Global Policy Forum

INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUES SERIES: Economic recovery in Southern Sudan

Twenty years of civil war has resulted in enormous consequences for the
people of southern Sudan. Two million people have died and another 4
million have been displaced. Economic infrastructure has been destroyed or
damaged and commercial activity severely disrupted. During the transition
from war to peace, it is important that people are able to rebuild
livelihoods and return to communities where there is the economic
infrastructure to facilitate recovery.

Speaker: Greg Olson
Where: HHH room 186
When: Thursday, April 19, 1-2pm.
FREE PIZZA!!

Sponsored by PASA Diversity Committee and Global Policy Forum. Support by the Culture Corps Program, ISSS.

Greg Olson gave us a quick but quite deep glimpse of Southern Sudan and the activities of numerous international organizations there.

Rumbek, "a future London" is one of the most difficult places to live in.
Lack of canalization and good roads make humanitarian missions a challenge.
Paradoxically, you can buy pizzas for no less than 10$ there.

And our great public :)

Posted by Genko Genov at 11:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

HUMAN RIGHTS AND GOVERNANCE ISSUES IN AFRICA

INTERNATIONAL DIALOGUES SERIES: Human Rights and Governance Issues in Africa

This is a unique opportunity to meet, listen and discuss with Humphrey Fellows, who are international experienced
professionals who are visiting the institute for one year.
First presentation is this Monday!!

Who: International fellows Abou Moumoumini Moussa (Benin) and Arnold Tsunga
(Zimbabwe)
Where: HHH room 215
When: Monday 16, 2.15-3.15pm FREE PIZZA!!

Sponsored by Global Policy Forum and PASA Diversity Committee. Support by the Culture Corps Program, ISSS.

Some pictures from the event:

Arnold Tsunga explains the human rights situation in Zimbabwe.

Abou Moumoumini Moussa and Arnold Tsunga believe that violations of human rights in Africa are a problem to all countries because their activities in Africa affect the situation there directly and indirectly.

Posted by Genko Genov at 11:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hello all,

Humphrey Institute alumni Patrick Mendis will present his book Glocalization: The Human Side of Globalization as if the Washington Consensus Mattered, and will also discuss the importance of being published for a career in the public sector and international affairs. Please join us for an interesting presentation in Freeman Commons (Room 205) at the Humphrey Center on Friday, March 30th.

9:30am - Patrick Mendis would speak about his career, the importance of being published, and his book Glocalization.
10:15am - Q&A
10:30am - Book signing

What about the tea with Fidel Castro? Follow this link , and come to the meeting to learn more.

See you there!

More information about the book:
The essays are original analyzes and first-hand observations of global forces operating in the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. With a historical framework of globalization and freedom, the author, who taught at the University of Pittsburgh's Semester at Sea Program, critically explores the influence of U.S. foreign policies and American values that has affected these countries where freedom prevails. For example, the author argues with Fidel Castro and his worldview on freedom and human security while a unique process of glocalization takes place in Cuba. With illustrative maps and photos, the distinctive interdisciplinary analysis presents vivid faces of the human side of globalization as it interplays with local communities. The book is about free enterprise and political freedom as the new American influence through the Washington Consensus – the “Trinity of Washington� and its “Ten Commandments� – continues with unintended consequences by glocalizing every society and each of us.

Location of Humphrey Center and Nearest Parking

Book information and tsunami scholarships

Information about Patrick Mendis in the Who's Who of Asian Americans

Organized by the Global Policy Forum (Culture Corps Series of Presentations), PASA, and the Humphrey Career Center.

Posted by Genko Genov at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

The Bush Administration vs. the American Public on issues of Multilateralism and Cooperation

Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale and Professor Benjamin Page, Northwestern University

Thursday, February 22, 2007
10:00am – 11:30am
Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey Center
301 19^th Ave S., Minneapolis
Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance, University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs

President Bush, his senior advisers, and some foreign policy specialists have advocated a unilateral approach to foreign policy. Americans, however, have long supported a multilateral approach to foreign policy that relies on collaboration with the United Nations and other countries.

Ben Page, Gordon S. Fulcher Professor of Decision Making in the Political Science Department at Northwestern University, will discuss the growing gap between the Bush Administration and the American public on issues of foreign policy. He will be joined by former Vice President Walter F. Mondale. Dean Brian Atwood will moderate.

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance works to develop practical solutions to pressing political and policy challenges. CSPG provides non-partisan research and forums to foster more effective and efficient governance, increase the transparency of government processes, and rebuild public trust in order to counteract negative influences that threaten our democracy.

