World Affairs Council of Austin

Be Part of Aguascalientes (Mexico) - Business Opportunities Briefing
2019-12-05 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Consulate General of México in Austin, 5202 E. Ben White Blvd, Suite 150, Austin, 78741, United States
Attend this seminar and learn why Texas companies should consider doing business in Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes belongs to the “Bajío Region” — Mexico’s most important development pole and most influential IT cluster. Sharing the same time zone with Texas facilitates and enables more efficient communications and logistics. Aguascalientes enjoys a demographic bonus with an average population age of 25. As one of the most educated States in Mexico, Aguascalientes features a wide offering of university and technical schools. It has one of the largest ratios of University graduates per 100,000 inhabitants in the country. 35% of these students are enrolled in STEM programs. Aguascalientes also possesses investment grade ratings by both Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings.
Attendees will hear from experts discussing the resources available to successfully grow your company in Aguascalientes.

Featured Speakers
Mr. Luis Ricardo Martínez Castañeda, Secretary for Economic Development at the State Government of Aguascalientes, Mexico;
Mr. Eduardo Alberto Infante Priego, Deputy Secretary for Economic Development at the State Government of Aguascalientes, Mexico;
Mr. Carlos Muñoz Pedroza, General Director for Science, Technology and Innovation for Economic Development at the State Government of Aguascalientes, Mexico;
Mr. Guillermo Ortega, Chief Operating Officer and founder of iTexico

Event Agenda
5:30 pm Registration and Networking
6:30 pm Welcoming Remarks
Mr. Jorge Salcido, Consul General for Political and Commercial Affairs of Austin, TX
Mr. Luis Ricardo Martínez Castañeda, Secretary for Economic Development at the State Government of Aguascalientes, Mexico
6:45 pm Presentation of Aguascaliente’s Competitive Advantages
Mr. Eduardo Infante, Deputy Secretary
7:20 pm Presentation of Aguascaliente’s Environment for Science and Technology.
Mr. Carlos Muñoz, General Director
7:45 pm iTexico Success Story — Guillermo Ortega, COO of iTexico
8:10 pm Closing Remarks — Mr. Eduardo Infante, Deputy Secretary
8:15 pm – 8:35 pm End of Program Networking

Program presented by the Economic Development Ministry of Aguascalientes, Consulate General of Mexico in Austin, World Affairs Council of Austin

French Market Day Celebrating the Austin-Angers Sister Cities
2019-11-16 10:00 - 15:00 | St. Edwards University, 3001 S Congress Avenue, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to attend French Market Day at St. Edward’s University. Feast on mouth watering food from French inspired chefs and demos for the culinary curious. We will have film screenings curated by the director of the Angers Film Festival.
French morning cartoons, sing alongs, and story time presented by the Austin Public Library for the kiddos. For the big kids at heart St. Edwards will be hosting French language lessons, music, film, dance, and crafts!
The Heart of Texas Petanque club will be teaching Petanque lessons! If you have not guessed it we have something and everything for everyone! All ages are welcome! Meet us at St. Edward’s University and spend the day with our sister city -worry not- there will be a designated place for free parking at our admission free festival. Hope to see you there!

U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Mari K. Eder Discusses the "Information Apocalypse"
2019-10-30 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Edwards University, Jones Auditorium, 3001 South Congress, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to partner with the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward’s University in welcoming U.S. Army Major General (Ret.) Mari K. Eder, PhD to Austin. Dr. Eder will assess the erosion in confidence regarding public information and suggesting ways that we might safeguard society from disinformation.
Maj. Gen. Eder will share her perspective on the media and information in influencing perceptions of institutions, public leaders and elections. The lecture will analyze developments in the information space for national security and the future of warfare. Maj. Gen. Eder will offer suggestions on how policymakers and society might respond to challenges in obtaining credible information or limiting vulnerability to deliberate attempts on the part of domestic and foreign sources or adversaries to shape perceptions with non-factual information.
Major General Eder served as the Army’s Deputy Chief of Public Affairs, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Joint and Special Troops Support Command, Deputy Chief of the Army Reserve, leader of the Army Reserve Ambassador Program, Director of Public Affairs at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, and professor and lecturer in communications and public diplomacy at the NATO School in Germany and Sweden’s International Training Command. She was inducted into the Army Public Affairs Hall of Fame in 2017 and received the Joe Galloway Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in strategic communication. In addition to numerous military awards and recognition, Maj. Gen. Eder received the Vatican award of the Knight, Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Gregory the Great from Pope Benedict XVI in 2011.
Maj. Gen. Eder’s book, Leading the Narrative: The Case for Strategic Communication, is used in university communication courses, and she is the author of numerous case studies and articles on strategic communication topics. She holds a PhD from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and has spoken for the World Affairs Council, Atlantic Council and at major universities throughout the country on issues of national security, communication (including cyber and artificial intelligence), ethics and leadership.

