Past Speaker Series

November 2004

Sir Eldon Griffiths – "The US and the EU: A New Relationship with the Newly Elected"

Sir Eldon, a former Member of Parliament and former Chairman of the World Affairs Councils of America, discussed the new relationship forming between the United States and the European Union.

Sir Eldon Griffiths spoke at The Westin Charlotte on Friday, November 5th.

This program was made possible by a grant from the European Union.

June 2004
Annual Meeting

On June 8^th, the WACC held its Annual Meeting at the Tower Club. Dr. Billy O. Wireman, President Emeritus of Queens University of Charlotte, was the distinguished keynote speaker and spoke on the topic "The World You Will Inherit, Ten forces That Will Shape Our Future." While sharing his views on globalization, Dr. Wireman listed the following “forces” as challenges that we currently and in the future will faces: terrorism, Iraq, the American economy, strains in the Atlantic Alliance, nuclear proliferation, Russia’s Evolution to democratic capitalism, the rise of China, the feminization of poverty, AIDS, and the role of the United Nations. He concluded: ”To be sure, as we face the future, we see both difficulty and opportunity. (…) We do live in a time of great revolution, but the most revolutionary idea of all is human freedom. Your task is to build on America’s strengths by ensuring that people are attracted to us not for the glitter of our wealth or the power of our weapons, but for the splendor of our ideals and our commitment to justice.”

"Between Iraq and a Hard Spot"

The WACC and WTVI presented a joint program on Iraq on June 10th. Panelists were Dr. Ken Menkhaus, Associate Professor of Political Science at Davidson College and John Dodd, President of the Jesse Helms Center. Chairman of the WACC board, Edward Brynn, moderated this discussion in which both parties shared their respective knowledge on questions like: Should we have gone into Iraq? Where are we now? What plans are in place for the future and how should the US fit into those plans.

Berlin Metamorphoses

On June 22^nd, the WACC, CPCC and the Charlotte Eric M. Warburg Chapter of the American Council on Germany were invited to the screening of Berlin Metamorphoses. Beginning with World War II, filmmaker Robert E. Frye - a former producer at ABC - told the story of Berlin, its rising from the ashes of history and how it redefined itself and its people. A lively discussion about the movie and Berlin and Germany followed.

May 2004

Israel-Palestine: A Portrait of Conflict

In May, we were privileged to hear Dr. Robert E. Cooley share his knowledge of the historical as well as current aspects of the ongoing problems in the Middle East. Dr. Cooley is widely recognized for his research and writing in the field of archaeology as well as his Middle East excavations. With his in-depth understanding of the culture and broad-based historical perspective, Dr. Cooley presented an unbiased perspective of both sides of this difficult situation

7^th International Community Awards

The WACC, Mayors International Cabinet, Charlotte Sister Cities, the International House, and the North Carolina World Trade Association – Charlotte Chapter presented the 2004 Mayor’s International Community Awards and recognized the following foreign owned companies for their philanthropic giving and support: Klingspor Abrasives (Germany), Transamerica Reinsurance (The Netherlands), and Stabilus, Inc. (Germany). The awards were given by Major Pat McCrory while Richard Vinroot presented the Richard Vinroot International Achievement Award to Dr. Billy O. Wireman, President Emeritus of Queens University. Hailed as “one of America’s best university presidents”, Dr. Wireman, a former chair of the WACC, has served as an educational consultant in India, Africa, South America, Indonesia and he has repeatedly visited South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Philippines to meet government officials. His vast knowledge of political and cultural affairs has made him a renowned speaker and leader on international issues

April 2004
Hungary and the EU

We were pleased to partner with the North Carolina World Trade Association - Charlotte Chapter to present a program on Hungary and the EU: Opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe. Barnabus Nemeth, Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary and Sean Timmins, International Trade Specialist at the US Department of Commerce, Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center shared the podium. Mr. Nemeth and Mr. Timmis spoke about benefits for US companies when Hungary joins the European Union and counseled US firms on commercial opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe. Both informed on the Hungarian Investment and Trade Development Agency, a non-profit organization that provides information for foreign
.investments in Hungary

March 2004

"What Americans Need to Know About the European Union"

Co-sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America and the European Union, Ambassador Edward M. Rowell talked about the EU and explained how this coalition affects things we care about in this country. He helped the audience to understand why international discussions and decision making processes are critical by giving an insider perspective on how the Europeans feel about their coalition and international relations.

