Past Programs
2008
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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