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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240920T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240920T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120053
CREATED:20240720T004055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240720T004055Z
UID:14110-1726817400-1726840800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Global Security Forum 2024
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Connecticut presents the Global Security Forum (GSF)\, which convenes the nation’s top leadership and experts to discuss security and strategy in the decisive decade to come. Panelists will explore areas in which acting now will be vital to advancing our national and global security interests. \nAgenda: \n7:30 am CT      Welcome and Opening Remarks \n2:00 pm CT         Forum Concludes \nThis is an ONLINE EVENT.  Purchase VIRTUAL TICKET via this link:
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/global-security-forum-2024/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:peace and conflict,Security
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SecurityForum.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240922T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240922T160000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120053
CREATED:20240407T232940Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240925T235557Z
UID:13965-1727002800-1727020800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Japan Business Seminar During Oita Festival
DESCRIPTION: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 “Doing Business in Japan” seminar. \nTexas 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 Q-Branch\, JETRO-Houston\, and the Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce. \nThe 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. \nREGISTER HERE!\n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/japan-business-seminar-during-oita-festival/
LOCATION:Long Center for the Performing Arts\, 701 W. Riverside Drive\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,Global Trade
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240923T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240923T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120053
CREATED:20240811T040916Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240811T041026Z
UID:14142-1727114400-1727118000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:WorldNow: Ronald Reagan - His Life & Legend with Max Boot
DESCRIPTION:Historian\, author\, and CFR foreign policy expert Max Boot reintroduces us to one of America’s most consequential and controversial presidents – and his lasting impact on the U.S. and the world. In conversation with Jim Falk. \n“A timely and fascinating book\, just what we need to understand\, and perhaps transcend\, our current age of political paralysis and polarization…Understanding Reagan is key to understanding our politics today.” –Walter Isaacson\, author of Elon Musk and Steve Jobs \nThe details:\nWhen: Monday\, September 23 | 7:00PM ET\nWhere: Zoom Webinar\nTickets: No charge | Register for Zoom link \nRegister Now\n\nWorldNow with Jim Falk is hosted by the World Affairs Council of Connecticut and Global Santa Fe. Presented in partnership with the Alaska World Affairs Council\, Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations\, Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations\, SMU Center for Presidential History\, World Affairs Council of Albuquerque\, World Affairs Council of Austin\, World Affairs Council of Colorado Springs\, World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads\, World Affairs Council of Houston\, World Affairs Council of Jacksonville\, World Affairs Council of Orange County\, World Affairs Council of South Texas\, World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts\, WorldOregon\, and Perspectives Matter. \n\nAbout the Book\n \nReagan: His Life & Legend by Max Boot\nSon of the Midwest\, movie star\, and mesmerizing politician—America’s fortieth President comes to three-dimensional life in this gripping and profoundly revisionist biography.  \nFrom best-selling biographer Max Boot comes this revelatory portrait\, a decade in the making\, of the actor-turned-politician whose telegenic leadership ushered in a transformative conservative era in American politics. Despite his fame as a Hollywood star and television host\, Reagan remained a man of profound contradictions\, even to those closest to him. Never resorting to either hagiography or hit job\, REAGAN charts his epic journey from Depression-era America to “Morning in America.” Providing fresh insight into “trickle-down economics\,” the Cold War’s end\, the Iran-Contra affair\, and so much more\, this definitive biography is as compelling a presidential biography as any in recent decades. Purchase Reagan: His Life & Legend here. \n\nAbout the Author\nMax Boot\, historian and foreign-policy analyst\, is a senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a columnist for the Washington Post. His New York Times bestseller\, The Road Not Taken: Edward Lansdale and the American Tragedy in Vietnam\, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Biography.\n \n  \n\nAbout the Moderator\nJim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth and Global Santa Fe’s Program Chair. Jim co-hosts Perspectives Matter\, a McCuistion Program\, that airs weekly on KERA-Dallas (PBS). He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/worldnow-ronald-reagan-his-life-legend-with-max-boot/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240925T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240925T193000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120053
CREATED:20240914T220008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240914T220008Z
UID:14073-1727289000-1727292600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: The Middle East – What is the Region's Future and the Role of the U.S.?
DESCRIPTION:Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues our world is experiencing. This month’s topic will be the Middle East. We will meet in the private dining room at 5280 Burger and Taphouse\, 7032 Wood Hollow Dr.\nThe Middle East – what is the region’s future and the role of the U.S.? \nThe Middle East is in a transition period with serious consequences beyond the region. From Israel’s war in Gaza\, Lebanon and the role of Iran\, Egypt\, the Emirates\, Saudi Arabia\, Turkey\, and even the Russians and Chinese\, the future of the region is uncertain\, especially the goal of a “two-state solution” given the Jewish settlements in the West Bank. \nLast month\, Dr. Steven Cook spoke to our WAC chapter on the Middle East in a Zoom program with WorldNewsNow. He is the author of the book “The End of Ambition: America’s Past\, Present and Future in the Middle East.” He suggests choosing priorities “based on interests that are achievable at an acceptable cost.” Dr. Cook recommends the phase-out of U.S. Military aid over the next decade while agreeing to treaties and agreements “guaranteeing cooperation on security\, technology\, and intelligence.” \nWhat is your perception of the situation—the issues and\, more importantly\, your ideas for a solution? Please join us for a lovely discussion. \nDr. Cooks’s presentation is on YouTube; if you have time to watch it—please see the link below. \nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INPW7p5m710 \n\n \nFor more details contact: \nEllen Murry\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: ellen.murry@yahoo.com \nPolina Anastassieva\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: polina@wacaustin.org
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-the-middle-east-what-is-the-regions-future-and-the-role-of-the-u-s/
LOCATION:5280 Burger and Taphouse\, 7032 Wood Hollow Dr\, Austin\, TX\, 78731\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social,Middle East
