2021 Nebraska Ambassadors Forum: Africa's Role in the Contemporary World

Health crises or health revolution.

Instability or structure.

Terrorism or peace.

Economic collapse or economic opportunity.

A neighbor to Europe and the Middle East and caught between the United States and China, the continent of Africa is one of the most misunderstood yet vital international players currently on the world stage. It’s clear that Africa will have a major role in the next century of geopolitics, though the average U.S. citizen knows little about the region.

On Monday, Oct. 25, three former U.S. Ambassadors to countries throughout the African continent will provide their insights about the area’s future by looking to its past and present.

UNO is joining the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the American Academy of Diplomacy, and Burlington Capital International to present the Fall 2021 Nebraska Ambassadors Forum, which will include two public events held on UNO’s Scott and Dodge Campuses.

--------

Ambassador’s Forum | 10 A.M. to Noon

First, the campus community is invited to attend a public forum held at the Scott Conference Center on UNO’s Scott Campus from 10 A.M. to Noon. Boxed lunches will be provided to attendees and RSVP is required.

Moderated by the Director of UNO’s Center for Afghanistan Studies, Sher Jan Ahmadzai, the ambassadors will discuss topics such as Africa’s looming population boom, planned infrastructure projects being led by China along Africa’s northern borders, global warming’s impact on Africa’s refugee crisis, and the importance of humanitarian aid to quelling extremist violence in the area.

The panel will include remarks from:

	Ambassador W. Stuart Symington IV, former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Rwanda, and Djibouti, as well as a U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Central Africa and African Security Affairs. Ambassador Symington will be speaking on the topic of “Conflicts and Stability.” Learn More about Ambassador Symington.
	Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt, former U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar, Cote d’Ivoire, and Namibia, as well as Dean of the School of Language Studies at the American Academy of Diplomacy. Ambassador Nesbitt will be speaking on the topic of “Economics and the Chinese Paradox.” Learn More About Ambassador Nesbitt
	Ambassador Tibor P. Nagy, Jr., who is currently serving as Assistant Secretary on the Bureau of African Affairs for the U.S. Department of State, and has previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia and Guinea. Ambassador Nagy will speak on the topic of “Environment and Climate.” Learn More About Ambassador Nagy

RSVP to This Event

--------

Student and Ambassador Discussion | 2 to 3:30 P.M.

Following the forum, UNO students are invited to a small group discussion with the ambassadors at the Thompson Alumni Center on UNO’s Dodge Campus from 2 to 3:30 P.M. A separate RSVP is required.

This opportunity for discussion will allow for conversation, questions, and a chance to learn about international diplomacy directly from those whose careers have been defined by it.

Students will select the ambassador discussion they would like to take part in. Participation will be limited to the first 50 registrations per ambassador. Faculty and staff may also register to participate, however, students will have first preference if space does not allow.

RSVP to This Event

Those interested in the Nebraska Ambassadors Forum project can learn more at neambassadorsforum.com.