EVENT PARKING INFORMATION:
Off-campus/WAC guests should register their cars if they are parking on campus.

https://stedwards.nupark.com/events/Events/Register/8a31ddb3-70cb-4428-bb75-34c56c3d9c7a

Accessing the European Market via Dublin
2019-10-29 11:45 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The next meeting of the Central Texas International Business Coalition will feature guest speaker Lorcan Tyrrell, Head of Development at Dublin Airport Central.

Dublin Airport Central is Ireland’s next generation urban quarter, located just 50 yards from Terminal 2 at the Airport. Specifically targeted at international companies who want a European hub office with ease of access to both the EU and US markets, Dublin Airport Central is the ideal location for any US business to start or expand in Europe. With space ranging from serviced offices for your original landing team to a purpose built HQ office building and a dedicated team of community and customer experience managers to ease you into the European market, the development is ideally positioned to allow your business to thrive and grow.
Agenda
11:45 am Lunch Buffet
12:00 pm Presentation by Lorcan Tyrrell, Head of Development at Dublin Airport Central

12:45 pm Networking
1:00 pm Meeting Concludes

Populism and Nationalism on the Rise: A German Perspective
2019-10-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
2019 is Deutschlandjahr USA. To commemorate the Year of German-American Friendship, please join us for dinner and a special presentation on ‘Populism and Nationalism on the Rise: A German Perspective.”
Our guest speaker, Dr. Stefan Schlüter, will provide special insight on contemporary Germany in the context of its history, German-Israeli relations, Jewish life in Germany, and the rise of anti-Semitism and populism in Europe.
Dr. Schlüter joined the German Foreign Office in 1979 and draws upon his impressive foreign service career experience to prepare the next generation of diplomats as a Program Director at the German Foreign Office’s Diplomatic Academy in Berlin.
Program hosted in partnership with Wunderbar Together, World Affairs Councils of America, and the American Council on Germany.

Agenda
5:45 PM Registration
6:00 PM Buffet Dinner
6:35 PM Speaker Presentation with Q&A
7:45 PM Networking
8:00 PM Event Concludes

Additional program partners include:

Business Briefing Featuring H.E. David Bakradze, the Republic of Georgia's Ambassador to the USA
2019-10-09 12:30 - 14:00 | Austin Chamber of Commerce, 535 E. Fifth Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
In recent years, Georgia has been working to strengthen their own technology and innovation ecosystem with the help of the U.S. technology industry. The government of Georgia supported the establishment of entrepreneurial programs StartUp Grind Tbilisi and Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency.
H.E. David Bakradze, Ambassador of Georgia to the USA, and his delegation, will provide an overview of specific opportunities available to central Texas businesses.
Georgia is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Georgia is recognized as one of the easiest places to do business in the world. World Bank’s Doing Business 2019 report placed Georgia in sixth place in the Ease of Doing Business category among 190 countries. The country’s friendly business climate offers access to an un-tapped region of about 200 million people. The business environment continues to strengthen as the government prioritizes reforms and investment in a strong, open economy.
AGENDA
12:30 PM Lunch
1:00 PM Business Briefing with Q&A
2:00 PM Event Concludes

David Bakradze was appointed Ambassador of Georgia to the United States in Washington, D.C. in December 2016. Ambassador Bakradze has a long and distinguished career in diplomatic service. Since 1997, he has served in a number of senior official posts in Georgian public service. Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to the U.S., Ambassador Bakradze served as the State Minister of Georgia for Euro-Atlantic Integration. In that role, he was responsible for the coordinating the Government of Georgia’s work on implementing key instruments of integration, such as the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (AA), the Annual National Program (ANP) with NATO, etc. He also coordinated Strategic Communication and European Assistance Programs for the Government of Georgia. Ambassador Bakradze’s career includes a number of notable and senior positions. He served as Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Serbia (2012 – 2014); Senior Counsellor and Chargé d’Affaires in the Republic of Finland (2008 – 2012); Head of First European Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2005 – 2008); Counselor and DCM of the Permanent Mission of Georgia to the U.N. (2002—2005); advisor in the National Security Council of Georgia covering Human Rights, Information and Analysis, Law Enforcement Institutions (1997 – 2002); staff member in the press office for the office of the President of Georgia (1996 – 1997). Ambassador Bakradze graduated from Tbilisi State University with a degree in International Economic Relations and International Law. He speaks Georgian, English and Russian.

