World Affairs Council of Austin

Globalist Coffeehouse: Food Diplomacy
2021-05-20 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | ONLINE
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing. Depending on COVID-19 numbers, we hope to host an in-person series of the Globalist in June or July!
This month’s topic is:
Food Diplomacy
“Food Diplomacy” can be described as an interesting international business strategy that can bring countries together or even divide them. Think back to the days when kings would host banquets and lure their enemies to share secrets. At the same time, food has also brought us closer. Think about all the varying restaurants and neighborhoods in our country – Thai, Persian, Indian, even Italian.
What about cultural and religious food taboos in business and diplomacy? What is the role of food as “soft power” or food scarcity as a source of conflict, especially as we face the impact of climate change? Let’s discuss some of your own business and personal culinary experiences abroad. Food always has and will be a common denominator amidst all our differences.

For more details contact:

Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC management team
polina@wacaustin.org

NATO 2030: Strengthening the Alliance to Address New Security Threats
2021-05-17 12:00 - 2021-05-27 17:00 | ONLINE
With the next Summit of Allied Leaders set to take place at NATO headquarters in Brussels on June 14, the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA) will host a forward-looking online speaker series from May 17th-27th. High-level NATO officials and ambassadors from Allied countries will discuss the following critical topics:
May 17th: “NATO as Strategic Anchor – Arms Control and Russia”
May 19th: “21st Century Dilemmas of a Nuclear Alliance”
May 20th: “Climate, Security, and Green Defense”
May 24th: “Outer Space as a Domain”
May 25th: “Energy Security and Resilient Trade”
May 27th: “Emerging and Disruptive Technology (EDT) and Cybersecurity”

Visit the NATO2030 Series Website!

NOTE: Separate registration is required for each and every program in this special series.

Texas-Europe Union Business Seminar and Summit Online Preview
2021-05-11 09:30 - 13:00 | ONLINE
After a year off due to the global shutdown, the Summit is back with a virtual mini-event preview on May 11th and a full day in-person event scheduled for September 21, 2021. Participants in the May event will be briefed on the business climate and opportunities within key EU markets and sectors. They will also have the opportunity to interact and make connections with European trade representatives.
Agenda

9:30am
Welcome Remarks

9:45am
EU Market Access Part I: Ireland, Italy and Luxembourg

Highlights three very different EU nations with compelling stories to tell: Ireland, Italy, and Luxembourg. Seasoned trade representatives from each country describe what sets their country apart and discusses the opportunities it offers.

10:30am
EU Market Access Part II: Pomerania, Poland and Hungary

Takes a look at the fast-growing countries and regions at Europe’s heart. While they share many advantages, there are differences as well. Panelists will highlight both similarities and differences as well as what they mean for Texas businesses.

11:30am
A New Digital Humanism: A European perspective for tech companies on both sides of the Atlantic

Austria is leading initiatives in tech diplomacy and cultural tech diplomacy. This discussion will highlight the experience of companies working with artists and governments on how technology can change and shape our common future and help us overcome our most pressing global challenges based on a set of common principles and values.

12:15pm
Healthcare and Cleantech: Sustainable Growth and New Transatlantic Opportunities in Science Innovation

Healthcare and Cleantech: Sustainable Growth and New Transatlantic Opportunities in Science Innovation. As the pandemic and previous administrations fade into hindsight, we take a dive into the shifts in investment and business environments, the impact of technology adoption across advances in healthtech and renewables alike, and the opportunities that we anticipate to unfold over this year.

12:55pm
Closing Remarks

1:00pm
End of Program

The May 11th Texas EU-Business Summit preview speakers bios and registration are available here:

Ambassador Hyoeun Jenny Kim among Featured Speakers in April
2021-04-26 18:00 - 19:30 | ONLINE
April events:
6th at 12:00pm Kozmetsky Forum featuring Donovan Blaylock, Research Principal at Sailpoint, on Cybersecurity Threats and Challenges//
15th at 10:00am Europe Webinar Series: Doing Business in Germany //
15th at 6:30pm Globalist Coffeehouse on the Quad and its Role in the Indo-Pacific //
16th at 9:00am UK Fireside Chat on Smart Cities with British Consul General Richard Hyde //
19th-25th Climate Week 2021 featuring Ambassador Hyoeun Jenny Kim, Deputy Director-General of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) //