The event is free and open to the public.

To request disability accommodations, please call 612-625-2530 or email cspg (at) umn.edu.

Posted by Genko Genov at 9:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Want to learn more about the Chinese New Year Holiday? Let's welcome the Year of the Boar together!

Please, join the Global Policy Forum for an informal discussion with Yujie Bao, a second year MPP student at the Humphrey Institute about the Chinese New Year Holiday. All Chinese and non-Chinese students are welcome!

WHAT: Discussion about the Chinese New Year Holiday
WHEN: Feb 15 (Thursday), 12:45pm - 2pm
WHERE: 173 Stassen Room, Humphrey Center.

See you all there! We will try to provide some Chinese dish too :)

Posted by Genko Genov at 9:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Please, join us for an informal brown bag lunch of the Global Policy Forum and learn how you can meet interesting people from around the world, share interesting ideas on foreign policy and global issues, and improve your presentation skills.

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb 6th (12pm - 12.45pm)
WHERE: Jernberg Lounge, Humphrey Center
WHO: You
WHAT: Informal Brown Bag Lunch of the Global Policy Forum

Cannot make it? Please, send me an e-mail, post on our blog, or we can meet when it is convenient for you. Other issues, ideas, concerns are also very welcome.

Global Policy Forum is an informal organization of students at the University of Minnesota (mostly from the Humphrey Institute) who are interested in global issues. We meet on a regular basis and share our experience about living and working abroad. We also talk about internships, different countries, present some interesting research and ideas on global issues; or chat about blogging and how to get the newsfeeds that we need :)

Participation in the Global Policy Forum is a great opportunity to gain organization and presentation experience. There is no formal structure, no president or secretary (like PASA), so everyone with ideas and enthusiasm is very welcome in the way that you see yourself. We also have a blog, so feel free to post your ideas (just send me an e-mail to grant you rights if you don't receive our newsletter, a little formality against spam:). Finally, we have had great cooperation with the Humphrey Institute Fellows, PASA Diversity Committee, HHH Career Office, the MPA Program, so it's a great networking experience. If you have interesting ideas, you can also get funding for your Global Policy Forum project on international issues through the ISSS. And this is only part of the fun.

Hope to see you on Tuesday, 12pm in Jernberg!

Genko

Posted by Genko Genov at 8:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

WHEN: Tuesday February 6, 12:45 - 2:00 pm
WHERE: 170 HHH - Stassen Room, West Bank Campus
WHO: Professor Yijiang Wang, Human Resources and Industrial Relations, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota
WHAT: Workshop on Global Policy: Who is Corrupt in China?

In many reports China is now ranked one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Who in China is corrupt and to what extent? In this quantitative study Professor Wang finds that age, gender, level of education, location and sector of work, rank in governmental hierarchy, etc., are all factors determining the likelihood and degree of corruption. The broad spectrum of determinants have a common link, however: Greater unchecked power and control of resources lead to increased likelihood and more severe corruption.

Organized by the Freeman Center for International Economic Policy, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. All are welcome! Beverages will be served

Posted by Genko Genov at 8:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Please, join us for a panel discussion about the current situation, challenges and successes of the people of Africa. Our panelists are Humphrey fellows and students with extensive knowledge and insights about the Black Continent. It will be a great experience, so do not miss it. See you there!

WHAT: Panel Discussion - Challenges and Opportunities in Africa
WHEN: Nov 29, 12.30 – 1.45pm
WHERE: 170 Stassen Room
WHO: Anna Ishaku (Nigeria), Momulu Sirleaf (Liberia), Tetee Newray, Zainab Hassan.

Pizza Provided!

Organized by PASA Diversity Committee, Global Policy Forum, and the MPA Program.

Posted by Genko Genov at 10:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Diplomats Return “Home� to Minnesota to Tout the Power of International Exchange

FREE for Humphrey students. Register here
WHEN: Wed, November 29, 6-7:30 p.m. (registration begins at 5:30 p.m.)
WHERE: HHH Atrium
WHO: Tachi Cazal, president and CEO of AFS International, and Gerhard Pfanzelter, Austrian ambassador to United Nations
Hosted by Carol Byrne, president of MIC (AFS Turkey) and J. Brian Atwood, dean of the Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota (AFS Luxembourg)

Details:
The Minnesota International Center and the Humphrey Institute will co-host a discussion on the power of international exchange with Tachi Cazal, president and CEO of AFS International, and Gerhard Pfanzelter, Austrian ambassador to United Nations, both of whom began their unofficial diplomatic careers as AFS high school exchange students in small towns in Minnesota … Mr. Cazal in Luverne, and Ambassador Pfanzelter in Elk River.

