USFSP To Host 3rd Annual World Affairs Conference
Global Terrorism to be Among the Topics
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- An impressive group of diplomats, military and intelligence officials, and media and academic experts will address topics of international concern when the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) hosts its 3rd annual St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs on February 26-28, 2015.
"This year's conference, as always, will focus on the most timely issues of the day," said Dr. Thomas Smith, director of the USFSP Honors Program and a conference founder. "Panelists will address geopolitical issues of Syria, Cuba, and Ukraine, as well as the challenges of climate change, infectious diseases, and women's rights."
In the wake of the terrorist attacks in France and Nigeria, the collapse of Iraq and the rise of ISIS, the conference will place special emphasis on the U.S. foreign policy towards Islamist extremism. Nigerian writer and Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, will be among the speakers to address that topic.
Other speakers include Damon Wilson, executive vice president of the Atlantic Council; Ilkka Ahtokivi, chief editor of Finland's political weekly newspaper and biggest political online portal; Ambassador Lawrence Butler, former Political Advisor to the US Commander of Forces in Europe; and Norine MacDonald, President and Lead Field Researcher of ICOS, an international research organization.
"As we look to our future, there are many ambitious but attainable goals for our campus, and one of them is enhancing opportunities for global initiatives," said Regional Chancellor Sophia Wisniewska. "It is my hope that USFSP will be the region's leader in diversity and globalization."
Hosted by the USFSP Honors Program, the Tampa Bay Times, and the nonprofit organization, St. Petersburg in the World, the conference will take place at the University Student Center, 200 6th Avenue South, St Petersburg, Florida. Additional sponsors include Smith & Associates Real Estate, Franklin Templeton Investments and the Callahan Law Firm. Complimentary parking will be available at the USFSP parking garage. All sessions are free and open to the public, however donations are encouraged. Seating is limited, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including a complete schedule of speakers, please visit www.stpetersburgintheworld.com.
ABOUT USF St. Petersburg
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) is a separately accredited, research-active institution within the USF System. USFSP offers 24 undergraduate and 13 graduate programs in three colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, and Education. USFSP is recognized for its significant commitment to community involvement and civic engagement by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. www.usfsp.edu/home
CONTACT:
Jessica Blais
Communications Director
USF St. Petersburg
727-873-4456
[email protected]
Dr. Thomas Smith
Director, Honors Program; Conference Founder
USF St. Petersburg
727-873-4583
[email protected]
Ambassador Douglas L. McElhaney (ret.)
Conference Founder
(202) 680-0342
[email protected]
SOURCE University of South Florida St Petersburg
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