Past Programs
2009
September
September 1-5, 2009
Diversity in the Labor Market- Denmark
Eight guests representing company directors, entrepreneurs, parliamentary officials, mayors, and businessmen visited our city to explore our approach to ethnic diversity in the labor market. Through the project, the group aimed to learn more about how the U.S. Government, at the federal, state and local levels, promotes ethnic diversity in the labor market through legislation and other means; Discuss the potential long-term impact to the private sector when hiring policy includes greater attention to the level of diversity in the labor force; Examine how discrimination in the workforce is identified and how subsequent actions are determined to correct workplace discrimination; Expand upon the different challenges faced by the private, public and non-profit sectors concerning the implementation of policies designed to increase diversity in the workforce.
September 6-10, 2009
Government Accountability- Pakistan
The participants in this project, who hold important positions at the local, provincial, and national level, exercise responsibility in local and regional government and its coordination with other levels of government. During their visit to the United States, they observed and discussed aspects of governance that will provide insights relevant to the challenges they face in Pakistan. Specific issues and concerns explored were the following: The structure and dynamics of state and local government in the framework of the U.S. federal system of government; Resource transfer from federal to-state and state-to-local governments – procedure, allocation criteria, reliance on resource transfer versus local revenue generation r; revenue generation at the local government level ;Medium-to-long-term planning process at the local government level and synchronization with regional and state-level planning; Accountability procedures for synchronized regional and state level developmental priorities, while maintaining local government autonomy; The means by which state and local governments provide effectively for the needs of their citizens, including education, law enforcement, municipal services, and public health services; Public-private partnerships and how they are regulated and government outsourcing, its benefits and dangers; The important roles that grassroots and voluntary organizations, including religious groups, play in supplementing and extending the reach of government institutions in meeting the needs of the public; Public-private partnerships for urban infrastructure services – especially in water supply and sanitation, urban transport, and solid waste management; The role of various stakeholders in effective local government administration, including academia, private and social sector and government, and the news media and their role in explaining government policies to their audiences.
September 29-October 3
NGO Management- Multi regional project
5 guests from Turkey, Czech Republic, India, Haiti, and Saudi Arabia, all reprentatives of government and business institutions visited our city for a very interactive experience on the topic of NGO Management. This three-week program began in Washington, DC, for an overview of participatory democracy in the U.S. In Washington, the group will also explore international programs promoting grassroots democracy as well as ways to improve the performance of NGOs. In San Diego, California, the grantees looked at civil society involvement in dealing with important issues such as multiculturalism, immigration, social services for minorities and human rights. Several additional cities wereselected to highlight different regions of the United States. These included Charlotte, North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio; Jackson, Mississippi; New Orleans, Louisiana; Des Moines, Iowa; and; Bozeman, Montana. In the split-segment, grantees observed a variety of case-studies showcasing the work of non-governmental organizations and their interaction with other social actors. Participants will job-shadow local elected officials and NGO executives. The entire delegation traveled to Boston where the group looked at state government structures promoting citizen participation and visited one of the largest NGO centers in the country. The project aimed to: introduce participants to innovative management strategies of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly advocacy organizations in the U.S. that champion a social or political agenda;To explore the diversity of the independent sector in the U.S., and the dynamic relationships between business, government and non-governmental organizations; andTo examine methodologies used by NGOs for strengthening leadership, developing volunteerism, fundraising, and advancing missions.
September 29- October 6, 2009
Volunteerism
7 guests that are part of a larger delegation from South/Central Asia visited Cleveland to explore concepts of Civic Activism and Volunteerism in the US. Countries represented by this project are Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Kasakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. All of the guest are leaders in their field promoting activism within their communities on issues such as battling HIV/AIDS. bettering the education system, enhancing quality of life in their communities, and rasing economic development projects in their region. While in Cleveland, the group aims to participate in volunteer activities and visit schools in our area, as well as meet with local NGO's that can address their theme.