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241003T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241003T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20240214T224443Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240927T161155Z
UID:13801-1727944200-1727974800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:13th Annual Texas-European Union Business Summit
DESCRIPTION:In its 13th year\, the Texas-EU Business Summit is the premier event for Texas businesses\, entrepreneurs and economic development professionals seeking to expand their footprint in Europe. \nTexas is already the largest exporting state to the European Union. The Summit builds on that foundation\, focusing on promoting the international trade capacity of Texas businesses while creating greater awareness regarding the benefits of exporting. \nThe Texas-EU Business Summit sessions are led by business leaders\, trade and investment officials from EU countries\, trade policy experts and political officials. \n  \nEvent hosts include: \nThe World Affairs Council of Austin\,  \nCenter for European Studies at the University of Texas at Austin\, \nAustin Community College\, \nThe Consulate General of Ireland in Austin\, IDA Ireland\, \nAccess to Culture | Sharon Schweitzer J.D.\,  \nSlovak Pro\, \nTouch4IT\, \nHR4U\, \nTalent’em\, \nand \nPendas International
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/13th-annual-texas-european-union-business-summit/
LOCATION:San Jacinto Meeting Rooms\, 309 E 21st St\, Austin\, TX\, 78712\, United States
CATEGORIES:Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,Europe,Geopolitics,Global Trade
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241008T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241008T160000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20240801T234849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240925T234807Z
UID:14058-1728378000-1728403200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Discover Global Markets - Argentina\, Brazil\, Chile\, Colombia\, Mexico\, and Uruguay
DESCRIPTION:Discover Global Markets business development forum is the U.S. Department of Commerce’s annual flagship event series for U.S. exporters!   Join the World Affairs Council of Austin and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council members to:\n \n\nGain market insights from U.S. commercial diplomats and industry experts based at U.S. Embassies in the Americas.\nPaticipate in one-on-one meetings with U.S. government trade experts and other exporters.\nHear from private sector thought leaders about emerging sectors\, and regional strategies. \nLearn about updates to polices and regulations in the region relevant to your market growth.\nNetwork\, network\, network!\n\n\nCompelling reasons to do business in the region: \n\nClose Proximity – The Western Hemisphere region is a natural commercial partner of the United States\, tied closely together by geography\, history\, and culture.\nLargest Regional Market for U.S. Exports – The United States trades more with the Americas than any other region of the world. In 2023\, over $867 billion of U.S. merchandise exports went to the Western Hemisphere and trade with the region supports more than 3.2 million U.S. jobs (2021). Forty three percent of all U.S. merchandise exports flow to the Western Hemisphere.\nFree Trade Agreements – Twelve of our twenty free trade agreement partners are in the Western Hemisphere. In addition to tariff reduction\, free trade agreements also liberalize the services sectors and strengthen protections for U.S. investments\, patents\, trademarks\, and trade secrets.\nAffinity for U.S. Goods and Services – Countries in the region generally demonstrate a preference for U.S. goods and services so long as they are cost-competitive.\nNearshoring Trends Open New Opportunities – Recent nearshoring trends to the region are driving new opportunities for U.S. firms to sell into regional supply chains in key best prosect sectors including: aerospace & defense\, energy\, mining equipment\, environmental/clean technologies\, design & construction\, information & communication technologies\, healthcare and safety & security.\n\nRegistration Fee: $75 \n* This event is intended for exporters of U.S. goods and services. Priority for one-on-one meetings will be given to U.S. companies who are export-ready and follow the 51% U.S. content policy.   
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/discover-global-markets-brazil-chile-colombia-mexico/
LOCATION:Workforce Solutions North Career Center\, 9001 N IH 35\, Ste 110\, Austin\, TX\, 78753\, United States
CATEGORIES:Americas,Austin Center for Global Trade,Mexico
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241007T000123Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T000347Z
UID:14208-1729706400-1729710000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:WorldNow: America's Cold Warrior Paul Nitze and National Security
DESCRIPTION:Author James Graham Wilson joins us for another episode of WorldNow with Jim Falk on Paul Nitze\, America’s most influential national security strategist throughout the Cold War. \n“This book is not a stale history of an insignificant person. It is a well written\, fascinating story centered around a very influential man. It just happens that the man’s name is unknown to most\, even if his acts are not…America’s Cold Warrior is a book for the casual reader and policy wonk alike. If you enjoy history\, war\, or great biographies\, this book is for you.” – Global Security Review \nPurchase America’s Cold Warrior here | Buy on Barnes & Noble | Sundance Bookstore | Amazon \nThe details:\nWhen: Wednesday\, October 23 | 7:00PM ET \nWhere: Zoom Webinar \nTickets: No charge | Register for Zoom link \n \n\n\nAbout the Book\nAmerica’s Cold Warrior: Paul Nitze and National Security from Roosevelt to Reagan by James Graham Wilson \nIn America’s Cold Warrior\, James Graham Wilson traces Paul Nitze’s career path in national security after World War II\, a time when many of his mentors and peers returned to civilian life. Serving in eight presidential administrations\, Nitze commanded White House attention even when he was out of government\, especially with his withering criticism of Jimmy Carter during Carter’s presidency. While Nitze is perhaps best known for leading the formulation of NSC-68\, which Harry Truman signed in 1950\, Wilson contends that Nitze’s most significant contribution to American peace and security came in the painstaking work done in the 1980s to negotiate successful treaties with the Soviets to reduce nuclear weapons while simultaneously deflecting skeptics surrounding Ronald Reagan. America’s Cold Warrior connects Nitze’s career and concerns about strategic vulnerability to the post-9/11 era and the challenges of the 2020s\, where the United States finds itself locked in geopolitical competition with the People’s Republic of China and Russia. \nPurchase America’s Cold Warrior here | Buy on Barnes & Noble | Sundance Bookstore | Amazon \n\n\n\n\nAbout the Author\nJames Graham Wilson is a Historian at the US Department of State\, where he is currently responsible for editing volumes in the Foreign Relations of the United States series on arms control and national security during the Reagan Administration. In addition to America’s Cold Warrior\, he is also the author of The Triumph of Improvisation: Gorbachev’s Adaptability\, Reagan’s Engagement\, and the End of the Cold War. \nAbout the Moderator\nJim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Now residing in Santa Fe\, New Mexico he is member of the Board of Global Santa Fe where he chairs the program committee. Jim co-hosts Perspectives Matter\, a McCuistion Program\, that airs weekly on KERA-Dallas (PBS). He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/worldnow-americas-cold-warrior-paul-nitze-and-national-security/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,peace and conflict
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241023T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20240821T220614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240821T220614Z
