|
Dear Friends,
Welcome to this week’s WorldBoston Recommends email, highlighting high-quality programming for the upcoming week, special opportunities, and event recordings, whether our own, from other World Affairs Councils, or other excellent venues.
We hope these recommendations help you stay internationally engaged, wherever you may be.
Best regards,
|
Mary P. Yntema
President & CEO
|
|
|
Tuesday, March 4th
3:00 – 4:00 PM ET
On January 7, the U.S. classified Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces as committing genocide in the ongoing civil war. The UN reports that over 24 million people are facing acute hunger, and the International Rescue Committee calls it the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. Why hasn’t the international community, especially the West, given this crisis the attention it requires? While the West may be silent, regional actors are deeply involved. Who are they, and what’s their stake in this conflict? Join Sudan experts Alex de Waal, Executive Director of The World Peace Foundation, and Kholood Khair, Founding Director of Confluence Advisory, as they discuss the current state of the war, the scope of the crisis, and the factors fueling it.
|
|
 |
|
Tuesday, March 4th
6:00 – 7:30 PM ET
WAC Michigan welcomes Ghaith al-Omari, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation senior fellow, Washington Institute for Near East Policy as part of their Great Decisions series. The Middle East is a region of profound historical, political, and cultural complexity and currently faces many challenges to future stability. Several key issues include the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, ongoing civil wars in Yemen and Libya, and continuing regional antagonism from Iran. While the ongoing violence is heartbreaking, Mr. al-Omari will offer insights on potential ways forward, framed by his deep experience in the region.
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, March 4th
4:30 – 5:30 PM ET
Since joining NATO in 2023, Finland has emerged as an important voice on European security, particularly in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine. As it shares a more than 800-mile border with Russia, their need for a resilient defence is essential, and is evidenced in the security fence they are building on their Eastern flank. Now, Europe faces criticism from the West by the new U.S. administration. Finland’s response to President Trump, approach to Europe’s security, and its geopolitical role, shape the most pressing conversation in Europe. Speakers for this event include Elina Valtonen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Finland and Bronwen Maddox of Chatham House.
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 5th
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET
In recent months, North and South Korea have seen a divergence in their geopolitical fortunes. On December 3, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law, setting off a political crisis that has seen President Yoon impeached and hindered Seoul’s ability to coordinate with the new Trump administration. In contrast, North Korea continues to deepen its relationship with Russia to which it has exported 9 million artillery shells and provided more than 10,000 troops in exchange for food, fuel, and advanced military technology. Please join the Tennessee World Affairs Council for a discussion of the current state of affairs in North and South Korea, as well as how they are adapting to changes in geopolitics. Speakers for this event include Troy Stangarone, Hyundai Motor-Korea Foundation Center for Korean History and Public Policy and the Indo-Pacific Program at the Wilson Center and Natalie Thibault.
|
|
|
|
In-Person Attendance Requires A Valid Harvard ID
Wednesday, March 5th
6:00 PM ET
Just weeks removed from his tenure as the 7th Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Alejandro Mayorkas will join us for a timely discussion on the state of immigration policy in the United States, and lessons learned from his time at DHS. Moderating this discussion will be Juliette Kayyem, Belfer Senior Lecturer in International Security, who served as Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security in President Obama’s Administration, as well as Homeland Security Advisor to Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 6th
5:00 – 6:00 PM ET
In this talk, Major General Stacy Jo Huser, Commander of the 20th Air Force, Air Force Global Strike Command, will discuss the necessity of modernizing the U.S. nuclear triad to address emerging threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. Drawing from her extensive experience in nuclear operations and strategic planning, she will explore challenges like hypersonic weapons, cyber vulnerabilities, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing how modernization ensures effective deterrence and strategic superiority in an evolving global landscape.
|
|
|
|
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL AID PLATFORM
The Boston Network for International Development created a Mutual Aid platform to support individuals in Greater Boston / New England who have been directly impacted by the foreign aid pause and USAID shutdown. This peer-to-peer resource connects community members who need assistance with those who can offer help in areas such as career mentorship, job search support, networking, housing, and more.
How It Works:
If you need assistance, submit a request and your request will be shared (without personal contact details) on a public listing (see list of requests).
If you can offer assistance, submit an offer and your information will be listed publicly for those seeking help (see list of offers).
If you see a specific request you can help with, submit a response and your offer will be forwarded to the requestor.
This platform is a community-driven mutual aid network. BNID does not verify, vet, or endorse any requests, offers, or responses. All interactions are voluntary and at participants’ own risk.
|
|
The UNAGB Summer Institute in Global Leadership offers week-long leadership development programs for middle and high school students that are designed to cultivate global awareness and leadership skills among students through the core principles of Model UN. Throughout the week, participants engage in dynamic simulations of international diplomacy, participate in meaningful skill-building workshops, and explore complex global issues such as human rights, global health and climate change.
Led by experienced educators and industry professionals, UNAGB’s Summer Institute helps participants develop practical skills in public speaking, research, and consensus-building, preparing them to become effective global citizens and future leaders. By the end of the program, students emerge with a deeper understanding of global challenges and the confidence to contribute positively to their communities and the world at large.
|
|
Are you interested in bringing the world into your classroom? Do you want to inspire your students to be globally engaged? The National Museum of American Diplomacy is offering an hour-long program for professionals in education to share how to introduce and incorporate diplomacy and global perspectives into a school curriculum. This program is completely free and will take place seven times over the next 4 months.
|
|
Want to be a part of WorldBoston’s Dinner Diplomacy program? Engage with international professionals of visiting delegations for a meal at your home. We often have opportunities to get involved! Hosting in an informal setting allows you to meet distinguished visitors from all over the world and learn more about their country, culture, and professional expertise. Dinner Diplomacy can take various forms, from brunch to afternoon tea to a sit-down dinner with small groups. Reach out to Sarah Sibley, Vice President of Citizen Diplomacy (ssibley@worldboston.org) to learn more about upcoming opportunities!
|
|
The Alumni Resource Center (ARC) is an online career development hub for U.S. citizen ExchangeAlumni. ARC provides ExchangeAlumni with courses, trainings, and other resources to develop professional skills and abilities, market themselves, and explore careers in and outside of public service. The Alumni Resource Center is offering a new online course, Seize the Advantage: Understanding Non-Competitive Eligibility. This course will explore non-competitive eligibility and how you can leverage this unique opportunity to apply for federal jobs. You must be a U.S. citizen ExchangeAlumni and a member of the Alumni Resource Center.
|
|
Writing Opportunities
Are you interested in writing about international affairs? Below are opportunities for you to submit your pieces to publications nationwide!
- WorldBoston Event Reporting: Volunteer to write an event recap about one of our Global Engagement events or public programs, to be posted on our website blog and social media. For more information, please email Harrison Zeiberg, Manager of Global Engagement and Operations.
- WorldBoston’s #BostonPhotoFriday: We want to see your pictures of Boston! As part of our #BostonPhotoFriday series, we would like to feature our community’s photos on our social media. For more information, please email Harrison Zeiberg, Manager of Global Engagement and Operations.
- The Journal of Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs: This quarterly journal is accepting submissions of features and essays, as well as online exclusive submissions to appear on their website on a rolling basis. Submit your piece here.
- Realist Review Article Submission: This policy publication is accepting submissions from anyone interested in writing a commentary or analysis piece that expresses a perspective on policies or developments in international affairs and diplomacy. Submit your work here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