September 29- October 7, 2009
Women as Leaders- Nicaragua
8 women from Nicaragua, representing government leaders, private professions, and women's activism groups will be visitedour city for 8 days.The delegation met with a variety of womens organizations, women business and political leaders, as well as connected with the Cleveland Latino community.
October
October 19th, 2009
The United States Government, in conjunction with their private partners, are funded a youth leadership exchange program and picked two participants from the Cleveland area. This is the 2nd half of a reciprocal program of which nine students and one teacher from Serbia were hosted by Berea High School and families from May 3rd – May 18th, 2009. .
October 10-October 14, 2009
Women as Medical Practitioners- India, Pakistan, Afghanistan
Nine medical professionals from India,Pakistan, and Afghanistan visited Cleveland to connect with the numerous healthcare resources we have in our city. The purpose of this Sub-regional project for Afghanistan, India and Pakistan is to introduce the participants to the U.S. health care system. Through meetings, site visits and professional networking opportunities, the participants examined the structure and administration of the health care system in the United States, paying particular attention to programs for women; explored training programs for health care practitioners, including medical specialization programs, nurse practitioner training, and midwifery; and addressed accessibility issues, community outreach and awareness efforts. The program examined research and care strategies for illnesses such as cancer and HIV/AIDS as well as care for vulnerable populations.
October 24-October 28, 2009
Saudi Arabia- Education
10 University professors from different universities from all over Saudi Arabia visited cleveland on the topic of religous and public education. They met with an incredible array of local resources, including Case Western Reserve University, NOCHE members, and roundtable on religious education in the US organized by InterAct Cleveland.
October 31-November 8,2009
Open World Delegation from Buryatia- Media
Six media representatives from Buryatia (autonomous republic in eastern Russia (Siberia)) came to Cleveland for 5 days to explore the various aspects of media and investigative journalism. Since its founding by Congress in 1999, the Open World Program has enabled more than 14,000 current and future Eurasian leaders to experience American democracy, civil society and community life; work with their American counterparts; stay in American homes; and gain new ideas and inspiration for implementing change back home. Some 6,000 American host families and their communities in all 50 states have partnered with the U.S. Congress and Open World to make this ambitious public diplomacy effort possible. The program’s short but high-intensity exchanges emphasized hands-on practical activities—such as workshops, job shadowing, and site visits—related to the delegates’ professional or community work. Other key features of Open World are its large size, competitive selection process, emphasis on young regional and local leaders, homestays, lack of an English-language requirement, and focus on fostering mutual learning, partnerships, and long-term results.
August 20-26, 2009
Young Political Leaders- Venezuela
Eight Young Political Leaders from Venezuela representing Student government, student movements, and advisors to the State will be visiting our city to explore concepts of grassroots democracy. The goals of the project aim to provide participants with a better understanding of the U.S. democratic form of government at the national, state, and local levels and the foreign and domestic policy decision-making process; Explore and observe the growing importance of U.S. students and young leaders in the development of public policy and activism in the United States and establish contact with youth representatives from relevant groups, including political parties, universities, and groups that represent U.S. minorities; Observe first-hand the activities, strategies, and tools young people and grassroots organizations employ to participate in debates on national and international concerns; Illustrate the importance of transparency, freedom of the press, and citizen participation in a democratic system; and Exhibit the diversity of viewpoints held by U.S. citizens and how this diversity contributes to a dynamic and resilient pluralistic political system.
March 14th- March 19th, 2009 Regional Project
“Managing Public Health”
Total: 5 guests
Eight visitors and three interpreters will be visiting Cleveland to learn about various aspects public health management. This project is designed for ministry of health officials, hospital and health sector administration professionals, public policy advisers and community health practitioners. The group will learn about the U.S. health system on the national, state and local levels, including health service delivery to rural and disadvantaged communities. The group will visit academic training institutions and professional organizations and will also explore public health education strategies and community outreach. Their Cleveland program will focus on; Media and Public Health; Businesses and Technology and Public Health; and Insurance Companies.
