The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville and the University of North Florida will co-host “A Conversation with Madeleine Albright,” former secretary of state, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the UNF Arena, Building 34. Dr. Madeleine K. Albright will discuss highlights of her career and her upcoming book with the evening’s host UNF President David M. Szymanski. This event is part of the Presidential Lecture Series, supported by the UNF Foundation and co-hosted by the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville’s Global Issues Evenings.
Albright is a professor, author, diplomat and businesswoman who served as the 64th U.S. Secretary of State under former President Bill Clinton. Albright is a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, bestowed by former President Barack Obama on May 29, 2012.
In 1997, Albright was named the first female secretary of state and became, at that time, the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. In this role, Albright reinforced America’s alliances, advocated for democracy and human rights as well as promoted American trade, business, labor and environmental standards abroad.
From 1993 to 1997, Albright served as the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations and was a member of the President’s cabinet. From 1989 to 1992, she served as president of the Center for National Policy. Previously, she was a member of President Jimmy Carter’s National Security Council and White House staff. She also served as chief legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Edmund S. Muskie.
Albright is a professor in the practice of diplomacy at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. She is chair of Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategy firm as well as chair of Albright Capital Management LLC, an investment advisory firm focused on emerging markets. She also chairs the National Democratic Institute and serves as the president of the Truman Scholarship Foundation.
She is a member of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Policy Board, a group tasked with providing the Secretary of Defense with independent, informed advice and opinion concerning matters of defense policy. Albright also serves on the Board of the Aspen Institute. In 2009, Albright was asked by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to chair a group of experts focused on developing NATO’s new strategic concept.
Albright’s most recent book, “Fascism: A Warning” (2018) debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list. Her upcoming book, “Hell and Other Destinations” will be published in April 2020. She is the author of five other New York Times bestselling books: her autobiography, “Madam Secretary: A Memoir” (2003); “The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs” (2006); “Memo to the President: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership” (2008); “Read My Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box” (2009); and “Prague Winter: A Personal Story of Remembrance and War, 1937-1948” (2012).
Complimentary e-tickets are required and are available via the Distinguished Voices Lecture Series website or by calling (904) 620-2117. World Affairs Council members can reserve tickets at the Council’s website or by calling (904) 280-8162. For those with a disability that require a special accommodation, call (904) 620-2117 five days before the event to ensure UNF can provide reasonable accommodations.
The UNF Presidential Lecture Series was established 20 years ago to bring speakers of national and global significance to the metro Jacksonville community. Past Presidential Lecturers include Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Nobel Peace laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Oscar Aria, poet Maya Angelou, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, wildlife researcher Jane Goodall, Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, authors Frank McCourt, John Updike and Carl Hiaasen as well as presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, to name a few.
The World Affairs Council of Jacksonville is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization devoted to promoting understanding of world affairs by sponsoring public programs for all ages, fostering discussion of international issues and opportunities, and providing a venue for people to meet others with similar interests. The Council’s mission is to promote an understanding of the world and its people and to engage citizens of Northeast Florida in becoming better informed participants in the global community.
UNF is a nationally ranked university in Jacksonville, Florida, that is nestled on a beautiful 1,300-acre nature preserve, featuring six colleges of distinction as well as nationally recognized flagship programs, with 56 bachelor degree programs and over 75 areas of concentration.