UK Fireside Chat on Smart Cities
2021-04-16 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) host a series of fireside chats. Learn from successful entrepreneurs who have successfully expanded their business to the UK. Find out what worked well as they share their lessons and tips on how to make global expansion work for your business. The Fireside chat series is live and interactive; attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. The series will be recorded as a podcast if you can’t attend each session.
During this session, Consul General Richard Hyde will talk with Paul Kallee-Grover, Group Planning Director for the Leith Group. He is a chartered city planner and economist who advises clients on all aspects of commercial development and real estate. Paul is also the CFO & VP of Investor Relations at the Barcelona based CREA IDEA LAB where he provides expertise in Smart Building & Urban Development globally for smart cities.
Paul is a regular speaker on inward investment and exporting goods and services and has been an Export Champion for the UK government since 2013. In 2018 he was awarded an inaugural Board of Trade Award in recognition of his role in international trade with a specific focus on his work in North America and Asia. In 2019 Paul was invited to become an Export Champion for the Northern Powerhouse. Paul is also an expert in Foreign Direct Investment from overseas markets into British businesses and UK real estate.

The Leith Group is a fast moving and dynamic company, built on a strong foundation of family values and providing exceptional client care. Leith Group provide a range of professional services across the UK, to both national and international clients with a vision to become the most trusted and respected brand in the development industry.

Globalist Coffeehouse on the Quad and its Role in the Indo-Pacific
2021-04-15 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
The Austin World Affairs Council, in association with the San Antonio WAC Young Professionals, will host the Globalist Coffeehouse on Thursday, April 15th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The topic is:

The “Quad” and its role in the Indo-Pacific as a counterbalance to China.
Recently, the Quad has been in the news. Since 2004 the “Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,” composed of Australia, India, Japan, and the US, has been meeting informally and conducting joint regional military exercises.
Now China’s politically motived sanctions of Australian commodities, Japan’s alarm over incursions by the Chinese Navy into disputed waters in the East China Sea, and a deadly clash between India and China in the Himalayas have all caused relations between the Quad countries and China to plummet.
President Biden recently hosted a summit of the Quad to address China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. What are the next steps in the process? Will the Quad evolve into an organization along the line of NATO as a counterbalance to China? Will the Quad be able to demonstrate that they can address and even solve the economic, transnational, and environmental challenges in the Indo-Pacific region?
Please join us, along with the San Antonio WAC Young Professionals, in what will be a very interesting discussion on the future of everyone’s relationship to China.
Jeffery Tunis will provide an introduction to this topic. He is a retired foreign service officer who had numerous postings throughout Asia and will bring a very insightful focus to the conversation.

Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board

ellen.murry@yahoo.com

Polina Anastassieva, WAC management team
polina@wacaustin.org

Kozmetsky Forum on Cybersecurity Threats and Challenges
2021-04-06 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum featuring guest speaker Donovan Blaylock, Research Principal with Sailpoint, will focus on Cybersecurity Threats and Challenges.
Donovan Blaylock is a Research Principal for SailPoint Technologies. SailPoint provides Identity and Access Security globally for organizations looking to effectively secure who has access to what for all Applications and Data, both on-premise and in the cloud. He has held several positions within the company previously including leadership roles in product, engineering and sales. Previous to SailPoint, he spent over 14 years in the US Defense and Federal government space working on some of the largest identity systems worldwide. Donovan grew up in Washington, DC but now calls Austin, TX home. He spends a lot of his spare time involved in technology roundtables, startup social events, and enjoying the famous live music scene that the city is known for. All of his remaining time is spent with his two children, travelling the globe and taking on a new woodworking projects in his woodshop.

Stavros Lambrinidis, European Union Ambassador to the United States, among Featured Speakers in March
2021-03-26 16:00 - 17:00
March programs:
2nd at 12:00pm Kozmetsky Forum on Developing a Diverse Internship Portfolio //
3rd at 9:00am UK Fireside Chat with Kunal Khatri, UK’s Deputy HM Trade Commissioner for the USA and Geoffrey Camp, Aerospace and Defense State Director at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce //
3rd at 1:45pm Case Study on Social Entrepreneurship in Latin America use promo code VIP01 //
3rd at 5:00pm Global Perspectives with Richard N. Haass, President of the Council on Foreign Relations //
6th at 4:00pm Promoting US-Japan Exchange during COVID and Beyond //
16th – 20th EU@SXSW Programming with European Union Ambassador to the United States Stavros Lambrinidis among featured speakers //
18th at 6:30pm Globalist Coffeehouse on the Future of Currencies //
24th at 5:00pm Walter Isaacson: The Code Breaker – Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race, Professor of History at Tulane, former CEO of the Aspen Institute //

