The Business Council For International Understanding Honored For Excellence In International Business Leadership By The Association For Diplomatic Studies And Training

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a non-profit U.S. business association dedicated to forging relationships and promoting dialogue between business and government communities across the globe, is proud to announce that it received the International Business Leadership Award from the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST) at its 2014 Tribute to Excellence Gala which "recognizes individuals and organizations that have made exceptional contributions in diplomacy."

Immediate past recipient Kate Irvin of the Coca-Cola Company presented the award to Peter Tichansky, President and CEO of BCIU.  Ahmet Bozer, President of Coca-Cola International serves as BCIU's Chairman.

"Since the end of the Cold War, successive Secretaries of State beginning with James Baker have focused on developing a robust system of well-trained U.S. diplomats to promote U.S. commercial interests abroad and boosting the economy at home," said Mr. Tichansky.  In his remarks, Mr. Tichansky called for greater private sector efforts to enlighten elected officials and the urgent need to fully fund a Foreign Service that will keep America competitive and strong.

ABOUT BCIU: Established at President Eisenhower's initiative on November 10, 1955, the Business Council for International Understanding is a premier business association whose membership includes many of the world's largest multinational corporations in all major industries. BCIU promotes international understanding through dialogue and action by organizing briefings and off-the-record discussions between senior government officials and key business executives on issues of common concern, by facilitating public-private partnerships in the global marketplace, and by assisting stakeholders with problem-solving in turbulent situations and markets. BCIU provides an ongoing venue for its member companies to interact with heads of state, chiefs of government, cabinet ministers, and senior officials of multilateral and international organizations. BCIU supports commercial diplomacy and corporate social responsibility in the international arena by facilitating roundtables and programs related to investment promotion, public diplomacy, corporate governance, and branding.  Today, working in partnership with the State and Commerce Departments, BCIU continues to enhance U.S. Embassy effectiveness in promoting business through its briefings and training programs for the U.S. diplomatic corps.  Through its annual Dwight D. Eisenhower Global Awards, BCIU also recognizes outstanding leadership, citizenship and innovation in international business, honoring notable global business leaders including Ratan N. Tata, former Chairman of the Tata Group (2013); Carlos Slim (2012); and Sergio Marchionne, Chairman & CEO, Chrysler Group and CEO of Fiat S.p.A, (2011).

ABOUT ADST:  Founded as a non-profit in 1986, ADST advances understanding of American diplomacy and supports training of foreign affairs personnel. It is best known for its unique collection of oral history of American diplomacy.  In addition to the BCIU, this year's honorees also include Secretary of State James Baker (the Ralph Bunche Award for lifetime achievement) and Ambassador Diana Lady Dougan (the Cyrus R. Vance Award for Advancing Knowledge of Diplomacy).  Past International Business Leadership award recipients include Frank C. Carlucci (2006), Carla A. Hills (2008), Ted Turner (2010) and the Coca-Cola Company (2012).

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SOURCE Business Council for International Understanding