Public Diplomacy and International Exchange in the 21st Century

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET

Contact: Camryn Viola, connect@americancouncils.org

On October 17, American Councils for International Education celebrates 50 years of excellence in public diplomacy, language acquisition, and cultural exchange programs with the conference, Public Diplomacy and International Exchange in the 21st Century. Cohosted by George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs, the conference will gather diplomatic, government, business, and academic leaders whose expertise will enliven discussions on the transformative power of international education and its vital role in today’s diverse and interconnected world. 

The conference will feature discussions on the future of global education and study abroad programs, underscoring American Councils' mission to strengthen international ties and mutual understanding between countries, people, and communities.

While the event will be held in person with limited seating in Washington, DC, it will also be streamed live on Zoom where all of our friends and partners from around the world may attend these important conversations virtually.

Conference Speakers

A keynote address by an acclaimed speaker in the field of public diplomacy and international education will be announced soon.

Special Guest

Madame President Atifete Jahjaga

Former President, Republic of Kosovo

The Jahjaga Foundation

Session 1: Strategies for the U.S. to enhance exchanges and people-to-people ties.  

Ms. Lisa Choate

Dr. Katherine Brown

President & CEO

Global Ties U.S.

Mr. Rafik Mansour

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Mr. Joe Kapp

Session 2: The crucial role of languages and area studies in maintaining strong international ties in the context of declining enrollment.   

Dr. Dan Davidson

President Emeritus & Co-Founder

American Councils for International Education

Dr. Betty Lou Leaver

Dr. Mike Nugent

Amb. John Ordway

Ms. Sydney Stotter

Ph.D Candidate in Slavic Languages & Literatures

Harvard University

Session 3: Media, disinformation, and the challenges posed to public diplomacy.

Mr. Frank Sesno

Professor & Director of Strategic Initiatives

The George Washington University School of Media & Public Affairs

Mr. Benjamin Thurn

Program Manager, Media Literacy Programs

American Councils for International Education

Dr. Ethan Porter

Associate Professor of Media and Public Affairs and of Political Science

The George Washington University School of Media & Public Affairs

Dr. Sumitra Badrinathan

Assistant Professor of Politics, Governance & Economics

American University, School of International Service