Fourth Annual Texas-Latin America Business Summit
2019-10-03 13:00 - 17:00 | IBC Bank Community Suite 13th Floor, 500 W. 5th Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Texas – Latin America Business Summit Helps Texas Companies Access Nearshore Expanding Markets

The World Affairs Council of Austin will present the Fourth Annual Texas-Latin America Business Summit on October 3, 2019. Forbes reported in March that LATAM’s economy has the potential to grow faster than that of Asia. The Summit brings trade promotion experts and business decision-makers together for panels and meetings. The event is a unique face-to-face opportunity for Austin corporate representatives to make connections and learn about current inbound and outbound business opportunities with Latin American nations.

DRAFT AGENDA
1:00 PM Welcome by emcee Andrew (Andy) Martinez, Business Development Executive

1:02 PM Nearshoring in LATAM remarks by Anurag Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder, iTexico
1:15 PM Secrets to Success in Latin America

Moderator: Doug Smith, Assistant Director, International Trade Center – UTSA
Panelists: Sebastian Gomez, Trade & Investment Representative, PROCOLOMBIA; Kevin Koym, CEO and Co-Founder, Tech Ranch; and Jake Le, Head of Jala Ventures Colombia
2:20 PM Using Mexico as a Nearshore Base
Moderator: Roy Austin, Business Development Director, The ILS Company
Panelists: Cindy Blanco, Co-Founder & Executive Director, StartupGDL; Alvaro Quezada, CPA, J.A. Del Rio; and Javier Lopez de Obeso, Attorney, ScottHulse
3:25 PM Spotlight on Brazil
Moderator: Bill Hulsey, Principal, HULSEY PC
Panelists: Elizabeth Jennings, Principal, Venture Atlas Labs; Mark MacBeath, Senior Product Manager, PerkinElmer; John L Howard Jr., Director of Global Public Policy, DELL Technologies; and Felipe Costi Santarosa, Deputy Consul General and Head of the Trade Section, Consulate General of Brazil in Houston
4:40 PM Closing Remarks
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Happy Hour Cash Bar Social at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine 300 W. 6th Street, Suite 100, Austin TX 78701

Summit parking suggestions:

http://www.bestparking.com/austin-parking/

With gratitude to our supporting partners:

Trade, Technology and the New Global Political Order
2019-09-17 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Edwards University, Jones Auditorium, 3001 South Congress, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin in partnership with the Kozmetsky Center is pleased to have Dr. DJ Peterson, Founder of Longview Global Advisors in Austin. Dr. Peterson will share his perspective on the looming U.S.-China trade war; U.S-Mexico/Latin America business and trade relations in the context of hardened border policies; the use of tariffs to achieve American global strategic priorities in the Middle East, East Asia and Latin America; and Brexit’s impact on the European Union’s cohesion and prospects for a bilateral U.S.-U.K. trade agreement. We have also asked Dr. Peterson to offer advice on courses and professional internship opportunities for students considering careers in international business, economics and finance. Dr. Peterson’s lecture, sponsored in cooperation with World Affairs Council Austin, will be held in the Jones Global Events Center on the St. Edward’s University campus from 7:00-9:00 PM.

In 2013, Dr. Peterson has advised firms across a range of sectors, including financial services, consumer goods, automotive, industrial products, energy and mining, life sciences, technology and telecommunications. From 2006 to 2012, he led the Corporate Advisory Services practice at Eurasia Group, where he and his team of 13 business developers and client-relationship managers served large-cap clients in North America, Europe, and Japan. Dr. Peterson also founded and led the firm’s Operating Committee driving growth in areas such as business development, client services, product innovation, business planning, project management, and human capital. From 1998 to 2006, he served on the staff at the RAND Corporation where he directed major research projects in technology futures, natural resources management, homeland security, and other global security policy topic areas. In addition, Dr. Peterson organized and led RAND’s Environment, Energy and Economic Development Program. Dr. Peterson received his BA from Duke University and PhD in Political Science from UCLA. He is a frequent contributor to major news networks on global business issues including Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, CNN and CNBC.

Parking instructions for off campus guests is here: https://stedwards.nupark.com/events/Events/Register/74e16e59-169c-4e05-8192-328c5ed35ff4

International Political Risk: Implications for Business Leaders with DJ Peterson
2019-09-17 11:45 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
In collaboration with the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence at St. Edward’s University, the World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to present Dr. DJ Peterson at the next meeting of the Central Texas International Business Coalition. Our guest speaker, Dr. DJ Peterson, is President of Longview Global Advisors.
Dr. Peterson has 28 years of research and consulting experience focusing on politics, economics, business, technology, and society. Prior to founding Longview Global Advisors in 2013, he held senior positions at Eurasia Group and The RAND Corporation. DJ earned his PhD in Political Science from UCLA. He is based in Los Angeles.

