Plenary Speakers
The NAFSA conference plenary speakers explored opportunities and challenges facing the global community in the twenty-first century and point to ways ahead, as we seek to shape the future of international education. As active players on the global stage, the speakers' insights provoked discussion and debate throughout the conference by providing a diverse and challenging range of perspectives.
Tuesday, May 27 ~ 4:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 28 ~ 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 29 ~ 10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friday, May 30 ~ 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27 ~ 4:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Vicente Fox
President Vicente Fox is known as a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the economic and social challenges facing Latin America, as well as one of the world's most important voices on the contemporary geo-political landscape and the role of business in the developing world. A charismatic reformer, President Fox is credited as playing a vital role in Mexico's democratization, and with strengthening the country's economy. President Fox signed copies of his autobiography, Revolution of Hope: The Life, Faith and Dreams of a Mexican President, at the NAFSA conference.
Wednesday, May 28 ~ 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Examining Public Diplomacy and its Effects - Moderated by Judy Woodruff
Moderated by Judy Woodruff of PBS's The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, four panelists representing a broad array of perspectives explored the conduct and goals of public diplomacy, with an emphasis on the vital role of international education. The panelists discussed topics such as the forms and outcomes of public diplomacy used by the United States in the last 60 years; the relationships between foreign policy and public diplomacy during that period; and the impact international businesses have had on cross-cultural understanding and the creation of the "flat world." Sponsored by the Qatar Foundation's Education City.
Thursday, May 29 ~ 10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ishmael Beah
Ishmael Beah was born in Sierra Leone in 1980. When he was 11, Ishmael's life, along with the lives of millions of other Sierra Leoneans, was derailed by the outbreak of a brutal civil war. After his parents and two brothers were killed, Ishmael was recruited to fight as a child soldier at age 13. Beah fought for over two years before he was removed from the army by UNICEF and placed in a rehabilitation home in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. In his book, A Long Way Gone, Beah tells his riveting story. Beah signed copies of his book at the NAFSA conference. Sponsored by IELTS International.
Friday, May 30 ~ 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Amy Chua
Best-selling author Amy Chua offers audiences revolutionary insights into global power, politics, and economics. She is changing the context of global economics and international politics with an indispensable message for any organization interested in either one. Amy Chua is the John M. Duff, Jr. Professor of Law at Yale Law School and has taught law at Duke, Stanford, and New York Universities. The Economist selected her best selling book, World on Fire, as one of the Best Books of 2003. Professor Chua signed copies of this book at the NAFSA conference. Sponsored by Hobsons.