World Affairs Council- Seattle

Meet Ethan Bruno who supported our Global Leadership Exchange team! We are having to say goodbye to another great summer intern this week as he heads back to the University of Washington in Seattle. Ethan is a rising sophomore studying political science with a focus in international security. Why this major?: I choose political science because I have a keen interest in learning more about the world around me and how it operates." One highlight for Ethan this summer at the Council was spending time with the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) and learning about Iraqi culture firsthand. Thank you Ethan for all your contributions this summer!

The Secure and Sustainable Infrastructure Program didn’t end after the first day! The cohort enjoyed their second morning at the The Museum of Flight learning a tremendous amount about air and space. They then had invigorating conversations with Maritime Blue and the Port of Seattle about maritime innovation and green tech and economic growth in ports. We wish the cohort all the best in their journey onward! #SSIPPorts #SecuringOurFuture U.S. Embassy India U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

We had a great kick-off event to our programming season yesterday as we hosted General David H. Petraeus, US Army (Ret.) at K&L Gates! We worked to allow as many of our community members as possible until it was 'standing room only' at the event so we thank you all for your flexibility! General Petraeus touched on some key points in his new book, "Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine" (which we sold out!) outlining the four 'must-haves' of any successful strategic leader, taking an honest look at where U.S. leadership failed and succeeded in past conflicts and discussing what the future of warfare might look in the coming years (tech is key!). Above all, he emphasized you must get the "big ideas" right if you want to succeed and change the world. Overall it was an energizing way to start off our programming year! Thank you to our community members for your keen interest, our hosts for the fabulous space, and of course to our speaker, David Petraeus, for the exceptional discussion. It was an honor to host you. #Petraeus #leadership #conflict

Join us next Thursday at 12 pm for a free members-only virtual roundtable discussion with Tamara P Taraciuk Broner, Director of the Peter D. Bell Rule of Law program at the Inter-American Dialogue on the developing situation following Venezuela's recent election. Will Maduro retain his position despite evidence against his alleged victory or what strength does the opposition have to effect a change that reflects the true will of the people? Register today here to join the conversation and find out more. https://lnkd.in/gDVty8Y4 Not a member? Join today! https://lnkd.in/gh7Mx-7z

Meet Alex Ha, who supported both our Community Programs and External Relations teams this summer! We are sad to say goodbye to Alex as he wraps up his time here with the Council. However, it's back to school for him for last year at Newport High School! He is looking to study international relations when he goes to college. A highlight of his internship was staffing the event with Representative Adam Smith and Alice Albright, as well as meeting the Korean Consul General. Thank you for all your support this summer!

TT: We welcomed a wonderful group from Central and South America exploring topics of women in enterprise, leadership, and at the forefront of social and economic change. This dynamic group of women visited Seattle organizations that are led by women and that promote the advancement of women through support services, financial assistance, entrepreneurial opportunities, and education.  Highlights of the visit included connecting with the terrific team at the Washington State Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises, meeting with incredible representatives from the Office of Equity, learning of the amazing work being done at the Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA), enjoying lunch with the Seattle commissioners, and learning about the power of education advancement through the Freedom Education Project Puget Sound!  #womenandchange #womenandgrowth #womendriversofchange #equityjusticeandinclusion #womenleaders 

Seattle never gets tired of hosting the Secure and Sustainable Infrastructure Program! This cohort featured seven great sports from great ports who came to Seattle from Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines to discuss innovative port management. We were honored to have Arun Jain, Urban Planner and Specialist, deliver an opening address to the group on port technology and environmental stewardship. While in Seattle, they enjoyed an Argosy Cruise which provided some immaculate views of the city. Then they heard from Seattle City Light, met with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and toured the Bullitt Center. Always a pleasure to connect our partners and community with professionals from all over the world! #SSIPPorts #SecuringOurFuture U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

Global Classroom and the University of Washington’s Jackson School hosted our annual EU Policy Forum for Educators two weeks ago. A heartfelt thank you to all the educators who joined us for this immersive workshop and to our incredible EU experts who shared invaluable insights into the EU's formation and evolution. Understanding the EU's role on the global stage is essential, and we hope this workshop equipped educators with the knowledge and confidence to empower their students in navigating our rapidly changing, interconnected world.

Our office has moved! We will miss the water views and *rare* orca sightings in Elliot Bay but we are thrilled about our new location! You can now find us at 520 Pike Street. We hope to see you there at a program or meeting soon!

The World Affairs Council welcomed a powerful delegation of human rights advocates determined to explore ways to end human trafficking in persons. This group banded together from Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, the Palestinian Territories, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Tunisia, Egypt, and Mozambique to learn about U.S. strategies, policies, pitfalls, and best practices toward creating effective policies to reduce the incidents of sex, labor, and organ trafficking worldwide. Highlights of their incredible visit included a powerful meeting with the Washington State Department of Commerce's Office of Crime Victims Advocacy, an impassioned discussion with the trailblazing director of Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking (BEST), learning about the staggering and stunning work of an amazing team at Homeland Security Investigations, receiving a heartfelt shout-out at a Seattle City Council Debrief Meeting, and getting to sit among the incredible team that comprises the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's office- not to mention being on the receiving end of an evening of Seattle-spun warmth and discourse through their home hospitality experience! #trafficking #endingslavery #victimadvocacy #endinghumantrafficking Cultural Vistas