Agenda
11:45 am Registration
12:00 pm International Political Risk presentation by Dr. DJ Peterson
12:45 pm Networking
1:00 pm Meeting concludes

Annual Fiesta de El Grito de Independencia
2019-09-15 17:00 - 22:00 | State Capitol, 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
In collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico, the Austin-Saltillo Sister City Committee, the City of Austin, Univision, the State Preservation Board, and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, Austin’s annual Fiesta de El Grito de Independencia is a musical celebration and historical re-enactment of Mexico’s call for independence from Spain. The event takes place each year on the South Steps of the State Capitol.
The Fiesta de El Grito, located on the grounds of the State Capitol since 2013, has drawn crowds of over 10,000.
This family-oriented celebration is alcohol free. Special programming includes Mexican and Tejano music, folklorico dancers, and food vendor booths. The highlight of the evening is the re-enactment of “El Grito”, by the Honorable Pablo Marentes, Cónsul General de México in Austin.
No RSVPs necessary.
AGENDA
5:00 pm Traditional Dance and Music
9:00 pm Official Re-enactment of El Grito
9:05 pm Event Concludes

Here is a video of 2016 celebration highlights:
https://www.univision.com/austin/kakw/estilo-de-vida/fiestas-patrias/festeja-el-grito-de-independencia-en-el-capitolio-de-austin-video?layoutType=flex

European Politics and the State of Transatlantic Affairs
2019-09-13 11:45 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
On September 13th, Mr. Karl Matthias Klause, Head of the Economic Section of the German Embassy in Washington DC will offer an overview on transatlantic trade, European politics, and the importance of the EU-US relationship to Texas. Mr. Klause’s responsibilities at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany include economy, trade, business, finance, science, transport, and agriculture.
Agenda
11:45 AM Registration

12:00 PM Speaker Introduction by Roland Pena, Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce

Remarks on European Politics and the State of Transatlantic Affairs offered by Mr. Karl Matthias Klause followed by Q&A
1:00 PM Event Concludes
Reserve your seat now for this informative session on the current state of transatlantic affairs.

Event partners include:

The European Union - Turmoil or Transition? BREXIT vs. Regionalism
2019-08-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Are you curious about the state of the European Union? Reserve your seat now for our next World Spins Series event: The European Union – Turmoil or Transition? BREXIT vs. Regionalism
Yves Dubus

Our guest speaker, Mr. Yves Dubus, Belgian Trade Commissioner in Houston, will help us understand what is taking place in Europe. As you read in the news headlines, the United Kingdom is still trying to resolve Brexit. Italy’s left-right coalition government struggles to maintain its commitment to the EU. Germany’s political realignment and transition to new leadership will have a long term impact on policy and budgetary needs. Many French cities have seen historic protests every weekend since last year. Hungary and Poland want to chart a new path for the EU. Catalan nationalism has been contained for now in Spain. Is Russia fueling all the unrest? Interested in learning more? Join us:

6:00 PM Registration

6:05 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A
7:00 PM Event Concludes

USMCA Trade Briefing
2019-08-06 09:30 - 11:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin, U.S. Commercial Service, BBVA, ITC at UTSA, and the Texas Camino Real District Export Council invite you to a USMCA Trade Briefing featuring David Olsen, Mexico Desk Officer, Office of North America, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Katrice Kelly, Senior International Trade Specialist, Office of Trade Negotiations and Analysis/Industry & Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce.
USMCA was signed on November 30, 2018 and Mexico’s legislative body voted in favor of the new trade agreement last month. Attend this briefing for a general overview of the USMCA and to learn about the next steps in enacting this historic trade agreement.
No Cost to attend, click on the button below to Register Now.

Austin-Pune Official Sister City Ceremony
2019-07-24 14:15 - 14:30 | Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The Austin-Pune Sister City Committee, Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce, the City of Austin and World Affairs Council of Austin invite you to the official signing ceremony launching the Austin-Pune Sister City relationship. Pune is the eighth largest city in India with a population of 4 million. Austin and Pune’s economies rely heavily on the IT and manufacturing sectors. Additionally, Pune is considered the cultural capital of the state of Maharastra and the education capital of India or “the Oxford of the East.”

The Honorable Mayor Mrs. Mukta Shailesh Tilak will be welcomed by the Honorable Mayor Steve Adler and both will make remarks about the future of this relationship.
No RSVPs required, please join us!

