entitled “World Order, Challenges, Transition, Chaos? Western and Global Perspectives on Conflict in Ukraine.” This session will bring together a diversity of international experts representing Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, China, India and the United States to discuss the sources and consequences of the current conflict, risks of further escalation of hostilities, prospects for diplomatic settlement and the future of Ukraine and world order and global security architecture.
ATTEND THE PROGRAM ON ZOOM: https://stedwards.zoom.us/s/99173603911

Estonia Business Delegation Networking Breakfast
2022-09-23 08:30 - 10:00 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
His Excellency, Alar Karis, the President of the Republic of Estonia requests the pleasure of your participation in a breakfast & conversation networking event with the Estonian Business Delegation.
Located in Northern Europe, Estonia is one of the most dynamic, business and startup-friendly ecosystems in the world and is the first truly digital-nation, with more than 99% of state services available digitally and online – 24/7.
All of this is facilitated by one of Estonia’s greatest service exports – the system used daily to make all of this possible: the X-Road. The X-road is a smart data system that interconnects public and private databases and manages the connection to make sure that every system only has the data they need to complete a service, but not more – always ensuring the privacy of the individual.
Its efficient too – saving 1407 years of work, annually, removing the need for people to go back and forth tracking down data that the system, or one part of the system, already has. It is an open-source platform and is exported internationally, helping other countries and jurisdictions to build their own digital societies and infrastructures on top of this system. And what is truly exciting is that the more countries that onboard the system, the more there is the potential for true cross-border interoperability where services from one country blend into and become accessible to citizens of another. For example, today, a Finnish citizen can be prescribed medication in Finland, and have the prescription filled in any pharmacy in Estonia – all by using their ID card and digital identity.
Estonia’s robust digital infrastructure was opened to the global community in 2014, with the launch of the world’s first e-Residency program. E-Residency affords a non-resident individual a legally recognized digital identity that is valid throughout the European Union. This means that non-residents of Estonia can transact within the European digital infrastructure seamlessly and remotely; digitally signing documents and contracts, paying taxes, registering a business, etc. – all virtually and without the need for notaries or overnight mail.
With a population of only 1.3m people and a digitally-enabled, can-do mindset, Estonian businesses are “born global” with most entrepreneurs in the country beginning to look towards foreign markets from Day one. And with a robust and collaborative startup ecosystem – sometimes referred to as “Silicon Valley’s best kept secret unicorn hatchery”, a lean and innovative bureaucratic environment, and a competitive tax system designed to enable growth, rather than hamper it… it is no wonder that Estonia is such a hotbed for startups, having become a veritable unicorn factory.
Estonia is ranked #1 in Europe, and #2 globally, in terms of the number of startups per capita, having given rise to globally recognized companies like such as Wise (formerly Transferwise), GrabCAD, Fortumo, Pipedrive, Starship Technologies, Skype, and many, many more – including 10 “unicorn” companies.

Global Security Forum 2022
2022-09-23 07:50 - 14:30 | ONLINE
The Global Security Forum convenes the nation’s top military leaders, experts and thought leaders to address the most critical global security issues of today as well as the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to partner with the World Affairs Council of Connecticut, the Charter Oak Chapter of the Military Officers Association, and the McCain Institute for International Leadership for an all-day seminar featuring experts from top military and civilian institutions. This event is not to be missed. Purchase your ticket for this virtual event by clicking on the button below:

The Global Security Forum brings the world’s top leadership directly to the citizenry. Generals, experts, policymakers, and foreign leaders convene to address the most critical global security issues of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.
Announced Speakers:

Admiral Dennis Blair, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Former Director of National Intelligence
Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, U.S. Army (Ret.), Former Commanding General of U.S.Army, Europe
Lieutenant General Jon Tyson Thomas, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), Former Deputy Commander, Pacific Air Forces
Dr. Carolyn Washington, Col., U.S. Army (Ret.), Women, Peace & Security Manager, Dept. of Homeland Security
Col. Bill Shelton, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), RAND Corporation
Lieutenant Col. Luke Knittig, U.S. Army (Ret.), Chief of External Relations for Power Africa, USAID
Cadet Chiara Wurdack, U.S. Military Academy
David E. Sanger, Chief Washington Correspondent, New York Times
Jillair Kubish, Executive Vice President of Business Operations, Colt’s Manufacturing
Rozlyn Engel, Chief Economic Strategist, The MITRE Corporation
Andre McMillian, Vice President of Sustainment Operations, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines
David Sanger, White House and National Security Correspondent, The New York Times
Arthur House, Former National Security and Intelligence Officer, State of CT

Globalist Coffeehouse: A cross-cultural look at smoking – traditions, and etiquette around the world
2022-09-22 18:30 - 19:30 | Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing. This month we are going to go a little “light” and perhaps not so serious, but still with a “global focus” and most interesting.
The topic for September will be:
A cross-cultural look at smoking – traditions, and etiquette around the world.
To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did. I ought to know because I’ve done it a thousand times. – Mark Twain
We are all aware of the health risks associated with smoking, and while most governments take some kind of anti-smoking action, there are many cultures around the world where smoking is almost expected, especially if you happen to be male.
Smoking rates vary greatly around the world. Countries in Asia have the highest rates. For example, 47.6% of men in China smoke, in comparison to 19.5% in the U.S. Gender also plays an important role. In China, only 1.8% of women smoke, compared to 15% in the U.S. 72.6% of Indonesian men smoke, in comparison to 8.9% in Ethiopia. The cultural variations in smoking rates are substantial.
So how do different cultures smoke? What is the etiquette of smoking – from hookahs and pipes with flavored tobacco to even how one holds a cigarette? In Japan during the Edo period, the elaborately decorated long-stemmed kiseru pipe was used to indicate wealth and status. What about the predominance of certain brands? For example, clove-flavored cigarettes, called kretek, dominate 90% of the Indonesian cigarette market.
In your time living, working, and traveling throughout the world, what are some of your own observations, and even experiences with smoking? Was sharing a cigarette with a stranger the first step in mutual hospitality and friendship?
Please join us at the Shoal Creek Saloon for what will be a very interesting discussion.
https://GlobalistCoffeehouse-Smoking.eventbrite.com
For further information please contact:
Ellen Murry, WAC Board Member
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC Board Member
polina@wacaustin.org

Cover to Cover - The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan
2022-08-31 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
On the first anniversary of the U.S.-NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover, WACA presents Elliot Ackerman to talk about his experience in the war-ravaged country. Ackerman left the U.S. military ten years ago, but his time in Afghanistan and Iraq with the Marines and later as a CIA paramilitary officer marked him indelibly. The Fifth Act is a recollection of his service in Afghanistan and an examination of America’s 20-year involvement in Afghanistan’s conflict. Ackerman weaves a personal history with the war’s long progression, beginning with the initial invasion in the months after 9/11 through the fall of Kabul, last August. The five acts serve as a prelude to Afghanistan’s dark future, a recognition of the peace that Afghan people have rarely enjoyed, and a look at the failings of U.S. intervention. The book also brings readers into close contact with a remarkable group of characters, American and Afghan, who fought the war with courage and dedication, and at great personal cost.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Elliot Ackerman is a writer, journalist, former White House Fellow, and decorated veteran. His books have been nominated for the National Book Award, the Andrew Carnegie Medal in both fiction and nonfiction, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. A former Marine, he served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. As a prominent figure in the veteran community and a regular contributor to TIME and CNN, Ackerman uses his platform to speak about his time serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, his perspective on current international relations in the Middle East, and how he turned to writing—both fiction and nonfiction—to chronicle America’s struggles