UID:14165-1729706400-1729717200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Austin A-List Awards 2024
DESCRIPTION:The World Affairs Council of Austin and our partners at Opportunity Austin and SXSW are putting on the #ATXalist! The Austin A-LIST Awards introduces visionary founders and exciting new companies that create the most important audiences in Texas and beyond. There is an International Startup of the Year Award as well as several other impressive categories.  \nNominations are now open through August 26th. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAI (Artificial Intelligence) Standout Innovation Award\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Nominate \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecognizes AI innovation accomplishments through potential breakthrough technology\, processes\, or services.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInternational Startup of the Year Award\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Nominate \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecognizes an international startup company for their innovation and market positioning. The company must have relocated to the Austin region after January 1\, 2018.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nC-Suite Leader of Year Award\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Nominate \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecognizes leadership that empowers teams to be thought partners\, cultivates an ecosystem skillset\, and supports a broader group of stakeholders.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVenture Capital Firm of the Year Award\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Nominate \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecognizes leadership that empowers teams to be thought partners\, cultivates an ecosystem skillset\, and supports a broader group of stakeholders.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEmerging Startup of the Year Award\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Nominate \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecognizes leadership that empowers teams to be thought partners\, cultivates an ecosystem skillset\, and supports a broader group of stakeholders.\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGrowth Catalyst Awards\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Nominate \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRecognizes companies focused on growth\, acceleration\, and impact in five categories: Bootstrapped\, Seed\, Series A\, Series B\, Series C+. \n\nBootstrapped (Self-funded business)\nSeed ($1 million – $4 million)\nSeries A ($4 million – $15 million)\nSeries B ($15 million – $40 million)\nSeries C+ ($40 million – $100+ million)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPeople’s Choice Award\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis category will be judged by public voting. Voting should not include employees of a nominated company and you can only vote once. Which company are you willing to invest in for a financial return? \nVoting for this award will open after the nomination deadline on September 5th.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/austin-a-list-awards-2024/
LOCATION:Long Center for the Performing Arts\, 701 W. Riverside Drive\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,Global Trade
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241030T193000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241011T162146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241013T202549Z
UID:14075-1730313000-1730316600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: Aerospace and the Future of NASA
DESCRIPTION:The recent rescue mission that Musk’s SpaceX assisted with to bring the two stranded astronauts at the International Space Station back to Earth has led to a variety of questions about the future of Aerospace and NASA.With the increased privatization of the Aerospace industry\, what role will NASA continue to play?  Companies such as Firefly\, Icon\, and Umbra are all great examples of this trend. The question of funding in the private sector has shifted not just towards private capital but towards venture capitalists. Meanwhile\, the government sector is much more limited\, with fewer options such as grants or specialized programs. \nOne of the world’s most significant space events\, Space Business Week\, is held annually in Paris\, France. Taking this into consideration\, what is the best market or what market strategy should be implemented for the continuation of the growth of the aerospace industry? What about global competition in Aerospace with countries like China\, Japan\, and even Russia? With a massive expansion of the aerospace industry\, what lies ahead for funding and exploration?\n\n\nPlease join us for a lovely discussion.\nREGISTER HERE\nFor more details contact: \nEllen Murry\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: ellen.murry@yahoo.com \nPolina Anastassieva\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: polina@wacaustin.org
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-aerospace-and-the-future-of-nasa/
LOCATION:5280 Burger and Taphouse\, 7032 Wood Hollow Dr\, Austin\, TX\, 78731\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241106T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241106T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241011T160700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241011T160725Z
UID:14225-1730914200-1730919600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:An Evening with the Honorable Cónsul General Humberto Hernández Haddad
DESCRIPTION:Join your fellow members of the World Affairs Council of Austin for this special conversation with the Honorable Humberto Hernández Haddad\, Consul General of Mexico in Austin. \n \nAbout the Honorable Cónsul General Humberto Hernández Haddad: \nLaw degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Master in International Public Policies. National Prize “President Juarez” in 1972 for his constitutional thesis “Constitutional Analysis of the Reform Laws promulgated by President Juarez. His influence on Mexican political thought. ” \nFellow 1977-1978 from the Center for International Affairs of Harvard University\, Cambridge\, Massachusetts. Master’s Degree in International Public Policies from the School of advanced International Studies (SAIS) Johns Hopkins University\, Washington\, D.C\, 1980-1981. \nFederal Congressman for Tabasco\, Mexico\, from 1973 to 1976 and from 1979 to 1982. Chairman of the Science and Technology Commission of the Chamber of Deputies from 1979 to 1982. \nFederal Senator for Tabasco\, Mexico\, from 1982 to 1988. Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Commission 1982-1988. \nConsul General of Mexico in San Antonio\, Texas\, from April 1989 to June 1995. \nPresident of the Accredited Consular Association in South-Central Texas\, USA\, 1991-1995. \nNational Journalism Prize 2002 awarded at the Mexican Press Club. \nThe Government of the United States of America granted him the condecoration Commander´s Award for Public Service\, for his performance as Consul General of Mexico in the United States of America. \nHe received the “Orden de Mayo” condecoration\, as Grand Officer\, from the Government of the Republic of Argentina. \nIn 2012 he received the Silver Juchimán Award in Human Rights and for Peace. \nPublished books: “Colosio and Ruiz Massieu\, 20 years later” (September 2014); “The Missing Link” (Penguin Random House\, Grijalbo\, 2017). \nHe was president of the Mexican Academy of Social Security Law in 2017-2018. \nFrom December 1st. of 2018\, to May 31st. of 2024\, he was Undersecretary of Tourism of the Government of Mexico. \nFrom August 28th of 2019 to 27th August 2021\, he was General Coordinator of the Council for Tourism Diplomacy. \nLaw Professor at the Faculty of Law at UNAM (Number 754153).