Walter Isaacson: The Code Breaker - Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race
2021-03-24 17:00 - 18:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to partner with the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston in hosting David Rubenstein in a discussion with Walter Isaacson on his new book, The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race. The bestselling author of Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs returns with a gripping account of how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues launched a revolution that will allow us to cure diseases, fend off viruses, and have healthier babies.
When Jennifer Doudna was in sixth grade, she came home one day to find that her dad had left a paperback titled The Double Helix on her bed. She put it aside, thinking it was one of those detective tales she loved. When she read it on a rainy Saturday, she discovered she was right, in a way. As she sped through the pages, she became enthralled by the intense drama behind the competition to discover the code of life. Even though her high school counselor told her girls didn’t become scientists, she decided she would.
Driven by a passion to understand how nature works and to turn discoveries into inventions, she would help to make what the book’s author, James Watson, told her was the most important biological advance since his co-discovery of the structure of DNA. She and her collaborators turned a curiosity of nature into an invention that will transform the human race: an easy-to-use tool that can edit DNA. Known as CRISPR, it opened a brave new world of medical miracles and moral questions.
The development of CRISPR and the race to create vaccines for coronavirus will hasten our transition to the next great innovation revolution. The past half-century has been a digital age, based on the microchip, computer, and internet. Now we are entering a life-science revolution. Children who study digital coding will be joined by those who study genetic code.
Should we use our new evolution-hacking powers to make us less susceptible to viruses? What a wonderful boon that would be! And what about preventing depression? Hmmm…Should we allow parents, if they can afford it, to enhance the height or muscles or IQ of their kids?
After helping to discover CRISPR, Doudna became a leader in wrestling with these moral issues and, with her collaborator Emmanuelle Charpentier, won the Nobel Prize in 2020. Her story is a thrilling detective tale that involves the most profound wonders of nature, from the origins of life to the future of our species.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Walter Isaacson, a professor of history at Tulane, has been CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair of CNN, and editor of Time. The bestselling author of Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs returns with a gripping account of how Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues launched a revolution that will allow us to cure diseases, fend off viruses, and have healthier babies. He is also the author The Innovators; Einstein: His Life and Universe; Benjamin Franklin: An American Life; and Kissinger: A Biography, and the coauthor of The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made. Visit him at Isaacson.Tulane.edu
ABOUT THE MODERATOR
David M. Rubenstein is a Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of The Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest and most successful private investment firms. Mr. Rubenstein co-founded the firm in 1987. Since then, Carlyle has grown into a firm managing $246 billion from 29 offices around the world.
Mr. Rubenstein is Chairman of the Boards of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Council on Foreign Relations; a Fellow of the Harvard Corporation; a Regent of the Smithsonian Institution; a Trustee of the National Gallery of Art, the University of Chicago, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the Institute for Advanced Study, the National Constitution Center, the Brookings Institution, and the World Economic Forum; a Director of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; and President of the Economic Club of Washington.

To redeem your exclusive membership price ticket for this event, add one “Non-members -3/24” ticket to your cart. After clicking Get Tickets, click Proceed to Checkout on the following page when ready. On the Checkout page, please click on the green box containing the text “Have a coupon? Click here to enter your code”. Enter “houston” in the box and press Apply coupon to see your reflect discounted rate.

Globalist Coffeehouse on the Future of Currencies
2021-03-18 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
The future of currencies in a digitalized world.
As e-commerce has come to the forefront of how we purchase goods and services, digital currencies such as Bitcoin have risen as a means of exchange for payment. Bitcoin, unlike other currencies, is not regulated, and therefore its value has skyrocketed. Throughout recent history, we have relied on banking institutions to hold our money, but what happens when they are no longer needed? Can we rely on digital currency on the same scale? Banks are ensured; but how are we supposed to trust digital currency? What about security issues with digital services, i.e., breaches and hacks? There have been numerous “boom and bust” economic cycles in the past. Are Bitcoin and similar entities the future or a potential bust?

What about your own personal experience? Have you or your friends invested in digital currencies like Bitcoin? Would you do so in the future and under what circumstances?

