Water World (YP Discussion Group)

Water World (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 1 September 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

Water is a vital resource which varies greatly in its distribution over time and place, ignoring international boundaries in the process. Water can cause devastating disasters such as the flooding in Pakistan or tsunamis that sweep across entire oceans. It can be so scarce as to foment potential conflict. For example, does Turkey have the right to take all the water they need from the headwaters of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, leaving the famous marshes in Iraq dry? If Israel and Palestine manage to agree on a two state solution, how will they divide up the precious groundwater beneath them? How will global warming affect the distribution of water? How do deal with trash and pollution dumped into the oceans, washing up on the shores of other countries? Finally, did you know that there is a treaty (up for renewal in 2014) between Canada and the U.S. governing the use of the Columbia River waters?

International Corporations (YP Discussion Group)

International Corporations (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 18 August 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

The BP oil spill and the Australian mining tax have put the role of international corporations in the spotlight. When corporations transcend national regulatory boundaries, what is the best method to prevent abuses? How do we reconcile the interests of companies that might clash with local interests? Has this issue been blown out of proportion? Are international corporations the bogeyman of the International Left?

India Festival 8/15-11am - 9pm at Pioneer Courthouse Free

India Festival is filled with tastes, sounds and sights of India. ICA will host India Festival on August 15th, 2010 from 11am to 9pm at Pioneer Courthouse Square.   Please be there with your family and friends to get a taste of Indian culture for FREE and get a glimpse of this growing, warm and welcoming community. This year we are celebrating India Festival on the same day as India's Independence and we expect to surpass previous years' attendance. http://icaportland.org/events/india-festival/

Cambodian Refugees: The View from Portland

Thursday, Aug. 19, from 6:30-8:00pm

As the Cambodia Tribunal in Phnom Penh continues its efforts to prosecute former Khmer Rouge officials, Young Professionals are invited for an evening visit with Cambodian refugees who have successfully relocated to Portland. These refugees will share stories of their struggle to escape Cambodia and their personal experience relocating in America, as well as homemade food, culture and tales from Southeast Asia.

This free event is open to the public and is sponsored by Portland's International Refugee and Community Organization, a nonprofit that works with the U.S. State Department to assist refugees settling in the metro area. Staff members will be on hand to provide information about IRCO and about opportunities for volunteer work assisting refugees. Admission is free, but donations to IRCO are welcomed. Up to 25 Young Professionals are invited to attend, so sign up today. Because there is limited space, please do not sign up unless you definitely plan to attend!

WikiLeaks (YP Discussion Group)

WikiLeaks (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 4 August 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

Last week, WikiLeaks was responsible for the largest secret document dump in history. While the importance of the documents is up for debate, the impact of WikiLeaks is not. Is WikiLeaks potentially dangerous? Did they put American lives at risk? Or, are they a new force for democracy? Do governments and large corporations have a reason to be scared?

Immigration (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

Arizona's SB 1070 has put immigration reform in the news in the US, but all over the world countries struggle with immigration policy. Americans generally recognize the importance of the role that immigration policy has played in the US historically, but have always been quick to demonize new arrivals. The formation of the EU has caused a backlash against immigrants in countries like France and Switzerland, but the borders remain relatively porous. What does good immigration policy look like? How does a country balance the positive impacts of an open immigration policy with the perceived disruptions?

Open Discussion (YP Discussion Group)

Open Discussion (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 7 July 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

There are several issues that we have not had a chance to discuss: tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the Arizona immigration law, the oil spill, global financial reform, and the list goes on. For our next meeting, come with whatever topic you are interested in, and be sure to have your World Cup final pick.

Flotilla Fallout (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 23 June 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

The recent attempt to bypass the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip created an international incident with far-reaching consequences. Unfortunately, the responses by both Israel and Hamas have been superficial concessions masking the same entrenched positions. Has Israel gone too far in its attempts to protect itself? Is the situation hopeless? What role should the US play in forcing negotiations and compromise?

