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Dear Friends,
This time of year, we get ready to greet people who have travelled from around the country, many of whom we look forward to seeing every year. We'll share new ideas and trends and rich conversations on current topics — and probably some refreshments, too. And as we gather together we will certainly give thanks for the opportunity.
WorldBoston will be gathering in Washington, D.C. next week with our peer councils at the annual National Conference of the World Affairs Councils of America, appropriately titled this year, “The World, On Balance.” The World Affairs Councils of America represents the largest grassroots foreign policy organization in the country, connecting highly diverse councils from coast to coast. The annual conference offers must-see speaker panels and keynotes, and just as importantly, the chance to connect with other councils to share best practices and experiences at this critical moment in our nation's international engagement.
Aligning with WorldBoston's growing emphasis on NextGen programming, this year for the first time the intrepid crew from WorldBoston will include two of our leading NextGen participants: Brian Moloney, Social Studies Educator at Nipmuc Regional High School and frequent Academic WorldQuest coach, and Savannah Lavigne, who served as a Green Room Scholar from Bridgewater State University, which is a longtime WorldBoston sponsor. Watch for Brian's and Savannah's reflections in their post-conference recaps.
Generous WorldBoston sponsors and community members made Brian's and Savannah's participation possible. We are grateful to you all, and hope with your continued help to expand NextGen opportunities going forward.
Oh, and by the way, we have some pretty great programs coming up soon right here in Boston this month, too.
We hope to see you soon,
Your friends at WorldBoston
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Help WorldBoston bring the world to you!
As a non-profit organization, WorldBoston relies on community support to deliver our mission of fostering engagement in international affairs and cooperation between people of all nations.
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Do you know about WorldBoston's Custom Visitor Programs? A bespoke experience is ideal for international organizations, government agencies, universities, companies, NGOs, and other groups looking to bring or welcome international visiting delegations to Eastern Massachusetts.
Our expansive local network and expertise, built over half a century of hosting international leaders, ensures high-quality, tailored programming across Eastern Massachusetts that meets your delegation’s needs.
WorldBoston hosts more than 75 professional international exchange delegations annually and can provide programming for a range of international visitors. Our services range from logistics-only – including airport transfers, ground transportation, and hotel reservations at preferred rates for visitors – to full-service programming, which could include arranging professional meetings, cultural activities, welcome orientation, special events, meeting spaces, workshops, local dinners with volunteer hosts, and more. Our administrative fees are based on the level of service provided, number of international guests, and length of the program. Please note that visiting groups will be responsible for securing their own necessary visas.
In June, WorldBoston hosted a program called “Innovations and Best Practices for AI-Enhanced Language Learning in the English Language Classroom,” sponsored by the U.S. State Department, and featuring nine visitors — all international English language educators and professionals. Visitors met with individuals at universities, nonprofits, state legislature, and K-12 schools. Local cultural activities included a welcome orientation, a guided Freedom Trail Walking Tour, a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, a networking stop at Venture Café at the Cambridge Innovation Center, a group lunch in Chinatown, and “Dinner Diplomacy” with a WorldBoston community member in their home.
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The program called “Jump Startup for Women in Deeptech: Biotech and Healthtech (#Jump4Women)” in October 2024 was designed to empower and foster women's entrepreneurship in Spain in health and biotech. WorldBoston hosted 20 women entrepreneurs – in partnership with Foment del Treball Nacional and the U.S. Consul General in Barcelona – to build business contacts, find technology partners, discuss AI challenges and opportunities, meet potential investors, and seek international cooperation in research and innovation projects.
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We welcome your thoughts and ideas for in-person visitors programming. If you have suggestions, please contact Vice President for Citizen Diplomacy, Sarah Sibley.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us on October 21st for our 16th Annual Consuls Reception! This festive evening celebrated the local Consular Corps and our mission of fostering international engagement and global cooperation.
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Held in the stunning Harborview Room at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the evening brought together academics, business and government leaders, and members of our global community for new and renewed connections.
We were honored to hear keynote remarks from Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, President & CEO of MassBio, on Boston’s groundbreaking role in the life sciences industry. The event also featured a special City of Boston Certificate of Recognition honoring Mary Yntema, WorldBoston’s President Emerita, for over a decade of extraordinary leadership, and the proclamation of “Mary Yntema Day” in the City of Boston!
A heartfelt thank you to our speakers, sponsors, the Consular Corps, and all who joined us in celebrating.
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Great Decisions with Dr. Rana Mitter U.S.-China Relations
Thursday, November 13th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
The NonProfit Center
Washington’s relations with Beijing have reached an ominous low ebb. Both American political parties have identified China as the country’s preeminent geopolitical challenger and, in the eyes of many, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino-American relations, and what are America’s strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition?
Join us for a timely discussion of this topic with Rana Mitter, ST Lee Chair in US-Asia Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School. This program will feature an expert presentation, live audience Q&A, and time for networking and discussion with other globally-oriented participants.