World Spins Series: Venezuela Humanitarian Crisis Briefing
2019-07-17 17:45 - 19:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Over the last three years, approximately 3.4 million people have fled Venezuela for other countries around the world. It is estimated that of these, approximately 2.7 million have fled to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean with the total number expected to exceed 5 million people by the end of 2019. This migration is the largest to affect the Western Hemisphere in modern history, creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Access to health care, education, food and nutrition, and safety and security are among the highest priorities. The Resource Foundation will provide a briefing on the situation on the ground and strategies to provide support to those affected.
The World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to host our guest speaker, Marcela Lopez-Macedonio, Esq., President & CEO of The Resource Foundation. Ms. Lopez-Macedonio is responsible for driving the strategic execution of The Resource Foundation and its programs. Building on her ties to Latin America and her decades of experience working with families, corporations, and organizations to achieve sustainable growth, Marcela focuses on ensuring TRF’s mission is met now and in the future.
Prior to joining The Resource Foundation, Marcela worked as an Attorney at the New York City law firm of Goldfarb,
Abrandt, Salzman & Kutzin, where for over five years she assisted high net worth clients navigate complicated trust
and estate issues and litigation. She often lectured on estate and tax planning and was published in the Practicing
Law Institute’s Trust and Estates publication and still found time to volunteer with The Resource Foundation.
Marcela holds a Juris Doctor from New York Law School and B.A. degrees in Political Science and French from
Rutgers University. She is fluent in English and Spanish, proficient in French, and has a basic understanding of
Portuguese.
Agenda
5:45 PM Registration and networking
6:05 PM Speaker Presentation followed by Q&A
7:00 PM Event Concludes
Join us!

Doing Business in Japan
2019-07-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Road, Austin, 78754, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is once again a partner organization for the annual Oita Japan Festival! You won’t want to miss the “Doing Business in Japan” seminars during the Festival. The first seminar will start at 1:15 pm the same seminar repeats at 3:15 pm. Texas exported over $6 billion in goods and services to Japan. Japan is also a top five export market for central Texas companies. Be sure to attend this informative session to learn more from our friends at the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
The business focused session will include an overview of Japan’s industry sectors including a look at the Japanese corporate presence in the U.S., Japanese cultural characteristics, promising sectors for U.S. goods and services, and resources for American companies wishing to establish a corporate entity in Japan.
REGISTER HERE for the festival
The World Affairs Council of Austin has launched a B2B platform for Japanese and Texas companies to connect and find business partners. Texas companies seeking to feature their products on the BizMatch online platform may complete the form located here.

Mexico's Innovation Entrepreneur Pitch Night
2019-06-12 18:00 - 21:00 | Consulate General of México in Austin, 5202 E. Ben White Blvd, Suite 150, Austin, 78741, United States
Join us for a Pitch Night celebrating the startups of the Innovation Bridge Mexico-Austin program at the Consulate General of Mexico. The startups pitching represent Mexican innovation across many industries.
After a rigorous selection process, the selected companies spent 10 weeks in Austin, TX in Tech Ranch’s accelerator program. Each startup was selected from a nation-wide call for their impactful solutions, strong teams, and ability to grow in the United States. RSVP to hear how these businesses are changing the world through their work.
Schedule:
6:00pm – 6:30pm – Check-in and refreshments
6:30pm – 7:00pm – Welcome
7:00pm – 8:30pm – Pitches
8:30pm-9:00pm – Reception

Paving the Way for the Next Generation of U.S.-Japan Collaboration
2019-06-04 08:30 - 12:00 | AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center, 1900 University Ave, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
In collaboration with the U.S.-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON), a binational advisory panel to the governments of Japan and the United States, the World Affairs Council of Austin invites you to a symposium for industry leaders, educators, government officials and citizen diplomats to examine developments in science, technology and business.
Please join us for a discussion of how Americans and Japanese can work together to solve shared challenges, and how to nurture the next generation of U.S.-Japan leadership.
8:30-9:00 a.m. Registration
9:00-9:25 a.m. Welcome Remarks

Harry Hill, Outside Director and Member of the Board, New Business Development, Oak Lawn Marketing, Inc.; Chair, U.S. CULCON Panel
Ambassador Ryozo Kato, Former Ambassador to the United States; Chair, Japan CULCON Panel
Hideo Fukushima, Consul-General of Japan in Houston

9:25-10:30 a.m. Blazing Trails in Space and Beyond*

Moderator: Dr. Patricia Maclachlan, Professor of Government and Asian Studies and the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Professor of Japanese Studies, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. Moriba Jah, Associate Professor, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Department, The University of Texas at Austin
Ms. Josefina Salazar, Brooke Owens Fellow, University of Texas at Austin
Representative of NASA (invited)

10:30-10:45 a.m. Coffee Break
10:45-11:50 a.m. Shaping the Future: High Tech and Design Innovations*