March 29th-April 1st, 2009 Multiregional Project
“American Youth: Inspiring Leadership and Civic Participation”
Total: Estimated number 6-10 guests
This group consists of 27 participants from multiple regions. The group will travel together, and then split into four groups, of which one will come to Cleveland for 3-4 days. Many of the young participants are accustomed to "training by doing" type of programs, very common in Europe for example. The program in Cleveland will be focusing on how various youth initiatives and organizations are involved in economic development and how youth programs reach out to youth with disabilities and through the arts.
March 29th-April 1st
Armenia “Economic Development”
Visitors: 6
This is a three-week program for 6 specialists from Armenia to introduce participants to economic development strategies of cities and towns in the United States and to enhance participants' understanding of the key characteristics in the economic and political environment that will stimulate business and investment in their communities. In Cleveland the group will be focusing on City Revitalization Initiatives, and Business Retention and Expansion Efforts.
Regional Economic Development
March 29 - April 1, 2009
This is a three-week program for 6 specialists from Armenia to introduce participants to economic development strategies of cities and towns in the United States and to enhance participants' understanding of the key characteristics in the economic and political environment that will stimulate business and investment in their communities. In Cleveland the group will be focusing on City Revitalization Initiatives, and Business Retention and Expansion Efforts.
American Youth: Inspiring Leadership and Civic Participation
March 29 - April 1, 2009
This group consists of 27 participants from multiple regions. The group will travel together, and then split into four groups, of which one will come to Cleveland for 3-4 days. Many of the young participants are accustomed to "training by doing" type of programs, very common in Europe for example. The program in Cleveland will be focusing on how various youth initiatives and organizations are involved in economic development and how youth programs reach out to youth with disabilities and through the arts.
Managing Public Health
March 14-18, 2009
Eight visitors and three interpreters will be visiting Cleveland to learn about various aspects public health management. This project is designed for ministry of health officials, hospital and health sector administration professionals, public policy advisers and community health practitioners. The group will learn about the U.S. health system on the national, state and local levels, including health service delivery to rural and disadvantaged communities. The group will visit academic training institutions and professional organizations and will also explore public health education strategies and community outreach. Their Cleveland program will focus on; Media and Public Health; Businesses and Technology and Public Health; and Insurance Companies.
Developing and Strengthening Civil Society
April 19-22, 2009
NGO leaders and activists will be exposed to the roles NGOs, NGO development and management, particularly civil rights, women’s rights and minority community NGOs in the U.S., serving to develop the fundamentals of a civil society. Topics to be covered include human rights, women's rights, student unions, and public health issues as they apply to youth, lobbying, minority issues, the uses of technology in organizing NGOs and programs. The program will also introduce the visitors to the legal system, family court and juvenile justice, including: providing safe and separate detention facilities for children, and alternative sentencing for children. The project will also discuss religious freedom, freedom of speech, services to aid refugees and victims of trafficking, rights for prisoners and improving prison conditions. This will show how NGOs interact and work effectively with government and the legal/judicial/law enforcement sector.
April 25- May 3, 2009
“Ukrainian Educators”
Six educators from Ukraine from the Ministry of Education will be coming to Cleveland for a weeklong experience to approach education from a variety of angles to see what lessons and changes they can bring back to Ukraine from the US.
Economic & Business Development
May 2-6, 2009
A visitor from Italy will be visiting Cleveland to meet with businesses and economic development organizations.
Youth/Education
May 3-18, 2009
“Serbian Youth Leadership Program”
From May 3rd to May 18th, 2009, the CCWA will be hosting a Serbian Youth Leadership Program. This project is a unique educational exchange opportunity for all parties involved. The Serbian Youth Leadership delegation will be in Cleveland for a variety of reasons, namely to increase understanding between the peoples of the United States and Serbia and to strengthen ties between our two countries. The CCWA has collaborated with many high schools in the past for youth exchange projects and it has always been a great success for both the American families and the visiting students.
