As the world continues to grow more interdependent, how does the United States face the interlocking challenges of Europe, NATO and Russia?

University of Nebraska–Lincoln students, faculty and staff, along with the general public are invited to explore this question at the 2020 Nebraska Ambassadors Forum. The event will be hosted virtually on Sept. 21 and 22.

The Nebraska Ambassadors Forum is an annual event that enables students and the broader community to hear directly from distinguished ambassadors and diplomats about their experiences representing the nation and their predictions for key upcoming challenges for U.S. foreign relation policies. The 2020 forum theme is “Confrontation and Alliances in Europe.” Among the challenges to be explored are the European Union’s division over economic issues and how it impacts the United States; disputes over trade and Iranian sanctions; the United States’ role in NATO and confronting Russia; and balancing U.S. trade, defense and cyber interests with our European partners.

The forum includes two opportunities for participants to hear from the guest speakers via panel sessions and Zoom breakout rooms. The first will be hosted by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 21. The second, hosted by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, is 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 22.

“The Nebraska Ambassadors Forum is a fantastic opportunity for UNL students, faculty and staff to learn from firsthand experts about U.S. foreign policy and the challenges we’re facing in today’s world,” said Josh Davis, associate vice chancellor for global affairs. “This event is also a great example of how the university remains dedicated to bringing the world to Nebraska and increasing access to unique learning opportunities for students to succeed in today’s interconnected world.”

Four former U.S. ambassadors and diplomats will deliver their remarks at both of the sessions. Ambassadors scheduled to attend are:

• Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann, formerly a deputy assistant secretary of state and a three-time ambassador to Algeria, Bahrain and Afghanistan (2005-2007)
• Honorable Molly K. Williamson, a retired foreign service officer who served six presidents in multiple policy positions and cabinet departments, including achieving the rank of career minister
• Ambassador W. Robert Pearson, who served as director general of the foreign service, ambassador to Turkey in Ankara (2000-2003), and deputy chief of mission to France
• Ambassador Deborah A. McCarthy, previously the U.S. ambassador to Lithuania (2013-2016) and the deputy ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Greece and in Nicaragua

The Nebraska Ambassadors Forum is sponsored by Burlington Capital International, the American Academy of Diplomacy, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Additional event details and a full schedule can be found on the forum website.

Participants can register for either session to receive a Zoom invitation. For additional inquiries, contact the Office of Global Strategies at globalstrategies@unl.edu.