Dear Friends,
Given this week's astonishing news from Washington, I'm reflecting on the fact that we welcomed thirteen citizen exchange delegations last month, and many more are due this year.
Some might wonder why the visitors come, when American society is so disrupted and contentious at this time. And some might wonder for the same reason why we should invite them. Why do hundreds of Boston-area professionals agree to meet, as volunteers, with their international peers?
It's certainly not because we have it all figured out, and want to teach and preach to the world. Ultimately, it's because no one will get through our current challenges alone. Our region is justly celebrated for openness and innovation, and so we keep opening our doors and our minds. We engage with visitors, and we engage with new and different ideas, too. A favorite comment from a recent networking event, “So speakers at WorldBoston don't always agree with each other?” Nope, and proud of it.
On October 19, the 14th Annual Consuls Reception will open the doors of the sparkling 31st floor of the Federal Reserve Bank to you, to our region's diplomatic corps, and to remarks by Boston's own Gina McCarthy, one of the great voices on the great challenge of our times, climate change. By definition, no one will get through this one alone.
And we won't get through without meeting, greeting, and enjoying — which are also on the agenda for the Consuls Reception. Please join us.
We hope to see you soon,
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Mary P. Yntema
President & CEO
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Help WorldBoston bring the world to you!
As a non-profit organization, WorldBoston relies on community support to accomplish our mission: Foster engagement in international affairs and cooperation between people of all nations.
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Registration is open for WorldBoston's 14th Annual Consuls Reception on Thursday, October 19th. We are thrilled to feature keynote remarks by Gina McCarthy, former U.S. EPA Administrator and first-ever White House National Climate Advisor, and to return to the beautiful Harborview Room on the 31st floor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
The Consuls Reception is a festive gathering that honors the Consular Corps serving Boston and New England, and celebrates WorldBoston’s mission of international engagement and global cooperation. The Consuls Reception draws distinguished guests from business, government, academia and the community to mingle with other internationally-minded leaders over delicious light fare and drinks. Purchase your ticket today to celebrate with us!
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Thank you to our 2023 sponsors to date! We are grateful for their support in making it possible for us to serve our community.
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Great Decisions | Economic Warfare
Thursday, October 12, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Hybrid Event at the Boston Public Library
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Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, economic warfare has been the main means for the West to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war?
Join us for a timely discussion of this topic with Jason Blazakis, Professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and Director of MIIS’s Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism.
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Chat & Chowder with Emmanuel Akyeampong | Independent Africa
Thursday, October 26, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Hybrid Event at Foley & Lardner LLP
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Join us for this installment of our popular Chat & Chowder book talk series, featuring Emmanuel K. Akyeampong, Faculty Director of the Harvard University Center for African Studies, to discuss his new book, Independent Africa: The First Generation of Nation Builders. Professor Akyeampong will be joined in conversation by Scott Taylor, Dean of the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University.
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What in the World?
Our What in the World? weekly quiz is a collection of 10 questions designed to test your knowledge of international affairs and current events. Every Monday, a new quiz is posted on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram stories. If you would like to receive the quiz by email, please contact Natalie Mase to be added to our What in the World? mailing list. The quiz can also always be found in WorldBoston Recommends, our weekly Friday newsletter.
Trivia Trail-Blazers
Congratulations to the top scorers in September! They got nearly every question right on all quizzes. Our high scorers are:
- Luz Fernandez
- Matthew Torrey
- Henry Brier
- John Perry
- Tom Ebling
- Terry Quist
- Betty Athanasoulas
- Leslie Griffin
- Jean Horstman
- Werner Salinger
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Monthly Prize Winner
When you take What in the World?, you are automatically entered into a raffle to win exclusive prizes. This month's prize winner is:
Paul McManus
Miss Something?
If you missed a quiz or would like to retake one, click on the links below.
Week of September 4
Week of September 11
Week of September 18
Week of September 25
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We welcome your thoughts and ideas for in-person programming. If you have suggestions, please contact Vice President for Citizen Diplomacy, Sarah Sibley.
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Custom Visitor Programs
Foreign Press Centers (FPC) International Reporting Tour
In September, WorldBoston hosted 14 journalists from 14 countries who participated in the Foreign Press Centers International Reporting tour. During the tour, the delegation went to seven meetings, among them WorldBoston sponsors Autodesk and Ann LaFrance.
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This Foreign Press Centers (FPC) International Reporting Tour is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by Meridian International Center, and WorldBoston.
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Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI)
The U.S. Department of State has again selected WorldBoston to serve as a Cohort Ambassador for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). During YLAI, companies and organizations (like the one where you work!) have the opportunity to host a professional fellow and business owner from Latin America over a one month period from March to April 2024.
This year’s cohort of fellows work in the following industries:
- Arts and Culture
- Fashion
- Business Services
- Education
- Data Analysis and IT
- Food and Beverage
- Community Development
- Youth Empowerment
- Agriculture and Animal Care
- Artisan Products
- Tourism
- Film and Media
- Health
- Electronics and Technology
- Energy and Environment
If you are interested in hosting a fellow, please fill out the following interest form, 2024 FPO Interest Form, and/or reach out to Director of Citizen Diplomacy Programs Joshua Bruno for more information.
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YLAI is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX, and WorldBoston.
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In September, we welcomed Charlotte Goodman to the WorldBoston team as Citizen Diplomacy Intern. Originally from Pennsylvania, Charlotte is a recent graduate of Dickinson College, where she double majored in Spanish and International Studies with a concentration in Global Security. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, running, and playing with her dog. We look forward to working with Charlotte over the next few months!
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Check your inbox every Friday for WorldBoston Recommends – our staff picks for high-quality virtual programs on global topics in the coming week.
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Missed any of our recent events? You can find video recordings of our events on our YouTube channel! Below are links to recent events:
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Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for updates!
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Wait, Did You Miss Something?
Don't forget to 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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The International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program and WorldBoston's main citizen diplomacy partner. Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders. These visits reflect the International Visitors' professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.
The U.S. Department of State's bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administers the IVLP. In doing so, the bureau enters cooperative agreements with National Program Agencies, a group of private, not-for-profit organizations based in Washington, D.C., that design and implement national IVLP itineraries. In addition to the National Program Agencies, the IVLP relies on the commitment and skills of local community organizations across the U.S., known as Community Based Members (CBMs). Under the professional association of Global Ties U.S., local CBM members develop professional programs, arrange cultural activities, and provide home hospitality for international visitors.
WorldBoston is part of the Global Ties Network of more than 90 CBMs in 45 states.
WorldBoston is a member of the World Affairs Councils of America,
a network of more than 90 independent Councils in more than 40 states.
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