The World Affairs Council of Charlotte hosted 24 high schools and 40 community groups at the 2011 Joint WorldQuest / Academic WorldQuest competition last year. Over 500 people competed in this global knowledge competition on world history, geography and current events.
3 Feb
Travel the World. Where Will You Go?
I do know, however, that being exposed to the existence of other languages increases the perception that the world is populated by people who not only speak differently from oneself, but whose cultures and philosophies are other than one’s own – Maya Angelou
As Mark Twain said, ”travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” In an increasingly interconnected world; traveling internationally is important in the way we connect with communities worldwide.
There’s no doubt that travel changes our worldview and perspectives. For first-time travelers, the experience can be overwhelming, exciting and life changing at the same time. As such, the importance of travel cannot be discounted.
There are different people with diverse value-systems, perspectives and opinions around the world. By traveling abroad, we have the opportunity to share a small slice of that experience when we return home; wherever home might be.
In addition, we build a better understanding of the world around us while becoming increasingly aware of the political, economical and cultural differences (and similarities) of people all around the globe.
So where will you travel to in 2012?
19 Jan
Article Summary: Diving the Business and Political Risks of 2012
To some, 2012 marks the end of the world as we know it. Be it by alien invasion, black hole, or some other catastrophe. Although these predictions are farfetched and extreme, according to New York Times journalist Eric Pfanner, 2012 will likely be characterized by a different kind of risk and uncertainty, more specific to the world economy.
So what can we expect in 2012? Pfanner sites research from the World Economics Forum, independent economists, professors and other professional risk analysts to provide a forecast of the logical risks 2012 may bring.
According to the World Economic Forum and previewed by the Occupy Wall Street Movement in 2011, the two largest economic risks this year are said to be the negative feelings surrounding income disparity and fiscal imbalances. Although these problems may have taken root in our home country, the discontent has spread throughout the world. A recent report from the World Economic Forum said “If these problems are not addressed, the result could be a dystopian future for much of humanity.”
Income concerns and government spending are not the only troubling economic possibilities this year. Independent economist for the New York Times, Ed Yardeni, projects his worries for 2012 in the form of the “four horsemen of the apocalypse.”
According to Yardeni, there are four major economic dangers on the horizon. The first illustrates the possibility of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. If the situation between the two countries or between Israel and Iran leads to military action, a distinct rise in oil prices may be the result. Secondly, the current eurozone crisis could lead to a major credit crunch across the globe. The third horseman, Yardeni describes is social upheaval in China and India and finally, the fourth claims a worldwide recession may radiate from Europe’s debt crisis
Another major effect on the world economy, one we’re less able to predict, is the possibly of natural disasters and how we react to them. As we saw in 2011 with the deadly earthquake in Japan, globalization causes a local devastating event to be felt around the world. What does this have to do with the economy? Bernice Lee, research director for energy, environment and resource governance for the Chatham House in Britain, explains that we’re more vulnerable to disasters now due to the increase in media coverage on television and the internet. For example, when disaster strikes, consumers around the world ‘hunker down’ in front of their televisions and computers to stay informing, therefore increasing the economic impact of the crisis.
No matter what 2012 holds for us all, Pfanner makes it clear that the times are certainly changing. Graham Hutchings, director of analysis at Oxford Analytica, explains, “This is an uncharted world, one that we’re not familiar with, one that is not populated by two or three big powers and the other countries aligning themselves with one or another of those. It is one that is marked by a dissolving of certainties, one that is more dependent on culture and context.”
Summary by Courtney James
Article Source: Diving the Business and Political Risks of 2012
9 Dec
WAC Charlotte 2011 Year-End Giving Campaign: Will You Give?
World Affairs Councils are great organizations. They help keep people throughout our country alive to important developments in world affairs and underscore that, in the country, we stay engaged and we are part of the world.
- George Schultz, former U.S. Secretary of State
WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF CHARLOTTE
2011 Year-End Giving Campaign
At this time of year, you undoubtedly receive many requests from groups worthy of your support. There is no better, timely or more appreciated way for you to assure the future of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte than participating in our 2011 Year-End Giving Campaign.