Program Goals:
1) To develop a cadre of young adults in Serbia who have a strong sense of civic responsibility, a commitment to community development, an awareness of current & global issues, and strong interpersonal leadership skills;
2) To foster relationships among youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups in Serbia; and
3) To promote mutual understanding, respect and collaboration between the United States and Serbia.
This group consists of nine high school students and two teachers whom all have excellent oral and written English skills. They will be staying at the host’s home from May 3rd – May 18th and go to school with their host brother or sister for several days of their stay.
This exceptional delegation has been selected by the U.S. embassy in Serbia for their outstanding profiles, leadership skills and engagement in volunteer activities. As real ambassadors, they are expected to convey a part of Serbia to their U.S. hosts as much as they absorb impressions of the United States.
Social Issues
May 16-24, 2009
The Open World Program enables young Eurasian elected officials, political candidates, and emerging political and civic leaders to observe the American democratic system firsthand. The Open World Leadership Center believes that principles of accountability, governance, and the role of citizenry in government are most effectively illustrated through direct interaction between participants and their U.S. professional counterparts and through hosted community and cultural activities.
Professional Associations - Community Connections
May 8-29, 2009
Business/Economic Development
Conflict Resolution
June 8-26, 2009
This project will address methods for resolving regional and sub-regional political, ethnic, economic and other disputes. Participants will consider the role of government, NGOs, media, and other players in conflict resolution.
Political Cartoonists
June 21-23, 2009
Designed for political cartoonists from the Near East and North Africa, this program will examine the role of a free, independent media in a democracy vis-à-vis political cartooning. Participants will examine the practices, techniques, and ethical responsibilities of political cartoonists, the philosophical beliefs underlying their work, and the impact that their cartoons have on history, political debate, public opinion and free speech.
Mutual Understanding
June 22 - July 3, 2009
Sustainable Development/Environmental Protection
June 28 - July 2, 2009
This is a three week program for seven environmental specialists from China. Seven visitors and three interpreters will be visiting Cleveland to learn various aspects of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development. The program will focus on water and ground pollution remediation, promoting human and environmental health, environmental-friendly entrepreneurship, City initiatives for sustainability etc.
2008
Tomas Soper- Communications Officer to the Office of the Prime Minister
United Kingdom
April 16 - 19, 2008
Mr. Tomas Soper works in the Press Office of the Prime Minister in London, UK, where he is primarily responsible for arranging media briefings on key topics and events. While in the U.S., Mr. Soper studied a wide variety of issues related to American politics and culture. The objectives specifically outlined by the Department of State were the following :To gain an understanding of the U.S. federal system of government, with emphasis on the division of authority and responsibility between federal, state and local governments; as well as how state and local governments work in the U.S., and how they interact with the federal government; To examine the process of interaction between the media and various levels of government to put forward and explain strategies and policies as well as the work of the American media generally; To explore the economic and social issues that affect domestic and U.S. foreign policy formulation, especially issues such as homeland security, the environment, trade and economic development, immigration, and health and human services; and to gain insight and broad exposure to the American political system and how elections are organized, including the use of changing communication technologies such as online communities, blogs, email campaigns, and websites to communicate with the general public and the electorate, especially younger voters.
Migrant Workers and the Role of NGOs
China
April 16 - 19, 2008
This group consisted of three participants from China, all leaders of major NGOs dealing with charity, consulting, and social community services. During the program, our guests aimed to gain a deeper understanding of American life and society, particularly as it relates to immigration and migrant workers. The program examined the role of government agencies and non-governmental organizations in providing support and services to the immigrant community as well as the challenges and concerns facing recently-arrived immigrant populations, including legal aspects concerning workers’ rights, health, education, and safety issues. The program also established links with academic institutions offering graduate degree programs in NGO administration and management.