10 HOSTS STILL NEEDED JULY 15 – AUGUST 3 FOR UKRAINIAN VISITORS!

Be a citizen diplomat! The Council is seeking host families for a Russian speaking Ukrainian Community Connections group coming to Portland in July for a program on Alternative Energy Development and Promotion. Portland hosting dates are July 15- August 3 (minus 2-3 nights during this time period while the group is in Eastern Oregon). Host families are integral to the success of our professional exchange programs and act as the key representatives of American culture to these visitors!

To be a part of this unforgettable experience contact Andrew Neal at (503) 306-5252 or andrew@worldoregon.org or Mariko Gilman at (503) 306-5295 or mariko@worldoregon.org for more information.

Biographical information about the individual delegates can be found at: http://www.worldoregon.org/visitors/cgroup.php

World Bank Young Professionals program: deadline to apply 06/30

I came across this really amazing- looking Young Professionals Program at the World Bank.  Masters degree is a requisite, and the application process seems pretty stringent, but for the right applicant with the credentials, this may be a great opportunity to break into the international development market.  As a young professional, you have to be under 32 by September of 2011.  Deadline to apply is June 30, 2010. 

Distant Interiors: Three Works by Kamal Aljafari
Beyond Borders Program VII: Palestine | Pan Asian Series
Supported in part by a grant from the Regional Arts & Culture Council
JUNE 15 + 16 [6:45PM]
Cinema Project @ Clinton Street Theatre | 2552 SE Clinton St.

Cinema Project's Pan Asian series of visiting artists is rounded out this season with Palestinian-born independent filmmaker Kamal Aljafari. Through his witty, restrained, and personal documentary style, Aljafari examines varying definitions of home and place in the Middle East. In pieces like The Roof and Port of Memory the focus is primarily on the veritable ghost-town of Jaffa that in pre-1948 Palestine was a thriving urban and economic port-city. These works demonstrate Aljafari's thoughtful but not overly formal compositions of half-inhabited houses and damaged neighborhoods, which reveal the strained co-existence of past and present and the complicated layers of history that help construct (physically and psychologically) such places.

Curator Jean-Pierre Rehm has called The Roof "as much a stylistic as a political manifesto." With an approach recalling the suspended action of other international cineastes like Taiwanese Tsai-Ming Liang, Aljafari brings something less mysterious but more palpable to his coded landscapes and personal portraits.
Artist-in-Attendance

TUESDAY JUNE 15TH
Port of Memory [2009, 35mm, color, sound, 63 min.]
WEDNESDAY JUNE 16TH
The Roof [2006, video, color, sound, 61 min.]
Visit Iraq [2003, 35mm, color, sound, 26 min.]

Watch the World Cup with the Young Professionals

The world turns its attention to the Beautiful Game on June 11th when
the World Cup starts in South Africa. While we would love a ticket to
Cape Town, we are fortunate enough to live in a city with so many
soccer fans and venues. Join us to watch the largest sporting event in
the world!

First up, the Mexico v. South Africa match, June 11th. We will meet at
Pizza Italia (1129 NW Johnson St.) for the game at 7 am. They have a
$10 breakfast buffet and a passionate crowd of futbol fans.

We hope to gather for games throughout the month-long competition.
Watch this space for announcements, or organize yourselves and watch
your favorite teams advance. For a list of Portland venues showing the
games see www.portlandsoccerbars.com, then add your game/venue to the
comment section.

Turmoil in Zimbabwe (YP Discussion Group)

Turmoil in Zimbabwe (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 9 June 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

In less than 30 years, Zimbabwe has gone from a promising, newly-independent state to an unqualified disaster. Political strife, hyper-inflation, drought, and an AIDS epidemic have all contributed to a plummeting life expectancy. Despite the fact that overt violence is still minimal, does the scale of the humanitarian crisis require action from Western government? Is there hope for the people of Zimbabwe in the near future?

An Evening with Zimbabwe Artists Project

Thursday, June 10, 2010

6:00-8:00pm - discussion at 6:45pm

Join fellow World Affairs Council members in learning how Zimbabwe Artists Project aims to "make human connections through art." Founder and Executive Director Dick Adams will share stories from his most recent trip to Zimbabwe. This is an opportunity to hear his inspirational anecdotes about the women of Weya, and his organization's efforts in supporting these women in rural Zimbabwe to become economically self sufficient.