Consider the impact and outreach of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte in the Queen City:
- More than 2500 people have participated in our community programs this year. Speakers like Rick Steves (Host of Rick Steves’ Europe), Ambassador Ryan Crocker (U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan), His Excellency Mauro Vieira (Ambassador of Brazil to the U.S.), Chris Kearney (Chairman, President & CEO, SPX), Jacques Besnainou (CEO, AREVA Inc.), Jim Zogby (author of Arab Voices), Michael Scheuer (author of Osama bin Laden), Donald Tong (Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs), His Excellency Pierre Vimont (former Ambassador of France to the U.S.), Dr. Parag Khanna (How to Run the World: Charting a Course to the Next Renaissance) and Robert Guest (author of Borderless Economics and Global Business Editor – The Economist) share thoughtful discourse and insight on significant issues impacting communities around the world.
- A record number of 550 participants including 25 high schools and 55 community groups from the greater Charlotte area participated in WorldQuest this past November. In its 15th year, this blockbuster global knowledge competition remains the largest international education program of its kind in the region.
- Since 1994, we have awarded 53 Council Scholar awards enabling teachers (K-12) to go abroad and participate in international professional development programs around the world. Under the 2011-2012 Council Scholar program, we have committed to send ten (10) teachers abroad; our largest contingent of educators yet!
- Through the Speaker in the Classroom initiative, area high schools hosted roundtable discussions with Michael Scheuer (author of Osama Bin Laden), Werner Fornos (Founder of Global Population Education & 2003 laureate of the UN Population award) and Michael O’Hanlon (author of Toughing It Out in Afghanistan), allowing for interactive learning between students and experts on a variety of international topics.
- UNC Charlotte, Davidson College, Charlotte School of Law, Wingate University, Queens University of Charlotte and Central Piedmont Community College remain major education partners and we continue to collaborate with these institutions on a variety of international education programs (i.e. International Speaker Series, Great Decisions, Global Issues, The Magellan Society etc.)
- The Magellan Society (Young Professionals of the WAC Charlotte) has grown by leaps and bounds these past 12-months with a growing number of YPs who are interested in impacting the world through cultural exchange, volunteerism abroad and travel.
- Support from our corporate citizens is stronger than ever as we continue to partner with over 45 corporate entities, ultimately reaching out to key decision makers and employees, who value the critical analysis and thought-provoking discussion provided through Council programs.
As we continue promoting international education and a broader awareness (and understanding) of world affairs, your tax-deductible gift is vital to our mission to help you and our neighbors connect the big dots in what is becoming a very small world. Please make the World Affairs Council of Charlotte a priority in your year-end giving.
Sincerely,
World Affairs Council of Charlotte Board and Staff
Prefer sending your check by mail? Download the 2011 Year End Appeal Form.
8 Dec
2011 Joint WorldQuest / Academic WorldQuest
2011 Joint WorldQuest / Academic WorldQuest, a set on Flickr.
Over 530 people participated in the 2011 Joint WorldQuest and Academic WorldQuest competition, the largest international knowledge (trivia) competition of its kind in the region!
8 Dec
Egypt: First Free Elections in Decades
Death of a Fruit Salesman
When Mohamed Bouazizi committed self-immolation last year in Tunisia, the world could not have expected or predicted that the solitary act of martyrdom would have the far-reaching effects that it did. The death of a fruit salesman triggered what has become widely known as the Arab Spring; in turn, the Arab Spring has triggered a wave of hope and rebirth in the Arab world, such as has not been seen in decades.
#Jan25
Though Tunisia was the point of origin for the recent revolutions in the Arab world, Egypt has made herself the focal point. In January, millions of Egyptians filled Tahrir Square and other public gathering places in Alexandria and Cairo in a massive, unprecedented public display of anger at the government. Using new means of technology for ease of communication- Twitter, WordPress, Blogger, Facebook- they called for then-president, Mubarak, to step down. Their efforts came to a head on February 11, 2011, when Mubarak relinquished his leadership.