Healthcare Physicians
Ukraine
April 13 - 16, 2008
This group consisted of leading specialists and chief physicians from hospitals and universities in Ukraine. The program provided the participants with an overview of the healthcare and health insurance systems in the U.S. Specifically, the program explored the difference between the public and private health care, discussed hospital management, financial management, quality control of healthcare services and laboratories, and examined pediatric care facilities and radiology services in the U.S.
Student Athlete Programs
Cameroon
April 9 - 12, 2008
Seven participants, representing the Officer in Charge of Sports Programs in the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Federation for School Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs, and the Association and Cultural Activities, Ministry of Higher Education in Cameroon visited Cleveland as part of a program on the topic of Student Athlete Programs in the US. The group discussed student-athlete programs in the United States and how to better integrate them in the school curriculum. The program examined how the specific needs of athletes are addressed in the three levels of education (elementary, secondary, university). Participants discussed innovative strategies for conception, implementation and funding of student-athlete programs. They also worked to better understand the roles of educational institutions, non-government, government, and sports organizations in the development and continuation of student-athlete programs.
Political Cartoonist
North Africa and the Middle East
April 6 - 9, 2008
Political cartoonists from Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain and Algeria visited the US to examine the role played by political cartoonists in the United States and their influence on public opinion and government policy. The program provided the participants with a better understanding of U.S. democratic principles and explored Constitutionally-guaranteed press freedoms and the accompanying principles of editorialist. In addition, the participants reviewed cartoonist training in the U.S. and examined the effective use of humor and art in activism. The program aims to illustrate the diversity of viewpoints held by Americans and how this diversity, reflected in political cartoons, contributes to a dynamically pluralistic political system.
Muslim Teachers
March 12-15, 2008
The need for modernization of the madrassa educational system is being articulated in East Asia and other regions of the world. This project will provide a group of six Islamic educators from several states in Malaysia with the opportunity to become familiar with the ways in which religious educational institutions in the U.S. coordinate the teaching of faith-based curricula with secular educational requirements. This program focused on the separation of church and state in the U.S.; government structure and governmental influence on the operations of educational institutions in the U.S.; the roles of parents and school boards and in shaping and determining educational policy. The program provided the participants with the opportunity to visit religious organizations that provide direction and guidance for religious education in the U.S. and local religious schools of various denominations.
Foreign Service Nationals
March 12 - 14, 2008
The Cleveland Council on World Affairs will be working with the Foreign Service Institute, the training arm of the U.S. Department of State, to create a training program for professional staff at U.S. embassies overseas. Since these foreign nationals serve as a bridge between the embassy and foreign publics and must explain American policy to local audiences, the purpose of each course is to help them better understand our foreign policy, our government and American society at large. This group of guests will focus on the media and press topic.
2007
Intellectual Property Rights/Organized Crime Issues
October 20 - 24, 2007
Our upcoming guest plays a key role in efforts to combat a wide range of criminal activity, including copyright and intellectual property rights violations. He is an expert on organized crime, specifically focusing on piracy and counterfeiting activities and is eager to expand existing collaboration with the United States on these issues. He has recently been chosen to fill in a position within EUROJUST, the EU body established to reinforce the fight against organized crime. During his visit to the United States, he hopes review the role of the key players involved in IPR enforcement, including legislators, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and business and industry representatives. He aims to collaborate with professional counterparts and learn from US experience while sharing his own viewpoints on the topic.
Urban Environmental Issues
October 14 - 17, 2007
The group consists of five high-ranking guests from Chile, Jordan, Nigeria, Serbia, and Zambia that are traveling to the United States to review policies on environmental issues that affect urban communities and to highlight U.S. interest in addressing global environmental concerns.They aim to learn the various programs and methods that highlight environmental awareness as a major consideration in education, marketing and city planning in the United States. In addition, their meetings will connect them to professional counterparts that will help the group examine how individuals, community organizations, businesses and local government work together to provide services that promote and protect environmental concerns in urban areas and will explore various approaches to solving urban environmental problems, such as architectural and infrastructure decay, pollution, natural disasters, and waste management.
