Worldview Institute | Spring 2013
The Worldview Institute | Winter 2013 Semester
SEMINAR 1 : January 16, 2013
Opening Session on the United Nations
Guest lecturer: Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations
SEMINAR 2 : January 24, 2013
Founding a Movement: Women's World Banking
Michaela Walsh illumines the impossible dream realized by a visionary group of women who met in Mexico City at the first United Nations World Conference on Women, who then together created the first global women's financial network. Drawing on more than 80 interviews in her recent book, she recounts her extraordinary path as Founding President of Women's World Banking and brings alive the perseverance, confidence, and shared risk-taking that propelled the movement forward — one in which women entrepreneurs could learn from and teach each other, to gain control over their economic destinies.
Guest lecturer: Michaela Walsh, Founding President, Women's World Banking
SEMINAR 3 : January 30, 2013
Impacts of the Financial Crisis on Latin America
A comparison will be offered of both the regional performance vs. previous crises in Latin America, as well as other regions in the developing world during the recent world financial crisis. In this context, there will be an analysis of the short and long-term challanges facing the return to growth.
Guest lecturer: José Antonio Ocampo, Former United Nations Under-Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs; Professor and Director, Economic and Political Development, SIPA, Columbia University
SEMINAR 4 : February 6, 2013
Modern Slavery
Richard Lui discusses why this global problem won't get any better — until the United States accepts it has a problem.
Guest lecturer: Richard Lui, Anchor and Correspondent, MSNBC
SEMINAR 5 : February 13, 2013
The Eurozone Crisis in Historical Perspective
Over the past two decades, united Germany has accepted its political EU integration responsibility to move toward a European Monetary Union, to introduce the euro, and now to resolve the current euro zone debt crisis. There is little doubt Germany is obligated to support EU integration constitutionally, historically, and morally. This crisis is fundamentally about European integration — pooling sovereignty for a common fiscal and monetary policy — and without a resolution, EU disintegration could lead to the resurgence of national interests at the expense of EU institutions and the world economy. The role of Germany and its politics are the center attraction in the drama, and the world is watching Berlin.
Guest lecturer: Ambassador J.D. Bindenagel, Special Advisor to the President For International and Global Chicago Affairs, DePaul University
SEMINAR 6 : February 20, 2013
Syria: the Fall of the House of Assad
When Syrian President Bashar al-Assad came to power upon his father's death in 2000, many within and outside Syria held high hopes that the popular young doctor would bring long-awaited reform, that he would be a new kind of Middle East leader capable of guiding his country toward genuine democracy. Lesch was one of those who saw his promise, and came to know the president better than anyone in the West, but in his recent book, he charts his growing disappointment in Assad's failed leadership, his transformation from bearer of hope to reactionary tyrant, and his regime's violent response to the uprising of his people in the wake of the Arab Spring. The author also suggests scenarios that could unfold in Syria's uncertain future.
Guest lecturer: David W. Lesch, professor of Middle East history, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
SEMINAR 7 : February 27, 2013
A Visit to the United Nations
A private tour of the United Nations with fellow Worldview participants, with the opportunity to discuss your impressions at dinner following the tour.
SEMINAR 8 : March 6, 2013
Transitions in the Arab World
Looking at the region from her post in Cairo, Lisa Anderson will address questions that arise from the fact that the Arab world is changing rapidly on many fronts: politically, socially, regionally. Where is the turmoil coming from? Why were so many observers surprised? What are the issues in the current debates? How is the upheaval likely to end?
Guest lecturer: Dr. Lisa Anderson, President, American University of Cairo
SEMINAR 9 : March 13, 2013
Understanding China
After a brief comparison of China and the United States, Ms. Li Jijuan will offer a historical perspective of China's transition to a modern society, with a view ranging from 1840 to the present. This will be followed by an exploration of China's contributions to the United Nations, while considering the restoration of China's lawful seat at the UN.
Guest lecturer: Ms. Li Jijuan, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of People's Republic of China to the UN
SEMINAR 10 : March 20, 2013
Pushing the Frontier for Women's Rights
The 57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women will have concluded on 15 March 2013. The priority theme will be the elimination of violence against women, which is a centerpiece of the gender equality and women's empowerment agenda. Ms Puri will focus on the importance of the work of the Commission in advancing the gender equality agenda internationally, the process of strengthening global norms and standards in this area, and efforts undertaken to accelerate implementation in countries.
Guest lecturer: Lakshmi Puri, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN-Women
March 22, 2013
Worldview Winter 2013 Graduation Dinner
Keynote Speaker: Barbara Crossette, UN correspondent for The Nation
Location: The National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, New York