Elections
When Mubarak stepped down the State of Egypt enlisted an interim military government that became known as SCAF- Supreme Council for the Armed Forces- until such time that free and fair elections could be held and taken effect. Today those elections are in full swing in Egypt, with tens of thousands of voters taking to the polls to voice their opinion and hopefully have a say in their future. Voting is staggered, based on location of principality. Cairo, Alexandria, and seven other provinces open polls on the twenty-eighth, while the remaining polls open on December fourteenth and January third. These votes determine the lower house of Parliament, the People’s Assembly. Upper parliamentary- also known as the Shura Council- votes are scheduled for January, while the government promises to transfer power to an elected candidate no later than June of 2012.
Nothing is as it Seems
Despite the hope and the scheduled votes, there remain many problems and threats to the new regime. The SCAF have recently angered many Egyptians, prompting more protests and further occupation of Tahrir Square. The SCAF have responded in kind, releasing tear gas and arresting protestors. Even as protestors are denouncing actions taken by the interim government, it has implied that perhaps as much power as was promised the new government will not be given. Egypt has been a nucleus of change in the Arab world for months now, and that change is finally coming to a tangible head. And yet, this change might still escape Egypt, as it has done for decades previously. And though the Egyptian civilians are trying with all their willpower to prevent this escape, they are now realizing that it might still slip out of their grasp.
By Kristina Drye (UNC Charlotte)
8 Dec
Egypt: First Free Elections in Decades
Death of a Fruit Salesman
When Mohamed Bouazizi committed self-immolation last year in Tunisia, the world could not have expected or predicted that the solitary act of martyrdom would have the far-reaching effects that it did. The death of a fruit salesman triggered what has become widely known as the Arab Spring; in turn, the Arab Spring has triggered a wave of hope and rebirth in the Arab world, such as has not been seen in decades.
#Jan25
Though Tunisia was the point of origin for the recent revolutions in the Arab world, Egypt has made herself the focal point. In January, millions of Egyptians filled Tahrir Square and other public gathering places in Alexandria and Cairo in a massive, unprecedented public display of anger at the government. Using new means of technology for ease of communication- Twitter, WordPress, Blogger, Facebook- they called for then-president, Mubarak, to step down. Their efforts came to a head on February 11, 2011, when Mubarak relinquished his leadership.
Elections
When Mubarak stepped down the State of Egypt enlisted an interim military government that became known as SCAF- Supreme Council for the Armed Forces- until such time that free and fair elections could be held and taken effect. Today those elections are in full swing in Egypt, with tens of thousands of voters taking to the polls to voice their opinion and hopefully have a say in their future. Voting is staggered, based on location of principality. Cairo, Alexandria, and seven other provinces open polls on the twenty-eighth, while the remaining polls open on December fourteenth and January third. These votes determine the lower house of Parliament, the People’s Assembly. Upper parliamentary- also known as the Shura Council- votes are scheduled for January, while the government promises to transfer power to an elected candidate no later than June of 2012.
Nothing is as it Seems
Despite the hope and the scheduled votes, there remain many problems and threats to the new regime. The SCAF have recently angered many Egyptians, prompting more protests and further occupation of Tahrir Square. The SCAF have responded in kind, releasing tear gas and arresting protestors. Even as protestors are denouncing actions taken by the interim government, it has implied that perhaps as much power as was promised the new government will not be given. Egypt has been a nucleus of change in the Arab world for months now, and that change is finally coming to a tangible head. And yet, this change might still escape Egypt, as it has done for decades previously. And though the Egyptian civilians are trying with all their willpower to prevent this escape, they are now realizing that it might still slip out of their grasp.
28 Oct
Upcoming WACC Programs (November & December 2011) – Will You Be There?
As you know, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte is actively engaging the Queen City on significant issues impacting our world today through dynamic discussion, educational insight and thought-provoking dialogue.
Our upcoming WACC Speaker Series next month includes a discussion on the global economy and networks that create wealth, spread ideas and foster innovation regardless of traditional borders by Robert Guest, Global Business Editor of the Economist (London) on November 11. Registration is available online or by calling 704-68-7762.