2006
Citizen Participation in a Democracy
August 2, 2006 – August 4, 2006
While in Cleveland, this multi-regional group plans on investigating environmental activism and community organizations which promote it. Their goal is to view the significance of citizen participation in the United States and observe citizen action groups interaction with U.S. elected officials at all levels to influence this change.
U.S. Trade Policy
July 22, 2006 - July 26, 2006
This multi-regional program will be studying the United States economic system and domestic economic forces which influence U.S. trade. While in Cleveland, the group plans to concentrate on the revitalization of the local economy through case studies pertaining to the impact of trade on the manufacturing industries. They also plan to visit with various Cambers’ of Commerce to learn how they promote trade in their area and visit with large corporations to see with their views on trade issues.
Humanitarian Response to Crisis and Disasters
June 22, 2006 – July 13, 2006
This multi-regional program is aimed to familiarize nine participants with U.S. organizations involved in disaster relief, emergency management, and humanitarian assistance. They will be considering various types of disasters and crises including man-made and natural, from earthquakes to mass population movements. In addition, the participants will be introduced to the ways American society responds to global and local crises and to the many institutions, including voluntary organizations that are active in disaster relief.
Local Influence of Foreign Policy and Multilateral Issues
May 21, 2006 – May 24, 2006
This group consists of five multi-regional participants that will specifically focus on trade and the effects of NAFTA on our local economy. The delegates consist of reporters, bureau chiefs, and the Cabinet Ministry and the Department of Foreign Affairs, from Israel, Germany, India, Pakistan and the Philippines.
Religious Diversity
April 6, 2006 to April 11, 2006
Eight individuals will be visiting Cleveland to review religious diversity through the moral and philosophical basis of religious life. While here they will also study the historical origins of religious freedom vis-à-vis immigration in the United States. Their purpose is to learn about religious education and examine the interplay between religion and politics. To achieve this, individuals will meet with religious leaders and observe their role in the community and their cooperative efforts with leaders of other religious traditions.
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Regional Development Strategies for Sustainable Development
April 2, 2006 – April 5, 2006
Eight visitors from Ukraine will be visiting Cleveland to study federal, state, and local economic development and its impact on the environment. They will be speaking with individuals to learn more about the protection and management of land, water and other natural resources, and how this is financed. To reach these objectives this group will be meeting with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Great Lakes Environmental Finance Center, academic experts, and policy makers.
Investigative Journalism
March 29, 2006 – March 31, 2006
This proposal outlines a project designed for a multi-regional group of working journalists, reporters and editors from print, TV, and radio and professors of journalism. The program is intended to provide an enhanced understanding of American investigative journalistic practices and their legal framework. Specifically, the project goals include illustrating the role of responsible journalism in a democracy; explaining the journalistic standards, practices, values and ethics that define investigative journalism; and examining the effects of investigative journalism on U.S. history, current politics, and society.
The Impact of Globalization on the Economy, Politics, and Society
March 22, 2006 – March 25, 2006
Fifteen visitors from Central and South America examined The Impact of Globalization on the Economy, Politics, and Society. The world is experiencing a revolution in globalization at many levels, some very visible and concrete, others less discernable. The internationalization of the world's markets, the elimination of geographic and time barriers resulting from modern technology and communications, the migration of people and shifting demographics, and the transmission of culture and values through mass communication and films are just a few examples. While in Cleveland, the group received an overview of the changing economy in Cleveland, from the manufacturing sector to a technology based economy, examined the effects of labor, political impact of international trade, intellectual property rights protection, and the role of the media. This program was intended for politicians, journalists, academics, and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations such as unions, think tanks, and interest groups.