Moderator: Dr. Kaoru (Kay) Shimizu, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Pittsburgh
Mr. Spencer Cronk, City Manager, City of Austin (invited);
Mr. Ben Ramirez III, Vice President and Executive Director, Center for Global Trade at the World Affairs Council of Austin; CEO of Cogitare Global, LLC;
Dr. Motohiro Tsuchiya, Professor, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University; Deputy Director, Keio Global Research Institute (KGRI)
Mr. Brian Kursar, Chief Technology Officer, Toyota Connect (invited)

11:50 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

Sheila Smith, Senior Fellow for Japan Studies, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR); Vice Chair, U.S. CULCON Panel
Fumiaki Kubo, Professor, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics, University of Tokyo; President, Japanese Association for American Studies; Vice Chair, Japan CULCON Panel

Simultaneous English-Japanese interpretation will be provided
RSVP Required by May 28:

Registration Closes May 28

*additional panelists TBA

World Spins Series: An Assessment of U.S.-China Relations Midway in the Trump Administration
2019-05-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Two years into the Trump Administration, what is the current state of the U.S.-China relationship? The U.S.-China “trade war” has dominated headlines in both the United States and globally throughout 2018 and into 2019.
But in what ways is the U.S.-China relationship of today different from that of early 2017? In addition, to trade and investment issues, the United States and China have engaged on topics ranging from North Korea, the South China Sea, U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, sometimes agreeing and sometimes disagreeing.

David Firestein, former U.S. diplomat, U.S.-China relations expert and founding executive director of the University of Texas at Austin China Public Policy Center and inaugural president and CEO of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations, will share his analysis and insights about the state of the U.S.-China relationship at this mid-way point of Trump’s current term in office.
RSVP and join us!

Eighth Annual Texas-EU Business Summit
2019-05-16 08:00 - 17:00 | San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, 309 E 21st St, Austin, TX, 78712, United States
In its 8th 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.
Texas is already the largest exporting state to the European Union. The summit builds on that footprint, focusing on promoting the international trade capacity of Texas businesses and economic development organizations while creating greater awareness regarding the benefits of exporting.
The Texas-EU Business Summit sessions are led by business leaders, trade and investment officials from EU countries, trade policy experts and political officials.
Event hosts include:
The Center for European Studies, the University of Texas at Austin,
Austin Community College,
The Consulate General of Ireland in Austin,
The McCoy College of Business, Texas State University San Marcos,
The Greater San Marcos Partnership.

Invest in Pomerania
2019-05-10 11:30 - 13:00 | BBVA Bank, 1703 W. 5th, Ste. 500, Austin, TX, 78703, United States
Join our next Central Texas International Business Coalition meeting and hear from Invest in Pomerania as they discuss the benefits of investing in this dynamic and ultra-modern, business friendly and ready, region of Poland. A country strategically located in the heart of Europe and the birth place of Solidarity movement led by former president of Poland and Nobel-prize winner, Mr. Lech Walesa.
This region offers:
• A highly educated workforce, with an English proficiency that rivals Germany, France, and Scandinavia
• An industry leading Business Services Sector that provides excellent opportunities for optimizing various operation areas
• World class engineers at your disposal to help you discover solutions for software development in finance and accounting, HR, and customer service through robotic process automation (RPA), big data analysis, and machine learning
• Established R&D activities that will help your biotech/medtech products find their true potential
• A leading hub for automotive, electronics and advanced maritime projects
• A solution to your company’s Brexit woes
• One of the largest port systems in Europe offering regular weekly direct calls with the Far East
• A super-efficient investment support and incentive system

Cultural Heritage Series: Dabke Night
2019-04-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
Join our first annual Dabke Night!
If you are interested in learning about Dabke, or you just want to come and dance, then this is the event for you to explore this wonderful Levantine cultural folk dance. As part of the Cultural Heritage Series, we will be having a short Dabke performance, a lesson for beginners, and of course the chance to practice and have fun! Come ready to dance!

We will also have a Henna artist painting beautiful designs for a small fee.

A food truck will be present to make delicious Mediterranean food for purchase, so come hungry!

Don’t forget to reserve tickets and we hope to see everyone there!

World Spins Series: Thinking About Doing Business in China?
2019-04-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street, Austin, TX, 78705, United States
On your way to China to do business? “Do your homework,” advises Tyler Johnson, an international business consultant and author of The Way of The Laowai: The Importance of International Self-Awareness for Businesses. “Laowai” (pronounced “laaw wye”) is Mandarin for “old foreigner,” a reminder that culture always trumps business.

Johnson should know. He spent 10 years in Shanghai running Dell’s sales and ultimately the company’s Asia Pacific professional services organization. His tenure, from 2005-2015, coincided with China’s ramp up as a world economic powerhouse and the widespread recognition that companies – especially tech companies – have to be there. The opportunity is both huge and culture-specific:

The Chinese government exerts strong control over the private sector: China has more companies in the Fortune 500 than any country except the United States, and more than half of those firms are controlled by a single government agency.
The consumer market is huge and uses technology: Analysts predict retail sales growth of 7.5% in China and 3.3% in the U.S. for 2019, with China ending the year with total retail sales of $5,074 trillion, exceeding that expected for the U.S. by more than $100 billion, with over half of Chinese retail sales being made by smart phones.