Upcoming WAC Charlotte Programs (December 2011)
With the holidays around the corner, the WAC Charlotte is closing out 2011 with the following topics: global population crisis, diplomatic relationships between Ireland and the United States in challenging times and the powerful melding of military and humanitarian service in the world we live in today.
WACC Speaker Series
Werner Fornos 2011 Laureate UN Population Award and Founder of “Global Population Education” The One Billion Food Crisis Thursday, December 1 (Lunch Program – $ 30 member/$ 40 non-member rate; Westin Charlotte, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.)The U.N. projects that the world’s population will hit Werner Fornos is the founder of the nonprofit, Global Population Education, and has been in the forefront of the struggle to balance the world’s population with the world’s resources for more than 30 years. He is the 2003 laureate of the United Nations Population Award, the most prestigious award in the population field, and was awarded nine Paul Harris Fellowships from Rotary International. Previously, he served as president of the Population Institute, and was an assistant professor at George Washington University, heading the Global Population Information Program. Mr. Fornos also served as a Maryland State legislator, holding administrative posts in state and national government and authored the book, “Gaining People, Losing Ground.”
The Magellan Society (Young Professionals of the WAC Charlotte) Co-Hosted together with the WAC Charlotte
Rye Barcott Author of “It Happened on the Way to War,” Co-Founder of “Carolina for Kibera,” TED Fellow and Former U.S. Marine Thursday, December 6 (Evening Presentation – $8 member / $ 12 non-member rate; CPCC Health Building, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.) 30% of the proceeds go to Carolina for KiberaIn 2000, Rye Barcott spent part of the summer living in ten-by-ten-foot shacks in the Kibera slum of Nairobi, Kenya. He was a twenty-year-old college student heading into the Marines and he sought to better understand ethnic violence—something he would likely face in uniform. Barcott learned Swahili and listened to young people talk about how they survived amidst poverty he had never imagined existed. He stumbled into friendship with a widowed nurse, Tabitha Atieno Festo, and a tough community organizer, Salim Mohamed. It Happened on the Way to War is the gripping story of this unlikely trio’s journey to build a nongovernmental organization in a volatile place and help develop a new generation of leaders from within.
Rye Barcott co-founded the non-governmental organization Carolina For Kibera to prevent violence and empower youth through participatory development while he was an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for five years in Iraq, Bosnia and the Horn of Africa. He then earned master’s degrees in business and public administration from Harvard University, where he was a Reynolds Social Entrepreneurship Fellow. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, he lives in North Carolina with his wife and daughter and works at Duke Energy. It Happened on the Way to War, published by Bloomsbury, is his first book.
Ambassadors Circle Series
His Excellency Michael Collins Ambassador of Ireland to the United States Charting a Course in Challenging Times Thursday, December 8 (Lunch Program – $ 50 member/$ 65 non-member rate; Westin Charlotte, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.)Ambassador Michael Collins has served as Ireland’s ambassador to the United States since August 14, 2007. Prior to this appointment, he was the second secretary general (2001), Department of Taoiseach, with responsibility for international and European Union affairs and particularly the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
He entered the Department of Foreign Affairs as a third secretary on March 1, 1974. Shortly after, he was assigned to serve at Ireland’s Embassy in Rome (1975) before being promoted to first secretary at headquarters (Anglo-Irish Division) in 1977. Ambassador Collins also served at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York (1982) and at the headquarters’ political division (1986) before being appointed counselor (1990.) He served in the Anglo-Irish Division at headquarters, and in the agency’s press section, both in 1990. In 1993, he was transferred to the Irish embassy in Washington, D.C. before becoming Ireland’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Emirates in 1995. In 1999, Collins was made Ireland’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Ukraine.
Born in Dublin June 25, 1953, he earned a BSc from Trinity College, Dublin in 1978, and attended Blackrock College’s Institute of Public Administration.
If you have questions about the upcoming programs, please e-mail info@worldaffairscharlotte.org or call 704-687-7762.
28 Oct
Clean, Low-Cost Energy: The Key to America’s Competitive Future by Jacques Besnainou, Chief Executive Officer, AREVA Inc.
