Series

In addition to our policy discussions, YPFP Programming operates several focused series designed to provide a platform for more nuanced discussion of key foreign policy issues. Our series are open to YPFP members from various sectors and backgrounds, not just members who work in these fields. RSVP is required and can be restricted to level of membership.

  • Ambassador Series (Open to General Members Only)
  • Cultural Series (Open to Affiliate and General Members)
  • Civil-Military Dialogue Series (Open to Affiliate and General Members)
  • Global and Human Development Series (Open to Affiliate and General Members)
  • Tools of the Trade Series (Open to General Members Only)
  • Words and Wire Series (Open to Affiliate and General Members)

Ambassador Series (Open to General Members Only)
The Ambassador Series offers YPFP Members the opportunity to engage with the most distinguished diplomatic representatives in Washington, D.C. As a premier organization committed to mutual understanding and dialogue, YPFP seeks to engage Washington's diplomatic community on a number of issues related to U.S. foreign policy, international cooperation and public diplomacy through this highly successful series. Primarily off-the-record, discussions with an Ambassador typically take place at the relevant embassy, residence or cultural office.

Past meetings have included:

  • Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador to the United States, Republic of Singapore    
  • Wegger Chr. Strommen, Ambassador to the United States, Norway   
  • Mahmud Durrani, Ambassador to the United States, Pakistan
  • Nabil Fahmy, Ambassador to the United States, Egypt
  • Bernardo Álvarez Herrera, Ambassador to the United States, Venezuela   
  • Said T. Jawad, Ambassador to the United States, Afghanistan
  • Karim Kawar, Ambassador to the United States, Jordan
  • Zalmav Khalilzad, Permanent US Ambassador to the United Nations & former US Ambassador to Iraq and Afghanistan
  • Aziz Mekouar, Ambassador to the United States, Kingdom of Morocco   
  • Imad Moustapha, Ambassador to the United States, Syria 
  • Arturo Sarukhan, Ambassador to the United States, Mexico    
  • Klaus Scharioth, Ambassador to the United States, Federal Republic of Germany
  • Vasil Sikharulidze, Ambassador to the United States, Republic of Georgia   
  • Samir Sumaidaie, Ambassador to the United States, Iraq

Cultural Series (Open to Affiliate and General Members)
The Cultural Series aims to offer YPFP members a chance to learn about world cultures via food, film, music, art and drink. YPFP held a wine tasting event in March 2009 with wines from around the world and a wine coach to teach members proper wine etiquette.  We also had a wine and culture night at the Austrian Embassy.  YPFP has partnered with the Meridian International Center on two film screenings, "Lakshmi & Me" and " and "Taking Root".  The Programming team looks forward to expanding its Cultural Series offerings in 2010.

Civil- Military Dialogue  (Open to Affiliate and General Members)

YPFP's Civil-Military Dialogue attempts to provide members with a better understanding of the defense community and its role in the U.S. government interagency, policy community and defense industry.

Global & Human Development Series (Open to Affiliate and General Members)
YPFP's Global & Human Development Series focuses on topics in U.S. foreign policy related to global development such as food security, HIV/AIDS, poverty, sustainable energy, trade reform, corruption and governance, debt relief, and sustainability. To ensure a balanced discourse, we invite expert speakers from a variety of institutions including UN agencies, U.S. government agencies, developing countries, independent research institutions, the media, and NGOs. We also host film screenings, roundtables, and a variety of other events to cultivate thoughtful discussion.

Tools of the Trade Series (Open to General Members Only)
To help our members excel in their careers, YPFP holds seminars to impart tangible knowledge and practical skills related to various foreign policy professions. These meetings often feature panels of speakers discussing a career path or technical subject. Some past sessions include, a panel on the federal budget process featuring a Senate Budget Committee staffer, an official from the Office of Management and Budget, and a lobbyist; a meeting on strategic communications featuring the White House Associate Director of Communications and the Communications Director of a high profile senator; and information sessions at graduate schools such as the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies.

Words & Wires Series (Open to Affiliate and General Members)
YPFP's Words & Wires Series focuses on foreign policy authors and journalists.  Previous events have featured Claude Salhani of the Middle East Times, David Sanger of the New York Times, David Finkel who is the author of The Good Soldiers and reporter for the Washington Post, Eric Spiegel who is the author of Energy Shift, Ian Bremmer who is author of The Fat Tail: The Power of Political Knowledge for Strategic Investing, and may more. 

 

 

 

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