The public forum will focus on “The Power of International Exchange� -- how exchange programs prepare young people to act as responsible global citizens and to work for peace and global understanding. Two local AFS returnees will host the program, Carol Byrne, president of MIC (AFS Turkey) and J. Brian Atwood, dean of the Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota (AFS Luxembourg).

Founded in 1946 as the American Field Service, the organization now known as AFS Intercultural Programs creates international scholarships for high school students to study abroad. AFS currently operates high school exchanges between 50 countries, and operates community service programs for adults in more than 20 countries.

COST: Free for Humphrey Institute staff and students; $10 for the general public. Advance registration is requested. Call 612.625.4421 or register online at www.micglobe.org

Posted by Genko Genov at 10:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Hey everyone,

Here is a series of events for those interested in the Middle East::

The Institute for Global Studies at the University of Minnesota presents:

The Middle East and US Foreign Policy: Alternative Voices

WHEN: Mon, Nov 6: 12-1:15pm
WHERE: Blegen 235
WHAT: "Making Sense of the Middle East: An Insider's Critical Analysis"
WHO: Rami G. Khouri, Editor-at-large, The Daily Star Lebanon
(Reception to follow in 246 Social Science)

WHEN: Wed, Nov 29: 12-1:15pm
WHERE: Blegen 235
WHAT: "Rethinking the Middle East Conflict: The One-State Solution?"
WHO: Virginia Tilley, Chief Research Specialist,
Human Sciences Research Council (South Africa)
(Reception to follow in 246 Social Science)

WHEN: Fri, Dec 8: 12-1:30pm
WHERE: President's Room, Coffman Memorial Union
WHAT: "Reflections: Concluding Panel discussion with University of Minnesota Faculty"
WHO: Hisham M. Bizri, Department of Cultural Studies and Comparative
Literature
- Carol Hakim, Department of History
- Martin Sampson, Department of Political Science

Lecture series is free and open to the public! Attend one lecture, attend
all!

FFI: Prof Vinay Gidwani, vgidwani (at) geog.umn.edu, 612-625-1397.
(from Natalie Hoover)

Posted by Genko Genov at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hey everyone,

We have the great opportunity to meet and have lunch with the Danish ambassador!

Want to win? Go to GPO (room 225) and fill out a raffle ticket at the front desk by noon on Tuesday, Nov 7.

The Ambassador of Denmark, Friis Arne Petersen, will be speaking on Friday, November 10, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
His talk is titled: Denmark's Role in the World Community.

As a special opportunity for global policy students, the Institute has extended an offer for four students to join the ambassador at an exclusive private luncheon in the Carlson private dining room after his talk.

If you have any questions about the event or the raffle, please contact me.

Held og lykke! ("Good luck" in Danish!)

Posted by Genko Genov at 2:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hello everyone,

Please join Global Policy Forum for an unforgettable experience of the culture, life, and... food in Egypt.

WHO: You
WHAT: Natalie Hoover, Kelly Sowards, and Dan Bernard will talk about their experiences, working and living in Egypt
WHEN: Wednesday, Nov 1 (12.30pm – 1.30pm)
WHERE: TBD (I will send another announcement with the exact room location)

Egyptian food will be provided!

Cannot make it? I know it is not the same, but we will try to post some information (and maybe pictures on our blog:
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/geno0015/global_policy/ .

See you on Wednesday!

Posted by Genko Genov at 2:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

WHAT: What is Russian Foreign Policy Today?
presented by Melor Sturua, Senior Fellow Emeritus, Humphrey Institute
WHERE:170 HHHCtr - Stassen Room
WHEN: 12:45 - 2:00 pm, Tue (Oct 24)
WHO: You
Refreshments will be served.

More details (from the Freeman Center):
The politics of some Western states, some of the time, might be summarized with the slogan: “it’s the economy, Stupid,� but Russian politics can never be reduced that way. Highly complex politics surrounds every domestic and foreign policy issue. Examples abound: Energy policies towards oil and gas can be explained more by politics than national economic welfare. Russian reactions to Iran and North Korean nuclear aspirations are better seen as part of a larger political game than as perceived threats. Russia’s mind wants to join the West, but her heart drives her elsewhere. Mr. Putin and Mr. Bush may be friendly, but Russia and the U.S. have started a new round of confrontation. Melor Sturua has just returned from Russia, and his special insights and overall perspective reflect decades of experience as a distinguished journalist for /Izvestia.