As Johnson discovered, “the way of the laowai” can be a humbling experience. Johnson tells the story of pitching a technology solution to a provincial official and being told “I don’t think you guys understand what we need.” The problem? Sheer volume. In a single day, his prospect’s rural province did more banking transactions than the entire United States.
RSVP and join us!

Mexico as a Nearshore Base
2019-04-11 17:00 - 20:00 | Max’s, 207 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
Tech Startups and other companies looking to build out their teams or those interested in a nearshore option should attend this event.

Agenda
5:00 Registration
5:30 Welcome remarks
5:35 Overview of Jalisco & Austin environments
6:00 Panel Using Mexico as a Nearshore Base
6:30 Networking

Challenges in Transatlantic Security: Borders & Geopolitics in Europe & Eurasia
2019-04-08 19:00 - 2019-04-09 16:30 | St. Edwards University, Jones Auditorium, 3001 South Congress, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
The issues of borders and border security stand at the center of both United States and global policy relevance. The World Affairs Council of Austin in partnership with the Kozmetsky Center will offer two days of discussion on the geopolitics of border security featuring participation of distinguished expert speakers and subject area academics. Featured speakers will represent a broad range of international perspectives and approaches to the study of borders and border security.
On Monday April 8, an evening forum entitled, “Challenges in Transatlantic Security: Borders & Geopolitics in Europe & Eurasia” to be held in the Jones Global Events Center on the St. Edward’s University campus, 7:00-9:30 PM. This annual collaborative multi-year conference series in transatlantic security is held in cooperation with the Center for Europe and Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas, Austin funded with support of a grant by the United States Department of Education Title VI National Resource Program.
EVENT PARKING INFORMATION:
WAC Austin members can safely park on campus. The parking link is here: https://stedwards.nupark.com/events/Events/Register/756be194-2924-4304-885e-255912ec1ef3.
On Tuesday April 9, the interim session of the International Political Science Association (IPSA) Third International Workshop on Geopolitics devoted to the topic “Borders and Geopolitics of the 21st Century” also to be convened in the Jones Global Events Center at 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. The IPSA session will feature paper presentations by academics traveling to Austin from nations throughout the world community offering research methods, case studies and international perspectives on topics of geopolitics and border security.
Given the proximity of Austin Texas to the US-Mexico border, the IPSA Workshop will also invite contributions from academic experts and students affiliated with both St. Edward’s University and the University of Texas, Austin working on issues of border security and geopolitics in the Western Hemisphere and beyond providing additional comparative context for the session. We very much hope to engage our faculty and students throughout the campus to participate in these sessions raising questions and offering perspectives and contributions to the discussions that promise to be quite fascinating and useful for broadening knowledge and understanding on issues of critical concern to all our nations.