For more details contact:
Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC Management Team
polina@wacaustin.org

EU@SXSW Programming
2021-03-16 13:00 - 2021-03-20 12:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased once again be a promotional partner for the European Union programming during SXSW®. Highlighting European innovation and culture from March 16 through 20, the festival will for the first time be virtual. Notable speakers include European Commission Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager; European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel; European Commission Vice President Věra Jourová; Director-General for Research and Innovation Jean-Eric Paquet; Co-Founder and President, Center for Humane Technology Tristan Harris; and Michelle Patron, Senior Director of Sustainability Policy, Microsoft (US).
“This year’s festival comes at a special time for the EU-US relationship,” said European Union Ambassador to the United States Stavros Lambrinidis. “We are witnessing the dawn of a new transatlantic era with a strong focus on how Europe and the United States can collaborate on everything from digital transformation to the greening of our economies. And that collaborative spirit – how we can work closely together and learn from each other – is also very much at the heart of our South-by-Southwest programming.”
Join the EU for thought-provoking discussions and presentations about connectivity, collaboration, and innovation. Learn how to participate in EU funded research, take part in a future-focused discussion about what a new social contract for big tech could look like, and discover how privacy and surveillance has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics range from Europe’s recently released “Democracy Action Plan” to the latest in tech. The EU will participate in the SXSW Panel Picker official events, which require a SXSW badge for access, as well as five open-to-all conversations. The SXSW Panel Picker events can be viewed by logging in with a SXSW Online badge at sxsw.com and will be available for streaming from March 16-20.
EU@SXSW events listed below will be livestreamed and are free to attend with no badge required.
The full line up of EU@SXSW events and viewing details are available here: https://euinaustin.org/

Tuesday, March 16
Time: 1:00 p.m. CST / 2:00 p.m. EST / 19:00 CET
Horizon Europe: Investing in a Sustainable, Fair Prosperous Future: Europe’s recovery from the pandemic will be firmly rooted in research and innovation and in pursuit of Europe’s goals of green and digital transitions. The Horizon Europe funding program will be key to turning an immense challenge into an opportunity by not only supporting the recovery but also by investing in Europe’s future. Presenter: Jean-Eric Paquet, Director-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission. Moderator: Senior Media Advisor and Content Advisor, Delegation of the European Union to the United States Kasper Zeuthen.
Wednesday, March 17
Time: 10:00 a.m. CST / 11:00 a.m. EST / 16:00 CET
Joining Forces: A Techno-Democratic Approach to Big Tech: Citizens everywhere are questioning the power wielded by “Big Tech” in their daily lives – from online privacy protections and facial recognition systems to unabridged access to news and facts. Building upon their shared democratic values, can the United States and the European Union stand together against unaccountable surveillance and online disinformation campaigns to prevent the erosion of democratic social institutions? Are techno-democratic “rules of the road” for Big Tech necessary? Presenters: Marietje Schaake, International Policy Director, Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center; Dr. Joan Donovan, Research Director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School; and Anne Marie Engtoft Larsen, Tech Ambassador (Denmark). Moderator: Evi Fuelle, Advisor, Digital Economy Policy, Delegation of the European Union to the United States.
Thursday, March 18
Time: 11:00 a.m. CST / 12:00 p.m. EST / 17:00 CET
European Green Deal: Innovative Ideas for the Recovery: In the past thirty years, the European Union has reduced its emissions by 23 percent while growing GDP by 61 percent – and has committed to the goal of zero emissions by 2050. Will COVID recovery derail this goal, or can new tools like the digital services tax, carbon border adjustment mechanism and a commitment to growth through green trade help to advance the recovery and fight climate change? Presenter: Thomas Gerassimos, Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union, European Commission. Moderator: Ben Beachy, Director of the Sierra Club’s Living Economy program.

Friday, March 19
Time: 12:00 p.m. CST / 1:00 p.m. EST / 18:00 CET
Getting to Net-Zero with Digital Tech: The European growth model based on green recovery turns the immense challenge we face into an opportunity by investing in our future. The digital tech sector is driving the development of new services and solutions to optimize responses to the climate crisis. The integration of new technologies such as AI will further amplify this trend. Join the world’s leading technology companies to hear how new tech is supercharging climate action across the Atlantic. Presenters: Ditte Juul Joergensen, Director General for Energy, European Commission; Lubomila Jordanova, CEO, Planet-A; Kate Brand, Sustainability Officer, Google; Michelle Patron, Senior Director of Sustainability Policy, Microsoft and Daniel Schmid, Chief Sustainability Officer, SAP. Moderator: Justin Worland, Senior Climate Correspondent, Time Magazine.
Saturday, March 20
Time: 10:00 a.m. CST / 11:00 a.m. EST / 16:00 CET
Tune Up! Raising the Bar on Gender Parity In Music: This interactive conversation with music sector experts will look at gender equality initiatives in Europe and assess their potential to grow in the US. How divided or connected are states in the US compared to countries in the EU, and what responsibility do cities/funders have? What is the role of the commercial music sector, and how has that been harnessed in Europe? What organizations are becoming more involved in social justice, and does it work? Presenters: Natalie Mets, Co-founder of the community radio IDA operating in Tallinn and Helsinki; Corinne Sadki, Advisor for the Centre National de la Musique, in charge of European Affairs and Gender Equality; Lena Ingwersen, Project Manager for the Music Cities Network and Cultural & Artist Manager, professional DJ and a member of the European Keychange Development Program 2020.
The full line up of EU@SXSW events and viewing details are available here: https://euinaustin.org/

