Ballrooms are set to become conference rooms as Douglas McElhaney, coordinator and retired U.S. foreign ambassador, ushers in activists and diplomats for a three-day discussion of world issues.
The World Affairs Conference, which the Honors Program debuted last spring, worked as a two-day discussion of what global topics impacted St. Petersburg residents. But this year, McElhaney is targeting the youth audience as he sets up panels for student interest.
“I think it’s interesting for students to hear any kind of discussion like this,” McElhaney said. “It won’t be necessarily what you read in newspapers, magazines or manuals.”
Topics for the conference include religion and politics, the state of Africa, the Middle East, politics with Asia, sustainability and LGBT rights. The event brings forward authors, journalists, military diplomats and other professionals with perspectives on global affairs.
McElhaney sees student involvement as ways to become informed with global issues and connect with professionals in fields they may consider.
“It provides opportunities in the sense of listening to people like Edward Loo or diplomats that have been in foreign service for a number of years,” McElhaney said. “They’ll get a real insider’s view of what goes on. Virtually all of the people who spoke last year were very frank and open about their opinions in these things. You don’t get that very often in the political discussion.”
New to the conference is a discussion on the role of a U.S. foreign affairs officer, led by Edward Loo, a resident foreign service officer at Florida International University. Loo, a diplomat of 26 years, brings forward stories of representation in East Asia, Europe and Central America.
Loo became involved as a foreign affairs officer after seeing a presentation as a college junior at Dartmouth University. His travels encouraged him to share the potential career path with students.
“It’s been a great opportunity,” Loo said. “I’ve lived so long overseas that I’ve developed a better appreciation for who we are as Americans.”
Loo will present on potential fellowships and internships to college students, ones who can involve internal works in D.C. or travel abroad at embassies.
“The organization is so large and so broad,” Loo said. “I always give as much responsibility as they can take on. It depends on skills, maturity and enthusiasm.”
The special student conference will include a panel of diplomats and bagged lunch on Feb. 14.
Go global: The World Affairs Conference begins on Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. in the University Student Center Ballroom and resumes at 9 a.m. on Feb. 14 and 15.
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