https://www.facebook.com/wacaustin/videos/1915558778507135/

United States of America and Republic of Korea Dinner
2019-03-19 18:00 - 20:00
The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Austin is pleased to present a discussion on trade and security featuring the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Harry Harris; The Republic of Korea Ambassador to the USA, Yoon-je Cho; and President of the Korea Institute of America and former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Kathleen Stephens.
Ambassador Harry Harris was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 28, 2018 as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Ambassador Harris commanded the U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), now known as the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), from May, 2015 to May, 2018. He is the first Asian-American to hold four-star rank in the U.S. Navy and the first to head USPACOM. Prior to USPACOM, he commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Other operational commands include the U.S. 6th Fleet, Striking and Support Forces NATO, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 1, and Patrol Squadron 46.
From 2011 to 2013, Ambassador Harris served as the representative of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to the Secretary of State. In this role, he traveled to over 80 countries with the Secretary and participated in most of the Secretary’s meetings with foreign leaders. He also served as the U.S. Roadmap Monitor for the Mid-East Peace Process.
Ambassador Harris was born in Japan and reared in Tennessee and Florida. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1978. He holds master’s degrees from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service. He also did post-graduate work at Oxford University and completed the Seminar 21 fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Ambassador Yoon-je Cho was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the United States of America by President Moon Jae-in in August 2017. He presented his credentials to President Donald J. Trump on November 29, 2017.
Prior to his appointment to the US, Ambassador Cho was dispatched as President Moon’s Special Envoy to the European Union and Germany in May 2017. He previously served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the United Kingdom from 2005 to 2008. From 2003 to 2005, he was an Advisor to President Roh Moo-hyun on Economic Policy. He was a core and advisor for President Moon Jae-in’s 2017 election campaign, heading the thencandidate’s core think-tank, “The Policy Space for People’s Prosperity”.
As one of the most prominent economists in Korea, Ambassador Cho was trained in the Department of Economics at Seoul National University (BA, 1976) and Stanford University (MA and Ph.D. in Economics, 1984). Ambassador Cho began his career as an economist at the World Bank (1984-1989) and the International Monetary Fund (1989-1992). Before returning to the World Bank as Senior Economist in 1992, he also taught at Georgetown University as an adjunct professor.
Ambassador Cho has held various positions in the ROK government throughout his career, including Member of the Financial Sector Development Committee at the Ministry of Finance and Economy (2000-2003), Member of the Policy Board at the Korea Center for International Finance (1999-2001), and Senior Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economy (1996-1997). He also served as Vice President of the Korea Institute of Public Finance (1995-1996).
Ambassador (retired) Kathleen Stephens assumed leadership of KEI as President and CEO in September 2018. Ambassador Stephens was a career diplomat in the United States Foreign Service, 1978-2015. She was U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea 2008-2011, the first woman and first Korean-speaker to serve in that position. Other overseas assignments included postings to China, former Yugoslavia, Portugal, Northern Ireland, where she was U.S. Consul General in Belfast during the negotiations culminating in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, and India, where she was U.S. Charge ‘d Affaires (2014-2015).
Ambassador Stephens also served in a number of policy positions in Washington at the Department of State and the White House. These included acting Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (2012), Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs (2005-2007), Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs (2003-2005), and National Security Council Director for European Affairs at the Clinton White House.
Korea has been a leit motif of Ambassador Stephens’ life and career since she served in rural Korea as a Peace Corps volunteer and trainer, 1975-1977. She was in Korea 1983-1989, first as a political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul reporting on Korea’s domestic political and human rights scene, and later leading the U.S. Consulate in Busan.
Stephens was William J. Perry Fellow for Korea at Stanford University’s Shorenstein Asia Pacific Research Center, 2015-2018. She has also been Endowed Chair Professor for Language and Diplomacy at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, and Senior State Department Fellow at Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy. She is a Mansfield Foundation Distinguished Fellow, Pacific Century Institute board chairman, a trustee for The Asia Foundation, and on the board of The Korea Society. She is a member of the American Academy of Diplomacy and the Council on Foreign Relations.

America's Role in the World: Why Leading Globally Matters for Texas
2019-03-18 12:00 - 13:30
Join us for a dynamic lunch discussion featuring Ambassador Barbara Stephenson, President of the American Foreign Service Association, Bill Lane, Executive Director of Trade for America, and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul on the positive impact of global affairs programs in Texas.
The World Affairs Council of Austin, in partnership with the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, is pleased to provide members with a special off-the-record briefing on America’s Role in the World by the ranking member of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Michael McCaul.
World Affairs Council of Austin members receive email invitations along with information on how to RSVP for this exclusive, invitation-only event in your March WACA newsletter and Weekly News Update.
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Networking with Flanders Business Delegation
2019-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Mort Subite, 308 Congress Avenue, Austin, 78701, United States
Meet with the corporate executives from Flanders visiting SXSW to make business connections in Texas. Texas companies may find counterparts in 5 industry sectors: life sciences & health, food, solution-driven engineering & technology, smart logistics, sustainable resources, and materials & chemistry. This networking event is pursuant to the internationalization strategy ‘Flanders accelerates!
As a region that specializes in R&D and innovation, Flanders attracts companies from around the globe. In 2017, foreign companies initiated 215 projects, involving 5,377 jobs. These figures illustrate the attractiveness of Flanders as a great place to live, work and do business.

Belgian Cafe at SXSW
2019-03-10 19:00 - 23:00 | Uncle Billy’s, 1530 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
Meet the Belgian delegation’s innovative, creative companies & startups and discover promising music talent from Belgium, such as Tamino, Buscemi, and Le Motel.
Event partners include Flanders Invest & Trade Agency, VisitFlanders, hub.brussels, Wallonia Export-Investment Agency, Wallonia-Brussels International, and startups.be.

International Women's Day Celebration
2019-03-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Austin Women’s Club, 708 San Antonio Street, Austin, TX, 78701, United States
The World Affairs Council of Austin is a partner with the United Nations Austin Chapter for the annual observance on 6th March. This year’s celebration theme is #BalanceforBetter, building a gender-balanced world.

Event Details
Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm (Networking from 6:00 to 7:00pm)
Dinner will be served at 7pm.
Venue: Austin Woman’s Club – Chateau Bellevue
Address: 708 San Antonio St, Austin, TX 78701