Japan Business Seminars During Oita Festival
2022-08-20 12:00 - 16:00 | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, 78754, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is once again a partner organization for the annual Oita Japan Festival! You won’t want to miss the “Japan Business & Market Update” seminars during the Festival. The first seminar will start at 1:30 pm, and the same seminar repeats at 3:00 pm. Texas exports over $6 billion in goods and services to Japan. Japan is also a top five export market for central Texas companies. Be sure to attend this informative session to learn more from our friends at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
The business focused session will include an overview of Japan’s industry sectors including a look at the Japanese corporate presence in the U.S., Japanese cultural characteristics, promising sectors for U.S. goods and services, and resources for American companies wishing to establish a corporate entity in Japan.
REGISTER HERE for the festival

Globalist Coffeehouse: What is the future of the UN in the 21st century?
2022-08-18 18:30 - 19:30 | Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing. We will be meeting in person in the semi-private dining room at the Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar. This month’s topic is:

What is the future of the UN in the 21st century?
With an ongoing war in Ukraine, post-pandemic recovery, and a drastic climate change all around our planet, the future of the United Nations isn’t something that particularly comes to the top of our minds. The UN was originally established post-WWII, with the goal to prevent any future wars. The UN Charter was adopted on June 25, 1945, and took effect October 24th, that same year.

It is made up of 5 divisions/components – the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the International Court of Justice. The UN is immune from the laws of the countries where they operate, seeing it is impartial to the host and member countries.

As stated in its charter, the primary role of the UN is to maintain peace and security throughout the world. Yet, in the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syrian conflicts, the UN has been essentially irrelevant except for humanitarian aid. It has no role in the current China/Taiwan tensions, and its forces in Africa have not been particularly effective.
Is the UN irrelevant as many of its economic and national security responsibilities are handled by military and economic organizations – NATO, the EU, ASEAN, and the QUAD in Asia? While they have a constructive role in the international trade (WTO), they are often simply ignored. Even the composition of the Security Council (countries represented) reflects a politically bi-polar world that doesn’t exist today.
Some would say that the UN (WHO) has been effective with the distribution of the vaccine throughout the pandemic. It has also aided with the humanitarian food crisis caused by both the drought (climate change) and as a result of the war in Ukraine.
What should the role of the UN be in the 21st century – especially with climate change becoming the greatest global threat?

For more details contact:
Ellen Murry: ellen@wacaustin.org
Polina Anastassieva: polina@wacaustin.org

Globalist Coffeehouse - Drones: The Future of Warfare
2022-07-28 18:30 - 19:30 | Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing. We will be meeting in person in the semi-private dining room at the Shoal Creek Saloon, 909 N. Lamar.
The topic this month is: Drones: The Future of Warfare?

“The introduction of unmanned systems on the battlefield doesn’t change simply how we fight, but for the first-time changes who fights at the most fundamental level.” – P.W. Singer

There are several major reasons why drones are seen as the future of warfare: they remove the risk to our soldiers, make fewer mistakes than other weapons systems, and as technology improves, drones will become even more precise and efficient.
Drones save lives, are low risk, and have pinpoint accuracy. They are as lethal as airplanes, but at a much lower cost and don’t risk the loss of a pilot. They are used in surveillance, reconnaissance, and general military intelligence. Drones save time, as they are always ready to be deployed.
Yet, there are negative points to consider: drone warfare causes collateral damage, as they can’t communicate with civilians for more detailed intelligence. When civilians are killed, they see drones as an invasion force. Also, they can be shot down. Some would say that when drone warfare becomes like video games, it makes combat “too easy” and diminishes ethical decisions. And finally, what about a fleet of drones being taken over by an enemy?
Please join us for what will be a very lively discussion. If you should have the time, you may want to watch “Eye in the Sky” with Helen Mirren. It focuses on the very real ethical issues associated with deploying drones and is an interesting examination of the military chain of command in drone combat.