Intellectual Property Rights
March 16, 2006 - March 18, 2006
Assistant Secretary Daniels is the principal action officer on copyright policy and enforcement within the Attorney General’s Office of Australia. Because copyright issues are of particular importance in trade relationships, Ms. Daniels studied U.S. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) policies with respect to Free Trade Agreements (FTA) in the United States. Ms. Daniels will design both the government’s implementation and enforcement of such intellectual property right policies. Therefore, she studied how U.S. Intellectual Property Rights balances the interests of users and right-holders. In addition, she was able to discuss enforcement of copyright and IPR legislation such as combating infringement and piracy.
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Rule of Law
March 11, 2006 – March 15, 2006
This program was designed for visitors from the Middle East whom are legal professionals coming to study the topic of “promoting rule of law and judicial reform”. Their goal was to become familiar with the principals of judicial independence, and the federal court system. The participants were introduced to the initiatives and people shaping the doctrinal and practical discussion of law in America. In addition to structured meetings and briefings, this program featured several opportunities for primary-source, in-the-field exploration of the major issues driving U.S. legal policy and judicial reform. For a variety of historical, political and economic reasons, the legal systems in many Arab states differ significantly from those in the United States. This program was designed to explore the American models of legal training, doctrine and infrastructure. We hope the participants left the U.S. with a greater awareness of legal practice in the United States, as well as of American society and politics.
Women as Business Leaders
March 4, 2006 - March 8, 2006
Two visitors, one from Denmark and one from Sweden, visited Cleveland to gain practical insights into initiatives which expand opportunities for women business owners, such as business incubators, loan programs, and leadership training. In addition, they examined government policies and private sector initiatives which create an environment that advances the development of women as business leaders.
Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS
February 8, 2006 - February 12, 2006
Eight participants from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, and the Near East examined research and development in education, treatment, and prevention in Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS. They also examined how the City of Cleveland deals with certain public health issues, and met with city officials, health clinic staff, and philanthropic organizations that deal with HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. Among the group's appointments there was a presentation on HIV/AIDS for high school health classes, meeting with faculty at Case Western Reserve University's Center for AIDS Research, and hospitals.
Trade Agreements and Regional Economic Integration
February 8, 2006 - February 12, 2006
Twelve participants from Central and South America examined free trade issues in the Western Hemisphere. The group consisted of economists, government officials, and representatives of cambers of commerce, industry and trade associations, labor, economic policy analysts, and economic journalists. The program goals were to gain an overview of the major developments and debates surrounding the creation of regional and bilateral trade alliances, such as the FTAA, and the economic, commercial, and political implications of the accord for the Western Hemisphere. The group examined the pros and cons of regional integration from the perspectives of government, private industry, organized labor, environmental groups, small and large business, and academia. They also investigated the Western Hemisphere's existing and prospective free trade alliances, and hoped to engage in discussion about free trade agreements as an example of the trend towards the globalization and integration of the world economies and markets.
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Administration of Justice and Rule of Law
February 4, 2006 - February 8, 2006
Seven participants from Central and South America examined Administration of Justice and Rule of Law. The visitors will met with federal, state, and municipal court officials, as well as law professors, bar association representatives, researchers, and legislators. Topics of discussion covered judicial reform, court technology, best practices, judicial and legal education and training, and alternative dispute resolutions. This project was intended for lawyers, judges, law professors, and ministry and judicial officials.
Dr. Matthew Carter
January 25, 2006 - January 28, 2006
Dr. Matthew Carter, General Secretary of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom, will examine Politics and Parties. Dr. Carter will examine issues that affected the 2004 Presidential elections and what issues will affect how the 2008 Presidential campaign is organized. He will meet with representatives from the Democratic and Republican parties to examine what went wrong and what went well in the biggest battleground state in the U.S. Dr. Carter is already a leader, reaching the demanding post of General Secretary of the Labour Party at the age of 31. During his Cleveland stay Mr. Carter met with several representatives from the NAACP, the Greater Cleveland Voter Coalition, and the League of Women's Voters.