Promoting US-Japan Exchange during COVID and Beyond
2021-03-06 16:00 - 17:30 | ONLINE
The U.S. Embassy in Japan has invited alumni of the U.S. Department of State programs to apply and participate in a unique 6-day virtual event discussing Japan-U.S. relations and encouraging Japanese students to return to U.S. institutions of education. The delegation, composed of members from education and business sectors, will “visit” three cities during the program: Washington D.C., Austin, and Boston.
Beginning at 4pm on Saturday, March 6th, GlobalAustin, along with the World Affairs Council of Austin, is hosting a networking event to connect area Texans to members of the Japanese delegation. This 90 minute event will provide an opportunity for local residents to bridge communications between Japan and the U.S., fostering and cultivating global relationships and applying international skills to engaging local communities.
In order to encourage more conversation, space for this virtual event is limited. To join us, please register here.

Kozmetsky Forum on Developing a Diverse Internship Portfolio
2021-03-02 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to 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.

Globalist Coffeehouse
2021-02-25 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing.
Thursday, February 25th, 6:30 -7:30 p.m.
This month’s topic will be:
“US” in the 21st Century
The retrenchment from global leadership over the last few years has caused many to question and possibly reassess U.S. global leadership. With a new administration, what actions can we take to reassert our leadership in the world? Or, has the country and the world changed too much to let this happen? Will we be driving the train or just listening and partnering in multi-polar world?
On the other hand, official policies do not necessarily reflect personal relationships. What are some of your own experiences living and traveling abroad? What did you learn from the people you met and befriended about their attitude towards our country? Do you think that they still feel the same way today? Please join us for what will be a very interesting and lively discussion.
Initially this event will be a virtual zoom discussion.
To register and receive the zoom invitation, please click below:

For more details contact:

Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC management team
polina@wacaustin.org

Angela Pegas among February Speakers
2021-02-24 15:30 - 16:00
2nd at 12pm Kozmetsky Forum on China featuring David Firestein, President & CEO, George H.W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations //
3rd at 1:45pm Innovative Approaches to Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility in Latin America with Luis Pasquotto, President of Cummins South America and Vice President of Cummins, Inc.; Rafael Torres, Head of Innovation at Cummins in Latin America; and Cristina Moreira, Human Resources LA ABO Leader at Cummins in Latin America //
10th at 1:45pm Diversity and Inclusion in Latin America with Angela Pegas, Partner, Services Practice of Egon Zehnder in Latin America; and Cristina Manterola, Director and Regional Leader, Diversity and Inclusion Council of Egon Zehnder in Chile — use promo code VIP01 //
16th at 9am The Honorable Richard Hyde, the United Kingdom’s Consul General in Houston, speaks with Chad Costello, General Counsel for WP Engine, on the company’s expansion into the UK //
17th at 1:45pm Panel Discussion on Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Latin America with Rodrigo Frias Rivas, Director of Entrepreneurship Division at CORFO; Susana Sierra, CEO of BH Compliance in Chile; and Gonzalo Villaran, CEO of TUMI Genomics in Peru — use promo code VIP01 //
18th at 1:00pm Russia Resurrected: Its Power and Purpose in a New Global Order //
23rd at 1:00pm Haiti: The Path to a Stronger Democracy featuring H.E. Bocchit Edmond, Ambassador of Haiti to the U.S.A. //
24th at 1:45pm Syncing Local and Global Initiatives to Culture and Leadership Behavior in Latin America with Luis Carrillo, President of General Electric in Central Area of Latin America — use promo code VIP01 //
25th at 12:00pm European Union Medium-term Economic Outlook //
25th at 6:30pm Globalist Coffeehouse “U.S.” in the 21st Century //