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/an-evening-with-the-honorable-consul-general-humberto-hernandez-haddad/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,Mexico
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/CG-HumbertoHernandezHaddad.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241116T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241116T150000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20240925T234524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241115T192124Z
UID:14160-1731756600-1731769200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:9th Annual Passport to the World
DESCRIPTION:Join members of the World Affairs Council of Austin and Austin Sister Cities International ASCI on Saturday\, November 16 from 11:30am – 3pm at Austin Central Library\, Austin Public Library (710 W Cesar Chavez) for the Annual Passport to the World International Family-Friendly Festival. \nEnjoy an afternoon of FREE programming exploring Austin’s rich international community through live performances\, interactive games and crafts\, and much more! Learn about all of Austin’s incredible Sister Cities with fun\, hands on booths and activities by our sister cities. \nREGISTER HERE\nAustin Sister Cities \n-ADELAIDE (AUSTRALIA) \n-ANGERS (FRANCE) \n-ANTALYA (TURKEY) \n-GWANGMYEONG (SOUTH KOREA) \n-KOBLENZ (GERMANY) \n-LONDON BOROUGH OF HACKNEY (UK) \n-LIMA (PERU) \n-MASERU (LESOTHO) \n-OITA (JAPAN) \n-PUNE (INDIA) \n-SALTILLO (MEXICO) \n-TAICHUNG (TAIWAN) \n-XISHUANGBANNA (CHINA)
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/9th-annual-passport-to-the-world/
LOCATION:Austin Central Library\, 710 West Cesar Chavez Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78701\, United States
CATEGORIES:cultural,educational
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241120T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241120T200000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241110T231724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241110T231724Z
UID:14071-1732127400-1732132800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: The U.S. and Mexico Relationship - What’s Next?
DESCRIPTION:Mexico is our largest trading partner—almost $800 billion last year. Our border includes four states and is nearly 2\,000 miles long. Both of our countries are trying to address numerous concerns. Mexico has its first female president and issues like the criminal drug cartels and immigration on its southern border. Finally\, a new administration will take office in January. Rhetoric aside\, how will our policies impact this relationship in the coming years? \nPlease join us for a very lively discussion on a rather serious topic. \n \nFor more details contact: \nEllen Murry\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: ellen.murry@yahoo.com \nPolina Anastassieva\, Co-chair\, of the Globalist Coffeehouse: polina@wacaustin.org
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-the-u-s-and-mexico-relationship-whats-next/
LOCATION:5280 Burger and Taphouse\, 7032 Wood Hollow Dr\, Austin\, TX\, 78731\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social,Mexico
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241203T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241203T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241008T235000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241012T003223Z
UID:14220-1733248800-1733259600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Member Holiday Party
DESCRIPTION:Save the date for the Member Holiday Party!\n\nMore details coming soon.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/member-holiday-party/
CATEGORIES:Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/aieo9Gr9T-e1728693129288.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241212T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241212T120000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241209T235448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241209T235448Z
UID:14276-1734001200-1734004800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:The World Ahead 2025 with Tom Standage
DESCRIPTION:Each year\, The Economist publishes The World Ahead series: an informed prediction of the major themes that will dominate the coming year. Spanning topics from politics to technology to sociology and more\, this series edited by Tom Standage is as ambitious as it is awe-inspiring. On December 12\, Standage rejoins the the World Affairs Councils to discuss his publication’s analysis for 2025 in this ONLINE conversation with Jim Falk\, the host of WorldNow. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/the-world-ahead-2025-with-tom-standage/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/The-World-Ahead-2025.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250109T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250109T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241210T000118Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241210T001258Z
UID:14280-1736445600-1736449200@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Most Honorable Son with Gregg Jones: A Forgotten Hero’s Fight Against Fascism
DESCRIPTION:Join your fellow World Affairs Council of Austin members for the first WorldNow virtual conversation of 2025.  Author Gregg Jones introduces us to Ben Kuroki\, who enlisted following Pearl Harbor and eventually became the first Asian American and only Japanese American to fight in the Pacific theater during WWII. Ben’s vocal championing of anti-bigotry\, patriotism\, and honor spurred the Roosevelt Administration to reconsider the incarceration of more than 100\,000 Japanese Americans on the West Coast. \nREGISTER HERE \nWorldNow with Jim Falk is hosted by the World Affairs Council of Connecticut and Global Santa Fe. Presented in partnership with the Asia Society – Texas\, Alaska World Affairs Council\, Colorado Springs World Affairs Council\, Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations\, Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations\, World Affairs Council of Albuquerque\, World Affairs Council of Austin\, World Affairs Council of Charlotte\, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth\, World Affairs Council of Hampton Roads\, World Affairs Council of Houston\, World Affairs Council of Jacksonville\, World Affairs Council of Orange County\, World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts\, WorldOregon\, and Perspectives Matter. \n\nAbout the Author\nA long-time foreign correspondent and investigative journalist\, Pulitzer Prize finalist Gregg Jones has covered civil wars and insurgencies in Asia and Latin America\, the fall of Asia’s two longest-ruling twentieth-century dictators\, and the early months of the U.S. war in Afghanistan. \nHe is the author of the acclaimed nonfiction books Honor in the Dust: Theodore Roosevelt\, War in the Philippines\, and the Rise and Fall of America’s Imperial Dream\, and Last Stand at Khe Sanh: The U.S. Marines’ Finest Hour in Vietnam\, which received the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s General Wallace M. Greene Jr. Award for distinguished nonfiction. \nAbout the Host\nJim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Now residing in Santa Fe\, NM\, he is Vice Chairman of the Board of Global Santa Fe. In addition to hosting WorldNow with Jim Falk\, Jim produces and hosts The Forum\, a weekly talk show on KSFR-FM\, Santa Fe Public Radio. Jim also hosts Perspectives Matter\, which airs weekly on KERA-Dallas (PBS). He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. \n\nAbout the Book\nMost Honorable Son: A Forgotten Hero’s Fight Against Fascism and Hate During World War II by Gregg Jones \nThe first comprehensive biography of unjustly forgotten war hero Ben Kuroki\, a Japanese American farm boy from Nebraska who flew fifty-eight combat missions\, fighting the Axis Powers during World War II and battled racism\, injustice\, and prejudice on the home front.