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
Session 1: Strategies for the U.S. to enhance exchanges and people-to-people ties.
Ms. Lisa Choate
President & CEO
Dr. Katherine Brown
President & CEO
Mr. Rafik Mansour
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy
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
Dr. Betty Lou Leaver
Former Director
Dr. Mike Nugent
Amb. John Ordway
Former Ambassador, Trustee
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
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