For more details contact:
Ellen Murry: ellen@wacaustin.org
Polina Anastassieva: polina@wacaustin.org

Business & Investment in Singapore
2022-07-25 17:30 - 19:30 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Singapore is a vibrant nerve center for business in Asia. The city-state has been consistently acknowledged as a global business hub featuring developed infrastructure, political stability, open business policies, a skilled workforce, and respect for intellectual property rights.
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin and our partners – the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, City of Austin, and other Austin Chambers of Commerce – as we explore business and investment opportunities in Singapore. Network with representatives from Enterprise Singapore. Hear from panelists representing Igloocompany and Cynopsis Solutions.
A growing number of U.S.-based businesses look to Singapore as a gateway to business in Asia. The reception focuses on the Singapore market as it relates to Austin businesses.
Topics for discussion include:

Manufacturing
Innovation and tech
Healthcare
Electronics
And more…

This important event is part of GAACC’s #MakeAustinGlobal initiative to connect Austin to international markets in Asia and beyond.

Event Agenda
5:30 | Check-In and Refreshments
6:00 | GAACC Welcome
6:10 | Panel Discussion
6:40 | Q&A
6:50 | Games & Prizes
7:00 | Networking
7:30 | Closing Remarks

Cover to Cover: A Voice Out of Poverty
2022-07-13 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Councils of America’s Cover to Cover webinar features author Jillian Haslam as she speaks about her new book: A Voice Out of Poverty.
A Voice Out of Poverty is a raw and inspiring memoir. Haslam tells the story of her childhood in the slums of Calcutta. Growing up in poverty, Haslam overcame disease, malnutrition, and tragedy. Despite the severity of her family’s living circumstances, she completed her education and landed her first major employment as a personal assistant to the CEO at Bank of America in India. Haslam rose through the ranks and is now dedicated to addressing the root causes of poverty through the Bank of America’s Charity and Diversity Network in India and her own nonprofit organizations. Her story speaks to the intersection of poverty, race, and gender. Register for our program to learn about Haslam’s memoir and current work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jillian Haslam was born in 1970 and raised primarily in the slums in Calcutta, where she faced a childhood of extreme poverty. Haslam is a renowned speaker and has appeared at countless prestigious organizations, including the University of Cambridge, Bank of America, Bank of England, PwC, Nova Nordisk, Barclays, and more. She also has been honored with a growing list of awards, including the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial International Award, The True Legend Award from The Telegraph, and the Asian Woman of the Year Award by The Independent. She has launched six nonprofits focused on educational programming for students.

Networking Reception with Austrian Startups
2022-06-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Austin Chamber of Commerce, 535 E. Fifth Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in collaboration with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, 3 Day Startup, and the U.S. Embassy in Vienna invites you to attend this celebration of Austrian entrepreneurship. This networking reception will highlight the Austria to Austin Student Startup Exchange. The Austria to Austin Exchange is an intense, high energy two-week exchange where twenty standout Austrian university students start early stage companies.
“A key part of the Austria to Austin Exchange program is introducing the next generation of global leaders to the city of Austin and all it has to offer as a creative and startup hub in the U.S.,” Erika Haskins, CEO of 3 Day Startup.
Hear from industry experts and these internationally-minded Austrian entrepreneurs elaborate on their early stage companies, and learn more about their plans to become innovation bridges between the U.S. and Austria!

From the Polish Cyber Frontlines to Texas. Lessons Learned and New US-EU Cybersecurity Opportunities
2022-06-22 12:00 - 14:00 | Capital Factory, 701 Brazos Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Explore way to learn from, and cooperate with, some of Poland’s most elite cybersecurity experts as they discuss their work in Europe combating one of the 21st centuries most pressing threats.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Panel, Lunch, & Networking: 12:00pm-2:00pm
Capital Factory, Captain America Room, 8th floor, 701 Brazos St, Austin, 78701
RSVP: Rafal.Sordyl (at) msz.gov.pl