\nBen Kuroki was a twenty-four-year-old Japanese American farm boy whose heritage was never a problem in remote Nebraska–until Pearl Harbor. Among the millions of Americans who flocked to military stations to enlist\, Ben wanted to avenge the attack\, reclaim his family honor\, and prove his patriotism. But as anti-Japanese sentiment soared\, Ben had to fight to be allowed to fight for America. And fight he did. \nAs a gunner on Army Air Forces bombers\, Ben flew fifty-eight missions spanning three combat theaters: Europe\, North Africa\, and the Pacific. In between his tours in Europe and the Pacific\, he challenged FDR’s shameful incarceration of more than one hundred thousand people of Japanese ancestry in America\, and he would be credited by some with setting in motion the debate that reversed a grave national dishonor. In the euphoric wake of America’s victory\, the decorated war hero used his national platform to carry out what he called his “fifty-ninth mission\,” urging his fellow Americans to do more to eliminate bigotry and racism at home. \nTold in full for the first time\, and long overdue\, Ben’s extraordinary story is a quintessentially American one of patriotism\, principle\, perseverance\, and courage. It’s about being in the vanguard of history\, the bonding of a band of brothers united in a just cause\, a timeless and unflinching account of racial bigotry\, and one man’s transcendent sense of belonging–in war\, in peace\, abroad\, and at home. \nGet a copy of Most Honorable Son on Bookshop.org and support local bookstores.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/most-honorable-son-with-gregg-jones-a-forgotten-heros-fight-against-fascism/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:educational
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Most-Honorable-Son-Cover-Image-845x321-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250116T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250116T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241214T191156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241216T232708Z
UID:14294-1737048600-1737054000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Africa: Issues and Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:The continent of Africa comprises 54 vibrant\, geographically and culturally diverse countries with over 2\,000 languages and 1.5 billion people. By 2050\, one in every four humans will be African. What will its global role as a region and even individual countries be in the 21st century? How will climate change issues with the resulting drought and famine\, warfare\, and exploitation of geographical resources play out in the following decades? While the Western media tends to focus on the region’s negative aspects\, opportunities are associated with a thriving economy in certain countries and territories. It is a continent of remarkable contrast and one we should know. \nLarry Andre is a retired Ambassador with a 38-year career in global public affairs. He was our ambassador to Somalia\, Djibouti\, Mauritania\, and numerous other State Department postings throughout Africa. Former Ambassador Andre lectures on Contemporary African Policy Issues at the LBJ School of Public Affairs\, University of Texas. \nREGISTER HERE\n 
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/africa-issues-and-opportunities/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Africa,Ambassador
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LarryAndre-e1734203461203.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250123T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250123T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241210T000753Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241210T001540Z
UID:14285-1737655200-1737658800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Priorities for the New Administration with H.R. McMaster
DESCRIPTION:Join your fellow World Affairs Council of Austin members for this special WorldNow virtual conversation.  Lt. Gen. (ret.) H.R. McMaster served for 13 months as President Trump’s National Security Advisor. Just two days after the inaugural\, he joins us to break down the critical national security and foreign policy priorities that will shape the next four years. \nMcMaster is also the author of War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House. \nREGISTER HERE\nAbout the Speaker\nLt. General H. R. McMaster (US Army\, Ret.) is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. General McMaster was the 26th National Security Advisor to President Donald J. Trump from February 2017 to April 2018. Upon graduation from the U.S. Military Academy\, he served as a commissioned officer for 34 years in the Army before retiring in June 2018. \nMcMaster earned a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the author of several books including At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House; Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World and Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson\, Robert McNamara\, the Joint Chiefs of Staff\, and the Lies that Led to Vietnam. \nAdditionally\, General McMaster hosts Battlegrounds: Vital Perspectives on Today’s Challenges\, a podcast produced by the Hoover Institution. He is a Distinguished University Fellow at Arizona State University. \nAbout the Host\nJim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Now residing in Santa Fe\, NM\, he is Vice Chairman of the Board of Global Santa Fe. In addition to hosting WorldNow with Jim Falk\, Jim produces and hosts The Forum\, a weekly talk show on KSFR-FM\, Santa Fe Public Radio. Jim also hosts Perspectives Matter\, which airs weekly on KERA-Dallas (PBS). He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/priorities-for-the-new-administration-with-h-r-mcmaster/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/McMaster-WorldNow1-2024.png
ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250129T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250129T193000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250120T162518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250120T162518Z
UID:14315-1738175400-1738179000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: Africa
DESCRIPTION:The topic is Africa: Issues and Opportunities. \nThe continent of Africa comprises 54 vibrant\, geographically and culturally diverse countries with over 2\,000 languages and 1.5 billion people. By 2050\, one of every four humans will be African. What will its global role as a region and even individual countries be in the 21st century? How will climate change issues with the resulting drought and famine\, warfare\, and exploitation of geographical resources play out in the following decades? While the Western media tends to focus on the negative aspects of the region\, there are also the opportunities associated with a thriving economy in certain countries and even regions. It is a continent of remarkable contrast and one we should know. \nPlease register using the link below and join us for a lively discussion on a serious topic.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-africa/
LOCATION:5280 Burger and Taphouse\, 7032 Wood Hollow Dr\, Austin\, TX\, 78731\, United States
CATEGORIES:Africa,Member Social
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250215T130000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241011T164339Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250205T224104Z
