Regional Seminar for Students
Keeping the Peace: Challenges Facing National Security
South Side Area H.S

February 22, 2010

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The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and the U.S. Army War College present a regional seminar for students: Keeping the Peace: Challenges Facing National Security.

President Obama recently unveiled a comprehensive strategy for the Unites States’ involvement in Afghanistan, a plan that includes a surge of 30,000 troops, improved diplomatic relations with Pakistan, and a deadline for withdrawal from the region.  President Obama’s speech prompted various questions, both domestically and abroad.

How will we measure success in Afghanistan and Iraq? In what ways will our actions in Afghanistan and the Middle East affect American foreign policy and military presence in other areas of the globe? How will the U.S. strengthen existing alliances and forge new partnerships? How will the current administration balance national security concerns with the domestic agenda, especially while faced with a global economic crisis?

Learn about pressing international security issues facing the U.S. from military officers at the U.S. Army War College who have first-hand experience of military operations and strategy at home and abroad.

There is NO CHARGE for the Regional Seminar.  Please note: Lunch is not included as part of the Seminar.

Please register online or by phone at 412-281-7970 by February 15, 2010. Confirmation materials will be sent prior to the event.

Questions?
Please contact the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh by phone at 412-281-7970, or by email at education@worldaffairspittsburgh.org.

Register Now!

School Outreach

Panelists from the United States Army War College

Academic WorldQuest

February 4, 2010

Academic WorldQuest is an annual knowledge-based competition with questions focusing on international affairs, current events, the global economy, geography, world history, and general knowledge about the world.

WHO CAN PLAY?
This is a team competition. Teams consist of four high school students from the same school. In order to allow for as many schools as possible to participate, only one team per school district is permitted to enter the competition.

This event is offered at NO CHARGE and is open to teams of high school students and their accompanying teachers or chaperones.

WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?

• Round 1: World Cultures
• Round 2: Geography
• Round 3: Flags
• Round 4: The World in the 1980s
• Round 5: Global Economy and Business
• Round 6: People in the News
• Round 7: Current Events
• Round 8: Global Health
• Round 9: Food Production & Consumption

HOW CAN TEAMS PREPARE?
Click here to download the 2010 Preparation Guide. This guide explains the content of each round and provides suggested websites and resources to help teams prepare for the competition. Click here to download the 2010 Competition Description and Rules.

In addition, the Council will provide at least two practice questions (and answers) per week on Facebook and Twitter. Become a fan of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter @WorldAffairsPGH for access to these special practice questions!

WHAT IS THE GRAND PRIZE?
The 1st place team will go on to the National Academic WorldQuest competition to be held in Washington, DC, from April 24-25, 2010, sponsored by the World Affairs Councils of America. Participants at the national competition will enjoy a weekend of exciting activities and a discussion with a prominent speaker. These events, as well as transportation and hotel costs, will be covered for the winning team and one teacher sponsor or chaperone.

There will also be awards for 2nd and 3rd place teams. All competition participants will receive t-shirts.

QUESTIONS?
Registration is now closed. If you are interested in bringing a team to Academic WorldQuest, please contact Christina Unger at the World Affairs Council by phone at 412.281.7027 or by email at christina@worldaffairspittsburgh.org.

Academic WorldQuest

An International Knowledge Competition for High Schools

Webcast & Luncheon Discussion Group: Energy, The Future of Oil and Natural Gas

January 27, 2010

Despite recent declines in oil prices, energy continues to be an important topic in our nation's dialogue. Given our region's past and future ties to the energy sector, this topic is of great interest locally as well.  From the economy to global environmental challenges, energy issues are complex, ever-changing, and influence almost every aspect of our lives. What roles will renewable fuel sources as well as oil and natural gas play as our nation -- along with the international community -- looks to meet energy demands?

Sara Banaszak is a senior economist at the American Petroleum Institute (API) where she draws on her oil and natural gas policy expertise in both domestic and international arenas. Prior to joining API in 2005, Sara directed PFC Energy’s North American Gas Policy Service (GPS) and worked at the U.S. Department of Energy as a manager responsible for international and domestic oil and gas programs, including policy-making activities. In the Office of Fossil Energy, she acted as a government representative on the National Petroleum Council’s 2003 natural gas study.  In 2001, she received Department recognition for her accomplishments with the U.S.-China Oil and Gas Industry Forum, a high-level public-private partnership. She is a member of the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE), an executive board member of its Washington, D.C. chapter, and a referee for The Energy Journal. 

Sara holds a master’s degree in applied economics from the University of Hawaii and a bachelor’s degree cum laude in international relations from the University of Pennsylvania. 

Costs:
$45 Council Members*
$60 Non-Council Members
$360 Table of eight

*There is no additional charge for those members with full or flex LDG Subscriptions.

No refunds for cancellations made after Monday, January 25th. Please advise in advance of any dietary restrictions.

Live Webcast Link
Use this link to watch the live webcast. Online viewers will be able to submit questions during the Q & A period. The webcast will begin at 12:45.

Webcast Ready?
To make sure you will be able to view our program on November 11, please test the computer you will view the program on. Click here to test your computer. For more information about preparing for viewing the webcast, click here.

Luncheon Discussion Group

Sara Banaszak, Senior Economist, American Petroleum Institute

Special Program, Members Free
Energy, The Future of Oil and Natural Gas

January 26, 2010

From the economy to global environmental challenges, energy issues are complex, ever-changing, and influence almost every aspect of our lives. What roles will renewable fuel sources as well as oil and natural gas play as our nation -- along with the international community -- looks to meet energy demands?

This special event is FREE for World Affairs Council Members and their guests. Members can bring 1 guest for FREE. $15 for non-Council members. Space is limited.

**Please note that lite fare will be provided by the Council and beverages will be available for purchase at the bar.

Join fellow Members of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh for an informal evening of information and fun!

Sara Banaszak is a senior economist at the American Petroleum Institute (API). Prior to joining the API, Sara directed PFC Energy’s North American Gas Policy Service and worked at the U.S. Department of Energy as a manager responsible for international and domestic oil and gas programs, including policy-making activities. In the Office of Fossil Energy, she acted as a government representative on the National Petroleum Council’s 2003 natural gas study. In 2001, she received Department recognition for her accomplishments with the U.S.-China Oil and Gas Industry Forum, a high-level public-private partnership. She is a member of the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE), an executive board member of its Washington, D.C. chapter, and a referee for The Energy Journal.

Special Reception

Sara Banaszak, Senior Economist, American Petroleum Institute

Section Title

January 5, 2010

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