UK Fireside Chat Series: The Honorable Richard Hyde, Consul General, and Chad Costello, General Counsel for WP Engine
2021-02-16 09:00 - 10:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, and The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) will be hosting a series of fireside chats. Learn from successful entrepreneurs who have successfully expanded their business to the UK. Find out what worked well as they share their lessons and tips on how to make global expansion work for your business. The Fireside chat series is live and interactive; attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. The series will be recorded as a podcast if you can’t attend each session.
For our first session, Consul General Richard Hyde will talk with Chad Costello, General Counsel for WP Engine, on the company’s expansion into the UK. Chad Costello was instrumental in WP Engine’s expansion in the UK, Ireland, Australia and Poland. Learn how WP Engine is growing its international footprint, the benefits of international expansion for your business and when and how to contemplate a similar move for your company.
The WP Engine WordPress Digital Experience Platform gives companies of all sizes the agility, performance, intelligence, and integrations they need to drive their business forward faster. WP Engine’s combination of tech innovation and an award-winning team of WordPress experts are trusted by over 100,000 companies across 150 countries to provide counsel and support, helping brands create world-class digital experiences.

Kozmetsky Forum on U.S.-China Relations: What are the near- and mid-term prospects for 2021 and beyond?
2021-02-02 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will focus on U.S.-China Relations.
How will the transition from the Trump Administration to the Biden Administration affect U.S. policy toward China? In what policy areas will we see continuity and in what areas will we see change? What are the near- and mid-term prospects for the U.S.-China relationship in 2021 and beyond? George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations president and CEO David Firestein, a former U.S. diplomat and prominent expert on U.S.-China relations, will share his assessments and predictions.

The Globalist Coffeehouse
2021-01-21 18:30 - 19:30 | ONLINE
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing.
Initially this event will be a virtual zoom discussion with break out groups.
This month’s topic will be:
The Middle East – Challenges and Opportunities.
We now have a new administration which will face opportunities but also challenges in the Middle East almost immediately upon taking office. With Turkey, we have a NATO member often aligning itself with Russia. In Israel, we have territorial expansionism with domestic uncertainty.
And then there is Iran, where provocations abound – from seizing a Korean tanker in the Strait of Hormuz to increasing their uranium enrichment quota – in a response to US sanctions. While in Saudi Arabia and some of the Gulf States, there is a rapprochement with Israel over the perceived Iranian/Shia threat.
What should our priorities be in addressing these issues? Dr. Roy Casagranda, with Austin Community College, and an expert on the Middle East, will join us initially and provide a brief context to begin what will be a very lively discussion.
To register and receive the zoom invitation, please click here.
For more details contact:
Ellen Murry, WAC Advisory Board
ellen.murry@yahoo.com
Polina Anastassieva, WAC Management Team
polina@wac.org

Conversation between Steve Adler, Mayor of Austin and David Langner, Lord Mayor of Koblenz
2020-12-11 10:30 - 11:30
Join the World Affairs Council of Austin together with the City of Austin and the City of Koblenz, Austin-Koblenz Sister Cities Committee, and the Partnerschaft Koblenz-Austin, for the First (virtual) Town Hall between Austin and Koblenz. This is a project of the American Council on Germany (ACG) Transatlantic Town Halls: German-American Mayors Forum held under the auspices of WunderbarTogether USA 2020, a comprehensive and collaborative initiative funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the Goethe-Institut.

David Langner, born and raised in Koblenz, was elected as Lord Mayor of Koblenz in 2018 to an eight-year term. Prior to his election as mayor and beginning in 2013, Mr. Langner served as the State Secretary in the Ministry of Social Affairs, Labor, Health and Demography for the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. From 2011 to 2013, he worked as vice president at a state agency working on planning, nature conservation, and construction supervision. Prior to that, Mr. Langner served as a representative in the state parliament for five years, and as environmental policy spokesman, he focused on renewable energy, nature conservation, consumer protection and forestry. Mr. Langner studied political science and literature at universities in Oldenburg, Marburg and Mainz and completed his master’s degree in 2003. Prior to attending university, he completed his civil service volunteering at a home for the blind which had a deep impact on his life.

UK-US Trade Negotiations Update
2020-12-02 12:00 - 13:00
During this special session, attendees will obtain an update on the current round of negotiations from the perspective of our distinguished guests representing the United Kingdom, including Kunal Khatri, Deputy HM Trade Commissioner, USA; Jonathan Marrs, Consul and Regional Director, South Central USA; Christina Luhn, Consul – Senior Trade Policy Adviser; and Tim Cork, Deputy Consul General at the British Consulate General in Houston.

This program is presented by the World Affairs Council of Austin, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council.
On May 5th of this year, trade negotiations between the United Kingdom and the United States of America began with a video conference between UK Secretary of State for International Trade Liz Truss and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. In advance of the negotiations, the US and UK set out their respective negotiating objectives. Attendees will learn more about these objectives and obtain a preview of the next steps in the negotiation process.