UID:14237-1739613600-1739624400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:2025 Central Texas Academic WorldQuest™ Competition
DESCRIPTION:REGISTION HAS ENDED for your high school team on February 5th at 5:00 pm if your team is ready to compete in the Central Texas Academic WorldQuest™ (AWQ) competition. \nEach 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 (April 27-29\, 2025).  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. \nThe 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. \nWhat is it? \nAcademic 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! \nJoin the competition! \nDate: Saturday\, February 15\, 2025 at Austin Community College’s Highland Campus from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm \n  \nRegistration Information \nTeams 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 BEFORE 5:00 pm on February 5\, 2025. \nHow do we prepare? \nAcademic WorldQuest™ competition student study guide is available here. \n2024-2025 AWQ Topics \n• The United States and Foreign Languages \n• Critical Minerals in Africa \n• Nontraditional Approaches to Foreign Policy \n• Space and National Security \n• Indigenous Peacebuilding \n• Music and Globalization \n• Borders and Boundaries \n• Great Decisions \n• Country in Focus: Mexico 2025 \n• Current Events
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/2025-central-texas-academic-worldquest-competition/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Academic-WorldQuest-logo.png
ORGANIZER;CN="UT Center for European Studies":MAILTO:ces@austin.utexas.edu
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250219T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250219T193000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250204T201149Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T164942Z
UID:14329-1739989800-1739993400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: Economic Migration Around the World
DESCRIPTION:Please join us for the Globalist Coffeehouse at the 5280 Burger and Taphouse\,  7032 Wood Hollow Dr\, on WEDNESDAY\, February 19th\, at 6:30 p.m.  \n\n \nEconomic Migration Around the World\n\nThroughout history\, migration has played a key role in the establishment of borders\, territories\, and countries. Think of nomads traveling across vast types of lands and vegetation in order to continue moving onward\, despite not having an established settlement. Yet\, their influence plays a key in how future settlements came about.\n\nFast forward to the present day\, the level of international reliance on one another- in economic terms- has become a major factor in how we conduct business; it is difficult to imagine otherwise.\n\nWhen it comes to specific policies\, each country has its own understanding in regards to refugees\, immigration\, and ultimately a path towards citizenship. Although the process might be varied\, all countries agree that they want a positive contribution within their borders. However\, what happens when there are anomalies? What regulations should be set in place in order to adhere to the laws? What implications might climate change\, catastrophe\, or war play in how a country dictates its immigration policy?\n\n\nPlease join us for a lively discussion.\n\n\nFor non-members: Please register first to receive your invitation as a guest.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-economic-migration-around-the-world/
LOCATION:5280 Burger and Taphouse\, 7032 Wood Hollow Dr\, Austin\, TX\, 78731\, United States
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics,migration
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Globalist-logo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250227T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250205T214347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250207T164849Z
UID:14322-1740677400-1740682800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Brexit 5 Years Later - Where are We Now\, and What are the Future Implications?
DESCRIPTION:In 2020\, the UK left the EU. What were the expectations\, and where are we now? It’s said that Brexit will cost the UK economy 4% of GDP over the long term. Today\, polls show that most individuals in the UK regret the decision. And what about its impact on the EU? Who has benefited from this action? Many would say Ireland and even the EU as corporations moved from London to Dublin\, Paris\, or other European cities and even countries to remain in the EU. There is talk of a “reset” with a focus from the EU perspective on long-term fishing rights and freedom of movement. Finally\, and perhaps most significantly\, what are the implications for both organizations\, the UK and the EU\, with new US administrations’ tariff policies on imports and potentially disengaging from NATO?\n\n\nDr. Michael W. Mosser is the Director of the University of Texas at Austin Center for European Studies (CES). He is also an Associate Professor of Instruction with a joint appointment in the Department of Government and the International Relations and Global Studies (IRG) program. He is a Distinguished Scholar at the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law and was the Executive Director of the Global Disinformation Lab (GDIL) from 2022 to 2024. \n\n\n\nDr. William Nichols is the Chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Policy\, Global Studies\, and Political Science at St. Edwards University. He has taught various courses over the years\, focusing in particular on International Relations\, European Politics\, American Foreign Relations\, and Strategic Intelligence. Dr. Nichols is active in global initiatives on the St. Edwards campus and abroad. He has led 12 European and Asian study programs.\n\n\n\n\nFor non-members: Please register first to receive your invitation as a guest.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/brexit-5-years-later-where-are-we-now-and-what-are-the-future-implications/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Europe,Geopolitics,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Brexit-Speakers-2025.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250304T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250304T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250205T220535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T224918Z
UID:14313-1741109400-1741114800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Commander Jonathan Norris\, Naval Aviator and Foreign Area Officer
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an engaging talk with Commander Jonathan Norris\, a distinguished Naval Aviator and Foreign Area Officer. With over 19 years of service\, CDR Norris brings a wealth of experience from his diverse roles in aviation\, leadership\, and international relations. From piloting helicopters in the Middle East to serving as a military advisor in Washington DC and managing defense cooperation in Azerbaijan and Egypt\, his career spans crucial aspects of modern military operations and diplomacy. Currently a Federal Executive Fellow at UT Austin’s Clements Center for National Security\, CDR Norris offers unique insights into leadership\, national security\, and defense strategy. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a decorated officer whose career embodies the multifaceted nature of today’s naval service. \n \nFor non-members: Please register first to receive your invitation as a guest.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/commander-jonathan-norris-naval-aviator-and-foreign-area-officer/
LOCATION:Neill-Cochran House Museum\, 2310 San Gabriel Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78705\, United States
CATEGORIES:Geopolitics