Also, Be the first to hear exciting news from Zimbabwe Artists Project and World Affairs Council.

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PDX International Vision: an evening with the Director of the Office of International Relations for the City of Portland

Noah Siegel: Director of International Relations for the City of Portland

Did you know that the City of Portland has an Office of International Relations? What are the Mayor's international responsibilities?

Recently, the Mayor has focused on economic development as an important part of Portland's international engagement. To that extent, Noah Siegel, the Director of International Relations, has been tasked with developing international strategies for the city. In addition to overseeing Portland's nine sister city relationships, and other cultural and educational activities, Mr. Siegel coordinates the city's international trade and investment efforts, working closely with partners at the PDC and the State of Oregon.

Before joining the Mayor's Office, Noah Siegel served as a political and economic officer at the U.S. Foreign Service. With a focus on the Middle East, Mr. Siegel served tours in Yemen and Israel, and worked at the State Department in Washington, D.C. His specific areas of expertise included international banking, economic development, and democratic reform. Mr. Siegel speaks fluent French, Hebrew and Arabic.

Having been in the position for almost a year, what are the successes and challenges encountered by the City in developing its international footprint? What are the goals of the International Relations Office? Is Portland large/ significant enough to have an international strategy?

Date and time:  Wednesday, June 2, at 5:30 p.m.

Location: City Hall, 1221 SW Fourth Avenue, Rose Room, Portland, Oregon

Cost:  $5 WAC members; $7 non-members

Registration number is limited to 30, so sign up today!

http://worldoregon.org/events/registration/yp_international_pdx.php

 

The Greek Economy and European Sovereignty (YP Discussion Group)

The Greek Economy and European Sovereignty (YP Discussion Group)

The World Affairs Council, Young Professionals invite you to our fortnightly discussion group:

Wednesday, 26 May 2010 | 7:00 p.m.

Madison's Grill, 1109 SE Madison St. (Map)

Greece's mistakes have played a large part in its current economic meltdown, but options for addressing the problems have been severely limited by membership in the EU and other outside forces. In this instance, is a bailout the correct response, or would a more traditional default be appropriate? What are the consequences for the other troubled European economies? If Germany is expected to lead the bailout effort, will they demand more control over the budgets of the other EU countries in the future?

UN Wire Job Board site

Click here to see the UN Wire Job Board; there are also other industries listed on this SmartBrief Job posting site. Rose

Doing Business in China; A Role for Oregon Companies

Thursday, May 20, 7:00 PM

As the recent reshuffle of global finance and the changes it will bring to business come more into focus, there is little doubt that trade between US and China will continue to shape the political and economic landscape. Oregon is poised, both geographically and strategically, to play an important role in this relationship. What does trade with China mean for the economy of Oregon? What does Oregon investment in China mean on the ground? The event is a panel discussion followed by Q&A- this is a wonderful opportunity to hear about a very relevant topic from local experts:

Professor Rossitza Wooster, Portland State University, Department of Economics

Marian Hammond, State of Oregon

Akana Ma, Ater Wynne

Karl Mundorff, Bio-Reaction Industries

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Building Social Business

Saturday, May 22, 2:00 PM

Muhammad Yunus
Founder, the Grameen Bank

When he founded the Grameen Bank in 1984, Muhammad Yunus challenged the conventional banking principles of credit worthiness and collateral. He showed that providing micro credit to poor women in the rural villages of Bangladesh was good for the bank and for the communities served. Now Yunus is suggesting a similar revolutionary take on capitalism — demonstrating that businesses that strive to serve humanity, rather than maximizing share holder value, can be profitable. He sees in the current financial crisis, the opportunity to show that social business may reveal the real promise of free-market enterprise.

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How a changing media landscape is shifting our view of the world

Wednesday, May 19th 12:00 to 1:30 PM
Talk begins at 12:30 PM

Michael Mosettig
Senior Producer, The PBS Newshour

While many traditional news organizations (newspapers, magazines, and broadcast television) have significantly cut the number of their internationally based correspondents, non-traditional news media has grown exponentially. How has the changing media landscape affected what news is covered? How can we judge the credibility of the news? Has global information, social media and 'unfiltered' news had an impact on international policy making? Is it changing our perspective of the world?

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