Kozmetsky Forum featuring Melissa Sanderson on Global Business Operations and Investment in Africa
2020-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will feature Melissa Sanderson, former U.S. Foreign Service Officer serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Vice-President of Global Affairs at Freeport McMoRan, Inc; Chair of the Arizona District Export Council; Chair of the Mining Committee, Arizona Mexico Commission; and President of Mel Sanderson Consulting. Ms. Sanderson will discuss her extensive work in the Congo and throughout the world on the topic “Perspective on Global Business Operations and Investment in Africa: Importance of Empathy and Values.”

America and the World: U.S. Ambassadors' Perspectives on Diplomacy in Foreign Policy
2020-11-23 12:00 - 14:00
On November 23, 12:00-2:00 PM, the World Affairs Council of Austin and the Kozmetsky Center will offer a panel discussion with U.S. Ambassadors assessing the importance of the diplomatic tool in American foreign policy with reference to professional experience and U.S. global interests.
The session will be moderated by Kozmetsky Center Director, Dr. Sharyl Cross and will feature Mary Ann Peters, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh 2000-2003; Ken Yalowitz U.S. Ambassador to Belarus 1994-1997 and Georgia 1998-2001; and Roger Harrison U.S. Ambassador to Jordan 1990-1993.

The Globalist Coffeehouse
2020-11-19 18:30 - 19:30
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a lively monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing.
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
This month’s topic will be:

Climate Change/Global Warming – we know the problem, but what are the potential solutions?
Climate Change/Global Warming has been called an “existential threat” that must be addressed. The question is how? We are increasingly aware of the symptoms – the list is endless. Yet, the solutions are varied and complex. Fossil fuels represent only 25% of the contribution to greenhouse gasses. What about the other 75%? In a global sense, if cows were a country, they would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases (methane). What about the impact of manufacturing – plastic, steel, and cement? Cement production releases huge quantities of carbon dioxide. There are dire implications for the world’s people, especially for those in less developed countries, and those most impacted by drought and changing weather patterns like monsoons or intense weather phenomena. Among the world’s poor, who will have access to air conditioning, potable water, and drought-resistant seeds? We need to reconsider how we make things, grow food, and move people and goods. What are your ideas? As members of a global community, what should be our priorities in the next decade?

Initially, this event will be a virtual zoom discussion with break out-groups.

Polina Anastassieva polina@wacaustin.org

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala among Featured Speakers in November 2020
2020-11-16 08:00 - 17:00
3rd at 12pm Kozmetsky Forum on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk featuring Ian T. Brown, U.S. Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil //
12th at 1 pm Conversation with Jordan Price, Malawi’s only Honorary Consul General in the United States of America //
16th-20th World Affairs Councils National Conference watch Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s Keynote Address //
17th at 11am Educating Toward and Anti-Racist World: Global Competence & Systemic Racism //
19th at 6:30pm The Globalist Coffeehouse //
23rd at 6am International Court and Mock Trial Competition for High School Students //

Conversation with Jordan Price, Honorary Consul General of Malawi
2020-11-12 13:00 - 13:30
Malawi’s Honorary Consul General Jordan Price will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn about events and opportunities in Malawi, as well initiatives in Austin and Texas. This program will be moderated by Abdallah Mahmoud, the City of Austin’s Emerging Markets Program Specialist.

Kozmetsky Forum featuring Brazil
2020-11-03 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. The focus of this Forum is Brazil.
Political Officer Ian Brown at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil will serve as moderator for the presentation. Valerie Belon, Economic Counselor, will provide an overview of the U.S. Foreign Service. Joel Reynoso, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer, will discuss commercial engagement in Brazil. Economic Officers Scott Miller, Greg Meier, and Martiza Navarrete will provide brief overviews of the trade and investment, energy, and technology sectors in Brazil.

The Globalist Coffeehouse
2020-10-22 18:30 - 19:30
Please join like-minded “global thinkers” for a lively monthly discussion on the major political/economic issues that our world is currently experiencing.
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Initially, this event will be a virtual zoom discussion with break out-groups.

This month’s topic will be:

Time: A cross-cultural look

Attitudes towards time may be different in cultures throughout the world. This impacts diplomacy, global economics, and business in often significant ways. Time orientation reflects a cultural or national preference toward being past-orientated, future-orientated, or present-orientated. Consequently, the way a country conducts business, and even diplomacy reflects how it views time. Consider portraying the concept of time on a spectrum. On one side we have the past focus, while on the other we have the future focus. Every country falls somewhere on that spectrum. Where do you think the US falls on this spectrum? What are some of your experiences in business dealings, travel, and even relationships with cultures that have a different sense of time?