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IMG_2494.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250307T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250307T213000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250228T183743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T183743Z
UID:14384-1741370400-1741383000@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Polish Tech Innovation Networking Night
DESCRIPTION:Join the World Affairs Council of Austin’s partner organizations for an exciting evening of innovation\, culture\, and networking at the Polish Tech Innovation Networking Night during SXSW on March 9th! This exclusive event will showcase Poland’s brightest tech companies\, offering a unique opportunity to meet the minds behind the cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of tech. \nMORE DETAILS AND REGISTRATION HERE
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/polish-tech-innovation-networking-night/
LOCATION:Thompson Hotel\, 506 San Jacinto Boulevard\, Austin\, TX\, 78701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,Europe,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:http://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Polish-Networking-SXSW-2025.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250309T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250309T200000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250228T192855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T192855Z
UID:14394-1741516200-1741550400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Slovak House at SXSW
DESCRIPTION:REGISTRATION CLOSED EVENT AT CAPACITY\n  \nBridging Slovakia & Texas for Unstoppable Business Growth\n​Texas is where businesses grow fast\, and Slovakia is where world-class ideas and innovations come from. Join us at Slovak House 2025\, a high-energy\, one-day event designed for entrepreneurs\, investors\, and professionals eager to expand in Texas – the land of limitless opportunities! \n​Join World Affairs Council of Austin’s President\, Mortada Mohamed at this all day networking event about real opportunities. You’ll hear from Slovak companies breaking into the U.S. market\, meet people who know how to succeed in Texas\, and get straight talk from those who’ve done it. \n​If you want to learn how to expand\, invest\, or partner in one of the most business-friendly states in the U.S.\, this is the room you need to be in. \n​REGISTRATION CLOSED EVENT AT CAPACITY\n​PROGRAM – SLOVAK HOUSE \n​📌 10:30 AM – Welcome to Slovak House\nRadovan Javorcik – Ambassador of Slovakia to the United States\nAndrea Hrusovska – Chief People Officer at Slovak PRO \n📌 10:50 AM – Business Friendly Slovakia\nVladimir Lackovic – Special Representative to the U.S. for Trade and Investment\, SARIO – Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency\nNikola Kmecova – FDI Consultant\, SARIO – Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency \n​📌 11:20 AM – TEDx Talk: Slovak Success in the U.S.\nVlado Hruda – Product Manager\, Miro \n​📌 11:40 AM – Quick Pitch Session\n15 Slovak companies\, 60 seconds each \n​📌 12:00 PM – PANEL 1: Practical Foundations for Success in Texas\nPanel of lawyers: Dave Quinn\, John Sigety & Martin Valko\nModerator: Erin McKelvey – President\, EACC of Texas \n📌 13:00 PM – Networking Lunch \n​📌 2:00 PM – PANEL 2: The Austin Ecosystem – Your Growth Partner\nMarcos Cervantes – CEO of Q-Branch\nMortada Mohamed – President\, World Affairs Council of Austin\nScott Smith – Director of Economic Development\, City of Cedar Park\nDavid Steele – Director\, Plug and Play Sportstech \n​📌 3:00 PM – KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Texas – The Land of Opportunity\nTexas Secretary of State Jane Nelson \n​📌 3:20 PM – Coffee & Networking \n​📌 3:40 PM – Quick Pitch Session (Round 2)\n15 Slovak companies\, 60 seconds each \n​📌 4:00 PM – Achieving Success in America\nGrant Mitterlehner – CEO of MittGroup \n​📌 4:30 PM – TEDx Talk: Slovak AI Innovation Changing America\nNiko Dubovsky – Co-founder of SuperCity AI \n​📌 4:40 PM – Closing Remarks \n​📌 5:00 – 8:00 PM – Networking with Slovak food and drinks \nOrganizers & Partners: \n​SARIO – Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency | Slovak PRO | Embassy of Slovakia in Washington D.C. | Consulate of Slovakia in Texas | European Union | Programme Slovakia | HR4U \n​
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/slovak-house-at-sxsw/
CATEGORIES:Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,Europe,Global Trade
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:http://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SlovakHouse-SXSW-2025.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250310T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250310T230000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250228T184923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T185222Z
UID:14388-1741624200-1741647600@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:CZECH Night at SXSW
DESCRIPTION:Join the World Affairs Council of Austin’s partners and experience the best of Czech innovation\, entrepreneurship\, and culture at the inaugural Czech House @ SXSW 2025! \n​Kick off the evening with a flagship Pitch Event\, where visionary Czech startups take the stage to showcase groundbreaking ideas. Then\, connect with industry leaders\, investors\, and creatives at a networking reception\, featuring a welcome speech by the Czech Minister of Industry and Trade\, Lukáš Vlček. As the night unfolds\, immerse yourself in exclusive live performances\, bringing the energy of the Czech music scene to Austin. \nSEE DETAILS AND REGISTER FOR CZECH NIGHT HERE\nSEE CZECH SCHEDULE OF SXSW EVENTS HERE
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/czech-night-at-sxsw/
CATEGORIES:Business,Europe
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/avif:http://wacaustin.org/wp2015/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CZECH-Night-SXSW-2025.avif
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250311T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250311T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20241214T192310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250308T174541Z
UID:14299-1741694400-1741726800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Asia x Austin International Market Summit
DESCRIPTION:The Asia x Austin International Market Summit returns for 2025! \nIn “Asian Market Briefings” we’ll hear from international trade experts and country representatives about business and investment opportunities in some of Asia’s most dynamic and robust markets. Hong Kong\, Japan\, Malaysia and India. \nEvent Launch Agenda: \n12:00 | Registration\n12:30 | GAACC Welcome & Summit Sponsors\n12:45 | Regional Economic Ecosystem\n12:50 | Why Austin\n1:00 | Central Texas Cities\n1:30 | Asian Markets Briefings\n2:30 | Closing Remarks \n  \nDETAILS for Full Day AND RSVP HERE
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/asia-x-austin-international-market-summit-2/
LOCATION:Austin Central Library\, 710 West Cesar Chavez Street\, Austin\, TX\, 78701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Asia,Business,Global Trade
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250319T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250319T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250211T235959Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T000033Z
UID:14368-1742407200-1742410800@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:WorldNow: The Future of Borders with Edward Alden