This program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
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Chat & Chowder with Karen Elliott House | The Man Who Would Be King
Thursday, December 4th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Foley & Lardner LLP
Join us for this installment of our popular Chat & Chowder series, featuring Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Karen Elliott House. Ms. House will discuss her new book, The Man Who Would be King: Mohammed bin Salman and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia.
Chat & Chowder programs are an excellent opportunity to engage with expert speakers and to network with other globally-oriented participants in an informal environment. Each event features a presentation, audience Q&A, dedicated time for networking, and (of course!) a selection of chowders and beverages.
Advance registration is required. We cannot accommodate walk-ins for the in-person program.
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Great Decisions with Michael Poznansky | American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads
Thursday, December 11th
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Boston Public Library, Rabb Hall
The United States faces a world of challenges, dangers, and uncertainties. With conflict and disorder becoming an ever more prevalent component of global politics, we are left with many questions. Questions such as: What is America's role on the global stage? What are the decisions, risks, and opportunities that lie ahead in an increasingly tumultuous international landscape? And how can American foreign policy adapt to the new challenges that the world faces? The answers to these questions could shape American foreign policy and the global order for decades to come.
Join us for a timely discussion of this topic with Michael Poznansky, Professor and Author on International Relations. This program will feature an expert presentation, live audience Q&A, and time for networking and discussion with other globally-oriented participants.
This program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.
Disclaimer: All views expressed at this event are the speaker's own and do not represent those of the U.S. Naval War College, the Department of the Navy, or the Department of Defense
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Disclaimer: WorldBoston is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, non-advocacy, educational organization dedicated to fostering civil discourse on international affairs. Our speakers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WorldBoston, our affiliates, or our community.
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NextGen programming brings the next generation of globally-minded individuals into the WorldBoston community and provides them with opportunities to engage with our programming and the world around them.
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Step into the world of global affairs and become a Green Room Scholar for a chance to go behind the scenes of one of WorldBoston’s signature Global Engagement events! For each event, the selected Green Room Scholar will have the unique opportunity to interact with our expert speaker, meet the WorldBoston community, and write an event recap that will be posted to our website.
The chance to be a Green Room Scholar is only available to students at sponsoring colleges/universities of WorldBoston.
To become a Green Room Scholar, contact Harrison Zeiberg, Director of Global Engagement Programs and Operations.
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Academic WorldQuest, the World Affairs Councils of America’s flagship global knowledge competition, is a fun and powerful way for high school students to learn about international affairs. Teams of up to 4 High School students compete for the chance to represent Massachusetts at the World Affairs Council of America National Competition in April. Keep an eye out for registration!
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CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
The following opportunities are perfect for educators trying to bring a global perspective into their classrooms!
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GLOBAL AFFAIRS IN FRAME
Recorded conversations of WorldBoston’s Global Engagement Programming from 25+ authors, former diplomats, and other leaders in their fields. Videos range from 45-60 minutes and include 5-8 discussion questions and 1 activity that can be done in the classroom with your students. More activities and discussions are added frequently.
Topics include:
- Pandemic preparedness
- AI and National Security
- U.S. Economic Leadership
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DIPLOMACY SIMULATION
WorldBoston staff trained by the National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD) can run a diplomacy simulation in classrooms or on Zoom.
Diplomacy Simulations are unique collaborative experiences with students assuming roles in fictitious situations that require little advance preparation.
By the end of the approximately three-hour session, students will have been able to:
- better understand the complexity of foreign relations;
- appreciate the nuances of conducting diplomacy;
- practice negotiation skills through a resolution-building simulation;
- learn more about what makes an issue a global one, including the issue at hand in the simulation.
We can customize a virtual simulation for 12-24 students on ten different global challenges: international migration, nuclear proliferation, freshwater security, wildlife trafficking, border security, counterfeit trade, HIV/AIDs, peacebuilding, sustainable oceans, and public health.
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Now more than ever, WorldBoston relies on the support of our community to fulfill our mission. Donors who contribute $25 – $999 are proudly recognized on our website as Community Supporters. (Donors of $1,000 and above are Sponsors and enjoy year-round benefits; learn more here!)
You can also donate to WorldBoston through a Donor Advised Fund!
And we want to thank our new community supporters: Mint Berexa, Andrea Harris, Kelley Hippler, Ted Canova, Heather O'Brien, and Uldis Sipols.
We encourage you to contribute to WorldBoston to become a 2025 Community Supporter. Donors will receive this year's special pin to recognize their support!
Thank you all for donating to WorldBoston and helping make our mission possible!
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Asterisks indicate first-time sponsors to WorldBoston.
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Check your inbox every Friday for WorldBoston Recommends – our staff picks for high-quality programs and opportunities on global topics in the coming week.
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Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for updates!
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Wait, Did You Miss Something?
Check our News section for announcements and past newsletters.
And for the latest, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram!
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WorldBoston is now on Bluesky!
@worldboston.bsky.social
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