The World Speaker Forum

The World Speaker Forum is a series of lectures and discussions by the people who have lived, worked and traveled abroad to share their first-hand experiences in different parts of the world.

In 2026, we will introduce the Washington to Washington (WA2WA) program, fostering the exchange of ideas and experiences in global affairs between the communities of Washington D.C. and Washington State.

The topics covered include:

- Professional work experiences in specific countries

- Encounters and interactions with local populations

- Insights into political and economic structures

- Observations on geopolitical dynamics and societal trends

- Practical information on popular spots and culinary scenes

- Lessons learned from other cultures and their behavioral norms

U.S. Ambassador Mike Michalak on U.S.-Asia Relations

U.S. Ambassador Daryl Johnson on U.S.-China Relations

U.S. Ambassador Marc Knapper and Nisei Veterans

First Secretary Toby Wolf on U.S.-Russia Geopolitcal Relations

Dr. Resat Kasaba, Dean, UW Jackson School of International Studies on ME Affairs

Japanese Ambassador to Japan, Amb. Ichiro Fujisaki and the Japanese Leaders in WA State

The program aims to provide the audience with insights into other cultures and global affairs that go beyond the general information available in the media and other resources.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” - Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Marc Knapper at Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC) in Seattle, WA

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Marc Knapper at Nisei Veterans Committee (NVC)

Japanese Ambassador to Japan, Amb. Ichiro Fujisaki and the Japanese Leaders in WA

Petra McGowan, Nature Conservancy on Building Reef Resilience

Dewy Webster, Photographer on Mali and Myanmar

“If I'm an advocate for anything, it's to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else's shoes or at least eat their food, it's a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.”

- Anthony Bourdain (1956 - 2018)