Ms. Klara Breuer
January 19, 2006 - January 23, 2006
Ms. Klara Breuer, the current Deputy Chief for the Department of International Organizations for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Republic of Hungary and the former Chief Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of the Republic of Hungary, examined U.S. Foreign Policy. She met with representatives from Sharon & Kalnoki, LLC, Baldwin-Wallace College, John Carroll University, The Ohio National Guard, Hungarian American Coalition and U.S. Hungarian organizations. Ms. Breuer also met with the Honorary Consul of Hungary, a Middle East expert and enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
Ms. Karin Ollongren
January 15, 2006 – January 17, 2006
Ms. Karin Ollongren, Director for European Integration and Strategy for the Minister of Economic Affairs for the Netherlands, examined trade. She met with representatives from the World Trade Center-Cleveland, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, Cypress Corporation and the Association of Foreign Trade Zones. Ms. Ollongren also met with the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands and enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
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2005
Print Journalism
December 17, 2005 – December 21, 2005
Three visitors from Uzbekistan examined print journalism and media in the U.S. The group met with representatives from Cleveland State University School of Communications, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Russian Magazine, law firm of Berkman, Gordon, Murray, and DeVan, The Cleveland Scene, and John Carroll University Department of Communications. The group also enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
Mr. Dongshu Shen
December 4, 2005 – December 7, 2005
Mr. Dongshu Shen, Executive Director and CEO, of the China Fumin Foundation in Beijing examined volunteerism. He met with representatives from Citizens Corps, United Way of Greater Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University's Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organization, Towards Employment, Lorain County Urban League, The Cleveland Foundation, and E CITY Cleveland. Mr. Shen also enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
University Quality Assurance Study Team
November 30, 2005 - December 3, 2005
Four visitors from Japan examined how American universities are accredited and maintain high quality educational standards for their students. The group met with representatives from Oberlin College's Shansi House, Case Western Reserve University, Cuyahoga Community College Key Career Place, Hyland Software, and John Carroll University's Faculty Technology Innovation Center. The group also enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
Current Social, Economic, and Political Issues
November 10, 2005 – November 14, 2005
Three politicians from Canada examined the many aspects of the U.S. political system, from economic policy to foreign trade agreements. The group met with representatives from Cleveland State University's Great Lakes Environmental Finance Center, Ohio EPA, World Trade Center Cleveland, Cuyahoga County Port Authority, City of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University's Canada-U.S. Law Institute, Universal Healthcare Action Network, and had a lunch meeting with a former U.S. Congressman. The group also enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
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Community Literacy
October 23, 2005 – October 26, 2005
Three visitors from Cameroon examined various programs Cleveland has in promoting community literacy. The group met with representatives from Cleveland State University, Shaw High School's JUMP Program, Project: LEARN, Cleveland Public Library's Hough Branch, Cleveland Reads, Cleveland Municipal School District Office of Adult and Continuing Education, and West Side Ecumenical Ministry. The group also enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
Combating Terrorist Financing and Money Laundering
October 23, 2005 – October 26, 2005
Four visitors from Sweden examined various issues associated with international and national threats and how the U.S. is fighting the war on terrorism in terms of money laundering. The group met with representatives from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Cleveland FBI, Key Bank, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and an investigative organization. The group also enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
Mr. Mihai Babuska
October 16, 2005 – October 19, 2005
Mr. Mihai Babuska, Director of the National Ballet in Romania, examined Arts and Culture. He met with representatives from the Csardas Dance Company, Cleveland Public Theater, VERB Ballet, Karamu House, Cleveland Institute of Music, and St. Mary's Romanian Orthodox Cathedral. Mr. Babuska also met with the Honorary Consulate of Romania and enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
Broadcast News Management
October 2, 2005 – October 5, 2005
Three visitors from Georgia examined the "nuts and bolts" of TV broadcasting. They met with representatives from Channel 5 News, John Carroll University's Department of Communications, Channel 19 WOIO, WKYC-TV Channel 3, and WVIZ/PBS. The group also enjoyed a home hospitality dinner.
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