U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter to Deliver Keynote Address at World Affairs Council - Annual Global Education Gala

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On March 29, 2016, the World Affairs Council-Washington, DC will host its annual Global Education HONORS: Gala at the Ritz Carlton-Washington, DC. The gala is an event that recognizes organizations and nations who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to global education, international affairs, and global communications.

The Keynote Address will be delivered by Hon. Ashton B. Carter, the US Secretary of Defense. "The importance of global education cannot be overstated," Secretary Carter said. "Our world is more interconnected than ever before; so, it's essential that the American people and communities around the world are informed and empowered to contribute to the well-being of our global society."

Secretary Carter will address an audience of over 75 foreign Ambassadors, leaders in the defense sector, corporate and nonprofit organizations, Midshipmen, Wounded Warriors and veterans groups, educators, and press and media representatives about global security priorities and the importance of education in the military and for our veterans.

Among the distinguished guests at the HONORS: Gala will be Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Florent Groberg (U.S. Army, Ret.), one of only eleven living service members to receive our nation's highest award for valor for actions in Afghanistan or Iraq.  He is currently a master's degree candidate in Intelligence Management at University of Maryland University College.

WAC-DC will present five honorees with Awards that exemplify the mission of the Council, which is to expand awareness of international affairs among the American public and global community; and empower educators and students to effectively compete, communicate, and lead in our multicultural nation and worldwide. 

• The Keynote Address will be delivered by Hon. Ashton B. Carter, the Secretary of Defense, who will also receive an International Public Service Award
• The Republic of South Africa will receive the Distinguished Diplomatic Service Award that will be accepted by H.E. Mninwa J Mahlangu, Ambassador to the United States
• The National Geographic Society will receive the Global Communications Award that will be accepted by Gary E. Knell, President and CEO
• The IBM Corporation will receive the Global Education Award that will be accepted by Daniel Pelino, General Manager – Global Public Sector
• The George Mason University will receive the Educator of the Year Award that will be accepted by Dr. Ángel Cabrera, President

NFL Hall of Famer, Cris Carter, will emcee the HONORS: Gala. Carter is founder of the Carter-White Charitable Foundation, which sponsors activities for underprivileged kids and preparatory courses for high school students preparing for college entrance exams. "I'm pleased to join the Council in their 'Knowledge Transfer' movement, through the expansion of professional development programs in global education, for high school and college teachers in the US and internationally," said Carter.

Join us as we honor these international leaders. For reservations, sponsorship and program details, please call 202.293.1051 or email [email protected]. The event will be live-streamed and covered by domestic and international media. Follow along with #SupportGlobalEducation.

The World Affairs Council-Washington, DC:
The World Affairs Council – Washington, DC is 'A Leading Forum for Global Education and International Affairs' and an institution 'Where Learning Happens'. The Council is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to expanding awareness among the American public and international community, of geopolitical, business, environmental and civil society issues, in our inter-connected world.

CONTACT: Kristin Roach, WAC-DC Director-Global Communications, [email protected], 202-293-1051; or Tony R. Culley-Foster, WAC-DC President & CEO, [email protected], 202-293-1051

SOURCE The World Affairs Council-Washington, DC

Related Links

https://www.worldaffairsdc.org/