The Vermont Council on World Affairs, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and Global Ties U.S., is proud to announce the Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summit and Learning Lab in Burlington on August 21-22. This year's summit, themed "Building an Inclusive Climate Movement," features a prestigious lineup of keynote speakers, including:
- Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun
- Tamara Toles O’Laughlin, Environmental Activist and President & CEO of the Environmental Grantmakers Association
- Scott Weinhold, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State
This event will bring together local and national partners, alongside esteemed members of the global diplomacy community, for engaging discussions on the pressing issue of climate change. Recent catastrophic events, from devastating floods in Vermont to extreme heatwaves and droughts worldwide, underscore the urgent need for community-based solutions to create a brighter future for all citizens of the world. Additional speakers include:
- Dr. Mark Levine, Commissioner of Health, Vermont Department of Health
- Jennifer Green, Director of Sustainability and Workforce Development , Burlington Electric Department
- Dr. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, Vermont State Climatologist, State of Vermont
- Mike Pieciak, State Treasurer, State of Vermont
In addition to a focus on climate change, the summit aims to deepen understanding of U.S. public diplomacy, foreign policy, and the crucial role of international exchanges in fostering global peace and prosperity. These summits provide local partners an opportunity to engage their audiences in the value of public diplomacy and expand networks supporting exchange programs. "The Diplomacy Begins Here Summit holds immense importance for our Vermont community, serving as a platform for collaboration, citizen diplomacy, and community-driven solutions to challenges on local, national, and global levels." - Patricia Preston, President & CEO, Vermont Council on World Affairs.
The Diplomacy Begins Here Regional Summits, funded by the U.S. Government and managed by Global Ties U.S., have united international exchange professionals across nearly 20 U.S. cities since 2014. Thank you to the 2023 Diplomacy Begins Here Sponsors: M&T Bank, Pomerleau Real Estate, National Life, Mascoma Bank and the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC)
Event Details
Dates: Sunday, August 20, Monday, August 21 & Tuesday, August 22 *August 22nd events are closed to the public.
Location: Hula Lakeside: 50 Lakeside Ave. Burlington, VT 05401
Registration and Information: https://www.vcwa.org/diplomacy-begins-here-summitSponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities: contact Elizabeth Bernier, Director of Events & Operations at [email protected].
About Vermont Council on World Affairs:
Celebrating 70 years of promoting awareness and understanding of the world and its people through education and engagement. Learn more
About Global Ties U.S.:
Global Ties U.S. empowers individuals and communities worldwide through international exchange, building trust and advancing peace and prosperity. As a nonprofit partner of the U.S. Department of State, Global Ties U.S. supports a network of nonprofit organizations facilitating educational, cultural, and professional exchanges. Learn more
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