On Thursday, October 13, 2011, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte hosted Jacques Besnainou, CEO of AREVA Inc. at the Charlotte City Club. This CEO Series Luncheon was sponsored by J.P. Morgan, AREVA Inc., RCS Nuclear and System One Services. The topic of discussion centered around the the need for low-cost, abundant energy in the United States.
AREVA is a French engineering firm which employs about 5000 in North America and is the largest employer of engineers in Charlotte, North Carolina, with over 700 employees. Mr. Besnainou is the chief executive officer of AREVA’s North American operations, which are dedicated to nuclear power.
Charlotte, Besnainou pointed out, is moving from the financial center to the energy center of the United States, and he argued that now is the time to make series changes in investments to mirror this conversion. He maintained that investing in clean energy infrastructure is of upmost importance as our fuel supply is dwindling and our infrastructure crumbling.
“We are living off of the investments of our parents and grandparents,” Besnainou said. ” Investing is not always politically correct but it is the right thing to do.”
As he made compelling arguments for nuclear power, Mr. Besnainou claimed that AREVA is leading by example in the realm of nuclear energy by investing in the United States. He believes nuclear power to be the cheapest, safest and most valuable energy option, and this is why:
• The Evolutionary Power Reactor AREVA hopes to build in the United States will be the safest in the world and is said to be able to withstand the impact of a jet crash, not to mention a disaster such as Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi plant.
• Nuclear energy works 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It does not rely on unpredictable factors such as sun or wind to operate.
• The U.S.’ current nuclear fleet costs only about two to three cents per kilowatt-hour, making it the cheapest electricity in the world.
• The United States has absolutely no control over fuel, making it a dangerous commodity to depend on. Nuclear energy is reliable and abundant.
Mr. Besnainou strongly believes that rebuilding the nuclear industry will give the United States a strong competitive edge in the global economy. However, there will be obstacles along the way. Because our current power plants are aging, Besnainou insisted that we need to spend $2 trillion over the next 20 years to replace the supply chain.
In explaining why such a large amount of money is needed to rebuild the nuclear plants, Besnainou compared the U.S. GDP on infrastructure to that of China and France. In China, he explained, nine percent of the country’s GDP is spent on infrastructure; in France, four percent. Since 1980, the United States has only allotted two percent of its GDP to infrastructure, a possible explanation for the widespread deterioration we see today.
“The future,” Mr. Besnainou hopes, “is investing in clean energy infrastructure.”
23 Sep
Engaging Young Professionals in the Queen City
In the last 12-months, the World Affairs Council of Charlotte has been actively connecting with young professionals within its network of contacts to build the Magellan Society.
The Magellan Society is a group of young professionals in Charlotte who are engaged globally, interested in world affairs and current events and enjoy interaction with other like-minded individuals in social settings.
Through the efforts of Lauren Branson (TMS Liaison) and the Magellan Society Advisory Board, it’s the WACC’s goal to see increased YP participation in the following programs:
- Adventures in Dining (*enjoying international cuisine at local restaurants – country specific)
- TMS Happy Hour (*meet, greet and network with internationally-minded YPs in Charlotte)
- Global Connections (*evening presentations focused on world affairs and current events targeted at YPs in Charlotte)
- International Career Panel (*focused on YPs interested in careers in the Peace Corps, State Department, international NGOs, international development, international business etc.)
Young professionals are increasingly affected by unfolding global events. It’s imperative that Charlotte-area young adults engage in activities that will help them build a better understanding of world affairs and be competitive in the world market.
As Charlotte becomes increasingly globally connected, it’s not unusual to find the following:
- YPs teaching English abroad
- YPs from other countries working in Charlotte, North Carolina in a variety of sectors
- YPs establishing small businesses that are doing business in emerging markets
- YPs transitioning from for-profit careers to move into careers relating to the State Department and the Peace Corps (and more)
- YPs traveling more for business and pleasure
- YPs engaging in international cultural activities
Consider participating in Magellan Society activities by sending an e-mail to Lauren Branson (lbranson@worldaffairscharlotte.org) who can add you to the TMS distribution list if you’d like to receive updated program information.
If you’re on Facebook – Become a fan: https://www.facebook.com/themagellansociety