Posted by Genko Genov at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Next Meeting: Informal Lunch

Hey everyone,

Seems like we are all very busy with midterms, but it will be great if we can meet if you are around for lunchtime on Wednesday. I am also trying to make something like an orientation about blogging and a talk about Egypt this and next week, but we will see. Have a great week, and hope to see you on Wednesday!

WHAT: Informal Lunch of Global Policy Society/Forum
WHERE: Jernberg Lounge
WHEN: Oct 25 (12.30pm - 1pm)
WHO: You

Everyone is welcome. Please, bring food for yourself.

Posted by Genko Genov at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

WHO: Claudia Fritsche, Ambassador of Liechtenstein to the U.S.
WHAT: "Transatlantic Relations and Global Governance: The Growing Role of Multilateral Cooperation"
WHEN: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM, Tuesday, October 17, 2006
WHERE: HHH 215

Sponsored By: Center for Austrian Studies
Additional Sponsors: Department of Political Science, Department of Sociology, Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs

More information:
Contact:
612-624-9811

Claudia Fritsche has served since 2002 as the first resident ambassador to the United States of the European Principality of Liechtenstein. She formerly served for twelve years as Liechtenstein's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. A member of the United Nations since 1990, Liechtenstein has played a leading role in the furtherance of international agreements on human rights. Liechtenstein is a state party to all six core human rights instruments of the UN and has accepted all the communications procedures envisaged under these instruments. The former ruling prince, Hans-Adam II, donated funds in 2000 to found the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination at Princeton University to support research, teaching, and publication on issues regarding self-determination around the world.

Posted by Genko Genov at 1:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

WHO: His Excellency The Ambassador of France to the United States, Jean-David Levitte

WHAT: "Current French/U.S relations, the Middle East, the recent turmoil in French suburbs, and the French Jewish community. (This event will be recorded for later broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio)

WHERE: Walker Art Center - Skyline Room
1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis

WHEN: Monday, October 30, 2006, Registration starts at 11:30am, RSVP: By October 23 at 612-332-0436

Price: 40$ for Humphrey students/faculty/staff

More information:
The Alliance Française of Minneapolis/St Paul and The French American Chamber of Commerce of Minneapolis/St Paul

invite you to a special luncheon hosted by

His Excellency The Ambassador of France to the United States, Jean-David Levitte
on Monday, October 30, 2006

His Excellency Jean-David Levitte will address invited guests on current French/U.S relations, the Middle East, the recent turmoil in French suburbs, and the French Jewish community. This event will be recorded for later broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio. His speech will be followed by a question and answer session.

R.S.V.P. by Monday, October 23, 2006
at 612-332-0436
Business attire

Walker Art Center - Skyline Room
1750 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
Registration starts at 11:30am
$40 AF/FACCMN Members
$50 Non-members

Although it is not cheap, we have negotiated the $40 members rate for any HHH students, faculty, or staff members interested in attending this program.

--
Lars Leafblad
Director of Development
Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
University of Minnesota
ph: 612-625-9588
fax: 612-625-6351
em: leafblad at umn.edu
web: http://www.hhh.umn.edu/about/giving/

Posted by Genko Genov at 1:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

PASA Diversity Committee is having their first meeting this Wednesday, and it will be great if we can join them. We had great cooperation last year, and organized a series of presentations of Humphrey Fellows together.

WHAT: PASA Diversity Committee Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday October 11th at 12:30
WHERE: HHH 35
WHO: You and others with interest in global issues.

I think it is better not to meet for lunch this week, and I will try to organize a presentation for the next. What do you think?

Here are some details:
Pizza will be provided! (important, isn't it?:)

The PASA Diversity Committee has the exciting task of integrating a student body coming from different backgrounds. In the past we have organized presentations about different global topics and built bridges with the International Humphrey Fellows. We are eager to continue our work actively this year. If you're interested in diversity issues or if you just want to check it out and get free food come join us this Wednesday!

Posted by Genko Genov at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Next Meeting: Informal Lunch and Poster (note the earlier time!)

WHAT: Informal Lunch and Poster of Global Policy Society/Forum
WHERE: Jernberg Lounge
WHEN: Oct 4 (11.30am - 12.40pm - the earlier time is due to the Political Debates, which start at 12.45pm)
WHO: You

Everyone is welcome. Please, bring food for yourself. I will try to provide funding for the next informal events, but I am not sure if I will be able for this one :) We will make a poster, so creative ideas and materials are welcome!
See you there!

Posted by Genko Genov at 1:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)