Janet Napolitano among Featured Speakers in October 2020
2020-10-10 16:00 - 17:00
These are the events our members enjoyed in October:
1st-2nd Conversations with the C-Suite: Powering Global Recovery and Change //
6th at 12pm Kozmetsky Forum on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk featuring Rodger Baker, Senior VP Strategic Analysis at Stratfor //
7-9th Discover Global Markets: Growth Opportunities in Intelligent Manufacturing. Seize the opportunity to virtually connect with U.S. and foreign government trade officials foreign buyers //
15th at 3pm Conversation with Janet Napolitano, former Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security //
16th 9am-5pm World Food Day Conference featuring speakers from the UN World Food Programme, Target, General Mills, EcoLab, Impact 2030, USGLC, Mexican Secretariat of Agriculture, First Nations Development Institute, US Council for International Business, and many others //
20th at 10am International Biz Advantage: Texas and Canada featuring the Honorable Rachel McCormik, Consul General of Canada; Delilah Panio, VP US Capital Formation at the Toronto Stock Exchange; Laura Kilcrease, CEO of Alberta Innovates and moderated by Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of Economic Development & Tourism in the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott //
22nd at 6:30pm The Globalist Coffeehouse //
24th at 1 pm Discover Malawi Tea Tasting Event featuring Malawi’s only Honorary Consul in the USA, Mr. Jordan Price and VIP guest Mr. Felix Lindeire //
October 30th at 10am Embassy Row Conversation with the Honorable Francisco Santos Calderón, Ambassador of Colombia to the United States //

Kozmetsky Forum featuring Rodger Baker, Senior VP for Strategic Analysis at Stratfor
2020-10-06 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
The World Affairs Council of Austin has partnered with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance at St. Edward’s University to offer a series of Forums on Global Investment, Finance, Emerging Markets and Geopolitical Risk. Our next Forum will feature Rodger Baker. Rodger Baker leads Stratfor’s strategic thinking on global issues and future trends. As Stratfor’s senior analyst, Mr. Baker guides the company’s analytical process, to include the development of international analyst teams to refine their understanding and application of Stratfor’s proprietary methodology grounded in the study of applied geopolitics and intelligence analysis. Read more about Mr. Baker here.
Mr. Baker will discuss security/economic developments in the Indo-Pacific region (India, China, and other nations).

Kelley Currie, Ambassador at Large for Global Women's Issues among September Speakers
2020-09-30 13:00 - 17:00
September —
2nd at 6pm Sneak Preview of the PBS Special Harbor from the Holocaust featuring panel discussion with film director Violet Feng, Doris Fogel, Manli Ho, and moderated by Bill Clifford, World Affairs Councils of America //
3rd at 1:00pm The Role of the U.S. in Promoting Women, Peace & Security Around the World featuring Kelley E. Currie, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Office of Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State //
3rd at 5:30pm State of the Middle East featuring Dr. Roy Casagranda, Professor of Government at Austin Community College //
9th at 10am Why Africa? Business Series featuring Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo //
9th at 1pm Discussion with The Honorable Rachel McCormick, Consul General of Canada and Brian Haley, Honorary Consul of Canada with Abdallah Mahmoud, City of Austin’s Economic Development Department //
14th at 9am Business Connections in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) Region featuring John Rakolta Jr, U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates and Commissioner General of the USA Pavilion for Dubai 2020 //
15th begins at noon Saltillo Day in Austin //
17th at 6:30pm The Globalist Coffeehouse/Pub //
21-25th Oslo Innovation Week //
22nd at 10am Why Africa? Business Series featuring Nigeria and Senegal //
22nd at 12pm Coping with COVID19 featuring Andrew S. Natsios, Executive Professor, George H.W. Bush School of Business at Texas A&M and Director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs //
24th at 12pm Why Africa? Business Series featuring Mozambique and South Africa //
28th 6:00pm International Day of Peace featuring The Honorable Claire McCarthy, Consul General of Ireland in Austin //
28-29th at 9:30am Conference on Exploring Private Sector Contributions to Sustainable Development Among Emerging Economies of European Union and Aspiring EU Nations in South Eastern Europe //
28-30th Conversations with the C-Suite: Powering Global Recovery and Change //
29th at 10am Why Africa? Business Series featuring Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia //
