Public Diplomacy and International Education in the 21st Century
Thursday, October 17, 2024, 11:00 AM 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 Education 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.
EVENT SCHEDULE
11:00 AM: Registration & Welcome Reception with Lunch
12:00 PM: Opening Remarks with Keynote Address by President Atifete Jahjaga
1:00 PM: Strategies for the U.S. to Enhance Exchanges & People-to-People Ties
2:25 PM: The Crucial Role of Language & Area Studies in Maintaining Strong International Ties in the Context of Declining Enrollment
3:35 PM: Media, Disinformation, & the Challenges Posed to Public Diplomacy
The events will take place virtually and in-person.
Conference Speakers
Keynote Speaker
Madame President Atifete Jahjaga
Former President, Republic of Kosovo
Welcome & Introductions
Mr. Peter Loge
Ms. Lisa Choate
President & CEO
School of Media & Public Affairs Director
The George Washington University, School of Media & Public Affairs
Session 1: Strategies for the U.S. to enhance exchanges and people-to-people ties.
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM EST
Amb. Marie Yovanovitch
Dr. Katherine Brown
President & CEO
Mr. Rafik Mansour
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Mr. Joe Kapp
Mr. Joe Wierichs
Public Diplomacy Fellow
The George Washington University Institute for Public Diplomacy and Global Communication
Session 2: The crucial role of languages and area studies in maintaining strong international ties in the context of declining enrollment.
2:25 PM to 3:25 PM EST
Dr. Dan Davidson
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
Session 3: Media, disinformation, and the challenges posed to public diplomacy.
3:35 PM to 4:35 PM EST
Mr. Frank Sesno
Moderator
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