"The Crisis in North Korea"

Don Oberdorfer talked about the crisis on the Korean peninsula and shared insights that he gathered from his extensive travels and interviews with officials in Korea, Japan, Moscow and Washington as well as a US Army lieutenant in Korea following the signing of the armistice in 1953. Mr. Oberdorfer who was a journalist for the Charlotte Observer and the Washington Post was also a guest on the Mike Collins Show “Charlotte Talks” on WFAE the following day

February 2004
"The Current Crisis in the French-American Relations"

The WACC and the French American Chamber of Commerce presented this panel discussion in February. Lloyd Kramer, Dean Smith Distinguished Term Professor of History, UNC-Chapel Hill; Pierre Wertheimer, President, French Development Agency, Inc.; Terry Maguire, co-owner of France-Press and publisher of Journal Français and France Today; and Homer Sutton, Professor of French, Davidson College discussed the hot topic with the audience.

January 2004
"Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The US Record 2002-2003"

Robert P. Jackson, Director of the Office for the Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy at the State Department, discussed how the U. S. fights terrorism by promoting democracy. The Human Rights Report is the first publication where the integration between policymaking and reporting on human rights and democracy is shown. We were pleased to partner with Charlotte Country Day School to present this program.

Eisenhower National Security Series: National Power in an Unpredictable World
The Dwight D. Eisenhower National Security Series promotes national security community in a broad and unique dialogue that identifies and presents new ways to focus national power to meet the full range of security challenges confronting America in the 21^st century. Six representatives from the US Army War College engaged us in a discussion on national security and other public policy issues. They shared their experiences and answered numerous questions from the audience. We were pleased to partner with Providence Day School on this program.

December 2003
Annual Live Auction

First annual Auction at Bryon's South End, Design Center Courtyard Building. Proceeds benefit the Educational Programming of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte.

"Opening Borders: Free Trade between Central America and the US"
René A. León was appointed Ambassador of El Salvador to the United States in 1997. The ambassador works to increase foreign investment in El Salvador, as to promote his country's exports. His agenda includes making new contacts and establishing business opportunities from and to El Salvador, as well as priortizing immigration stability through immigration programs such as the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) and the Temporary Protection Status (TPS).

November 2003
Refugees and Relief Operations in Africa
Beth Whitaker, PhD

October 2003
"The Impact of Airbus Worldwide and in the US"

Named Chairman in June 2001, Mr. T. Allan McArtor oversees the activities of Airbus in the United States and Canada in several key areas, including government affairs. Airbus functions in North America include marketing and sales support for airlines and other customers, as well as product and technical support and training for pilots, flight attendants and maintenance specialists.

"US-India-Pakistan: War on Terrorism, Democracy, and the Roadmap to Peace"

This event brought together a panel of well-respected South Asia are experts to speak about the role of South Asia in the War on Terrorism, and how to bring stability to this often troubled region of the world. The panel consisted of:
* Amit Pandya, Attorney and counselor at the Open Society Institute. One time member of the policy planning staff of the State Department, and Deputy Administrator for the Near East and Asia at US AID.
* Hussen Haqqani, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Served as advisor to Pakistani Prime Minister Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Mawaz Sharif, and Benazir Bhutto.
* Raju Thomas, Allis Chalmers Distinguished Professor of International Affairs at Marquette University in Milwaukee. Was a visiting scholar at the Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard.

September 2003
"Managing Transitions in War – Lessons Learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom"

Having recently returned from the Middle East, Col. Karl R. Horst shared his experiences and lesson learned.

June 2003
"European Union Enlargement and Germany"

Hans-Joerg Brunner addressed the changing landscape of the European Union and the opportunities and challenges on both sides of the Atlantic.

"Thai-US Economic Relations: Partnership for Future Growth"

The four member Thai delegation, led by Ambassador Sakthip Krairiksh, addressed topics of importance to trade, investment, and cooperation between Thailand and the United States.

Ambassador Sakthip Krairiksh, Thai Ambassador to the United States, discussed Thai-US relations, with a special emphasis on prospects for future cooperation such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and a potential free trade agreement between Thailand and the United States.

Mrs. Vasana Mututanont, Economic Counsellor, Thai Board of Investment, New York, discussed investment opportunities.

Mr. Daniel Pratchayanan, Director, Thai Trade Center, New York, reviewed trade opportunities.

Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Minister-Counsellor, Royal Thai Embassy, Washington, DC, provided an overview of the tourism industry.