DESCRIPTION:Join your fellow World Affairs Council of Austin members for this WorldNow virtual conversation.  In its first few weeks\, the Trump administration announced sweeping changes to immigration policy – from mass deportations and a migrant detention center at Guantanamo Bay to suspending asylum and trying to restrict birthright citizenship. What is the cost of these policies – to citizens and noncitizens alike? \nCFR’s Edward Alden joins us on WorldNow with Jim Falk to explain the economic\, social\, and international impact of the new administration’s border policies and mass deportations. \n \n\nMeet the Author\nEdward Alden is Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. Alden’s career spans more than three decades in journalism\, think tanks\, and academia. He was the bureau chief for the Financial Times newspaper in Toronto\, Canada\, and Washington\, DC before joining the Council on Foreign Relations in 2007. \nIn addition to his own books and articles\, he has worked with senior US policymakers on in-depth investigations of issues such as US immigration policy\, US trade policy\, border security\, and the future of work. Since 2019 he has also been a visiting professor at Western Washington University\, and he currently writes a column for Foreign Policy. \nMeet the Host\nJim Falk is President Emeritus of the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth. Now residing in Santa Fe\, NM\, he is Vice Chairman of the Board of Global Santa Fe. In addition to hosting WorldNow with Jim Falk\, Jim produces and hosts The Forum\, a weekly talk show on KSFR-FM\, Santa Fe Public Radio. Jim also hosts Perspectives Matter\, which airs weekly on KERA-Dallas (PBS). He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. \n\nWhen the World Closed Its Doors: The Covid-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders by Edward Alden and Laurie Trautman \nA detailed exploration of the most sweeping government border closures in human history during the Covid-19 pandemic and the implications for the future of global mobility.\nIn When the World Closed Its Doors\, Edward Alden and Laurie Trautman tell the story of how nearly every country in the world shut its borders to respond to an external threat and explain how this global shock to the system ended up transforming state border policies around the world. \nThey detail the consequences of the COVID border restrictions – couples separated for years\, children blocked from reuniting with their parents\, container ship workers moving essential goods trapped at sea\, pregnant citizens barred from returning home – and explain why governments used their harshest containment measures on those coming from outside. \nThroughout\, Alden and Trautman focus on human stories to show the multiple impacts that states’ increasing restrictiveness has had – economic\, demographic\, social\, and political. And the fallout continues: governments left unchecked will continue to restrict borders with little regard to the collateral damage and disruption they cause. \nA sweeping overview of the re-bordering of the world\, both during and after 2020\, this synthetic\, wide-angle view of a singular shock to the international systems of travel and migration highlights why citizens need better protections and governments more robust guardrails. \nGet a copy of When the World Closed Its Doors
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/worldnow-the-future-of-borders-with-edward-alden/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:educational,Geopolitics,Security
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ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250326T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250326T193000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250312T230819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250312T230819Z
UID:14402-1743013800-1743017400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Globalist Coffeehouse: The "World Order" and US National Security in Transition
DESCRIPTION:The “World Order” that has defined American “National Security” since the years after WWII is now in transition. What does this mean for the US and the rest of the world? US National Security was previously defined as containing the spread of Communism\, encouraging democracy\, creating a transnational economic system based on the dollar\, and promoting economic growth and stability for countries and our multinational corporations.  \nHow will “National Security” be determined in the future? What policies will result from this transition as it relates to US allies and adversaries? Some would use the term “pivot.” Others view it more ominously as the end of the post-World War II era and a new one that appears more transactional\, centered in national self-interest at the expense of alliances\, and less interested in shared responsibilities and democratic values.\nREGISTER HERE
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/globalist-coffeehouse-the-world-order-and-us-national-security-in-transition/
LOCATION:5280 Burger and Taphouse\, 7032 Wood Hollow Dr\, Austin\, TX\, 78731\, United States
CATEGORIES:Member Social
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250331T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250331T120000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250322T192423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250322T192423Z
UID:14408-1743418800-1743422400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Foreign Policy ONLINE Town Hall with Senator Chris Murphy
DESCRIPTION:Join fellow World Affairs Councilmembers from across the nation for a town hall on U.S. Foreign Policy. We’ll address the massive changes to the State Department\, the role of the U.S. in conflicts around the world\, and relationships with allies and adversaries alike. \nREGISTER HERE\nAbout Senator Murphy\n \nU.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT)\, is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee; the Health\, Education\, Labor\, and Pensions Committee; and the Appropriations Committee. He previously served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives\, representing Connecticut’s fifth congressional district. Before being elected to Congress\, he served for eight years in the Connecticut state legislature.
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/foreign-policy-online-town-hall-with-senator-chris-murphy/
LOCATION:ONLINE
CATEGORIES:diplomatic,educational,Geopolitics
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ORGANIZER;CN="World Affairs Council of Connecticut":MAILTO:info@ctwac.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T093000
DTSTAMP:20260430T120054
CREATED:20250401T224933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250405T213949Z
UID:14424-1744272000-1744277400@wacaustin.org
SUMMARY:Quebec Semiconductor Delegation Reception
DESCRIPTION:You’re invited to a networking breakfast welcoming a trade delegation of Québec semiconductor companies \nThe Québec Government\, the World Affairs Council of Austin\, the Global Affairs Society\, and St. Edwards University would like to invite you to connect with companies in the semiconductor sector. This event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas\, build professional relationships\, and strengthen the connections that drive the Austin and Québec semiconductor industries forward. \nWe hope you will join us for a dynamic discussion as we continue collaborating to shape the future of global trade in this thriving industry. \n  \nPlease RSVP to: Eglantine Pauvarel Moss eglantine.pauvarelmoss@mri.gouv.qc.ca
URL:http://wacaustin.org/event/quebec-semiconductor-reception/
LOCATION:St. Edwards University\, 3001 S Congress Avenue\, Austin\, TX\, 78704\, United States
CATEGORIES:Americas,Austin Center for Global Trade,Business,Global Trade
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